Don't let Fear Be an Excuse

Had some motivation this morning to discuss the following. We all have fears. Every single one of us. Even the most confident person in the world has a fear. Conquer them. Do whatever it takes to conquer them. 

I've heard on more than one occasion the subject of being intimidated by a big gym. Don't be. No one is ever paying attention to you anyways, except the employees since they have to make sure people aren't hurting themselves. Gotta love liability issues lol, but every person that walks into that gym has a goal or set of goals to accomplish. They're focused. So why not you? Don't be worried about someone else. If anything, they will help you before hurting you. 

If anyone makes fun of someone else in the gym, then they are there for the wrong reasons. I've said this before to a few people, but the G in gym stands for growth. You grow in the gym physically and mentally. What better place to be then with other individuals who want to grow with you?? While some gyms can be intimidating (I used to hate them myself), you should never let that get in the way of your goals. 

If for whatever reason you just absolutely can't get past it, then start small. I started out in my apartment's complex gym and still go there to this day when I don't feel like driving 10 minutes to the gym I work at. No one is ever there! I think I've maybe ran in to 5 people over the course of the last 2 years LOL I also started out at the park. I used to run the park for days!! I started out slow as dirt and could only run a half mile, but I still did it and can now run up to 4 miles. The fun part of the park is when you pass someone and they wave and smile at you (I live in a fairly friendly area). I love seeing others work out for the reason alone. It's motivating. I figure if they can do it, than so can I and so can you! 

Don't let your fears hold you back from something you want. I know it sounds cliche, but it's true. If I let every fear hold me back I wouldn't have a boyfriend, I wouldn't have become a personal trainer, I wouldn't have graduated college....you get where I'm going?? I wouldn't be where I am today if I let every little fear stand in my way. I put on my big girl panties, laced up my shoes, and womaned up! So before you tell yourself no I can't, think again. Remember why you started and why you made the goal in the first place.

~Ditty

Love Transformation Tuesdays :)

 

It's transformation Tuesday again. I know, I know, I wrote about keeping it classy a few posts ago, but guess what I'm still covered up. I'm not posing in Thongs. I was actually told by a friend that if I wanted to see a true transformation that I should put on the same swim suit I took my before's in. So, here ya go :) 

Now that I got that out of the way, here's my transformation story. I haven't gone much into it only because I didn't know where to start. It's a long battle and could hurt others feelings if I shared all the juicy details (one of my main motivators in a not so good way, was a family member). So here it goes!

I have been battling yo-yo dieting and constant criticism for how big I was from middle school until now. Honestly, I was big, but not THAT big. But because I believed every hater known to man, I kept eating emotionally. I got up to a not so healthy weight of 189lbs. I am only 5'5 and while that isn't TOO terrible in looks, it was starting to take its toll on my health. June of 2011 was my wake up call. For months I had terrible side pains, couldn't keep food down, and was throwing up solid chunks of food that didn't even look like I bit out of it. Something was terribly wrong. I was working out when I could, but kept gaining weight and it definitely was not muscle. It took 3 puking sessions later when my mom was finally home to see it and she came in to check on me and said "oh that doesn't look good." For those that know who read my posts, my mom could be equivalent to a doctor with her past of 2 battles with cancer and our car accident with the semi over 10 years ago. For those that don't know. Now you do. So when mom says it's not good, then it's REALLY not good. Next morning I went in for emergency surgery to have my gall bladder removed. I was told had I waited any longer it would have erupted which can be fatal. Good call Mom!!! (BTW as much as we all hate it, our parents usually do know best lol).

I lost 10 lbs immediately from that, but guess what I let it all go to  my head and started eating shit food again. I started having anxiety attacks along with all of it. I eventually got put on medicine for it. They were terrible, thought I was having a heart attack and it always happened once I was asleep. So waking up to that feeling, while living alone and you bet your ass I freaked out even more than what the anxiety attack was already giving me.

Move along a couple years and I meet Brandon (the handsome feller in the picture with me). He has absolutely been the best motivator and cheerleader to my successes. But beyond that, he loved me for me. He didn't care about my size, he cared about me, so when I told him I was ready to do this, he gave me 100% support and 10 months later into this fitness journey he's still standing here (We've been together for a year total). I don't know if I could have had better timing to meet him. Ladies and Gents, when you fall in love and you meet someone who you trust and love, you start to do things to better yourself so you have more time together in the future :) 

So, April 1st rolled around. I woke up like any other regular day. Said good morning to the BF (He lived in Colorado at the time. We were 15 hours apart for 9 months of our relationship), and then headed into the bathroom to get ready for the day. I walked past the mirror and did a double take. I don't know what made me do it. Maybe it was the jiggling from my arms, or the sound of my thighs rubbing together and needed to double check I was the only one in the house, but either way I looked over and said "Wtf are you doing to yourself Ang" Yes, I said this out loud to myself. I answered myself too (joys of when I lived alone. No one to talk to LOL). That day, I went to the store and bought a new outfit and I took my measurements and headed to my gym at my complex. At the time I only knew my waist, hips and my weight measurements, so that's mostly what I go off of. 

10 months later, I have dropped 33.5 pounds weighing in at 155.5 (gained a few when I started putting on muscle), lost 7 inches off my waist, 4 inches off my hips, and lost 2 pant sizes. After my battle of weight issues, I'm finally seeing definition in my arms, abs and legs. I am also doctor, ER, and immediate care visit free for over a year now and no longer take meds for my anxiety.

Hard work pays off my friends :) This has taken 10 months. Not one day. And I am still going, so remember that when you get frustrated because you aren't seeing results right away. It takes time. And please take the time so that you can do the right form, the right nutrition plan for you, and be proud of your results. 

These pictures are purely my results. No shakes, no pills, no fad diets. Clean eating and persistence only. 

Don't ever give up :)

~Ditty

It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!

If you haven't noticed, I live vicariously through pictures and quotes to help motivate me or keep my brain in line with life :) Being nice has it's benefits and I, honestly, wish more people would just be that. Nicer. 

Our world is filled with so much negativity and hate it's sometimes hard to believe we live in one of the most "wonderful" countries ever. Don't get me wrong, I love Murica, but sometimes there are days where you just wish you could find a place somewhere else that is a little kinder. 

For the love of all sanity, stop bullying people because they aren't just like you. I've seen this quite a bit with weight issues of my own. Just because I'm not made to be a size 2 (and I will never be a size 2. My body is not built that way), doesn't mean I'm fat or obese. Just means I was blessed with a few more curves than the next girl. I applaud "fat" girls in the gym. Get it! Good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone for all eyes to see. That takes a lot of guts!!! And I mean a lot! So, how dare you to the ones who judge them. How dare you criticize them for trying. At least they are trying! They will be the ones that blow you away 6 months later rocking that awesome body :)

The world is cruel when it comes to size and looks. Stop looking and comparing yourself to the models in the magazines first of all. Those are airbrushed. Period. You want to see a model up close? Go to a fitness show and watch them. That is the real deal when it comes to modeling in my opinion. I mean, lets face it, I, or anyone, could put on a skimpy piece of clothing, tons of make up, and have the right lighting for my camera and look just as hot. But that's not me. I'm the girl walking around without make up, in yoga pants, and a t-shirt or tank top depending on the time of year and my hair is usually all over the place (the joys of naturally curly hair lol). That is what MOST women enjoy looking like because its comfy, but because society has deemed that as sloppy, you rarely see it, which leads to the name brand elite bunch of women who freak out when they forgot their mascara for the day. Ladies- it will be ok. I promise. And just FYI, men don't notice. I've had my fair share of crappy relationships, and not one of them ever commented on my make up :)

Point of this post is this, be nice. Be nice to everyone in your corner. Be nice to your enemies. You will have plenty of them. Being nice keeps you humble. Being nice gets you an honorable reputation. Being nice just leaves you in a better mood overall. It's important to be respected in a good way. The worst thing you want to do is ruin your reputation because you kicked someone while they were already down. And this is especially easier to do via social networking. Be the change you want to see in the world. You want peace? Then start delivering it every day to the ones around you and the ones you meet along the way. It will be contagious :) 

~Ditty

Sunday Motivation for the Week Ahead!

Motivational Sunday to get you started for a new week. Yes, a brand new week. I don't care if last week sucked major balls. This week will be better. I promise :) 

When I saw this picture it kind of hit hard. I find myself on occasion getting wrapped up in some of my goals and the need for them to be accomplished right now. The funny thing with life is right now doesn't always happen, which can leave you disappointed. STOP! Stop wishing it all to happen this very second. The world is so reliant on instant gratification, that when something doesn't happen right away they just quit. They leave it for the birds and move along to the next fad or next pain in the ass thing that will leave them disappointed again. 

Whether its working out, eating right, or just getting something accomplished, take your time. Make sure you are doing it the right way and not just the quick way. Enjoy every minute of the process. 1. You will feel more proud of yourself for sticking with it. 2. Hard work really does pay off in so many ways that I can't begin to explain here. 3. It's your life. Who in the world are you trying to compare yourself to? Last time I checked, no 2 people are alike, so stop comparing! Stop racing to get to some destination. What the heck happens then??? You just stop? Um, negative ghost rider. This is a lifestyle. If you try to crank it all out at once what the heck is there to look forward to? 

The point is, as the picture explains, to upgrade you. Be a better version of yourself. So many of us want to and end up stooping to the level of those that hate us or are jealous of us. I'm guilty. I will not sit here and say I am a bigger person in all situations. I'm human and some things in this world just really piss me off and I lose my sh*t over it. It happens, but it's something I'm working on, as should everyone else. Being the nicer side of the fight will make you feel better. It's not always the easiest side of the fight, but that's why it makes you better. It builds your character to stand up tall and stick up for yourself in a way that is honorable. 

So this week, I want everyone to do me a favor, something I don't ask for often, but be nice to someone who may not be nice to you. The next time someone says something hateful, just say thank you and move along. Also, do something that will better you. Make a goal this week that you know will make you feel better about yourself that doesn't require the acceptance or reassurance from someone else. Build your back bone and your self esteem a little bit and stand up tall. You will smile a lot bigger and more often the more you work towards this goal. And no, it doesn't have to be fitness related. I know this is called my fitness journey, but your mind and soul also plays a very important role for pushing your body to its limit. And for all that is fit and holy, don't forget to breathe. Breathe and smile every day at least twice a day and you will notice a difference in yourself :)

~Ditty

Keep it Classy

Keep it classy folks! I've noticed a trend and it makes me think a little bit. I get more readers when I've posted selfies that show most of my body, but not as many on the other posts that are just as important. I'm all about progress photos. I think it's the next best thing to capturing your hard work next to how your clothes fit you and how you feel. But lets be honest...Posting a selfie every day of how I look doesn't do anything for anyone other than me rubbing my face, or body, all over your computer screen. I don't care for those types of people. I think it makes you lose your self respect a little bit more each time you do it. It's a way to seek attention in the wrong ways.

I post about things that get asked of me and things I feel need to be thrown out there, or hell, I will post about something I discovered out of my own curiosity, but, lets face it, questions are around us all the time and while someone else isn't afraid to ask maybe you are, which is not a bad thing or wrong by any means, so please don't think that. I answer for those who may not feel like asking or are curious, but maybe don't know how to word the question.

 I won't post pictures of me in revealing clothing every day. Not my style. I like to use my brain :) I think the closest I've ever come to that was in a progress photo wearing a swimsuit. I will ALWAYS keep it classy. You can still see results without being naked. 

Please remember, progress photos are purely for your own reassurance. You don't need acceptance from anyone other than yourself. How you feel about it is the only opinion that matters. This goes back to everyone's journey is different. Everyone's story is different. While your goal may be similar to someone else's, your reasons are not. The only reason I even post progress photos is simply to be held accountable. If people know your goals, you are more likely to achieve them. Period. 

I'm not upset that people read that more than the others since I can't control people's interests and I did post it for all to see, but please know that I will only post progress photos of when I notice a difference in something. You can only take so many selfies before they all start to look alike lol Part of a progress photo is noticing a difference though. I don't want to look at 20 photos with the same pose and the same results. Only I can notice the tiny differences in those 20 photos of me anyways. 

Again, not trying to upset anyone, but remember to leave something to the imagination when you post a picture of yourself. Cover up your girls and your hoohah or junk for the males that are reading this lol...last time I checked there weren't any exercises appropriate for the gym in those areas anyways :)

As Ron Burgundy would say "Keep it classy San Diego."

~Ditty

Ahhh Rest Days....Do you love 'em or hate 'em?

Rest days? What's that? Just kidding! You should at least take one rest day out of your week to let your muscles recover though. Just like the picture says, when you're at rest you burn more calories and your muscles take in all the work you've done. 

You say you feel guilty on a rest day? So do I. That's why I keep moving! I don't do anything too crazy that would be considered a "workout" but I take walks, or do extra work around the house. I still stay active. Rest day doesn't mean you get to sit on the couch and eat pizza and ruin your whole weeks worth of hard work. Get up and go do something! Go walk around the store, take your dog for a walk, go play in the park with the kids if you have them. Just find something to keep you slightly mobile on those days. 

Along with rest day comes the weekends. We ALL want to relax, but that's a little bit unrealistic. If you are anything like me, the weekends are when you get stuff done. Weekends are my favorite for working out though. Why? Maybe I'm a little obsessed with the gym? Possibly lol but its because I have more than 30-45 minutes to concentrate on something.. I LOVE cardio. I love running for days, but I don't always have time to do it for the amount of time that satisfies me until Saturday and Sunday. Weekends are no excuse to stop pushing! Include your friends and family on your walks or runs. See if they will eat a healthy dinner with you (gives you an excuse to try new recipes). Whatever it is, get more involved so it doesn't seem so "work" like. Make it fun!!

I'm keeping this one short and sweet, but have fun this weekend! Most have been cooped up inside with this crazy weather, so try and get out for an hour or two. Go have a date night if you have a significant other. Celebrate something good that happened this week. Whatever it is, please go enjoy your weekend :) 

~Ditty

Don't complain about things you're not willing to change.

Complainers. How many of us know them? How many of us find ourselves doing it? Well STOP! If you don't like something, then fix it right? If it is impossible to be fixed, then learn to deal with it and accept it for what it is. 

I've learned the hard way several times and I still learn something new on this topic every day. We ALL are guilty of having these days or moments. It happens, but I'm here to say you can change it. YOU are the only one in control of your life. You don't like something? Then figure out a way to change it or accept it. There is always a way!

Everyone is familiar with the saying "It happens in three's," right? Well think about it...Say you wake up in the morning and you spill your coffee all over your brand new outfit. You get mad. You get so mad, that you forgot to grab your lunch for work, so now you have to spend money. You get mad. Then while on the way to work, you get in a fender bender because you aren't focusing on the road because your so mad about everything else. That's three things before you even make it to work. Can you imagine how the rest of your day is going to go? Probably not all that great, right?

Now say all of those things happen, but instead of getting mad you find the positive out of it. So, lets say the coffee spills on the outfit, maybe that outfit just wasn't meant to be. Maybe the coffee spilling on it was a sign that it wasn't appropriate for work (Believe me I've seen some interesting definitions of what "business casual" means). That coffee spilling is a second chance at a new outfit for the day. What about lunch you ask? Well, maybe you have a couple dollars and can make it a cheat meal for the week. Maybe that one meal will be your splurge and then you get back on track for the rest of the week (I've had to do this, that's why I'm using it as an example lol). As for the fender bender, yeah it sucks. Not gonna lie to you, but maybe there was something wrong with the spot that got hit. Maybe there was a dent there before or a paint issue and now it's going to be fixed.  If none of those things work, then try this.....

For every negative thing that happens to you, find something positive to remind you that it's ok. When you get to work, check all of that baggage at the door and focus on the task in front of you. Everything happens in three's. One positive thought will lead to another and another and so on. Get what I'm trying to say yet???? 

Negative things happen. Sometimes its in your control and sometimes it's not. I know the last two posts have had the vibe of getting negative things out of your head, but I really think it's a bigger battle then what people lead on and that's why I'm writing a second post about it. Society can seriously drain the happiness from your life...if you let it. 

Whatever happens to you, remember complaining gets you  nowhere. Being negative gets you nowhere. Optimism and happiness will take quite a bit further. Why you ask? Because people are more willing to be your friend and help you when you are more cooperative. When you give off the vibe that yeah things happen, but I'm ok, people will respect that a lot more than the woe is me act. No one is a victim unless you want to make yourself one. Again, it's your life. You control it. I've said it before and I will say it again, you were given two feet. If you were meant to deal with the same thing every day and be stuck in the same situation every day, you would've been made with roots to keep you in the ground in the same spot. Keep moving! Keep going! 

~Ditty  

Transformation: It's not some future event. It's a present day activity. ~Jillian Michaels

Transformation Tuesday! As much as we hate seeing people post about it, we secretly love it too. Instead of posting the same pictures to compare I decided to pull some old ones out from a couple years ago and dang! I was at about 34 inches in the waste back in April and I am now currently at 26.5 inches after less than a year of consistency and dedication in the gym and the kitchen. 

I'll be honest, the last two weeks have been a bit rough for me emotionally. I've had a lot of negative junk thrown at me, but I've had a lot of positive too. Last night, however, I had a moment and shed a few tears. It happens, but I sucked it all back up and got motivated again. It helped me figure out what the heck was going on and what I deserved and needed to keep pushing. Things happen and negativity will somehow find you no matter how hard you push it out. We all have haters of some kind and its all for different things too. We can't let them get to us! They're just mad because they haven't come as far as you have. While I won't knock them down, because they are already down there, I will tell them thank you. Thank your haters!! They are the reason we sometimes keep going.

I've always been told I'm not good enough. Hell, I grew up with that. It's rough and I didn't see it then, but I see it now and I'm so thankful it happened.  Without I don't know if I could have became the person I am today.With that said, be thankful for EVERYTHING that comes your way. These things are there to teach us, make us stronger, help us figure out what we want out of life. EVERYTHING happens for a REASON. So before you freak out during a bad moment, remember why it's happening. Find the reason its happening and learn from the things you don't like about it. Find what can be improved to create a better situation later. As cliche as it sounds, everything works out the way its supposed to. Everything will seriously be ok at some point. Just gotta hang tough. 

To wrap this up, think about what transformation you are taking. Maybe it's not weight loss. Maybe its finding what makes you happy or maybe its something you're striving for at work. Whatever it is, keep pushing and keep trying. The minute you stop trying is the minute you give up on your dreams and you're not a quitter! And just because someone else doesn't see your point of view, doesn't mean you should stop pushing for it. Let them have their point of view because it's just that, theirs. Not yours. Keep pushing! You got this!

~Ditty

Stop wishing and start doing!!

Happy Monday everyone! Gotta love Monday's right? The start of a new week, a new you, and a chance to start over and leave last week behind. I know I will be doing just that because if I have a week like I did last week I will lose my mind :) Thank God for a gym right?? So much cheaper than therapy of any kind :) Best. Stress. Reliever. EVER. 

With all of that said, how many of you have made some goals and have already fallen off the wagon??? It's ok. And if anyone has told you it's not, then they better be perfect!! But seriously, it's ok. Things do happen. Life happens. That's why we have Monday's, right? If you've fallen off the wagon of being healthy and sticking to your goals whether they are fitness related or not, then get back on. Take today to re-focus on those goals and get to it!! It is never too late to start following a dream!! It's never to late to say, "I can do this. I will do this". Stop wishing and start doing!! 

I know for me, I made a goal using my Fitbit. The goal is 10,000 steps a day. I have found that I keep saying, "oh I didn't meet the goal today, but I will make up for it tomorrow by doing ___." Well, that excuse is done. It got thrown in the trash yesterday and I'm not a trash digger, so there it will stay :) 10,000 steps a day and I will conquer it, dang it!!

Another thing I started doing again is meal prepping. I used to do it awhile back and then I kinda got side tracked with it. I was still eating healthy, just wasn't preparing it for the entire week. I was going day by day and it became really stressful trying to figure out what I wanted. So, last week I started meal prepping again. Anything to reduce my stress is a green light in my book :)

For those asking what that is, it's where you take a day out of the week and plan all of your meals and cook them ahead of time. My day is Sunday's. I honestly meal prep my snacks and lunches only. My reason is, I usually eat the same thing for breakfast everyday and my dinners are healthy, but I do have to include my other half if I want to spend any time with him beyond work. So him and I will always talk about the types of meals we want to eat  or try for dinner and we also plan, the best that we can, on which days we will get to eat together (sometimes our days are different and we just can't make it happen). It is a bit time consuming, BUT it will be worth it because you will always know what you are eating (makes looking at calories a lot easier), you don't have to be late to work because you are trying to figure out what the heck you want to make, it teaches you how to cook for those who maybe don't know a lot or don't even know where to locate your oven at, and it makes you aware of the products you are putting in your body. Scheduling this time gives you time to look over the labels and see what is good for you and what is not. I was never a true fan of cooking before this. I did it, but I didn't find it fun. Now it's fun and I've gotten to try all kinds of new things and it's honestly made me try new combinations for veggies (I HATE vegetables with a passion, but I'm finding ways to make it work). If there is a will there is a way!

Now you're probably asking, what in the world do I make that will last all week. I will get the examples I used the last two weeks. Last week I used a weight watchers pasta dish. I took 6 squared containers to portion it out for Sun- Fri (Saturday's are my semi-cheat days). Pasta goes a LONG way, so I put a spoon full of the recipe in each container until I ran out. This week I did the same with a low calorie chicken and rice dish out of the crock pot (this recipe took 6 hours to slow cook and I will never start this at 7pm ever again LOL, I was up forever!!!). As far as fruits and veggies go, I bought plastic snack baggies that had measurements printed on them (Walmart has them) up to 1 cup and filled them up and boom! You have your snacks for the week :) 

There are VERY useful things out there to make this process easy. Research your grocery stores and see what types of things they have to offer. Read your containers, baggies, and glasses. Search your house even and find things. For example, when my measuring cups are dirty, I grab one of my juice glasses. They are exactly 1 cup when measured out and those have saved me several times when my dishes have been dirty. If all else fails, save your water bottles. Those are roughly 2 cups worth of liquid to measure out. FIND WAYS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASY IN THE KITCHEN!! 

Hopefully this was helpful, as food and how to look at it can be very overwhelming and sometimes scary and is usually the top question I hear from my friends. There is so much stuff out there to choose from, please research and choose wisely. Stop saying "I wish I could do this." Wishing doesn't get you very far. Doing gets you exactly where you want to be. Keep chugging along friends! Patience and consistency are key in any thing that you want to achieve in life. 

~Ditty

Everyone needs something to keep them going!

Happy Saturday night peeps! The picture above is me after my workout today representing something very important in my life. I have TONS of friends who are in the military as well as family and my boyfriend. So to me, I feel stronger when I wear something that represents them. ( I also have friends in other branches, but unfortunately, I don't have any shirts for them yet). 

Is there something that you wear daily or during a workout that just gives you that extra push? Makes you feel like you want to push a little harder, stand a little taller and maybe smile a bit bigger?? Well, this shirt, makes me feel all of those things. When I wear it I represent something bigger than me and the least I can do is stand tall when I pick it out to wear for the next 45-60 minutes. I actually find that my workouts are more rewarding when I wear this particular one. I push a little harder, I run a little faster, and I lift a little heavier. 

Whatever it is that helps you get through your workouts keep it up! If you don't have something yet, then keep searching and keep pushing regardless. Don't ever give up and I don't care how silly it might be, pick something that motivates you. It could be a picture, a song, a person, a quote, etc. Just find your muse and push harder. You got this! 

Because it's Saturday night and I want to relax as much as you do, I am cutting this post a bit short. Have a wonderful night my friends! 

~Ditty

A Night of Booze Doesn't Have to be a Complete Fail

How many of you like to drink? I know I'm raising my hand! I work in corporate and I will admit there are days where a drink is needed long before 9am ever happens. Sometimes we just need to take that edge off whether you are a casual drinker or you hit-the-clubs-up-on-the-weekend kind of drinker, there is a scenery for everyone who wants to kick back. Before I get criticized for a part of my lifestyle, I do know and realize that not everyone in this world drinks and I'm not an alcoholic by any means, so please don't think that either, but the battle rages on for those that do drink and I want to give tips for everyone involved. But the question is, which drinks don't completely fail your "diet" plan? (I put diet in quotes because I really don't like that word, but I don't have a better word to replace it with at the moment). 

I am a fan of Sparkpeople.com. They have awesome recipes and motivational pictures and stories as well. Based on my "There's an App for that" blog this could go on the list of sites to consider (I'm not sure if it's an app for your phone yet or not. Need to check that). Anyhoot, they have compiled a wonderful list of cocktails that can help you out. Here's a link :) 

http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=10_cocktails_with_150_calories_or_less

Not a cocktail person you say? There is always beer in different forms as well.   Here is a top list of light beers for my weight watching friends that love the taste without the belly :) 

1. Bud Select 55

2. Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus

3. Bud Light Platinum

4. Guinness Draught

5. Michelob Ultra (My favorite!!)

6. Sam Adam's Light

If you want more info on these, I found this list on http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/best-light-beers

Again, as much as I love beer and cocktails, being responsible about it is key. No I'm not going to go all after school special on you, but please drink responsibly. Call a cab or a friend if you can't drive. Spending the max of 30-40 bucks or having your friend embarrass you the next day with funny stories of your shenanigans to get home is a lot cheaper than a bail bond to get you out of jail and it only goes on your checkbook record and memories list instead of your legal record that employers look at :) BE SMART & DRINK RESPONSIBLY!!

~Ditty

Something a little non-fitness related :)

CHANGE!!! We all hate it, but we all secretly love it too :) We were given feet so that we could keep going. If we were meant to stay put, we would somehow be made to make roots. So with that said, here's a little motivation for the day :)

How many of us write goals down every year? Week? Or maybe you go day by day? How many of us have "to do" lists? How many of us give up on those lists or goals? DON'T!!! Those goals are meant to make you grow. I know that word might get old after awhile, but seriously without goals, what is there? Having goals makes life a little more fun because its a challenge and I don't care who you are challenges are fun! They give you a reason to do something cause lord knows everyone has to have a reason or purpose to do something beyond their every day scope, right? Goals lead you to something that you can proud of. It can be small, big. serious, fun...regardless, you have something to look forward to :) Goals create change. It creates a purpose.

So, before you give up, remember you had a reason for making them. You wanted to change SOMETHING about your life. You wanted to see change in SOMETHING. If you never take that first step to changing it, you will always remain in the same place, with the same issue, with the same attitude. Eventually all those "sames" will become un-motivating, which can lead to negativity, which can lead to crappy attitudes, and eventually a crappy life. 

DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN!!!!! And please, for the love of all that is holy, do NOT let ANYONE dull your sparkle, or for a more manly term for my men followers, don't let anyone jack your self esteem/self respect/pride from you. You are in control of what happens to your #life, so please do yourself a favor and sit in the front row of it and enjoy!! Make the changes you need to. And don't worry, the right people will follow you and support you along the way. 

~Ditty

There's An App For That!!!

 

 

Calories...To count or not to count? That is the question! Personally, I feel like it's your own preference. I will admit it can be a bit overwhelming and if you have an OCD or addictive personality it can be a bit scary too, so be careful when choosing to do this and take it day by day! I count, but I also listen to my body. If I'm hungry, then I eat, but I don't eat to the point where I need to unbutton the top button of my pants :) Counting calories can be helpful as long as you find that healthy balance of what you are consuming versus what your body is really telling/needing of you. But guess what?!?! There's an app for that!!! Everybody loves apps!! If you don't know what an app is, well, I have lots of questions to ask you!

Two of the apps I've used and feel are pretty simple are myfitnesspal and LoseIt!. These both have websites as well if you do not have a smart phone or don't want to use up your data (myfitnesspal.com and loseit.com). Both of these sites count your macros, which are carbs, fats, and proteins (Bet you learned something new there!!!). They also measure your sugar, sodium, and cholesterol intakes if that is something you are trying to watch more closely. Both sites base your measurements off of the info that you enter, i.e. weight, height, age, etc. I basically used them as a guideline. Eventually, you won't need them at all as you will get the hang of what your body should consume. The only time I go back to them is if I have set new goals or trying to measure something different. Again, use this as a guideline as sometimes counting calories isn't always counting your nutrition value :) 

Other things that are available to you that don't involve a phone necessarily are some of the devices you can buy. The two most popular ones are Fitbit's and FTs (the pink and red pictures above). I'm not totally familiar with the FT4 or FT7 (I think there are others as well), but I am VERY familiar with the Fitbit Force (There is a Flex and I think another one they offer). I live and breathe this thing. It tracks your sleep, calories burned, activity minutes, food intake, weight, steps, floors climbed, distance walked/ran, and your water intake. You can set your own goals to go off of. You wear it on your wrist (non dominate hand) and it monitors everything from there! I prefer the Force only because it has everything on your screen, where as the Flex is based on the amount of stars that light up on your screen. I guess you could say I'm lazy and just want to read my info rather then justify what the stars mean lol I'm all about making my life simple :)

Does anyone out there have another device or site they use to track your health and fitness goals? If so, please post below! I want to learn more! The ones I've mentioned are the most popular, but we all know there are tons more with how technology is today :) Let me know what you think! 

P.S. Remember counting calories is different than watching what nutrients you consume. I could count calories at McDonald's all day, but I'm not getting the nutrition I need. Make sure you are still eating healthy food when you do this. Just because you might be staying under your count, doesn't mean you are being healthy. It's about what AND how much food you are eating, not just HOW much are you eating :)

~Ditty

First step is admitting it...second is learning to grow :)

 
 














 Today is going to be a little bit of 2 things. Self development and life. Lets start off with a little bit of life. Just recently I had the privilege of finding out that someone I called a friend, well...wasn't one. I met them through my boyfriend, so I thought hey awesome one of his friends can be my friends. (BTW I will be friends with anyone until you give me a reason to not include you in my life). I did everything I could  to make sure this person knew I would be their friend and be there when they needed me. Apparently it meant nothing after last weeks issues. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to talk badly of this person because honestly, that's really not my style. If anything I'm just letting you know that this situation became really disappointing really quickly and how to best deal with it. Long story short, this person thought, or maybe still does think. they were better than me and knew more than me. Now before you take that statement wrong, I'm not better than anyone else. I am still learning everyday about fitness, health, nutrition, etc. In my opinion, all three are like technology. They are constantly evolving, which makes this profession fun :) Now, I'm not knocking their knowledge, but there is a way to present yourself to someone else who may or may not need your help. Instead of educating me in a respectful, adult, friend to friend matter, I was spoken to as if I was a kid in the 4th grade and they were my teacher. No. That is not how you gain anyone's respect or trust in this profession. People want real. People want to be understood and they want to feel like you are at their level. They don't want to feel like they are beneath you. That's how you have haters and people who bad mouth you and word of mouth is very important in any aspect of your life. What you say and what you do speaks volumes no matter how many times you say you don't care what people think. You do when they start treating you the way you treated them. It's not fun when someone hurts you. I don't care how tough you are, you still get hurt and things still sting just a little bit. I haven't met someone THAT cold to tell me they feel nothing and I've met  A LOT of different varieties of people in this world. The moral of my story is this: You are not better than anyone else. Whether you have a Masters degree or a certificate in something, you are not better than anyone else. I don't care if you never even made it through school. You are still a person in this world trying to make it. You matter just as much as the person who has every degree and dollar in the world. Stop judging someone else's life and how they live it just because it isn't like yours. If we all lived the same kind of life, how boring would that be? 

**Side note on life: Don't judge others' relationships based on the friendship you have with their significant other. Don't tell someone that their other half isn't good enough for them when you can't even figure out your own relationship with your other half. Worry about your own. Don't try to ruin someone's relationship because yours isn't up to par. Everyone goes through stuff. That doesn't give you the right to lash out at everyone else because your jealous and unhappy. Be happy for your friend and support them in the choices they make, especially when you consider them one of your best friends.This goes for ANYTHING AND ANYONE in your life. Be happy for your friends and support them in their decisions.*** <~~~~ Yes, this happened last week, too. :(

Now with all of that said, here is my self development. I have to be honest with you. I have a really hard time letting go. I'm getting better, but I still have a long way to go. I can forgive and I can tell the difference between what I should and shouldn't get worked up about, but I also don't forget and sometimes that can get in my way of moving forward. I know I'm not the only one guilty of this and my issue with it is pretty mild compared to some, but I still deal with it. I still hold on to the hurt and I think it's because I would never do to others what some have done to me. I couldn't even imagine saying or doing half of the stuff to others that has been placed in my lap. Some incidents have even left me speechless (which is rare lol). But enough about me. Lets talk about you because YOU are why I started all of this. 

What's the top 3 things you wish you could change??? What are three things you could stand to work on that you know hold you back from accomplishing something on your goal list or even new years resolution for those that can actually keep them (Call them goals. You will be more likely to keep them)? Working on yourself and admitting that something isn't quite where you want it does not make you weak. It actually makes you a lot stronger because you start to learn from it and you start to change that negative aspect. There are TONS of books that can give you guidance. So many people read other people's stories and mention how inspiring they are. What about yours? What's your story? What are you doing to make your story worthy of a read? Take some time and think about what it is that you wish people saw in you that maybe you know you hide or feel ashamed to admit because it may not make you look cool or you're worried about being judged. Guess what, they're judging you already based on the life you present to them, so whats the point in burying something that defines you? Start defining yourself based on your terms and your rules. Stop defining yourself based on somebody elses opinion of you. 

If you don't take anything else from this post, please at least remember this: 

Change is good. People who hurt you are probably hurting themselves. Don't tear them apart. It makes you stoop to their level. Stay positive. Negativity will get you nowhere. What you do to others will eventually come around to haunt you. Be nice. Be supportive. Be happy for someone else's success or happiness. Be careful who you call your friends. Not everyone is for you. Remember pain is a learning experience. Pain helps you grow in life. Instead of hating pain, learn to love it. It makes you a better person as long as you LEARN from it. Life happens people and you can either live it or run from it. One will give you happiness and growth, the other will keep you in the same spot until the day you die. You choose the life you want to live, so start living damn it! Life is too damn short to stay in the same spot. That's why you have feet, so you can keep MOVING!!!! 

~Ditty

Shakes, Pills, and Wraps, oh my!

Before anyone continues reading, please know that I am not telling you what you should and should not believe when someone tries to promote to you. I am simply trying to give you a bit of education on how these companies work. 

I, myself, bought in to what I wouldn't necessarily call a scam, but it definitely was a rip off in my opinion. I won't mention what company it was, but I was mislead about money and how the overall process was supposed to work. I was convinced to become a coach for this company and all it did was make me go in debt with my bank account with all of the "hidden" fees I was never told about and I also never actually lost any weight while taking their product (Only took about a months worth). I didn't gain weight, but I wasn't losing either...The only thing I was losing was my money and my motivation to continue my healthy lifestyle (I also had a bad experience with the person who recruited me. Very selfish and could care less about my progress and what I wanted out of it all. VERY disappointing). 

Be careful with these products that try to sell you something or recruit you. They honestly are in it just for the money. There are maybe a slim few who actually care. Whether it be a shake, a pill, or even a wrap (seems to be the newest trend) it is not natural. Period. I got my results doing everything the old fashioned way. Exercise, healthy diet, and making both a habit. If you can do that, you will see results. Stop rushing it. Take pride in doing everything on your own. 

I was really nervous to even talk about this topic as some of my friends do promote these products, but I've had several other friends come to me in the last week with which ones are good for you and which ones aren't. NONE of them are good for you. They may promote it all as natural and a quick fix, but there are hidden chemicals involved and your quick fix usually leads you to gain all your weight back once you go off of the product or worse can land you in a hospital bed. I mean lets think about this, how else do you think this stuff stays fresh for so long?? Remember that McDonalds hamburger vs, a real unprocessed hamburger picture that went viral??? Where one rotted and one stayed the same? Yeah...Imagine that with your shake vs a real fruit and vegetable. It's not the same. You're probably saying, well what about how the fruits and veggies are processed before hitting the stores??? That's why there is such a thing as organic. Read your labels every chance you get. I'm still learning the organic roads and what is actually natural vs what is just labeled as natural. But seriously, if you find those products that aren't mixed with any chemicals, buy them!! You are not only helping your body, but you are helping your local farmers. They need you and you need them! Plus, I find it more rewarding to make my own meals from scratch and actually being able to enjoy my kitchen. It's satisfying knowing you are putting good things into your body vs someone who is just chugging shakes, pills or wrapping themselves with some chemical combo. 

All in all, watch what you buy into. Ask a million questions and research before you dive in. I wish I had because if I had I would've never attempted it or wasted my money and time. I lasted a month before I saw how it all really worked and it's a crock. All they want is your money and they want you to take everyone else's money too. Don't do your friends dirty like that. Help your friends without asking them to break their banks first. They will respect you a lot more for that. Be honest with yourself before taking someone else's money and time. It can really ruin a friendship. 

My point is this: GET OFF YOUR ASS AND GO TO THE GYM AND GROCERY STORE!!!! EAT CLEAN!!! You will feel so much prouder of your results and accomplishments when you take care of yourself without the help of some product. BE CAREFUL ON WHAT YOU BELIEVE!!! Not everyone is out to help you. Unfortunately, most in this world just want to help themselves. Love yourself. Be proud of yourself. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Look out for yourself before letting someone else lead you astray from what you believe in or want out of your life and fitness journey. 

~Ditty

Women vs. The Myth that Muscle Bulks You Up

Take a good look at that picture.....The women on the left are clearly photo shopped and/or the women in it are taking steroids to get there (dumbest thing you could ever do to your body btw). The one on the right is how it really goes. And just FYI the very far right girl in the blue sports bra is a real fitness model who lifts. Her name is Jamie Eason and I personally follow her as well. Also proof that lifting doesn't bulk you up...look at my previous post labeled "At first they'll ask you why you're doing it, but then they'll ask you how you did it" That picture of me is nothing but lifting with a little bit of cardio mixed. I don't rely on cardio because honestly it gets boring sometimes! I want to see muscle forming!! I  personally, as a woman,  want to know I can kick someones butt and hold my own when defending myself from an attacker should I ever have one come at me again (it's happened once before and I will be damned if it happens again.) You will all learn I do not rely on a man to take care of me.I love my boyfriend, but I don't need him in that sense and he knows it. He actually admires it.  Besides what's running going to do when someone has you in a head lock? You gonna job with your attacker for a few miles??  NOPE!! Ok, off my soap box about self defense :) Seriously though, I rely on my weights and creating resistance to actually see results and protect myself.

One of my best friends and I had this discussion this morning, so I felt the need to share the topic. I don't know how many times I can preach this but lifting does NOT bulk a women up. How you ask?? Women do not have the same amount of testosterone as a man. We will not be bulky like a man if we lift. Muscle burns fat! I will say it again. MUSCLE BURNS FAT!!! Lifting will make you smaller, tighter and you will burn more calories lifting then you will running the treadmill or cutting back calories (which is also not the best idea if you don't know what you're doing). If you can't skip your cardio for a day because you just HAVE to run or you have a goal to run a certain distance, then lift before you go run/walk/jog. You will burn more during your cardio session if you lift before rather than after. I've tried it and it actually does work that way. You will burn more at rest when incorporating lifting into your routine. 

So, for those that like to stereotype and judge, get it out of your head and try it first. Don't knock it til you rock it :) Go to the gym today or tonight and do 3 sets of some type of lifting. I don't care what you choose, but  when you choose something to work on, then stick with it for at least 6 weeks and please tell me you won't see a difference, cause you will! I dare you to tell me you won't! And honestly, if you don't see a difference its because you are eating like crap or cheating your reps. Don't cheat your reps or nutrition plan!!! You are only cheating yourself!! 

If anyone has any suggestions for would like to share their story, please do! I would love to hear it :) 

Remember- patience and consistency is key to any fitness plan. You will not see results overnight. It takes time, but its worth it when you finally get there. It's a lifestyle change. This is something that you can do forever because it adds years to your life and if you are anything like I used to be, it will save you money on medical bills or medical problems. Fitness is preventative of disease and life threatening issues. Get to the gym and if you can't afford it, find workouts to do from home. At least go for a walk if nothing else. If you only have 15 minutes to do something, then that's 15 minutes to getting you healthier!! Why would you waste those 15 minutes?!?!?! You got this! Go get it!

~Ditty