Fitness Friday & 10 Day Cleanse Eats

I am super pumped this time around for my cleanse.  The first time I wasn't as strict as I should've been, and those initial pounds were hard to budge.  I think a lot of it had to do with my lack of sleep, and now that baby boy is SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT -- (can I get a whoop whoop?!) I feel so much better getting sleep.   I literally feel like garbage when I don't get enough sleep, so if you're lacking in the sleep department, make sure you do your best to get some shut eye!!



I was originally going to start while hubby was working his crazy sale, but since I got sick, I could barely eat anything, I decided to wait.  I almost was going to wait until after we get back from vacation, but I really wanted to clean my system out since I had taken SO much tylenol and advil because of my fever and I really wanted to get this super probiotics in my belly!

I made my start date 6/22 (so that I could finish before the Fourth of July!) and one of my good friends is cleansing with me, so that's always fun!!

I decided to really try to take pictures of my meals this time around. Not only does it hold me accountable, but it also helps other see what one eats on our cleanse.  Now, keeping in mind I am not training for a body building competition or really looking to slash my weight drastically.  I just want to continue to nourish my body properly, feel better, and yes, get back to feeling good about myself.  My clothes are fitting from pre-pregnancy, but I still have some extra cushion around my belly and want to define my muscles more.

Workouts:
M-walk w/ the kids
T-family walk
W- upper body
Thurs- rest
F- Lower body

Monday:
Breakfast- 2 scrambled eggs w/ leafy greens, ezekial toast & I share the bowl of berries with Brooke & Joe.
Snack- orange & cashews
Lunch- I pounded chicken breasts, a little evoo & italian seasoning in the oven, salad (dressing is a little evoo & balsamic vinegar) and sautéed some summer squash.
Snack- More chicken, hummus, tomatoes
Snack- Protein Shake blended w/ ice YUMM
Dinner- Mahi Mahi [recipe here] with quinoa & broccoli

I cannot express how much more water I have been drinking! I have filled up an extra pitcher and my brita.  You'll also find my water bottles all over the place. I LOVE this one I just bought!

Tuesday:
Breakfast- Oatmeal, splash of unsweetened cashew milk, fruit & a dash of cinnamon
Snack--Ok, disclaimer, you really should wait til day 11, but I just had to know how these bad boys tasted!!  Plus, I was running out the door to grocery shop and it was meant to be.
Lunch- Leftover mahi mahi, quinoa and broccoli
Snack- Chicken, hummus, squash
Dinner-Grilled chicken wings (oh, I missed the hot sauce & blue cheese) but I had mine with sea salt.  Tomatoes on my leafy greens, evoo & balsamic vinegar
Snack/post walk- protein shake (my hubby and Brooke had ice cream! LOL)

Wednesday:
Breakfast- Two eggs over easy, 1/4 avo & ezekial toast
Snack-watermelon & cashews
Lunch- last of the chicken, squash and broccoli
Snack/post workout- Protein shake
Snack-banana & organic PB [I find it easier to monitor the pb this way!]
Dinner- Sushi! I get it without the rice, squeeze fresh lemon & watch the soy sauce.

Thursday:

Breakfast- two scrambled eggs with leafy greens, 1/4 avo and ezekial toast
snack-watermelon & cashews
Lunch-  I was not prepared, but hungry, so oatmeal & a scoop of vanilla protein
Snack-carrot & avo
Dinner- I had thrown a whole chicken in the slow cooker, so I had that & asparagus
Snack- banana & pb

What's keeping me sane? My second cup of Spark in PINK LEMONADE OMG.  Seriously, I look forward to it every day. I try to do it before a workout with 3 catalyst, and I think that makes a huge difference.

Overall, I am doing much better this time around.  I am in a great groove with the kids, I am in a great mood because I am grateful to be healthy! Getting sick really shook me a few weeks ago.  I truly believe it was the universe giving me a big old bitch slap.  Ya heard.  I was in a weird funk/spot and getting sick just stopped me in my tracks and changed my outlook on everything.  

I have to say that a whole chicken is the way to go!! I also took time to meal plan in the beginning of the week. It's tricky because Joe can't eat a lot of veggies and nothing brown rice or quinoa, so sometimes I am making 4 different meals (Brookie is picky at breakfast lately) but the key for me is to make a big batch and just eat it for a few days. I store it in containers in the fridge and can grab/go.  Once you make it a habit, you don't think twice.  I have noticed that I feel better, I'm sleeping better and have energy to get through the day, if I've planned out my meals.

I also have noticed how many damn times I would have put "this or that" in my mouth, just because.  Brooke didn't finish a cracker.  I'm scooping out leftover pasta to put in the fridge.  Here and there all add up and I am so happy I have stopped that habit.  It also makes me excited to indulge in the future and really enjoy (a glass of wine or a cheeseburger) but again to not eat those things all of the time.  

So that's the scoop, 5 days in and 5 more to go and then onto the max phase! 

24 Day Challenge {results and a contest!}

Last week I wrapped up my first 24 Day Challenge since having baby #2.  It was of course a success, and although I was not 100% "on point" with my eating or workouts, I still made progress and that is what matters most!  

It really brings me back to the root of AdvoCare; it's never a fad diet, it's a lifestyle change.  Sure, in 24 days you can lose some weight, but more than anything, it's about making healthier choices, eating better food, finding more energy (to want to workout!) and getting better sleep.  Now, having a newborn does make the quality of sleep kind of difficult, but I assure you that the Spark and MNS E certainly help with that!!

Ok ok, so if you even read that part above, thank you, but what you are most likely are here to see are my stats.  Part of my readers may want to just see if my baby belly has shrunk, or if the scale has been tipped.

My before/after photo--not as clear as I would like, as I deleted my original, but I think it shows what's up!

(pic on the right is about 3 months post partum)

My measurements:

Starting: 

bust 39     
waist 40.5
hips 41
left thigh 23
right thigh 23
right calf 14.5
left calf 14.5
left bicep 12
right bicep 12
neck 12.5

After 10 day cleanse:

bust 37.5
waist 38
hips 38
left thigh 22
right thigh 22
left calf 14
right calf 14
left bicep 11
right bicep 11
neck 12.5


After full 24 days:

bust 36
waist 37
hips 37
left thigh 22
right thigh 22
left calf 14
right calf 14
left bicep 11
right bicep 11
neck 12

Totally inches lost: 16 inches

And I haven't grabbed my phone in the am (when I weigh) but 

Starting weight: 155.2  
Ending weight: 152.3

My pre-pregnancy weight was 137…and that took me from August 2013-May 2014 to achieve. Not that I am stuck on a number, but I just know how GOOD I felt in my skin, my clothes and just overall health wise.  So, I know I have some work to do, but I am also trying to be kind to myself.  It's not easy; you are your own worst critic, and though I VOW to never body shame myself in front of my daughter, I'd be lying if I said I love every inch on my body. There are many bumps, dimples and just extra skin…and I don't find stretch marks appealing, BUT I know that my body was able to grow TWO healthy babies and that is what matters most.  It may not be perfect, but it is mine and I will treat my body as best as I can.  Sometimes I wish a mirror weren't invented, as it can be just too much sometimes.  But, I will stay positive and become stronger and just keep pushing every day!

SO, my lbs aren't shedding as fast as I would love them to, but THAT'S OK.  I know what I have to do, and I am not where I want to be, so I will continue.  My plan of attack?

1.) Continue eating clean 80-90% of the time.  I know that I do enjoy my wine from time to time, but am trying to replace it with Oasis, unless we are out socially.  I also love my Sushi with rice, and after being prego again, ya really miss certain things, so I don't deny.  I do pull out the Carb ease though!

2.) Continue workouts.  I have found something out about myself {not really that shocking if you know me} I don't like to be told what to do. Ha.  No really, I tried to stick with the t-25 program and although I love the workouts, I don't like "having to do that workout"---lame, I know.  But I do love to move, so either I do the elliptical, PIYO or T-25, or another random Jillian Michaels, a Yoga, or even walk the kids in their stroller.  My motto is JUST MOVE.  Some people are total workout freaks, that's not me.  I love to feel good and look good, but I don't love to workout my whole day.

3.)  Supplements:

Catty 3x a day
Thermoplus once in the am
MNS currently on 3, it's what I had on hand. I prefer E
Spark 2x a day
Arginine extreme before a workout
Fiber drink as needed
Carb ease as needed
Rehydrate as needed
Omegaplex after meals 
Oasis as needed
Nighttime Recovery
Slim --it's nice to sub in the afternoon 
Fibotrim as needed (before a fatty meal)
Coffeecino as needed (instead of a fat induced fancy latte)
Meal replacement Shakes & Advo Bars - I sub at least one of these bad boys a day for one of my 5-6 small meals
Muscle Gain Protein after workout

I clearly love my Advo.  I know to some people it may seem like a lot of products, which I guess it is, but I will tell you **knock on wood** I have been around a lot of sick people (including my husband) and I am feeling healthy still!! I have to say it's because of what I am putting into my body.

My goal?  I will feel good in my bikini this summer.  I may or may not have ordered this little VS number for inspiration...

Love this shirt.

As always, quotes keep me going…



I listened to 100 Ways to motivate yourself and this quote struck me..

So if you're interested in a little fun and prizes, join us!! My team and I are hosting a small little contest to promote good health and are super excited to see everyone's results. 

I cannot wait to be feeling my best in a bathing suit this Summer.  

** As always, I am an AdvoCare Distributor and these are my personal results.  I am not a Dr. or a nutritionist, so be sure to check with your health care providers before jumping into any new regime.  These are just my thoughts and opinions that I write about here, and more than anything it's a place to journal my experiences and to look back one day, and see how far I've come with my health.  

Last Challenge of Summer

If you remember, it was about a year ago I started my first 24 Day Challenge with AdvoCare. [here]  It was actually the beginning of my journey towards being a healthier version of me; a stronger version of me; overall, a BETTER ME!!  While I obviously cannot cleanse or use some products, I can hold myself accountable for eating cleaner.  I am NOT eating for two this time; I am enjoying foods in moderation, but still really trying to maintain my 80/20 rule.

Looking at that photo below, I'm like oh my goodness, I think my stomach is smaller right now 4 months prego than it was 6 months postpartum!! And in 24 days, look at that.  What a reminder that ANYTHING is possible, just focus and believe.

My girlfriend is doing a challenge so I am throwing it out there, who wants to join us?  I need to hold myself a little more accountable and back to eating clean foods, and MORE greens!  I would love to have a little support group here.

I know that I feel more positive when I eat cleaner and move more too; if you're stuck in a rut, just try it!!

I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little jealous that we can now "build your own bundles" and mix up whatever flavors you want!!  How cool.  I would STRONGLY encourage the add-ons, Thermoplus, Catalyst and Carb-ease.   With that, I must once again thank my friend Nikki for pushing me, when I needed it.  Thanks friend/coach!!  She is such a fireball and is doing such a great job with her new bundle of joy.  Love ya girl!

I am forever grateful for her interrupting my life and I know I say it a lot, but I will NEVER be on a diet--and Brooke will NEVER hear me say that.  I know it is so crucial for children, especially girls, to not be bombarded with thinking that they're fat, or mom is constantly trying to crash diet etc.  On top of it, all while getting healthy, I am still able to continue to our family's finances.  I still am in awe of that.  

So Summer is still rocking and you've got one more chance to challenge before Fall!  It's not easy, but I promise it will be worth it.  

Updates {cleansing and such}

Not to get all cheesy on you, but I am so grateful and blessed for Danielle and Nikki to have shared AdvoCare with me.  I really think it's funny (now) to look back at my former self and see how ridiculous I was being.  I had every excuse in the book, and I used them all, as to why those "last 10 pounds" would not budge.  [The oh, woe is me post here]

I would have never in a million years dreamt that my journey with AdvoCare would lead me to where I am today.  Sure I have lost weight and feel awesome {what mama doesn't want more energy and to fit into her skinny jeans?!} but I also continue finding myself.  It pushes me to read leadership books, get on phone calls, connect with people, and it gives me hope.

Do you still dream?  You should.  You know that saying, if your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough.  For some reason, we tend to just get comfortable. We settle for average.  The average American is overweight.  The average American has loads of debt. The average American eats junk food….

Bla.
Bla.
Bla.
Bla.
Bla.

When I heard that, it downright bothered me.  I don't want to be average.  Is it bad to be just average?

In my head average was like in school, what, a C?  This girl didn't want a C. Or a B.  I wanted an A.

I still want an A in life. I want to know that I gave my all, did my best, and that one day I'll look back when I'm old and gray and smile because I lived a full and beautiful life.

There are times when I want to just stay in my cozy bed and pout because I haven't seen the grass or the sun in what feels like years, but really just days or weeks.  There are times I want to be lazy and do nothing…

And then? I read some more of my book, The Traveler's Gift.  [Disclaimer: everyone should own a copy of this book.] It took me back to my teaching days and how optimistic Anne Frank was.  I teared up as I pictured the room she stayed in, without going outside for fresh air.  In 2010 Joe and I went to Amsterdam and visited the Annex.

How dare I not be grateful for all that I have and all that I can be happy for.

Thank you for that reminder.

So even though most people are simply interested in the weight loss, this journey is so special to me and  I love how it's helping me through days that may not seem so great. [Like today, when Joe is sick with Crohn's and Brooke continues to fight off her Bronchiolitis/RSV and again fun family day plans are cancelled.]

It's more than just a Spark for me.  It's more than a number on the scale.  That's great and all, but the real relationships I continue to build, the more I work on myself, the happier I become.  I also just LOVE getting positive feedback from people who are on their journeys as well.

So with that off of my heart, onto the cleanse…

I keep it pretty simple and kind of routine, as the meals I eat are completely different from Joe's.  That's ok though, it helps keep me in line!

I eat 6 times a day. Every 2-3 hours, whenever I'm getting hungry I eat.  The first 10 days I try so hard to make it as clean as possible--no dairy, no processed, no refined sugar, no white starch.

For example:
Breakfast: Egg and fruit
Snack: Orange and almonds
Lunch: Salad with chicken breast
Snack: Apple & almond butter
Dinner: Clean Crockpot burrito w/ black beans and avocado
Dessert: Chia pudding with berries

I even made myself Chia Pudding-- Thank you Alison for sharing that recipe!

It was almond milk and it thickens with the chia seeds.

SUPER filling and really not that bad at all!

I know how tiresome it is to clean the dishes after every meal. To feel like the sink is never empty. That I am peeing every hour---but to me? That is WORTH it.  I always go back to my mom's "oxygen mask theory."  If you don't take care of yourself and put yourself first once in awhile, NOTHING will get done and NO ONE will get taken care of properly.

So to me, the excuse of "I don't have time to cleanse" is just that. An excuse. If you want to get healthier and feel better, you make time.  It's worth it, trust me.

WOW moment:

A pair of jeans that have not fit this booty since I was 26.  {as in when I first met Joe!!}

Still working on trimming the little muffin top…pardon the pink bra.

THAT impressed me.  I still don't feel "super comfy" in them, as there is no stretch, but the fact that they zipped up and fit over my butt? Woop!

I say this a lot to everyone I coach. I saw this posted and it's so true--

80% of what you eat should be clean.  That way you have 20% for wiggle room--to enjoy something deliciously naughty.  I hate saying "cheat" but let's be real. If you ate burger-like foods 80% of the time, you're not gonna feel well or look your best.

I cannot stress this enough; it's NOT a diet.  It really does teach you how to eat and what to eat.  Sure it's a "24 Day Challenge" but it's meant to transform you for life. It did for me and so many others.

Some of my positive texts this week! I have some real dedicated friends I am helping out. I love helping them get healthy and see results!!

And I cannot remember if I shared a photo or not, but this is Rachel.  Mama has it GOING ON!  She is 55 pounds lighter since starting her AdvoCare journey.  And? She is a nursing mama.  She is still giving her little girl all that good milk and losing weight.  The best part?? She is a SAHM who is now on track to making $500-1000 extra a month. How incredible?  I am so proud of you; you give me inspiration for when I get prego again one day! Keep on rocking Rachel!

So as of today, (day 8) I am feeling great. I lost 2 pounds in the first few days and have kept that off. Again, I wasn't looking to lose weight, I just really wanted to reset my eating habits and work on toning my muscles.  {especially my core--it is my weak spot}

#BEDN

Happy November!! As the husband and I were driving home from trick-or-treating last night, I said to him, how happy I was that we had an awesome October, but I am ready to bring on November.  With that said, here I am, starting the month off RIGHT by doing a few things.

One, being that I decided I wanted to sign up and commit to blogging every day in November. #BEDN I love blogging, and I think that if I schedule times and things I really enjoy doing, it forces me to get the stuff that I have to get done, and creates a better balance of feeling whole and happy.  I enjoy writing about all aspects of life, from my daughter, my husband, cooking, health, fashion...and I always want to be a DIYer but, most of them are flops, there's no finished product and I don't share them on the blog...

With #BEDN, there is a calender of topics we can choose from, and if I feel like writing about something else? That's cool too! The point is to follow through and blog every single day no matter what!

So, hello any new readers! I am Jenn. I was an English teacher for 8 years, then decided to become a housewife, which quickly turned into a stay at home mom.  My baby girl is almost 10 months old, and she is seriously the highlight of our lives! We just have so much fun with her!  I've been married to my husband for 3.5 years and are coming up on our 6 years of being together in January.  It's so crazy how time flies! Things aren't always perfect, sunshine and roses, but I always try to focus on the good.  Life is a gift and we really try to cherish it.

While I love staying home with Brooke, I love that I can help people with AdvoCare. It doesn't hurt to contribute to our monthly income either! Good health is so important, and more than anything I want everyone to feel as great as I do, with these products.  I started my 24 day challenge today, so I am excited about that!  The first 10 days are my "cleanse" phase, where you avoid all fatty, processed, fried foods, along with dairy, alcohol, and I choose to give up coffee, because with that coffee always comes creamer...So I am enjoying my Spark.  

I already am very impressed with myself, because I would have had several pieces of candy, some hash-browns, and said creamer...with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, I really needed {reminder} that I don't NEED all these cookies and junk. I stress 90/10 [90% clean eating, 10% not] and I know I am not always super aware of how much I am eating, so this 24 day challenge puts me back in my place!  I really want to be happy with how I look in holiday photos, so that is my main purpose to tighten up my eaten habits, workout more and be healthy. If you're wanting to get back on track with your eating, let me know!!

So will you join in and BEDN? Let me know so I can read your blog! Have a fabulous Friday friends.

[sneak peek of our little one's Halloween!]

What Can I do for You?

Hi Friends!! I went away for the weekend, but I am back now!

 I am so excited to meet a few new readers here, from my guest post over at Erin's blog.  Hello, and welcome!! I had a lovely weekend out in the country visiting a dear friend and her family.  I will say that it was a little hard being away from my husband, and it was a little difficult for him to be away from us!  I am happy to be home, but there is much cleaning and laundry to do....not to mention how hard I'm working on growing my AdvoCare business!







It's been so amazing for myself to be on this healthy journey, and I must say as great as I feel, I just love the feeling of helping others almost a little bit more.  I didn't realize how much I missed that aspect of teaching.  While I have no desire to step foot into a classroom, I am in love with this business of helping people feel their best.

What can I do for you?!

Labor Day is a pretty big party weekend, perhaps a little cleanse would help? {I lost 7 lbs on it!}

Or kick off the new school year with a complete and total new you with the 24 day bundle!

Every busy household should have a canister of SPARK!

Meal replacements for busy moms on the go: {I am willing to send out samples at $6 if you'd like to try a few, instead of buying the whole box at once, just ask!}

What I love about this company, is that there truly is something for everyone.

 You just have to want it badly enough.  I hear so many people talk about the price being an issue, which I can agree it does cost some money...but I promise you, the feeling of sliding into your favorite shorts or pants or the amount of energy you have to keep up with your daily routine, is WORTH it!!
Products I will continue to take:
*Catalyst
*Thermoplus
*Spark
*Omegaplex
*Coreplex
*Rehydrate
*Meal Replacement Shakes

I will be doing a post 24 day challenge post, I promise!! Life is a little crazy, and I'm loving every minute of it!!


This weekend we are headed to the lake, which I cannot wait for.  I am hoping to get some free time soon enough to catch up on many things, but I wanted to wish everyone a happy and healthy start to your week! 

Thoughts & Updates

I hope you're having an awesome day!! It's such a beautiful day here (again) I am so excited. I have lots of errands to do today, so the sun shining always helps!  I am hoping to find some tasty treats at Trader Joe's and stocking up on some essentials at Wegmans.  It will be the first time little miss Brooke will ride in the big girl part of the cart--wish us luck!!  


24 Day Challenge Update:
I'm on day 20 and I still cannot believe how amazing I feel, how many awesome people are here to support me, and what a difference 20 days has made.  I know that I will continue using the products to further my results, but I can't complain.  I am so happy where I'm at and I know I'll just keep getting better!! This cute workout top [from Target] is a medium.  I haven't worn it since I bought it over a month ago, because I felt uncomfortable in it.  Now?  I have some room to spare!!  And a medium pair of running shorts now fit, my larges are big.  WINNING!!

Numbers?

Down 8 lbs and roughly 11 inches.  That's a whole dress size!!

I'll admit too, I'm not a crazy workout person.  I love to walk, do Yoga, Zumba once in awhile, but eating clean & these products have really changed my life.  You don't have to kill yourself in a gym, to feel better. I promise!!

My mama is also on the challenge and one of my favorite texts was this last week:

See? It's not just about the numbers on the scale or how the clothes fit, it helps us feel better overall!  I couldn't ask for more.  Thank you so much AdvoCare!!  I'm also proud to say that I can go 20 days without coffee, as I know it's a slight addiction that I have.  Spark has done its job [and then some!]  I love it so much, be on the lookout for a giveaway soon!!

It's all about believing and achieving.

I am still trying to be creative in the kitchen.  Joe needs his carbs, and I need my veggies.  I went a little West Coast with our lunch yesterday--

Turkey bacon, spinach, whole wheat pita.  Instead of mayo, I mashed up an avocado and threw in a hard boiled egg for a little more protein. 

Menu:
Monday- Crockpot Artichoke/Spinach Chicken {I had over broccoli, Joe ate w/ Orzo}
Tuesday- Italian Marinated Venison Steaks on the grill
Wednesday- Grilled Shrimp
Thursday- Turkey Loaf
Friday- Visiting my friend for the weekend!! Hubs, you're on your own!! :)


And of course, baby toes are delicious...

Have a fabulous day!

WeeKend FuN in the SuN!

Happy Monday!!

Our weekend FLEW by and was SO much fun!! I feel like our summer started off a little slowly, but we are just soaking up every last second now!!

Friday night we went on a walk down Park Ave {aka the trendy part of our small city} and grabbed a bite to eat.   Saturday was full of the usual, taking care of the baby, running Joe up some sushi for lunch while he worked, and then I got to get all dolled up for a night out! 

Thanks to my instagram peeps for helping me choose a little yellow number.   Seriously, if it weren't for AdvoCare, I would NOT have as much confidence or be getting my body back.  I am so proud of myself and very excited for what these products have done for me.  I'm on day 19 of my challenge and couldn't be happier.  I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to feel and look her best.  I'm telling you, it's changed my life.

My mother-in-law came over to watch Brooke [thank you thank you thank you!!] and off hubby and I went to his work event.  We need to take more pictures...we always forget! 

It was so nice to get out of the house, see some people from his work, and then we met up with some friends and my brother for a few drinks downtown.  I had so much fun!!

Sunday we got up and met some more friends down at the lake.  They invited us on their awesome new boat and we enjoyed being on the water and seeing the babies play.

 Blake is so adorable! I love how cute they are!!

Lil Miss is turning into quite the ham in front of the camera!!

 Daddy & Daughter

After our boat ride, we hurried home so I could run off to my first ever Fantasy Football Draft. Holy. Cow. I was so nervous!! I'm not that skilled in football, and I'm really just a newbie when it comes to what positions are etc.  I think I did pretty well, even though my husband said I don't need 3 quarterbacks--oops!  I will have to watch a lot more ESPN and keep a little more in touch with the games this year!! Wish me luck!! My team name? 

Trophy Wife

Bahaha.  I just couldn't resist.

It's another beautiful day here in New York & I have lots to clean and do.  I hope you had a wonderful weekend and that you make today a really great one.

xoxo