Wellness Exam

So my employer is now requiring that we get well checks unless we want to pay a higher monthly health insurance premium.  So like a good little minion, I went last week and got my well check.  During my visit, I think I had one of the most candid conversations with a doctor I have ever had about my weight.  (For once I wasn't scared to bring it up because I have acknowledged my problem and am doing something about it.)  We talked about how I have lost a decent amount so far and how I have kind of stalled for a while.  We also talked about ways that I could jump start my weight loss again (pills, liquid diet, calorie counting, appetite suppressant, and surgery).  Basically, I told him that I really want to do it the old fashioned way, a balanced diet and regular exercise.   He was very encouraging and felt that I could lose the weight I want to as long as there was not an underlying health issue.  So he ordered lab work.

He called me today and gave me the results, I am healthy, thank you Jesus!  I am not diabetic, my cholesterol is good, thyroid is good and blood count is good.  Thank goodness, I think I was really worried about being diabetic.  So we discussed my continued path and he suggested a doctor within the healthcare system that I could see that would help me along the way.  This other doctor is a family practitioner that specializes in this area.  I have been very vocal that I do not want to take a pill, go on a liquid diet, have surgery, etc and he assured me that this other doc could help me find a good balanced diet and exercise regimen and essentially help coach me through this journey.

I am seriously considering doing this (pending it is covered by my insurance) but I feel that in some way I am letting myself down and letting all of you down because I can't do it all on my own.  I know it sounds stupid but I have a crazy woman brain and that is how I roll.  Since I am conflicted, I made a resolution to myself that I will really try for the next month.  I will go back to using MFP faithfully everyday, no cheat meals, and get myself back into working out regularly.  At the end of that 30 days if I am still stuck I will make an appointment and see what he has to offer.  If I chose to go this route I will be transparent with what he suggests for me because that is what this blog is about.

Moment of truth, am I wrong for even entertaining the idea of seeing this doctor for weight loss help?

Always and Forever

Today is mine and Brent's anniversary.  We have been together for 13 years and have been married 9 years. It is strange to think that I have been with him for almost half of my life. Sometimes it gives me the weirds thinking about how we are so adult now (we were high school sweethearts) and we have a kid and a mortgage.  Our marriage isn't perfect but it is our own.  Sometimes we act like we are still two young kids in love and sometimes the burdens of being an adult get in the way and make it tough.  We have had some extremely low lows and there have been times that I wasn't sure we would make it. Relationships are hard but nothing worth having comes easy. At the end of the day he is it for me.

  

Honey, if you are reading this, I love you I love you I love you.  Cheers to our past, present, and future.

Positive Influence

Yesterday, I was way down in my feelings.  It was a combo of surfing the crimson wave, stress at work, not having exercised this week, you name it I was feeling it.  After hearing something about me that was untrue at work I was done for the day and it was only 9:30 a.m.  I was sitting at my desk fighting back tears and chatting on Google with Brent.  The conversation went like this...

I gained a few things from this exchange.

1. I am overly dramatic sometimes.

2. I have got to let go of what people say sometimes and not let it get to me.

3. I am lucky to have such a wonderful husband.

4. Positive influence during a weight loss journey is critical. 

He could have simply said blown off the fact that I was going to eat myself into oblivion and then wallow in self-hate later but he didn't.  He knew that in that moment I needed someone to knock some sense into me and he kept me on the right path.  

I went to lunch and slightly indulged in something less healthy (I had bacon and cheese on my grilled chicken). I didn't plow through my food and I ate like a civilized person.  I stopped when I was full and left without the guilt and the need to unbutton my pants.  

Whatever type of journey you are on surround yourself with people that will positively influence you to stay your course.  It really makes all the difference.  

Who are positive influences for you?

Swag Swap

So I know I am a little behind in posting this but hey I like the last minute.  I participated in my first swap a few weeks ago and it was totally awesome.   Candra from Camo & Lipstick and Alicia from Brew Mama set this up and you could either do a diva swap or fitness swap.  As much as I love to treat my inner diva I went with the fitness route because you know I am trying to be all healthy and stuff.

Anyways, I was paired with Ash from Ash's Right Direction.  I loved the package that she sent.  It was so thoughtful and I loved the kitty card (cat lover over here).

She sent me some really great stuff to keep my fit self on track.  The coolest thing she sent was the real maple syrup. I haven't tried it yet because I really want to use it on powdered sugar covered french toast. For reals.  Maybe I will be really good (better than I have been) with my food and let myself indulge in another month.

I would totally do another swap.  I love buying surprises for others and I love getting surprises so it is win/win.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there.  I wrote a letter to Madelynn that was featured HERE.  For your enjoyment here are some pics of me and my whole heart over the last few years.

New Recipe: Chicken Bruschetta

This last Fall I went to a Pampered Chef party and typically at these parties the sales person makes a dish using all the gadgets that Pampered Chef has to offer. At this party the sales lady happened to make chicken bruschetta. So when making my last grocery list I was trying to jazz up our typical dinner menu. I thought back to that delicious meal and I had to add it to the list.

One quick Google search and I found the recipe. I used this recipe because she tells you how to cook it without using all the PC stuff.  I cooked it last night for dinner and let me tell you it was delicious.  I love that all the ingredients are fresh and that it makes enough for us to have it a second night.

I cleaned up the ingredients a bit by substituting for whole wheat pasta and eliminating the Parmesan cheese.  I entered the recipe into MFP and it is only 521 calories per serving (assuming there are 6 servings).  It also only took me about 30 minutes to make from start to finish. #winning

Best of all Madelynn liked it. To be honest it took her a few minutes to try it but after her "no thank you" bite and after I told her that I wasn't making anything else she devoured her portion.  She is also pumped that we are having it again for dinner tonight. #doublewinning

What are some easy delicious recipes you have tried lately?

My workout schedule is finally starting to workout

See what I did there?  Not gonna lie I was gonna post this last week but every time I tried to take a moment and write it my real life seemed to get in the way.  Anyways, I am excited to say that I think I have finally gotten a good workout routine down and it feels awesome.

This is what I have found works for me.

Monday - Walk with Madelynn
Tuesday - Gym day, Intervals and weights (Arms and Chest)
Wednesday - Gym day, Intervals and abs
Thursday - Gym day, Weights (Legs and Back)
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Freestyle, meaning I will do whatever I want most likely a lighter day.
Sunday - That is the Lords day and I will be working out my spiritual self and resting like Jesus said to do.

I have done this routine (or something close to it) for the last 2 weeks and I can already see/feel a difference in my body.  BUT, my eating has been not so perfect and I know if I get that crap under tight control I will see even more of a difference.

What is your workout schedule?  Do you stick to the same plan or change it up every week?