tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88991918674773804982024-02-19T00:45:13.357-08:00Losing Weight, Gaining ConfidenceStephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-72082397489129736672015-08-21T17:07:00.001-07:002015-08-21T17:13:19.587-07:00Staying on track while on vacation!Summer vacations are so much fun but they can also be a major source of anxiety and pressure when trying to lose weight. It's easy to say "I'll be really good as soon as I get back." And ya know what, if you can do that, good for you. <div><br></div><div>Personally, I know that it is very hard for me to get back on track after being derailed during vacation. Once I'm out of my normal routine, it becomes much harder for me to get back on track! </div><div><br></div><div>With this said, I have been working on gaining more control with each passing vacation. Back in July, I went to Wildwood for a long weekend. Did I stay on track? No, not entirely. Did I get as much activity as I typically prefer? No, not entirely. Was I as off track as I would normally be? No, not at all. I was happy with the successes I had but I knew there was room for improvement. </div><div><br></div><div>Right now, I am typing this from my bedroom at my grandparents' house on Cape Cod. Below is the list of goals I set for myself in preparation for this vacation. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIolRPwE69AMkLZUru2SuN1xwBvu6EuUDbeK4mUL315-Nm1HfXLOlLPI-Wegb1VU-AxDtptj8Ybc87bKoWVFCpQTyVKM7aRS4x5HVC905HEOl6rLOE1RMgFZ51YI95OkVj15ilxDyhYtGc/s640/blogger-image--2061249635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIolRPwE69AMkLZUru2SuN1xwBvu6EuUDbeK4mUL315-Nm1HfXLOlLPI-Wegb1VU-AxDtptj8Ybc87bKoWVFCpQTyVKM7aRS4x5HVC905HEOl6rLOE1RMgFZ51YI95OkVj15ilxDyhYtGc/s640/blogger-image--2061249635.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These goals are SMART goals because they are realistic and not too restrictive. I am allowing myself to enjoy without going overboard! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next week, I am going on another trip. It will be full of even more temptations. I will allow myself to enjoy without overdoing it because all the good food doesn't taste as good as losing weight and getting healthy feels. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I may not be where I want to be, but I'm certainly happy with how far I've come and with how I've changed many of my old habits and routines. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I will update you on how my weigh-in goes Monday (wasn't home today, Friday, to weigh in on my scale) and I will update you after my trip to Minnesota!</div><br></div>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-21177440938546075282015-07-29T11:48:00.002-07:002015-07-29T11:48:13.437-07:00These are the girls...(A story of support)I am so blessed to have a group of women who support me while I am on this crazy weight loss journey. Without the love and support of these girls, I do not know where I would be. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidSEZjNYSHHp5TAx5VBfzh3PucschhepKHx9L3Hv1a7jBrmwLfkZ-_gyUSEUj8523lApmrgwR1l5i8GWrgqrb-mKjHn2uQkCx0DTxWRCeb-9ZN5LQdYa9Eg8yvCy-pDBp9HqW5w5xLlBU/s1600/support+you+meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidSEZjNYSHHp5TAx5VBfzh3PucschhepKHx9L3Hv1a7jBrmwLfkZ-_gyUSEUj8523lApmrgwR1l5i8GWrgqrb-mKjHn2uQkCx0DTxWRCeb-9ZN5LQdYa9Eg8yvCy-pDBp9HqW5w5xLlBU/s320/support+you+meme.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are the girls who know exactly what to say and when to say it. <br />
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These are the girls who make me laugh when I want to cry. <br />
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These are the girls who let me be myself without judgement.<br />
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These are the girls who trust me and allow me to trust them.<br />
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These are the girls who lift me up when I am down. <br />
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These are the girls who make me laugh and cackle and cry happy tears from all of the inside jokes.<br />
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These are the girls I can talk about raunchy/funny/silly things with.<br />
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These are the girls who give me support and guidance when I need it.<br />
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These are the girls who motivate me to do better.<br />
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These are the girls who show random acts of love and kindness, unlike I've ever experienced before.<br />
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These are the girls who I can reach out to when I'm having a bad day.<br />
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These are the girls who help me be a better version of myself.<br />
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These are the girls who I call my best friends.<br />
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I thank God for these girls every single day!<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-61109432907877460742015-07-29T11:37:00.001-07:002015-07-29T11:37:08.077-07:00All Aboard the Struggle Bus!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnygUG_DNE3OxlpM6JqUJfFTHrgkLnMqtQwBAYnF9uNNBYLxgby_bM3oGIQBW6yP9DjAFfgrt_vB2UlnMPcfPxVtv4dT6vNriEaxJ_pB1BmaP8_vNG2DIupxL0-1VqsvOnrQxQsOVLLipq/s1600/struggle-bus-front.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnygUG_DNE3OxlpM6JqUJfFTHrgkLnMqtQwBAYnF9uNNBYLxgby_bM3oGIQBW6yP9DjAFfgrt_vB2UlnMPcfPxVtv4dT6vNriEaxJ_pB1BmaP8_vNG2DIupxL0-1VqsvOnrQxQsOVLLipq/s1600/struggle-bus-front.png" /></a></div>
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The Struggle Bus has picked me up and NOT let me off. I am having a really hard time with my eating habits lately. While I have continued to work out, I know what I am doing wrong when it comes to food. Instead of continuing down this path, I can and will change my habits. I am going to make myself some goals and I plan on sticking to them.<br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">My Plan to Succeed Again:</span></b></u></div>
1. Switch back to the tracking method. Even though I LOVE Simply Filling, during Summer, I think I need the flexibility of points. With this said, however, I plan on eating as many power foods as I can, with the occasional treat here and there.<br />
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2. Continue to drink 120oz+ water every day. I love how water makes me feel. In addition to this, I am going to stop drinking soda for now. I will not have anymore soda (at least) until my trip to Minnesota!<br />
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3. Continue working out and keep pushing to do better and better with my running time. Once Summer School is over, I will go back to my early morning workouts.<br />
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4. STOP before I eat something I know I shouldn't and really think about whether or not it is worth the points.<br />
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5. Do not eat to fill the void I have due to my miscarriage.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>My Goals:</u></b></span></div>
To lose 5-10 pounds by my trip to Minnesota. I have a goal weight for that trip (since I'm currently up a little bit) and I hope to hit it.<br />
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To lost 20 pounds by my 29th birthday on November 12!<br />
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To continue working out and keep getting better and better.<br />
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I will be blogging more and be posting more on IG and Facebook to help hold myself accountable! I can and will do this... AGAIN!<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-72890608676170797232015-06-29T15:58:00.000-07:002015-06-29T15:58:37.519-07:00True Life: We are going to a Fertility Specialist...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9q-Cb2AdSRZvCfdXVncmDa4S1bJre8Fb4Qr-y7XHqBUFZydONKLlfU6uMEFfbzrEN5kqhIMfz85v9ze1njziBaz5o_43ZHh65u8fioolBMsGWgDC6ojst74lrSRWS0apKu1T5nUgwMHw6/s1600/tumblr_m5v849MTD71qftwqwo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9q-Cb2AdSRZvCfdXVncmDa4S1bJre8Fb4Qr-y7XHqBUFZydONKLlfU6uMEFfbzrEN5kqhIMfz85v9ze1njziBaz5o_43ZHh65u8fioolBMsGWgDC6ojst74lrSRWS0apKu1T5nUgwMHw6/s200/tumblr_m5v849MTD71qftwqwo1_500.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
Yesterday, the anxiety started to kick in...<br />
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The appointment with the fertility specialist was finally upon us (was scheduled in May). <br />
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Luckily, I was able to sleep last night. However, when I woke up this morning, I felt a little uneasy. I think the hardest part of this whole process (so far) is the "unknown" that lies ahead. <br />
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While I am blessed to have a few people to talk to about this, I feel like the topic of fertility is taboo. It seems like people are afraid to talk about IVF and fertility treatments and what it's like to really struggle with fertility (trying to conceive and/or coping with miscarriage). This topic SUCKS to talk about; it's heart breaking, upsetting, sad, and difficult... but it's reality for many couples nowadays. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwjE8WH5FwnzbC_qPgewegKsonlAHR4qjh6LRovpKjUz9MMD5yZXwDd6-pkxeakqXFXppBaGbjhyphenhyphenxM1L0OoTc9jEpmJZl418Q9MXSB5gD3Xy3ucyro74b5t2Hm0b-8X1-sPgFD9mWzhuL/s1600/trouble-getting-pregnant.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwjE8WH5FwnzbC_qPgewegKsonlAHR4qjh6LRovpKjUz9MMD5yZXwDd6-pkxeakqXFXppBaGbjhyphenhyphenxM1L0OoTc9jEpmJZl418Q9MXSB5gD3Xy3ucyro74b5t2Hm0b-8X1-sPgFD9mWzhuL/s320/trouble-getting-pregnant.gif" width="320" /></a><br />
I am the FURTHEST thing from an expert in this field but as a person who just started this process, it really benefits me to have a more open dialogue about this scary and trivial time in my life. While I know I have Anthony to lean on, he is also new to this process. Instead of keeping these thoughts inside, I decided to write down my concerns, emotions, fears, and hopes. <br />
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Our appointment today was just the tip of the infertility treatment iceberg. We met with our doctor (who seems fabulous), met with our nurse, and got a run down of the steps that might be taken throughout this process. Some of the preliminary tests were run already and this will help us see what course of action will be taken next. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LH0i-tFj55UiiZtIIuiVF7BZxC_cjQSIEzOAP4_LFvqOme7dFdWpPYuLIO71BOjFFYSt-XEFU25xmeXOJ_HIj2PmgAr6Ar1k_V6wBve_hkwOXLSLrrerWKGOQewo9368xPRHEytWeIjK/s1600/f6ee7b70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LH0i-tFj55UiiZtIIuiVF7BZxC_cjQSIEzOAP4_LFvqOme7dFdWpPYuLIO71BOjFFYSt-XEFU25xmeXOJ_HIj2PmgAr6Ar1k_V6wBve_hkwOXLSLrrerWKGOQewo9368xPRHEytWeIjK/s200/f6ee7b70.jpg" width="160" /></a>At this point, I may have lost some people's interest and if so, I apologize. I am just a bundle of nerves as we embark on this journey. My fears are real and will be addressed in time. My emotions are all over the place. And my hopes are really high for my future as a mom.<br />
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Currently, my greatest fear is learning there is NO hope for Anthony and I to conceive a child. This would be heart breaking and pretty earth-shattering. While it would be devastating, it is something I have to come to accept as a possibility at this point. Along with this major fear, I have hope that everything will work out, one way or another.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP521R1Ih8zl0uLcLdtZU7LO7vRHcmN9R5J0Hg3tQRHXbRnKq8LuiLwIMcngHRgwntG0rkJXpQwAiG4tBTwLQSFDATj13t8lpYO6iMnNHCiLJHkewYmit5wrsUnTJaqaqn9mPFKO2UVS0Z/s1600/de0c761fa2e90c5ef00dfc2eb3aee61a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP521R1Ih8zl0uLcLdtZU7LO7vRHcmN9R5J0Hg3tQRHXbRnKq8LuiLwIMcngHRgwntG0rkJXpQwAiG4tBTwLQSFDATj13t8lpYO6iMnNHCiLJHkewYmit5wrsUnTJaqaqn9mPFKO2UVS0Z/s200/de0c761fa2e90c5ef00dfc2eb3aee61a.jpg" width="133" /></a>This blog post may be a little TMI for some of you but I needed to put this out there. I also wanted to help others who may be going through the same process as we are right now. As we proceed, I plan to remain positive and optimistic. It will be hard at times but I know Anthony and I will be okay. We are already so grateful for the love and support people have shown us in regards to this struggle. No one knows what lies ahead but we will fight to make our dreams our reality.<br />
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The one thing I ask of people is to be sensitive about this topic. The next time you want to ask a couple that has been married for a few years, "What are you waiting for? Why don't you have babies yet?" think about the struggles they may secretly be facing. Getting pregnant is not as black and white as many people think. It can be a very hard process for many. Be aware of this and try to remind yourself how you would feel if people constantly questioned why you weren't a parent yet. <br />
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IT SUCKS.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhur73dYWsRWPq9bL_iTVN2xr-RkARm-uPj9B3J0tPT3qcUfE_dO0Uk1bTp0Gcj5sfDkRFGssUu2JzcTFG4kX6Jezn4p9sgfPzTIPR6yQKaHq5NSEjGlMSOSP4MlyFInYm5BQp52YBCcRE4/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhur73dYWsRWPq9bL_iTVN2xr-RkARm-uPj9B3J0tPT3qcUfE_dO0Uk1bTp0Gcj5sfDkRFGssUu2JzcTFG4kX6Jezn4p9sgfPzTIPR6yQKaHq5NSEjGlMSOSP4MlyFInYm5BQp52YBCcRE4/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
To be continued...<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-56470285714249369492015-06-29T15:10:00.001-07:002015-06-29T15:10:18.583-07:00My 5 Day Detox!A few of my #wwsendtheloveteamslim girls have been doing the Whole30 program. While I appreciate what whole30 stands for, I do not feel it would fit into my life the way I would want it to. Therefore, I modified the main principle behind it (to eat healthy and "whole" foods). Instead of doing a Whole30, I figured I would do a 5-day detox. This detox would help me to make better food choices on a daily basis.<br />
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Rules:<br />
1. No added sugars.<br />
2. No dairy.<br />
3. No gluten/bread.<br />
4. No alcohol.<br />
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My goal was to complete this detox for 5 days. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! Now, because of this, I will be continuing to live my life this way. I am going to use the 80/20 rule.... 80% of the time, I will make sure to eat "clean" and 20% of the time, I will eat what I want (CHEESE, WINE, BREAD).<br />
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With this flexibility, I am able to stay in control of my life and health while still indulging occasionally. The main reason I plan on doing this is because of how great I felt when I was doing the detox. I felt healthier, leaner, and happier!<br />
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Here are a few of my meals from my 5 day detox:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEGEvnW9IJvNhGgyW1ZVupl6vZpx5Io-OCF5yXp3RrpPwQEwsYi2lzbxu74XP5XV_R9kzCsRNp5oyfXaecMhhWD8ZfYS51HD-SmNN3aRsWNNV0Hda742NXDuqYfR0nRYoX_xDz4Y1vWBY/s1600/image1+%25286%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEGEvnW9IJvNhGgyW1ZVupl6vZpx5Io-OCF5yXp3RrpPwQEwsYi2lzbxu74XP5XV_R9kzCsRNp5oyfXaecMhhWD8ZfYS51HD-SmNN3aRsWNNV0Hda742NXDuqYfR0nRYoX_xDz4Y1vWBY/s320/image1+%25286%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_4cKy6DUgGSDHQWpl4T5IJQ79UNGIWwzWyuMoo9-9H3ARADg83aKQkdjGV1h-oN8i0qHijfHLJ12YwGoBDBfuMRYaKafzV1AzZly94MZFAETfVEgEXmOakTuGNkU6I36BmCavAxuZ2IM/s1600/image3+%25284%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_4cKy6DUgGSDHQWpl4T5IJQ79UNGIWwzWyuMoo9-9H3ARADg83aKQkdjGV1h-oN8i0qHijfHLJ12YwGoBDBfuMRYaKafzV1AzZly94MZFAETfVEgEXmOakTuGNkU6I36BmCavAxuZ2IM/s320/image3+%25284%2529.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Today was supposed to be the start of Round Two for my Sugar Detox. Instead of that, I threw myself a mini-pity party. I will be starting tomorrow AND I will be continuing it on Saturday (which happens to be 4th of July). Normally, I would use Saturday as an excuse to eat whatever I wanted and not think about what was going into my body. THIS YEAR, I plan on sticking to the rules of my detox. I KNOW I can do this....<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-7876548799036605192015-06-03T17:54:00.001-07:002015-06-03T17:56:59.126-07:00The Importance of Loving Yourself!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWUa4xT71u_jN5ACfNUI2Jmd2W1Wz-8Tj-4hfQsKQK__FE_hA_T-iZUqtAaNxd3Wpz5_r3HZpjydviN35D2wjb-yjoCtp6Q5ULJOaARzcnfK3awzzWu-OE19j8_43-QqKoGqJq4xPocaX/s1600/be-yourself-trust-yourself-love-yourself-quote-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWUa4xT71u_jN5ACfNUI2Jmd2W1Wz-8Tj-4hfQsKQK__FE_hA_T-iZUqtAaNxd3Wpz5_r3HZpjydviN35D2wjb-yjoCtp6Q5ULJOaARzcnfK3awzzWu-OE19j8_43-QqKoGqJq4xPocaX/s320/be-yourself-trust-yourself-love-yourself-quote-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>This morning while I was perusing Instagram, I saw a few posts related to loving oneself. People always talk about how they love their family and friends.. but rarely do people talk about loving themselves.<br />
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This post is not meant to be a lecture or a speech on how important it is to love yourself HOWEVER, I am realizing that this is such an important piece of everyone's weight loss journey. <br />
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We have all seen it before... Women who lose TONS of weight but still aren't happy with themselves. Weight is only a number, there are so many things that actually measure self-worth. It may be hard to ALWAYS see the best in ourselves but it is so important for us to feel good on the inside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGt18NL3M34NI4EC7GdwxsGZ59W5rI7LGLOb-agPuU4NrBTqppeBHZ-H2k9u4vfXR7UXlk_Dvh7Tz1YjDql0wi91elhY5aiwhgQ0SiD9NLJU7EXx5Uc8TMbJTq211Vo0w4yE4Pe4POxCr8/s1600/Love-Yourself-Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGt18NL3M34NI4EC7GdwxsGZ59W5rI7LGLOb-agPuU4NrBTqppeBHZ-H2k9u4vfXR7UXlk_Dvh7Tz1YjDql0wi91elhY5aiwhgQ0SiD9NLJU7EXx5Uc8TMbJTq211Vo0w4yE4Pe4POxCr8/s200/Love-Yourself-Quote.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
There are many reasons why I am on this journey but the number one reason has and always will be... ME: My health, my happiness, my overall well-being.<br />
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Now, I know I still have a long way to go on my journey but I'm happy to say that I have always loved myself. There are times in my life when I feel more comfortable in my own skin but I am happy with the woman I have become. This idea REALLY hit home for me today when I was looking at two pictures I took of myself. <br />
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My journey has not been easy, nor has it always gone in my favor, but I am so happy with where I am at this point. Not only am I feeling great mentally and emotionally, I am loving the changes I am physically seeing with myself.<br />
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I compiled some recent pictures that are making me feel great about myself and are motivating me to continue on this journey.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4Qycd7eNrdIuWB6GKoF3gRDjRjigF9kFzV5fM2V3odcDdikQgiEEVnS5-Hf_pDzrTT_NIbwOxV87BsQSPmuwOFMY0pobeM3PAkKH3hcCuepmmyPvL8FJc8SFyK3gpeB4lDk0B-7WsR7u/s1600/image1+%252825%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4Qycd7eNrdIuWB6GKoF3gRDjRjigF9kFzV5fM2V3odcDdikQgiEEVnS5-Hf_pDzrTT_NIbwOxV87BsQSPmuwOFMY0pobeM3PAkKH3hcCuepmmyPvL8FJc8SFyK3gpeB4lDk0B-7WsR7u/s200/image1+%252825%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxYHP0BVZ032YrTjoRKuj-9sSR4vFBhc0tvtd2EpTMr8p11qE9KsG4wy_AEQkYKvFzndHez8BzgBdecPUA95KinEPCoL7IudW5vT8tqNqNWm22NKIQmLWjNALJE8yaikeppVntb2tlI-t/s1600/image2+%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxYHP0BVZ032YrTjoRKuj-9sSR4vFBhc0tvtd2EpTMr8p11qE9KsG4wy_AEQkYKvFzndHez8BzgBdecPUA95KinEPCoL7IudW5vT8tqNqNWm22NKIQmLWjNALJE8yaikeppVntb2tlI-t/s200/image2+%252811%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">***I am not trying to sound cocky or vain. This is just a major motivation right now!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i><b>So remember to love yourself. </b></i></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i><b>Take the time to really appreciate the great qualities you possess. Your weight is a number It does NOT define you. </b></i></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i><b>It does NOT make you better or worse. </b></i></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i><b>Love what you stand for. </b></i></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i><b>Respect your body and mind. </b></i></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i><b>Take care of yourself. </b></i></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i><b>Reward yourself. </b></i></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i><b>LOVE YOU, FOR YOU, </b></i></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i><b>AS YOU ARE NOW AND IN THE FUTURE!</b></i></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i><b><br /></b></i></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><i><b>Remember, you are amazing!</b></i></u></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkM5_WOJHzo-shbIiuM2kIVFCvqlPVg0pfJY1VtURsCwEhF8dDDcL4IAsCZ77mo_WN40A4rbQLd6OxOR-GaQqZ46UApjBFOHwbW453sNwPVRgD1m76Ym2YE7fehpMf1vfcLJjEK8T7yuhL/s1600/How-Awesome-You-Are.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkM5_WOJHzo-shbIiuM2kIVFCvqlPVg0pfJY1VtURsCwEhF8dDDcL4IAsCZ77mo_WN40A4rbQLd6OxOR-GaQqZ46UApjBFOHwbW453sNwPVRgD1m76Ym2YE7fehpMf1vfcLJjEK8T7yuhL/s320/How-Awesome-You-Are.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-29758123738676819312015-06-01T14:39:00.003-07:002015-06-01T14:39:22.402-07:00June Goals... Wait, it's JUNE ALREADY?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkrAkyVM2zt-GFgS49_v1-aSErXTvBjvAHZNqI0oF6xZvZDhdnx1EggydXD3tXPkPyAIvLMBWBByEU0mfb_hlWk0mDHTeEr2YJ5KLisVCr0wEIY2VWyYQh-A7qn3emB1VJm5QB5RkRUnS/s1600/image1+%252824%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkrAkyVM2zt-GFgS49_v1-aSErXTvBjvAHZNqI0oF6xZvZDhdnx1EggydXD3tXPkPyAIvLMBWBByEU0mfb_hlWk0mDHTeEr2YJ5KLisVCr0wEIY2VWyYQh-A7qn3emB1VJm5QB5RkRUnS/s320/image1+%252824%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am okay with my results. While I know my month wasn't filled with the best eating, my exercise and activity has been ON POINT! Goal #4 was not accomplished because I felt tracking on both MFP and WW was overwhelming. I was already struggling with everything and it was way too much to track on both!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzRICYIHy7tJ7Pg9qKpozYpH0lbgTzbD1ep3y_QRIT4vKwArSwBLUYh4sE8bFx512FJOrNPOBXHPWOOeK8K4Y40smNHl10IPnaiY4u_WkGGjroi7dlETs_Y024AQWmFe5heoiIQ90nFQt/s1600/image2+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzRICYIHy7tJ7Pg9qKpozYpH0lbgTzbD1ep3y_QRIT4vKwArSwBLUYh4sE8bFx512FJOrNPOBXHPWOOeK8K4Y40smNHl10IPnaiY4u_WkGGjroi7dlETs_Y024AQWmFe5heoiIQ90nFQt/s320/image2+%25289%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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For June, my goals haven't changed much. I am going to continue drinking 120 oz of water and working out 5 to 6 times per week. Now, I am also aiming for 30 active minutes every day!!!</div>
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Most importantly to me are the last four goals. I want to eat more fruits and veggies (by having them at every meal). Additionally, I want to make the best food choices I can. Simply Filling is the means for me to accomplish these goals.</div>
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Lastly, I want to cut down on snacking at night. I feel like it undoes all of the good I do throughout the day. I look forward to my next month on this journey!</div>
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-27713584983619232112015-05-31T05:21:00.002-07:002015-05-31T05:21:59.100-07:00Simply Filling: Take 2! (Keys to Success and Daily Menu Ideas)On Saturday, May 30, I recommitted to the Simply Filling technique again. To be honest, I missed Simply Filling! It is my favorite WW technique but I need to occasionally mix up my eating patterns. Since I have experience doing Simply Filling, I feel this is a natural part of my life. My knowledge of the program has helped me stay on track even when I might not have in the past. Hopefully, this information and advice helps you too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRw8H-jxw9-oO32Fl11SjwX6dqGrjwLVfCSZ3WSOeZsRx1aDcEBECKm-1GbuV_2ak5Yn2LrgRntSaZbbfRVkJ8hYthErVcKW11GfHAKvISwwH4d-mjguaMezHDeLRWJgoDn61-biPNAyub/s1600/keys+to+success.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRw8H-jxw9-oO32Fl11SjwX6dqGrjwLVfCSZ3WSOeZsRx1aDcEBECKm-1GbuV_2ak5Yn2LrgRntSaZbbfRVkJ8hYthErVcKW11GfHAKvISwwH4d-mjguaMezHDeLRWJgoDn61-biPNAyub/s200/keys+to+success.jpg" width="200" /></a><u><b>My keys to success on SF:</b></u></div>
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1. Be prepared.</div>
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2. Have variety of power foods.</div>
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3. Allow myself to use points without guilt.</div>
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4. Continue being active.</div>
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5. Incorporate fruit and veggies into as many meals as possible.</div>
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6. Eat slower (to avoid overeating).</div>
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By following these keys, I find SF to be extremely successful for me. I love the fact that I do not need to measure and weigh and point the power foods I am eating. The flexibility I get with this program helps me to stay on track. I have also found it is pretty easy to stay on track in many different situations.<br />
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<u><b>Below you will see My Day One on Simply Filling:</b></u><br />
<u>Breakfast</u>: Two eggs (over easy) with a Light English muffin, cucumber, and watermelon!<br />
<u>Lunch</u>: Two brown rice sushi rolls. Not everyone will consider this SF but all of the ingredients used are listed and all of them are considered power foods. I make sure to get rolls with brown rice and with ingredients that are SF power foods!<br />
<u>Dinner</u>: Flank steak, oven fries, corn on the cob, edamame, and sauerkraut.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWc0OYjDjf79t8wEs_JGFXz5EetUFidOpZv_7mtzR6pY3yr-p4tjrvYaA1EWOrW4_cwfxvn5-YuN-YHSvkL8ksG_CO3i7O2B3RyXvYTM1CHxXxUw3BizuJcfnlzOSIZRdN-cHLzPkp9B10/s1600/image1+%252823%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWc0OYjDjf79t8wEs_JGFXz5EetUFidOpZv_7mtzR6pY3yr-p4tjrvYaA1EWOrW4_cwfxvn5-YuN-YHSvkL8ksG_CO3i7O2B3RyXvYTM1CHxXxUw3BizuJcfnlzOSIZRdN-cHLzPkp9B10/s200/image1+%252823%2529.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-I9EzVHLUQUWHzrUHVRmexLUTPPByyLVXEhM_KN1iaXPQARAR7IcvGgDEKxX0sVjwB3JMesZ_3f2KXTdsjF_p6b07QRa-H4z7bjiJMA0IBrvpEIWlwLFHm-jqAQCtQqbZuPlTxOdyfLIm/s1600/image3+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-I9EzVHLUQUWHzrUHVRmexLUTPPByyLVXEhM_KN1iaXPQARAR7IcvGgDEKxX0sVjwB3JMesZ_3f2KXTdsjF_p6b07QRa-H4z7bjiJMA0IBrvpEIWlwLFHm-jqAQCtQqbZuPlTxOdyfLIm/s200/image3+%25281%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHiUkwlNVBII13fxShsSJs8keXS0zRAu49jpc0L-famOg5Kc7rHQNgchst54tDyIYICzpTdiJDNBW1AF4VcGERX42i_w_QeaBFLRT2X67KHzJEoYM2X34tSU2mcgmFN2NHrwh01wxRReZ/s1600/image2+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHiUkwlNVBII13fxShsSJs8keXS0zRAu49jpc0L-famOg5Kc7rHQNgchst54tDyIYICzpTdiJDNBW1AF4VcGERX42i_w_QeaBFLRT2X67KHzJEoYM2X34tSU2mcgmFN2NHrwh01wxRReZ/s200/image2+%25288%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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These three meals are 100% simply filling! I did eat some Oreos for dessert... but that's ok because that is why SF gives you 49 weeklies (plus Activity Points)!!!<br />
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Here are some Meal Plan Ideas:<br />
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Day #1: ALL SIMPLY FILLING<br />
B: Cheerios with skim milk and a banana<br />
L: Grilled Chicken breast with brown rice and edamame<br />
D: Lean Ground Beef Taco Salad<br />
S: LF Yogurt, fruit<br />
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Day #2: ALL SIMPLY FILLING<br />
B: Two eggs with an english muffin and a side of watermelon and broccoli<br />
L: Costco Turkey Burger over a salad with a yogurt<br />
D: Flank steak with oven fries and roasted cauliflower<br />
S: Cheerios, fruit<br />
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Day #3: ALL SIMPLY FILLING<br />
B: Yogurt with cheerios mixed in and a banana<br />
L: <a href="http://watchingstephanieshrink.blogspot.com/2015/04/my-new-simply-filling-lunch-recipe.html" target="_blank">SF Spaghetti with Meat Sauce </a><br />D: Lean Ground Beef Burger with FF feta, onion, lettuce, tomato, on a Light english muffin<br />S: SF Oatmeal Cookies, Fruit, Popcorn<br />
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As you can see, some things will repeat each and every day (fruit/veggies). The best part about SF is once your meals are prepped you are all set and ready to go! It makes every day much easier. Again, if you have any questions, just ask! I hope I am able to help! :D<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-3449180387942426352015-05-19T18:31:00.001-07:002015-05-19T18:34:41.268-07:00S.M.A.R.T. GoalsWe had another awesome Skype night topic!!! Amanda brought up the idea of having S.M.A.R.T. goals! I love this idea.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgnNmfYDbXCCbSrb31R-R929oUvF1cWpb4dvDdSydSnr7C7j8OPNr0Guw3ZPkxaRXXctySTyZG-DiS5QfTEIzSDBqJYn6qS2_9HXvYVp7BTOH50_FvXyPmpD12NEADDVDxQqlNoNKWPkD/s1600/smart-goals-221x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgnNmfYDbXCCbSrb31R-R929oUvF1cWpb4dvDdSydSnr7C7j8OPNr0Guw3ZPkxaRXXctySTyZG-DiS5QfTEIzSDBqJYn6qS2_9HXvYVp7BTOH50_FvXyPmpD12NEADDVDxQqlNoNKWPkD/s1600/smart-goals-221x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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As I look back on my goals from recent months, I feel that most of my goals have followed this plan. From now on when I set goals, I will definitely think about this acronym.<br />
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Current Goals:</div>
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1. Workout 5-6x per week.</div>
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2. Drink 120 oz a day.</div>
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3. Keep increasing activity.</div>
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4. Hit 40 pounds down! (only 2 pounds away)</div>
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5. Complete C25K by the end of the summer!</div>
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6. TRACK, TRACK, TRACK!!!</div>
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I am pretty excited because my goals are all SMART approved and I have been so motivated to continue down this road. Here we go!<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-87167571954318399462015-05-15T14:24:00.002-07:002015-05-15T14:29:15.572-07:00Goals: I'm coming for ya...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This journey has me setting goals in all aspects of my life. Currently, I have a few random goals which I am working towards.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHASGfy3VgfZa1Z3X7KbEXcUj43pt2HCKKxB0e2Q2RQ-RTQoZWYKX8emC7781jFzp-y1cRUBn36iiA9c0QBt5UH1Xj6Sgk2kamYsZNp2yE-PGTlQwZduZ8VZyqrz_YNkqCYZ4mvRnHHQtU/s1600/goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHASGfy3VgfZa1Z3X7KbEXcUj43pt2HCKKxB0e2Q2RQ-RTQoZWYKX8emC7781jFzp-y1cRUBn36iiA9c0QBt5UH1Xj6Sgk2kamYsZNp2yE-PGTlQwZduZ8VZyqrz_YNkqCYZ4mvRnHHQtU/s320/goals.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><i>Steph's Goals:</i></b></u></span></div>
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<u><b>1. Complete C25K!</b></u> </div>
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I recently started running (more like interval walking/jogging) and I am so excited to be making the strides that I am. I am also loving the way I feel when I get out and run!</div>
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<u><b>2. Hit Onederland! </b></u></div>
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I am almost 40 pounds down and I cannot wait to hit wonderland. My concern isn't the actual number, it has to do with how I feel (physically) when I get to that point of my journey.</div>
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<u><b>3. Have a baby!</b></u></div>
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Pretty self-explanatory. My husband and I have been having some struggles in this department (including a miscarriage) and I would love to be a mom <3</div>
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<u><b>4. Toughen up!</b></u></div>
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I am EXTREMELY sensitive. I let little things bother me and it SUCKS! I am working on letting things go and I am working on not taking everything personally.</div>
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<u><b>5. Focus on what I am eating versus just worrying about eating points!</b></u></div>
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I have been doing a good job (for the most part) with losing weight and now I plan on focusing on eating the best I can. Instead of eating within my points but having Reese's and M&M's, I want to eat "real foods" that are all natural and delicious!</div>
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I'll keep you posted on how I do!</div>
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-29828113786610632172015-05-15T14:01:00.002-07:002015-05-15T14:12:15.812-07:00SendTheLoveTeamSlim= Love!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKnrO_DNUDHe6rNQLgjiCAmeQFi5upp-jXteyJvMwOsgkYA9K-KF4B1m9zwc34I8zgdrlJoPGgGLtCShJ3cDotnxGGkfIQnbKJ9OUpugLl6kemBUJtnMQuryxik7pyr8WaAlkeI1C0bTW/s1600/onlinefriends.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKnrO_DNUDHe6rNQLgjiCAmeQFi5upp-jXteyJvMwOsgkYA9K-KF4B1m9zwc34I8zgdrlJoPGgGLtCShJ3cDotnxGGkfIQnbKJ9OUpugLl6kemBUJtnMQuryxik7pyr8WaAlkeI1C0bTW/s320/onlinefriends.gif" width="320" /></a>I joined #wwsendtheloveteamslim in August 2014 and it was one of the best things that could have EVER happened to me. I not only met wonderful people, I made best friends***!!! One of my absolute favorite things about this group is that we all come from different parts of the country, we all have different stories, we all are at different points in our journey, and yet we all are here to give and receive support.<br />
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The support and love is unparalleled. I never could have imagined meeting women who would become so near and dear to me via social media. For all the ugly (on the inside), nasty, malicious, unsupportive people out there, there are loving, supportive, wonderful people too.<br />
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Our group is like a butterfly going through a transformation... We are a group of people who want to be successful and share in this journey together. It's a beautiful process. Each new member is adding something unique to our group and it's so much fun. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us all!<br />
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***I HAVE to give a shout out to Allie... It is because of her that I am in this group and it is because of her that I have a new best friend! Thanks Allie :-*<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-50179727421537511722015-05-13T04:28:00.001-07:002015-05-13T17:31:47.902-07:00Yea, I'm struggling... But I'm still kicking butt!<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nmAVgyZp3bfh_v7s16JJlUgPE0xK6U1y7o6uR-GtD21x1j8bJiohuHQ-Ysp6xJJd7Kc3akAbevZmafo4WsgbiHBT81OyKasjFGbBdA-sePJtwyFrD_X8qgaB9D-cSOZi3YlcYNyb_nNL/s1600/fc,140x140,white.u1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nmAVgyZp3bfh_v7s16JJlUgPE0xK6U1y7o6uR-GtD21x1j8bJiohuHQ-Ysp6xJJd7Kc3akAbevZmafo4WsgbiHBT81OyKasjFGbBdA-sePJtwyFrD_X8qgaB9D-cSOZi3YlcYNyb_nNL/s1600/fc,140x140,white.u1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Last night we had our weekly Skype meeting. I happened to be the leader. Whenever it's time for me to be the leader, I think long and hard about choosing </span>a good topic. I happened to know that several girls (along with myself) have been struggling lately. With that in mind, I came up with the following topics: </div>
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1) Those who are currently struggling say one positive thing you are doing.</div>
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2) What is the number one reason you are on this journey/what's fueling your fire?</div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">This journey is hard. The struggle is real.</u> However, I have found that all of us are doing <i>at least</i> one thing right!! It's so easy to be negative when struggling. Instead of focusing on the negative, I thought it would be useful to celebrate what we are doing successfully!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAPU1vm9tv7xbclEgJx2tgMl8PVd-GY9J5k65DJdXoyUkSEzrKYZKhZXNGbzaUg0X-4XTP-rtUmlBMi_pw8BMYZIg0yGHoIsjTlQOGNTI4Wusoy_a6y1RbyT9-8Bx7bu9EqjRpDam8KsQ/s1600/focus-on-the-positive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAPU1vm9tv7xbclEgJx2tgMl8PVd-GY9J5k65DJdXoyUkSEzrKYZKhZXNGbzaUg0X-4XTP-rtUmlBMi_pw8BMYZIg0yGHoIsjTlQOGNTI4Wusoy_a6y1RbyT9-8Bx7bu9EqjRpDam8KsQ/s320/focus-on-the-positive.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Currently, I am really proud of the amount of activity I have been completing every day. My food game has been off but my activity has been up! Some others said that even when they were not making the best choices, they were still tracking every bite. By thinking of what we are doing right, we all realized that we are definitely making good choices daily. This journey is a rollercoaster, it isn't smooth sailing. <br />
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It's times like these, when we are struggling, that remaining positive is key.<br />
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The second part of Skype night involved what got us started/what is fueling our fire. The reason this was a two parter is I started my weight loss journey for one reason and I now feel there is another force driving me to do better and better. When I initially started this journey, my main goal was to lose weight to help get pregnant. Now that I have suffered a miscarriage, lost weight, and still have been struggling with fertility, I decided to change my focus. Now, I am working on getting healthy and active because I like the way it makes me feel. Not only how I feel but the changes I see within myself (physically, emotionally, and mentally). <br />
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To those of us struggling right now, try not to let it bring you down. Hurdles are thrown at us for a reason... this is all about how we handle the obstacles, overcome them, and move on. <br />
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Best wishes to all and I hope the struggle bus ride comes to an end shortly!</div>
Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-66744471323842082692015-05-10T18:13:00.002-07:002015-05-10T18:13:20.866-07:00#TheStruggleIsReal<div style="text-align: center;">
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. </div>
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If I'm being totally honest, I've been struggling HARD!!! </div>
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No, like <u><i><b>REALLY HARD</b></i></u>!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptLeubS0pAAkVCFrj25lwrzZNN1OkglZI83Nl-9Zi_XPlCOLvx3P02PWU6CkEkxT8aCGKG8VxaM9JUYnyKCeB94MAhVe6eQgWY6DSUKjRn3RWTVqXgfyc5nokv9boh_-_Fuuols7M8fpc/s1600/image1+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptLeubS0pAAkVCFrj25lwrzZNN1OkglZI83Nl-9Zi_XPlCOLvx3P02PWU6CkEkxT8aCGKG8VxaM9JUYnyKCeB94MAhVe6eQgWY6DSUKjRn3RWTVqXgfyc5nokv9boh_-_Fuuols7M8fpc/s200/image1+(22).JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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This past Friday, I had a gain of 2 pounds. That was after two weeks of some good losses... I hate when I get into a spot where I am yo-yo-ing. My eating has been an issue for me since Spring Break. <br />
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I think there are several reasons for my struggles (emotionally and other). All I know is I am DONE making excuses. I know what needs to be done and now I just have to do it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRpZPHS-X_LHwmW47xoYPDs540JbZsEPHJr5QDtd2Bf_JahuGPVaqYlRM5CCfBMdzb6HjEnVx2IYRKWRT1ZZqS4nc8eqmIlTezeTIMdVwZ_kMgpVUKNyEANZKlQZi1bhskxH4qqjvzScK/s1600/get-back-on-track-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRpZPHS-X_LHwmW47xoYPDs540JbZsEPHJr5QDtd2Bf_JahuGPVaqYlRM5CCfBMdzb6HjEnVx2IYRKWRT1ZZqS4nc8eqmIlTezeTIMdVwZ_kMgpVUKNyEANZKlQZi1bhskxH4qqjvzScK/s200/get-back-on-track-2.png" width="193" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is my plan for getting back on track!!!!</span><br />
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1. Take this journey day by day.<br />
2. Stop allowing a bad day to turn into a bad week.<br />
3. Track EVERYTHING.<br />
4. Think before I eat... Am I eating because I'm hungry or because I am emotional?<br />
5. Try to pre-plan my days so I do not binge or go over on points.<br />
6. Work out every week day (aim to do 2 miles each morning and at least 1 after work) AND try to work out at least one day per weekend!<br />
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I know I can be successful because I've done it before. I know what needs to be done and it will be done... Here goes nothing. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">WISH ME LUCK!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-1415202381944617152015-04-30T16:54:00.001-07:002015-04-30T16:59:19.216-07:00May Goals and my April Re-cap!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyFrv2Plc0v8lZTNzH0_UE-yBJgKShNanUXrFFZE8qltCJ0fzq4nGHkAVeT2B-dIdH8Iowdsq_NYcaYruAu2TGd4oaLvVm0vzeny6QWE7QwxZRpwXnsxYT1e4d4YwCI4lcxchz5dsSm1I/s640/blogger-image-263646109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyFrv2Plc0v8lZTNzH0_UE-yBJgKShNanUXrFFZE8qltCJ0fzq4nGHkAVeT2B-dIdH8Iowdsq_NYcaYruAu2TGd4oaLvVm0vzeny6QWE7QwxZRpwXnsxYT1e4d4YwCI4lcxchz5dsSm1I/s320/blogger-image-263646109.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When looking back on my April goals, I am sad about the goals I did not meet but proud of what I accomplished!!! The reason I couldn't complete goal #2 is because I got injured. Also, Spring Break kicked my butt BUT it was a lot of fun!! I look back on each month and assess where I am in regards to where I want my journey to take me.</div>
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As this month comes to an end, I am excited to see what I can accomplish in May!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbyA5v8k54XONWw1FS6ZBEXtzo9SiY9sAK1ISRL4gPP7HY21mYJ_31hvO6WpdV-qBh82c0691efaDGszqyrVc1X9mzTAipb9FOGqYtTMyJP85QqnK7f0OLREZoSrx7m_NtvShPSszEknp/s640/blogger-image--658102397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbyA5v8k54XONWw1FS6ZBEXtzo9SiY9sAK1ISRL4gPP7HY21mYJ_31hvO6WpdV-qBh82c0691efaDGszqyrVc1X9mzTAipb9FOGqYtTMyJP85QqnK7f0OLREZoSrx7m_NtvShPSszEknp/s320/blogger-image--658102397.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. I will continue drinking 120 ounces of water a day!!! (I have been drinking water with lemon and cucumber... and I'm LOVING it). </div>
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2. I started C25K today and I LOVED IT!!! I plan on continuing this for as long as I can... Hopefully to the point when I can actually run a 5k!</div>
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3. If I do not do C25K every day, I still plan on working out 5 to 6 times per week. My foot is really starting to feel better so I am going to aim for this goal!</div>
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4. I will forever love Weight Watchers... with that said, I want to use it in conjunction with My Fitness Pal to make sure I am not eating too many carbs versus not enough protein. I obviously want to lose weight... but more importantly, I want to BE HEALTHY!</div>
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I love that I'm starting May on my weigh-in day!!!</div>
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Here's to a fresh month. Good luck and Good health!!!</div>
<br />Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-2146126101315635092015-04-26T17:10:00.000-07:002015-04-26T17:10:00.238-07:00My New Simply Filling Lunch Recipe!As many of you know, I love Simply Filling! With that said, it takes a little more prep than tracking and it can sometimes get boring. I decided to switch up my lunches for this week. Since we are allowed to eat Whole Wheat pasta, I wanted to incorporate that into my meal. <br />
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I boiled my water and cooked my pasta. While the pasta was cooking, I started working on my own SF sauce. <br />
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<u><b>Ingredients:</b></u></div>
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Whole Wheat (SF) thin spaghetti</div>
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Ground Turkey (extra lean)</div>
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2 cans Hunt's Sauce (15 ounce can)</div>
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Garlic Powder (1-2 tbsp)</div>
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Italian Seasoning (1-2 tsp)</div>
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Salt (1 tsp)</div>
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Pepper (1 tsp)</div>
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Red Pepper Flakes (1 tsp)</div>
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Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 tbsp)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBoTb-htECjksYC2CPOsvzybFxJ0yiCnwF6LPd36dAMrWNnfolin9C4OrLgULsSSY99JgeNFthSN2LadnGu6sQxrSUGRVyEfypWlYWjyZtYbkjy59D1LI_MQ2hA0t4KMvez1jRtCddFuC/s1600/image1+(21).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBoTb-htECjksYC2CPOsvzybFxJ0yiCnwF6LPd36dAMrWNnfolin9C4OrLgULsSSY99JgeNFthSN2LadnGu6sQxrSUGRVyEfypWlYWjyZtYbkjy59D1LI_MQ2hA0t4KMvez1jRtCddFuC/s1600/image1+(21).JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><u><b>Directions for my sauce:</b></u></div>
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First, brown the ground turkey over high heat. Once the turkey is browned, it is time to start the sauce!</div>
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Pour two cans of sauce right into the pan with the ground turkey. Next, pour a few tbsp of water into the pan. At this point, add the salt, pepper, roasted red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder*! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I don't have exact measurements because I think it needs to be made to meet your taste preferences (see above ingredient list).</span></div>
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Let all of the ingredients simmer on low for approximately five minutes. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnd7pzDwxVfMKkSdVyl0Fzgt5MrNJZurMwvsgI9QH0hIvXRcViIT8RVOq7Q1jyvDfnNFN9qUvXh1FnZHLSgeotHbptpIs6IGpwJVak62p00H14qJ5j_tAZgWuTLY7N_rbbx-nXFi59d8O/s1600/image1+(5).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnd7pzDwxVfMKkSdVyl0Fzgt5MrNJZurMwvsgI9QH0hIvXRcViIT8RVOq7Q1jyvDfnNFN9qUvXh1FnZHLSgeotHbptpIs6IGpwJVak62p00H14qJ5j_tAZgWuTLY7N_rbbx-nXFi59d8O/s1600/image1+(5).jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sauce simmering away!</td></tr>
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Once the pasta is cooked, mix all of the ingredients together. Stir and serve!<br />
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I portioned this out for five lunches for the week. I plan on making some broccoli to eat on the side so I have some veggies with this meal.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkYA8xDyxtUEdLT8iC66OMBBrWl8_YpplZCMXW9ks3sNHSONSzPO9asNhFNs0KP9fM1zTgSaR5Fqz9N2YI8AA5Eob-ufafwBTP5-HwL9sxhF_fh2fImOdWPTlbpk4GQjN80cVRJESyq2-/s1600/image3+(3).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkYA8xDyxtUEdLT8iC66OMBBrWl8_YpplZCMXW9ks3sNHSONSzPO9asNhFNs0KP9fM1zTgSaR5Fqz9N2YI8AA5Eob-ufafwBTP5-HwL9sxhF_fh2fImOdWPTlbpk4GQjN80cVRJESyq2-/s1600/image3+(3).jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished Product!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-76342798298189744692015-04-26T09:33:00.001-07:002015-04-26T09:33:46.192-07:00A Saturday Success Story!Yesterday, I had a BBQ and a birthday celebration at a bar to attend. Knowing this, I switched to tracking (instead of SF) for the day so I could enjoy without going off plan. <br />
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The BBQ I went to was at a friend's house... I was so excited because it was the first time I've seen her since high school. I made sure to eat something earlier in the day but by the time I got there, I was pretty hungry. I am SO proud of myself because all I ate was a cheeseburger, some Emily bites crab dip (that I made), a few pita chips, two slices of kielbasa and a Coke Zero! The fact that I was able to resist the temptation of more food was a major NSV for me!<br />
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After the BBQ, my husband and I went out to celebrate a friend's birthday!!! We went out to a bar... I had saved 14 points for this second celebration. I drank two glasses of wine and had two mozzarella sticks. Since I haven't been drinking a lot, I was feeling pretty good after two glasses... :-) I easily could have had more to drink but I chose to stick to my points. <br />
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My point is that I now realize I can enjoy life, I can celebrate events with friends, I can go to BBQ's and bars, and still stay on track. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrHRw6JxS7dEQ0ACm6Kt5ZfbiX28ae177uGwp_Ee-mGB259DzeegVCJKhpDmaKeHNO6986A_7nrApyo1_RGwcNaRq_AvD_lr2wcqoJBx3nd6UfLXk4u7QgSrvqSy6lGz38df4Cclu2SDl/s1600/carolynsbday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrHRw6JxS7dEQ0ACm6Kt5ZfbiX28ae177uGwp_Ee-mGB259DzeegVCJKhpDmaKeHNO6986A_7nrApyo1_RGwcNaRq_AvD_lr2wcqoJBx3nd6UfLXk4u7QgSrvqSy6lGz38df4Cclu2SDl/s1600/carolynsbday.png" height="276" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the girls... Out celebrating Carolyn's birthday!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I have another BBQ to attend today and I already know what I will be eating (thanks to asking the hostess what will be served) and I am back to Simply Filling. This weekend has shown me just how "in control" I am on this journey. <br /><br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-86812006203776979522015-04-25T09:36:00.002-07:002015-04-25T09:36:45.072-07:00My (sometimes) Dreaded Weigh In Day!My Weight Watchers membership is the online version. This option gives me the flexibility to weigh in on any day and at any time. I have chosen to weigh in on Friday mornings at my house. In the past, I had different weigh-in days and I have found Friday to be the most effective and beneficial in my life. <br />
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In November of 2013, when I re-started WW, I was going to the meetings and the meeting I chose was a Saturday (9 a.m.) meeting. My leader was amazing... In fact, we still keep in touch via Facebook. The things she said, the tips she provided, and the support she gave was the best I've ever experienced with WW. So many of the things she said registered with me and I continue to carry these ideas with me today. <br />
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With all of these positive things said, I had to stop going to meetings for two reasons. <br />
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1. $50/month was more than I could afford at the time. </div>
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2. I was missing opportunities to hang out with friends on Friday nights because I was too afraid of the damage it would do for me on Saturday mornings. </div>
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Now that may sound like an excuse... "I couldn't go out drinking with my friends... wahhhh wahhhh wahhh!" But, I was 27 and wanted to be able to go out with friends and not feel guilty or worried about weigh-in the next morning. I would not go out Friday and Saturday night because it was not financially doable and because I would not want to be that off track. With those two factors considered, I decided to switch to an online WW membership and I changed my weigh-in day to Friday. I have never regretted this decision. Have there ever been weekends when I had a few off days? Yes! Have I been able to regain control for the rest of the week and still had success on my Friday weigh-in? Absolutely! I love my weigh-in day and ritual...I have a pretty specific ritual when it comes to weighing in and it has helped me. <br />
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After I weigh-in, I track my weight on the WW app and I go about my day. I am blessed to have an amazing support system with my #wwsendtheloveteamslim ladies. I know that if I'm struggling, I have a network of people who will help me get back on track. The WW online membership is the perfect one for me because of the support I receive daily. <br />
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Different days work for different people... Fridays just work for me!<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-26800837019217500052015-04-16T17:12:00.001-07:002015-04-16T17:12:52.605-07:00Weight Watchers: A Diet or a Lifestyle?<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"Are you sure you can eat that on Weight Watchers?" </b></div>
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<b>"Do you have enough points to eat that on Weight Watchers?" </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDexyfHIRmZdvmypSbbpFCGptDrk63VJwxBbVHz-_dn4_GPnBO-aEcLDu-iIsx-3QdDVMi4zGgzOpL7uuPJSW9uVwuzTixXxUuP5P0CH8isWcpQXBdpihz-cEUd_tGaJIZKfbCanCGy1kU/s1600/WW+meme1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDexyfHIRmZdvmypSbbpFCGptDrk63VJwxBbVHz-_dn4_GPnBO-aEcLDu-iIsx-3QdDVMi4zGgzOpL7uuPJSW9uVwuzTixXxUuP5P0CH8isWcpQXBdpihz-cEUd_tGaJIZKfbCanCGy1kU/s1600/WW+meme1.jpg" height="198" width="200" /></a><b>"Can you eat that on your diet?"</b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6d5CbIuM5vE38qLZ6wuMzvn4BXsUebMngOTXuIrKgNZ1KzKcRcsDQbaftUZrUl1IHkq7OlwHD49LMpNjUUDbjfhTcRfcClVUm8gcAt09AudHKU_PYGS_RnUj5TpOKq26Leh_tWvOQzIW/s1600/ww+meme3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6d5CbIuM5vE38qLZ6wuMzvn4BXsUebMngOTXuIrKgNZ1KzKcRcsDQbaftUZrUl1IHkq7OlwHD49LMpNjUUDbjfhTcRfcClVUm8gcAt09AudHKU_PYGS_RnUj5TpOKq26Leh_tWvOQzIW/s1600/ww+meme3.png" height="198" width="200" /></a><br />
We have all had people ask us these questions. <br />
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My answer to all of them has always been, "Yes, I can because Weight Watchers is not a diet. It is a lifestyle that allows me to eat whatever I want in moderation." Even with that said, people have looked at me with skepticism and with an unsureness that was unsettling.<br />
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This is not my first time following Weight Watchers. However, this time feels very different for me than it ever has before. In the past I believe I treated it like a diet. This time, I am using the rules and guidelines to make this my lifestyle and my journey to a healthier me. I do not think of WW as a diet anymore because this is not a program that I will be using for a short time. It is a program that I plan on using for the rest of my life. The tools that are presented by WW would be helpful to the skinniest people in the world. It is all about enjoying life in moderation. It allows me to live life to the fullest, to not miss out on fun times (or delicious food) and to make healthy decisions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WmQECaDbYRrs5cO-Uml0-oT-oF61tw3XKJiQaRTVJLRnEvMQEbBakzEZg4kAmD1ZY_r5py8jPecXX-o17b_NFH9RYU1PwAd8RDKzFTL7jHZcDIDKQ2fRrPFClAqoO8rUow-eszBn3gLw/s1600/lettuce-meme.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WmQECaDbYRrs5cO-Uml0-oT-oF61tw3XKJiQaRTVJLRnEvMQEbBakzEZg4kAmD1ZY_r5py8jPecXX-o17b_NFH9RYU1PwAd8RDKzFTL7jHZcDIDKQ2fRrPFClAqoO8rUow-eszBn3gLw/s1600/lettuce-meme.png" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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Many people I see who are currently doing a "diet" seem MISERABLE. I am sure they will see immediate results but I highly doubt they will see long-lasting results. Thanks but NO thanks!!!<br />
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I actually feel bad for people who are following fad diets because they are making sacrifices that will not benefit them in the long run. To say I never make sacrifices while on WW would be a lie. However, my sacrifices are worth it to me. When I say sacrifice I mean making better choices. Several examples are having two cookies instead of four or having one glass of wine instead of half a bottle. These sacrifices are benefitting me because I am training my body and mind to eat right and to enjoy life... all in moderation.<br />
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So the next time someone asks you about Weight Watchers, don't let it stress you out. Just explain to them that WW is a program that allows you to live your life in a healthy (mentally and physically) way. <br />
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Weight Watchers= A healthy, happy lifestyle.<br />
Weight Watchers does not= a diet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPb9o_kWkQkhyphenhyphenI-d0Q1BWNybH2AW4UIKVmNssMKB0Cs7x1MGPdvHyD1GXhnRBbVjqDHhsrTVAVEKWethNrUpYwX23WlRw_Vr0kLUlNow7ogEo7i-wleop86faRRpMBOuBTjZeJpUax7GtV/s1600/ww+meme2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPb9o_kWkQkhyphenhyphenI-d0Q1BWNybH2AW4UIKVmNssMKB0Cs7x1MGPdvHyD1GXhnRBbVjqDHhsrTVAVEKWethNrUpYwX23WlRw_Vr0kLUlNow7ogEo7i-wleop86faRRpMBOuBTjZeJpUax7GtV/s1600/ww+meme2.jpg" height="190" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-18459507507200486492015-04-16T16:48:00.001-07:002015-04-16T16:48:46.307-07:00New Recipe Alert: Simply Filling CornbreadSimply Filling is AMAZING! I love the program so much. Even though I have 49 points that I can use to my liking, when I found the recipe for SF Cornbread, I was a happy girl.<br />
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This recipe is from <a href="http://jenuinemom.com/2014/03/23/healthy-cornbread/" target="_blank">Jenuine Mom</a> and it is fabulous!!! The worst part of it this recipe is having to stop eating it. I had it for breakfast a few days and I ate it with chili for lunch a few days. It was amazing and I cannot wait to make it again.<br />
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Here are most of the ingredients...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SL5-PTFZ_YWafgCdJi0Gm8rV15xkimyMXf52KmhyphenhyphenZ4dXorAECdGWqGdSZIRVYOKT83wgX15AfONnHUpAsIZC8OJ74GmMWqS7Frreg0JndMbiGKWOgPNcJpAKavxUHeqQSZE7Cuw_qGwT/s1600/image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SL5-PTFZ_YWafgCdJi0Gm8rV15xkimyMXf52KmhyphenhyphenZ4dXorAECdGWqGdSZIRVYOKT83wgX15AfONnHUpAsIZC8OJ74GmMWqS7Frreg0JndMbiGKWOgPNcJpAKavxUHeqQSZE7Cuw_qGwT/s1600/image3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here is the delicious pan of cornbread!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPPQ1QeUHMUbeLd3FtztnyJJLBews8HYz3eR5D8R5-aA6LzW883jTtyMHqAiNvFmzWbjKm36r9RKanZxEXJwniNrmECsJYRXRw2O61Wg_tTYV73Wj8rcA08egHDDSvZNBZYEOdsib2ano/s1600/image2+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPPQ1QeUHMUbeLd3FtztnyJJLBews8HYz3eR5D8R5-aA6LzW883jTtyMHqAiNvFmzWbjKm36r9RKanZxEXJwniNrmECsJYRXRw2O61Wg_tTYV73Wj8rcA08egHDDSvZNBZYEOdsib2ano/s1600/image2+(7).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I will 100% be making this delicious and Simply Filling recipe again! Definitely try out this recipe if you like cornbread and are doing Simply Filling!<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-61942427853124407012015-04-11T19:58:00.000-07:002015-04-11T19:58:02.077-07:00Running is my favorite type of exercise... Really?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">I am so proud of this picture. This picture shows a girl who is giving 110% of herself and is constantly pushing her own limits.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeC5SPypAjUG1rqb7qDxhZSM4wXlJsBQV32oGMW9GmxtBRPW88XW6GeEbGwcFPyEAjruwWq11SP20UehPGAg12yh9ifTjVXMdYN3eztp5Zf4Ou_bX5niGfo-X2x8JbV_xblj-Ng_p7k3f/s1600/11136747_10101381093275062_6264470053420912873_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeC5SPypAjUG1rqb7qDxhZSM4wXlJsBQV32oGMW9GmxtBRPW88XW6GeEbGwcFPyEAjruwWq11SP20UehPGAg12yh9ifTjVXMdYN3eztp5Zf4Ou_bX5niGfo-X2x8JbV_xblj-Ng_p7k3f/s1600/11136747_10101381093275062_6264470053420912873_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Several months ago, I <u><b>never</b></u> used my treadmill. Eight weeks ago, I started using my treadmill three to four days a week. Now, I use it every day. That in itself is a major accomplishment for me. However, I have recently been breaking all of my own records. Today, I ran three miles in 42 minutes... That means that I ran 14 minute miles. When I started interval running/walking, my mile was over 16 minutes. I hardly recognize the person I was before this journey.<br />
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As you see below, I am by NO means perfect. My exercise schedule is not flawless and there are some days when I push myself harder than others. HOWEVER, as you can see below, I have not given up. I am continuously pushing forward, getting more miles under my belt. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGN-5EON08qScvYqeNvIy4ai0feFOOc2F4JD_gunM61fZZB1esqPr1KK_a4tjHBqTaRp2-gzaU1T0ClZ7HZVNiSnt72QYQfNbGg6mZq_-aNWt_BLsGmU_pbyrNtharddEGJEwsdUIlGMbw/s1600/image1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGN-5EON08qScvYqeNvIy4ai0feFOOc2F4JD_gunM61fZZB1esqPr1KK_a4tjHBqTaRp2-gzaU1T0ClZ7HZVNiSnt72QYQfNbGg6mZq_-aNWt_BLsGmU_pbyrNtharddEGJEwsdUIlGMbw/s1600/image1.PNG" height="320" width="178" /></a>Here is my record of miles logged! I am always striving to do more!</div>
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I am nowhere near the perfect runner. I am nowhere near the perfect anything. But at this point in my life, I can truthfully say I am happy. I'm happy with what I'm accomplishing and I'm happy with my life. The future has never looked so bright!<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-27614460623222792382015-04-09T16:15:00.002-07:002015-04-09T16:16:59.577-07:00Simply Filling, Counting Points, and Wendie Plan... OH MY!I <b><u><span style="color: magenta;">LOVE</span></u></b> Weight Watchers! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqFrLFQUbSd7y0vAgvyOep7CRPmeqrmHH8cD3rOZTlybJQAdaQlPmv_7M4GyY3SmJ1A1okeYbALSMAo8yY-7n1J2MtLIGIzQGMDl0BvqCjqd_rr_7yGmvHhSQK8BsrKWVUiWYLfUmUEdC/s1600/LFG-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqFrLFQUbSd7y0vAgvyOep7CRPmeqrmHH8cD3rOZTlybJQAdaQlPmv_7M4GyY3SmJ1A1okeYbALSMAo8yY-7n1J2MtLIGIzQGMDl0BvqCjqd_rr_7yGmvHhSQK8BsrKWVUiWYLfUmUEdC/s1600/LFG-Logo.jpg" /></a></div>
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I just wanted to throw that out there before I write anything else. I love the <span style="color: #6aa84f;">flexibility</span> of the program... I love the way WW isn't a <strike>diet</strike> but instead a <span style="color: #741b47;">lifestyle</span>... I love the <span style="color: #e69138;">community</span> and <span style="color: #3d85c6;">support</span> I have found thanks to WW!<br />
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With those things said, I have experience doing Simply Filling (I refer to it as SF) and counting points. The Wendie Plan is a technique used to split up weeklies amongst your week. People often resort to the Wendie Plan when they are at a plateau.<br />
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Here are the pros and cons of Simply Filling and Counting (in my opinion).<br />
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<u><b>Simply Filling:</b></u><br />
<u>Pros:</u><br />
1. SF promotes healthy eating.<br />
2. No counting or measuring of Power Foods necessary.<br />
3. Teaches you to listen to what your body needs.<br />
4. Teaches you to know when you're full.<br />
5. Gives you 49 weeklies which can be used on foods not considered SF.<br />
6. Requires more prep but this prep leads to an easier week overall-->Lunches for the week are ready on Sunday.<br />
7. Get more energy, better skin, better sleep.<br />
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<u>Cons:</u><br />
1. Takes time to meal prep and prepare for your week.<br />
2. Certain things (fat free cheese) are considered SF but IMO they are gross whereas things like avocado (which are amazing) are not considered SF.<br />
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<br />
<b><u>Counting Points:</u></b><br />
<u>Pros:</u><br />
1. Freedom to eat anything you want (in moderation).<br />
2. Fruits and vegetables (for the most part) are 0 points which makes it very easy to incorporate them into meals.<br />
3. Can literally stay on track in any situation.<br />
4. Less prep required.<br />
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<u>Cons:</u><br />
1. Nothing is off limits -->Sometimes the best choices are not made... this can be an issue for me.<br />
2. Supposed to use all of my points daily -->I have had days where I was not very hungry but I would just eat points to eat them, instead of eating because I was hungry.<br />
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In my opinion...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">THE WINNER IS...</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">SIMPLY FILLING!</span></div>
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Although I have the same number of cons for both SF and counting, Simply Filling is my preferred technique of choice! I had a wonderful experience while doing SF and I cannot wait to start it again. Occasionally, I like to mix things up and go back to counting points but I know SF is the best technique for me at this point in my journey. <br />
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If you have questions, please comment below. I am by no means an expert but I truly love following the SF plan and have done a lot of work to be as successful as I can be!<br />
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-25140118129667285542015-04-09T14:28:00.000-07:002015-04-09T14:28:16.267-07:00My Vision BoardThe idea of making a vision board has been floating around #wwsendtheloveteamslim for a while. Recently it was brought up again so I decided that during my Spring Break I would make my very own vision board. I've never made one before so I was not sure what I wanted to do or how I wanted to do it. I decided to make my board all about how I'm currently feeling and to provide motivation for whenever I feel like this is too much!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDq_QDmxt6t_83Igt9SwXxZEjEtyJk59NFtwpmV1KuNVJmrf20hnKufwWxJOq7nrqiQ4hTDz6mWJtHlOWfdvEmCnvF9soYO5GuNI6LgPTAXjEElbCMaE1G2xaMRGD7wjonmfEqvR8lrC6L/s1600/image1+(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDq_QDmxt6t_83Igt9SwXxZEjEtyJk59NFtwpmV1KuNVJmrf20hnKufwWxJOq7nrqiQ4hTDz6mWJtHlOWfdvEmCnvF9soYO5GuNI6LgPTAXjEElbCMaE1G2xaMRGD7wjonmfEqvR8lrC6L/s1600/image1+(18).JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first ever Vision Board!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I am so happy with how my vision board turned out. I made it in three sections.<br />
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Top: Words that I have been trying to live by.<br />
Middle: All inspirational phrases to keep me motivated.<br />
Bottom: The emotions and feelings I have in relation to this journey and my progress.<br />
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I placed my vision board in front of my treadmill so when I want to stop or give up, I push a little harder. I am hopeful this board will help me continue on this journey. I plan on making another vision board. My goal for the second board is to visualize what I want in the future in all areas of my life! Keep your eyes open for that!<br />
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I encourage everyone to make a vision board. Your reasons can be different than mine but it is a nice way to encourage and motivate oneself.<br />
<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-7368639802484818082015-04-08T05:25:00.002-07:002015-04-08T05:25:26.052-07:00To whole30 or not to whole30... THAT is the question!To whole30 or not to whole30... that is the question!<br />
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Last night during Skype, I mentioned the idea of doing whole30... This may sound drastic to some (or all including me) because it makes you eliminate sugars, grains, dairy, and alcohol! The reason I was considering it is because whole30 is something I have wanted to try for over a year and I felt like I might be at a place with enough willpower to succeed. Additionally, there are several main reasons I wanted to give whole30 a try!<br />
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<u>The reasons I want to do whole30 are: </u><br />
1) To challenge myself physically, emotionally, mentally.<br />
2) To change the way I view and use food. (Not turning to it as an emotional crutch, not abusing it)<br />
3) To cut out unnecessary sugars.<br />
4) To pick good, healthy, natural foods (without worrying about high point values).<br />
5) To remove processed foods from my life.<br />
6) To take a break from the pressures of the scale and learn how to REALLY listen to what my body needs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIa3TGmLqXdLkngJoyI48C1KsT4qrOc_DsF2GspgasP6FRIaQk0G2qz4eEcpahZfJbv40IzghrOzsxYI1-xZTx_Q-LbGpf4UBuHiuBaW9GAktmS8cvp1CPskpTbYnxZzLG5xXjZbd2Lcn-/s1600/whole30image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIa3TGmLqXdLkngJoyI48C1KsT4qrOc_DsF2GspgasP6FRIaQk0G2qz4eEcpahZfJbv40IzghrOzsxYI1-xZTx_Q-LbGpf4UBuHiuBaW9GAktmS8cvp1CPskpTbYnxZzLG5xXjZbd2Lcn-/s1600/whole30image1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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After discussing this decision with my bffl Allie, I have come to the decision to not do whole30. As she put it, "If what you're doing is working for you, why change it?" <br />
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Instead of taking this major leap into whole30 I will go back to my true love, Simply Filling. I will try to accomplish the same goals I listed above... but instead of whole30, I will go about it in a less restrictive and more familiar (and awesome) way.<br />
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<u>My Simply Filling Month-long plan: </u><br />
1) Limit bread, pastas, grains, carbs. (Allowed to eat them, just try to cut down)<br />
2) Limit added sugars (buying some Larabars and other whole30 approved items that do not have added sugar) (Stick to fruits and natural sugars instead).<br />
3) NO ALCOHOL for 30 days. (Did this during Lent and it really helped me!)<br />
4) No weighing in for the month of SF. (Stop worrying about the numbers and just pay attention to the journey and how I'm feeling)<br />
5) Eat only when I'm truly hungry. (Try to limit snacking and break old patterns/behavior)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaEU8Ujf_DA3Qfisp4vnLDtMvhBjv6oWjaTQTsHvnKAO7VFRNlmKFnnTsjnzZ5TFzrtk4c9ZS2FsFjmHZeHhx85Bo2YcUQB2zbPfYnQPJvko_I0IBN79Uc6KvGZoGYN491jClEJxzCFe5/s1600/SimplyFilling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaEU8Ujf_DA3Qfisp4vnLDtMvhBjv6oWjaTQTsHvnKAO7VFRNlmKFnnTsjnzZ5TFzrtk4c9ZS2FsFjmHZeHhx85Bo2YcUQB2zbPfYnQPJvko_I0IBN79Uc6KvGZoGYN491jClEJxzCFe5/s1600/SimplyFilling.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Simply Filling is a plan I love and a plan I can stick to. Weight Watchers hasn't let me down yet and I plan to keep it that way! Here's to my month of Simply Filling (starting April 17)... I will OBVIOUSLY keep you posted!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Thanks to Allie and Bridgette, for helping me find my way on this crazy, complicated, up and down journey. You girls helped me to think about my goals and to evaluate the best way to do that at this point in my journey!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-45412448124919284572015-04-06T05:20:00.003-07:002015-04-06T05:29:01.400-07:00Anthony... The Man, the Myth, the Motivator!In one week (4/14/15), Anthony and I will be celebrating our three year wedding anniversary! I cannot believe how fast time has been flying. He is truly an amazing guy and I am blessed every single day we spend together. He is goofy, funny, silly, smart, hot, and an all around amazing husband. He is a dedicated son, uncle, brother, brother-in-law, and son-in-law. He is extremely athletic and has had many amazing life experiences. He's the kind of guy that you could put in a room of strangers and he would end up making many new friends.<br />
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This morning, he pulls me aside to show me a passage in the book he is reading, "The Warrior Within" by Bruce Lee. My husband is very involved in Martial Arts and he loves everything related to Martial Arts. So when he told me to read the passage, all I could think was, "Great, I'm going to see someone doing Karate or speaking words of wisdom like Mr. Miyagi." Instead, this is what I read...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrU2H7iLmDMTnSPI8XLruwT9PLAZCnKp2zwSm6kDMERSVsSdOndWd5F_JfO0dH5qHmZ8kgnQUfHrTP-8UgXlybcygHnJAAJnZD9f0DoiBBUt0D2sVu5xH8gSVG1Q1t8iLrKVN7o5MOJlse/s1600/image3+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrU2H7iLmDMTnSPI8XLruwT9PLAZCnKp2zwSm6kDMERSVsSdOndWd5F_JfO0dH5qHmZ8kgnQUfHrTP-8UgXlybcygHnJAAJnZD9f0DoiBBUt0D2sVu5xH8gSVG1Q1t8iLrKVN7o5MOJlse/s1600/image3+(2).jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I was stunned. This passage was so beautiful, such a wonderful way to talk about a couple. Anthony said to me, "When I read this, I thought of us." My heart literally melted. I am so lucky to have a man that thinks so much of us as a married couple. </div>
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Not only is Anthony an amazing husband and an awesome friend... He's my biggest supporter! He constantly encourages me on this journey. He supports my crazy/awesome obsession with all things #wwsendtheloveteamslim related. He understands when I am spending hours on Skype with my girls. He helps me to stay motivated, even when I'm feeling down. He makes sure to let me know I look BEAUTIFUL... That I look thinner... That I'm shrinking... That I'm kicking serious ass! Without him, this journey would be much more difficult.</div>
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With all of this said about Anthony, I do have many other amazing people in my life who support everything I have been doing. He is just that constant motivator and cheerleader. I know I can always turn to him and he will be there. </div>
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Writing this is making me feel a little emotional because we have been through a lot together and I could not think of a better person to spend the rest of my life with. He really completes me (no matter how cheesy that may sound)! I look forward to a lifetime together... I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish together!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAwAGE42dsXkvfGQcFq7vrrqrm7-M2oT9bTuW8Gu3UcHfCjfR1iGuSnd8PlYP91RQhy9cj1YMPcEn2SZOXjbVxdItBxAiXI6yTIkgOffgro6-2BlE0UW1nmM5VarM4X_bqn6roLJqudpe/s1600/0450+Stephanie+and+Anthony-8838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAwAGE42dsXkvfGQcFq7vrrqrm7-M2oT9bTuW8Gu3UcHfCjfR1iGuSnd8PlYP91RQhy9cj1YMPcEn2SZOXjbVxdItBxAiXI6yTIkgOffgro6-2BlE0UW1nmM5VarM4X_bqn6roLJqudpe/s1600/0450+Stephanie+and+Anthony-8838.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPryzRnA9mEvY3TwtXM9g718ieFk1XpSdEa87mgmuIWO4yY9EZgIQPv1KFv0pXnORP8866ImGGI3EWjassMBQAPPBR_rhTVMN1p0hVj0ypkp_55mkUFpvYGyhCCQexZG8QYKArZqcCOTZb/s1600/0597+Stephanie+and+Anthony-9062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPryzRnA9mEvY3TwtXM9g718ieFk1XpSdEa87mgmuIWO4yY9EZgIQPv1KFv0pXnORP8866ImGGI3EWjassMBQAPPBR_rhTVMN1p0hVj0ypkp_55mkUFpvYGyhCCQexZG8QYKArZqcCOTZb/s1600/0597+Stephanie+and+Anthony-9062.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGbvQAr5nTjX4_ZVerEtsDw8997ZVl1qG1aKKaDLfd3uI7XPvGmVbuFR2-VxcWnvLBR_7_R59Qp7d3ozvV_ZAAFKcCRH5nKC_M9_wbonFvSZVl31zZEkfc-U_A88BSzRhwTmyq78XzLyk/s1600/0557a+Stephanie+and+Anthony-8956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGbvQAr5nTjX4_ZVerEtsDw8997ZVl1qG1aKKaDLfd3uI7XPvGmVbuFR2-VxcWnvLBR_7_R59Qp7d3ozvV_ZAAFKcCRH5nKC_M9_wbonFvSZVl31zZEkfc-U_A88BSzRhwTmyq78XzLyk/s1600/0557a+Stephanie+and+Anthony-8956.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 14, 2012: The best day of my life!!!!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899191867477380498.post-81265086803066366272015-04-05T10:55:00.000-07:002015-04-05T10:55:49.646-07:00Easter Sunday... Like that's an excuse!Hi Everyone. First and foremost, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter and a Happy Passover! <br />
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With that being said, holidays are filled with <span style="color: red;">love</span>, <span style="color: magenta;">family</span>, <span style="color: blue;">happiness</span>, and <u><b>FOOD</b></u>. The food involved with holidays has always been (and may always be) a struggle for me. When do I learn to say, "thanks but no thanks" to the donut that's staring me down or the cheese and cracker plate or the delicious Pizzagaina? I am constantly working on listening to my body and making improvements... just doing better than I did last time. At this point, that's really all I can do!<br />
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Let me start talking about this specific weekend by saying I am in no way perfect and I will never pretend to be perfect. I am just continuously choosing to make better choices as I continue along on this journey. <br />
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Yesterday (4/4/15), I went to my Aunt-in-law's house to make <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roccamonfina" target="_blank">Pizzagaina</a>. I started the morning off with a kaiser roll and some scrambled eggs. I counted it and moved on. As the day progressed, the pizzagaina started to roll out of the oven. I had a slice (which I counted)... Shortly after that, the pizza came out of the oven, I had some (which I counted)... Shortly after that, I ate a donut (which I counted). Now, did I make the best decisions ever? NO. Could it have been worse? Definitely! There are two key things that I want to highlight as a success for this day.<br />
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<b><u>Successes of Pizzagaina Day:</u></b><br />
#1: I tracked everything I ate.<br />
#2: Instead of eating all I mentioned above and chugging some regular soda to wash it all down, I stuck to my water... A lot of water!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXkV42hnOXi-npjIk-Wneef42Q8XAiZIdNyk-hWeTVzf2yTJ9Y13lGEXMlsm78uEYgexJmzUGX64IouSN3SVfg2lyl6YP4ljl_rTVSaVpSkuopUvfenis0YEQHaoXcIJBHh4pqpfWHJrE/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXkV42hnOXi-npjIk-Wneef42Q8XAiZIdNyk-hWeTVzf2yTJ9Y13lGEXMlsm78uEYgexJmzUGX64IouSN3SVfg2lyl6YP4ljl_rTVSaVpSkuopUvfenis0YEQHaoXcIJBHh4pqpfWHJrE/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trays of pizzagaina!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_hkLrza6Nsbshydoj3hSvbQL08nTuiLCBbcV840pufbRnxtVdhQr_TzyS2O7W-RsVFhZzO5DNpiH-YvG3QFzDFP6_MBQxw3bYaerd-TPxRROwjB6h2I5pdUXkmC8B6Bzw8DjtsaTWQTM/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_hkLrza6Nsbshydoj3hSvbQL08nTuiLCBbcV840pufbRnxtVdhQr_TzyS2O7W-RsVFhZzO5DNpiH-YvG3QFzDFP6_MBQxw3bYaerd-TPxRROwjB6h2I5pdUXkmC8B6Bzw8DjtsaTWQTM/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My slice of pizzagaina!</td></tr>
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Every little change I find myself making is having an impact on my life! It is making me feel accomplished... successful even. The icing on this cake was that when I got home, I decided to hit the treadmill. My three mile time was obliterated (knocked 1 minute, thirty seconds off of it). <br />
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I am choosing to focus on the positives of my weekend instead of the negatives. By trying to focus on the positives, I am not allowing myself to slip down the slippery slope of over-eating and minimal activity. As I write this blog, I am so happy with the changes I am making in my life. <br />
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Today (Easter Sunday), I will be going out to eat with my dad for Easter. We are going to be having Chinese food. I already have my food tracked and I know what I'm going to eat. On top of being prepared with food choices, I did FIVE, yes, FIVE miles on the treadmill!<br />
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I feel unstoppable and I love it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-Gm3iPwZR9pyabShfsIT0YlrWZrRV4w5ZUsJ0P4eOl6JJbgM_y6qYLZ0PZvtYtL7GQGhGX1cFt1Nzj0PegrPaasy98XgTLKvO7_agzmTu614PGIQ7ndseUQCi6zKrpS9qZVLlXJcJ6bh/s1600/image2+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-Gm3iPwZR9pyabShfsIT0YlrWZrRV4w5ZUsJ0P4eOl6JJbgM_y6qYLZ0PZvtYtL7GQGhGX1cFt1Nzj0PegrPaasy98XgTLKvO7_agzmTu614PGIQ7ndseUQCi6zKrpS9qZVLlXJcJ6bh/s1600/image2+(6).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Next obstacle: </u></div>
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Going to Newport, RI with the hubby for two days. </div>
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But I'm not worried... Because I'm <u><b>prepared</b></u>!</div>
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<a href="http://s762.photobucket.com/user/tristastewartphotography/media/image.jpg4_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo image.jpg4_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx262/tristastewartphotography/image.jpg4_1.jpg" /></a>Stephanie G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05975477011265386763noreply@blogger.com4