Are you still there?

Hey y'all.  Sorry for being MIA on the blog recently.  I promised in my last post that I was going to do another vlog and have it up last week.  We all see how that went.

Cue the excuses.  This is a really busy time at work and I was trying to finish up summer school and get back into a good workout routine so it had to wait.  Plus I really want to put more effort into my vlogs and do it right.

In other news, I have been doing really good with my eating but I did over do it slightly on carbs over the weekend.  It is nothing that a couple of days and water won't fix.

I have also been more consistent with getting my sweat on.

And it has been paying off.  Check out that baby bicep.

I do have some things lined up for the blog this week.  Just remember if you miss me on the blog you can always find me in Instagram (@assignmentamanda).  I am addicted....seriously.

Who's that girl

Hey dolls!  So I finally broke out of my home workout routine and made it back to the gym Tuesday. A few monumental things happened for me.

1.  I took my first gym selfie.

2. I ordered a new workout tank from ABCreations in a 2XL and it FIT!!!! 

3. I kept looking at myself in the mirror as I did my lifting.  Now don't get me wrong it wasn't out of complete narcissism.  

I seriously kept looking at myself because I am getting to a point where I am starting to not recognize my body.  I kept thinking in my head is that really my body?.  Progress is happening people, it may not be as fast as I want but it is happening. Woohoo!

How are you doing on your current regimen?

P.S.  I am filming another vlog this weekend and will have it up on Monday so be sure to check back.

Weigh-In Wednesday Couples Edition: 30 Day Check In

As I wrote 30 days ago, Brent and I were starting a 90 clean eating challenge for ourselves.  You can read the full post HERE.  Anyways, the clean eating was working ok but after three weeks I noticed that we both weren't eating enough calories and were not loosing weight or inches so last week we switched over to IIFYM.

We are both loving IIFYM.  For me it has taken away a lot of guilt and stress I was carrying regarding food.  It has also helped both of us learn to balance our food and focus on nutritional values rather than calories.  I am not saying it is for everyone and you should definitely do your research and talk to your physician before starting a new eating plan.

Anyways, time for the 30 day check in.  Sorry I don't have comparison pics but things are super crazy in the mornings and I was pushing it enough by asking Brent to take his measurements (he doesn't obssess over progress like I do).

Here are our stats

BRENT
Weight: 338 lbs (-9 lbs)

Neck: 17.75 in (-.25 in)

Chest: 53 in (-2.5 in) 

Stomach: 58.5 in (-2.5 in)

R Arm: 16.5 in (-1.25 in)

L Arm: 15.75 in (-1.75 in)

R Thigh: 28.75 in (-1.25 in)

L Thigh: 29 1/8 in (-1 3/8 in)

AMANDA
Weight: 311.1 lbs (-3.7 lbs)

Bust: 52 in (-1 in)

Waist: 49 7/8 in (-2 5/8 in)

Midline: 51 in (-3.5 in) 

Hips: 57 in (1.75 in) 

R Arm: 18.5 in (-.5 in)

L Arm: 18.75 in (-.5 in) 

R Thigh: 27.75 in (-.5 in)

L Thigh: 27.25 in (-.75 in)

Not gonna lie I have been a little bummed that the scale is moving slow but after seeing the difference in my measurements I am feeling much better about it.  I can't wait to see our progress over the next 30 days (I will include pics on that post, promise).

How was your weigh-in Wednesday?

Weight Loss Chat: My First Vlog

Thought I would try something new.  I would love to hear your feedback on this video and if you would like me to do more of these.

The Little Things Wednesday Link Up

Hey y'all!  Today I am co-hosting Little Things Wednesday with Candra from Camo and Lipstick. This link up is about taking negative situation and finding the positive.  So grab a button and join the party.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www,assignmentamanda.blogspot.com" title="Assignment Amanda" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b543/Ce_Berg/Amandalinkup_zpsbc91db0e.jpg" alt="Camo & Lipstick" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

I would say for the most part I have become happier in my own skin during this journey but there are still days that I step on the scale (which hasn't really moved in 6 months) or stare into the mirror and wish and pray that my body would be different.  On days like this I slip into a terrible funk and my sense of self-worth is about a zero.  Then as if she knows I need it, Madelynn comes to me and says " You're the bestest mommy in the world and I love you most!"  She doesn't care what my body looks like, my skills and abilities have nothing to do with my size for her.

The little thing for me this week  is during times when I am down and out about my weight Madelynn pops in to remind me that I am so much more than a number.

You can call me challenge queen

Hey dolls!  I know it's been a hot minute since I posted but I will be making up for that this week.  I've got some good posts lined up for ya.  Anyways, there are a couple of things I wanted to update y'all on.

I recently joined two challenge groups.  The first is SkinnyMeg's 12 week challenge.  The person who loses the highest percentage of weight wins.  The group is now closed but Megan will be posting challenge updates on her blog to follow along.   What I like about these challenges is that if you give it your best you still end up winning because at the end you are leaner and stronger.  #winning

The second challenge is an arm challenge which starts today and you know I love to work on my arms. The challenge group is closed but I will be posting the daily arm workouts on my IG (@assignmentamanda).  If you want to do this with me be sure to use follow me and use #assignmentamandagunshow when you post arm challenge updates. Those who participate will be put in a drawing for a prize on August 1st (I haven't figured out the prize yet but trust it will be awesome). I have posted the workouts we will be doing below so you can make sure you are getting good form.

How to do a push up (even if you can do one)
How to do a tricep dip
How to do a mountain climber

Last but not least I wanted to give an update on my clean eating.  Hubby and I have been doing good on our eating.  However, we weren't really losing weight like we should.  I figured out that we were both eating way too few calories and we agreed we needed to change.  So after doing some research we are shifting over to IIFYM.  Basically you still need to eat whole nutritious food but nothing is off limits, if it fits in your macros you can eat it.  You can read more about it HERE and it also has a calculator if you want to try it.  We started yesterday, it is taking some adjusting but we will get there.


Are you doing any challenges this Summer?



**I am not an expert or medical professional.  You should consult your physician before beginning any fitness program or regimen.