Why I joined Weight Watchers

On March 1st I decided to join Weight Watchers.

As someone who has struggled with weight for most of their adult life, it was time. I've never shied away from sharing my weight gain and loss journey with you guys. And this time is no different. I have tried different things in the past that have worked and some that didn't, but ultimately I guess my head just wasn't in it to win it!



Last Fall I purchased a size 18 pair of jeans and went home and cried. I felt like crap. And I kept asking myself how I got here. After wearing them for a day and kept having to pull them up I felt a little better that I had to go grab a size down but still wearing a 16 was nothing to be excited about. However, not more than a month later those 16s were so tight that I was solely wearing the 18s, and over the winter I wore them every single time I left the house.  I would come home and put on sweatpants, that were also tight if I'm being honest!

This year I turned 35 and as my birthday came and went I was reflecting on a lot of different things. One of which was my weight. Here I was 35 years old and at my heaviest weight. These are supposed to be the best times of my life and the only thing I was enjoying was my food! I was only a few pounds away from my highest ever weight, even while pregnant.

So on March 1st my friend text me and told me that the day before she joined Weight Watchers. I thought, "that is awesome, I'm glad she is doing that for herself!" But within minutes I was thinking, "Why aren't I joining as well?" I looked at the website for a few minutes and decided to go for it and I signed up too.

I love that we joined at the same time. It has been great for accountability, motivation and talking about meal planning. With the weather getting nicer I have been able to get out and walk to take and pick up kids from school, plus we are already spending lots of time at the park. I have been exercising a moderate amount, mainly doing pilates or HIIT workouts. These are examples of the workouts I've been doing. I found these on Pinterest and I'll keep it real- this gal doesn't do burpees!





As far as the food part goes I have already made so many changes. I'm not eating anything I don't like. I'm not over here eating weird foods that I wouldn't typically eat. I'm not starving myself or living off of dressing-less salads.  The first is how much less I eat. I haven't had a single day go by where I felt like I wasn't getting enough to eat. I also haven't had any days where I felt sick to my stomach because I overate so much. I am just learning to make better food choices.  Also, I track every bite I take. Even if that means I go over my daily points. The blue dots below indicate the days I stayed within my points.



I never thought that counting points would be for me, but I guess the proof in is the amount of weight that I lost this last month and I am excited to see how I do in April!



I know those results aren't typical, but I made it happen. Weight Watchers really does make it easy for you and if you are on the fence about trying it, I say do it! Whether you have a little or a lot to lose, this program is working for me. (And I have about 75 pounds that I'd ultimately like to lose!) If you are looking for some motivation, I will be sharing this journey in my facebook group as well. ---> The Road to a Healthy You

This post is NOT sponsored. I am sharing my Weight Watchers journey with you because I love that in one month my size 18 jeans are so big I am constantly pulling them up. And those size 16s? I am having to pull those up as well. I even busted out a size 14 out of my closet yesterday. They were darn snug but they buttoned, which they didn't just over a month ago. You can imagine what that does for a girls self-esteem. ♥

If you are interested in posts like these, check out 10 Ways to Stay Motivated, and Healthy Eats.

21 Day Fix All Purpose Seasoning

I love this seasoning because it can go on anything! It is a great 21 Day Fix all purpose seasoning and it is a FREEBIE! You can put it on whatever you are going to eat to give it some extra flavor. I typically put it on chicken!



I actually made this in a bit of a "bulk" and put it into an older empty season container so I have it anytime I need it.



4 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. mustard powder
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. sea salt

Enjoy!

10 Ways to Stay Motivated during your Fitness Journey

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and alli® weight loss aid. All opinions are mine alone. #alliInMyLife #Before #CollectiveBias

Weight is something I have struggled with most of my life, and after 3 kids, it surely hasn't gotten any easier. I actually like working out. Maybe not the first few days, but once I get settled into a routine and keep it going it is just a part of my day that I enjoy. The single biggest deterrent for me is actually starting.... Right, doing that very first workout! It is hard! But you do it and it makes you feel good and after a short time you start seeing results and that gives you that excitement to keep it going!

So then what's the problem?



The problem is that there are temptations all around us. Temptation to skip workouts, temptation to eat cookies instead of carrots, drink soda instead of water.



One thing I am doing differently this time around is alli® weight loss aid.

alli® weight loss aid is the only FDA approved over-the-counter weight loss aid on the market.

It blocks 25% of the fat you eat from being absorbed by your body.

So I picked up the box from Walgreens.



How do you know if alli® weight loss aid* is right for you?

It is for:

-Overweight adults (BMI > 25) who are 18 years or older.

-Women who are NOT pregnant or nursing.

-People who will be consuming a reduced-calorie and low fat diet.

So today is day one of this new journey. I figured I'd spare you from seeing a "before" in a bikini. We've been there and I know you don't want to see it again! But here is what I look like today, fully clothed.



I had my 14 year old take my pictures and he told me to "say cheeseburgers". Little stinker!

I know that staying motivated during your weight loss journey isn't easy. So today I am trying to set you up with a couple of tips and tools to help you and me!

Here are 10 Ways to Stay Motivated during your fitness journey:

1. "Before and after" pictures, weight and measurements

I understand that you may not want a "before" picture to look back on. But I am here to tell you that Yes, you do! When you get down the road, and maybe are struggling, looking back on that before photo, or your measurements and see how far you have come, could just be that breaking point to get you back on track.

2. Find an accountability partner.

Find someone that can help you stay on track. Don't have someone? Find me on Instagram and follow me. Tell me you need an accountability partner and I will follow you back and be that partner for you! (follow me here)

3. Keep track of your water intake (And don't drink your calories)

I know drinking water can sometimes be hard. Some people don't like it, and most people don't get enough! You should really be drinking half of your body weight in oz! Yeah, I know that is a lot! I love water but even I don't get the amount I need every day. So to mix it up I will add cucumber and lemon. That is my favorite combo. But sometimes I add fruit, like oranges and strawberries just to make it different.

One thing I do is fill up a gallon jug to keep me on track!

4. Meal prep and keep track of your food (cook at home)

Meal prepping isn't for everyone. But it is a key to my success and when I meal prep I do so much better with my food intake. I end up with containers full of fresh fruit and veggies that I can easily pack into a small container if I am going somewhere and it helps me avoid temptations, like running through a drive-thru!

And doesn't this all look delicious?

5. Work out every day

I know, it is hard! You work, you have kids to take care of, you go to school, or maybe you do all of the above... But you can find easy workouts that you can do each day. Even if it means getting up 30 minutes earlier to get your workout in before you have to head out the door,  going for a walk during your lunch break, working out with your kids sitting right next to you. But find the time to get it in!

6. Limit what you are eating late in the evening. (apples and pb, veggies, string cheese, greek yogurt)

I am terrible at taking this piece of advice! Come late in the evening I get my kids in bed and my husband and I raid the fridge and pantry. We are pulling out ice cream, candy, chips, whatever we need to fulfil that craving. But that is partly where the meal planning comes in. Plan to have snacks for in the evening like Greek yogurt and add some fruit into it. Or eat a string cheese, or have apple slices with peanut butter.

7. Don't let the weekend ruin your progress

Another hard one for me! We don't typically eat out during the week. So if we're going to do it it's going to happen on the weekend. And I am not very good about eating from the "healthy" menu! But you don't want to spend all week eating great and exercising and then ruining all your progress on the weekend. So limit your alcohol, skip the fried food, take a healthier option to your friends BBQ.

8. Celebrate your "non scale victories"

Not sure what a non scale victory is? It is when your clothes start to fit you better. When you realize you are having less cravings. Maybe you are sleeping better or push ups don't feel quite so hard. Celebrate those milestones because it means that you are doing something right.

9. Reward yourself. But not with food.

I made a chart before summer to keep track of not only my weight loss, but the milestones I wanted to hit and the rewards I would give myself once I hit them. Have you ever heard that quote, "Don't reward yourself with food, you're not a dog!" And that is the truth. Reward yourself with something fun like a new pair of jeans, or getting a pedicure!

10. Remember you are doing this for YOU!

YOU are the most important part of this journey. When you get discouraged remind yourself of why you are doing this. Is it so you can keep up with your kids? Is it so that you can rock any outfit you choose? Is it to be healthy? No matter the reason it always comes back to doing it for yourself.

Use this Activity and Intake Log to keep track of what you are doing to work out, eat and drink!

(Link to printable version of Activity Log)

And for more information on alli® weight loss aid check them out on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest. And don't miss out on the COUPON!

Do you already do any of these things? What works to keep you motivated?

*I am not a doctor and you should consult your physician before starting on any weight loss journey*

*alli® (orlistat 60 mg capsules) is for weight loss in overweight adults, 18 years and older, when used along with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet. Follow label directions. In studies, most people lost 5-10 pounds over 6 months.

3 things

It's a miracle, she's alive.....! I really am still around....

Today I am linking up with The Foley Fam, Coffee-n-ink and Absolute Mommy for 3 Things Thursday. 3 gals I have met in real life, and they are all pretty awesome, so check them out.



3 Things:

1. Blogging. Ya, it just hasn't been happening lately. Sadly. Last Summer and Fall I had made enough recipes to get me through the winter months of Foodie Friday without having to worry about making something new and having crappy lighting to take my pictures. But I haven't really even been sharing many of those. And when you do get a blog post, a lot of them have been sponsored. I'm constantly thinking about what I even have to say. And if what I am saying even matters to anyone. Who really cares about what I just ate, or that I am at the park with my kids? Or what I am painting now? Plus, I am just busy! My kids keep my so busy, and I'm working on projects around the house, and when I get 5 minutes to relax you can find me on my couch watching Netflix. (Nurse Jackie right now, what are YOU watching?) or working out.... which leads me to number 2.


2. Working out. Ya, it isn't really happening either. I was doing so good for a while with exercising every single day and eating good, I had lost 18 pounds. But then I hit a plateau and I think instead of letting that motivate me to get passed it, I just lost motivation instead. I even bought Cize to give me a pick me up and I love it. It is fun and I sweat like crazy. But I just can't make myself do it everyday. It's been super hit and miss. Also, my eating is the same, not terrible but could be much better.  I created this Facebook group to help keep me and other accountable. It is for any and everyone looking to get healthier, so please, come join!


3. I need new glasses. I remember when I was a kid and my parents would point out something really far away and ask me what it said. I could almost always read it. I could see things so far away and they always commented on how awesome my eyesight was. But then a couple of years ago I started having trouble seeing distance and got glasses. And the past few months my left eye seems to be getting worse and worse so next week I have an eye appointment. Is it a sign of old age that I am looking forward to new glasses? Also, I love my red glasses so do I keep them or get new ones?

PS. I've joined Snapchat username thecolbertclan and I don't know what I'm doing... but I'm working on it!

What are 3 things you're doing this week?

10 Tips for 21 Day Fix

Back in July I started 21 Day Fix. I've tried many diets in the past, and ya, they might work for the time being. But unless you actually change your habits your life is not going to change for good. You have to learn to make better choices if you want to continue. I wanted to share what I've taken away from my time so far, doing 21 Day Fix.



Take before and afters- I know that you really might not want to. And you probably think it is not even a big deal. But please, take a before and after picture. Actually, take several. Take one from the front, one from the side and one from the back. Make sure you wear something that will actually show results. So no baggy shirts and sweatpants. I took mine in a bikini. (Ya, I know. Not a pretty picture.) You might think you don't ever want to remember this time again, but believe me, down the road it will feel good to look at those to see how far you have come. To compare with the now and see how much you have changed.

Take your measurements- Just like with the pictures, it might seem silly. You might think you don't need them. But I'll tell you what- When the scale shows that you have lost ZERO weight and then you take your measurements and see that you have lost inches from every part of your body, that makes it all worth it. I have had rounds where I have lost nothing, or next to nothing and then I see a 3 inch loss from my waist and that feels pretty darn good.

Have ice ready to add to your water- This might seem silly, but for me, it is important. I have never been an ice person. If I go somewhere and get a drink I ask for light ice. Or if the old me grabbed a can of soda, I wanted it room temperature. If I fill up a glass of water I never put ice in it. But the new me, the me that drinks 90 oz of water every day, wants a big glass of water that is ice cold. Nothing is better than a glass of ice water right after you finish working out. And it is so important that you are getting enough water! Make sure you are drinking half of your body weight in oz. (So if you weigh 200lbs, you need to drink 100 oz each day!)

Meal plan and prep- Those days that you have nothing prepared to eat, nothing ready when dinner time is coming around, those are the days that you try to justify running to the Drive-thru, or grabbing a pizza. But DON'T do it! Instead spend a little while browsing Pinterest to find recipes and check out the ones I've tried and shared HERE. Write down your grocery list and stick to it! (And stick to the outer limits of the store) Then take the time to prep your food. I notice that I eat a lot better when I take the time to wash all of my veggies, have them cut up if needed and put into a container, ready for me to grab out and eat.



Follow the eating plan- I can't stress this enough. If you don't follow the meal plan, you are not going to get the best results possible! I know this first hand! After a couple of rounds I felt like I had a pretty good handle on the portions. I started to eye things a little more than I measured and it was not in my best interest. Especially when I finished my next round and not only did the scale barely moved, my measurements didn't either. It was a total bummer!

Stick with your containers- Portion control is something that I have struggled with for the majority of my life. Even if I would make healthy choices, I still overate. When I started 21 Day Fix, I won't lie, I was worried that I wasn't going to get enough to eat and that I would still be hungry. But there are actually so many food choices that I'm finishing my meal and feeling full.



Do it every day- Do you want to get healthy? Lose weight? Get in shape? Do the exercises every single day. I did 2 rounds before I skipped a day. I thought I'd be fine, but I swear that next day, it felt like a killer. And every now and again I'll skip and day, then another, then another. Pretty soon you are just starting over again. Are you tired of starting over? Then stop giving up! (Also, share your progress. I love sharing on Instagram, so check me out! ---> HERE)

Do the warm up AND the cool down- You might think that you don't need to do this, but yes, you do. They give you a warm up and cool down for a reason, and that is so you don't hurt yourself, or get cramped up. So do them! Plus, it is only just a couple of more minutes and it feels good at the end to wind down a little.

Have the right equipment- You need two sets of weights, or a resistance band. Also, I use a yoga mat, but you don't really have to have that. For the weights, it's okay to start small. I felt silly with my 3 and 5 pounds weights until we started doing the reps and then I was grateful. But pretty soon it felt too easy and I was able to go up a set (to 8's) and that felt pretty good!

Don't get discouraged- I know it is easier said than done. Sometimes you eat something not on the "approved food" list, or sometimes you skip an exercise. Sometimes you work your butt off and don't see the scale move. I get it, I've been there. But you have to just keep going. Sometimes your body plateaus. Sometimes it needs a little extra push. Don't get discouraged and just keep up your good work!



One last little piece of advice. Measure yourself on Day 1 and Day 21, but in the mean time put your scale away. Don't step on it, don't check to see how you are doing. Just leave it alone!

I am not a doctor, a dietician, or a certified fitness expert. My advice and thoughts should not replace that of a Dr. As always, before starting an exercise plan you should consult your physician with any questions.

Round 1 of 21 Day Fix

You might remember when just the other day I shared this post about starting on my BeachBody journey and doing 21 Day Fix.

As of yesterday my first round was over and I wanted to share a little about what I lost and what I gained during this first 21 days.

So I'm not wasting any time and I'll just get down to the nitty gritty!

Here is my before/After:



I think right off the bat the biggest difference for me is my back fat. But other than that, ya, nothing is very noticeable. And you know what? I'm pretty okay with that.

But yesterday I was eager to do my weight and measurements and this is what I lost:

• Pounds down: 3


• Chest: 1.5 inches


• Waist: 1 inch


• Hips: 1.5 inches


• Thighs- R: 1 in. L: 1 in.


• Arms- R: .5 in.  L: .5 in.


• Total inches lost: 7 inches

So 3 pounds down... I'm not going to lie, I was pretty disappointed when I first saw it. I even peed and checked it again. I guess I was hoping for 4 pounds because it would decrease the amount of food I was allowed to take in and I thought that might help me. But it is what it is and I'm still happy for a loss.

One thing I learned during this round, after seeing my numbers, is just how important your diet is for your weight loss. I mean, don't get me wrong, I know you are what you eat, but during my first week I didn't have the plan yet, I just had the dvds (from my friend) and I didn't realize just how much I needed to change what I was eating. How I was eating the same foods I always have, but just eating less and thinking that was ok, and that wasn't in my benefit. I'm looking forward to this next round, eating good from day 1 and seeing my results when it is complete.



I still have a long way to go but saying I have 67 pounds to go instead of 70 just makes me feel a little bit better.

And I think what I gained from this so far is just knowing that I really can do it! The first few days I was sweating by the first exercise, I could barely lift my shoulders off the ground when doing crunches and while I tried to not modify too many of the moves, I definitely had to modify several. By the end I was completely bringing my shoulders off the ground during crunches and I could do more than one push up "the normal way". I can't do many more than that.... but what I'm saying is that when you can see results like definition in your arms, lasting longer when doing a plank, or just not having to modify an exercise anymore, you know you are on the right track and it makes the number not quite sting as much!

Weigh in Wednesday

I'm wasting no time getting back in the groove of things!

Today I started a new 90 day round of the Bikini Body Mommy Challenge and I'm excited! I have a wonderful accountability partner and we are in it for the long haul, already swapping numbers and recipes.

And I love being able to share everything here too. You guys always rock and keep me motivated. Thank you!

Today I'm sharing my numbers. These are as of Monday 1/6/14

Weight: 178
Bust: 40
Bicep: R: 12 L: 12
Hips:  43
Thighs: R: 23 L: 23 1/2
Waist at belly button: 41

It's not too different than when I last checked in, but I have gained back a little, so I'm kicking it in high gear. Last Summer I bought a swim suit that I made part of my motivation and every once in a while I try it on. It's getting looser and that is a pretty amazing feeling. I'm hoping I'll be wearing it this summer and feeling great!

What are you doing to get yourself in shape? Do you have a great recipe you'd love for me to feature? Comment below or shoot me an email at flattsaholic@gmail.com

2013 Year in Review

Welcome to the Blogging Besties' 2013: A Year in Review Link-Up!We are ready to tackle the new year, but before we do, we want to give 2013 a proper send-off.The highs, the lows, the smiles, the tears, the hugs, the trips, the holidays, the birthdays, the babies...whatever it is that made 2013 special, we want to know about it!Grab a button, visit the hosts, and link up your post about what 2013 was like for you!<center><a href="http://www.shapinguptobeamom.com/"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2v2dr4m.png" /></a></center> 

Hosts: Megan: Shaping Up To Be A Mom Kate: Life As I Know It Camille: Friday We're In Love Jessa: Life Of A Sports Wife Leslie: Violet Imperfection Cassie: Live.Laugh.L0ve Renee: coffee-n-ink Kristine: The Foley Fam

2013 has been another amazing year for my family. It went by way too quick as we watched our family grow, chase kids around and live day to day life. I hope you are ready for a long review, full of links, pictures, and a whole lotta cute kids!

January was pretty quiet except Travis, Zachary and I went to see Rascal Flatts (for my 11th time!) and we got upgraded from our cheap, nose bleed seats to 10th row side seats! That was a super fun surprise! And I also shared this easy recipe to make our own (Olive Garden) Zuppa Toscana Soup. 

In February I turned 30! I don't know where the time has gone but I don't feel a day over 20! Travis threw me a wonderful surprise party with my friends and food! I was very surprised and so lucky to have my amazing husband, kids and friends to celebrate with! Tyler and I worked on a Valentine's day project, and I shared my "love" blocks. 

In March Travis turned 29! (Yep. I'm robbing the cradle!) We had a nice family dinner where I made Honey Pecan Chicken at Travis' request. And Tyler moved to his big boy Thomas the Train bed! 

April Travis and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary with dinner out and no kids! And Zachary turned 11 with a super fun pirate themed birthday party! And I shared my thoughts on being done having kids. 

In May we started out by going to see Elmo and Friends in "Sesame Street Live". I'm sure you can only imagine how wonderful that was to a little 2 1/2 year old in our house!  Tyler was in awe!  Travis' dad also came to visit and helped us get several projects around the house completed! Plus, I made a fun chalkboard wall in our house! 

June was a busier month with parties and baby showers to host! Zach and Travis went to Silverwood with tickets I won on the radio and Zach had field trips to Bear Lake and to launch his rockets for Science and he wrapped up the 5th grade! 

In July I kicked off the month with finally deciding to get my head in the game and get in shape! I did my very first Dirty Dash, we went to Silverwood, Travis' work cruise on Lake Coeur D'Alene and then to the Oregon Coast for some much needed time at the ocean/Portland zoo with the kids. It always goes way too fast but we sure enjoyed it. And of course, I blogged about it all! First half, Second half, Oregon Coast, Portland Zoo

August we spent many days knocking things off our Summer bucket list before school started again. We went to movies, made play-doh, spent lazy days at the lake with friends, made s'mores, had water balloon fights. It made for a fun Summer break.  And we finished up the summer with a trip to Montana to see Trav's dad.

September started us back to school- where we now have a 6th grader! Back into our routine with open house, home work, chores and a regular schedule. It also meant that Summer was turning ONE! A bittersweet  day knowing that this is our last first birthday but I didn't let it get me down and we threw a bash worth "buzzing" about with a Bumble Bee party. And Travis is down 50 pounds since July! 

October started with Travis and I seeing one of our favorite bands, BON JOVI! (So fun!) We celebrated Tyler's 3rd birthday a little early with a super fun Monkey party where we played games and ate banana splits until we were so full!  Then next day I found myself riding in an ambulance- because I thought I was dying! Luckily, I just had gall stones! And Travis headed to Montana for hunting season. Here I shared a little more about what we're up to. 

November I hit 30 pounds lost and had my gall bladder taken out. No need to keep it and wonder when I would feel like death again, right? Summer has really taken up chatting and loves to telling us "no no". She has no problem telling me when she wants to nurse, wants her cup, wants to go to bed, wants up- She's actually quite bossy! (Don't know where she gets that from!) She also loves her daddy and her brothers, loves to read, dance to music.

December proved to be just as busy with getting ready for Christmas. We started with a trip to the North Pole via Lake Coeur D'Alene cruises. And Tyler loved seeing Santa! I made us new stockings- that turned out great considering I haven't sewn since 7th grade Home Ec! Christmas was wonderful- And the kids got more than they know what to do with! But it was a great day! We had already saw family the weekend before, and we spent the day at home in our pajama playing with our new toys! (which I basically have slacked on blogging about everything this month!) 

Now we are ready to ring in the New Year and see what 2014 has in store for us! 

We want to hear all about your 2013! Grab a button and link up below!

Weigh in Wednesday Link up

A couple of months ago when I wrote this post, I was really serious about getting healthy.
I have started to change several of my bad habits and now that the New Year has arrived,
I am even more determined to not become a statistic. 

I read a week or so ago that 95% of people who make a resolution to lose weight will fail.
Well not me!
I am not letting me fail myself again,
and I am on my way to a new me!

I asked Shantel to host Weigh in Wednesday with me because like me, she' been working to make a new her. She is not only a great friend of mine, she is a great friend that I know IRL! It's nice to have support and even better to have someone who really knows you, your strengths and struggles and can help you through them.

That's partly why I wanted to share everything on this blog. I want to be real because it's not easy for everyone. And like a lot of people, I will have ups and downs. I will tell you if I drank a soda, or ate half a bag of Hershey's kisses.

A couple of ways I am starting is by doing these exercises:

Of course I found this on Pinterest. Check out my Fitness board for levels 1, 2 and 3 of this workout as well.
I'm starting this today, and then will be working on the next levels as I get to them. I also have reserved a copy of 30 Day Shred from my library and will start that once it becomes available.

Another thing is drinking even more water. I've already limited soda/coffee and it's helped.
I'm also tracking what I eat at http://www.myfitnesspal.com/