Here goes nothing...

So, I’ve been pretty absent around here lately. There are plenty of reasons and excuses for that, but I won’t go into details of it (I promise it’s really not that exciting – just the usual work is crazy, I’m raising a toddler and trying to survive what seemed to be the looooongest winter ever). 

I’m not here today to talk about a fun weekend recap, even though it was really fun. I’m here today to talk about a new journey that I’m embarking on – a weight loss journey. I feel like everyone is on a mission to lose weight now that winter is officially over. I want to jump on that bandwagon in a BIG way! Below is my story and I really hope to update with progress and results.

History: In high school, I considered myself to be in relatively good shape (I would kill to have that body now!). I was in a TON of sports as a kid, it was kind of out of control (gymnastics, figure skating, bowling, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, track and field, swimming). At the end of 9^th grade, I dropped out of all sports because I wasn’t passionate about any of them and socializing was more important – not to mention I had a part-time job so my schedule was pretty full. Moving on to college, I was still in pretty good health considering all of the partying I did. I got into a long-term relationship my 2^nd year of college that allowed me to pack on a few pounds. I struggled to keep my weight in control, but wasn’t doing too bad. Shortly after that relationship ended, I met Chris. We would work out together and I wasn’t in too bad of shape but I ended up gaining quite a bit of weight as our relationship bloomed (we’ll blame nachos and our love of The Melting Pot?!). When we got married, I did not put myself on any sort of crazy diet before the wedding and it shows in the photos. I was probably very close to my heaviest weight at that point. I didn’t even weigh that much when I was pregnant with Bailey L At the beginning of 2011, I made it my priority to lose weight and I was extremely successful and lost about 35 pounds in a matter of months. It was so much fun watching the numbers go down, down, down! I maintained that weight for most of the remainder of the year with a little fluctuation (going up a pound or 2). Then we decided that we wanted to try to have a baby and were eventually successful. I did not want to gain a ton of weight while baking my little babe, but I didn’t stress over it either. I gained 30 pounds with Bailey. Getting back to pre-pregnancy weight was easier than I expected. Getting back to pre-pregnancy body has not been. That’s why this journey is happening. There are quite a few areas that I want to tone and improve.

What triggered my decision: I’ve been incredibly sluggish lately. I blame the winter weather and having a toddler running around. Most nights, I am solo parenting while the hubby is working. We own a treadmill and a dozen workout videos/PS3 games but it’s very difficult to squeeze in a workout with Bailey there. She doesn’t take an evening nap anymore, so I’m constantly entertaining her (not trying to complain, it’s my favorite part of the day). I contemplated joining a gym again, but with summer approaching, I really don’t want to. We’re gone so much on the weekends that I feel it’d be wasting my money. Besides wanting to take a nap every night I get home from work, I’ve also not loved the way my clothes are fitting - definitely room for improvement there. Let’s also add in the fact that a lady thought that I was pregnant last week and asked when I was due…I wanted to run and cry. I know I’m not “in shape” but good lord I’m not that out of shape. I would say that was my turning point (thanks incredibly ignorant lady)

My plan: I’ve never been on a diet plan before. I’ve always done it the old fashioned way: counting calories and working out. I’ve gotten good results from these, but I’m greedy and I want more! I tried doing a juice cleanse last month. It wasn’t bad, but I didn’t see results that I was happy with. I’ve seen others post about using AdvoCare products and doing the 24 day challenge. I researched the plan and I contacted an AdvoCare distributor in my area who has done the 24 day challenge a couple of times, about to do her 3^rd time. She answered all of the questions that I had and I’m truly excited about this challenge. I hope it brings energy and an overall feeling of healthiness to my life. I actually signed up to be a distributor, so if you’re looking to kickstart your diet or are interested in learning more about their products – let me know!

What I’ll be doing: So, I mentioned that I’m doing the 24 day challenge…what does that mean?! The package from AdvoCare should be here this Friday, May 9. My 24 day challenge will begin Saturday, May 10. The package includes:

·       Herbal Cleanse (detox the body)

·       OmegaPlex^® (omega-3 fatty acids – get nutrients distributed to my body for overall health)

·       AdvoCare Spark energy drink (how I’m going to get ‘er done)

·       Meal Replacement Shakes – (get my nutrients in a convenient shake)

·       MNS® Max 3 (appetite control, wellness and energy – lord knows I’ll need this when I’m at the cabin)

I’ll be combining the products that I purchased from AdvoCare with a healthy diet and exercise.  I’ve started pinning some meal ideas on Pinterest and I’m trying a few of them out this week. I’m planning to do outdoor runs/walks with Bailey. I used to be able to run 6 miles somewhat effortlessly. It was never fast, but that wasn’t what really mattered to me. After the challenge is over, I will need to assess where I’m at and what products I will continue to reach my ultimate goal.

Goal: I really hate setting numerical goals because what the number says on the scale is not always a true indicator of what is going on with your body. Like I said, I’m back at pre-pregnancy weight but my body definitely is not. If I had to set a numerical goal, it would be 20 pounds (I was going to put 15 because it seemed obtainable but I switched to 20…no mercy!!). Another goal is to have more energy. I want to be physically active in Bailey’s life. I don’t want to watch Chris and her run around having all of the fun. I want to be the crazy mom chasing her kid everywhere and having fun J My final goal is to have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe (sorry hubby!). Obviously, if I lose all of this weight new clothes will be in order!

So there you have it! Wish me luck, I will definitely need it. If you don’t see me indulging in a beer or cocktail…there’s a reason and it’s not because I’m pregnant ;)