whole30: week 2

Welp, I was going ultra strong over here until a bout with the flu over the weekend.  When toast is all that appeals to you, ya just have to go for it.

Anyways, I was done another 3 pounds, making it 8 pounds total for two weeks.  Incredible!  This program has opened my eyes to food and all of its glory (and terror).  I still plan on trucking through these last eleven days (even though the Whole30 Homies would say I slipped up and must start over).

I'd say the cravings for cookies, hot chocolates and cereal were all the strongest this week, especially while I was home with the boys on the weekend.  It was almost impossible to not scarf my face with whatever was left on their plate.

On to weeks 3 and 4, which is when I'll discuss all the amazing (and not so amazing) meals I made, as well as what this bod is looking like.  Can't wait!

whole30: week 1 (again)

I wonder where Patrick got his giant eyes?  Check out those things!

Here we go again!

It's been an amazing week thus far - I definitely had a couple tough moments, but nothing compared to my first go at it.

In fact, the most challenging craving was this morning when I made toast with strawberry jam for the gentlemen of the household.  It smelled so good.  I told Jeff he'd better scarf it quick because I couldn't stand it any longer.

He did.

So I know we're not supposed to weigh ourselves while on this program but I couldn't help it.  I've never been much of a scale hopper (we don't even own one) but I have one in my classroom for science demos and such...and it just happened.  I stepped on it and was completely shocked.  I lost five pounds in less than a week.  This is not to "brag" by any means, it just shows how much my former eating habits were affecting my body.

I've been trying to keep up with everything I've been eating over on Instagram, not only to hold myself accountable, but it's also nice to look back for inspiration on days when I'm clueless as to what I can eat.  Pinterest has been a God-send.

Last night I started yoga at my gym - I'm totally hooked!  It felt so good to stretch out all my muscles and to meet some nice elderly women.  Now I just need my own mat and some new leggings.  Is anyone else uhb-sessed with workout clothes?  They're so damn cute, not to mention twice as expensive as my teaching clothes.

That's it for now, it's a snow day (it's actually a -14° wind chill) today so I get to hang out with my own personal zoo animals boys.  We're about to go on "a mission."

To infinity and beyond!

happy new year! + re-starting whole30

Happy New Year, my dear readers!

I love me a new year.  A nice, fresh slate to screw up again.

There's something so exciting about it!

I love how everyone on Instagram is all I don't usually make resolutions, but...

I'm like, just make the frikking resolution.  It's okay.  You can show weakness.  You can show that you have flaws.  That you have goals.  Like it's not cool to make a resolution or something.  Gimme a break.

So, what are my resolutions?

They're kind of personal, don't you think?  They really do show you what someone is thinking way deep down.  They show you that we're all kind of the same.  Us flawed human beings.

As you read a few weeks ago, I started a Whole30.  It lasted seven days exactly.  So yeah, more like a Whole7.  But beside the fact that it only lasted a week, I am beyond excited to say that it did change me forever.  Just one week.  I am a changed woman.  It's the most amazing program everrrr.

What were the best benefits?  That always-feeling-three-months-pregnant bloat?  Gone.  Pulling pants and skirts just over my pouch to cover it?  Gone.  Practically falling asleep at the wheel after work?  Gone.  I felt on top of the world - I could accomplish anything.  I felt happier (and I'm already a pretty happy person), smarter, had better clarity, and everything tasted so good.

What were my biggest challenges?  As a full time working mom, it's a challenge to make typical meals, let alone a meal that has nothing processed, no sugar, no grain, etc.  It was overwhelming.  Even with Jeff by my side doing it too, it still made for 1.) very expensive grocery trips and 2.) extensive planning and preparing.  I was mentally exhausted and couldn't keep up.  Parenting and teaching had me stressed to the max - I couldn't sacrifice my mental sanity for label reading 24/7.

Oh yeah, I also craved a sprinkled donut every waking second.

New Years Resolution:  Put good food into my body.

How will I make it work this time?  Now that I've sort of been there/done that, I feel much less intimidated about it all.  I have a much better grasp of meals that will work for my whole family and not just myself (example:  barbecued chicken, brussel sprouts, rice & applesauce).  I just eat the Whole30 compliant items and the rest of the fam can eat all of them.

And possibly the most important factor that will help me succeed:  Christmas is over.  Cookies, cheesy potatoes and chocolate pie are out of my sight.  (Waaa)

But now, this is in my sight.  :)


~~


A new year rocks.

Hope it's a great one!

halloween & thanksgiving. together as one.

Better late than never?

Since all the trick-or-treating was held the evening of Connor's party, the boys never got to do anything "real."  We dressed them up and took them down to our neighbors' house (fortunately she had some candy!)

Connor is obsessed with puffs.  They kind of make me sick, so I only get them for special occasions...

Happy Halloween, two months late!

As I said in a previous post, I was really excited to host Thanksgiving for my family this year (not).  Even that morning I sent a text to my sister that said something like I don't want to host stupid Thanksgiving.  But much to my delight, it ended up working out great.  My mom, sister and grandma did most of the work - all I had to do was have a clean bathroom and have a table set for nine.

Once again, the TomKat studio came through with free printables which is where I found the banner and the framed picture.  Big Lots for the win on the acorns.

Rosemary-sprig place cards.

They love each other.

Happy Thanksgiving, one month late!