8 week Challenge Completion

8 weeks ago I started Kristy Jo Hunt's Body buddies 8 week challenge

I was at the the largest weight I had ever been, I was very discouraged and needed something to motivate me to change!
I felt like I was worth the investment and decided to take the plunge, and commit.

here are my stats in 8 weeks
chest : down 1.5 inches
waist: down 3 inches
hips: down 1/2 inch
Inner thigh: down 3/4 of an inch
Lower quad: down 2.25 inches
Calves: down 1/2 an inch
Biceps: down 3/4 of an inch
Shoulders: down 4.5 inches
Weight : Down 17.2 pounds

I have taken photos each week throughout this challenge. I feel that there isn't much physical change apparent. That discourages me quite a bit, but the weight is coming down, and I am losing inches. So I will continue with my efforts and hope for the best!

This challenge has been way more than just a physical change! I feel I have grown, mentally and spiritually through out the past 8 weeks.
I am more aware of what I eat and when and why.
I don't beat myself up over set backs
I get excited about trying and creating new powerfood combinations!
I now realize food is not the enemy. I really enjoy delicious meals, and indulge occasionally with my favorite foods. I just accompany my favorite foods with a protein and a veggie, and watch my portion sizes and stop when I am full.

Powerfoods lifestyle and PCOS

I feel like this way of eating, especially cutting out dairy and gluten have immensely improved my health!
I know have regular menstrual cycles. (Because of PCOS I have rarely had periods unless induced my medication.
My acne has completely cleared up! (amazing what cutting out dairy can do!)
I don't get an upset stomach as often! (I used to get queasy all the time, and just feel bloated, even when I was eating "healthy")
I have more energy!
My moods have improved. I am not nearly as sad and gloomy as I was before I cut gluten and dairy and started eating strategically with the powerfoods lifestyle!

I am so glad I took the leap and completed this challenge. My family has become more aware of the power of eating well!
I will continue to follow the principles of the powerfoods lifestyle even though the challenge is over, because I recognize and appreciate all the benefits that come with this lifestyle!

I couldn't have done as well without the coaching help I received from Kristy Hunt! She puts so much effort into helping her clients and friends! She got up and went to the gym one morning at 430 to record a video of herself doing upper body super sets because she knew it would help me! that act alone made me way more motivated to really give my exercise routines my best effort! She believed in me, that helped me believe in myself!

Health Challenge Check in!

I am just beginning week 7.

In 6 weeks I have lost 12 pounds.

I really pushed myself in my workouts this week.

I followed my exercise plan exactly and really pushed my cardio. The weather has been beautiful. I went running outside 4 days this week after my strength training.

I am disappointed that my weight isn't coming off faster. I'm sure it is my pcos slowing me down, but it is still very frustrating!!

I will continue in my efforts in nutrition and excercise and hope the positive changes speed up eventually. I need to focus on the fact that I am losing weight, even if it isn't coming off as fast as I want it to.

check in

I'm in week five of my 8 week health challenge.

CURRENT STATS

I've lost ten pounds.

I've lost several inches.

I'm a little discouraged that I'm not losing weight faster, or seeing more physical changes.

I am determined to be a healthy weight, and size. I want more energy, and better health. I want to avoid health problems and pain, knowing I am taking the best care of myself.

CURRENT THOUGHTS!!

I need to improve on my workouts, I'm exercising daily but not giving it my all! I need to push harder, and be more strategic! Monday I really pushed myself, did 40 minutes of strength training, then went running outside (in 19 degree weather) and felt amazing afterward!

I love learning more, learning about the science of weight loss, macros, and how our bodies process it all.

I get frustrated with the food industry. Why is it harder to find and more expensive to buy; natural peanut butter, and raw honey, nitrate free hormone free bacon, gluten free foods, dairy free foods, etc?

My family is eating healthier. Partly because I'm cooking healthier, and keeping more veggies and lean protein in the house, but partly because they see how I'm eating and how easy it is, and how my health is improving.

It is easier when I have all my prep done, all I have to do is grab prepped meals and reheat them. I am less tempted to eat unhealthy when i dont have to think about what I want to make.

I love JDJ Nutrition protein powders. They are delicious, they blend great, and this company has amazing service. They have local delivery and deliver same day or next day!!


I'm excited to see where this journey will lead me!!

Until next time, friends!

Life style change and more

A couple months ago I started to feel discouraged about my health and weight. I felt I couldn't exercise because it's freezing and usually snowing here in Bountiful. I felt like I needed cheese and bread, pizza, comfort food, etc.

One day I was listening to a podcast on the body-buddies website. AND IT HIT ME, I AM WORTH THE MONEY THE TIME AND THE EFFORT TO BECOME HEALTHY!

So at the end of December I committed to do Kristy's 8 week powerfoods lifetyle challenge. I printed off the documents I needed, bought the groceries required for the provided meal plans, and committed to do better for my body and health!

I am now in week four of this challenge. I am down 9 pounds, and feeling great! I have made daily exercise a habit! I am learning how easy it can be to eat strategically, and how very important it is. I even started a period (which with my pcos- doesn't happen with out medications inducing it!!)

After a coaching call with Kristy (part of the 8 week challenge) she suggested I go gluten free and dairy free to help with my PCOS symptoms. I'm apprehensive to be honest. Im the girl who doesn't think there is food in the house if there is no cheese. I could eat pizza for every meal and never get sick of it..... never!

But I've come to the conclusion, that I want to be healthy and feel good. I don't want to be held back by limitations my body or pcos may bring. If giving up gluten and dairy make me feel better, look better, give me more confidence, and help me love my body; then it is a small sacrifice.

I meal prep

I exercise using weights and youtube videos of workout routines in my house.

I walk with a friend once a week

I buy strategic foods so I have plenty of variety in my meals.

I am excited to see where this takes me, and to find out all I can learn to becoming a stronger, (hopefully leaner) healthier me!!

Christmas and tender mercies

The third sunday in November we sat across from the bishop in tithing settlement. He asked how we were doing. We answered we are struggling but doing ok. He asked how prepared for christmas we were. I teared up as I answered, "I have no idea what we are going to do for christmas!?

He smiled and assuredly spoke, "we will take care of you, please don't worry!"

I was embarrased relieved and filled with guilt and a sense of peace as we left his office that day.

We have had so many trials since we moved to Bountiful.

Robs pay at his part time job has been inconsistent and added a lot of stress to our lives.

I am so lonely here without my friends and family that I have always had so close.

I have had to do so many things that throw me out of my comfort zone

I wanted to skip Christmas and not think of my responsibility as a parent to provide Christmas for my children.

I feel there is so many other people in the world that need so much more than us. I hate to accept help. But I'm grateful for those willing to help especially for the sake of my children.


A few weeks ago on a Saturday afternoon, there was a knock on the door. I had woken up with a sore back this particular day. As the day progressed I could barely move, Ryder (my 5 year old) was feeding the younger children (cereal & p b &j's) and I don't think one of my kids had pants on. Who needs pants when we are all at home and mom can barely move without excruciating pain.

So The pants-less boys answered the door to a stranger who asked for their parents. I struggled to the door to find people I did not recognize. I was disoriented from my pain and did not fully comprehend what our visitors purpose was. They asked where Rob was I told them at work. They (a man and his wife) proceeded to bring in two very large plastic totes filled with diapers, wipes, toilet paper, laundry detergent, food, snacks, and treats. Then they brought in giant bags filled with wrapped gifts. I was so grateful and so humbled and wondered who would do such a generous thing. Then I thought back to the Bishop's words and assumed it was his doing.

Fast forward a few weeks to 2 days before Christmas. The bishop called and asked if he could bring some christmas gifts over that evening.
He was kind and humble and brought by the gifts and some cash to help us through the holidays. I was grateful and so apppreciative but perplexed. If he was giving me this now. Who was responsible for the previous delivery of gifts and goods?

Then Christmas eve night the door bell rang. We couldn't even open our front door there was so much stuff on our porch. Clothes and games for the kids, cash, and lots and lots of food of every kind.

I didn't know anyone knew us here. I can't believe the generosity and kindness of those around us. My kids had an amazing christmas because of the generosity of others. I hope some day when we are no longer students and are more established in life I can repay the generosity and kindness that has been shown to us this christmas!!

I wish I could thank each and everyone who contributed to our christmas, but I really have no idea who did such a wonderful service to our family. but it really helped us more than anyone coudl know, and i am so grateful for all we have been blessed with.

Current theme of my life

I have always been a very cautious person. I like to know details. I like to know whats going to happen and how and when and why. I don't often jump or be spontanious or step out of my comfort zone. I feel like the past four months and continuing now the theme of my life is "jump out of your comfort zone!"

Moving to a new town

A new ward

Snow

Driving on big freeways

Teaching relief society

teaching a class on lectures of faith

making new friends

Living in Bountiful

Are just a few of the things that have truly been hard and Ive really had to rely on my faith and just push through and cheer myself on, and do you know what I accomplished these things. IT wasn't as scary as I imagined. Some of these experiences I am still working through and trying to be brave and fake it til I make it. But I am realizing now more than ever that I can do hard things!

I am doing things and having adventures I never dreamed possible. I am now excited for what surprises life will bring and learning to be less afraid.

Every day miracles in mom life

Potty training my first son, Ryder, was easy. A little effort a little planning and jelly beans and he was potty trained at 2 years old with no accidents and we never looked back.

When my next son came along I assumed it would be as easy!?

So when Rustin turned two years old I was determined and maybe a little excited.

He was going to be potty trained! And then he refused. He wasn't scared of the potty. He wasn't confused, he understood the concept.. He just refused. He was stubborn and didnt want to be bothered.

Over the past year and a half I have had moments of hope where he would go an hour or two without an accident. Sometimes he would even go on his own accord without me asking him to go. but mos tof the time he would cry and scream and only go potty in the toilet after screaming crying and being draged there. so it wasn't a positive experience for anyone.

I tried charts.

I tried treats.

I tried toys, shoes undies, bribery is every aspect ha!

none of it worked....

so I tried the opposite

no video games til you pee in the potty

no tablet time


still didn't work just made me feel like a bad mom who takes away too much..


But today, friends!!! Today, well it began yesterday, he gets excited to wear undies... he goes to the bathroom on his own by himself EVERYTIME!!!! He has had the ability to be potty trained for over a year just didnt want to. But THIS TIME it was his idea!! :) HE is offically potty trained! I hope this continues, but I really think it will stick this time becuase it was HIM not me that instigated this potty training for the 100th time!! :)

YAY for Rustin (and for mom) He is potty trained who cares if he is 3 1/2 at least its finally occured.

It's crazy to believe the things that excite me. but today I am excited by the fact the Rusty has the abilty to wear undies without aciidents!! YAY!

Family photos!

over thanksgiving weekend we had family pictures taken!

heres a few of them!

Our Current adventure

We live in Bountiful Utah.

Bountiful is a wonderful little town. Everything is so close. Costco, walmart, Smiths, Michaels, Ross, Target, Cosmo Prof, dollar tree, all of these stores are like less than 5 minutes away from where we live. We are liking our ward. Rob is a home teaching coordinator. I am on the Relief society activity committee. WE are enjoying our low key callings. The boys have lots of neighbor friends to play with. We live within walking distance to Ryder's school. We walk often, but not so much lately, as its been too cold to take raelee out in the weather?!

Raelee is walking/running talking and learning new words and new tricks everyday. She thinks she has mastered the stairs but it makes me so nervous to watch her.

Ryder is loving kindergarten and doing so well. It is fun to watch him read and write sentences!

Rustin is rambunctious and hilarious and frustrating as ever! WE are still working on potty training- seriously it may be the death of me... I thought he would be potty trained a year ago?! He is witty and coordinated especially for a 3 year old.

Rob is doing great in school. There is a lot of homework and studying required and he soars through it all. he is getting A's in all his classes. His first semester ends at the end of this week. He is working at The Larry H Miller Dealership here in Bountiful. It is only 5 blocks away from where we live and they work wonderfully with his school schedule.

The snow is a new adventure for us, but it hasnt been too bad yet? :)

This is getting real!!!

We are moving up north next week!!! its been frustrating stressful crazy fast. I know its what will be best for the future of our family, but sometimes it just feels so hard.

I LOVE summer and I feel like I didnt get a summer last year, because of all my kidney problems and hospital visits, This summer all I want to do is go to the library and the pool and the splash pads and instead i have so much packing and cleaning and moving preparations to do.

Hopefully we can get settled into our new home soon and feel better about the future and all the changes occuring!

meanwhile we are living the adventure of a lifetime! HA!!