I'm a McFatty drop-out.

Guest Blog: The Crunchy Baby

Welcome Jenny from The Crunchy Baby! Jenny is an Eco-friendly, Whole foods shopping mama to the very handsome Lucas. She struggled to conceive with PCOS for awhile, but finally got pregnant last year! Lucas is now 9 months old and cute as can be. She is also an Etsy shop owner. Stop by and visit her shop... she has some amazing items! **P.S. Don't forget about the giveaway that ends TOMORROW!**

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When Brandi first asked me to guest blog, tons of ideas ran through my head. But nothing I stopped on was quite what I was looking for. The realizations that come with being a mother? Old and tired. Blogs about breastfeeding versus formula feeding? Been there, done that. You get the picture.
But then I landed upon something that I am constantly thinking about and struggling with. FOOD. If you read my blog you know that I’ve been struggling so much lately with this. Do I eat dairy? Give up gluten? Give up animal products? What do I feel my son? Do I want to live on just vegetables alone? More importantly, CAN I stick a vegan, mostly raw diet for long? (The answer to that one is no, not for more than a couple days, so really what good does it do me?)

Yup, something that simple. FOOD. Is it the enemy or is it our ticket to health?

For so long I wasn’t sure.

I wasn’t always fat. I actually used to be the “tiny one” among my group of friends. I still am if you go by height. But weight? Ha. That’s another story. Even during my pregnancy I didn’t feel fat until the very end. I gained weight like I was supposed to (and was all belly) up until around my 3rd trimester when all of a sudden my body packed on those pounds. I couldn’t even blame it on the baby. At 38 weeks I delivered a 4.5 lb little boy.

Yet here I am, 9 months later, and still about 40 lbs over the weight I should be and 30 lbs over my pre pregnancy weight. The saddest part? With the exception of a few random shots when he was first born (in which it’s okay to look fat and ugly, I guess?) I have absolutely ZERO photos of my son and me together. Heartbreaking.

In the past (when I thought I was overweight, ha!) I tried a variety of diets. Which is funny because I am the first to say, “diets don’t work” and “you should just eat healthy and make a lifestyle change”. But what the hell does that mean?

I thought I accomplished that “lifestyle change” when I learned more about whole foods and organic foods over the past few years. (Yeah, I am that girl… “eat organic!!!”) But I recently came to the realization that while eating as much organic food as you can is great, I’m not doing myself any favors by the constant cheating. A little here and a little there adds up. And I don’t just mean eating something that isn’t organic, because, let’s be real, it’s very hard to do that 100% of the time and I don’t think we absolutely need to. But eating fried foods, processed/white carbs, etc. was easily sneaking into my diet as well.

Take ‘Qdoba Tuesday’. My husband and I, for the past year or so, have been eating Qdoba every Tuesday night because you get double points on your card on Tuesdays and end up with a lot of free meals. But are they free? What price was I paying for them? And telling myself, “well at least it’s not McDonald’s” wasn’t helping either. Let’s take a look at my beloved Qdoba burrito, shall we?

-Monster size white flour tortilla

-white rice (with God knows what added to flavor it)

-grilled non organic chicken (what seasonings are on that? What kind of oil?)

-non organic beans, possibly coming from a can containing BPA

-salsas which include things like non organic tomatoes and also corn which is not only not organic, but almost definitely genetically modified

-non organic cheese (would you like some added hormones with your burrito?)


There it is. My “healthy” eating out.

Really? REALLY? What was I thinking?

I could say I knew it all along, but it’s really sunk in since I began reading Jillian Michaels’ book, Master Your Metabolism. (I know, I don’t like the gimmick of it either and though “what the hell does she know about proper nutrition”after watching what they push on The Biggest Loser. But really, she gets it. She’s looked at the research. She believes that all the crap in our food is hurting us). The “diet” is really quite simple. Get rid of all the crap we eat and then eat real, whole, organic whenever possible (esp meat and dairy) foods. Everything else is totally effing with our hormones. Two things (among MANY diseases and issues) that can happen from having your hormones out of whack? Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Auto Immune Diseases. Guess who has both?

So how about I start being honest with myself? The $200 trip to Whole Foods purchasing a cart full of organic foods does nothing while rotting in my fridge while I go out to eat at Qdoba and other various ways still continuing to eat. I will admit it, I threw away about $20 worth of organic chicken a couple weeks ago because we didn’t get around to making it or freezing it time, most likely due to ordering in or eating out somewhere. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly don’t think a splurge every now and then is going to kill me or make me pack these 40 lbs back on once I lose them, but multiple times a week? Not good.

The food companies have us addicted to things like trans fats, MSG, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners (oh yeah, I am a recovering Diet Coke addict – about 6 years clean) and other artificial chemical additives and colors. We have to say no! We have to realize that it’s not the extra fat in an avocado that’s hurting us, but the fake foods and fake crap added to foods with think are healthy. Foods that shouldn’t even be considered food anymore. We’ve been so fooled.

I used to be really jealous of those girls who stayed naturally skinny while stuffing their face full of complete junk (I won’t lie, hearing that ‘pop’ of a can of Diet Coke opening makes my mouth water most times and walking past Cheetos at Target is akin to some sick form of torture) and okay, and maybe I still am a little jealous of their perfect looking bodies, but maybe I should be thankful I have a body that forces me to eat healthy. Maybe my son will grow up without all of these chemical in his body and avoid disease. Maybe in the long run I will be better off because I stopped putting junk in my body and started treating it right? And I don’t mean buying my organic veggies and then stopping at Qdoba on the way home for dinner.

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McFatty Monday. Stupid plateau.

Well, folks, I've hit a plateau.

I weigh the same this morning as I did LAST Monday morning. I've been working out, and eating healthy. I worked out more than normal, actually. (If you haven't tried The Biggest Loser: Boot camp you should! It's amazing.)

This is the part of weight loss where it gets frustrating. It's easy to stay motivated when the numbers on the scale are going down. But, when they stay the same it's hard to keep going with the same momentum.

I'm going to keep going. I'm going to push through this week and cross my fingers for some results next Monday. Hopefully.

The one about the elephant.

How do you eat an elephant?

One bite at a time.

How do you get down to your goal weight?

One bite at a time.

I have made a point to try new things when it comes to exercising. One day we went to the nature trails and walked 3 miles. Yesterday I jogged a mile and lifted weights. I still do pilates 1-2 days a week. Oh, and I bought a jump rope. Have you tried jump roping as an adult? MUCH, much harder than it used to be. After 5 mins I was ready to yell "Mercy!"

I'm not sure how much weight I lost last week. My guess is 3-4 lbs. I worked out hard, y'all! My scale broke and I didn't get around to buying a new one until Saturday. The new scale weighs me less than the old scale, so Im not sure if it's the scale or if I really lost a gazillion lbs.

My goals are to continue working out hard 4-5 days a week. To push myself out of my comfort zone. I'm not just getting back in my pre-preg skinny jeans, Im getting into a smaller pair. I've got the fire in my belly and it's going to happen. Stay tuned!

P.s. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter! I'd love to be your Tweetie friend. <3 Link on the left.

Ten! Ten! Ten!

"I invite you to attend the party of your own life. Put on your best face. Eat clean until you gleam and shine. Be there! Dance like no one is watching & do it every day."

"Don't let one more day go by burdened by excess weight or poor health. Make this your first day to being the best you ever."

(Quotes from The Eat Clean diet workout)

I've lost TEN LBS in April. In 3 weeks. The success is definately motivating me to work harder.

Mr B has his 10 year High School reunion this August. My goal is to lose 20-30 more lbs before then. I want to be able to wear a pretty dress and feel comfortable in it. I also want to buy a new pair of pretty high heels to wear, but that has less to do with the weight loss and more to do with being a girly girl. :)


What motivates you? A new outfit? Health? Your child(ren)?

Slow and steady wins the race.

I love stepping on the scale every monday morning. I wake up and practically run to the guest room to step on the scale. I love seeing the numbers going down. I love that my pants are getting looser. AND I don't feel like I am on a diet.

This is a turning point in my life. OUR lives. The B household. I read this week that a good rule of thumb when it comes to food is, If your great-grandmother didn't eat it then you shouldn't either.

My knee is feeling much better! Mr B bought me a knee brace that I have been wearing for exercise, and the occasional painful day at home. This week I am kicking exercise into full gear!

I found a new exercise that I love. Adore. Enjoy. I liked Jillian Michael's 30 day shred, but I liked it because of the results. The actual exercise was not equal to a party on my yoga mat. Want to hear what I have been doing?

Pilates.

I have to admit, I was a huge skeptic of Pilates. I always hear celebrities and fashionistas talking about pilates. My first thought, You are skinny. Of course something like just stretching works for you. I was wrong, y'all! It is an intense workout. But I felt great the entire time. It's low impact while my knee is healing. & I didn't even check the clock to see how long was left. Instead, when it was over I thought, That's it?. The next morning I was sore so I must have done something right. I was able to do pilates twice.

Let's get to it...

The good: I lost 2 lbs! I worked out 2 days, which is all I could do last week. I'm ok with it.

The bad: I had a donut, a handful of sour patch kids, and garlic bread. (Which, really, isn't that bad.)

The goals: Pilates 3 days, Elliptical 1 day, and a long walk outside 1 day.

Just a little kink in my plan.

Do you want the good news or the bad news first?....  Good? ok.

I lost 2 lbs last week!

Now, the bad news.

I pulled a tendon in my knee. It's not a bad injury, it will just take some time to heal. So, no working out for a week. Maybe by Friday or Saturday?

The good: Lost weight. Ate healthy except for 1 meal last week and a piece of chocolate. It's starting to become a routine that I don't really have to think about.

The bad: Injured knee. :(

The goals: Walk at least once this week. Drink more water. Maybe do 30 day shred one day.

To join in, go here.

It's working! It's working!

It's McFatty Monday again, y'all.

I've lost 4 lbs! No secrets, No magic tricks, Nothing earth-shattering ... just diet and exercise. Lots of exercise! Lots of fruits and veggies... unprocessed natural foods as much as possible. I want Sweet Cheeks to have more of a clean diet than Mr B and I are used to so we are making the switch! It's a process, a little at a time, but we are getting there.

Last week's agenda:

Monday - 30 day shred + 20 mins on elliptical
Tuesday - 30 day shred + 20 mins on elliptical
Weds - 20 mins on elliptical
Thurs - Zoo trip. Walked a lot!
Friday - rest day
Saturday - 25 mins on elliptical + 1 hour walk in the sunshine
Sunday - rest day

The good - It's working! 4 lbs lost!
The bad - I need to find new ways to incorporate exercise so I don't get board. I'm not board yet but I can see it happening.

The goals - Keep it up! & To find new music for my ipod.

What are your favorite workouts? (Short ones. I have a baby!)

What are your "go to" work out songs?

McFatty Monday..

Last week I went and met with the lady from Curves. Im sure this program is a GREAT fit for some people... one of them not being me. I felt awkward, and uncomfortable, and I nervously made small talk while eyeing the front door.

So, new plan 30 day shred round 2! I will once again lay my life in Jillian's hands and allow her to kick my butt verbally attack me mold and shape my body.

Jilly, BRING.IT.ON! But, be gentle, ok?

Today: 30 day shred level 1, 20 mins on the elliptical. (Done!)



To join McFatty Monday, click HERE.

McFatty Monday.

I have been looking into different weight loss plans.

Gyms, Diets, all the new weight loss fads...

I've decided to join Curves. Curves is a weight loss center for women. They help you set up a diet and exercise plan that will work. Since I have a location about 4 miles from my house, and the monthy fee is only $34, I am going to give it a try!

My goal: To lose 15 lbs over the next 2 months. After that, I will set a new goal.



"Inside me lives a skinny woman crying to get out. But I can usually shut her up with cookies..."

McFatty Monday.

I confess! I am terrible at working out! I have not done it one time this week. I am going to keep making it a goal, though, so that I feel bad when I don't do it.

The good: I didn't gain any weight.

The bad: I didn't lose any weight. & I cheated more than I should have. I blame the snow! (again!)

The goals:
* Work out one time this week.
* Go walking with a friend at least once this week
* Eat healthy. (One cheat meal. That's it.)

How did you do this week?

Does anyone have a fabulous healthy recipe to share? (because that would be awesome!)

To join in on McFatty Monday, go HERE.

McFatty Monday. 3.

Well, here we are at McFatty Monday. I guess let's jump right in.

The good: I lost 2 lbs.

The bad: I did not work out. At all. I had a cold. It was snowing. Sweet cheeks wanted to play. Excuses!

New goals:
** Work out AT LEAST once. (Start small, ok?)
** Eat healthy meals with the exception of 1 cheat meal.
** Go for a walk with Sweet cheeks once.
** Meet up with a friend to go walk to mall at least once.

To join in, go HERE.

McFatty Monday. Round 2.

This week has not been too rough. I did have 2 cheat meals, though. One of them was at a fabulous buffet (Hemingways)... But, I did only have one plate and I included fruit. If we overlook the clam chowder, pasta, and apple cobbler then it was a nutritious meal.

Good news: I am down 3 lbs for the week.

Bad news: I only exercised once. One time. I get a giant thumbs down for exercise.

Goals for this week:
*Work out 3 days.
*Eat healthy, with the exception of 1 cheat meal.
*Spend at least 1 day walking with Sweet Cheeks. (Probably indoors because the weather this week is COLD.)

*McFatty Monday*

To catch up go here - Heir to Blair

This is my first week participating 100% in McFatty Monday. Last week I barely participated 18%... so this will be my 1st week!

Goals:

*To work out 3-4 times this week.
*To eat healthy with the exception of 2 cheat meals.
*To take sweet cheeks for a walk 1-2 days this week depending on weather.

So here's the thing -

I feel a little bit mislead by this post pregnancy weight loss issue.

I had a baby in the middle of summer. It was hot. I was hungry. I was tired. My ankles swelled up to 3 times their normal size. I looked like I stuffed oranges into my socks the day I delivered my son. I gained at least 50 lbs. Shamefully...

The first month I felt like a weight-loss all star. I lost 40 lbs the first month. I thought I was some kind of super-human baby machine. 40 down! Only 10 (ish) to go! High fives all around! Little did I know that my weight loss would end there.

I would be stuck with this extra 10 (more like 15-20) lbs that would.not.budge. I would also be stuck with this flabby bear clawed skin type material for a stomach. Awesome.

So, I feel a little mislead. No one told me about the bear stomach. No one told me I wouldn't continue to lose 40 lbs every month until I weighed less than Lindsey Lohan. NO ONE TOLD ME. (Yeah. Should have known, right?)

I'm telling you. Now you know.

Tomorrow begins the dreaded post-baby diet. For real this time. I am writing this post so that I am now accountable. I will be joining the McFatty Monday posts over at Heir to Blair. & By this summer, I will be in a swimsuit. Granted, probably a tankini... a swim suit none the less!

Here's to weight loss!!

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