Day 602 - Thursday at Fitbloggin 14

Robbie and I woke up early this morning and ordered room service for breakfast ( which he just thought was awesome). I had a nice big bowl of oatmeal. I had signed up for the pre-conference session called Color Accounting. I was the only person in the class!

I really enjoyed the session and I learned a lot. We had an hour break for lunch so Robbie and I walked to the Olympia Cafe (I had read about it and really wanted to try it) 

I ordered the Gyro dinner. The gyro meat was so good and served over a bed of lettuce with tomatoes  and feta cheese. 

I gave Robbie my fries because I really don't like fried foods anymore, which is a huge change. After not having anything fried for so long it all tastes like grease to me now. I also couldn't eat all the pita and only had half but I was stuffed.

My session ended early so we went up to the rooftop deck and enjoyed the view. 

I was still pretty tired from yesterday so I went up to the room and propped my foot up for a bit before all the fun started. L

At 5:00 it wad time to go to registration and to see the sponsor tables. I received an awesome swag bag ( I'll share those contents in a later post when I get home).

I will admit that at first I was not having a lot of fun. I felt lost and out of place. I was ready to leave. I'm such an introvert that the thought of just going up and introducing myself to others causes panic! And then I saw someone who has made a HUGE impact on me. Angela from We Beat Fat. I don't know how to link since I'm on my ipad, but her and her husband's story of weight loss really inspired me! I was brave and went up and talked to her. She was so sweet and even took a picture with me!

After that, things just got better. I met so many awesome, loving, friendly people. It truly is like one big happy family. 

They had some yummy food set up for us and my favorite was the avocado salsa. OMB it was delicious. I heard there was a recipe floating around so I'm going to hunt that down tomorrow!

Then there were some ice breaker activities. I didn't participate in the first one. Everyone threw their shoes in the middle and then randomly grabbed one and found the owner. My left shoe is a boot cast, so no mystery there. But I did participate in the rest of the fun!

I came back to the room around 9:00. Getting ready for bed to rest up for another awesome day tomorrow!

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Days 600-601 On My Way to Fitbloggin 14

The day has finally come to head to Savannah for my first ever Fitbloggin conference.  I am so excited and so nervous at the same time.  I cannot wait to meet so many people that I have only met online! I am also a little nervous about traveling while still non weight bearing on this foot.  

We managed to arrive at the airport early, YAY! Check in was a breeze and I opted to use my knee scooter through the airport rather than use a wheelchair. 

Security was real fun.  I had to have a full pat down and be scanned for chemicals since I couldn't go through the regular detector thingy. But it really wasn't bad, especially since the lady frisking me was a former Weight Watcher and we got to talk about that and the conference I'm attending. 

We managed to make it to our gate rather quickly, considering I am rolling along.

So glad I brought a personal assistant (my son Robbie) along to help me.  

And of course, we had to get a Starbucks!

Getting on and off the plane with my knee scooter was quite interesting, but I did it and ALL the people I encountered with Delta airlines were awesome and helpful. We had a layover in Atlanta, which is a huge airport.  We landed on Concourse C and our flight was leaving from Councourse A, so we had quite a walk/roll and a train ride, but we did it.  AND EVEN BETTER I DIDN'T NEED A SEATBELT EXTENDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We made it to Savannah and had no trouble getting a taxi to the hotel. No trouble checking in at the Hyatt Regency.  Our room is lovely and I am so happy with the handicap access in my room. A walk in shower with a seat in it and a raised toilet with bars!!!

Of course, Robbie wanted to go explore so we went for a walk along the river.  It is beautiful here, but very difficult to get around on a knee scooter. The roads are cobblestone and the sidewalks are brick. Very uneven, but we managed to walk about a mile.

We had dinner at a restaurant called Rocks.  I had this dish that was homemade dumplings, roasted chicken, spinach, and Parmesan.  It was DELICIOUS

While we were eating we saw a huge cargo ship go by. Robbie thought it was awesome and had or run out of the restaurant to take a picture. 

After dinner, we walked back to the hotel and now I am resting in my room.  I am exhausted, but so happy to be here. 

Can't wait for tomorrow! Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Days 597-599 - Am I Good Enough?

YES! 

As I am getting geared up to attend my first FitBloggin (a conference for bloggers about all things fit), all of my insecurities are popping up:

What if I am the biggest person there?

What if I don't fit in?

What if no one likes me?

What if I can't get around on this stupid knee scooter?

What if, what if, what if?

But the more I read from people, the more I am starting to feel better about going.  So far in cyberspace everyone has been AMAZING and I am anxious to meet them in real life. 

I am so excited to learn new things to pass along to all of you and hopefully get that spark I need to keep going. 

And I am telling myself that I AM GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME!

I have shared all of the Transformation Tuesday stories that I have received.  I am looking for more people to share their journeys. Whether you have lost 5 pounds or 200 pounds you never know who your story could inspire.  Click here to submit your story or email me at klgoodman1976@gmail.com.  

That is it for today!  Tune in tomorrow for a Transformation Tuesday story (I hope). Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Day 596 - Bulu Box Contents

I received my third Bulu Box a few days ago and there were some really neat things in there.  I will be honest and say I have not tried any of them yet, but I still wanted to share what was in this month's box.

I signed up for the Bulu Box monthly subscription.  I got a code through a blog I read for 50% of a year's subscription so I decided to give it a try.  Click here to go to their website.  They also have a Facebook page where they advertise different products and promotions! Here is a little about what they offer:

About Us

Bulu Box is the first health, nutrition and weight loss discovery box designed to help you feel your best. Each month, you’ll get a custom box filled with a new mix of 4 to 5 premium samples from top brands to try. Every sample is sufficient enough to decide if the product is right for you. Of course, shipping is always free and you can cancel anytime. Share your thoughts about each product in our sample surveys and you can earn 50+ Rewards Points (that's $5!) each month! Use your points to purchase your new favorites in full size at BuluBox.com! Here you’ll also get expert tips, tricks and a supportive community of Bulugans just like you! Join the discovery and find a healthier you!

I am really excited to try some of these goodies.  I will let you know if any of them are AMAZING!!!

If you would like a chance to tell your story, click here to fill out the form.  I LOVE seeing all of the inspiration and we have to lift each other up! We are all in this together!

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Days 590-595 - Short Update

This is going to be short and sweet. I have been a little down in the dumps lately (which is obvious from my recent posts). I have been taking some time away from here to spend with my family and just self reflect some. This surgery and recovery have really taken a toll on me physically and mentally. 

I weighed myself at home today and I have gained back 16 pounds of what I have lost. I hate admitting that to all of you, but I always promise to be honest. Today has been a very good day! I have stayed on plan ALL day and spent some quality time with my family. I am not going to make excuses for gaining. I know why:

1. Eating too much of the wrong things

2. Not enough activity

I am so excited about heading to FitBloggin in a week.  I think this will be the kick in the butt I need to get back on track. 

And I love this from my Starbucks cup today:

That is it for today! Tomorrow I am planning on sharing my latest Bulu Box with all of you!

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Days 588 and 589 - Friday the 13th and a Robot Boot

Happy Friday the 13th!  I went to see my foot specialist for my 4 week post-op visit.  He removed my pretty purple cast :(  The incision looked pretty good, there were a few open areas that are bleeding a tad, but that gave me an excuse to buy some cute minion bandaids at Wal-Mart today!  Here is what it looks like now:

And I am a lucky girl, I got a new boot cast to wear that feels like it weighs 500 pounds and looks like I have a robot leg!

I have 2 more weeks of non-weight bearing (at least) and the I see my doctor again.  Then 2 weeks of some walking with the aid of crutches.  But the good news is I CAN SHOWER AGAIN!!!!! That was the first thing I did when I got home.  See how excited I am:

I always took a full shower for granted before this, but man did it feel good.

Bad News: on the way home from the doctor and with groceries in the car, my car broke down.  Now I have a newer car, a 2012 Ford Explorer that I love!  It just kept losing power and I had to keep pulling off the road.  I limped it in to the Ford dealership where we purchased it from and a good friend came and rescued me.  They are supposed to call me later to let me know what is wrong with it.  At least it is still under warranty!

I think that is it for today! Short and sweet, and speaking of sweet, check out Rodrigo sleeping next to me:

PURE CUTENESS!!  Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Day 587 - Why?

Romans 7:15-20

New International Version (NIV)

15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

Why?

Why do I give up on myself all the time?

Why do I turn to food to make me feel better when I know it won't?

Why am I so afraid of failing that I won't even try?

The past 5 months have resulted on no weight loss and even a few pounds gained.

Why?

I don't really know.  I haven't been committed  100% to my program and I don't know why.  I hit the 100 pound lost mark and was ecstatic and now I feel like I have hit a wall.

I am envious of everyone else's success even though I shouldn't be comparing my journey to others.

I feel like a failure.  I haven't felt good physically and emotionally.

I'm really trying to put on a brave face and stay positive.  But it all seems to have come to a head this week.

I'm frustrated that I can't walk and do the things I want to do.  My house is a mess and I feel like no one is helping me at home.  Bad food keeps making its way into my house because I am not the one shopping.

I try to avoid it, but last night I gave in.  I ate 3 cookies and some peanut butter M&M's.  AND IT TASTED OH SO GOOD while I was eating it.  About 10 minutes later my tummy hurt and the guilt set in.

I can't understand why I do this.  I know better, but the food keeps winning.

I know some of you will "unfollow" me for this and go right ahead.  But I promised to always be honest and I will keep that promise.  This video and song is really speaking to me right now:

Is there hope? Is there a cure for this food addiction?

Yes - there is hope.  It is found in my relationship with Christ.  I truly believe that I am being tested and tempted by Satan dangling food in front of me and promising a "high", a cure for my emotional outside the will of God.  I am reminded of this verse:

1 Corinthians 10:13

New International Version (NIV)

13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Today I am trusting in that promise!

NO - there is not a cure for my addiction to food.  I truly believe that I will struggle the rest of my earthly life.  I know I am not alone and I want you to know that you are not alone.

Now, I did not write all of this for you to feel sorry for me, offer me advice on how to eat and move, or for any attention whatsoever.  This is therapy for me and hopefully a light for someone else to see that these struggles are REAL and you are NOT alone!

Sorry for the heaviness in today's post.  Here is a cute picture to make you smile:

My little Rodrigo wanting a ride in my scooter basket!

That is it for today! Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Day 585-586 - Transformation Tuesday - Meet Kayla

I have an AMAZING story to share with you today.  I want you to meet Kayla.  She has started a journey to become healthier and is rocking her goals so far.  

Tell us a little about yourself

Hi there! My name is Kayla Anderson. I just turned 27 years old a couple days ago. I graduated with Human Resources associate degree 2 years ago. Currently, I am working on my bachelors degree. I was born deaf and wearing one hearing aid on my left ear. I was in speech therapy since I was 3 till 18. I speak really well and do lip-read. I love to do scrapbooking when I have time, dancing, cooking, and shopping.

Starting Weight
308.8

Current Weight
287.4

What made you decide to live a healthier lifestyle?

Back in February 2014, I just woke up and decided that is enough. I need to make changes for me. I am sick of being sick and tired. I knew I want to have children someday by 30. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and if I stay like this, it is unlikely for me to have children. I want to be healthy so I can stay around for my future children and grandchildren.

My both sides of family have a long health history, such as diabetes, heart disease, breast cancer, depression, so on and on. I knew I needed to do something now to avoid those.

What changes have you made?

I joined Weight Watchers on March 1st, 2014. I started to have more veggies and fruits, drinking more H20, and started slowly with the workouts. I completely stop going to fast-food places since March and a couple of weeks ago, I had a cheeseburger with fries. Let me tell you, NEVER AGAIN!! It didn't agree with my stomach! I rather eat healthier food than fast food. That is a huge change! I started to focus on myself more now than ever. Another change would be eating salads. Before I started WW, I HATE salads! I cannot stand the texture of lettuce because it reminded me as a grass. I finally found something I love, spinach!!! I LOVE LOVE Spinach!! I would eat those as a salad, on sandwiches, or on pizza. YUM! I love those kind of changes!

How is your life different now?

OH my goodness! Where I even begin? I may not lost a lot like other people, but I am so proud of my total loss of 21.4 lbs! That is a lot!! I am looking forward to many more lbs! I don't eat a lot of processed food anymore. I love to eat fresh food and able to cook for myself knowing it is good for me for my body. I have been walking almost everyday or even every other day, going to Zumba once a week, and doing fun 30 days challenges. If someone said to me 6 months ago that I would do the workouts and doing the challenges, I would laugh at them and shaking my head no. I feel SO much better comparing back in March when I first started out! I cannot believe only 21 lbs that changed my life for better! I have more energy, more outgoing (yes, I was outgoing before WW, but somehow more of me is coming out with joy), and more stamina to do things that I wouldn't do before. I look the life differently now and I am so thankful for doing this.

What do you do for physical activity?

Walk 2-3 miles per day (depending on the weather) 

Zumba 1 hour on Wednesdays

If the weather is bad such as raining, or too hot: youtube workouts for 30-45 mins

30 days challenge
For example: This month (June) I am doing planks and increasing time each day. Day 1 is 20 secs and 30 days is 5 mins.

I make sure that I keep moving throughout the days because it is easy to sit down and watch tv. That is no good!

What is your favorite healthy food or meal?

My favorite meal would be Spanish-Inspired Grilled Shrimp, couscous, and grilled asparagus. YUM!! Spanish-Inspired Grilled Shrimp recipe is actually from Weight Watchers weekly brochure.

Any advice for others on their own journey?

My advice for others on their own journey would be: Please don't give up when you are feeling that is not working, be patient with the process. It will happen! Don't focus on weight loss only, there is much bigger in life than looking at the numbers. Numbers are being numbers, it doesn't understand YOU. When you get frustrated, look back and see why you started this? Enjoy the process! You have to accept this journey will never ends and accept this as a healthy lifestyle. Love yourself before you even start this journey because what happens when you reach your weight loss goal, and don't love yourself? You probably would end up back where you have started. LOVE YOURSELF!! One last advice, have faith in yourself! That will open up many opportunities for yourself if you do.

Do you have a Facebook Page, blog, Twitter, Instagram, etc. where others can find you?

I have Facebook Page that I want to share my personal experience as I go on a journey with a huge change which is weight loss/healthy lifestyle. I am hoping that my experience can inspire the others.

https://www.facebook.com/JourneyOfTheShrinkingPrincess

I LOVE everything she shared with us.  And 21.4 pounds is awesome!!!! She looks amazing and feels even better!  I encourage you to go check out her Facebook page for even more inspiration.  Thank you Kayla for sharing with us, you are inspiring others with your story!!!!

If you would like a chance to tell your story, click here to fill out the form.  I LOVE seeing all of the inspiration and we have to lift each other up! We are all in this together!

That is it for today! Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,
Kari

  

Days 583- 584 - Pancake Recipe

Sorry for posting so late. It has been a wonderful weekend and I have taken a break from this page today. We went to church and heard an amazing message this morning and I have really been spending time reflecting on His words today.

But I promised to share this recipe today so here it is!!!!

Healthy Banana Pancakes
1 Serving (mine made about 6 pancakes)
7 points+

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana
2 eggs
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder

Directions:

1.  Place oatmeal in blender or magic bullet mix until ground. (I used my Ninja)
2.  Add the remaining ingredients and blend well.
3.  Cook on a pan or griddle sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

These were very yummy and I got to eat ALL of them for only 7 points+ plus the sugar free syrup I added for 1 point+.

Hope you enjoy the recipe! Sending you all love and healthy wishes. 

Keep Losing,

Kari

Day 582 - New Babies, New Hair and My First NatureBox

Happy Friday!  I am glad it is the weekend.  I have had a busy week and am ready for a few days of relaxation with my family.  I did go and get my hair did today.  Got some new color and a trim.  Here it is:

And last night, we got to bring our baby kitties home!  So meet the two new members of our family:

Rodrigo

Sydney

I also wanted to share about my first NatureBox I received this week.  This is a monthly subscription box where you choose the snacks you want to receive each month (or you can choose to get surprised).  They have different pricing options depending on how many snack bags you want to receive.  I signed up for 5 snack bags per month.  There are many, many options for snacks and I cannot wait to try them all!!  My family was like vultures when the box arrived!  Click here if you are interested and get $10 off of your first box.  For some reason, I received 6 bags this month.  Here is what I tried the first round:

PB & J Granola - This was very tasty!  I really liked it.  Everyone else in my family liked it too!  1/2 cup = 7 points+

Roasted Sea Salt Chickpeas - I also really liked these.  I just tasted them, but plan on using these as a crunchy in a salad soon!!! 1/3 cup = 3 points+

Harvest Rice Sticks - This is the bag I received extra.  They are pretty good.  Not sure I would order them regularly, but I think they would be good with soup! 1/4 cup = 4 points+

Pumpkin Cranberry Crave - THIS WAS SO YUMMY!!!!!!! This could be dangerous in my house.  I sampled it and plan on putting this in my oatmeal this weekend and maybe even in a bowl of Cheerios. 1/4 cup = 4 points+

Praline Pumpkin Seeds - ANOTHER AMAZING SNACK!  I put these in a bowl of oatmeal this week and OMGLMNOP was it delicious.  Will definitely order these again! 1/3 cup = 4 points+

Peanut Butter Nom Noms - These were SO good, but could be a trigger for me.  Thank goodness there were only 5 in the bag so we all split them!   1 cookie = 3 points+

I will try to share the snacks I get each month!  I hope you all have an AMAZING weekend! Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari