Toning is just as Hard as Losing the Weight

Been eating clean for about 5 years now. Do I cheat occasionally? Yes. Since we came back to California there has been more eating out, with family mainly, although we try to pick Mexican or Thai food which is usually pretty safe and MSG free. Still. I went from a Size 8 to a 10 in six months. So I decided to kick up my exercise routine a notch and borrowed my brothers P90X videos. DANG. So glad I've been pretty dedicated to working out before hand, cause they mean business. BRING IT! No kidding. I'm into my 5th week. So I work out an average of an hour and 17 mins a day and sweat my butt off, literally. I'm bound and determined to get rid of all the toxins that are stored in my fat from 6 years of medications. Cellulite be gone too! I'm 41 this year and in the best shape of my life and not done yet. Look forward to posting the after picture on this blog when 90 days is over.

Helping Others While Helping Yourself

On this journey, I found a calling to try to help others to find the path to weight loss, health and betterment. It started with my family of course and has branched out from there. First with starting a Facebook page called Size 18 to 8 and then eventually this blog. I'm not a licensed coach or health practitioner and don't have any desire at this time to become one, however, I do care about other people and sympathize with the struggle they face in this day and age eating the SAD (Standard American Diet). If I can help even one person to better their life and circumstance it will be worth my effort. Even if I don't, I gain renewed conviction each time I give my testimony to another person, so it's really a win win. I would love to hear from anyone who has found this blog? Have you found it helpful? Have any suggestions for future topics? Any questions? Look forward to hearing from you.

You are Worth the Effort

I know first hand how hard it is to lose weight. Not only lose it but maintain it too. There are going to be times where you get frustrated and want to quit. I know I've felt that way more than once, even after doing this for almost 5 years now. It's not easy when society is pummeled by commercials everyday selling unhealthy products, that look so dang good. Not to mention the grocery stores that are filled with 80% junk food. If your like me, most of your friends and family don't eat healthy and your constantly placed in situations where you are tempted to join them. Stay strong! Look in the mirror and tell yourself, "You are worth it". I like to reflect on what life was like back when I ate unhealthy, was overweight and was pretty much toxic and how far I've come from that time. That alone usually kicks my butt back in gear. Don't give up! YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Learning and Growing along the way

As I write this today I remember how it was in the beginning like it was yesterday. Along the path to better health we have constantly taken steps to improve what we eat, drink and think. Until I reach my ultimate goal of losing all of the fat and cellulite that hold all of the toxins from 6 years of poisonous medications, I will continue to search for solutions. If you hit a plateau like I did several times, don't just quit, see what could use improvement first. Are you drinking enough good water, eating clean, and having a positive outlook on life? All three are crucial to having a slim healthy body. Did you go a step further in your workout regimen if you have hit a plateau? So what can you do to make it to your goal?

To Cheat or Not to Cheat

I'm not perfect and not many are when it comes to watching what you eat. In the beginning, if your as addicted to sugar and processed foods as I was, you'll feel deprived. It's pretty normal. Even with strong self will you will fall pray to cravings and temptations. Or I've heard some people say they schedule a cheat meal like once a week. Why not, if you feel you need to. Do what works for you to stick to a better diet. For me, if the craving lasted very long, I would finally give in. That's okay. Just go back to better eating the next meal. Over time, when your body has adjusted to the new way of eating, the "cheat" won't taste as good as you thought it would. Not only that but I no longer "reward" myself with junk. Now that's change.

Checking Progress

In the beginning I was a scale checker. Don't get me wrong it can be a good thing. Overtime I decided it wasn't always helpful. Like times when I would look down and be disappointed at no change. So for me, its helpful just to judge by my reflection in the mirror and have a goal size, not so much weight. I try to see the thin me in my mind and be appreciative of what is in the making. For example, I like my arms, chest and back. I'm still working on the rest and that's okay. Progress photos are great too. When I look at my before pics, I can barely remember looking like that now. That's a good feeling :) Do what works for you, everyone is different!

One Step Forward Two Steps Back

This journey was frustrating at times, I'm not going to lie. When you are learning for yourself ways to be healthy and stay away from the chemicals, toxins and poisons that are in our day to day life one can become overwhelmed. This is what has driven me to start writing on this blog. If I can help take the guess work out for even one person, all the work will be worth the effort. When Robert and I were first starting on our path we would constantly be taking one step forward and two or more steps back. For example taking supplements. Vitamins and supplements are good right? Well they are, if you can find some that don't have a lot of added ingredients in them. That's another topic all together but it's one example of a step back. Key is to not let any set backs stop you on your road to better health. We haven't! Stay strong and keep pushing forward!