I'm starting a personal 100 Days to Health Challenge. I will be updating with blog posts, pics, videos, and stats. Both here and my Facebook page of the same name: https://www.facebook.com/30x30and100days
I am looking forward to the daily journaling aspect, and the personal accountability to myself. Ultimately, I was only given one physical body, and I want to honor the Lord, making excellent choices with His help.
I have a goal to lose another 30lbs by my 30th birthday, December 3. It will be a hard and difficult road, but I'm going to do it. I'm determined. The Lord is my strength, and I will be leaning on Him tremendously in times of personal strength and weakness.
I have set up my blog, my facebook page, some before photos, and now I need to decide upon what foods I will eat, and what will need to be few and far between in this phase of the journey. Its definitely going to be little to no refined sugar. I am a sugar addict, and with its presence in my life as a daily option, I cannot say no. It causes me to crave more sweets, which in turn causes me to crave more food and overeat. Shakeology shakes and treats will be my treat, and I will be satisfied. If I'm not, my plan is to pray and to call or text someone who knows my goals and will text or say something to remind me and encourage me.
I hope you find my journey interesting. I will be posting the good, bad, ugly and beautiful.
Bear Hugs to those I love,
Beth
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Sunday, September 22, 2013
So off track, the finish line is out of sight.
So, I did AWESOME for the month of August. Then, I went out of town. I ate out, I let bad habits flood back in. I gave in. I failed. Or so it feels. I have been back now for about two weeks and have tried to get back on the horse and try to start again. I think I totally went off course and even finding the starting line is going to be a milestone. I just need to do it. Today is the day. Nope, I really want this piece of chocolate, and that pepperoni pizza slice. That sugary soda.
I have decided. Its OVER. Tomorrow I have my plans laid out. I CAN do this, and I WILL. I can only do it with Gods help, because processed, sugary, fatty type food is a trigger for my sinful, unhappy, unhealthy thoughts. My day will start with prayer, a workout, and Shakeology.
Lets do this.
I have decided. Its OVER. Tomorrow I have my plans laid out. I CAN do this, and I WILL. I can only do it with Gods help, because processed, sugary, fatty type food is a trigger for my sinful, unhappy, unhealthy thoughts. My day will start with prayer, a workout, and Shakeology.
Lets do this.
Monday, September 16, 2013
3 Month Challenge-Starts NOW!
I have been on a true weight loss journey since May 2013. My initial goal was to be in clothing I wore before I was pregnant. And ultimately weigh less than I did when I got pregnant with my son. That may not seem difficult, but this journey has been one of ups and downs and everything in between. I have acheieved the first goal this past month, in August 2013. I went down from a size 20 to a size 16 in jeans!!
I struggle daily in my relationship with food. "Food is fuel" I want to believe that so badly, but the constant bombardment of sweets and fatty, delicious foods is everywhere. I know I feel better when I eat healthy and have food that is not processed.
This past week, I have been feeling sad and depressed about situations in life, and my interactions with my son have been less than ideal. I have a short temper, no energy, and just more irritable. Then I realized, I have not been eating well. I can actually see (for the first time in my life) the direct result of eating poorly--on my mood, energy level, and patience threshold. I know having and raising kids is a tough job. But, we would be so much more equipped and better all around if we shoved our faces with apples instead of candy, celery instead of pretzels, and spinach instead of pizza. I know--horrible comparison...I rarely crave spinach, but I could keep Papa Johns in business all by myself if I wanted to. But, the point is that I know how much better I feel when I fill up on good, wholesome, organic, and nutritious food. Why dont I do it ALL the time?
I'm starting a HOT by the Holidays Challenge today. I hope to a least jot down a few thoughts a couple times a week and just check-in on my thoughts and feelings, and hopefully the progress I've made.
Join me in this journey, I'd love your encouragement! :)
I struggle daily in my relationship with food. "Food is fuel" I want to believe that so badly, but the constant bombardment of sweets and fatty, delicious foods is everywhere. I know I feel better when I eat healthy and have food that is not processed.
This past week, I have been feeling sad and depressed about situations in life, and my interactions with my son have been less than ideal. I have a short temper, no energy, and just more irritable. Then I realized, I have not been eating well. I can actually see (for the first time in my life) the direct result of eating poorly--on my mood, energy level, and patience threshold. I know having and raising kids is a tough job. But, we would be so much more equipped and better all around if we shoved our faces with apples instead of candy, celery instead of pretzels, and spinach instead of pizza. I know--horrible comparison...I rarely crave spinach, but I could keep Papa Johns in business all by myself if I wanted to. But, the point is that I know how much better I feel when I fill up on good, wholesome, organic, and nutritious food. Why dont I do it ALL the time?
I'm starting a HOT by the Holidays Challenge today. I hope to a least jot down a few thoughts a couple times a week and just check-in on my thoughts and feelings, and hopefully the progress I've made.
Join me in this journey, I'd love your encouragement! :)
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Wow Wednesday
A few things that made me think, "Wow" on this Wednesday, February 6:
1. My son catches on quickly to new activities. We practiced rolling a ball back and forth on Monday, and last night he was rolling it to me. I thought about that today, and thought, "wow, he picked that up quickly!"
2. How Ive had to pretty much act like a single parent these past few weeks because Dan has been on second or third shift. I am with G all day and all night. I have a ton of respect for single parents. "wow. this is their reality all the time. My situation is just temporary."
3. How hard it is for me to stick with a diet or healthy eating. "wow, I really shouldnt be eating this..." Unfortunately, the thought is always after I've already started eating or have finished eating that unhealthy thing. I really feel convicted about changing my eating habits with Geoffrey around. Its just a very very hard addiction/habit for me. I want to change, its just taking a while.
Unrelated to this topic, but I wanted to add:
So, I'm thinking about getting a full-time job. I want to have another kid at some point, and I'd like to be in a better place financially when that time comes. However, it must be A. a job I actually want and B. in a field I'd like to persue long term. If I'm going to sacrifice time away from Geoffrey, and adding more stress to my life, it has to be for a good paying, personally meaningful job for me. I'm deciding what that looks like. I am not interested in non-profit anymore, but that is what I'm most qualified in, and where the majority of my experience is. I'm leaning toward learning and development jobs.
1. My son catches on quickly to new activities. We practiced rolling a ball back and forth on Monday, and last night he was rolling it to me. I thought about that today, and thought, "wow, he picked that up quickly!"
2. How Ive had to pretty much act like a single parent these past few weeks because Dan has been on second or third shift. I am with G all day and all night. I have a ton of respect for single parents. "wow. this is their reality all the time. My situation is just temporary."
3. How hard it is for me to stick with a diet or healthy eating. "wow, I really shouldnt be eating this..." Unfortunately, the thought is always after I've already started eating or have finished eating that unhealthy thing. I really feel convicted about changing my eating habits with Geoffrey around. Its just a very very hard addiction/habit for me. I want to change, its just taking a while.
Unrelated to this topic, but I wanted to add:
So, I'm thinking about getting a full-time job. I want to have another kid at some point, and I'd like to be in a better place financially when that time comes. However, it must be A. a job I actually want and B. in a field I'd like to persue long term. If I'm going to sacrifice time away from Geoffrey, and adding more stress to my life, it has to be for a good paying, personally meaningful job for me. I'm deciding what that looks like. I am not interested in non-profit anymore, but that is what I'm most qualified in, and where the majority of my experience is. I'm leaning toward learning and development jobs.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Four New Year Resolutions
I've noticed that a lot of people talk about, but few actually make New Years Resolutions. I know, I know--why set yourself up for failure? Why commit to something you know you'll give up on quickly after it starts? Well, if you have that attitude, of course you're going to fail. I on the other hand, love making New Years Resolutions. I like the idea of giving myself a goal, and giving myself an entire year to meet the deadline, and to evaluate if I've achieved the goal in some way or another. Very low key though, no pressure. Although I say this, I cannot for the life of me remember what it was I said I'd do in 2012. All I do know is that early 2012, I was in newborn sleep deprivation stage. I probably decided upon something magnificant at 3am. And promptly forgot it 3hrs later.
I do, however, have a few goals for 2013. I will mention them below, and take time periodically to recall them and check my progress.
1. Have at least one date night with Dan each month. We will take turns planning them.
2. Cook new things and eat in as a family more than we eat out.
3. Participate in a 5k and fundraise for MuckfestMS or BikeMS
4. Actively cultivate my spiritual life
I think those are broad and easy enough to achieve in 2013. I am excited to check in and report on these resolutions as the year goes on. It will keep me accountable to record my progress with each of them. Also, I'm sure they will take on different forms and present themselves differently throughout the year, and that seems exciting to report upon as well.
What about you? Do you make any New Years Resolutions?
I do, however, have a few goals for 2013. I will mention them below, and take time periodically to recall them and check my progress.
1. Have at least one date night with Dan each month. We will take turns planning them.
2. Cook new things and eat in as a family more than we eat out.
3. Participate in a 5k and fundraise for MuckfestMS or BikeMS
4. Actively cultivate my spiritual life
I think those are broad and easy enough to achieve in 2013. I am excited to check in and report on these resolutions as the year goes on. It will keep me accountable to record my progress with each of them. Also, I'm sure they will take on different forms and present themselves differently throughout the year, and that seems exciting to report upon as well.
What about you? Do you make any New Years Resolutions?
Friday, May 18, 2012
5 Months this Sunday-What I know now
Bubster will be 5 months old this Sunday. I absolutely cannot believe it. It seems like just yesterday that we brought him home from the hospital. Hes such a sweet baby and has such a calm, gentle spirit. His name: Geoffrey David, means: "Gift of peace" and "beloved friend" Those names are so true of my little boy. Friends, I very much believe there is importance and power in the meaning of the names we give our children. Almost like a blessing and a prayer for their mark on the world.
I have learned so much about myself and the world of parenting and motherhood in these past five months, its crazy. Its almost like a dimension of society you never have to venture into unless you have or want to. Ive learned a ton about pregnancy, birthing, breast/bottle feeding, diapering, various parenting philosophies..and not just from my own experiences. Women I knew in my life before I had children have opened up and shared their stories and experiences, all unique, all different. I feel like I can connect with all mothers now on a level I was never able to before. Life is cool that way.
One thing that does hurt though, is the judgement that goes on in the parenting world. There is no book on how to parent, we all know that...and we can all think we know what we're going to do in certain situations, but the truth is, all you can do is prepare. You cant decide the future, you can't control the reaction of your child, and you might just have to settle for something other than you had your heart set on because it just didnt work out the way you planned.
Reading my last post, from February, I had just made the hard decision to bottle feed Geoffrey. I was crushed and devastated that I couldnt make it work. I felt like I gave up, I couldnt do it, I didnt have what it takes to breastfeed...whatever that means. Even today, as I sit here typing this, I am tearing up because it was something I wanted so badly. Something I thought was just going to happen and that was that. It didnt even dawn on me that we would have as much trouble as we did. He is a happy, healthy baby and everything is fine. I know that, and it feels incredibly silly to still get upset over it...but I do. Its like nothing I've ever had to deal with. I want to provide whats best for my child. "Breast is best" right? Oh, so I'm not doing the best? Thanks. That makes me feel awesome. I understand its just a slogan, and its good to encourage people to do it...and I will absolutely try again with my subsequent children, but my goodness. I am glad I made the decision I did, and everything is great--I guess it will always help me to understand that this is just one of the first of many times I will have to weigh the costs and make decisions in parenting. And be more empathetic to the stories and experiences of others.
Cool things he has done lately:
Rolls from belly to back
laughs
puts his toes in his mouth
sits up with support
plays in the activity center...uses his legs to push off
I'm one proud, lucky mama!
I have learned so much about myself and the world of parenting and motherhood in these past five months, its crazy. Its almost like a dimension of society you never have to venture into unless you have or want to. Ive learned a ton about pregnancy, birthing, breast/bottle feeding, diapering, various parenting philosophies..and not just from my own experiences. Women I knew in my life before I had children have opened up and shared their stories and experiences, all unique, all different. I feel like I can connect with all mothers now on a level I was never able to before. Life is cool that way.
One thing that does hurt though, is the judgement that goes on in the parenting world. There is no book on how to parent, we all know that...and we can all think we know what we're going to do in certain situations, but the truth is, all you can do is prepare. You cant decide the future, you can't control the reaction of your child, and you might just have to settle for something other than you had your heart set on because it just didnt work out the way you planned.
Reading my last post, from February, I had just made the hard decision to bottle feed Geoffrey. I was crushed and devastated that I couldnt make it work. I felt like I gave up, I couldnt do it, I didnt have what it takes to breastfeed...whatever that means. Even today, as I sit here typing this, I am tearing up because it was something I wanted so badly. Something I thought was just going to happen and that was that. It didnt even dawn on me that we would have as much trouble as we did. He is a happy, healthy baby and everything is fine. I know that, and it feels incredibly silly to still get upset over it...but I do. Its like nothing I've ever had to deal with. I want to provide whats best for my child. "Breast is best" right? Oh, so I'm not doing the best? Thanks. That makes me feel awesome. I understand its just a slogan, and its good to encourage people to do it...and I will absolutely try again with my subsequent children, but my goodness. I am glad I made the decision I did, and everything is great--I guess it will always help me to understand that this is just one of the first of many times I will have to weigh the costs and make decisions in parenting. And be more empathetic to the stories and experiences of others.
Cool things he has done lately:
Rolls from belly to back
laughs
puts his toes in his mouth
sits up with support
plays in the activity center...uses his legs to push off
I'm one proud, lucky mama!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
The Power of 10
Written VERY early Saturday morning:
As I sit here, the clock on my phone reads 3:57am. I just put Geoffrey back to sleep after feeding and burping him. While he was busy sucking down his last ounce, I realized something. He is the motivation for me to be a happy, healthy person. Caring every day for my almost 2 month old, I have more drive and feel more determination to be a better person. After many tears and struggles, we have decided to bottle feed him. It was a heartbreaking decision, but in two weeks he went from around 9lbs to 10.4lbs. I have made this decision and honestly, am a lot less stressed and I can be a better mommy to my son. It works for us.
We have made a lot of progress in those two weeks, he sparked the idea of the power of 10. My current set of goals surround the number 10:
As I sit here, the clock on my phone reads 3:57am. I just put Geoffrey back to sleep after feeding and burping him. While he was busy sucking down his last ounce, I realized something. He is the motivation for me to be a happy, healthy person. Caring every day for my almost 2 month old, I have more drive and feel more determination to be a better person. After many tears and struggles, we have decided to bottle feed him. It was a heartbreaking decision, but in two weeks he went from around 9lbs to 10.4lbs. I have made this decision and honestly, am a lot less stressed and I can be a better mommy to my son. It works for us.
We have made a lot of progress in those two weeks, he sparked the idea of the power of 10. My current set of goals surround the number 10:
- Exercise at least 10mins a day.
- Lose the remaining 10lbs to return to my pre-baby weight.
- Schedule 10 jewelry shows for the spring.
- Set time aside for prayer and devotion at 10:00 (am OR pm)
Two of my friends and I have also made a list of active things we want to do or try in Cincinnati over this next year:
- Roller skating
- Hiking
- Rock Quest
- Swimming
- Hot Yoga
- Laser Tag
- Camping
- Cycling
- Tennis
- Walking
- Zumba
- Spinning
- Yoga
- Pilates
- boot camp
- salsa
- belly dancing
- soccer
- run @ Nippert Stadium
Fitness 2012, baby!
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