September in Review

Hey NeverEver's,

Welcome to the end of September. The last month of the single digits. The knowledge that we only have 3 months left to this year. That the holiday season is coming really...REALLY soon. But before we get into ANY of that lets review this month.

This month isn't the best that I have had. In fact it was one of the worst that I have had since I started this blog. But that is the thing about months and starting it over. I can leave this month behind and start better and harder for October.

So on September 10th I finished the Be Our Guest 5K. This was my 10th 5k for this year and it has been amazing! Never thought I would get this many 5k's done this year!

Then on September 24th I did the Princess Challenge 5k the Mulan. My 11th 5k. The Mulan medal is so pretty!

It is a little sad that a whole 30 days and really this is my accomplishments. 2 virtual 5ks while amazing seem to be a little too little.

But like I said I am making sure that October goes the way I want it to go. Starting with today.

I did a Weigh In.

Weight - 203.6

Waist - 49"

Breasts - 41"

Arms - 16"

Thighs - 24"

So at the beginning of this month I was at 200.6 and now I am at 203.6. Personally, I thought I would be higher because of 2 weeks ago I was feeling so blah that I was eating my feelings. But, I got myself down to 203.6 and I am ready to make sure that number is never seen again. 

This is my month. This is where I am. And this is where I am going. 

I started the South Bay Fitness and Fun Boot Camp that I got from Groupon. Today wasn't easy. It kicked my @ss so many times over that I felt like I was going to throw up. But I didn't and I actually did pretty damn good. Today's workout was

Partners Workout

2 Lab Around the Building Park

P1 - 50 Burpees

P2 - Crunches 

1 Lab Around the Building Park

Reverse exercises (i.e P1 does P2 exercises and visa versa)

1 Lab Around the Building Park

P1 - Fast Jumping Jacks - 50

P2 - Plank

1 Lab Around the Building Park

Reverse Exercises

1 Lab Around the Building Park

P1 - Push Up's -50

P2 - Lateral Raises 

1 Lab Around the Building Park

Reverse Exercises

1 Lab Around the Building Park

P1 - Donkey Kicks - 50 (each leg)

P2 - Lower Ab Raises

1 Lab Around the Building Park

Reverse Exercises

1 Lab Around the Building Park

There was another exercise on the board but me and my partner wasn't able to get to that one within the hour of the class. The fact that I was able to do 4 out of the 5 is amazing. Especially since...like I said it really did kick my @ss ^_^. 

But I came home and I did my Nightly Prep. 

I got my gym bag (for my Barre Class tomorrow), my lunch (herb chicken w/ raspberry salad), my shakeology and my clothes for tomorrow. 

So I am exhausted. I am headed to bed. I am ready for October and it is gonna be an awesome month. I know it. But what are your plans for this October? 

Motivational Thursday

Hello NeverEver's!

First look who came to visit me!!

Its my Baby Nephew Adien!! He is soooo cute! And also the reason why there was no post yesterday. He is a distraction too ^_^.

The whole family has been in and out of my in-laws house (which is mine as well) visiting. But he is such a good baby. Not a lot of crying and he survived a 5 hour drive from Arizona to Cali.

Secondly, I finished my 11th 5K out of my 13in2013 challenge. Which means I am going to be waayyy passing my 13 goal, but more on that tomorrow!

Yup I went past my 3 miles and I walked the whole way...still listening to the doctors. But I accidentally kept walking ( I got lost in the music) and did over my 3 miles. Not really complaining about it but it was a perfect time to earn my Mulan!

Then I got these in the mail.

So that is 2 more 5k's that I will be completely in the next 2 weeks! But aren't they sooo pretty! I really have fallen in love with virtual runs! I do love getting the medal in the mail and just knowing that I earned it, even if I went at my own (doctor enforced) pace.

Anyways, it is time for Motivational Thursday...and less time with the cutest baby in the world ^_~

Ok NeverEver's! I am going out for a walk then some more family time when the Hubby comes home from work! Have a great weekend everyone! 

Guest Post - Run. Influence. Change the world with Run 10 Feed 10.

Hey NeverEver's,

Its Tuesday! One day closer to the weekend of course ^_^. But today is also Guest Post day. And with this one...well this one is something we can all do. The Run 10 Feed 10 is an amazing run that help give 10 meals to people that are in need.

It doesn't matter how fast you go or if you have ever run a 10k before (you all know I haven't) but we can all do it! Or we can help with the fundraising.

Read on!

Run. Influence. Change the world with Run 10 Feed 10.

Think about the last time you said, “I’m starving.” Were you (really)? Think about what it feels like to be
hungry. Think about what it feels like to run. Hungry=negative, painful empty tummy. Running=positive,
energized body. Do you do both? I don’t, but I have that choice. I also have the choice to counter the
negative (hunger) with the positive (running) by participating in Run 10 Feed 10.

What’s all the hype about? Millions (like 50 million) people or more are hungry. 17 million of those
people are children. Children! In the US, 1 in 6 American children are wondering when they will get their
next meal. Think about six kids who you know; yup, one of them might be the victim of hunger, which
may impact their growth, strength and ability to learn. NO! These children are our future. These children
may care for us when we’re old. So stand up, lace up those sneakers and help our future Americans
while we still have the power to take action! Help them get fed. Help them not worry about food.

Yes, you! That’s right join the Run 10 Feed 10 initiative with Women’s Health and the FEED Foundation
(www.thefeedfoundation.org) to fight domestic hunger. I know, you’re asking what that even means.
Well, it’s as simple as lacing up your sneakers. By running a 10k at one of the seven events throughout
the United States (or you can even sign up to run your own), you provide meals to ten people in your
community. Hunger is a global problem, but a solvable one.

Run 10 Feed 10 PSA 2013

Want to know more about the FEED Foundation? The FEED foundation is an organization started by
Lauren Bush Lauren, grand-daughter of former President George W. Bush and wife of David Lauren.  The
FEED foundation is dedicated to the mission of providing meals for people throughout the globe. Even
in America, there is a hunger problem. 1 in 5 children do not know where their next meal is coming
from.   As of 2011, the FEED foundation has provided 60 million free meals to children around the globe
through their FEED Projects which includes partnerships with companies like Target, Disney, DKNY, and
more.  Women’s Health is super proud to work with an organization like FEED.  The money you raise
goes directly to a local charity in your hometown filtered through the foundation.

I, Women’s Health and the FEED Foundation need your help. It’s as simple as registering online.

#Run10Feed10

Facts:

Register at www.run10feed10.com
Races and fun runs will occur in September and October of 2013 throughout the U.S.
The flagship event in NYC is this Saturday, September 22
Runs are open to women and men, 18+.

Not a runner? No problem, we got you. Participate today by donating to the cause.
Women's Health and their Action Heroes goal is to raise one million meals for people across the U.S.
Sounds like a hefty challenge, but we succeeded last year and hope to do so again. We're currently at
731,080 meals! According to the FEED Foundation website, $15 will provide $100 meals and $45 will
feed a family of Four for an entire month. Awesome! Can you help? How about putting those weekly
coffees on hold, skip happy hour one night or that 3pm craving and donate to a Women’s Health Action
hero here:

http://www.crowdrise.com/run10feed10boston-2013/fundraiser/actionherojaimedesim

In fact, check out this promo:

What are you waiting for? Changing the world is just a few clicks and steps away.

Xoxo,

Jaime, WH Boston Action Hero

Monday Stats

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to Monday. The first day of the week and it went by pretty fast today. My phone was being a little pain today while at work so that is why there wasn't that many photos. It started working while I was leaving -_-.

Anyways, this post is going to be short. All about my stats as of today. As you all know for the last 2 weeks I really haven't been doing much of anything. No workouts and not really trying to eat healthy. At times I was able to succeed but most of the time I didn't even bother. And...well it really shows.

Waist - 48"

Breasts - 41"

Arms - 16"

Thigh - 24"

Weight - 200

So I am, although not starting over, pretty close to it. But, really I haven't liked the way I was the last 2 weeks so it isn't a hard change. Its just something I have to do.

It was a good start today. Had my shakeology for breakfast. Healthy left overs for lunch and a workout after work.

Now just gotta keep it up ^_^

But NeverEver's, since I haven't worked out in a while...I am exhausted. Gonna finish watching Sleepy Hollow and head to bed. I hope my phone works better tomorrow!

So how has your week been going?

Guest Post - Best Regimen for College Fitness

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to Friday. I know that I don't usually do a post on Fridays but today I have a Guest Post that I just couldn't turn away. Especially, since school just started and we all dread that Freshman 15. 

***

Starting out at college is a time of excitement, anticipation, and oftentimes, extreme nervousness. There are a whole host of prospects that can leave any freshman filled with anxiety, from making friends to maintaining good grades to knowing which classes to take. One of the biggest sources of anxiety for students, however, is unrelated to academics: A large percentage of students greatly fear the famous and dreaded freshman 15. The truth is, this isn’t an irrational fear: Most college students will gain between 15 and 25 pounds by the end of their sophomore year. One of the main causes of the freshman 15? Lack of exercise: Not only do the majority of college students not get the recommended amount of exercise, one in three just don’t exercise at all. To be fair, finding time for exercise in the midst of busy college life can be challenging, but there are some great ways that that particular hurdle can be side-stepped. Today’s infographic takes a look at the best ways for college students to stay fit—even in the middle of a dorm room. From cardio to strength training to flexibility, there’s a myriad of ways in which even the biggest of couch potatoes can beat the freshman 15.

Susan Martin is currently finishing up her communications degree and spending her free time getting real world experience by helping out and contributing to TheBestColleges.org

Motivation Thursday

Hey NeverEver's!

I haven't really been here in a while. Been having a pretty hard 2 weeks. I thought I kicked it to the curb on Monday but my funk really didn't leave me. I have been low energy and low desire to do anything. Which isn't good at all.

So I went to my doctors. I am not used to having this little of energy. I mean I am used to being lazy but that feels differently then this. They ran some blood tests on me and other things that I am not exactly sure what. But they came to the decision that I am deficient in some vitamins. Like B-12. Which they believe is the reason why I have been feeling physically drained. Don't get me wrong I know I have some mental baggage weighing me down but I have never felt this tired all the time.  So I agreed to get 1 month of shots of the B-12 and see how I feel after.

The doc wanted me to get the pills but after reading online I decided that the shots would be the best method to get the vitamin straight to me. And yes I did read about all the wonderful things this vitamin can do and I will be giving a review on how I feel but I am mainly doing this to feel like I used to. Having energy.

So on that note, I wanted to share my Motivation!!

Seriously needed all of this. See you all on Sunday! Have a great weekend!!

Guest Post - Sustainable Farmed Meat is the Only Way Forward

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to Tuesday and Guest Post Day! As you all know I love my meat however that doesn't mean I don't understand that we have to not only treat the animals better but how it gets to our plate. So that is why I was very happy to have this subject as a Guest Post today. So without further ado from me here is all the meat of this post!

***

As the rate of our meat consumption continues to rise, it is important to start thinking about where our meat has come from. In the past, meat was only consumed once a week at the most, due to the cost (and issues of refrigeration), but as technology has evolved, so too has the food industry. The way we process food now is vastly different to how it once was, and with the ease of processing more meat, we have begun to consume it more often than we ever have. As we move away from farming our own produce, we become ignorant to the way that our food is produced, so we happily eat our beef, lamb and poultry with eyes closed. While we do that however, there are many factory farming institutions that are raising animals in unsanitary and inhumane ways that reduce the animals standard of living. It also produces a lower quality meat and one that is not as healthy as the free range equivalent.

Free Range meat is free of antibiotics, added hormones, genetically modified organism feed (GMO).a healthy, leaner option to your regular grocery store beef, lamb and poultry. Look out for the organic and free range options of meat at your local grocery store, or start going to a butcher that you know only supplies the highest quality free range produce, like Cannings Butchers.

When you buy any regular meat from the supermarket, you are buying a product that has been injected with antibiotics and growth hormones, as well as fed grain, to make them bigger and fatter before they are slaughtered. Cows are grass feeding animals, so a diet of grain is unnatural to them and just fattens them up without producing any nutrients. Often, animals raised organically and free range are fed organic feed, they exercise, and consume foods that contain a lot more nutrients. This makes them

Sustainable farming ensures that the animals are raised using sustainable methods and are kept healthy and happy, free to roam the pastures and fed a diet of their natural food. They also tend their crops in a way that is healthy for the environment, using rainwater and ethical methods of maintaining their land and their stock. If the western world continues to consume meat at the rate it is and does not take notice of ethical and sustainable farming methods, we are sure to exhaust our resources. Choosing to eat free range meat is not just a case for the animals, it also takes advantage of our natural resources, caring for them and making sure they will be here for a while to come. Without this care, we could risk running out, it sounds crazy but it is actually entirely possible. Choosing to eat free range meat is not just a good decision for your health, it is also a healthy decision for our meat industry and the environment.

Danielle Mcann. Danielle is a copywriter working with Cannings Free Range Butchers. When Danielle's not writing content she enjoys swimming, shopping and taking her Golden Retriever dogs for a walk.

Monday - Slow Day

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to the end of Monday. Today was an extremely slow day today at work at least until the end. My co-worker needed some help with her car so I missed my rowing class but it felt great to be able to help.

However, because today was a slow-ish day there really isn't much to report. My food prepping really helped me today during my breakfast and lunch. It was nice to bring lunch back to work instead of spending money and eating out.

Sadly the treadmill at work wasn't working so i went outside. Happily it was really nice outside so it wasn't a bad thing. Only did a mile but it was nice to get outside. Then it was time for lunch. Grilled steak with spinach and grapes. It was delicious!

So after work and helping my co-worker. Came home and basically zoned out. However, before it got to late I went out for another small walk then it was time to head back home for dinner.

Made some of the herb chicken for the Hubby. It was so thick that it took some time to cook it. Didn't want anything raw.

But seriously...today wasn't a really exciting day. It was more of a dragging kind of day. Hopefully tomorrow will go by a little faster.

How was your Monday?

A Little Food Prep and a Dash of Kick in the @ss

Hey NeverEver's,

I know I have been gone for a while. With really no word here on where I been or when I was coming back. Sadly, last week was a real mental struggle for me. I felt out of place, out of room and really out of sorts. There are some decisions that will have to be made soon between the Hubby and I concerning work, money and of course our future. But the thing is that we won't be able to make the decisions until about the end of October. And I HATE waiting. I am not a very patient person. I want to know what is going on and when it is going on. A direction is what I am craving and although I understand we can't get that yet (logically) emotionally it is driving me up a wall.

So last week wasn't the best week for me. I didn't necessarily eat badly just that I usually forgot my breakfast (shakeology) and there was really no workouts at all. However, the Unleash Your Inner Wonder Woman Virtual 5k that I did on August 26th. Well this came in the mail

It is so big that I just HAD to sign up for the next race in the series the Green Lantern one. Yes I am going to finish the whole Justice League TuTu's and I can't wait!

I also did the Be Our Guest Virtual 5k on September 10th.

This one as Doctor recommend I walked it. I haven't gotten the medal for this one yet but I just LOVED the bib. So pretty (I might be a little biased as a Belle fan).

So not everything has been a down thing. I still did my walks but as usual what I have to work on is my food. Well that and to exercise more then just walking. But we will get into that.

Before I get into this weeks food prep (which is ready) I want to talk about my workout schedule.

• Monday - Rowing Class 6:00 to 7:00 pm - Home before 8pm
• Tuesday - Boot Camp 6:00 to 7:00 pm - Home before 8pm
• Wednesday - Rowing Class 6:00 to 7:00 pm - Home before 8pm
• Thursday - Boot Camp 6:00 to 7:00 pm - Home before 8pm
• Friday - Day Off
• Saturday - 5k run (I have enough of the virtuals and races to keep me busy)
• Sunday - Day Off (or an physical activity w/ the Hubby)

Also, just to be perfectly fair and honest with everyone. The Boot camp that I am starting on Tuesday is different then the one that was in the morning (I gave it to a friend of mine). I just couldn't get my @ss up in the morning. I tried everything. So, I have officially allowed myself to be a night workout person. No more fighting it. And it feels amazing!! 

Anyways, that is my schedule so it will help to make sense of my food prep. Because I am doing it a little differently. 

My main concern this week is; to get my juicing on and to make sure that the meals are easy to make. So here is my food prep. 

I have cucumber, kiwi, strawberries (not shown) and apples all cut up and ready to be juiced with some spinach for my lunch drink.

Then for dinner I have

Fresh and Easy pre-done meals. None of them have sauce or anything else fattening. They all still have to be cooked in the oven or the stove top but they are already spiced up. Which makes my job a little easier. Plus they are delicious, healthy and easy. Yes I am cheating but as I am getting home so late it is easier for the Hubby to throw these into the Oven and follow directions then if I just have them ready myself.

As for sides I have some russet potatoes with broccoli, Garlic Green Beans and,

Some Omega 3 rich penne with wheat penne mixed in. Plus the stable quinoa. Seriously, I am not sure how I survived without Quinoa for so long. It is delicious cold, hot and everything in between.

Before I leave for the night. I wanted to let you all know that I joined with Steph from OrangeSpoken Blog, who is now Self-Hosted and page is looking glorious!, to be in the #FallOffTheFat group. It is a group of people just motivating each other before the Holiday Season begins. However, this time it is all about Body Percentage and not actual scale movement. 

Which is great because over at work there is the Biggest Loser competition ( $400 is on the line + $60 monthly) that is also doing percentages. 

So, I may not be completely out of my slump but I cannot allow it to control me any longer. I have weight to lose, food to cook and money that needs to be won (Momma wants a hair cut) that I cannot allow it to stand in my way. 

Okay NeverEver's, it is time for me to get ready for my lunch tomorrow and head back into my A/C'ed room. Its hot in the kitchen and I can NOT wait for Winter...or even a cool Fall. 

Motivational Thursday - I Need It The Most

Hey NeverEver's

Welcome to Thursday on the short week. But, is it just me or does these short weeks always feel like they are super long. I hope it is just me as it is a unique kind of torture to feel like the week will never end.

However, before we get into the Motivational Thursday...which I really need today. Let me tell you why I need it.

I went to go see the doctor yesterday. About my foot pain that I have been having, especially in the mornings. Sometimes it hurts to walk on my whole foot so I have to use my toes. It is usually in the morning or if I sit down for too long. So seeing the doctor seemed like a really good idea.

Well they informed me that I have plantar fasciitis, which after many google searches I was thinking I had anyways. So I have been restricted from doing any type of running (more then a few steps). I was granted approval to walk the 5K's that I have already signed up for so that is something.

I will be going to see a specialist next week and see if I can...maybe...run the 3 miles that I need to do but it isn't looking good. I do have a set of foot exercises that I shall be doing tonight that is supposed to help stretch the feet out and help with the pain.

But...I am still restricted. I am not happy but I will push though it. The 5K's that I have coming up I will do them. So the 2 Virtual Runs (Be Our Guest and If The Shoe Fits) and the in life 5K's (Awesome 80's Run, Bubble Run and Turkey Trot) are ALL still on. My time might not be good but I shall do them.

This does mean more swimming (I SHALL do it), my rowing classes are still on but I am not sure about my boot camp. I will have to talk with them about modifications.

However, now it is time for some Motivation!!

Ok NeverEver's, it is time for me to be getting back to work, lunch hour is done ^_^, but wish me luck at the specialist!!

Simple Yet Super Effective Tips To Help Those With Hypothyroidism Get into Shape - Guest Post

Hey NeverEver's,

Welcome to Tuesday's Guest Post. Today is all about Hypothyroidism which is a Thyroid condition. Which is effecting more of us each year.

************

Most of you probably understand that it’s super easy to put on weight but ridiculously hard to get rid of it. But you might be surprised to hear that it can be even harder to lose weight and get into great shape when you’re suffering from a condition known as hypothyroidism. Your life will practically flip upside down if you end up suffering with this disease and it seems that it’s getting more and more common lately.

Right now there are over 27 million individuals all over America who have been officially told by their doctor that they are indeed suffering from hypothyroidism. But you will find that the vast majority of people that have the disease are yet to be given an official diagnosis. And so they are struggling and going about their lives without getting the treatment they need to get back into good health.

On top of the fact that hypothyroidism is getting a lot more common, there’s another condition that’s also getting a lot more notoriety. It goes by the name subclinical hypothyroidism. This condition (more often than not) comes about because of poor diet and a simple change in what you eat to healthier alternatives can totally flip things around for the better. Ultimately this condition will leave the person who has it experiencing all the symptoms that are usually associated with people that have hypothyroidism, but the thing to note here is that their thyroid will be working as normal!
 
Anyone with a low thyroid will find that they’ll have a really slow metabolism which will ultimately lead to them burning a lot less calories than a normal individual.

A person who has hypothyroidism will basically have thyroid glands that are not producing enough of the hormones, T3 and T4. These hormones are directly responsible for making sure that your metabolism runs as it should be running.

So not having enough of them will mean that you’re not going to be burning as many calories as normal. Hence the reason why people with an underactive thyroid find it so darn hard to actually lose the weight they want to lose.

However if you’re prepared to follow and implement the tips that I share below then you’ll be well on your way to losing the weight you want to lose, even if you’ve got hypothyroidism.

Get a Fully Qualified Doctor To Check You Out and Diagnose You


The most essential step of all is going to be to make sure that you get your local doctor to diagnose and then proceed with treatment if it’s deemed that you’re actually suffering from hypothyroidism.

How you end up being diagnosed will actually depend upon the results of the blood test that you’re given. This test will essentially be measuring exactly how much T4, T3 and thyroid stimulating hormone you have running about inside your body. You’ll only be told that you have an underactive thyroid if the test results come back to show that you have high levels of thyroid stimulating hormone and low levels of T3 and T4.

Should the doctor find out that you’re suffering from hypothyroidism they’ll move onto the next stage which is to give you some sort of synthetic T4. The most common form of medication that doctors usually prescribe is something that goes by the name of levothyroxine. It’s been designed to specifically get your levels of thyroid hormone right back into the healthy range.

Start To Get Your Diet as Clean As Possible


There’s no other step that’s going to be more instrumental to your weight loss success when you have hypothyroidism than making sure that you eat as clean and healthy as possible. This is the one step that will seriously help you get into amazing shape in no time at all. Every single meal you make from now on has to include a portion of vegetables and a good portion of protein.

While we all know that vegetables are really great for our us, few of us know just how important protein is when it comes to losing weight. Not only is it very satiating but it also helps to prevent any of your muscle mass from deteriorating. This of course is extremely important because the more muscle you have the higher your metabolism is going to be and the more weight you are going to end up burning.

Start Consuming High Fiber Foods and Cut Out Foods Rich in Sugars!

While getting on a clean and healthy diet is all well and great for helping you get into amazing shape, nothing is going to be detrimental than continuing to consume junk foods. You need to make sure that you stop eating all those processed junk foods because they are doing nothing but causing you to gain more and more weight!  Instead of junk, you need to focus on consuming foods that contain a whole lot more fiber in them.

The wonderful thing about foods high in fiber is that they will help you avoid getting any sort of long term constipation which is very, very common among people who have hypothyroidism. The wonderful thing about fiber is that it’s also extremely satiating which is great news when you’re trying to lose weight and get into great shape.

Exercise on a Regular and Consistent Basis

You might be surprised to hear this but even doing a few minutes of exercise every single day is enough to really get your metabolism to go up and up. So regardless of how busy and hectic your days are you’re going to want to do your best to get involved in some sort of exercise routine.

You’ll see even more remarkable results if you get yourself involved with doing things like weight training. Not only will you be burning calories during the exercise but you’ll also be helping your body build up muscle mass which is going to in turn boost up your metabolism.

You're going to end up shedding a lot more weight over the long term when you have a really high metabolism, and you'll be closer to getting the dream body that you’ve always wanted.

Always remember that the key to losing weight when you have hypothyroidism is to make sure that you’re consistent in the process.

Just make sure that you keep a positive attitude every single day and that you keep working toward the goals that you’ve set yourself. Do this and believe me it’s only going to be a matter of time before you end up in truly exceptional shape! It really is as simple as that my friend!

Nothing is going to be more helpful toward you getting into amazing shape than making sure that you check out Hydrothyroidism Diet Plan right this minute. There you will find all the information you will ever need to get into truly remarkable condition.

Susan Upton has a deep passion for helping people who suffer with hypothyroidism overcome their symptoms and move onto living healthy and meaningful lives.

Her passion comes from having gone through the experience of living with an underactive thyroid for many years. After suffering with symptoms like being tired all the time and gaining a lot of weight she decided enough was enough.

So she went on a mission to overcome the disease and thankfully after improving her nutrition and living an active lifestyle she now lives a healthy and meaningful life. Go check out some other awesome content written by her!