Thursday Weigh-In, Workouts, and WW Cheer Buddy

Whew, today has been a doozy, let me tell you.  I started off the morning with another training session at the gym.

I am LOVING  the gym and the motivation my trainer gives me.  I have my first evaluation on Monday so I am excited to see how I have done!

Then it was errands, and then Weight Watchers weigh-in.  I knew I was going to be up a bit, but I went anyway.  And:

I was up 2 pounds.  I am so ready for this week! I am finally working out fully and truly committed again to eating right!!!!  

AND THEN THE DAY GOT BAD, REAL BAD! It just seemed like everything that could go wrong, did go wrong.  I was stressed to the max and man oh man did I want to eat.  Instead, I did some housework and then this evening I went for a walk.  No headphones, no music, just me and nature.  It was my first real walk since my surgery.  It was very slow, and very hard to complete but I did it!

I am so proud of myself for getting out there again!  I even beat my goal on my fitbit.  I have it set for 5,000 steps for now while recovering from surgery.  I am not sure why it shows 0 active minutes, but I know I was active.  I think I will up my goal to 7500 for next week!

AND, here were my goodies from my Weight Watchers Cheer Buddy, Kelly!

I LOVE it all! Especially the tea and water bottle!!!!

There are still a few days to join Weight Watcher's Cheer Buddies for August. For more information click here! Check it out!

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

Keep Losing, 

Kari

Workouts, Shoes, and a "New to me" Food Find

Happy Wednesday!  I FINALLY got a new pair of shoes.  I had been waiting for my foot to be almost back to a normal size before picking a pair and I think I am going to love them.  They are Under Armour brand and I wore them all day today and so far so good!

Today was a personal training day at the gym.  I had a very stressful morning, so it was good to get in there and work it off!

AND, this evening I took a ride on my bike for the first time since surgery.  Man it felt good to get outside and feel the breeze in my hair.  I LOVE riding my bike!

And on yesterday's blog, Jennifer shared about the Almond Nut-Thins.  WELL, I found some today at my local grocer and I had to try them.  I bought the ranch flavor:

I ate these after my workout with 2 wedges of laughing cow cheese and OMGLMNOP was it an awesome treat for only 5 points+!

Now I can't wait to try the other flavors!

That is all for today!

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Transformation Tuesday - Meet Jennifer

Happy Transformation Tuesday! I have a GREAT story to share with you today!  Meet Jennifer:

Tell us a little about yourself
I'm a married, mother of two, teacher and working on my doctorate in central IL. Busy and always made excuses until a former student was killed in a car accident and I decided life is way too short and I was making mine shorter. Signed up for weight watchers the week after the funeral and haven't looked back.

Starting Weight
329.8

Current Weight
203.8

What made you decide to live a healthier lifestyle?
I decided I wanted to fit better. Into my life. Into my clothes. I just wanted to be happier and no one was going to be able to change that except me. 

What changes have you made?
I eat healthy food. Crave it now instead of the bad stuff. Junk food is named that for a reason. I eat to fuel now and drink tons of water to flush out. I eat more clean than not but I don't want to stress forever. Now it's a lifestyle.

How is your life different now?
I went on a roller coaster for the first time at 39 since I was asked to leave one at 16 for being too big. That didn't motivate me to lose weight. I am comfortable in my own skin now and am smaller at 40 than I was at 12. Amazing this way!

What do you do for physical activity?
I love Zumba and will be certified this year but I also love to walk, bike ride and use the elliptical. I have begun weight training to tone but am no where near an expert at any of it

What is your favorite healthy food or meal?
I love fruits, veggies and all things clean but my favorite non-clean snack is Almond Nut Thins and Laughing Cow Garlic cheese wedges. Creamy and crunchy with a little bit of salt. Yum!

Any advice for others on their own journey?
Change one thing each week toward a healthy life and remember that success is not a straight line. You didn't gain it overnight and it won't come off that way! A trickle fills the cup!

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

www.facebook.com/jkeithwatchingweight

AMAZING transformation! I love how she says that a trickle fills a cup! It is so true especially when you have a long way to go! And I really want to try those Almond Thins she talked about! Anyone know where I can find them?

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!

There are still a few days to join Weight Watcher's Cheer Buddies for August. For more information click here! Check it out!

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

Keep Losing, 

Kari

Can vs Can't

Today's post is inspired once again by Lysa Terkeurst's devotional "Made to Crave". I absolutely love both the book and the devotional and every time I read them, I learn something new. Here is the "thought for the day"

How simple does that sound? Instead of being and feeling deprived of all the things I can't have, I need to stop and think of all the things I can have, and more importantly can do. It really is a choice

I am not punishing myself by depriving myself of snack cakes and candy.  I am rewarding my body by fueling it with healthy choices that will make me feel better spiritually, mentally, and physically. 

I am empowered, I am in control. I CHOOSE what I put in my body. I will make mistakes, I will fall down, but with Him ALL things are possible and I will only fail when I refuse to get back up and try. 

So this week, I am going to really try to focus on the "I cans" and getting rid of the "I can'ts"

I love this prayer she closes with

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

I Will NOT Be Moved!

Whew, what a busy day it has been today.  I have been going nonstop today and have just had a minute to sit down! Tomorrow and Saturday are going to be the same way, but that is okay.  I did well today packing my lunch and snacks for work so I had healthy choices around all day!

Believe me, I am still feeling the temptations, especially with the stress of this week.  Today as I was sitting at work, the words to this Natalie Grant song just kept playing over and over in my head.  So I decided to share the lyrics with you in my post tonight.  I will also post a YouTube link to the video!

"Will Not Be Moved"

I have been the wayward child
I have acted out
I have questioned sovereignty
and had my share of doubts
And though sometimes my prayers feel like they're bouncing off the sky
The hand I hold won't let me go
and is the reason why...

I will stumble, I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes, I will face heartache,
But I will not be moved
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand
I will not be moved

Bitterness has plagued my heart many times before
My life has been like broken glass, and I have kept the score
of all my shattered dreams and though it seemed
that I was far too gone
My brokenness helped me to see it's grace I'm standing on

I will stumble, I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes, I will face heartache,
But I will not be moved
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand.
I will not be moved.

And the chaos in my life, has been a badge I've worn
And though I have been torn
I will not be moved

I will make mistakes, I will face heartache
But I will not be moved
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand.
I will not be moved

This song just says it all for me with the stress of this week.  I will make mistakes, I will fall down, I will stumble, BUT I WILL NOT BE MOVED!!!!! I will stand on the solid rock of Christ FOREVER, even in the midst of trials and temptations!

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

So Tempted, but No Thanks Debbie

Happy hump day! It has been a great week so far staying on plan with my eating and activity.  Great, but not easy. I'm really dealing with temptation this week and the urge to binge. I'm so busy this week with work and running the boys back and forth to school for all their different practices. Every time I drop a kid off I consider pulling into to gas station and buying some junk. No one would know, but me and God. This morning I read my Made to Crave devotional and this quote stuck out yo me so much, I posted in on Facebook and Instagram this morning

I am not depriving myself of Little Debbie, I am choosing to skip the junk and fuel my body with healthier options and saving the treats for occasional indulgences. After getting home from a busy day, I delved into God's word for some motivation because

And this verse really stood out.  I know I have shared it before, but with each new day and experience, God's word can have a new meaning. 

What I really took from this tonight is that He will provide a way out. What does that mean to me? Well, I have my gym, my amazing trainer who really cares about me. I don't want to erase all of that hard work and sweat for 5 seconds of sugary goodness. I also LOVE the way I feel right now. I have energy, my mood is better, and it feel proud of myself. 

I don't know why I'm being so tempted this week, but I WILL OVERCOME IT, with God's help!

How do you handle those moments of temptation?

Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Transformation Tuesday - Meet Trisha

Happy Tuesday! I want to start with a bit of GREAT NEWS! I had my last post-op visit today and my surgeon released me from his care.  He said I could go back to regular activity as long as it doesn't hurt.  He also said it may take 6-12 months to build back to where I was and have zero pain, but I am okay with that!.

I got a GREAT session in at the gym today and I am feeling fine!

AND NOW:

Today, I want you to meet Trisha! I LOVE following her journey on Facebook and I hope you will find encouragement from her story!

Tell us a little about yourself

My name is Trisha. I am 35 and have been overweight my whole life. At one point I had lost 110 lbs but then I lost my focus and gained it all back. I am a wife and mom. I work part time and have no excuse. It's time to finally get to my goal!! Starting Weight

358

Current Weight

275

What made you decide to live a healthier lifestyle?

Everything was getting hard for me. I was so tired all the time and nothing fit right. I also really want to have a baby and it was a scary thought to get pregnant at 358 lbs. What changes have you made?

I joined weight watchers and have changed everything about my eating. I eat a lot more fruit and veggies now and exercise more.
How is your life different now?

I am much more active, iI am enjoying life a lot more and having a lot more fun!

What do you do for physical activity?

I walk a lot. I also found that I love swimming!! :)

What is your favorite healthy food or meal?

Hmmmm I eat a lot of ground turkey. I use it instead of beef. Any advice for others on their own journey?

Don't give up. You will have ups and downs just don't stop! It's ok to eat "bad" food just limit how much!

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

Yes! www.facebook.com/pathtolosing160lbs

I encourage you to make a visit to her Facebook page.  My favorite part of her page is her openness and honesty.  She shares the real journey, the ups and the downs.  I love how she said there will be ups and downs and that we can eat any food, just in moderation.  Thank you so much Trisha for sharing your story with us!

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

Bulu Box Review

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend.  I know that I did.  I am facing a very busy week this week and many hours behind a desk (which I HATE). So I am really going to have to work on getting my activity in this week.  I have scheduled three training sessions for this week and I have set up my reminder app to go off every hour during the work day telling me to get up and move for 5 minutes.  

I meant to share this yesterday, but I just didn't get it done.  Here is a summary of what was in my Bulu box this month.

I signed up for the Bulu Box monthly subscription.  I got a code through a blog I read for 50% off 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!

Here is what was in my box this month:

I haven't had a chance to try anything yet, but if something is just AMAZING, I will share it with you in a future blog.

I am looking for more inspirational transformations to share on the blog for Transformation Tuesday. 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!

And I will end with an adorable picture of my baby, Rodrigo, who is quickly growing up!

Tune in tomorrow for a Transformation Tuesday story! Sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari

Hello Again!

Happy Friday friends!  It has been forever (well really since Monday) since I blogged.  Lightening hit our internet tower (since we have to have satellite internet) and our service has been down until now.  So I was limited to just checking in quickly on my phone all week.  I won't lie, it was kinda a nice break from social media and all the drama that can come along with it at times.

I have had a good week, but I have really had to battle food cravings this week. I have wanted and wanted to have junk, but I am proud to say that I have not given in!  This week has seemed to fly by.  I was a little sad that I missed my weigh-in yesterday and I will next week's as well.  I have a flexible schedule at work (since we own our own business), but one of our ladies is off next week on vacation and I have to fill in.  I don't mind, but it does leave me stuck behind a desk ALL day, so I will have to set my hourly reminders to get up and walk for 5 minutes each hour.  So I am working on convincing myself that I still have to stay on plan even without the accountability of weighing in.  I really think seeing my trainer 3 days a week is going to be a big help.  I know it was this week.  I don't want to have to tell her I ate junk and erased those hard workouts.  I LOVE being challenged and pushed at the gym.  I am so glad I decided to do it.  Speaking of challenges, have you ever watched American Ninja Warrior?  I had never watched it before this week.  I am hooked.  I LOVE watching these men and women push their bodies through these obstacles.  One of my "in the future" goals is to complete an obstacle type race someday!

Here is my workout from the gym today:

HOLY MOLY was it hard.  I really struggled with the cleans and I need to practice those more at home. It was also my first time back on the elliptical since surgery!

Here is my happy, sweaty, red, "I did it" face right after my workout:

And here is my sad face when I got home and realized I forgot to put on my heart rate monitor before working out! It still counts right?

I am leaving you today with this quote:

By passing up those temptations for ALL THE JUNK this week, I am making an investment in something even better than the sweet taste of cake and candy, MYSELF! I am worth it.  My life will be happier and healthier with each decision I make and each sacrifice I make.

I hope you all have an amazing weekend.  Sending you all happy and healthy wishes!  Tune in tomorrow for my Bulu Box review.

Keep Losing,

Kari

Mini Monday Post

This is going to be short today.  We had some storms yesterday and lightening took out our internet so I'm quickly posting from my phone! I had to share these pictures:

I wore two shoes and two socks today, no boot! My foot is a little sore and swollen and I'm still slow and careful with it, but it felt good to go to the gym without the boot today!!!

Hopefully my internet will be up and running tomorrow! Until then, sending you all love and healthy wishes!

Keep Losing,

Kari