Making goals a reality

Growing up, I was never the skinny girl. I always had extra weight that I was insecure about. In high school I tried out for the school dance team. I was in a group with 2 other girls and we had to perform a 1 minute routine in front of the dance team judges. There were a ton of girls trying out and only a few open spots for freshmen, like me. I did my best, but was very unsure I was good enough to make the team. I especially didn't think that I LOOKED good enough to get on the team. Everyone else was wearing size 1 pants, was in shape, and I was not! But fail or not, I put my whole heart into it and didn't give up. 

I did make it, and it was close. Real close. So close that the other 2 girls I auditioned with didn't make the cut. I did it! I was happy! But little did I know, this was the beginning of a long hard semester...

Practices began that next week. We were still on summer break. Practice would be all day long Monday through Friday! I could not wait for school to start because then we would only have practice 3 hours a day! It was so much work! And took up so much of my time. In the moment- it really sucked. It was torture! I would be so wore out by the end of the day, I didn't want to go hang out with friends or do anything! But it was a sacrifice I had chose to make. I wanted to be on the dance team.  I wanted to be good. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do this! 

And I did, I made it through the whole season and felt like I had accomplished something that I always dreamed about doing. There were times when I wanted to quit so bad. I'm pretty sure my mom wanted me to quit too!! But there were just a few people that encouraged me to keep pursuing it and to not give up. I look back and am so grateful that I didn't give up! 

I was reminded of this experience because of a season of life I just went through. After having Jalen, I never ever thought I would have been able to "get back where I was". I was starting to become content with how things were because I didn't think I could do anything to change it. After my pregnancy, I had developed a terrible eating habit, little motivation to workout, was just exhausted. "This is it. This is life. I will just have to deal with it"- those were my thoughts.

But boy am I sure glad I had people around me to snap me out of that!! 

My husband and friend Katie have been a huge support to me in this journey of "back to who I was". And the best part about this is. I am in better shape now than I was before I was pregnant! And even before I was married! 

It takes serious dedication. Time. Commitment. And encouragement. I have found so much joy in the accomplishments I have done for myself. Not that I want to be "better" than others, but I want to be the best that I can be. I want to be able to stay active with my kids, live a healthy life, and help others do the same! Needless to say, I am not at the end; I still have a long ways to go for where I want to be. But I will rejoice in the milestones I have hit and let that encourage me and others to keep pursuing my goals!

Here is a before and now picture of my journey. I am grateful for the support I have gotten from my family, friends, and advocare! 

And yes- I know I am white. Lol. 

Open faced Tuna Melt Sandwich

This has been my "go to" meal when I can't think of anything else to make and am crunched on time! 

It's easy and yummy!

Ingredients:

- 4 pieces whole wheat bread, toasted

- 1 tomato sliced

- 1 can tuna made up with Olive Oil Kraft Maynonaise (I use as least amout possible)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Sprinkles of cheese 

Instructions:

- Oven to 350 degrees 

- spread thin layer of tuna mixture over toast 

- top with a couple tomato slices

- sprinkle a small amount of cheese on top 

- Bake for 5-6 minutes!

Enjoy!!

(Okay for max phase of 24 day challenge!) 

Blueberry Walnut Whole Wheat Flax Seed Pancakes for one

I was craving pancakes this morning (like every morning) and I always like to try different recipes. I don't like trying different recipes because I am this incredible chef, but rather, it's because most of the recipes I make... Don't turn out! 

BUT these ones were delicious! So here is the recipe :)

Ingredients:

- 1/2 c whole wheat 

- 1/4 c ground flax seed (optional)

- 1 egg

- 2 tsp honey 

- 1/2 tsp baking powder

- 1/4 tsp baking soda

- 1/8 tsp salt 

- 1/2 tbsp oil

- 1/4 c milk

- 1 c blueberries (optional)

- 1/2 c chopped walnuts 

Instructions: (and this is just how I do it!)

Mix all ingredients, cook over medium heat, flip after I think they should be flipped and enjoy!! 

Satisfy the crunch

Since I try not to eat "chips", every once in a while I still have the crunch craving.. I found these at Aldi's and now they are my favorite! I have tried "veggie" chips in the past but was not crazy about then. But these ones are literally dried veggies!

Enjoy!

Brit

Ps- I would say these are okay on the max phase of the 24 day challenge! 

Passion of helping people!

This last fall, I began helping individuals pursue their health and wellness goals with the help from a company called Advocare. Goals ranged from losing weight and inches, needing increased energy, wanting to change their eating habits, and wanting to tone up and improve their workout performance. I love Advocare because all of these goals can be addressed! As a result of my weight loss journey, I gained a passion to help others! So here is just a little testimonial of what others have been able to accomplish!

I will start out with myself:

- I lost 8 pounds in 24 days, and have now lost a total of 17. The weight was important to me, but I received so much more out of doing the challenge. I gained much needed energy, built a whole new eating habit that I could LIVE with, and regained my self confidence and rebuilt my self worth!

Luke: lost 13lb in 24 days

JV: 6 pounds, 5.5 inches

KN: 10 pounds

AR: 4 pounds, 10 inches

NR: 10 pounds

DJ: 12 pounds

MB: 4lbs (10 days)

BK: 7 pounds, 10.5 inches

BN: 10 pounds, 6.4 inches

GB 2 pounds (10 days)

EH: 8 pounds (10 days)

KP: 6 pounds (10 days)

JP: 6 pounds (10 days)

BP: 4 pounds (10 days)

Most of the people above have also reported: decreased cravings for unhealthy foods, feel less bloated, clothes fitting more loose, got rid of mid morning/mid afternoon slumps, cut out up to 2 pots of coffee a day, increased energy level, a new attitude about healthy eating! ALL have learned to eat and choose wiser choices of foods and ALL have said their overall health has improved! 

I have a few missing and some a lot still in the middle! Cant wait to see how these numbers will continue to grow! 

As Luke and I were talking about WHY we decided to get involved with Advocare, we determined that THIS was our purpose. And has now become our mission statement:

To honor God in everything we do.

(and) 

To build champions who will fight together TODAY for victory over our mind, family, and finances.

Advocare is a company that not only has brought freedom to people in an avenue of losing weight, but has created a way for individuals to see WORTH in themselves! It has given people an opportunity to DREAM again and to realize that there is MORE to life than just "to live"!

If you are wanting to know more about how you CAN transform your body, mind, soul, family, or finances- I would love to help guide you in becoming a CHAMPION!

God Bless!
Brit

www.ChampionsMN.com

 

Tomato Basil Chicken Stew and Roasted Chicken and Veggies!

So I am trying to be better at posting things that I have been making/eating for my 24 day challengers.

Here are a couple recipes I made- they are delicious! Links provided below the picture. Enjoy!

http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/tomato-basil-chicken-stew/#_a5y_p=1033482

http://www.wishfulchef.com/chicken-roasted-on-a-bed-of-vegetables/

From a new mom to the other new moms!

It's been a while since I have blogged a heart post, this is one thing this year that I want to get better at. But I have been wanting to write something. Something from my heart and it has been on my heart to share!

Over the last 8+ months, my life has COMPLETELY flipped. Literally- one day all of a sudden God picked me up by my foot and I suddenly was jolted upside down. My arms are hanging down toward the ground. Everything in my pockets came falling out and dropped to the floor. And here I am, looking dumbfounded. 

May 5th, 2013 our lives changed forever. I knew that my life wouldn't be the same after this day- but had no idea to what extent. Yup. Things changed alright. Mindset changed. Sleep changed (or just went away). If you haven't figured out yet what happened- my WHOLE life changed. We had a baby. 

It was amazing. The love that we have for this child is unreal. He is seriously amazing. Both Luke and I cannot get enough of him! It is great being a parent to our J, but as much as I am in love with being a mom, it was a huge adjustment for me. 

My attention focus shifted from what our "wants" were, to my needs being thrown out the window of a 100 story building and then shattering at the bottom. No matter how much of a selfless person that you are, you will still be devastated when everyone's attention (aka the ones that fill your "needs" tank the most) drastically switches from the cute, puffy pregnant lady, to a beautiful baby.  It's just the honest truth people. 

At the time: I had family and friends support. I wasn't attending a single church but still had so many individuals that offered meals, bought outfits, and came to watch J so I could shower and nap. (The two most precious things now). I felt so blessed by these people, their help was outstanding and was much needed. But I still felt so empty inside. 

Do any other mother's resignate with what I am saying?? Seriously- I know I am not alone on this! 

BUT in the mist of these lost feelings and desperation to just rest, CHRIST reaches in and sustained me. He reminded me, in the deepest darkest times of those first months, you have to take it day by day. Hour by hour. Sometimes, minute to minute of just hanging in there and doing what you need to do. Your "doing" changes. Before, you "do" dishes, work, cook, think about what to wear, where to go, how I should do my hair and if I should get out of bed or sleep another hour on a day off... Those were the days! Now I consider it an accomplishment if I can brush my teeth before noon, remember to let the dog out, and get the baby out of PJ's that day. Oh how things change! But you know what? As much as it pains perfectionists to give it up- you gotta let things go! It's essential to let go of the expectation that you will have your life put back together again. You won't. Well- it doesn't look anywhere near in my future anyway! But I'm okay with that! 

I have learned to be content with my life as long as these few things are done: 

- I ask God to guide me and give me peace daily

- I get the baby fed and diaper changed

- I remember that my husband is my best friend and not a dart board ;) and keep trusting that he will catch on to the extent of sacrifice I made- someday! 

To new moms, when you feel like you are drowning and all hope is lost- please reach out and ask for help! Know that you are not alone!! What you are feeling, most moms have gone through! You are not alone! God has given you such a beautiful gift, embrace it, which I know you will- but remember, to reach out for peace and wisdom from HIM. 

Love you ladies! Welcome into such a wonderful thing called being a mother :)