Friday, March 20, 2015
I am not ashamed.
April 9th is the day. Just 3 short weeks from yesterday I will be at the beach with a handful of people from work. I haven't worn anything other than our uniform in their presence. Truth be told, the idea of wearing a bathing suit, a high waist bikini, in their presence kinda scares me, but at the same time, I know I have been working very hard on my body and I shouldn't be scared.
I am not ashamed of what I look like. I have come so far, losing over 50 pounds. I may not have the ideal beach body, but I am a work in progress. In three weeks, I will have made more progress and feel even better about myself.
I will rock my bathing suit, even if I have to wear a shirt over it to help myself feel secure. I won't be ashamed or intimidated by someone else's idea of beauty. However, I know this is the time to really buckle down on my workouts and in the kitchen so I can make the best out of the next 3 weeks. I want as much progress as I can get and if this is what it's going to take to motivate me well then, bring it on!
In Fitness and In Health,
Gillian
Monday, March 16, 2015
Monday Morning Confessions
I know if I really focus on my meal plan, prepping meals, and making good choices, I see the weight loss results I am after. Within the first week and a half, I dropped just shy of 10 pounds. It's amazing what clean eating will do for you.
But of course, with birthday celebrations, I used them as an excuse to indulge and of course, I went way overboard. Instead of one meal, or one day, of "cheats", I did a whole week plus some. This of course reflected in the scale and in the way I feel. Now I feel bloated and icky.
Today starts another 21 day cycle for me and I have to focus on the meal plan. I've got the workouts down pat, but without focusing in the kitchen, all the hard work is in vain. Fueling the body is so important.
I don't want to set myself up for failure, so here it goes!
Over these next 3 weeks, it is my goal to lose another 10 pounds, not including the 4 I've gained. So, 14 pounds total. Would be incredible to see below 250 and even 240! My ultimate goal of 180 is in reach. It's just around the corner and up the street! I can and I will!
If you want results, you have to follow the plan. It works!
In Fitness and In Health,
Gillian
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Real Talk 3/15/15
While I'm drinking my E&E preparing for my workout, here's some REAL TALK:
We are not perfect, by any means. We are creatures of habit and products of our environment. I have learned that if I don't prepare myself for the days ahead, I find myself falling back into old habits, things the old me would do. While you are on this journey, it is so important to set yourself up for success and not failure. I have difficulties in the food department. I KNOW if I don't shop ahead of time and prepare my foods in advance, I am going to make poor choices and I have. I find myself making excuses as to why I don't or can't. I did so great in the first week of my 21 Day Fix. The 2nd week wasn't as great and the 3rd week was downright shameful.
I am a coach and expect so much more from myself, but at the same time I am a human and I make mistakes and have slip ups. Being a food addict and emotional/boredom eater is not easy to overcome, but with preparation, I can and I WILL achieve the goals I have set for myself.
My next cycle of 21 Day Fix starts 3/23 and now I am prepared, mentally and physically. I am ready!
To anyone starting out on any type of fitness program, just remember that we strive for progress, not perfection. Any positive change you make today will take you one step closer to your goals.
I'd like to create a group for people like myself, people that need a little extra help to stay on track. Motivation, inspiration, etc. A place where we can overcome our setbacks and celebrate our achievements. It's all just as important. Together, we will overcome.
In Fitness and Im Health,
Gillian
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Meal Prepping
My struggle is usually lunch. I work in a grocery store. Of course there is a plethora of easy to make frozen food and there's also the deli with chicken wing bar. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that if I don't bring my lunch, despite my best efforts, I will make poor decisions.
When you're toying with the idea of meal prepping, it can be overwhelming. If you start simple, it can be quite simple. I start by deciding on a meal that I would be ok with eating for a few days and create my shopping list.For example, this week I decided on oven roasted chicken breast, steamed veggies (broccoli, cabbage, yellow squash, and zucchini), and whipped sweet potatoes with greek yogurt.
Cook everything the way you want it and then portion it out into containers for the week. Sounds easy, right? It is! You can do this with breakfast or snacks too.
I don't really meal prep often, but I have started to more just because I know myself and my weaknesses. If there is something I can do to help combat failure, then I'm going to do it!
Besides, I prep for my Shakeology every morning, why not other parts of the day? LOL
In Fitness and In Health,
Gillian
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Setback vs. Failure
One thing I have to remember is that I am human and I make mistakes just like everyone else. I have a bad habit of beating myself up when I do something I know I shouldn't, but do anyway. It's one day, one meal, one treat, one missed workout. As long as I don't make a habit, I shouldn't take it so hard.
It's difficult, but I will overcome these setbacks and will make sure that tomorrow is a great day! I will not be defined by my oopsies. Tomorrow is a new day!
In Fitness and In Health,
Gillian
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Why did I become Beachbody Coach?
My initial thought was that I became a Beachbody Coach for the discount, which is part true, but I really didn't have an answer... until I sat down and really thought about it.
I've been overweight as long as I can remember. As a child and teen, I was picked on about it. Remembering those who made fun of me while walking home from the bus stop brings tears to my eyes. Even throughout high school and most of my adult life, my weight had been a rollercoaster. I would lose 30 pounds or so and then put it back on, plus some. In my 20's, I gave birth to two children. By age 25, we suffered the devastating, sudden loss of their father. This started a downward spiral for me, not caring about anything. I drank myself into oblivion for a while as my way of coping. Once I accepted the fact that he was gone, I was able to start thinking about the future and bettering myself at the possibility of meeting another man. I was a mess and there was no doubt that there was no one that would want me in that state.
Such started the rollercoaster again. I joined the gym and began working out alot and improved my eating habits. I was able to get down to 235 pounds before life got crazy hectic and I made excuses as to why I could not continue, whether it be no time, or that I was tired. It didn't matter. My weight crept up again.
At 29, I had a stressful job that had me working 50 hours per week or more. Combined with that and being a single parent, I turned to the bottle once again as a way to deal with everything I was being handed. The following year I was let go from that job and I have to admit it was a blessing in disguise.
My children and I had to move in with my parents. That was a hard move for me. Out of curiosity one morning, I stepped on the scale and my worst fear had been realized. I weighed over 300 pounds! 305.5 to be exact! I knew I had to do something about this.
My parents belonged to a local gym so I decided to get a membership as well. Since I was unable to find work, going to the gym became my job, part of my daily routine. I worked for months, counting calories and working out for an hour a day, 5 days a week. This motivated my parents to do better as well! They began eating better and working out more too. My weight came down to 245 pounds. The lowest I had been in almost 5 years.
Of course, the holidays came and went and I found that I had gained 20 pounds. I started working right before Thanksgiving and totally stopped going to the gym. Two months ago, I started working on myself again, going to the gym, counting calories, and walking ALOT at work. I even started running, with my sights set on completing a half marathon in 2016. I created my own fitness page on Facebook, just to put everything out there without clogging up my friends newsfeeds. People were telling me how inspiring I was, how great I looked, and that I was motivating them to start working out again. Along that time, I started to follow a handful of fitness pages on Facebook, including Hell Bent Chicks. I watched her persevere through medical issues that made it difficult for her to lose weight. Every day she was getting it done and posting it for the world to see. I was inspired. She and I became friends and started talking. She introduced me to Beachbody and Shakeology. Once I received my tax refund, I decided to try the 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack with Shakeology and I signed up as a coach that day. I have to admit that I was immediately hooked! I have been with Team Beachbody less than 30 days and I already own 3 programs. 21 Day Fix, Les Mills Combat, and Body Beast. My Shakeology is like my coffee. I get cranky without it! I also have to say that Bobbylee has been an AMAZING coach to me! She's answered all my questions, kept me going when I was ready to quit, and always there just to shoot the breeze. The programs are amazing and keep you motivated even when you want to give up! These programs make it so easy for you to be successful. You just have to do the work!
My motto is, "Aspire. Inspire. Motivate."
I aspire to be something great, both in my health and fitness, but as a Coach as well.
If I can inspire at least one person, then I'm doing something right!
If someone comes to me to help them along their journey, I want to be there to motivate them every step of the way.
So, to answer the question as to why I became a Beachbody Coach, the answer is now simple.
ASPIRE. INSPIRE. MOTIVATE!
I can be your coach too! You can join me for free! Get your FREE Team Beachbody account!
In fitness and in health,
Gillian
Sunday, March 1, 2015
21 Day Fix - First 7 Days
The workouts have been somewhat challenging, but the modifier is easy to follow and there are always to give more or less intensity. I have been doing Les Mills Combat in conjunction with the 21 Day Fix program, just because I'm crazy. Haha, not really. I enjoy the hybrid workouts and they are completely different, but keep me interested and coming back every day. I actually look forward to getting up at 5am to do my workouts before the rest of my day starts.
When I first reviewed the meal plan, I thought I was going to starve. The colored containers and lists of food that were plan approved was a little overwhelming. I could not have been more wrong. After Shakeology for breakfast, I really only have time to each lunch and dinner and in trying to stay with the plan and eat as many containers as I can, my portion sizes are pretty big. My mother made a comment about it the other night at dinner. It looks like I'm overeating, but I am staying within my program. It's amazing. I am never hungry and almost always have wiggle room for a snack if necessary.
I cannot wait to see my 21 Day results, but for now I will say that I am completely thrilled with the way that it's going and couldn't be more proud of myself for staying with it and dedicating myself to a program that works. I am updating my Les Mills Combat package with the rest of the DVDs available and upgrading to 21 Day Fix Extreme to try out after this one, perhaps adding some of those to my hybrid workout schedule for the next 21 days.
I look forward to sharing my results and want others to see their results as well. To learn more about the program I'm doing and to join me on this incredible journey, visit www.losewithgillian.com and click on the logos underneath "My Current Programs".
In Fitness and in Health,
Gillian
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Why Shakeology?
Here's a quick look:
That's easy:
You think Shakeology is expensive? With a monthly investment in yourself, the daily cost comes down to about $4 per serving. Don't you think your life and health is worth it? Compared to other habits, why wouldn't you choose Shakeology?
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
21 Day Fix, Cycle 1
Friday, January 30, 2015
2015 is the year I seriously kick some butt!!
I am disappointed to report that I gained somewhere around 20 pounds over the holidays. I knew there was some gain, but I didn't know it was that much. Unfortunately, I just let myself go, eating whatever I wanted and not working out as I had been in the past.
I have embraced my oopsies and am coming back from that gain. I've gotten about 5 pounds of it off, working on the next 5.
Kids and work schedule kinda got things a little mixed up and took some time for me to get used to. I was regularly working during the day and now I am working at night so there was an adjustment period for sure. I've got it all figured out now.
I am back in my flow. In the gym at least 3 days per week, but having dedicated workout time 5 days per week. Taking a long walk, playing basketball or tennis with my kids will count on the weekends as that is their time and I won't take that away.
A final note on this short blog: HOLY CRAP! I'M A RUNNER!!!
Monday, October 27, 2014
Glancing in the rear view mirror
My daughter is participating in the Girls on The Run program afterschool. Upon graduation on the program (December 2014), they will be completing a 5k with their group and running buddies. Guess who my daughter wants to run with? ME! Of course. I am super excited to do this with her, but way behind in training. Now is the time to start!
Friday, June 13, 2014
Weigh In Wednesday 6/11/14
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Weigh In Wednesday 5/28/14
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Weigh In Wednesday 5/21/14
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Weigh In Wednesday 5/14/14
Monday, May 12, 2014
You are what you eat!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Challenge Post 1 - What I've learned about FOOD and DRINK
This week, I will share with you what I learned about food and drink.
Before I began this journey (again), I ate and drank whatever I wanted, in whatever portion I desired. I gained 50 pounds in the matter of a few short months. I saw the scale tip 300 pounds and had to pick my jaw up off the floor. That's when I decided to do something about it.
The first thing I did was get on MyFitnessPal and started logging what I ate. The first day was a HUGE eye opener. The things I was putting in my were outrageous. Calories, sodium, sugar, carbs, everything was off the charts and at the end of the day, it made me realize how the weight piled on so fast.
I could lie and said I talked to a nutritionist or others and got their takes on nutrition, but that simply wasn't the case. It's common knowledge that fruits and vegetables are good for you. That was a no brainer. Add more fruits and veggies to my diet. I did research on produce to find which were more nutritionally sound. After that I researched different sources of protein. Again, pretty common knowledge there. Eat meat, beans, or peanut butter. BUT, I did begin to research the leanest meats. I began to read labels, religiously, like it was my job. I always wanted to get the biggest bang for my calorie buck, especially since I was on a calorie budget.
A HUGE PART of eating healthier is PORTION CONTROL!!! This was such a challenge for me. I had the "fat girl" mentality and wanted to eat an entire chicken breast or half a box of macaroni and cheese in one meal. I couldn't have been more wrong. Reading your labels can help you with this too. Always read the serving size!
Best advice I can give you is as follows:
- Try to limit your intake of sugary drinks.
- Do most of your shopping around the perimeter of the store. It has the freshest products. If you can't do fresh veggies, use frozen. Steam in a bag frozen veggies are super convenient and the next best thing to fresh. In my house, we use half fresh, half frozen. There are 7 of us in the house and it can get costly.
- Read the label of everything you consume or put into a recipe. NEVER be afraid to swap for something healthier.
- Research portion sizes on things that aren't labeled such as fresh meat and produce.
- The less ingredients something has, the best it is for you, closer to natural.
Personal changes I made to my diet:
- Dannon Light & Fit Greek yogurt is my stuff! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.
- Swapped out cow's milk. Swapped in almond/coconut milk.
- Drink water all day long. I will have a soda or tea every now and again.
- No white rice, bread, pasta. I swapped it all for whole wheat or brown rice.
- Experimented with new veggies and ways to prepare them.
- Researched food/ingredient swaps. Asking "How can I make this healthier?"
- I always compare labels to see how I can get the biggest bang for my calorie buck.
I am sure there will be a part 2 to this blog. It's late and my brain is beginning to shut down. LOL
I am excited to pass this along to all of you in my challenge group. Let's kick so much ass our feet hurt!
Fat2FitMama
Friday, May 9, 2014
NEW 90 Day Challenge starting 5/12/14
There will be new challenge every week involving diet, water, cardio, and/or strength that I will be doing along side everyone in our group. Looking forward to the first week!
Fat2FitMama
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Weigh In Wednesday 5/7/14
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Transformation Tuesday 5/6/14
May has started off with a bang!
This week has been full of win in many aspects of my life. Even though I am having difficulties finding a job, I am holding my head up and focusing on the things I can control, outside of sending off resumes. I went back to school today, pursuing my bachelor's degree in Communications/Journalism. My kids are doing well, even though the boy child was feeling under the weather last night.
HOWEVER, this blog is mostly about the journey of this Fat2FitMama and I intend to put some focus into posting at least every 2-3 days with different things, not just weigh-ins.
Today's post is all about #transformationtuesday and reflecting on how far I've come since February. In my life, transformation is happening in so many ways and I am over the moon. The month of May will be my bitch and bring on so many more awesome things.
On May 3rd, I completed my first 5k. Notice I didn't say ran, but COMPLETED. That was a big achievement. When I was over 300 pounds and first started in the gym, I had a hard time completing 10 minutes on the treadmill.
I find that setting goals and challenges for myself are the best way to motivate me to achieve my ultimate goals. Since my goal for last month was to do the 5k, I was on the treadmill and walking/running outside ALOT. I wish I knew how many miles I logged. Now that it's done, I am staying off the treadmill this month. I may get outside and walk/run a little here and there, but I have sworn off the treadmill. INSTEAD, I have challenged myself to bike my ass off and bike 200 miles. On top of this, I am also completing a "Melt Your Muffin Top" challenge that consists of multiple abdominal workouts through out the month.
Today is the 6th and I am still on top of it all! I've completed 20 miles so far and have done each ab exercise as challenged! I won't go on about weight loss in this post. That will come tomorrow.
It has become a point in my life to serve as an inspiration, role model, and motivator to those who are trying to lose weight and/or live a healthier lifestyle. I pass the tools along. Use MyFitnessPal app, eat well, and work your ass off. You can do anything you put your mind to. I have started using Instagram (@hoteffinmess) throughout the day to capture what I do and how I do it, again to serve as an inspiration and positive role model for those who are following me. A good example of this happened today. I don't just talk about what to do, I do it, and prove it!












