Clean Eating Challenge?

So, I have stumbled upon this (as I'm sure everyone has on Facebook via Buzzfeed) and am considering it! Not going to lie, I don't like some of the things on the grocery list, but I am up for trying new things!

LINK HERE:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/christinebyrne/clean-eating-challenge?bffbfood

It is a two week Clean Eating Challenge...although, I'm pretty sure after all of that clean eating, I wouldn't want to go back to fast food and candy. I also wouldn't want to eat the same things over and over. That being said, I am going to attempt this two week challenge and in the mean time, try to find some other clean eating recipes with some of the fruits and veggies I like. I will start this challenge on the 19th (since we JUST went grocery shopping, and I don't get paid until the Friday before.) In the meantime, I am sticking to lean meats, fresh fruits, veggies and WATER! Lots and lots of water. 

I haven't been working out as much as I should. I have decided to start my mornings off rather early to get in the exercise I need to drop weight. I woke up at 5:30 this morning...but I fell right back to sleep. The good thing is, I have woken up around the same time for almost the past week, I just need to push myself to actually get up and head to the gym!

Tips, suggestions and thoughts welcomed!

BEFORE

So, I could find my measuring tape to take my measurements yet so here is my current weight and my BEFORE picture.

I am going to start off with a HIIT workout this morning and hit the gym this evening after dinner! 

Weight: 198.4 lbs (eeeek almost 200)

I guess Lana decided she needed to be in the picture too...

Mindset: Healthy

As I prepare myself for my healthy transformation, I keep hearing this little voice in my head saying "You will fail, you are already too big to get toned, might as well just eat your weight in cupcakes." I am putting my foot down and just going for it. I need to get all of that nonsense out of my head and focus on the big picture. I know that it takes time and I am pretty much the epitome of impatient, but I just need to be determined and actually put effort into this. 

I did a small workout today and made a delish dinner (recipe to follow). I finally put my arm bands to good use. I haven't been to the gym in about a week, but it is pretty out of the way. I am thinking about changing gyms due to the current one being 10 miles away.

I will be posting my before photo Thursday! (I am not doing the biggest loser at work due to stupid rules, but I am doing it on my own!) Here is my healthy recipe for Mexican Stuffed Peppers:

Mexican Stuffed Peppers

• 4 medium-large peppers
• 2 chicken breasts, shredded
• 3 mini colored peppers
• 1 sweet onion
• sliced green onions
• 2 large tomatoes
• 1 cob of corn (or canned corn)
• red pepper flakes
• cumin
• paprika
• garlic
• salt and pepper
• Cheese of your choice

Preheat oven @ 450 degrees
In large skillet, melt coconut oil and toss in onions, peppers, 1 tomato sliced, corn and seasonings on med high. 

Prepare chicken in medium skillet, use forks to shred. Add salt and pepper. Once cooked and shredded, add to veggies and stir until mixed. 

Prepare your large peppers by cutting the top and taking out the seeds. Fill pepper full of chicken and veggies, top with cheese of choice (if you want cheese). Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes or until peppers are cooked through. 

Slice the other tomato and place on top of pepper, add lettuce and sour cream if desired! and tada! tasty dinner!

Biggest Loser Contest!

My workplace has just announced a Biggest Loser contest which will run from May-July. Top prize is $500! I have been deciding whether or not I should go for it, and I figured why not? Even if I don't win first place, I will still be pushed toward my goal of losing weight. I have basically been on that yo-yo weight scale. I lose some, I gain some...I gain some more, I lose some etc...I'm so TIRED of doing that. It is definitely effecting my health.
 I was working out the other day and a lady at the gym noticed my weight loss. I was surprised seeing I had only lost a little less than 13 pounds, but I guess a little gets noticed. Even when you don't think your hard work is paying off, it actually is. Don't give up! I have been sticking more to the paleo/primal diet which seems to really be helping. I still need a plan of action to get to my goal weight (which honestly as of now, I don't really know what that is! I just want to feel good and healthy!) For the contest it goes by % of weight, so as long as I lose the right % I should be good. I'm thinking 40-60 pounds by July. Any advice would be helpful! Especially since I am going on vacation at the end of September and want to look awesome in a swimsuit! I am also giving in and signing up for tanning, I think that will also help me gain some confidence and also help me relax. I will post my before picture (for real this time) on May 1st progress picture June 1st and (hopefully) my goal picture July 31st! Here goes!

Sunny skies, skinny thighs!

Daylight savings began today, and I'm beyond thrilled. Not only will it be lighter out longer, but the warm weather is headed this way! I have my alarm set for 5:30 AM to start getting into the habit of waking up early and running. I am still having trouble planning out my meals, but I have a feeling it will get easier once the boyfriend is on board (and helps me remember to set stuff out.)

I am dead set on losing 30 lbs by the end of June. I am going to push myself, over the breaking point if I have to! I am ready to feel more energized and better about myself. My workout cocktail will consist of running, at home workouts (mostly yoga), gym 3 times a week and a day of rest. I am going to be brave and take a before picture and post with measurements in the near future. I feel this will help me attain my goals and not give up!

Any tips are welcomed!

Stuck...

Ugh, so I am not losing...anything. I lose like 5-8 lbs then I get stuck! I feel discouraged. I've been working out, eating right, and for what!? It's super frustrating. I am 196 lbs and I am so unhappy with myself at this point. I guess I was used to how I looked and felt when I was 50 lbs lighter. It is so hard to see myself struggle with this issue over and over and over. I feel like I'm so concentrated on losing weight, that I have lost who I really am, if that makes sense. Depression is starting to take over, partly due to the frigid temps and cloudy days, but also because of my weight gain. I do not want to go into a depressed state, even though I did lose weight, I was the most unhealthy I had ever been. 

I'm hoping the upcoming warm weather and sunshine will help me become more motivated. Until then, I shall try my best, and keep my chins up! 

Results much?

Losing weight is supposed to make you feel good right? Well, it does, but when losing weight where I need the extra 'bounce' (yes, the girls) it gets frustrating. I feel dis-proportioned. I have lost 5 pounds, but none of it from my problem areas. Being a woman, you can never win. 

I would like to share a recipe I made this week. I found it on a paleo website and it turned out fabulous.


Coconut Chicken

*This recipe calls for chicken thighs, but I'm not a fan of dark meat so I used chicken breasts.

•  2 chicken breasts cut in strips
• shredded coconut
• almond flour
• coconut oil
• 1 egg
• cup of almond/coconut milk
• salt and pepper to taste ( I added a small pinch of ginger as well! SO GOOD)

Mix egg and almond milk. In a separate bowl mix almond flour, coconut and seasonings. Dip chicken into egg and milk mixture, then into the coconut mixture. Place in well oiled (coconut oil) skillet on medium and cook until meat is done. ENJOY! I made sweet potatoes as a side and it was perfect!