Friday, May 31, 2013

Fixing the problem

**Apparently Blogger hates me and didn't want you guys to read a good portion of my previous post.  I fixed it, kind of.  Here's the text that was messed up in the previous post. You'll have to scroll down if you want to see the pictures :)**

I know I promised you guys pictures of my CSA box.  Well, here they are, FINALLY.  A week late.  Sorry.  I've been trying to get my emotional crap under control. I'm adjusting to the summer schedule with all 3 kids home.  Plus, we're potty training (which is going really well, it's just... potty training.  LOL.  Moms will understand that statement).

I had a mini meltdown while out to dinner with my husband on Monday. To be honest, I'm feeling better post-meltdown.  Apparently I was holding onto some stuff and hadn't acknowledged it.  It felt good to let it out.  It was slightly embarrassing to break down in tears in a restaurant, but I don't think anyone noticed...

So, the month of May was pretty bad for me.  I made a lot of nutritionally poor choices.  The scale is up, which is a direct reflection of the choices I made.  Kristen at Change of Pace is doing another Whole30 in June.  I hadn't planned on doing another Whole30 for a while, but after some analysis of my behaviors during my April Whole30, I decided to do another, with the concentration on correcting food behaviors that are issues for me.  Mostly, I didn't correct my food issues last time, I just replaced the foods I was using to comfort eat.  Instead of eating 4 pieces of buttered bread, I ate large bowls of dried fruit & nuts.  Or nut butters by the spoonful.  Overeating is still overeating, no matter what the food choice. I need to focus on changing my responses.  I really like the way I feel when I eat whole foods.  I look and feel better.  I'm going to spend June focusing on making good food decisions, based on hunger, not emotions.  If I need to chew gum to help me through some of those phases, I will.  I'm not going to freak out if my husband marinates our steaks in beer.  I'm going to keep my green smoothies (dairy free).  June's Whole30 will be about improving habits and recognizing sub-par behaviors.  Positive steps forward.

June Whole30 & CSA Boxes

I know I promised you guys pictures of my CSA box.  Well, here they are, FINALLY.  A week late.  Sorry.  I've been trying to get my emotional crap under control. I'm adjusting to the summer schedule with all 3 kids home.  Plus, we're potty training (which is going really well, it's just... potty training.  LOL.  Moms will understand that statement). 

I had a mini meltdown while out to dinner with my husband on Monday. To be honest, I'm feeling better post-meltdown.  Apparently I was holding onto some stuff and hadn't acknowledged it.  It felt good to let it out.  It was slightly embarrassing to break down in tears in a restaurant, but I don't think anyone noticed... 

So, the month of May was pretty bad for me.  I made a lot of nutritionally poor choices.  The scale is up, which is a direct reflection of the choices I made.  Kristen at Change of Pace is doing another Whole30 in June.  I hadn't planned on doing another Whole30 for a while, but after some analysis of my behaviors during my April Whole30, I decided to do another, with the concentration on correcting food behaviors that are issues for me.  Mostly, I didn't correct my food issues last time, I just replaced the foods I was using to comfort eat.  Instead of eating 4 pieces of buttered bread, I ate large bowls of dried fruit & nuts.  Or nut butters by the spoonful.  Overeating is still overeating, no matter what the food choice. I need to focus on changing my responses.  I really like the way I feel when I eat whole foods.  I look and feel better.  I'm going to spend June focusing on making good food decisions, based on hunger, not emotions.  If I need to chew gum to help me through some of those phases, I will.  I'm not going to freak out if my husband marinates our steaks in beer.  I'm going to keep my green smoothies (dairy free).  June's Whole30 will be about improving habits and recognizing sub-par behaviors.  Positive steps forward.

Veggie portion of my first CSA Box

Berries anyone??

I snapped this pic for Instagram.  Love taking my workouts outside...

My 2nd CSA box... look at all that yumminess!!!
I also got strawberries, cherries and blueberries!

The kids, blueberry picking.
Plus...
Dinner!  Such randomness, but sooooo good!

I won't be doing daily Whole30 posts, but don't worry, I'll post favorite recipes & meals along the way.  Last night's dinner is a prime example.  I grabbed what was available and it turned out fantastic.  I need to go grocery shopping today so all I had was canned salmon.  I made a quick salmon patty, topped with a fried egg, and a side of veggies.  If you've never sauteed radishes, I highly recommend it!  They are delicious!!!!! My husband (and I) were so surprised! I'm going to try roasting them next.  Supposedly they're delicious prepared that way too....

Have you tried anything new that surprised you? Do you have any goals for June?

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Train for AWESOMENESS!

I'm still kinda of battling a funky mood.  Having a difficult time being consistent with my good habits.  Today I'm feeling great.  Yesterday was "off" emotionally for a significant part of the day.  It is what it is...

I went for a lovely 3 mile run this morning and then did some random strength work, because I felt like it.  A nice big green smoothie sounds awesome so I plan on whipping one of those up shortly. 

I have pictures of my first CSA box but the kids have the iPad at the moment, so I'll post those another day. The pics are up on Instagram, user name: campi_mama, if you can't wait....ha!

I DO want to share a quick book recommendation with y'all. 

I haven't finished reading it, but what I have read is spot on with my own philosophies and other great books I've read.  I also listened to her interview with Jonathon Bailor on The Smarter Science of Slim podcast, and it was great (if you haven't listened to this podcast, check it out).   One of my favorite quotes was "Train for Awesomeness!".  Yes, I think I will! :)

Have a great weekend folks!!

Friday, May 17, 2013

"It's not FAIR!"

Hi there lovelies!!  I know things have been quiet lately... I've been a little all over the place.  Every once in a while I hit a point and I kind of lose it.  I throw a temper tantrum, essentially. 
I just get tired of EVERYTHING.  Tired of thinking about food. Tired of making the "right" choices all the time.  And, like a 3 year old, I throw a fit...I eat whatever I feel like, and then some.  Then I feel gross, the scale makes a big jump and I have to slap myself to wake up from the sugar coma that usually results from my "tantrum phase".

So that's where I am.  I've made some positive choices too, but the results of my poor nutritional intake are still an up tick of the scale and some self frustration.

Moving forward.

I've set some goals and reconfigured my workout plan. These are my goals for the next 2 weeks.
  1. Eat 9-12 servings of vegetables daily (3-4 each meal)
  2. Exercise according to the "plan"
  3. No snacking, especially during dinner prep
  4. Eat when hungry, not for "pleasure stimulation"
  5. Do not weigh or measure myself
  6. Drink copious amounts of water
WHEN I finish the next 2 weeks successfully, I am going to reward myself with a new article of clothing (from the second hand store). 

Now, on to something a bit more fun than talking about my missteps....

I joined a CSA

Community Supported Agriculture. "CSA is a partnership of mutual commitment between a farm and a community of supporters, which provides a direct link between the production and consumption of food. Supporters cover a farm's yearly operating budget by purchasing a share of the season's harvest." (Source)

Every week (starting next Thursday) I'll get a variety box of veggies from a local organic farmer. I also purchased a half share of fruit. How did I not know this was available in my area?  Thank you Kristen for posting your CSA pictures on Instagram. It gave me the push I needed to look into it.  If you want to see what's available in your area, you can put in your zip code/city on this website.

I am very excited to try it out and see how it goes!! 

And now, I must go eat something tasty and veggie filled :)

Have a great weekend!! 

  





     

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Burpee Workout

I have a love/hate relationship with burpees. They are an awesome exercise, but they make me want to curse while I do them.  This morning I got an email about a new blog post over at Lifting Revolution. 30 burpee variations.  I went to check it out. 
Taylor challenged her readers to pick 15 variations and do 10 reps of each. So I did. Holy cow! Talk about a workout!  I almost stopped at 10, but I kept going. I felt like puking a couple times and my pushups on the last few sets weren't awesome, but I finished. I think this particular workout will be making a regular appearance in my exercise rotation.  
I was dripping sweat afterwards.  I almost took a picture, but I didn't want to gross y'all out :)
Anyway, if you're looking for a challenge, or just want a few ideas to mix it up, you should head over there and check it out. Don't say I didn't warn you though lol.

http://www.liftingrevolution.com/30-variations-of-burpees/

Monday, May 6, 2013

Monday Mash-up...

So, this is jicama.  I am kind of obsessed right now.  It has a refreshing crunch, it takes on flavors nicely and it's different. If you're nerdy like me and like to read about new fruits or vegetables, here's some info on this tuber.

I roasted it last week, which was good.  Yesterday I made a fruit "salsa" with it, using this recipe.
Yum.  I forgot the red onion, but it was still good!
Before you ask, yes, I ate it with some corn tortilla chips.  I didn't have the best eating weekend.  It definitely could have been worse, but I made some choices that weren't all that great. Emotional eating is still one of my personal demons.

I did make this beauty for my birthday though, instead of cake....


I also ate a few bites of the "cookies and cream" dessert gma dropped off for me.  Who can resist cream cheese, sugar and crushed oreo cookies? Um, not me apparently.  A couple bites isn't going to kill me though.

My Monday is off to a good start.  I have my to-do list, I've worked out (strength & HIIT) and I feel much better than the past 2 days.  Hope your week is fantastic!

I thought these were beautiful!  Found them while shopping for my garden yesterday :)

Oh yeah, I found this article about ditching the scale.  It was really helpful for me. Read it. I'll wait for you to come back...

I'm going to try a monthly weigh-in for now.  The multiple daily weighing is just stupid.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Better than who I was yesterday....


This morning when I wrote my wrap-up post, I was feeling good.  I lost inches, I lost 2% body fat... I lost 1 pound.  I didn't really go into the Whole30 to lose weight anyway. Right? Absolutely. But then I read Kristen & Amber's results and I went WHAAAAAT? They each lost, well, more than me. And no offense to Amber, but she cheated...a couple times.  This crappy mood settled over me.  My husband could tell I was upset.  I didn't want to talk about it, because it felt stupid.  What am I, 3 years old? "But, but, but....it's not FAIR!!" *insert foot stomp here*


I finally laid it out for him.  His response was great.  He asked me why I did this.  He asked me if I felt better now than I did before doing the Whole30.  Yes dear, I do. Thank you for that reminder.


The reality is, I got what I needed out of the Whole30.  I feel really good.  I lost 2% body fat.  I lost 1.5" inches from my waist, and more from other places on my body.  I look better, I'm stronger and I am more aware of how foods make me feel.

No more comparisons.  I'll keep my joy.....

Food was good today. I had a green smoothie this morning with greek yogurt (man I missed those), leftovers for lunch, plus steak, salad and cauliflower (with butter) for dinner.  The addition of some dairy caused me no issues. I don't plan on eating tons of dairy, but I like the flexibility to eat a little. 

The next few days are gonna be busy. Tomorrow I'm chaperoning my daughter's field trip, Friday is "Family Game Night" at school & Sunday is my birthday.  Feels like a bunch of stuff crammed in a short period of time....oi. Wish me luck! :)



Whole30 Wrap-up

I'll start of with my stat changes....

Previous weight:147.2
Current weight:146.0
Change: -1.2

Previous Waist Measurement: 26.5"
Current Waist Measurement: 25"
Change: -1.5"

Previous Hips: 36.25"
Current Hips: 35"
Change: -1.25"

Waist and Hip measurements were the most changed, but I did lose .25" off each of my thighs as well.  I'm very pleased with my results, especially since I wasn't tracking my food like "normal".  I feel like this is sustainable, long term.

Overall: The Whole30 made me much more aware of all the mindless eating I was doing.  It was worth doing, just to clarify that one thing for me.  It also confirmed what I already knew about my trigger foods and about the balance of carbs I need.  I personally struggle with mood and overeating issues if I get unbalanced in that department.  Something to be aware of and watch.

Going forward: There really isn't a whole lot I plan on changing.  I'm going to test out some dairy, see how my body reacts.  I'll probably stick with homemade coconut milk in my coffee in the morning, because I enjoy it.  I'll continue subbing things out, looking for alternatives that I truly enjoy eating.  Making things from scratch is a habit I'll continue as well, because I like knowing what is going into the food the family and I are eating. If there is something that really, really sounds good, I will probably indulge, but that should be few and far between.  While it will be nice not to be as hyper aware of EVERYTHING going in my mouth, I'm pretty comfortable with where I'm at with my eating too. 

The