Getting back on track

I wish I could go back about a month or so ago and give myself a good shake, tell myself to breathe, and not start my stress eating. My doctor was not concerned about my sudden and big weight gain, stating that 90% of people gain weight with stress. I'm obviously "normal" and hopeful that food will fill that spot deep down where all my stress and anxiety live... unfortunately, it seems that the more I feed this empty spot, the larger I get which creates more stress. You'd think our bodies (and minds) would be wise enough to know that this strategy is fruitless, I guess the 10% of the population that lose weight with stress have it figured out!?

So I've been struggling with where to start? I tried jumping into the 21 Day Fix Extreme but it was too overwhelming and challenging with us going back and forth to Sioux Falls the past couple days. I also thought of doing the 3 Day Refresh. I'm taking the advise of my husband, and thinking about how I've been successful in the past. The greatest thing that has helped me is Weight Watchers, YMCA classes, and doing the 3 Day Refresh every three months or so.

I had given up on Weight Watchers since I'm moving and am unable to commit the time to helping/ working for the organization. I do, however, need to make the time and get back to meetings and recommit to myself and using the resources they have for members. I will be calling corporate today to get all my technology stuff sorted out and will be at the meeting bright and early Saturday morning.

I also will be rebooting with the 3 Day Refresh and re-commitment to Myfitnesspal.com as well as the 21 Day Fix Extreme videos & getting back into running (mostly because I will be gone so much the next few weeks that I am unable to go to or teach classes at the Y).

The number one thing that I am going to commit to, above all other things, is making time for meaningful prayer and meditation. With the stress of trying to sell/ buy a house, start a new job, and move to a new community, I need that extra time to organize my thoughts, regroup, destress, and allow God to be in charge... all of which is extremely difficult for me.

I posted my favorite prayer at the bottom and here are links to other's blogs about finding time for prayer or prayer for tough times:
Setting up a New Quiet Time Routine
15-bible-verses-for-trusting-god-in-tough-times/
How to pray everyday
How to Pray When Too Busy

Follow Your Heart

I truly believe that following your instinct is synonymous with letting God lead. Many times I have doubted myself and let insecurities dictate my actions. Not today! Last night I visualized how I wanted today to play out, what time I wanted to wake, what things I would get done, working out and prepping food for the week. This morning I have followed through with my plans. I took my measurements and my before picture and I bought the food I need to start the 21 Day Fix Extreme tomorrow. I have written down the week in my planner; boys' baseball & soccer schedules, workouts, meals, lesson plans, etc. It's all there and I'm not naive enough to believe that I'll complete everything with 100% follow through, however, I do know that having it planned out and everything easily accessible is one HUGE step in reaching my goals. I cannot express to you how elated I am to dive into this week and give it 110% (yes, I know that's not mathematically possible). 

This week will not come without challenges, some of which I cannot express. I have to trust that God's plan will be revealed and decisions, although difficult, can and will be made. Knowing this takes a heavy weight off my shoulders. I will push myself, do my absolute best in ALL things this week, exuding self confidence and, hopefully, motivating others to be the best they can be as well!

Let's give this week our best! Happy Sunday!

Slow and Steady

Some days can be tougher than others. Maybe you have a special event or cave into stress eating. Sometimes when I have come to a fork in the road of progress, I need to recall my journey and find more visual goals. I needed a boost in confidence today so I went and found my before picture, it was a great reminder that I CAN do this and that my journey has not been an overnight success story but a journey that has its bumps and steep climbs. This journey is so much more rewarding when I get to do it with others. I'm grateful for my fitness groups on fb that hold me accountable and motivate me as well as my classes at the Y where I know I have friends that anticipate that I'll be there (and the classes in which I have to teach).

I am proud of myself for heading back to Weight Watchers this Saturday after a very long hiatus and for making the commitment to myself to healthier choices; including leading others into making healthier choices. Not only am I committed to my dietbets that I'm involved in, I also have a new outfit that I'm going to fit into before the summer begins. I have been recording on myfitnesspal but will also be trying a new program, 21 Day Fix Extreme to boost my progress. I'm going to start back up with my running so that I can also run my first half marathon this summer... oofda, that sounds like a lot! I guess my first goal this week will be to sit down and plan all this out on a calendar. :)

Have a great week everyone!

March 2013 and March 2014

April 2015

Goal Outfit