24th day of 24 day Challenge!! Saturday!

Today was my last day!! First of all: here are my results... I lost 12 inches!!!! OMG!!!!! I just literally made the math right now...I cannot believe it either!!!! I measured myself, I saw huge improvements in my waist and hips, but did not estimate this much!!! HOLY! And if you know me, I wasn't/ didn't look that big to begin with, so this is HUGE!!!!!!! I weighed myself last week before I traveled away from home, and I had lost 10.4 lbs. Started out at 126.6 and was 116.0 last time I weighed myself. I am so excited writing this, so you do the math! I am so in awe! I knew clothes fit better, heck my pants that fit loser before, are falling off now, and the ones that were really tight, are very comfortable now! I really did not see this kind of change come my way! 

So, was it easy?  Umm...no... it was a big change...I went from eating anything, everything, a lot, to making sure it was healthy and full of good vitamins and protein. I went from running on my treadmill when I could 30-45 mins, to every day turbo fire and dance/ exercise classes as often as I could. I went from thinking some day I'd be able to run a good 5k again once I had the time to train after the girls were in school (2 yrs from now) to achieving my PR of 22.52 minute 5k in two weeks! Sounds too good to be true, but I did put a lot of work into it, because having started a program and having Sarah along with other good friends to encourage me was what lead me to true success. I definitely went over my goals BIT TIME! Just to think that even though now I am done with the 24 day challenge, this is only the beginning! I have been skeptical along the way, but knowledge is key and every day I find out more good things about AdvoCare that has helped me stay strong!

So what is next? FOr now, following MNS 3, I like the energy I have from it ( idefintely don't  need more if you know that I am full of it!), catalyst 2x a day, and omegas with dinner. I have made choices to eat pizza, or pad thai a few nights because I am traveling, but the thing is, that is the point of the program...you can eat real food, because you know that as a whole you are consciously trying to eat good for the most part if you have a goal. The better you stick to it, anything, weather it is cleaner eating, more exercise, or all of it combines, you will see results! It is great to know I am not putting myself last! I am putting me, and my family forward! By me eating healthy, I am allowing them to have the opportunity to have a clean slate, to teach them healthy eating, so in the future I won't be blamed for buying them McD's every lunch! haha!! I am more motivated and working out at 10pm at night many nights shows that with motivation and dedication comes success!!

So, it's ok if you are not crazy and decide not to work out at 11pm! lol Working out comes easy to me, it's something I really like to do. Any type of workout is fun for me. So if it is not for you, find a program, a buddy, a gym, something that will put that smile in your face and make you come back every day. Mine was/is turbo fire. Will start next week with Insanity...we'll see if that puts a smile in my face! LOL

Now, can I say I look like I did before kids? NO! Maybe never? Never say never right? But, I know I feel so much better about myself! Heck, a heck of a lot better! LOL I did drop a size, so I am in between 3-5 for pants now, and definitely in small for shirts! Love handles decreased 2.25 inches!! that was actually my target area more than anything else!

So, it really works! If you are unsure, try it. It's only 24 days, and then you will know weather it is for you or not. And if you just decide to eat cleaner and exercise more, than do it! No more excuses! I do feel like I took a shortcut by doing AdvoCare! And I am so glad I did!! Seeing results in less than 24 days instead of in 90 days is a huge plus for me! I am not a patient person! You make the choice! And you decide when to start! I am so pumped and excited for my new beginning with health and fitness! Yeah!!!!

Measurements:

21st day 24 Day Challenge AdvoCare Wednesday

Today was a more normal day! Breakfast routine as normal, spark w 3 catalyst and before breakfast packet. 30 mins later breakfast shake, snack (some carrots, banana, and some nuts). For lunch we went to Panera bread. My 1st time there! Very good! I had a Thai salad with Veggie soup with pesto sauce. I ate most of the salad but left some of the crunchy chips in it...not sure if I should have eaten all the sauce that they drizzled on top but it wasn't bad! I didn't eat much of the soup, although it was good! I did have my before breakfast so I already felt full! Snack again was on the go kettle popcorn!!! It was so good, I had a few handfuls to say the least! After digesting that I had 3 catalyst before going out for a 30 min interval run/walk...Def a day I need to work out! LOL

For dinner we had a yummy whole wheat pasta with garlic, onion, sautéed with pancetta. Had that with a salad with green mix, spinach, walnuts, and pomegranate with olive oil and balsamic vinegar drizzeled on top. It was all good!

Shortly after I did a Turbo Fire 30 workout. Just what I needed to put me in bed! Haha!! although we ended up staying late talking, doing our nails and face masks on! LOL so after a few episodes of friends I passed out! LOL good fun-filled day!! 

20th day w 24 Day Challenge, AdvoCare- Tuesday!!

Today was a crazy day! Started normal, wake up, have spark and before breakfast pack, had shake as we drove to our destination, and then..... our car stopped working! LOL To make a long story short, we didn't end up at the destination we planned on, and thank goodness for road side service and taxis to take us back home! LOL

So, snack was half a pear, some peach, and handful of grapes. For lunch we had left over taco stuff, but instead of taco shells I used the lettuce as the wrap. still crunchy but healthy! I don't really think I had a snack, aside from some crackers with the girls here and there, and some nuts and carrots...

I did drink my 3 catalyst on an empty stomach before dinner, and shortly after catalyst I had my before lunch packet. Didn't have a spark bc I took an hour nap while the girls napped...wow this is the first time I have taken a nap since I started the program! Being stuck in the side of the road with 3 kids under 3 was mentally stressful!!!! LOL more than I managed to not show! LOL

Dinner was sooo soo yummy!!!! Leslie made chiecken breast, coated in garlic salt and egg with walnuts stuck all over it!!!!!! HMMMMM crunchy chicken!!!! it was so good i will make it again for sure!!! for sides we had sautéed green beans and baked sweet potato fries (I made those :) )

I finally got a workout in tonight...it had been 2 days!! ugh, I missed it, getting my sweat on! LOL did the 25 HIIT workout with turbo fire! made me sweat, shot my quads! LOL I'm still sore from the weekend! LOL

19th day of 24 Day Challenge, AdvoCare Monday!!

WOW!!!! So, this is the last week of the challenge, but really the beginning of forever for me! And, even when the challenge ends, I will continue with my vitamins. I will probably ease up on the shakes, and have them for snack or something, or when truly in a hurry to get the good nutrients in, but the rest will remain the same! I am excited where it will all take me! I was talking to a friend of half marathons, triathlons...hmmm maybe just marathons and 5ks for now until I have more free time to train for other things! But for now, knowing I am on the path back to being able to call myself an athlete is a treat alone! 

In the past 18 days, I have never felt so alive, vibrants, and ready physically and emotionally wise. I think the fact that I am very excited about something! I can compare it to your wedding, you know you are so excited, in love, can't wait to start your new life together, and for as long as you have to plan, you plan A LOT, and it's on your mind every day, all day! This is how this feels. And the best part is, the best is yet to come! I am married to AdvoCare! LOL I love how it makes me feel, and the fact that I am doing something many people are missing out on, is kind of cool. Mainly bc I hope to some day, when people realize what they are missing, they will say, "oh yeah, remember that crazy girl Neslita, I remember she did that and now she's 90 and still strong!" LOL LOL

point is, as far as I know, vitamins or no vitamins, shakes or no shakes, I will take with me a long time of motivation and approach to what really means to eat, to exercise, to be determined and motivated. To have a true purpose, not for anyone else, for yourself first. This will help you push those others that are looking for that door to open. I will be there, open the door, and help them get through whatever it is that lead them to lead a bigger life!

Tears apart....lol (actually I don't cry...ever...well except in labor...LOL) today was crazy! had to be out by 9am to catch a 11am flight, and only had 40 mins to change planes with slow poke neslita who insisted on pulling her suitcase the whole way, we made it safe and sound! lol both girls were so good and I couldn't be anymore proud!

Woke up, drank my spark w before breakfast vitamins, had my shake as I packed/ fed kids/ finished cleaning house/ transferring car seat to cars, etc! LOL Didn't miss a beat! for snack I had an AdvoCare snack bar, which I love btw!!!! so chocolaty but not too sweet!! I had a few bites of popcorn, and 2 sugar free wafer crackers the girls eat.

For lunch I had left over fajita and orange marmalade chicken with whole wheat rice I prepared ahead of time on the plane! snacked on some fruit here and there as we went, and some nuts. Once we landed I was a bit naughty and had a total of 3/4 of a Pop...like a smoothie frozen in a popsicle. It was actually all natural, probably with too much sugar though, but was very good. And, because I have been so good, I needed a treat ;p lol!!! we had late dinner consisting of tacos! yum! was a bit afraid of what the taco shells would do to me, but I will actually good! Had 1.5 taco shells filled w ground beef, avocado, lots of cilantro, and salsa! HMMM salsa was delish!!! Ate maybe 6 chips with salsa as well...the amount of chips may not be accurate as I don't sit and count every one! LOL but estimate for the purpose of writing down what I had! I didn't really feel too bad about eating it...they are corn and because I work out and eat healthy and drink my vitamins, it is easier to have a not so healthy night here and there! I am trying to achieve maximum results with the programs, so I will be a bit more strict when it comes to what I eat, but this worl is not perfect, and that's why advocare works, bc you can be flexible!!

I actually didn't have my before lunch packet today...I lost it somewhere and wasn't fully unpacked enough to find a new one at the moment...I forgave myself :) good day over all!! glad to be with my friend visiting! good thing is she is very organic and healthy eater as a whole, so I am not too worried about eating at McD's every day or something!

18th day of 24 Day Challenge with Advocare- Sunday

Today was a hasty day! Waking up, packing, drivbing back home for 6.5 hrs, entertaining kids while trying to finish packing for another trip....grateful to have all the extra energy I can find and for my morning shakes to finish packing and making it on time to the plane!! LOL

Morning routine the same, although I waited too long to eat my breakfast shake becuase we were packing up that made me a bit nauseous. Although it may have been from lack of sleep too though! No spark can change how exhausted I am from this trip! lol although it certainly has helped me get through it easier! Had 1 cup of fruit for snack, and an advocare snack bar before lunch. Forgot to take before lunch packet of vitamins before lunch, but took before dinner. For lunch I had the wendy's walnut and apple chicken salad. It was good actually! I didn't eat the blue cheese though, not a fan :/ used 1 packet of pomegranetre dressing, and water! ALthough, it did not sit well w my tummy...not sure if the chicken was too greasy, or maybe the veggies were not good...nothing a good sit in the potty doesn't change! LOL

After a few hours I had my catalyst with 1/4 scoop of spark. then took my before lunch packet, and had dinner 30 mins later. Had leftover chicken fajita slow cooker recipe from the choose the challenge cookbook. http://www.choosethechallenge.com/images/stories/24-Day-Challenge-Cookbook.pdf

that was very good! put that over 1/2 cup of wild rice brown rice and a few green beans. Finishing packing tonight for a another trip to North Carolina this time...only a crazy person like lines up trips back to back when trying to eat clean. But this will truly show me how strong I can really be. And writing it in a blog really gives me a good feeling when I have been strong to be conscious of eating healthy. It's good that really, you can make good choices wherever you go, whenever you go. What I like best is, as time goes on, you can ease up on how healthy you want to eat bc your goals have been met, or are closer to them, and also you know that as long as you stay healthy and active most of the time, it is ok to splurge here and there! Instead of feeling like a big fat pig every day bc you have not made good choices at all any day and knowing your body is missing out on all the goodies it should have for a healthy happy life! so cheers to that!

17th day AdvoCare 24 day challenge!! Saturday

Another great day! Regular schedule MNS wise, it is so easy now that the days don't change (fiber drink, etc, that is only for the 10 day start phase), so so much easier to just drink vitamins when scheduled and not forgetting as easily! I ended up riding a beach bike for a little over 22 miles or so...given I got lost! lol but, it was great cardio since I knew I wouldn't have the energy nor time to fit it in any other time today! Same morning schedule, for lunch I had grilled chicken sanndwhich with fruit side at the Salty Dog's cafe. I did not eat the bred though, just the tomato, onions, and lettuce. Thanks to the vitamins and eating often I did not eat the bread! lol not that you can't, but I am trying to achieve maximum results from the program, so cheating would kill that goal. I def don't need all that bread though! I'm not much of a white bread eater anyways, so I am glad to know I wasn't doing THAT bad before starting advocare! I had 1/4 of a pina colada with lunch, but it wasn't tasting as good as normal...maybe bc I knew it wasn't something I'd be happy with myself looking back at the 24 day challenge! lol so I didn't finish it which was a good call for me :) I am proud of it now :) def don't need it to have fun!!

didn't have snack morning or afternoon times, but didn't miss it much. Did have catalyst before dinner though, and that helped wait for dinner a bit. For dinner I had left over chicken salad with 3-4 pieces of the whole wheat bread slices, 2x2 thin bread slices. I snacked on some sweet potato chips and nuts here and there at night. Good day over all! I thought it would be harder to eat clean/ stay healthy but this girl's weekend trip has really taught me that really mind over matter is best, and how good it can fell when you let yourself have control!! PS. For those actually reading this now, sorry for the delay...traveling and late nights does not do well with keeping up w a blog! but I do write the draft of each day so I don't forget what I eat LOL!

Friday 16th day of AdvoCare 24 day challenge!!

Holy Molly!!! Ran a 5K (3.16miles) in 22.52 minutes! I swear, I feel so strong! Despite staying up and being out and about with girls weekend trip, I feel good! Same routine for the day. I did drink my 1/2 scoop of spark and catalyst right before going for my run, and I really believe that game me that push to literally stay strong the whole 3.16 miles, and still do 1 mile of sprints every 1/4 of a mile for race practice. I felt so good, but I literally almost threw up when i was finished from all the adrenaline! haven't felt that for a long time, what a great accomplishment for me, and I cannot believe how changing my eating habits and drinking vitamins have made me so much stronger in so little time! Determination, not matter what people think or say, determination is all that matters. In the end, it is you that goes home with your body, with your goals, with your accomplishments; remember that every minute when you feel like giving up!

Sadly I have not kept up with writting this weekend because I was in a fun girl's trip. BUt will try to recall food...lunch I had around 1 cup of chicken salad (had walnuts, cranberries, and mayo) with 1 bowl of chicken tortilla soup, although I didn't put too many tortilla strips in it, and 2 cups of fruit. Snack I had nut mix but I don't eat the m&ms, not a fan of them :/ After run and for dinner we I had 2 servings of salad with onions and strawberries with a light vinaigrette dressing (craft brand maybe?). I had 4-5 pieces of whole wheat pizza bread (skinny pieces) with light butter on top, and 4 T of pasta with cheese and turkey/ ground beef. 

Despite all the temptations of chips and junk food, I actually didn't feel like I was giving up much because I have been eating so healthy I am at the point that I actually get grossed out thinking of all that greasyness and nastyness going into my body after it has been cleansed! I have never been a big junk snacker anyways so it is certainly easier for me to not have to eat it. 

But in reality, my body is leaner, thinner, healthier, ready to go, I look good, I feel good, I know I look good ;p hehe Do I want to sacrifice that to stuff my face with some chips? definitely not, so you make the choice :) I know what mine is!

I am definitely getting an eye opener of why I could not lose anymore weight tough, and despite my working out efforts why my body was not changing at all! If you eat lots of junk and workout for a bit every day, no matter what you do, not much will change. 80 of what you eat is what you will get! Feeling good here!!

15th day Thursday of Advocare 24 day challenge!

Today was a fun/easy day! Morning drank my spark with before breakfast packet. Had shake 30 mins later with 2 of the "with a meal" packet, snacked on carrots and peaches w hummus, ate breast of chicken and more carrots for lunch. forgot to take before lunch packet so drank it right before dinner. had catalyst with spark a few hours before dinner. for dinner I had some fast food sea food place, had grilled shrimp (about 12) with green beans and broccoli. and omegas. great day! easy!! Didn't have a workout bc of lack of time, so will make up tomorrow :)

13th day w Advocare 24 Day Challenge!

My pants are falling down my waist!!! HAHA!! Yes, hard to believe, until you see the measuring tape! I even tried on a bikini today again for the first time in 4 years!!! I feel like any day now my 6 pack will come out ;p hehe well maybe any month now ;p lol but I definitely feel like it is possible now...finally! not even in high school did I feel this good, I was skinny, but not toned, and this is where I am heading now! I still have a lot of work to do, but man this is encouraging! If this works for my tiny self who many people would argue I didn't need to change my weight/ shape (although I know I did bc I now know the difference of how good I feel!), then it will work for anymore!!

So, I didn't want to weigh or measure myself until day 24, but with these awesome results, I cannot keep myself from doing so! 13 days...almost a pant size down...and I wasn't even that big to begin with!! this really works for everyone! I was very skeptical, I really was, but now I am all for it! I feel stronger, more energetic, leaner, toned, I feel like my hard work is paying off!! I do really hope though, that this won't discourage others that are not getting as crazy results, every body is different, every gene is different, we are all at different levels, ages, stages, etc! So, don't get discouraged...keep on working hard, keep on eating right, and keep on taking your vitamins, and you will get there!

To my daily routine...will try to keep short...although it never ends up being short!

530 wake up call from hubby (encouraging him to wake me up so i can keep him healthy food by preparing his food too! now that I have energy to function at 530 why not!!!!? yeah!)

drank spark, 3 catalyst (recently upped 2x a day catalyst to increase muscle definition), and b/4 breakfast packet

waited 40 mins, made meal replacement shake and drank half of it before starting to work out, drank the rest as I worked out with water along the workout. Drank my 2 "with a meal" packets right after workout. 

Had fat free yogurt w blueberries, 1/2 banana and granola...need to find something more breakfast-y and more protein loaded for breakfast! But I do love this! lol Had my before lunch packet 10 mins before lunch. Should have waited longer but was getting hungry and our food came! lol went to a little italian place in the mall...had their minestrone soup with chicken salad. it was ok...all else was huge sandwiches w white bread and didn't want to stray off my goal too far! Always keeping my goal of looking great makes me keep track of making sure I am not just giving in bc I can!

Went to publix for groceries, and made the mistake of buying fried chicken for my girls since the little one hadn't had lunch yet...but of course I nibbled a bit on it...so nasty greasy! I should know better than to feed this to my children!! Of course when I got home and they ate the rest, I took one big ol' drumstick and ate it fast! thinking this would have less of an effect, I was just being lazy bc I did have already cooked chicken breast, better tasting and not so sickening in the fridge! well, my huge stupidity made me very nauseous, bloated, gassy, and downright felt like I was 8 mos and 2 weeks pregnant again! I really have to keep in mind that my body is clean now, so it cannot take the same junk it used to! How gross, and my body was ok with this greasiness before!!! UGH!!! No wonder I lost so many lbs! Years of nastiness! LOL So, reality check on how important it is to stay healthy! to not feel so nasty again! LOL more importantly, to not accumulate so much nastiness again!

so after my incident, once it all passed, after a bit of feeling like I was going to be seriously sick...maybe 1 hr or so...I didn't even have a snack! Last thing I thought of was food! lol so we left to swim lessons and I forgot my catalyst! ugh...good thing I took it this morning! had dinner at a italian restaurant. went for the almond seared black grouper...it was so delish on a creamy sauce...very well home made and had the huge house salad (only roamine and veggies w fork dips of dressing for taste right before the main dish) so I wouldn't be downing food before giving my brain time to signal for being satisfied! I was worried of getting sick again bc of the sauce (creamy therefore fatty?), but I didn't, so I think I chose well... I was happy too that my hubby got his pasta and I stayed true to my goal :) Because "I am stronger, than yesterday!" haha can't believe I just quoted one of britney spear's songs! lol

lastly, when I got home I had my two omegas and did a 30 min sculpt class with turbo fire.  I feel good! today was a very high energy day, only had 1 1/2 scoop of spark in the morning and I didn't need more all day! now after midnight my body is naturally ready for bed! finally! haha I love this never ending energy! I love it!

Tuesday, 13th day of AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge

Better morning today!! Now that I figured to drink my shake before working out or at least during, I feel so much more energetic again! Workout was shorter though, so we'll have to see if it makes a bigger difference with a longer workout, but it is a no brainer!

Wake up at 5:45, had 1/2 scoop of spark with before breakfast men lil pack of vitamins. I also had 3 catalyst, because I was reading that it is better to take more for more muscle? should have asked coach before doing it, but more protein cannot be bad right!? will get back with the answer...

waited 40 mins and started drinking my shake, drank 2 during breakfast packs, finished shake during workout. Workout was turbo fire Tone 30. Loved it!!! Upper body will be sore again :) love how with the bands you can make it harder/ lighter, but you know if you are cheating by not making it hard enough! Nice for me bc I push myself hard! I was panting after every rep! LOL

around 8:30 I had fat free cottage cheese with 1/2 cup of pineapple. i was definitely feeling hungry by then. A few hours later around 1030 I atea carrot w hummus and 3/4 of a large peach. Felt hungry again but I wasn't ready for lunch yet bc we were heading out. Around 1230 drank my before lunch packet, and had chicken salad for lunch, plain romaine w/ spinach, some onions, tomatoes, avocado, and 4 oz breast of chicken. only added red wine vinegar. not my favorite, kind of plain, but was running behind so at least it was healthy!

3 Catalyst between meals, should have snacked but never got hungry enough specially after catalyst, and had dinner shortly after.

Dinner was the Slow Cooker Marmalade Curry Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves or thighs 1 (18-ounce) jar orange marmalade (sugar-free) 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (Or to your spice preference) 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 cup chicken broth

Use a 4 quart slow cooker. Put the chicken into the bottom of your slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the marmalade with the dry spices and chicken broth. Pour this on top of the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for about 4. If when fully cooked the chicken isn't quite as moist as you'd like, you can cut it into strips, then return it to the pot to soak in even more of the yummy sauce. Serve over brown basmati rice.

*My mermelade was smaller than what's asked so my dish came out a bit watery...I think next time I'll just dip chiken in mermelade and bake or fry over some pam...taste was good, I just didn't like it so runny when it's sweet :/

Over the recipe I put black beans and avocado over spinach and romaine lettuce. I only have about 1 breast of chicken in total...and feel so full the whole time!

Also, I did eat about 1 cookie of a batch of raisin oatmeal cookies we made. hey are supposed to be healthy but there is an awful lot of sugar so not sure...this is where I found the recipe:

http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2006/11/nick-malgieris/

i guess my goal is to eat as clean as possible and not eat junk in justification that I am eating healthy. So I consciously ate one cookie knowing all the extra sugar I'd eat, but know that it won't hinder my process since 1 it is all I had, and not sneaking 20 more throughout the day! haha so stay strong, it gets hard when you know you shouldn't have it and you have snacking kids all day around! haha but we have a goal, and that's to look muscle lean healthy!!

PPS: sorry for typos and grammar errors. I by nature talk to much, which leads me to write too much, and not enough time to be succinct and re-read 20 times makes me have mistakes...but as long as you get the point and idea of what you will be going through during the challenge, that is my goal here :)

Monday Day 12 of Advocare 24 day challenge!

Today was a great day! My hubby came home from a trip, and I have officially lost exactly 10 lbs today!! Best yet, I fit into shorts I haven't been able to fit in for 3.5 years!!!! they are still a little snug, but I was able to button them and not look like muffin tops! LOL I wore them all day!

Woke up earlier than normal to get a good workout in since I knew I wouldn't have time otherwise!

I did Turbo Fire Fire 45. Hot damn!!! I was tired after that! SO I noticed that when I wake up I drink my 1/2 scoop of spark, with my before breakfast lil pack of vitamins, and then workout. After I am done working out, I drink my breakfast shake. Towards the end of the 45 mins (maybe 30 mins in) I was feeling really drained, like done, could hardly move my body! WHich is not me, specially in the morning...so I realized this: I need to eat breakfast for a long workout! I can get away with pushing myself for the shorter/intense classes, and when I am done I am dead tired and shaky, and as soon as I drank my shake I'd feel better. But when I don't eat, specially after the first pack of vitamins, my tummy would feel sick a bit until I ate, and was out of energy! So, good to know, either take some catalyst if you cannot do your shake before a long workout!

We had a few long carrots with hummus and peanuts in lime w little bit of salt for snack, took the last pack of vitamins 30 mins before eating lunch, and had chipotle for lunch! Chipotle chicken bowl, brown rice (which actually tastes just as good as white!), black beans, med salsa, and guacamole! Normally I would add cheese and sour cream but am afraid of getting off track to try my best, and I didn't even miss it!! I also only ate maybe a little over half the bowl, which was weird bc normally I'd pig out and eat the whole thing, but I was so full already as it was I am glad I stopped!!

I didn't have more spark bc I didn't feel like I needed it, but did take my catalyst a bit before dinner. For dinner I had leftover rice with black beans, and leftover fajita chicken/ skirt steak/ shrimp for dinner with some avocado. maybe 1/2 of a burrito bowl size dinner, more than enough again! Took my 2 omegas with dinner and that just made me feel over the edge full! SO slow down eating...let your brain get the signal that you are full! my reminder to myself! Def still getting used to eating less now that my body is getting used to eating every two hours!

looking forward making sloow cooker chicken curry with orange marmalade! HMMMM

Day 11 of 24 day Challenge! AdvoCare!

So, I didn't go to bed until 2am last night! Not that this is new news, but it is to my body when I've been dancing all night. Surprisingly I came home and was not so tired so ended up finishing some business before going to bed!

Woke up at 7:30 and I was ready to do something! Not sure why all the energy, but I'll take it!!

So, had only 1/4 of spark (bc I had already a lot of energy to need more yet) and my "b4 brkfst" packet. Got ready to do some working out and did a Turbo Fire 30 min whole body sculpt. Hot dang, was this hard! well harder...bc she did a lot of upper body, and I have a weak upper body! Although much stronger now thanks to Pole! I am not sore now at least, so it doesn't work as good as pole dancerzise!! lol 2 weeks away from classes will be hard, but it'll be fun to travel!

Shortly after workout I had my breakfast shake...felt like a strawberry day today ;p also had a few bites of my girl's oatmeal with brown sugar, dried cranberries, and almond halves. With this I had the two before breakfast vitamin packs.

Then we headed out for a run! Wow, was it good! I was feeling really strong! I wasn't sure how far or hard I'd go bc I had just had a 30 min sculpt workout, but I felt good! I ended running about 3 miles, the last 1/2 mile was a walk back home as cool down!

Best thing was.....I shaved off 2 mins off of my average mile!!!! hot damn!!! So let's see, last time I ran was a few weeks right when I started the challenge, then got busy so did workout at home/ dance classes here and there, and here I was, feeling super fast and strong! The last 1/2 mile before starting my cool down was hard, and I really super pushed myself hard! I was feeling the lactic acid and all, going uphill, but I wanted to see what I was capable of with a stroller with deflated wheel and a 30 and 17 lbs children and 30 lb stroller! Can't wait for this weekend to go running on the beach without kids and seeing if that makes a difference!!

For snack I had an apple and some melon, apple has been my go to snack when I am running around trying to get too much done in one day!...it is so easy, filling, and healthy! After our nice run, neslita (my 3 yr old) and I headed straight to the pool. I thought it'd be so tired then, but instead we were racing, diving, jumping, taking pictures....I mean, I felt soooo energized! Now I see how a good workout is so essential, it gives you those good feeling hormones that you just end up having a great day all day! Just the feeling of accomplishment alone is so good!

After we ended chasing a few lizards out of our lanai and killing a wasp bee, we headed in and got ready to go to our hospital opening!

Before leaving though, we had lunch! i always make more than I eat for dinner purposelly to have for lunch, so for lunch we had toasted whole wheat flat bread with left-over swordfish steak, veggies, feta cheese, black beans, garbanzo beans, and pico de gallo!!! YUM!!! I ate 2/3 of the bread since the girls eat 1/3 in between them. I ended up not finishing a few bites bc I was really full!! I def need to learn to eat slower!! I am getting full way too fast now that my body is not missing as many nutrients from all my good vitamins! I took my 30 mins before lunch vitamins 20 mins before having lunch today rather than before dinner unlike yesterday... from what I understand is, it is better to have before lunch, but if you forget, before dinner is fine too!

I was a bit tired from all the activity of today so I ended up drinking a 1/2 scoop of spark with 8 oz of water and 3 catalyst (1 serving of chicken protein wise w/out the calories). 

had an apple shortly after, and then for dinner we had skirt steak/ chicken/ shrimp fajita combination with leftover green beans, pico de gallo (btw it's not so spicy thank God!), and 4-5 spoons of rice and black and garbanzo beans. I thought this was not going to be enough, but man was I way too full after this! Uncomfortably full I might add :/ I really am learning to slwo down to eat and serve myself less, I am officially not a pig! LOL needless to say I don't need a snack tonight! Had my two omegas and 8oz of water with this and needless to say I felt very very full, not very comfortble, so starting to learn how to take my body's signals of satisfaction!

Today was an amazing day! I felt so good, energized, my girls are truly loving all the extra energy and attention I give them bc I am not tired!! Makes me feel so good all around!

Saturday Day 10 of 24 day Challenge w Advocare!

Today I start MNS3!! Phase 2 of the 24 day challenge! The first ten days are the cleanse, the part where you will drink a fiber drink for most of the 10 days, and eat as healthy as you can! Call it a diet if you will, but to me it should be the way you ought to eat every day, so to me it's not a diet, it's my new way of life. Not sure why eating total garbage is what is accepted in today's world (and worse yet most people don't even know that sometimes what they are eating is not the best for them), but now I know, I don't like it, and I love feeling the power of eating healthy, because yes, I am in power, and so are you!!!

So now I really get why Sarah, my coach and friend would tell me "I hate the word diet, because you are not in one, you are making better choices, you are just eating healthy, plus this is why this program is good, becuase you can have pizza and ice cream without feeling guilty every time...!" because bottom line is, if most of the time you are eating well, a bit of ice cream and pizza won't kill you, but if you eat it every day...it just might...

A diet would be: eat something (probably the same thing ) over and over, and this is why it never works, bc you get bored. But with Advocare, you can eat real food; real, good, and healthy food, and it doesn't taste like cardboard! You make it yourself, with your own two hands, and with a brain that has the power to hold the knowledge of how to eat well, be healthy, and empower yourself and those around you (not only that be happy and energetic all day)!!

Today was a fun day! but because I was out didn't eat the best! Of course, as my coach says, if we were in a perfect world, we would eat lots of veggies and protein all day, but we live in the real world, and restaurants can kill your healthy mode in a nano-second! 

So, I started my day with my 1/2 scoop of spark, and my first "before breakfast" packet of vitamins (part of MNS box). Took a quick shower and then had my smoothie. With all the yummy flavors and easiness of it, I don't know if I'll ever get tired of them! So easy to drink, and then snack while my girls have breakfast. I always waited for them to wake up so we could eat together to not spend too much time cooking and eating! Now I drink my breakfast while I wash dishes, fold clothes, and all daily chores before my girls are up!

My snack was 1/2 cup of non-fat greek yogurt w berries and granola! Sometimes I have more, sometimes less, this time less just bc I didn't work out in the morning so I didn't feel particularly hungry, but did not want to wait 'till lunch to eat again!

Went out to a mexican restaurants and I was strong and had a chicken salad. Although all the tortillas and such was not very appetizing after knowing my body had gone through a nice cleanse, last thing I wanted to do is mess it up in less than a day! LOL SO I had a chicken salad (not very good, mexican don't do salads lol). SO mainly only ate the chicken, cucumbers, and tomatoes. I had about 3-4 chips with some salsa to be polite, and maybe 3 small bites of the flan my daughter shared with my friend! I definitely did not have enough to feel guilty, and surprisingly I was not so excited about it, but then again, my mind set right now is in a goal that requires being disciplined! ALthough, you don't have to do that! If you are comfortable going back to your old "diet" pre-cleanse then you can, bc either way the MNS 3 will definitely help you, but I just want to be sure there are no reasons for me to say this didn't work!

Took my catalyst a few hrs after lunch, then back at home I had an apple, and some other fruits, because I was a bit hungrier than normal since my lunch was not as big this time...for once I missed my own home made food :)

For dinner I made Swordfish steaks! I had forgotten how fishy tasting they were, so I drenched them in lime before baking, and put onions and peppers on top with garlic salt and pepper. I also boiled  green beans, and added left over shrimp from yesterday. I cut an avocado in half and put half of it on top of my fish, and that took all the fishiness away! My girls loved it!! SO much protein too!! love it! love having a better idea of what food is doing to my body !

20 mins before eating my dinner I had the last packet of vitamins. First day of mns felt good, I felt like this is a much easier phase just bc there is no fiber drink or anything to drink at night! less to remember! I did forget my omegas with dinner though :/ oh well! I'm sure I'll be ok ;p

Of course then we went out dancing, and in between I managed to have a full glass of Moscato white wine, 4-5 wings dipped in lots of seasoning (did not go well the next day to say the least), and a few bites of ceviche (cocktail shrimp, healthy actually!)

So, was it a conscious decision to eat the last paragraph at 10pm? yes, I shouldn't have, specially bc I am looking for best results possible out of this challenge, but I did not want to just sit there when we were all eating...will I do it again? not so much, man did my poor belly hurt the next day until I was rid of it (that was not fun either :( )! Going from eating well to stuffing myself at night and too much spicy was not the best call ;p but not a perfect world, and I am learning :) Good thing is I did dance for about 3 hrs after that, so good cardio after too much eating! LOL one way to do it right? LOL

Good learning experience! excited for the next 13 days!!!

Friday, Day 9, 24 Day Challenge AdvoCare!!

OMG!! I am sooo sooo excited!!!! Tomorrow I officially start the Max phase/ WOW phase of the program, as if I was not wowed enough as it is!!!!

To date, I have lost 9.6 lbs!!! even if this is all I get out of this program, I am soo sooo thankful already! I was at a stand point, I was not feeling nor seeing any changes even through working out hard. Then Advocare really sparked itself into my life :p changed the effort I can put into my workouts by giving me more energy and determined! Not only that, but I have learned and have fallen in love with how amazing it feels to eat healthy, to know my body is getting all the attention and nutrition I would expect myself to give to my child as a mother. Not sure if this makes sense, but I want the best for my daughters, and now I feel like I am doing the same for myself, because really, I am the only one that can do that for myself now :) 

Long story of why I am "skipping" more or less a day is because I mistakenly took a fiber drink extra during the first 5 days, and so I am short one. But because I have already seen amazing results and have made it a point to keep on eating healthy for the next 14 days, and the rest of my life for that matter, my coach has given me the thumbs up to start this next phase!! I am soo excited! I already feel really good and energized! I love taking my spark right before a workout, hat damn I so notice the difference if I don't take it! It really puts me over the edge, and best thing is, I have been sore every day from how hard I have been going!! I love it! DEfinitely need a massage now!!! lol

To the how the day went:

Spark in the am with probiotics. Fibre drink about 45 mins later, breakfast Shake an hour later bc I was running late w my girls and my can wouldn't start, so I didn't end up drinking it until I got the car battery changing place! so grateful to have an easy and fully nutritious breakfast on a crazy day like this! A few hours later I had lunch. I actually didn't have a snack bc we were too busy having fun in the pool and never felt hungry to snack, so just going with the flow of what my body is telling me now. I always have an apple or nuts for just in case I do get hungry! 

My salad consisted of 6 oz chicken breast I made in the morning with garlic salt and a bit of oil, gives it a great taste for the salad! Added sprinkles of feta, chopped onions, 1/4 of cucumber, around 10 cherry tomatoes, chopped celery, and lots of romaine lettuce. I put maybe 2 Tablespoons of the dressing I made a few days ago, that I made enough of for days like this when I need to put a quick lunch together so I am not tempted with yucky mcD's! I make a turkey and cheese sandwhich w honey mustard dressing for my girls, fyi...

After lunch my girls went down for a nap and I went to do my Turbo Fire 45 EZ class, which was not very EZ! Since I wasn't tired I had decided to to have my second 1/2 scoop of spark to see how I felt, but 20 mins after this workout I had to pause and make myself my 1/2 scoop of spark to get me through the workout! LOL WOW, what a difference finishing with some spark in my body! After workout I took my 3 catalysts, and after that snacked on some veggie sticks with my girls (maybe a handful or so)... then got busy making some yummy dinner!

For dinner I sautéed 2 cups of frozen shrimp with just a tiny bit of olive oil, and let them cook on their own juice from being frozen, and added ground turmeric, cumin, and garlic salt (I'd prefer only garlic powder for less sodium but I am out!). then added about 1/2 cup of celery, green pepper, tomato, red onion (wish I had cilantro!). It tasted really good! I put in the microwave some left over brown rice (about 1//4 scoop of it), and 1/2 a cup of black beans, and then mixed all of it! Loved it! My girls loved it too! I didn't eat all of it, I ate about a bowl full, but this is the portion I make for me and my 2 girls, and we had a bowl full leftover! For lunch! yay!!!!!

  I was so full after this bowl of food (from the first pic)...I even asked me coach if maybe I am eating too much bc I seem to feel fuller and fuller every day, but I think it's just my body learning to eat more often and therefore needing less every meal!

Taking my last probiotics tonight, instead of tomorrow morning, since I'll have one with the start of my Max phase tomorrow! Yay!!!!!!!

Thursday, day 8 with AdvoCare 24 day challenge!!

Today was a great fun day! I really owe my spark a huge high 5 for letting me have so much energy all day! I realized this when we were in the head, having lunch, and my friend was feeling tired and was feeling so energetic! I just can't believe how 1 drink can make a huge difference all day! When I came home I drank another 1/2 a scoop and man did I have an amazing workout!! It really helps me push myself that much further that I would be willing to without!

Today began with my 1/2 scoop of spark, 30 mins later my fiber drink (cleanse part of 10 days), and 40 mins later I drank my breakfast smoothie on the way to the zoo!! Love how I can feed my children and run around packing everything up without having to come up with a tasty well balanced nutritious breakfast, make it, and eat it! I have really learned to appreciate these breakfast shakes, specially as busy as I keep myself and my girls! The girls definitely love the extra attention!!

For snack I had half and apple, a strawberry, and some dried cranberries (sharing w my kiddos of course ;p). For lunch I had a simple spinach and romaine lettuce salad, I added onions, cheery tomatoes, and some ground turkey with extra dressing I made a few days ago. YUM!! 30 mins later I had a pear, and when I got home I had my 1/2 scoop of spark with 3 catalyst. 

I drank my spark while I did turbo fire 20 Core and HIIT 25. 20 core was ok, maybe I don't do it right, but I didn't feel it did much for me. HIIT 25 though!!! PHEW!!!!!!! My legs were jello afterwards! Although I gave my 110% for all 8 1 minute fire drills. She is crazy, but I love it!! I am really feeling my shoulders, arms, and back though from pole last night...good things is, this morning I noticed between my neck and shoulder muscles look toned!! SOmething you wouldn't notice, but I certainly did! hehe love seeing results!!right before dinner I had some trail mix (maybe a handful) on the way to Baja Fresh. 

For dinner I had Baja Fresh...ehhh I was expecting more fresh...maybe I just didn't know what to order?? The rice was very greasy...but not sure if I am more aware not bc I have been eating pretty clean now...and spicy, and the last time I ate spicy...3 days ago, the next day I had a big of stomach pain, so hopefully I won't have the same tonight :( I can't believe how I can tell "clean food" to extra oily! I love it!, bc it was so much easier for me to eat until I was satisfied versus eating all of it just because I paid for it!! I am having some heat burn though from the spiciness of it, even my girls didn't like the spiciness and normally they do...so we'll see if it's a place we'll go back to...

Omegas for breakfast and dinner as always, but no more cleanse tablets at night!

progress so far...I started at 126.6 lbs, now as of a few hours ago I am 117.00 lbs!!!! Can I really be .4 oz away from my goal weight?? WOW!!! So that means there is more to lose, and if I ever gain, it will be in muscle!!! Excited!!! It's funny too bc I have never been one to ever weigh myself, in fact, not until a recent trip is that we finally bought a scale to weigh our luggage! LOL but, seeing the results is so encouraging! Although, everyone is different. So if you don't have such a huge loss yet...just wait and you'll see!! everyone's different!

Also, I feel my core get strong faster, I can actually flex and feel my abs! My tummy feels tighter, my quads fell stronger and thicker, even my upper body is getting strong! I love all this extra energy that really helps me push myself further! 

Wednesday Day 7!! Advocare 24 day Challenge!

Wow, today was a energy full day! I do this to myself every time Scott's gone, I stay up until 1am, and am tired as heck the next day! Well, thanks to my half a scoop of spark twice a day guess what? I don't even think I yawned all day! 

Took my restore in the morning, love the tiny pills :) Had my shake for breakfast w 2 omegas, and some egg quiche I made for the girls (around 1 cup worth, with a few bites of sausage!), carrots and hummus for snack, with some nuts, and delicious Flounder fish pan fried w a bit of olive oil on top of salad with some left-over chicken and tomato sauce for lunch! 

Had an early dinner bc of running around, took my omegas, and took catalyst 1 hr afterwards with trail mix and apple snack between swim and dance lessons!

Dinner consisted of 2 pieces of thin flounder fish baked in toaster oven w lime, onions, green peppers, and garlic salt. That with leftover veggie stir fry from before. Tastes good and so healthy!!! I guess I never realized I did already eat kind of healthy, it was just a matter of learning what not to eat so much of ( like white rice!), etc. 

Dance lessons ended at 9:30pm and I felt so energized the whole two hours! I am loving my spark and new healthy life style! It is really pushing me to perform so much better!!!

Workout wise, I did a Turbo Fire HIIT 20 workout, hard workout...and 10 min stretch...then at night I did pole dancing lessons (2 hours worth!). Lots of body lifting/ muscle building! Phew! I really love this energy/ performance upgrade my body got! Not sure if it's just me, or everyone, or just that I am so excited about it, but it's working for me :)!!!! Can't wait for the last 14 days when all that increases!!! YEAH!!!!!

Tuesday- 6th day of AdvoCare 24 day challenge!

So today I learned that Dr. OZ recommends and promotes that AdvoCare is super good for your heath! Not only for that, but to prevent any future problems! So awesome!! I'm not a Dr. OZ follower, but I have loved his shows when I have had the chance and have heard of him. Just interesting how all these amazing athletes and doctors love this stuff and not everyone knows about it!! Of course all the negative people posting things that come up with google taint reputations, but then again, if you are serious about your health you wouldn't only be researching on google right?? Make sure you get some real information, like back in high school, google cannot be a reference! LOL 

Today was crazy! Hubby deploying last minute...along with crazy last minute planning on everyone's part! So, I knew I'd have a full day! WOke up to my 1.2 scoop of spark, had my morning shake shortly after w two Omegas. Snacked with everyone with 1 cup of a mixture of eggs and lots of veggies for my family (1 cup is just an estimate...I don't measure it but pretty much just enough to not make me full but enough to not make me hungry until lunch time!).

For lunch we had the chicken left-over from last night ( around 5 oz...I always make extra to have for lunch) and put it over salad again! I loved the spicy, Rachelle not so much! haha so ended up putting turkey breast and such for them too! Also had some left-over butternut squash soup (maybe 1 cup). For snack I had an apple on the road with another 1/2 of spark! Not sure if I needed it but it makes me feel good, specially when I have to stay with the kids all evening w no daddy help!

For dinner I had a mixture of leftover eggs w/ black beans wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla, a few bites of a kellows breakfast bar, and some Jordanian dessert! haha they are tiny little cookies like- not even sure how to explain, but I could not help myself! lol no real dinner since we were in the airport/ transit to the way home! did miss sitting down and enjoying a new healthy dish!!

I forgot my Omegas during dinner bc I was not home, and took my catalyst after dinner...dang...busy chaotic days are not cooled if I do not plan them to be chaotic and have everything with me! lol 

But, good thing is, it is all natural, it won't kill me or even hurt me to forget things here and there, so I am not too worried! that's what I love about this! No real diet needed, just be aware of what you are eating! Cutting on carbs though, is seriously showing! Love handles are smaller, belly feels tighter and slimmer, maybe it just feels, maybe it looks, idk but I love it! I love how AdvoCare has really pushed me that extra bit to be more mindful of what I eat, and it really helps having a coach always checking up on me and being there for when I need tips/ ideas on food! Love the system they have!!

Oh, I have sooo noticed my change in workout energy after I started this! Not sure if it's the spark, or the vitamins, or just having that extra good nutrition in my body to burn good and clean fuel! I love it! I literally am so sore right now bc I can push myself harder in my workouts now!! looove it!!!