tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66961034093713990302024-03-13T22:58:44.359-05:00Find the SkinnyBethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-86223869806547873302016-06-30T10:51:00.001-05:002016-06-30T10:51:00.241-05:00Choosing to find a good ratio and not be 100%<span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I was in the midst of my 6th whole30 and I chose to stop. I chose this because we had some things coming up that I didn't want to miss out on vacation meals etc.</span><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Here's what I know from my 5 rounds of whole30:</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Sugar affects me greatly... GREATLY</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">My allergies are non existent since I learned these principals and stick to them lost of the time. Even when I'm lot 100% they are gone. </span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I lose weight well at 100%</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">My discipline is great at 100% but haven't found a good structure for 80% or 90% </span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I feel amazing when I eat great and if I do a bunch of junk eating I feel heavy and sluggish. </span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">My training for my triathlon goes better when I eat well (or whatever exercise) but it also makes me more hungry that what is comfortable. </span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> I think what I need most is to find the best ratio of compliant/clean eating : treats/splurges I've always heard 80/20 but I often think it should be closer to 90/10. </span><div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I try to figure out ways to track this because honestly if you do t track it you'll find yourself at 70/30, 50/50, 70/30 and so forth down the hill to junk food land. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I haven't been so great at keeping a good balance and I believe it's because of vacation but I have continued making great choices some times. I continue to only drink water unless there is a special circumstance and I NEVER drink soda. I know that my choices are much better than average and my weight is sustaining but I need to find a balance that allows me to continue to lose. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I've thought the best way to track was to allow x number of non-compliant or treats a week. I thought that might be simplest. For example. If I eat 4 times a day (I usually do) then that is 28 times a week. So easy math 25 meals per week would allow 5 non compliant meals per week for 80/20 and 2 or 3 for 90/10. I think this is reasonable. I've also considered when do I want those treats? Not breakfast! I love my eggs and bacon and veggies for breakfast. So I think if I focus on breakfast and lunches being compliant it may give me more of a structure to keep things routine. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I would love to hear how others have successfully found a balance or a ratio. Please comment and tell me about it! </div></div></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">See below where not being 100% allowed me to try crawfish for the first time instead of missing an opportunity and honestly there were no negative affects. This is why I want to find a balance. To enjoy but feel good. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vIWLXR-nSns/V3U_4uFbYFI/AAAAAAAABco/RR4fuLlgFVQ/s640/blogger-image-1465344058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vIWLXR-nSns/V3U_4uFbYFI/AAAAAAAABco/RR4fuLlgFVQ/s640/blogger-image-1465344058.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-85371360387591406522016-06-06T15:48:00.001-05:002016-06-06T15:48:43.698-05:00Postpartum Anxiety and OCD - learn and be aware<span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">When you're expecting a baby you hear all about postpartum depression and the signs etc. Husbands and Daddys are educated about the signs as well. We all know about the normal baby blues too and expect some different moods and feelings. </span><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">When you arrive home from the hospital life can be overwhelming and difficult to adjust to. But what happens in a few weeks when you still feel overwhelmed but you are far from depressed. You're happy as can be and you don't have negative thoughts at all about that precious new baby. Well, I assumed overwhelmed was normal and knew I didn't fit the postpartum depression sign and symptoms so I kept moving ahead. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Was I normal for worrying that my baby would become a SIDS statistic? Probably.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Was it normal that I kept my eyes on her a lot to make sure she was still breathing? </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Likely.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Was it normal that I double checked her straps on her swing, car seat etc. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I'd like to think so.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Was it normal that I put a few steps in place to assure that I didn't forget that super tiny super quiet baby in the backseat of my car?</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Some don't think so but I'm the type that believes it's dangerous to say "I could never do that"</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Was it normal that my mind was consumed ALL the time with scenarios of how she could get hurt or die?</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">No. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Was it normal that my OCD (actually diagnosed, not throwing the acronym around) then kicked in and I became obsessive compulsive about preventing the scenarios in the intrusive thoughts? </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">No. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I knew I wasn't normal when I checked my backseat 5 times between the sitters and work (3 miles) to make sure she wasn't in the car after I had just dropped her off. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I knew it wasn't normal that intrusive thoughts of her suffocating, falling and hitting her head, or not breathing entered my mind more than 3 times per hour. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I am a Christian and fully believe that God is in control and nothing I do can change His plans if he takes her to heaven. This was relieving and I fully understood this but I could not stop. The obsessive compulsive behaviors and intrusive thoughts were too frequent to stay focused on the truth. So many people encouraged me to pray and let God be in control. I did those things but I still needed help. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">That's when I got help. Asking for help from my doctor was such a relief. I cried. He was very kind and reassuring. I began a medication which ended up helping but not being right for my whole body. I then, after a reaction, began seeing my general practitioner who referred me for counseling. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Counseling helped a lot. It was more work than the medicine but yielded greater results. I still struggle today. She's almost 15 months and some days I feel accomplished when I don't double check things after my husband. Some days I pull the car to the side of the road to check her car seat one more time, and some days I let her play in dirt and take risks. Each day is different. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I have also found that eating well and exercising keep me in a good place with all of this. There is a lot of research connecting exercise and things such as depression, anxiety, etc. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I'm thankful for the help I have received from my doctors, friends, family, counselor, and God. And my husband.... He's amazing. He doesn't get offended and he knows when to go along and when to pull me back to reality </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I want other moms to see that postpartum depression isn't the only thing to watch for. I was officially diagnosed with postpartum depression but I was happy, I was obsessed with keeping her safe. Postpartum Anxiety and OCD was under that depression umbrella that's why it's diagnosed that way. Be aware moms and dads and friends. Get help and talk about it. If you know me feel free to talk with me and if you don't know me post here etc. Talking and being aware is powerful. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Here she is miss sassy pants herself. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PPEZqrrQLBg/V1XhqXsJ1GI/AAAAAAAABcA/1OjATMaku3A/s640/blogger-image-1846932738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PPEZqrrQLBg/V1XhqXsJ1GI/AAAAAAAABcA/1OjATMaku3A/s640/blogger-image-1846932738.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-35076394780580558562016-04-14T17:06:00.001-05:002016-04-14T18:05:11.128-05:00#Whole30onadimeOk so many know I've done 4 cycles of whole30 and each time I get better. When we began our first Whole30 we divided our pantry and has one shelf of compliant food. After two years, four cycles, and lots of learning we now have four compliant shelves and one non compliant at any given time. Thai is because the habits formed in the whole30 stay. I lost 13 lbs in my last cycle in Jan and haven't gained a single pound back even though I ate non compliant many times over the last 10 weeks. Because the majority of my choices have been better and healthier. <div><br></div><div>The coolest thing about whole30... It's free. All information is available online. Over the two years I finally purchased the latest book a few months ago but before then I referred to their website, connected on Instagram, and stopped in Barnes and noble to references the book a few times (when I was pregnant and nursing esp) Nursing for 11 months slowed my process down a bit and I'm excited to hit the ground running again to continue this weight loss journey and journey to my best health. </div><div><br></div><div>So I have a few friends that have become intrigued and will join me on Day1 of Whole30 on Monday April 18th. Want to join us? Go to whole30.com to read all about it. They have forums and blogs and even a daily email you can sign up for during your whole30. If you know me personally text or message me o<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">n facebook to know your beginning with us on Monday. If you only know me from my blog or Instagram comment here or on my Instagram. Use #Whole30onadime to connect with me! Why Whole30 On a Dime? Because it's doesn't have to break the bank. My bank is already broken enough so this is how I do whole30. On a dime! Seriously many meals we cook cost about $3-$4 and feed both of us for dinner and the following days lunch. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Below are my Jan results. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-93tUDxQu-Qk/VxAUZ60cjRI/AAAAAAAABbE/urvqPkWeQes/s640/blogger-image--1262170442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-93tUDxQu-Qk/VxAUZ60cjRI/AAAAAAAABbE/urvqPkWeQes/s640/blogger-image--1262170442.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-62356581188664632572016-01-01T22:36:00.001-06:002016-01-01T22:36:48.126-06:00We made it! Day 1!<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I woke up early to get to the Dillard's sale and I thought "oh my goodness! I committed to Whole 365!"</span></div><div><br></div><div>YIKES. </div><div><br></div><div>I grabbed a banana and headed to grab a deal. We are traveling still for the holiday and so I was not able to prep kitchen wise. </div><div><br></div><div>So after deals my hubby and I went to do a little shopping. We told my sister in law that we would cook dinner so she didn't have to worry about our requests. Then we found out more family would be in town and we were excited to cook enough for them too. </div><div><br></div><div>We cooked chicken bites, roasted Arlie veggies and steamed red potatoes for dinner. Everyone loved it. We loved it! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qRo1nzWtKFI/VodT06jQ-oI/AAAAAAAABZc/Oh7wHWQ0Atg/s640/blogger-image--1531464674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qRo1nzWtKFI/VodT06jQ-oI/AAAAAAAABZc/Oh7wHWQ0Atg/s640/blogger-image--1531464674.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy times with Family on Day 1</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-quwb-hILKPA/VodT3Hn8t8I/AAAAAAAABZk/OBNqR2nUdlE/s640/blogger-image-105665292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-quwb-hILKPA/VodT3Hn8t8I/AAAAAAAABZk/OBNqR2nUdlE/s640/blogger-image-105665292.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We made it ! On to Day 2!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-53164158927928802342016-01-01T22:29:00.001-06:002016-01-01T22:29:28.954-06:00Whole 30 - day 0Whole30 has been extremely helpful and a means of success for my husband and I to lose extra weight and become healthier. However, life has happened and made it difficult to keep up the habits after reintroduction of food groups. The first time we immediately left for a three week vacation and soon learned I was pregnant and I developed bad food aversions to veggies (yikes) and the second time k was nursing our baby girl 5 times a day and just struggled with being busy as a new working mom. Both Whole 30 cycles were great but the after days weren't. <div><br></div><div>So I'm still nursing and working but the balance is better so we decided Jan 1 we'd do Whole30 again and be more deliver with the days afterward. </div><div><br></div><div>Then... My husband challenges me. Let's do Whole365!!!! What?! We are nuts Vito took the challenge. At that point we realized (traveling and at my brothers house) that my dad has purchased Krispy Kreme donuts and out them in the microwave for breakfast this morning so as we watched the New Years countdown I chose to eat my two donuts in advance. So at the stroke of midnight Whole30 began. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oQg2mzPQyvI/VodSHqhgIsI/AAAAAAAABZA/3167dCRq5_8/s640/blogger-image--540526404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oQg2mzPQyvI/VodSHqhgIsI/AAAAAAAABZA/3167dCRq5_8/s640/blogger-image--540526404.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hubby had his donuts too</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ld_l3V_8sho/VodSJo-FGWI/AAAAAAAABZQ/G8VnosGm1n0/s640/blogger-image-1664414356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ld_l3V_8sho/VodSJo-FGWI/AAAAAAAABZQ/G8VnosGm1n0/s640/blogger-image-1664414356.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And a last sip of soda from the movie we went to see. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SJKWpMxnoDo/VodSIrlpaAI/AAAAAAAABZI/31o3qkytEhY/s640/blogger-image-1811120775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SJKWpMxnoDo/VodSIrlpaAI/AAAAAAAABZI/31o3qkytEhY/s640/blogger-image-1811120775.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Follow me</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Along the way! </div><br></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-51702392523367280372015-10-11T16:12:00.003-05:002015-10-11T16:12:51.009-05:00I'm DRAWING A LINE, You Can't Critique my 7th month old's body!Yes my blog is titled "FindTheSkinny", once you're at the blog you'll see "Here's the Skinny" of course this is a play on words being a fit blog and a blog that tells it straight like it is. I don't hide much. So, its not really about being "skinny" of course, because I'm a size 12/14. Would I like to be a smaller size? yes!, Do I need to shed additional pounds? YES YES!, but ultimately what you'll find on my blog are my thoughts as I strive for a HEALTHY lifestyle. You'll find the ups and downs and all arounds. <br />
<br />
With that said... I have ZERO intention of discussing any of my own body image struggles with my little girl. She doesn't need to know when I "feel fat" in an outfit or what I don't like about my body. What she does need to know and what I pray I can equip her with is how to eat healthy, fuel her body to be active and strong, and love herself.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QFGUcFTKCik/VhrOXpfaU8I/AAAAAAAABXQ/2z-PIZlQx3o/s1600/IMG_1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QFGUcFTKCik/VhrOXpfaU8I/AAAAAAAABXQ/2z-PIZlQx3o/s200/IMG_1047.JPG" width="133" /></a><br />
So, I think that this is something I'm going to have to watch out for in the upcoming few months as she begins to understand my words. I think that soon enough we will begin teaching her the positive bits of knowledge listed above. I think one day society will turn this into a bit of a battle when society tells her different and its our job to teach her well. <br />
<br />
THEN.....<br />
<br />
"you need to feed her more, she's too skinny", "you need to not let her eat so much, she's getting a belly"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I assure you these people don't know how it feels to have your husband drive you, crying, with your baby girl to the lactation consultant because you're worried she's not drinking enough. Then see you smile when they weight her before and after a feeding and the little princess eats like 4-6 oz in 10 minutes! They also aren't there when her little precious heart can't seem to dirty a diaper for a few days and it hurts her tummy. (thats the other side of those comments that they don't get)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSb7RtD-Q8c/VhrQUw-ji3I/AAAAAAAABXs/Ux51Mo-ghGE/s1600/IMG_0571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSb7RtD-Q8c/VhrQUw-ji3I/AAAAAAAABXs/Ux51Mo-ghGE/s200/IMG_0571.jpg" width="200" /></a>These are words spoken to me and my husband by people holding her. So those words hit her little innocent ears before they hit ours. I was so mad both times. Who is someone else to question our child's nutrition to us??? I'm breastfeeding, I'm not sure there's any better way to ensure that she gets the right amount of the right things. We introduced a bottle of formula a few times a week when I returned to work (5 months old), but I'm ok with that too! When we introduced puree foods at 4 months I was super careful about how we introduced in order to help her acquire a great liking for a variety of veggies and fruits. So far she only dislikes green beans and peaches. I feel SO good about my child's nutrition. <br />
<br />
So when I tell you she drinks approx 5-6 oz of breastmilk each feeding, don't suggest 8 oz! (unless you're my lactation consultant or pediatrician) and when you hear or see her LOVE her pureed fruits and veggies don't make comments about that either. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kYiqV7XRMMc/VhrOlS13RsI/AAAAAAAABXY/5G4b2Ih4NHg/s1600/IMG_1445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kYiqV7XRMMc/VhrOlS13RsI/AAAAAAAABXY/5G4b2Ih4NHg/s200/IMG_1445.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
Can we let this innocent, beautiful, perfect baby girl live a little before she starts begin judged? Can we? !<br />
<br />
I shared with my husband how this was an ah-ha moment for me... according to others she's "too skinny", she's "getting a belly". Guess what we think??? She's "Beautiful and perfect and thriving and 7 MONTHS OLD!" I told my husband that I realized in these moments that body image issues begin for little girls during infancy. How sick is that? really? My husband had a response of support for what I was saying. He hadn't really thought of it either, but now that it's our little girl being judged and critiqued on her body that's not even developed enough to sit up strong or quite crawl, He and I agree its unacceptable.<br />
<br />
Can our 7 month old comprehend what these comments mean right now? No. When will she comprehend them? We don't know. For some reason people feel that its ok to make comments about her body. When will that stop? Will it stop the day before she comprehends? Doubt it! She will begin to comprehend it before anyone loses their comfort in making the comments. So basically what happens is people think its okay because they are "just a baby" but then they don't stop soon enough and if affects a little girl.<br />
<br />
It is unacceptable to comment on my little infant baby girls body and how you think its "too this" or "too that" or "getting this". <br />
<br />
Does anyone agree with me?<br />
<br />
Now, before anyone thinks I'm crazy. I get that my little girl is a petite little bundle and there will be appropriate comments along the way that go along with that. She's 1 percentile in length and 7 percentile (up from 1) in weight. I do NOT get offended when I get asked frequently if she's a preemie, or when people say "oh, she's the tiniest little thing", or "she's so little and cute". I don't. Those comments are very different from "You need to feed her more because she's too skinny" or "You need to feed her less because she's getting a belly" WAY different. So I'm not saying no one can comment on her at all. But there appears to be <u>no line</u> where people stop, so this mom is going to <u>draw the line</u> for those people.<br />
<br />
I told my husband that in order to protect her from these comments people seem to think are ok I am prepared to be vulnerable and put myself out there by immediately correcting people when they make these comments. For example: If someone makes one of those "across the line" comments I will simply say: "I appreciate your concern, but she's an infant, she's thriving well, and we choose not to make negative comments about her body in front of her, please respect our wishes"<br />
<br />
I'm sure that will get some looks, but I'm DRAWING A LINE! My little girl will not get judged about her body while I can stop it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a-w-5kWf918/VhrQFqMjUPI/AAAAAAAABXk/cZYfhb9Awm4/s1600/IMG_0604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a-w-5kWf918/VhrQFqMjUPI/AAAAAAAABXk/cZYfhb9Awm4/s320/IMG_0604.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-81257896116839957642015-07-03T00:18:00.001-05:002015-07-03T00:21:45.685-05:00Hometown Cravings and Whole30<div>Hometown Cravings!</div><div><br></div><div>Seriously, I was doing so good without cravings as Day 15 crept up. We headed to my hometown for a visit and that when I realized a few things…. That coupon for my favorite side at my favorite tex mex chain FREE would have to sit in my wallet a while longer, I could not get my favorite local BBQ OR Butterscotch milkshake while at home. Those milkshakes are for real! When I was 39 weeks pregnant my dad was headed to join my mom at our house for a visit and went to get me one, requested it made a bit thick and put it in a cooler and brought it to me, it was perfect when it arrived (2 hours away). On Thursday nights my aunts and uncles and parents all eat dinner at my Meemaw’s house. I asked mom if she would host and cook compliant food and she graciously did so. Dinner was AMAZING and I’m thankful my mom has been through Whole30 and knows the rules. There are many more treats here I’d love to have and its funny how they seem stronger than my usual cravings. I think its because I don’t get them very often.</div><div><br></div><div>Mom did fix an awesome side with some serrano steaks last night that was amazing. It was Mango Slaw. Yes. Super summery and super good. </div><div><br></div><div>It's a mango sliced thinly and cut into "match sticks" (I find it easier to cut when the slices are cold), 1/2 red onion thinly sliced, half a lime zested, a lime</div><div>Juiced, a little bit of cilantro stems chopped, 1/2 (or less) of a serrano pepper minced without the seeds. Mix it all in a bowl! Yum! </div><div>(You can look up the recipe at HelloFresh website.... Serrano Steak w Mango Slaw - we left out the rice)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RQy9hjwCgt8/VZYbJEt7LhI/AAAAAAAABV4/XLXoMrBP8b0/s640/blogger-image-426812713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RQy9hjwCgt8/VZYbJEt7LhI/AAAAAAAABV4/XLXoMrBP8b0/s640/blogger-image-426812713.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mom also made her awesome roasted broccoli and cauliflower. She cuts it up tosses with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder and baked. Yum!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I requested both of these sides again for family dinner tonight. Meemaw loved the Mango slaw. Our family has south Florida history and loves mango! My dad is the master mango cutter! Haha. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here's tonight dinner. Above was last nights. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a4JvjRWBQFo/VZYaIAPSJkI/AAAAAAAABVs/MPl3vpFzr-k/s640/blogger-image-1862329906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a4JvjRWBQFo/VZYaIAPSJkI/AAAAAAAABVs/MPl3vpFzr-k/s640/blogger-image-1862329906.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Love my avocado on my meat. Pepper and onions on the grill!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So. For now I'm fighting the hometown cravings with new favorites at Mom and Dads house! </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My minute steak recipe has been requested as well. It's easy peasy. Mix salt and pepper into almond meal</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In a bowl. Spray olive oil onto cube steak on both sides, press both sides into almond meal and cook on medium on stove top in a non stick skillet until crispy and juice runs clear. Picture below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dGsETc8AbYo/VZYb6AtnZbI/AAAAAAAABWI/KVUalQWCibw/s640/blogger-image--1139354130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dGsETc8AbYo/VZYb6AtnZbI/AAAAAAAABWI/KVUalQWCibw/s640/blogger-image--1139354130.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m5r32bopyOw/VZYb48jHR_I/AAAAAAAABWA/W634bCZR1ZI/s640/blogger-image--1796505528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m5r32bopyOw/VZYb48jHR_I/AAAAAAAABWA/W634bCZR1ZI/s640/blogger-image--1796505528.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-89302872472313924582015-06-12T20:55:00.001-05:002015-06-12T20:55:35.222-05:00I'm not done kicking your booty Mr. Diabetes!<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Are you kidding me? 99!!!? That's what I was happy with on my group counseling grad school final, not my fasting glucose! </span><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">If you've been following me since I've been pregnant and had our baby girl you know that I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes in December 2014. I was crushed. I cried. How me? I'm so careful with nutrition and trying to maintain good health. I ran three 5K races while pregnant. I ran until the cartilage pain wouldn't allow anymore at 25 weeks. How me?</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Well, I learned something. Gestational Diabetes cannot be prevented as many think it can. It wasn't my fault. The placenta produces hormones that can lead to higher levels of sugar in ones blood. It's a matter of how your body handles that change. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">So, I could write a book on how amazing my doctor is and how thankful I am that he takes GD seriously. But I'll skip those details and say that I had a carb range for each meal and snack during my day. I checked my glucose level 4 times a day at specific times in regards to my meal times. I had ranges that it was supposed to be in at each reading. I knew what to do when it was high, when it was low, and when it was in range. I took this diagnosis very seriously and quite frankly. I kicked diabetes booty. I took my readings in to each OB appointment. I was so well in range my doctor allowed me to not just go to 40 weeks but 40 weeks 5 days and our baby girl was healthy as could be and only 6 lbs 5 oz at birth. My doctor and I were both proud of the accomplishment. It was a team effort I do believe. (When I was diagnosed I actually lost 5 lbs eating with diabetic restrictions. Then gained a few more in those last 15 weeks or so)</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I was so excited when she was born. With the placenta goes the diabetes in text book cases. The rest of labor was better than text book for us so I had good faith! That night I ordered cereal during her 2 am feeding. I hadn't had corn flakes in 20+ years and they were awesome. THEN. Morning came and my blood sugar was almost 200. Twenty points higher than my highest reading during pregnancy. My doctor told me not to worry. It was just hormones probably. My husband and the nurse also encouraged me to realize frosted flakes weren't "quite" as good for me as the healthier whole grain cereals I had been eating. Oops. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Past that things began to go back to normal. I lost 21 of my 29 pounds gained during pregnancy within the first three weeks. Woohoo. Then the last 8 became a nuisance. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Six weeks came and went and it was time for my 2 hour glucose test. My doctors office knows me well and was excited to call and tell me I passed! Yay! I passed!</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Go six more weeks down the road.... Still can't get that last 8 pounds off...</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Ran across my glucose monitor on Monday morning looking for some ibuprofen. Decided Id take a look....99! What?! That's higher than any fasting read I had the entire pregnancy. My range was 70-90 for fasting reads. I continued to monitor each morning this week. 99,98,99,93... Midweek I changed back to my diabetic carb restrictions from pregnancy and the lowest I got was 93 by Thursday. I had also taken a few daytime reads and they were higher than I wished as well. Not bad. 116, 124 but higher than I wished. My goal max number during pregnancy for after meals was 120. I rarely broke that. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">So I called the OB. He was out but his office referred me to an endocrinologist. That office got me in by 2:00 that afternoon (yesterday). I explained my numbers to him. He reviewed all of my tests and did an exam. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Here's the sum up of what all he told me. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">-Pregnancy limits are more strict so my numbers were too high for then but not for now. Non pregnancy fasting limit is about 100. So I was close. (Too close for me)</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">-I'm five time more likely to develop diabetes in my future because I had GD (5 times...FIVE times)</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">-since I have PCOS I'm also more likely to develop issues. One of which is struggling to lose weight (I knew this) which can in turn increase glucose levels. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">-since I have hypothyroidism ... (See PCOS statement) </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">So what he and I decided was my plan is the following:</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">-eat in the ranges my OB gave me for GD</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">-check my sugar often but not four times a day unless it's off</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">-call if my fasting gets to 105 or above and I will have to take Metformin. (Not at ALL what I want to do- praying diet and exercise work)</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">-lose weight (glad my doctor agrees with me. Haha)</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">-keep breastfeeding it can not hurt baby unless my sugar gets above 400. Can't imagine it would do that. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">-see him in a year. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">So, basically. Live as though I'm diabetic so that I won't be diabetic. I don't mind doing this at all but I have to say I felt cheated yesterday. I worked so hard and it's lingering. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">It could be worse though so I'm not complaining. I'm healthy, my baby is healthy, we are blessed. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I've always said I'm glad God allows my body to communicate with me so well. I'd rather have a few extra pounds and be healthy on the inside than "naturally skinny" and have no idea I was unhealthy inside. Make sense?</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">So heres to a new journey!!!</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I'm on day 4 of the diabetic restrictions and I've lost 3 pounds. (Makes sense when I think about having lost 5 pounds while pregnant on those restrictions)</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I plan to blog more now that life as a mom is beginning to settle. Thanks for reading! </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1lQmlPQ3sIg/VXuNlHVH_bI/AAAAAAAABVE/KCswdO1Pmp8/s640/blogger-image--303220412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1lQmlPQ3sIg/VXuNlHVH_bI/AAAAAAAABVE/KCswdO1Pmp8/s640/blogger-image--303220412.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> </div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-72569188029237095182015-03-11T15:56:00.001-05:002015-03-11T15:58:48.455-05:00Finding The Skinny on Pause<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So pregnancy.... Yeah it's an unusual topic for my blog and I didn't quite embrace blogging about it. Quite frankly I was crazy busy throughout the whole pregnancy and blogging outside of health/fitness and weightloss just wasn't something I was ready to take on. </div></span><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">My pregnancy has been amazing. I'm very blessed. I was nauseous at first but didn't have bad sickness, my blood pressure has been just perfect the entire time (usually around 110/70 or less), I haven't swollen much, and haven't gained too much weight. I can NOT complain. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">We traveled a bit during pregnancy which was nice. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bkg6N5dtbr0/VQCN-Tjh4TI/AAAAAAAABQw/cIr4RNA5NB0/s640/blogger-image--273508638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bkg6N5dtbr0/VQCN-Tjh4TI/AAAAAAAABQw/cIr4RNA5NB0/s640/blogger-image--273508638.jpg"></a></div>SkyDeck in Chicago</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Jj6o38-5OuA/VQCOGlc3z8I/AAAAAAAABQ4/tJ7XN6yzWSs/s640/blogger-image--312084958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Jj6o38-5OuA/VQCOGlc3z8I/AAAAAAAABQ4/tJ7XN6yzWSs/s640/blogger-image--312084958.jpg"></a></div>Home Alone House visit</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sSdDxpf8qEY/VQCc4ee00ZI/AAAAAAAABRY/khwEXibVITQ/s640/blogger-image--107567582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sSdDxpf8qEY/VQCc4ee00ZI/AAAAAAAABRY/khwEXibVITQ/s640/blogger-image--107567582.jpg"></a></div>More</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Sky Deck</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">We nested!</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Painted our kitchen </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-G7MxqDWhDN0/VQCsBtu5tAI/AAAAAAAABSs/3pqbSfs-1kY/s640/blogger-image-980691990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-G7MxqDWhDN0/VQCsBtu5tAI/AAAAAAAABSs/3pqbSfs-1kY/s640/blogger-image-980691990.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Got new living room furniture</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yhBnJC8gCIg/VQCr9bKwgQI/AAAAAAAABSU/s_JwFTLhgr4/s640/blogger-image-1526225905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yhBnJC8gCIg/VQCr9bKwgQI/AAAAAAAABSU/s_JwFTLhgr4/s640/blogger-image-1526225905.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Worked with my parents' help to create Elsie's nursery. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TtS5GIKpVZI/VQCsDHZRTUI/AAAAAAAABS0/lf0Unj1FBGU/s640/blogger-image-1779793892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TtS5GIKpVZI/VQCsDHZRTUI/AAAAAAAABS0/lf0Unj1FBGU/s640/blogger-image-1779793892.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s-Npjiz_0EA/VQCsEY16BvI/AAAAAAAABS8/KkJEcqqv2Tc/s640/blogger-image--601100525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s-Npjiz_0EA/VQCsEY16BvI/AAAAAAAABS8/KkJEcqqv2Tc/s640/blogger-image--601100525.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EhMk6MOE23M/VQCOIszU2zI/AAAAAAAABRA/CciHGVvoq6w/s640/blogger-image--30738754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EhMk6MOE23M/VQCOIszU2zI/AAAAAAAABRA/CciHGVvoq6w/s640/blogger-image--30738754.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I only had one setback. That was gestational diabetes. The day I found out I had it I cried. I felt like "how me?" "Why me?" "I am too particular with my health for this to happen". </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Well I learned that GD really has little to do with what you do. It's all about the placenta and hormones. Not a lot that you can control to prevent it. So I took my restrictions from my doctor very seriously and decided to kick butt at controlling the GD. I have been VERY successful at controlling it. My glucose readings are super. I found a few trends in how my body reacts. Ice cream doesn't spike my sugar, thank the Lord!, but white flour and anything made from white flour spikes my sugar quickly. This isn't a huge surprise after learning how sensitive I was to gluten and wheat last spring. So I've avoided the white flour a lot. I've had a handful of high readings (that really aren't that high) and I usually know exactly what I ate to cause them. My fingers are bruised and I'm pretty well over sticking my fingers but it was totally a blessing in disguise. I lost 5 lbs when I was diagnosed and adjusted my diet to carb ranges and haven't gained much since then. So having GD hasn't been fun but likely helped me control my weight better than if I didn't have it. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Now here I am at 40 weeks and 3 days. I'm blessed beyond measure that I made it to 40 weeks. I'm also blessed with a great doctor who allowed me to do so. If my GD had been out of control there's no way he would have let me go to 40weeks. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rENOBCH5lU4/VQCr74SVSNI/AAAAAAAABSM/pMBdamRQEi4/s640/blogger-image--1223064741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rENOBCH5lU4/VQCr74SVSNI/AAAAAAAABSM/pMBdamRQEi4/s640/blogger-image--1223064741.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I ran three 5Ks while pregnant and ran all the way until I was 25 weeks. At which point I had too much pain to continue. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c3R5PWU6XhA/VQCsFlhFObI/AAAAAAAABTE/6xLJof8LZfs/s640/blogger-image--1498933232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c3R5PWU6XhA/VQCsFlhFObI/AAAAAAAABTE/6xLJof8LZfs/s640/blogger-image--1498933232.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UB1csOR1pdI/VQCrfd2UHRI/AAAAAAAABR0/gU2UP9jv6aY/s640/blogger-image--1627180473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UB1csOR1pdI/VQCrfd2UHRI/AAAAAAAABR0/gU2UP9jv6aY/s640/blogger-image--1627180473.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I've gained 29.2 lbs. I'm hoping that I lose approx 12 in labor and will leave me with a very manageable about of lbs to lose (17) to get to my pre pregnancy weight which is officially 201lbs. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E6TMojvCvsY/VQCN87KMlII/AAAAAAAABQo/ZS_yJG2Bwcs/s640/blogger-image--1900294405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E6TMojvCvsY/VQCN87KMlII/AAAAAAAABQo/ZS_yJG2Bwcs/s640/blogger-image--1900294405.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">So my blog will most definitely pick back up in that baby-weight weight-loss process. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">So for now. We wait on our baby girl. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FWc6cWP3Nwg/VQCd0_zT6GI/AAAAAAAABRk/rROqZCl0-AY/s640/blogger-image--2061393159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FWc6cWP3Nwg/VQCd0_zT6GI/AAAAAAAABRk/rROqZCl0-AY/s640/blogger-image--2061393159.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LL2GEplP5lk/VQCr-_A-49I/AAAAAAAABSc/lM5PzqD_dl8/s640/blogger-image-1471962054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LL2GEplP5lk/VQCr-_A-49I/AAAAAAAABSc/lM5PzqD_dl8/s640/blogger-image-1471962054.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hS-zYKGZNDM/VQCsAUxwc3I/AAAAAAAABSk/HNw2zQVPsTs/s640/blogger-image-523997474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hS-zYKGZNDM/VQCsAUxwc3I/AAAAAAAABSk/HNw2zQVPsTs/s640/blogger-image-523997474.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-19982344272735149082014-10-29T22:53:00.001-05:002014-10-29T22:53:07.921-05:00Pregnancy and Whole30Ok here's how today went down.. Breakfast: 3 pieces of bacon, 1 egg, lunch: chicken curry, snacks: banana, egg, almonds, raisins, & dinner: crock pot Chinese pork loin (very good). Notice it has rice in it. Not compliant. Long story, worth reading if you're following my #whole30pregnancy adventures.... I walked in the door after class tonight (and work) and informed my husband that "I can NOT do #whole30 right now" I figured he would encourage me not to give up as we usually do and is be mad. Instead he said "that's ok, maybe it's something you need to wait and do once the baby has arrived". What a relief! I'm not crazy!!!! Then I called a BFF. She said "you're pregnant, it's hard regardless. If you can't do it right now it's OK" then I texted my mom (who's completed whole30) she said "I understand". These are the people who have done whole30 with me previously. All 3 of them. If they aren't trying to convince me I need to quit forcing myself. I literally feel as though my body is needing the grains and I literally don't have the energy to deal with the fatigue and fight of cravings vs. Willpower. With that said. I am not continuing #whole30 at this time but I am continuing to aim for the cleanest diet I can without going nutty in this pregnant body of mine. I don't intend to eat a lot of sugar but a bit of dairy and some grains will be incorporated. Whew. I'm so glad. I feel better. So for that reason I did eat rice at dinner then just because I had some Reese's puffs for dessert. I will continue to take my lunch to work, eat better breakfasts and avoid restaurants and the sodium that goes with them but I can NOT fight at this moment. I just can't be perfect at this moment. <div><br></div><div>I was concerned about what Instagram and blog followers might think but at this moment that isn't my first concern. My first concern is feeling well. I do feel better in some aspects... Less "fluffy", less swollen, but I'm in a fatigued detox like state and I just don't have the energy. I would love for some of you to share with me how you manage 80/20 eating habits. To me if I eat 5 times a day (likely while preggo) that means 1 time a day I'm not compliant. How do y'all break this down? </div><div><br></div><div>The Reese's!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n8Oeajg7yqM/VFG2IdR4iPI/AAAAAAAABMM/ljVnoYtx1eI/s640/blogger-image--816605397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n8Oeajg7yqM/VFG2IdR4iPI/AAAAAAAABMM/ljVnoYtx1eI/s640/blogger-image--816605397.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-86027143776594726142014-08-24T10:40:00.001-05:002014-08-24T10:40:05.665-05:00FindtheBALANCE!ISo when I found out I was pregnant it was like an immediate identity crisis. Some may think this is bad of me but it's not. We wanted to be pregnant and we are very excited but that does to make the physical changes easy. <div><br></div><div>Me pre pregnancy:</div><div>-Eating whole30</div><div>-Had just lost 15 pounds</div><div>-So excited to have finally broken the mystery of my extra weight and was able to visualize it gone. </div><div><br></div><div>My immediate thoughts:</div><div>-I can't try to lose weight anymore how weird is that? It's all I've known for many years and I just found the key for my success. </div><div>-Veggies make me throw up? What?</div><div>-I'm eating bread? What?</div><div>-I don't feel like exercising? What?</div><div><br></div><div>So I was immediately trying to figure out how to find myself somewhere in the middle. After advice from my doctor I decided just to keep me terrible food decisions minimal, rest as much as I could and go easy on myself for this first trimester until I could stomach something other than bread and ice cream. </div><div><br></div><div>Well my stomach is feeling much better and I'm tired of feeling so blah and hating everything I put in my mouth. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm 12 weeks today so in almost out of the first trimester. Whew!</div><div><br></div><div>So at this point I'm craving a good run. The only thing in my way is the temperature. I don't handle heat like I usually do. So I'm waiting very patiently for a mild day to run. I ran a 5k while I was pregnant before I knew I was pregnant. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm also craving feeling good. I know more energy and a better feel are supposed to come with the second trimester but to feel my best I have to eat my best. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm working on making a plan to return to my whole30 eating. My doctor is in full support of this. He says it will greatly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes which would not be fun at all. </div><div><br></div><div>At this point my weight gain is less than 5 pounds which is right on track for first trimester so the crazy eating hasn't hurt me too much. My doctor told me to expect a total of 30-35 lbs gain for the entire. Possibly lower down to 20 lbs minimum since I already have extra weight. It's just depends on how my body adjusts. As of now he is very happy with everything. My weight, my blood pressure (116/68) and all of my blood work. All is well. So I feel like in doing well I just need a plan. </div><div><br></div><div>I just wanted to pass along some of my thoughts during this time of change for me. I'm not "finding the skinny" right now. I'm finding the balance but give me 6 months and I'll be ready to aim for "the skinny again"</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks to my readers and followers who are continuing to support me through great changes. </div><div><br></div><div>Stay tuned for a blog I'm working on about maternity clothes. I'll also update soon with my eating plans when I figure them out. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-j1p-wFq24Nk/U_oHURs9giI/AAAAAAAABLI/xpdbU-y_TE0/s640/blogger-image-134690275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-j1p-wFq24Nk/U_oHURs9giI/AAAAAAAABLI/xpdbU-y_TE0/s640/blogger-image-134690275.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-45318658478655628832014-06-29T01:15:00.001-05:002014-06-29T10:53:09.561-05:00Whole30 Favorite Things (sorry if I were Oprah you would all get them
for free! Sorry I'm not Oprah)<div><br></div>In talking with friends and Instagram followers who are on whole30 we typically discuss specific food items that are compliant and helpful. Whole Foods and Trader Joes are my favorite places to shop. I have to drive about an hour to get to these stores so we go maybe once a month. These two stores are so very helpful on whole30!<div><br></div><div>Below each picture is a little about the food item and how we use it. I hope this is helpful. Please comment with your own favorites and ideas. Also other bloggers please consider a similar post as we are all in this together!!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wwG1rQj6fMo/U6-u59oB12I/AAAAAAAABH8/gdXEs1GGhkE/s640/blogger-image-2075831311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wwG1rQj6fMo/U6-u59oB12I/AAAAAAAABH8/gdXEs1GGhkE/s640/blogger-image-2075831311.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Skipjack Tuna from Trader Joes only 1.49 and does not contain soy as most canned tunas do. I am trying this variety for the first time but will use it like the other variety below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xULO8NgGYbI/U6-u7FXx3vI/AAAAAAAABIE/SP5fcMQhrMY/s640/blogger-image-369263884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xULO8NgGYbI/U6-u7FXx3vI/AAAAAAAABIE/SP5fcMQhrMY/s640/blogger-image-369263884.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Albacore Tuna from Trader Joes. 1.69 per can and also does not contain any soy. I use this tuna for last minute meals. When a plan fails or I fail to plan I grab tuna, drain it, put it in a skillet and sprinkle with lemon pepper and almond meal. Stir and warm and it's so good with some last minute veggies. We are talking a 3 min meal here. I also use this as a pre gym snack. I'm looking forward to attempting my own mayo and tuna salad? Maybe? Any recipes?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SWXjoyiTsv4/U6-sNiXsFnI/AAAAAAAABGg/1aQ3_LjU9Ss/s640/blogger-image--1759372970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SWXjoyiTsv4/U6-sNiXsFnI/AAAAAAAABGg/1aQ3_LjU9Ss/s640/blogger-image--1759372970.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">New item to try. My mom uses canned salmon I think for compliant salmon patties I think. Chime in *here* Mom! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This picture shows how simple these canned fish ingredient lists are. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bFJtrWJlVbs/U7A1gog-CtI/AAAAAAAABJw/KrZ87xgQfKQ/s640/blogger-image-1099179553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bFJtrWJlVbs/U7A1gog-CtI/AAAAAAAABJw/KrZ87xgQfKQ/s640/blogger-image-1099179553.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-B1E2pUoxRd4/U6-uzFXCMBI/AAAAAAAABHU/W7r76WI2-hw/s640/blogger-image--37826826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-B1E2pUoxRd4/U6-uzFXCMBI/AAAAAAAABHU/W7r76WI2-hw/s640/blogger-image--37826826.jpg"></a></div>Almond Meal - 1 pound for 4.99. Ingredients are: almonds</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What more could you ask for. I use this for sprinkling on the tuna (above) and to sprinkle or lightly coat zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower to be baked. I also do zucchini with Chesapeake seasoning in a skillet. Oh and on chicken wings with hot sauce! It just adds texture. This is the cheapest I've found it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bE4ptECE_sc/U6-uwr_g6ZI/AAAAAAAABHE/cFvAj1QZLYY/s640/blogger-image--1342724920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bE4ptECE_sc/U6-uwr_g6ZI/AAAAAAAABHE/cFvAj1QZLYY/s640/blogger-image--1342724920.jpg"></a></div>My husband's favorite. The ingredients are : plantains. Easy as that. For when you need a to go snack or a bit of crunch. Possibly SWYPO food but it didn't bother us at all. $2+ Each if I remember correctly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gX_dEzcEbj4/U6-u3cXV7zI/AAAAAAAABHs/vKfGKUN5Mak/s640/blogger-image--79662450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gX_dEzcEbj4/U6-u3cXV7zI/AAAAAAAABHs/vKfGKUN5Mak/s640/blogger-image--79662450.jpg"></a></div>Freeze dried fruit. Not dried fruit but FREEZE dried. It's awesome. It's purely fruit. The ingredient picture is below. It is very light. Almost like space food or marshmallow texture (lucky charms type marshmallows). A great snack. Technically the whole bag is one serving but I got like 6 servings from one bag. A nice snack for when you are hungry after work or everyone at work is eating something sweet and you need something. $2+ each</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Xj8CSGz4y-Q/U7A1Wd5P0aI/AAAAAAAABJI/ShGl3nNlgj8/s640/blogger-image--1550330503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Xj8CSGz4y-Q/U7A1Wd5P0aI/AAAAAAAABJI/ShGl3nNlgj8/s640/blogger-image--1550330503.jpg"></a></div>Spices are next - all Trader Joes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dLOe8TQeq2Y/U6-u1mbetvI/AAAAAAAABHk/PjMzUfVabK0/s640/blogger-image--134912629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dLOe8TQeq2Y/U6-u1mbetvI/AAAAAAAABHk/PjMzUfVabK0/s640/blogger-image--134912629.jpg"></a></div>21 salute is amazing on pork chops. It's 21 seasonings in one. Basil goes on a lot. Curry is a favorite chicken seasoning for us. I'd like to try it with coconut milk to make a super good curry dish. 1.99 each</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bOdlRYn5GJg/U6-sOvCotMI/AAAAAAAABGo/6aZkNEulAXw/s640/blogger-image--592297981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bOdlRYn5GJg/U6-sOvCotMI/AAAAAAAABGo/6aZkNEulAXw/s640/blogger-image--592297981.jpg"></a></div>Purely pepper and garlic here. 1.99 each</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sG4ZeTfdYe0/U6-sP4moRUI/AAAAAAAABGw/5YeW3ouhOSc/s640/blogger-image-1008962355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sG4ZeTfdYe0/U6-sP4moRUI/AAAAAAAABGw/5YeW3ouhOSc/s640/blogger-image-1008962355.jpg"></a></div>The lemon pepper is huge for me. I use it on fish, chicken, tuna, broccoli, and everything else I can. Haha. This one has no junk. A lot of them have sugar?!?! Why would they put sugar in lemon pepper? (Lemon pepper ingredients below) 1.99 each</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KJMgiOcUH0Q/U7A1fKoh34I/AAAAAAAABJo/qfprWcsPtdk/s640/blogger-image--1679497068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KJMgiOcUH0Q/U7A1fKoh34I/AAAAAAAABJo/qfprWcsPtdk/s640/blogger-image--1679497068.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-31nFCfa-BYo/U6-sRzJEAwI/AAAAAAAABG4/7QwWU1_-MLA/s640/blogger-image-1629074366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-31nFCfa-BYo/U6-sRzJEAwI/AAAAAAAABG4/7QwWU1_-MLA/s640/blogger-image-1629074366.jpg"></a></div>New spices to try this time. (1.99 ea, smoke flavor is 2 something)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0p20yppp5lE/U6-u8Mv7qPI/AAAAAAAABIM/Gp826TdryPc/s640/blogger-image--1324949953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0p20yppp5lE/U6-u8Mv7qPI/AAAAAAAABIM/Gp826TdryPc/s640/blogger-image--1324949953.jpg"></a></div>Ghee from whole foods. A little goes a long way and can help make flavor more savory. Trader Joes also has ghee. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--HCCprmOyAM/U6-u4yy_bQI/AAAAAAAABH0/JMX7H7CWd8Y/s640/blogger-image-1952900318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--HCCprmOyAM/U6-u4yy_bQI/AAAAAAAABH0/JMX7H7CWd8Y/s640/blogger-image-1952900318.jpg"></a></div>Hallelujah!!!!... bacon with no sugar! This is the only compliant bacon I have found. It's at Whole Foods. Below you can see the ingredients listed. It's nice to have a piece with breakfast or to add to a dinner entree or into a salad. ($6 a pack so it's a treat but well worth it) my friend Melissa who introduced me to Whole30 brought me a package of this my first week on Whole30 and hung it on my classroom door and all of a sudden a light appeared in the long tunnel. Haha. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gO10bLqBL_E/U7A1SxziNJI/AAAAAAAABI4/OIRf-LollGk/s640/blogger-image-1446539847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gO10bLqBL_E/U7A1SxziNJI/AAAAAAAABI4/OIRf-LollGk/s640/blogger-image-1446539847.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o3ynpY4jkI4/U6-uxrSRs5I/AAAAAAAABHM/gDqJaWP8TM0/s640/blogger-image-1365839299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o3ynpY4jkI4/U6-uxrSRs5I/AAAAAAAABHM/gDqJaWP8TM0/s640/blogger-image-1365839299.jpg"></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Love these fully cooked chicken meatballs from Whole Foods (about $5). They go great on spaghetti squash with a compliant tomato sauce!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0N_m_ASZi6c/U7A1QXNkgaI/AAAAAAAABIw/3bjz3Kjk48c/s640/blogger-image-423060965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0N_m_ASZi6c/U7A1QXNkgaI/AAAAAAAABIw/3bjz3Kjk48c/s640/blogger-image-423060965.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DJYyCOz1dDg/U6-u0VooVPI/AAAAAAAABHc/F0t51mN6qnE/s640/blogger-image-1997623524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DJYyCOz1dDg/U6-u0VooVPI/AAAAAAAABHc/F0t51mN6qnE/s640/blogger-image-1997623524.jpg"></a></div>Chicken Brats from Whole Foods are a good grill food as well! Paired with some grilled veggies. Super good! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VLmrovP2BAs/U7A1X3rZEeI/AAAAAAAABJQ/jxqAvj2m4UA/s640/blogger-image--302019056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VLmrovP2BAs/U7A1X3rZEeI/AAAAAAAABJQ/jxqAvj2m4UA/s640/blogger-image--302019056.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RVs3Mqawx8c/U7A1U5hYJSI/AAAAAAAABJA/nQOF-B4Ukjs/s640/blogger-image-588814527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RVs3Mqawx8c/U7A1U5hYJSI/AAAAAAAABJA/nQOF-B4Ukjs/s640/blogger-image-588814527.jpg"></a></div>Trader Joes almond butter. This one is my husband's favorite brand. We've tried a few. It's creamy. My husband likes to eat it with bananas and strawberries. I don't remember the price but it's cheap. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5K1aYb4xNks/U7A1cOMSinI/AAAAAAAABJY/8do-D2BeNMU/s640/blogger-image-1088118017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5K1aYb4xNks/U7A1cOMSinI/AAAAAAAABJY/8do-D2BeNMU/s640/blogger-image-1088118017.jpg"></a></div>Super simple ingredients!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XrEIzqfz3rE/U7A2YkSUVuI/AAAAAAAABJ8/uMwN6jvHi8o/s640/blogger-image--434356907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XrEIzqfz3rE/U7A2YkSUVuI/AAAAAAAABJ8/uMwN6jvHi8o/s640/blogger-image--434356907.jpg"></a></div>A peak at my "yes" shelves in our pantry. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I hope this post will help someone in some way. Again please share either in comments or on your own blogs or Instagram with your favorite things. </div><div><br></div><div>Oh I almost forgot one! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E_hYD4UGMy0/U7A1dwpHmlI/AAAAAAAABJg/_5suHKjXQ0c/s640/blogger-image--1100561993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E_hYD4UGMy0/U7A1dwpHmlI/AAAAAAAABJg/_5suHKjXQ0c/s640/blogger-image--1100561993.jpg"></a></div>Our dogs eat wellness whole dog food and they love these treats from trader joes. They are only like $3 for the whole box ! I highly suggest Wellness brand food. Our dogs are very healthy with great skin and coats which is not an easy task in the yorkie world. They've eaten Wellness for about 6 years. </div><div><br></div><div>Have a great whole day! </div><div><br></div><div>Today is officially day 1 for my round 2. I attempted it earlier in the week and had some obstacles but here I am. Day 1!!!</div><div>Who's with me?!?</div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-35365743739448949252014-06-26T12:42:00.001-05:002014-06-26T12:49:25.616-05:00Vacation and Whole30So I was on vacation for quite some time. About 16 days! It was so amazing. I saw family I hadn't seen in 12 years! We laughed and had so much fun! Tried new things and remembered old times too! <div><br></div><div>Here are a few pictures! </div><div>We did Miami (where my family is), Key West for our anniversary, also Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, and Savannah, GA as we traveled home. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mNGK5DeopLg/U6xbmZDWNCI/AAAAAAAABGI/6_TopGbAJto/s640/blogger-image-713602776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mNGK5DeopLg/U6xbmZDWNCI/AAAAAAAABGI/6_TopGbAJto/s640/blogger-image-713602776.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Coconut water from the front yard!</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y3tiEPMpCX4/U6xblbY869I/AAAAAAAABGA/zbpP-H-x2bs/s640/blogger-image--1005632026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y3tiEPMpCX4/U6xblbY869I/AAAAAAAABGA/zbpP-H-x2bs/s640/blogger-image--1005632026.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Airboat ride in the Everglades!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DXqYXK7FwCk/U6xbnuvIYJI/AAAAAAAABGQ/-IgkIAD0V_I/s640/blogger-image--1461245445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DXqYXK7FwCk/U6xbnuvIYJI/AAAAAAAABGQ/-IgkIAD0V_I/s640/blogger-image--1461245445.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Key West sunset!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ThqLS0ajHzM/U6xbMmzi5sI/AAAAAAAABEw/EWgPdacr1a4/s640/blogger-image-1889713320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ThqLS0ajHzM/U6xbMmzi5sI/AAAAAAAABEw/EWgPdacr1a4/s640/blogger-image-1889713320.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">South Beach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IJWX3Fd3msw/U6xbdtQ7TbI/AAAAAAAABFQ/6r9f_HuB-Oc/s640/blogger-image--2031695416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IJWX3Fd3msw/U6xbdtQ7TbI/AAAAAAAABFQ/6r9f_HuB-Oc/s640/blogger-image--2031695416.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Southernmost point!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nOUDUCL0A58/U6xbSgK6FEI/AAAAAAAABFA/Urf2v5DSU20/s640/blogger-image--217831862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nOUDUCL0A58/U6xbSgK6FEI/AAAAAAAABFA/Urf2v5DSU20/s640/blogger-image--217831862.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Southernmost beach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jR0IiEeAUhE/U6xbfAEj7cI/AAAAAAAABFY/9iw8iNvx0Do/s640/blogger-image--23918610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jR0IiEeAUhE/U6xbfAEj7cI/AAAAAAAABFY/9iw8iNvx0Do/s640/blogger-image--23918610.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">St. Augustine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Lp8YV6pBhA/U6xbj_A_43I/AAAAAAAABF4/T1blOSqdsBQ/s640/blogger-image-1560051596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Lp8YV6pBhA/U6xbj_A_43I/AAAAAAAABF4/T1blOSqdsBQ/s640/blogger-image-1560051596.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On top of the fort in St. Augustine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Dn6PGJ9-Yc/U6xbQ7DTiaI/AAAAAAAABE4/V8GB5J-ROL4/s640/blogger-image-1580827488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Dn6PGJ9-Yc/U6xbQ7DTiaI/AAAAAAAABE4/V8GB5J-ROL4/s640/blogger-image-1580827488.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Segway tour in Savannah GA. Super fun</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kJFBrsGLzQE/U6xbioeWXSI/AAAAAAAABFw/YIXeSqWWaBs/s640/blogger-image-2092995166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kJFBrsGLzQE/U6xbioeWXSI/AAAAAAAABFw/YIXeSqWWaBs/s640/blogger-image-2092995166.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Paula Deen's restaurant in Savannah!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So I didn't stick to 100% whole30 compliant eating while gone. I had many childhood favorites like my favorite Cuban restaurant Pollo Tropical. I ate a lot of seafood which isn't bad at all. Yellow rice was a downfall. Also doughnuts. I had them twice! One from a gourmet donut shop. See picture! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6zE-XDiuq84/U6xbbGUOmgI/AAAAAAAABFI/iBu0mpldyrE/s640/blogger-image--1302059417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6zE-XDiuq84/U6xbbGUOmgI/AAAAAAAABFI/iBu0mpldyrE/s640/blogger-image--1302059417.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The other doughnuts were Krispy Kreme. They were hot and somehow hijacked my cousin's car and got in the house. Haha. </div><div><br></div><div>I had bread at a few restaurants as a treat and a few breaded foods like Aligator Tail with a jalapeño sauce! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GwtLQtGYfcY/U6xbgeNqvOI/AAAAAAAABFg/StUdIgpA-ho/s640/blogger-image--121177823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GwtLQtGYfcY/U6xbgeNqvOI/AAAAAAAABFg/StUdIgpA-ho/s640/blogger-image--121177823.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So good! Past that most everything was decent choices. More cheese than usual. I did turn down sweets a few times (like ice cream once) which is actually a big deal for me but at that moment I just simply didn't want any. I find this to be a success for me in my change of habits with whole30. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">However.... On the way home I told my husband I felt as though I had been torturing myself. I would know some thing wouldn't feel great (maybe bread) and eat it anyhow. I felt unable to be totally compliant on the trip but actually wished at times I was totally compliant so that my energy level wouldn't be down so much. I took workout clothes and never worked out. I believe this was due to my decreased energy from non compliant food. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So as I got home I was not regretful at all of my decisions. I had had improvements in my habits and decisions and had truly enjoyed some of my Florida favorites. However I was curious to weigh, measure, and get back to compliant food. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So in 3 weeks I gained exactly 3 lbs even and gained 1.5 inches in my waist and 1.5 inches in my belly but no where else. This makes sense as that is where the inflammation is going first in my opinion. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_Ogo6RZ_Mpo/U6xbhQyHXSI/AAAAAAAABFo/tmhX24JUmIA/s640/blogger-image--121454128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_Ogo6RZ_Mpo/U6xbhQyHXSI/AAAAAAAABFo/tmhX24JUmIA/s640/blogger-image--121454128.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I was quite thrilled with these numbers. I've had people say. "I don't want to do whole30 for 30 days then gain back all the weight when I go back to my usual eating". Well. Guess what? You won't go back if you do whole30 correctly. Your habits truly change along with your mindset and cravings. </div><div><br></div><div>I didn't "go back" to eating the way I did before but simply enjoyed my vacation while making decent decisions based on what I learned about how I feel when I eat terribly.</div><div><br></div><div>Now I've been back for 1 week. I thought if be about 6 days into another whole30 but I taught a camp this week for high school drum majors and we've had a few other things going on but tomorrow we plan to start on Day 1 again. Who's with me on this 30 day cycle? </div><div><br></div><div>I'm not sure what comes after that next 30 days?</div><div><br></div><div>Some people say they do 80/20 but I heard someone say (maybe it was Chris Powell but I'm not sure) that that means you're eating junk 20% of the time. That's a lot. If you eat 3 meals and 2 snacks a day that means once a day your eating non compliant. This works for some people but my body demands more from me. My body wants way more. </div><div><br></div><div>Some people do a cheat day but I don't like how I feel if I were to eat non compliant for a day. </div><div><br></div><div>So I'm leaning toward a number of non comoliant food items to allow myself per week. Maybe 2 per week? I'd love input here. Have you tried something like this to maintain whole30 as a lifestyle? I need to read those chapters in the "It Starts with Food" book. </div><div><br></div><div>I can't wait to see how I do!</div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-57450208718244588792014-05-26T01:30:00.001-05:002014-05-26T01:30:21.685-05:00Whole30 day 40!II would just like to list out some ways whole 30 has helped me in these 40 days, some things I struggled with, and some ways I hope to improve on my next whole 30 cycle. <div><br></div><div>Things I've gained:</div><div>-the ability to control cravings</div><div>-a new found love for seasonings</div><div>-a new ability to get my veggies in every day</div><div>-I sleep better</div><div>-more energy</div><div>-no energy crashes at 2:00</div><div>-my endurance in exercise is much better</div><div>-lost 13.4 lbs in my 30 days. More since</div><div>- lost 14+ inches in my 30 days</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gQXZ1SsvS7Q/U4Lfdmw8foI/AAAAAAAABDk/vo7A713Vyvo/s640/blogger-image-107426541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gQXZ1SsvS7Q/U4Lfdmw8foI/AAAAAAAABDk/vo7A713Vyvo/s640/blogger-image-107426541.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>-gained a new sense of how I feel beyond the scales</div><div>-I'm not satisfied with very small amounts of dairy and sweets. For example 4 M&Ms is all I need. Not a whole bag!</div><div><br></div><div>Things I struggled with:</div><div>-Planning ahead some days was hard</div><div>- I struggled for about a week with leaning on Larabars too much</div><div>- struggled to get enough sleep to allow my body to really experience the better sleep. </div><div>- possibly ate too much fruit on some days. </div><div><br></div><div>Things I want to improve on my next cycle:</div><div><br></div><div>- get more sleep</div><div>- join my exercise routine in from the beginning (I began exercise about half way through my first cycle)</div><div>-plan meals ahead better</div><div>- pay more attention to my budget for the grocery to be able to compare costs to before whole30</div><div>- do a better job of my reintroduction schedule. </div><div><br></div><div>Today was day 40. I've had a few treats since Day 30 but only one at a time surrounded by compliant meals the rest of the day. For example. The day my students on sang at the minor league ball game I ate great all day and then had a cheeseburger at the game but went back to normal the next day. </div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday my husband and I were with his parents and they wanted Shoneys buffet. I was able to resist all the fabulous breakfast carbs and got a side salad and fresh fruit. My willpower has always been pretty good but it's really gotten better since I began whole30. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I have a vacation in about 10 days. For these ten days I plan to be as conpliant as possible to maybe she's a few additional pounds and inches to feel great when I leave. </div><div><br></div><div>I can't wait to see how much more I can improve. </div><div><br></div><div>For four years I've tried very hard to lose weight with little success. To finally have found something that works that is all natural nutrition is just so exciting. </div><div><br></div><div>Thanks for reading and supporting me!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mwtbAt8Aj1I/U4LfewCh84I/AAAAAAAABDs/h8Z0_4OP2VY/s640/blogger-image-293318816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mwtbAt8Aj1I/U4LfewCh84I/AAAAAAAABDs/h8Z0_4OP2VY/s640/blogger-image-293318816.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-91995385632694401242014-04-30T21:45:00.001-05:002014-04-30T21:45:26.260-05:00Whole 30 -halfway done!<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So I'm halfway done with whole 30 and I'm finally getting a minute to blog about this fabulous life changing experience. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MC_MyXeWz5I/U2G1OJGmo6I/AAAAAAAABCg/8ccnY8iB1U0/s640/blogger-image-1722182060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MC_MyXeWz5I/U2G1OJGmo6I/AAAAAAAABCg/8ccnY8iB1U0/s640/blogger-image-1722182060.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>First I'll begin by saying that my husband is fantastic and has jumped in with both feet to do whole 30 together which I believe is a huge part of my ability to be successful. </div><div><br></div><div>Day 1 for me was Wednesday April 16th. I spent a few days reading up on the requirements and grocery shopping to get ready. I also prepped my pantry by creating yes and no shelves to make it simple and less tempting. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4jVivxCv7zw/U2G1HRAxyWI/AAAAAAAABCI/JzUWsgRk-wQ/s640/blogger-image--1797738960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4jVivxCv7zw/U2G1HRAxyWI/AAAAAAAABCI/JzUWsgRk-wQ/s640/blogger-image--1797738960.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I first learned about whole30 through a co worker who did it with her son as a means to help his food allergies. When she first told me about it in Dec I was less than interested. A few other co workers tried it. Honestly here on Day 15 I can't clearly remember what sparked me to do it. I was tried of feeling like junk. I had attempted to reintroduce gluten and gained 15 pounds yep 15!!!! In a month!!!! I decided gluten had to go again so I figured I might as well just do whole30. I began at their website which is amazing. Whole30.com it tells everything you need to know here it is in a nutshell...</div><div><br></div><div>- no dairy</div><div>-no gluten</div><div>- no grains</div><div>- no added sugar or artificial sweeteners</div><div>- no processed foods w chemicals</div><div>- no legumes (except green beans)</div><div>- no "paleo" versions of sweets</div><div>- no giving into sweet cravings with fruit</div><div>- not a single crumb or lick of anything that is off limits for a solid 30 days</div><div><br></div><div>Oh and no weighing or measuring yourself (to focus your thoughts on how you feel, not the number)</div><div><br></div><div>The whole process is intended to heal your body from inflammation, reset your metabolism and your relationship with food and your body. </div><div><br></div><div>Easter was actually not hard at all. I hosted and mom and I worked together to modify the family traditional meal to make it acceptable (cauliflower is a great replacement for potatoes in a roast)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pSsLZec_bio/U2G1JuG8UFI/AAAAAAAABCQ/36BnHSnb1qI/s640/blogger-image--1256610182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pSsLZec_bio/U2G1JuG8UFI/AAAAAAAABCQ/36BnHSnb1qI/s640/blogger-image--1256610182.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Serving ice cream to students for a reward all day one day and making cheesecake desserts for a jewelry event were also surprisingly easy. Not even a lick of the spoon (or finger)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8WSOY4jjOtY/U2G1Q3hy80I/AAAAAAAABCw/kAP_yUYFGbU/s640/blogger-image-778462388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8WSOY4jjOtY/U2G1Q3hy80I/AAAAAAAABCw/kAP_yUYFGbU/s640/blogger-image-778462388.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>So far here's what I've found to be true for me. </div><div><br></div><div>- sleeping better</div><div>- clothes fit much better (some that didn't fit two weeks ago fit now)</div><div>- I've had fewer heart palpitations (never expected that)</div><div>- energy level is beginning to go up</div><div>- I had much more energy in my workout tonight</div><div>- my sweet cravings are beginning to go away and I actually felt bad tonight for enjoying bananas and strawberries with a tablespoon of almond butter after my dinner. Seriously!</div><div><br></div><div>I've craved chocolate a lot (not as much now) I think Easter had a hand in that! My husband however has craved cheeseburgers. We are each different. </div><div><br></div><div>My friend Melissa at work (that introduced me to whole30) encourages me daily and is my personal cheerleader here! I'm so thankful for her!</div><div><br></div><div>This week after feeling so much better and seeing results I'm excited to be adding exercise back in to merge with the new eating habits. </div><div><br></div><div>Tonight was Zumba. I saw a difference in my my workout clothes for and had a ton of energy to do the advanced options throughout the class. Last time I went I thought I could die! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VMhyWOKvcLw/U2G1PP_gwbI/AAAAAAAABCo/i4fPOmhmrXk/s640/blogger-image--1347650200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VMhyWOKvcLw/U2G1PP_gwbI/AAAAAAAABCo/i4fPOmhmrXk/s640/blogger-image--1347650200.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I'm just so anxious to weigh. I actually asked my husband to hide my scales. I was pretty sure I would cheat on the weighing. Haha</div><div><br></div><div>I'm so thankful that God gives me the strength to stick to a new plan like this. It may seem drastic or crazy but truly as was stated in the book I'm reading "Made to Crave": I'm eating much like an animal in the wild. Meat, fruits, and veggies. We don't see obese animals running around do we? </div><div><br></div><div>I feel that I've worked for many years to lose weight through exercise and diet. It wasn't working so I try something new and more intense. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm excited for these next 15 days!!!</div><div><br></div><div>I highly suggest the books "It Starts With Food" and "Made to Crave" pictured below. Starts with food outlines whole 30 and it's science. Made to crave aligns a weightloss journey to a Christian daily walk with God. Both are awesome and I'm currently getting a lot from each of them. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7_1voOw3Kp8/U2G1BpW_xhI/AAAAAAAABCA/v2RrvGOJHtU/s640/blogger-image-985518618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7_1voOw3Kp8/U2G1BpW_xhI/AAAAAAAABCA/v2RrvGOJHtU/s640/blogger-image-985518618.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Btw: I'll write more about this later but after 30 squeaky clean days I'll reintroduce one group at a time (minus gluten-I know it doesn't work for me) to see which I can have in moderation and which I should avoid. </div><div><br></div><div>One week progress picture: left is Easter (day 5), right is a jewelry training (day 11). I could feel a difference in my belt at that point. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2bQjivmcWT8/U2G1KvsNY8I/AAAAAAAABCY/AOGHIDfE4O0/s640/blogger-image--1740842482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2bQjivmcWT8/U2G1KvsNY8I/AAAAAAAABCY/AOGHIDfE4O0/s640/blogger-image--1740842482.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-61818362455034183102014-03-21T19:38:00.001-05:002014-03-21T20:33:31.918-05:00New beginnings<div><br></div><div><br></div>So a few weeks back (several weeks) I got off track with my exercise when I spent a week in hospital rooms with my husband and his parents. We somehow never got back on track. It's funny how easy it is to make it happen when you're in the routine but one big event can change that 180 degrees! <div><br></div><div>I've been gluten free since April 2013. About 2 months ago I got a little sloppy and no longer avoided cross contamination and then two weeks ago I was at a fundraiser for my husbands band at a pizza place. I was going to just eat the toppings. Then I decided it was highly wasteful and not very productive with their small amount of toppings. So I just are pizza and expected to get sick. I did not get sick. So the next day I decided "gluten is already in my system I may as well enjoy a few things I never get to have" that led to weeks of gluten here or there. It's caused some weight gain along with return of symptoms from my gluten sensitivity. Fatigue, not sleeping well, feeling "fluffy", etc. </div><div><br></div><div>So I have a few new things in place to help me get back on track and hopefully be successful. (I know this isn't my first "get back on track post") It's just so hard to stay on track without a solid plan and results to keep me going. </div><div><br></div><div>Here is what I have in place:</div><div><br></div><div>My new health insurance is Humana which allows the Vitality program where I can earn points for health checks and exercise and running races etc. The points can then be used to make purchases. Very cool. So I've started that program and want to earn points! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zOHf2aZCJFo/UyzoaalDS9I/AAAAAAAABBQ/LC_qRReBUR8/s640/blogger-image--1241705435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zOHf2aZCJFo/UyzoaalDS9I/AAAAAAAABBQ/LC_qRReBUR8/s640/blogger-image--1241705435.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I had a "vitality check" at work a few weeks ago. It was good. My blood work all looked good and was in range except my triglycerides which may have been falsely elevated because that was the morning after the pizza night. However they were likely too high anyhow. So that along with weight loss are the goals vitality set for me. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FKzwxHYedTg/UyzafDw75gI/AAAAAAAABAY/MZ4wzOgAUGM/s640/blogger-image--1298630634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FKzwxHYedTg/UyzafDw75gI/AAAAAAAABAY/MZ4wzOgAUGM/s640/blogger-image--1298630634.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I have linked my vitality to my fitbit and my Humana fit iPhone app to track runs and bikes and walks etc. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HQr5pvf0txU/UyzbkhMg-oI/AAAAAAAABAw/saxMvKpHCnQ/s640/blogger-image--2056151992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HQr5pvf0txU/UyzbkhMg-oI/AAAAAAAABAw/saxMvKpHCnQ/s640/blogger-image--2056151992.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j7vX6LYjz6E/UyzbmEsKb6I/AAAAAAAABA0/SOkV_wGsXJ4/s640/blogger-image--1084716400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j7vX6LYjz6E/UyzbmEsKb6I/AAAAAAAABA0/SOkV_wGsXJ4/s640/blogger-image--1084716400.jpg"></a></div> It makes a cool calendar. Which there is only one day of recorded stuff on here because I just set it up. Can't wait to fill the calendar. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JJUH0TPFE7I/UyzbGHSQZmI/AAAAAAAABAg/NN_ucExmqgE/s640/blogger-image--265150045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JJUH0TPFE7I/UyzbGHSQZmI/AAAAAAAABAg/NN_ucExmqgE/s640/blogger-image--265150045.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Next....</div><div><br></div><div>Today we started a biggest loser contest at school. Quite motivating!! We have the health dept coming in for 4 of the weigh ins. They give us tickets with our weight. Here is mine...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Yikes!!! I've gained a few pounds. Now I weighed at 291 at home. Of course at school it was after breakfast, after 16 oz of water w my thyroid med, and fully dressed including shoes. Way different from home weigh ins. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7fBpHvVOtpk/UyzoY713KnI/AAAAAAAABBI/-EPiIYvwadw/s640/blogger-image-769918157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7fBpHvVOtpk/UyzoY713KnI/AAAAAAAABBI/-EPiIYvwadw/s640/blogger-image-769918157.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm very excited to have this motivation and encouragement. My husband is on board to go along side me which will help today. I'm working to detox the gluten away again and be more diligent again. It truly helps me. I can't believe I let the habit slip away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I can't wait to update. Thanks for reading!! Follow me on Instagram @findtheskinny </div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-74005485981422313882014-02-16T10:56:00.001-06:002014-02-16T10:56:07.268-06:00Week to week<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Well I'm home from church today with a hubby who doesn't feel so great so I'm taking a few minutes to relax and blog. Somehow I still haven't gotten back into my blogging groove. I hate that because I love blogging. I still think Instagram makes for an unintentional replacement from time to time with pictures and quick blurbs. If you don't follow me there do that in order to see much more from me. (@findtheskinny)</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YrU4f12MSUk/UwDtlA6iZVI/AAAAAAAAA_I/dV-VzZeTzy4/s640/blogger-image-1077675896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YrU4f12MSUk/UwDtlA6iZVI/AAAAAAAAA_I/dV-VzZeTzy4/s640/blogger-image-1077675896.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>So two weeks ago my husband and I had found a good gym routine. We were arriving before the New Years crowd each day I was swimming etc. things were good. Then on Wed of that week we got a call that his dad had been taken via ambulance to the hospital unable to breathe. I won't go into a lot of detail but one hospital transfer, six days in the hospital (2 in ICU) and 4 doctors later he was released into out patient therapy with a diagnosis of having had three strokes stemming from his carotid artery. His road isn't over. He's scheduled for therapy three times a week for 8 weeks and will undergo surgery in a few weeks to clear the artery. Please be in prayer for his recovery. </div><div><br></div><div>I took a selfie of my fear when I got in the ambulance to ride along on the transport! It wasn't too bad. Max speed of 80. Interesting to see what people do though. I saw one car get on the shoulder but stay at 70 mph. I was scared for them! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kq1sQ-BroI4/UwDtpS3u8sI/AAAAAAAAA_o/WaJhHvWbZnM/s640/blogger-image-1054541520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kq1sQ-BroI4/UwDtpS3u8sI/AAAAAAAAA_o/WaJhHvWbZnM/s640/blogger-image-1054541520.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>In those 6 hospital days we made efforts such as taking the stairs making good choices in the cafeteria and trying to get sleep. However hospitals create a tough situation. You don't want to miss doctor rounds and when you're seeing three doctors a day for that you find yourself planted in an ICU room for 14 solid hours! You make the best food choices possible. But... When you're tired and stressed and your hospital has ice cream snickers for sale.... (If you're me you'll break down and buy one two times over the 6 days) and there is only so much movement you can get in a 10x10 room with enough cords to trip a bird!</div><div><br></div><div>Anyhow. We've had a tough time getting back to our routine since he left the hospital. </div><div><br></div><div>Why is it so hard to go after a week off??? And GREAT!... Now it's been two weeks off!</div><div><br></div><div>I gained weight the hospital week. Began losing it this week though. Thankfully! We even travelled for work last week. But believe me the movement increased. Busy schedules and our feet for transportation for 4 days. Loved it! Seriously! I took my gym clothes there with an idea of grabbing the routine back but literally the gym wasn't open when we finished each day and the sidewalks were icy. Slick icy. </div><div><br></div><div>Pic of my hubby and I when we took his students to a celebration dinner in the revolving restaurant on the 25th floor. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yNY_JaYOPJI/UwDtoFXnBKI/AAAAAAAAA_g/DAxKmc-w814/s640/blogger-image-142873499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yNY_JaYOPJI/UwDtoFXnBKI/AAAAAAAAA_g/DAxKmc-w814/s640/blogger-image-142873499.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>So a bad week followed by a better week. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8rlB3zE6Okc/UwDtmPnJbCI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/MwYDqGHtMM0/s640/blogger-image--1916955171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8rlB3zE6Okc/UwDtmPnJbCI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/MwYDqGHtMM0/s640/blogger-image--1916955171.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>My plan this week is to write a weekly schedule down tonight with my hubby. Get his mtgs, pep band nights, appts, etc all written down. Get my mtgs all written down. Then schedule in gym time and make a plan. I'll prep food tonight too. (Im going to out my green smoothie ingredients into freezer bags in the freezer for the week. I sure miss my smoothies! I'm hoping this week can get us on track. </div><div><br></div><div>I can say that this hospital experience didn't sabotage us like the last one when his parents ended up in two separate hospitals at one time during marching band season. That was next to impossible. I find this experience was improved from last time and with the upcoming stay for surgery if we can plan ahead maybe we can keep our routine. </div><div><br></div><div>I just hope that we don't have to visit any hospitals any time soon (except when our new nephew is born). But if we do I hope the next experience we can be more ready for staying on track. </div><div><br></div><div>My view for the upcoming week is the more "perfect" it is the better. I want to plan the cleanest most perfect week possible. I think it will help the routine settle in faster. </div><div><br></div><div>Any tips for any of these things? please comment!</div><div><br></div><div>Also I giant thank you to the friends and co workers who offered to bring "my kind of food" to me at the hospital. If ICU had lasted any longer I would have put in my orders. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-K8vq4XX9a1o/UwDtnK2DNVI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/1OV_WcrjxQo/s640/blogger-image--1161310942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-K8vq4XX9a1o/UwDtnK2DNVI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/1OV_WcrjxQo/s640/blogger-image--1161310942.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-39790900858604759532014-01-05T23:41:00.001-06:002014-01-05T23:41:00.937-06:00Swimming.<div><br></div>So I have gone back and forth with a goal to do the sprint triathlon in my town in August. I thought of it last year but didn't do it. Now I have plenty of time and this, too, was discussed over Christmas dinner with the cousins. <div>We had some awesome laughs over how they write your age on you fifty times and how people on $6000 bikes ride by you at three times your speed etc. my cousin and his wife did one and loved it. They had an open water swim. I can't say that would be number one on my list, especially the alligator waters they were in, but they also tell of how they've heard pool swims are crowded and rough too. Maybe I should just ask to go last. Haha. Anyone reading this with tri insight please chime in. </div><div><br></div><div>There are six cousins: we've all run 5Ks. Some 13.1, some 26.2, now one and his wife a sprint tri. I love that we are all active like that. It's something fun to being to the table (literally) when we all get together a few times a year. <br><div><br></div><div>There's one part of the triathlon that I don't do regularly. Swim. I love swimming. When I was a kid I took swimming lessons beginning at age two and took until they couldn't teach me anymore (several years). My cousins, brother and I all took lessons privately in small classes and were all well taught. The one thing I NEVER mastered was the dive. Nope. Can't dive. My reflexes send my head up in a split second consistently creating awesome "belly flops". Haha. But I could tread water for hours, could swim a million different strokes, I COULD do the lifesaver dive (it's feet first) </div></div><div><br></div><div>A forever issue with my swimming was that I hate water in the nose so I also hold it. I've been working on that and have gotten pretty good at blowing bubbles out my nose to keep me from looking like a drowning crazy person. </div><div><br></div><div>So to the gym and swimming laps. A whole different beast. Seriously. Something about swimming a lap makes you feel as though you could drown if you don't pop up and stop halfway for air. I have trouble actually breathing on the breath stroke. Go figure. </div><div><br></div><div>So I went to the gym on Thursday and swam a little. I always do some pool exercises that a previous trainer taught me that are pretty killer between "lap attempts". Thursday I was doing a lap attempt and was attempting to breath on like every fourth stroke. This caused the panic jump-up-to-breath-I-just-got-water-up-my-nose-lack-of-rhythm issue. Couldn't get it. So I grabbed my kick board and did leg laps (hold the board out in front and only do legs kicks or frog kicks down the pool and back) they really get your heart rate going and work your legs like crazy with no knee impact. I highly recommend them. </div><div><br></div><div>Anyhow an old guy probably in his 70s was the only other swimmer and he was in the next lane. I was frog kicking and suddenly found myself racing him to the end of the pool where he beat me in a photo finish. Haha. Sad day. Not only could he swim laps at more than twice my age but I couldn't even beat him swimming while I frog kicked with a kick board. Haha (probably unrealistic considering he had a two arm advantage. But still)</div><div><br></div><div>So Saturday rolls around and I'm back in the pool. I began with my leg exercises and watched as a guy, likely younger than me, swam laps in the next lane. When he took a rest I bothered him to ask if he takes a breath on each stroke on his breath side. He confirmed that's what I was seeing him do and said he was a new swimmer getting ready to join the Air Force and his swimming buddy helped him by telling him to do that. So I gave it a whirl. All the difference in the world! It gave me a rhythm and with a regular breathing cycle in and out on each stroke I was not feeling the panic "need air" feeling. Now that rhythm wasn't perfect and I still have to stop twice across the pool (this is a large pool) but it is better and is now something I can practice and improve on. The guy next to me noticed my smoother rhythm too. I was greatful for his help. </div><div><br></div><div>So there is a tinny tiny light shining at the end of the learning to swim laps tunnel but it's there. I was also excited that 30 - 40 min in the pool burned 307 calories. Yay!!!! Btw I did flip over for one lap doing the back stroke thinking it wouldn't be so bad because breathing isn't the big issue there and oh my stars it's quite the workout that back stroke!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gEnuhVeSTaQ/Uso8ThFEHvI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/c0scO1sFEGs/s640/blogger-image--1760312619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gEnuhVeSTaQ/Uso8ThFEHvI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/c0scO1sFEGs/s640/blogger-image--1760312619.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>So my goal is to be making no more than one stop across the pool by the end of this week and no stops by the end of the next week. That will be so nice to be able to push off on all my starts. Starting in the middle stinks. Haha. </div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-41901615412930227272014-01-01T22:45:00.001-06:002014-01-01T22:45:03.238-06:00Running Goals Set!!!So I decided to add up my miles run for the year. I'm such a slacker: 14.9 miles in 2013 (April -Dec 6 of which have been since thanksgiving). As much as I love running I didn't have a race in front of me and therefore I didn't run. Simple as that. In 2012 I was training hard for my first half marathon when New Years rolled around so Jan-April 2012 I ran 82.8 miles. Big difference!!!! <div>Dec of 2011 when I had began training I ran 38 miles in just that month. My best month ever! 2011 total was 72 miles. </div><div><div><br></div></div><div>April 2012- April 2013 I didn't run. The full year after my half marathon. I believe it was out of fear since I had heart rhythm issues at the finish line. I think I may be a little crazy on this but I told my husband I'd like to wear a monitor next time I run a half in case I have an episode again. We will see. I'll discuss that with my cardiologist. </div><div><br></div><div>Anyhow so after a good table discussion about races with cousins at Christmas I think I'll be doing the half marathon in my hometown over mothers day weekend. I have one cousin planning to do it as we'll. maybe more will join in. Or some friends. Not sure but a goal /race ahead of me should get the mileage up again. </div><div><br></div><div>I would like to set a new goal of a years total of miles as well. So hear are the goals below:</div><div><br></div><div>May 10th: half marathon</div><div>2014: 200 miles total (I'm hoping higher but want something completely attainable and 200 is more than 2011-2013 put together)</div><div><br></div><div>I also dedicated a drawer in my dresser today to running things: hats, gloves, socks, earbuds, etc and a workout clothes drawer too. Hoping that helps me have quicker prep time for getting out the door or packing a gym back in the morning. </div><div><br></div><div>Loving how the runkeeper app lets you set goals now for tracking. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gmhumm7JlOI/UsTuzHm-3wI/AAAAAAAAA-I/NhV8sjYyb3Q/s640/blogger-image-1021951871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gmhumm7JlOI/UsTuzHm-3wI/AAAAAAAAA-I/NhV8sjYyb3Q/s640/blogger-image-1021951871.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-2862481375808825172013-12-26T15:15:00.001-06:002013-12-27T00:47:54.251-06:00A new plan is in the works! and Christmas chat<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So yet again I'll have a new trainer beginning Jan 1st 2014. I can't keep a trainer. They all move away. I think it's part if living in a town with a university. They graduate get a job in their college town as a stepping stone to the job or town where they aim to be. I'm always happy for them but sad to make a change again. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My new trainer will be awesome. I think I'm going to have the consistency I had back two years ago with my trainer Chad. He trained me for about a year. My new trainer has already started planning my Jan., what I'll change in my eating, what I'll do each day and what I'll do in my workouts. The best part about my new trainer is that they don't cost a thing and I'm able to meet with them any time I need/want to. My new trainer for 2014 is me, Bethney. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sounds silly huh? Not really. I've worked with 5 trainers in the past few years. I've learned so much in that time through workouts with them and other research I've done. I realize that it's time to use my own knowledge and resources to just do it myself. Do I know everything I need to know?... No way! But I know more than I probably give myself credit for and I have resources to learn more. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think this may be the key and may be my best year yet. I'm back to calorie counting so I'll be using myfitnesspal again using username findtheskinny and as we all know it's about calories in/ calories out so I'll be utilizing my Polar heart monitor as much as I can to track my calorie burn. My biggest key will be tracking and blogging. Blogging to keep myself accountable. Tracking to find trends and areas to improve on. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I told my husband this a few days ago and he was thrilled. Zero cost! Haha! He is getting ready to return to the gym and go with me. I'm excited about that. Yay!!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm working on Jan right now. I'm looking at the month as a whole, each week, and each day. If anyone has any advice or tips for creating my own plans please share. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Merry Christmas everyone! I'm three meals in and a few to go. We are just now traveling to see my family. I did great Christmas Eve and Christmas Day though . Little spoons of several things. No big servings. Lots of open space on my plate! I totally enjoy it because I don't usually do things like mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole (and never together). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Christmas Eve at my husbands aunts house I came in over 500 calories but just imagine if I filled my plate how much worse it would have been. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cjoF3TCK73U/Urycfna-svI/AAAAAAAAA9U/I_IwNR9lRe4/s640/blogger-image--404489309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cjoF3TCK73U/Urycfna-svI/AAAAAAAAA9U/I_IwNR9lRe4/s640/blogger-image--404489309.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Christmas Morning breakfast at our house with my parents. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YqqgZK2-M5M/Uryca8lhUbI/AAAAAAAAA80/-cS2J9YnMls/s640/blogger-image--1934645287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YqqgZK2-M5M/Uryca8lhUbI/AAAAAAAAA80/-cS2J9YnMls/s640/blogger-image--1934645287.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Christmas Supper last night at our house with my parents and Brandon's parents. We definitely cooked deer on Christmas. Watch out Rudolph! We cooked pork too with a fabulous cranberry sauce. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E9jsIqAY_Jw/UryceYFeHNI/AAAAAAAAA9M/UcPEiwSo5Bk/s640/blogger-image--1003683641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E9jsIqAY_Jw/UryceYFeHNI/AAAAAAAAA9M/UcPEiwSo5Bk/s640/blogger-image--1003683641.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
I'm very proud to have stayed within reasonable calorie counts on these two big food days. Even including the two desserts I had yesterday. All gluten free too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Oh and I took a Christmas run too! Which helped yesterday on multiple levels. Got me out of the house, helped with calories, made me feel accomplished, etc. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f0pqPkzYxZE/UryccD2DW9I/AAAAAAAAA88/SAAZozVau8g/s640/blogger-image-144993807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f0pqPkzYxZE/UryccD2DW9I/AAAAAAAAA88/SAAZozVau8g/s640/blogger-image-144993807.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Merry Christmas! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YEZ8FuMPKNQ/UrycdMk9efI/AAAAAAAAA9E/gxicrwF0Mxc/s640/blogger-image--1022109728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YEZ8FuMPKNQ/UrycdMk9efI/AAAAAAAAA9E/gxicrwF0Mxc/s400/blogger-image--1022109728.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-58956254066654579672013-11-27T23:22:00.001-06:002013-11-27T23:22:03.969-06:00DecisionI made a decision to stop tracking my good using weight watchers points and go back to calorie tracking. Back in May when I began eating gluten free I had not had much luck with weight loss. Taking the gluten out was a lot to focus on for a while as I learned the dos and don'ts of gluten. During that time I stopped tracking my points and found a great increase in my weight loss success. I continued my weight watcher recipes and Wednesday weigh ins and one day I realize I was paying my monthly few for the graph/chart that I could screen shot with my progress each week. That's an expensive chart. Funniest part is that I called my good friend who had been accountability partners with me and she pretty much told me the same story. <div>I truly believe that removing gluten was one of my puzzle pieces and that calorie counting will be plenty alongside my exercise to help me continue being successful. I'm still following all of my weight watcher friends on blogs, twitter, and Instagram. I think it's fantastic but I couldn't justify continuing. Now I'm on a mission to find a fun and good chart/graph system to track my weigh-ins. </div><div><br></div><div>Speaking of exercise. I haven't done much of that lately. On Halloween I was recovering from leg day with my new trainer who I felt would be good and I got sick. Long story short I have been through an upper respiratory infection, an infection that immitates the flu basically, and have a cough that my doctor estimates will linger for 6-8 more weeks. I have been released to exercise and believe that I may go for an easy run tomorrow on Thanksgiving to see how I feel. Mornings are tough right now. It takes me a few hours to get to feeling ok each morning. I can say that with a virus my doctor suggested good hydration, balanced nutrition and rest. I've been following those directions and it is amazing how much they help. Especially the rest. I've rested more than I think I ever have before the last few weeks. I've now been sick for four weeks. I'm way over it and can't wait to get back in my healthy routine. </div><div><br></div><div>I'll post about Thanksgiving in the morning!</div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-91947843316010977742013-11-24T20:33:00.001-06:002013-11-24T20:37:56.594-06:00Bloggin' and meeting a readerI have finally set my blogging reminders on my phone. At the least I'll be blogging on Sundays and Wednesdays if not in between as well. So if you're a regular reader check in on those days. <div><br></div><div>I have been sick since Halloween. No exaggeration. That day at school I ran a fever but had too much going on to slow down. I developed a nasty sinus flare up over that weekend that led to a cough. I was so sad because since I removed Gluten I hadn't had any sinus trouble. Whe I finally went to the dr. He assured me it wasn't allergies so the allergy relief from being gluten free was still going. Long story short after antibiotics and a good amount of Mucinex I thought I was better then all of a sudden it hit me like the flu. Fever, aches, sinuses, nausea, ear aches, sore throat, cough again. So I went back to the dr. He thought it wa the flu or mono but both test negative. So his orders after blood work and lots of examination were to rest, take Tylenol, aleve, and tough it out. So tomorrow it's back to work for a two day work week. I've been resting a lot. The best I can. I'm not really one to do nothing. So in the midst of resting I've cleaned my entire house and reorganized/ cleaned out my home office. </div><div><br></div><div>In the midst of these 3+ weeks I've not worked out with my new trainer Greg. I liked working out with him my first two weeks. He really pushed me to my potential. I called to schedule for after thanksgiving and he told me he was moving so I have to get a new trainer. Again. I think I know who I'll end up with. More on that to come. </div><div><br></div><div>So last weekend I was at an event with my husband at his school and a fellow blogger who's fiancé is in our line of work was there with her fiancé. She blogs about her weightloss journey as well. She is found at talesfromteamawesome.com </div><div><br></div><div>A few years ago at our state conference a few people I knew mentioned my blog and 13.1 training to me when we saw each other throughout my first day there. I met back up with my husband I said I'm surprised how many people have mentioned my blog to me. He said "you have NO idea... A guy I know from home saw me and said 'my girlfriend reads your wife's blog' it was crazy". At that point I found out who she was and started following her in return. She and I didn't know each other or even of each other. She found my blog when a Biggest Loser contestant retweeted my blog. (My favorite part of the story I think) The next year at the conference I got to meet her boyfriend. Now two years later I finally got to meet her. We had the best time catching up with each other and getting to know each other in person. I'm so thankful for that time we spent chatting about runs and tris and biking and eating and doctors opinions etc. It was truly inspirational. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9IP-b-NpWLI/UpK24GULpEI/AAAAAAAAA8E/pAL2Gv3GZPw/s640/blogger-image-1496713654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9IP-b-NpWLI/UpK24GULpEI/AAAAAAAAA8E/pAL2Gv3GZPw/s640/blogger-image-1496713654.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I am at my lowest weight for the year at 189. I am going to try to at minimum maintain through thanksgiving. </div><div><br></div><div>My next step is to determine what event I'm training for next. When Jessica and I talked we chatted about how having something on our schedule helps us greatly. So I need to schedule something. If I know it helps me I have to do it. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-89067305953538667012013-10-28T21:53:00.001-05:002013-10-28T21:53:41.320-05:00Sweet snacks 101So my hubby enjoys something sweet after a meal. Very typical. I can go either way but when he asks "do we have anything sweet" then I want it too. I have a tendency to not have sweets in the house because I have little ability to say no to sugar. I'm an out of sight out of mind type person on this. Last night there were no sweets so tonight I decided to plan ahead. I grabbed a container of cool whip in my way home to make a key lime pie but was planning to leave the crust off and place them in cupcake papers to freeze. <div><br></div><div>Got home....</div><div><br></div><div>Not enough Nellie & Joes Key Lime juice (find it at your local grocery, it's fabulous... It's from key west. My Mimai family introduce it to us. The mango key lime is awesome too)</div><div>To make the recipe. Bummer...</div><div><br></div><div>Hmmm. So I decided to make it with te juice I had and then thought it would be way too sweet. So I then decided to cut down the sweetened condensed milk amount. Then thought about the cream cheese left in the fridge and wah-la. A new recipe was born... Key lime cheesecake cups:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0bga6ufqOOA/Um8jMYiVP0I/AAAAAAAAA7c/DSlRyRe-HAI/s640/blogger-image-711982333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0bga6ufqOOA/Um8jMYiVP0I/AAAAAAAAA7c/DSlRyRe-HAI/s640/blogger-image-711982333.jpg"></a></div>(The pan is clean. It's stained by some chocolate batter)</div><div><br></div><div> The measurements are below and they are nuts because it was how much was left of a few of them. </div><div><br></div><div><div>1/8 cup Nellie's Key Lime Juice</div><div>6 Tbsp low fat sweetened condensed milk</div><div>8oz container of cool whip</div><div>4 Tbsp of cream cheese. </div><div><br></div><div>Mix all ingredients with a handheld mixture. Use a small ice cream scoop to place in papers. </div><div>Freeze.</div><div><br></div><div>I unfortunately did not have access to low fat or fat free cool whip this time so the calories will only reduce once I make that change. </div><div><br></div><div>Here are the facts when divided into 10 cupcake papers:</div><div><br></div><div>Each </div><div>101 calories</div><div>12 carbs</div><div>5.2 fat</div><div>1.7 protein</div></div><div>3 weightwatchers points</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><br></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-86609668279225114922013-10-11T20:42:00.001-05:002013-10-11T20:42:52.825-05:00My blogging thoughts from the big cheese wagonI haven't been blogging as much lately and I believe it's due to the quick posting ability of Instagram. This past week though I was reminded of how beneficial my blog is to me and how others enjoy reading it and how it may help someone else. A friend of my brothers (who is a friend to me as well) has been following my journey via my blog and Facebook since I trained for my half marathon. He is on a journey to better health as well. He told me when he met me in person a while back how inspiring my blog and my journey are to him. I was reminded of that by him last weekend when I went for a visit. I talked with him about how there is much more I could be sharing and how sharing and knowing I have readers inspires me to keep going. One specific thing we discussed is how I have kept going through many disappointments in my journey. Many of those disappointments stemming from medical troubles or mysteries keeping me from losing as I wanted to. <div><br></div><div>So. I'd like to try to blog regularly. I typically just blog when something strikes me to write but as I said, I think I'm satisfying those strikes with Instagram (follow me there @findtheskinny). So in addition to strikes I'm going to settle on some regular times and set reminders in my phone to stop what I'm doing and blog. I think it will be good for me on many levels. One of which will be just slowing me down sometimes. </div><div><br></div><div>I went back to my doctor on Wednesday. He is very pleased with my weight loss since April. A little more than 10 lbs. May seem slow but my goodness it's success compared to the 3-4 lbs I'd lost and gained a million times the last three years. Though my blood work was great in April he gave me an option to do it again to check on improvements from being gluten free and having lost 10+ lbs. so of course I said let's do it. Who cares about the needle! So I'm waiting on those results...</div><div><br></div><div>I'm traveling this weekend with the marching band. Our favorite trip. I had to pack tons of my own food though. I'll post more about that later. </div><div><br></div><div>I dressed in my run gear because were headed to my alma mater and I wanted to reunite with the famous 2 mile loop on campus. Not sure I'll get to though. I don't want to go alone and so far I haven't found anyone who can go along. Still looking.... Oh and we left 2.5 hours late so the 3 hours of downtime is cut way short. </div><div><br></div><div>For now I'm going to get back to "relaxing" on the big cheese wagon!</div><div><br></div><div>Stay tuned!</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pDOInROIGwQ/UlipF2YAZ-I/AAAAAAAAA7E/JXUGadjKFSI/s640/blogger-image-1293500040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pDOInROIGwQ/UlipF2YAZ-I/AAAAAAAAA7E/JXUGadjKFSI/s640/blogger-image-1293500040.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am totally seeing dots from taking a selfie with a flash on the bus. *see my findtheskinny cooler?*</div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696103409371399030.post-78931141624436555962013-09-04T22:05:00.001-05:002013-09-04T22:05:28.306-05:00I won ! Me - 1 , Sweets - ZEROSo I headed to Zumba after school. I had a huge traffic snafu when I tried an alternate way around a long long line of cars at a left turn lane and ended up having to go back across the entire intersection again.... Hard to explain if you aren't local so anyhow. I was a few min late into Zumba class. <div><br></div><div>I was so excited for class tonight as my goal was to increase my heart rate and calorie burn from last time. Very soon into class I did something funny up on my toes or jumping I pulled a calf muscle. I tried for a few minutes to go on but it was getting worse. I had to leave. At that time (within about 15 min) I had burned 125 calories so things were headed in a great direction. My average heart rate was up and so was my max from last time. I was bummed. I headed home to ice it. </div><div><br></div><div>So on the way home I was upset and quite frankly wanted something sweet. Really bad! I'm such an emotional eater. That's when the addiction to sweets gets tough. </div><div><br></div><div>So I had a few thoughts. A single scoop of vanilla ice cream from chic fil a. No... Not a good choice. A vanilla come from sonic. No... Not a good choice. I needed to stop in Kroger maybe a Hershey bar from line... NO NO NO!!! Not a good choice. I made myself resist and made it home. It was a true battle with myself. While at Kroger I purchased some vanilla almond milk to make some fake ice cream. I used my sport bottle blender. I mixed 12 oz almond milk, 6-8 ice cubes, 2 TBSP of PB2 (powdered peanut butter w cocoa) and 2 tsp of butterscotch sugar free pudding mix. It tastes like a butterfinger bar when you mix these things in a protein shake but I added the ice and put it off into the freezer to make fake ice cream. (No protein powder of any type)</div><div><br></div><div>It is super good! (Maybe less ice next time)</div><div><br></div><div>I divided all I made into four servings approx 1/2 cup each. </div><div><br></div><div>Weight Watchers it is 1 point for a serving</div><div><br></div><div>Calorie counters. Each serving is 41 calories. (Only 1.5 g fat)</div><div><br></div><div>For me this was a huge success! I beat the craving to eat sweets because I was frustrated/ upset. I've iced my calf and its pretty sore. I will see what tomorrow brings. </div><div><br></div><div>I helped get a running group together at work and tomorrow is a running day I sure hope I'm able to run tomorrow! </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VEoepq4Os0I/Uif00lUeTKI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/AjtHkAmiHek/s640/blogger-image--1730893549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VEoepq4Os0I/Uif00lUeTKI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/AjtHkAmiHek/s640/blogger-image--1730893549.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WQfZhAsqdT4/Uif042jgOLI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/PqjLY5hAVCs/s640/blogger-image-765846879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WQfZhAsqdT4/Uif042jgOLI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/PqjLY5hAVCs/s640/blogger-image-765846879.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ixfol8v1e6s/Uif09N_4zuI/AAAAAAAAA6g/oOgnGM6-f6Q/s640/blogger-image--1633330853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ixfol8v1e6s/Uif09N_4zuI/AAAAAAAAA6g/oOgnGM6-f6Q/s640/blogger-image--1633330853.jpg"></a></div>Bethney and Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00165001417012518371noreply@blogger.com0