A HUGE Change of Heart!

So, I have had this one picture hanging in my office for as long I can remember. Is it a funny picture, yes! But the reality of this picture is that, it's how I felt. I never wanted to step on the scale! I knew that when I did, it would make me sad and depressed. Why would I want to do that to myself!? So, what did I do? I avoided it as much as possible. I put it out of my mind, like the problem would just go away. Well, guess what? It was never going to go away unless I did something about it!

I haven't been to my office in a few weeks, because I have been working a different position for a few months. I stopped in there a week or so ago, and saw this picture hanging on my wall. As a matter of fact, it was starting to fall down, and that is what caught my attention. I stopped and stared at this picture for a good 2-3 mins. I thought to myself, I honestly don't feel this way anymore. I don't fear the scale! I don't avoid it! I jump on that scale with excitement and determination. I am so happy when I see that number at my feet, because it proves to me that my hard work is paying off! It proves that every single minute I spend in the gym, and preparing clean meals is worth it!

I could not believe the change of heart I have had over this picture. In fact, I took the picture down. I don't want the people in my office thinking I live in fear of the scale, because I DON'T! Am I thrilled at the number I see when I jump on that scale, yes and no! I am happy because it shows progress, but I am still not anywhere close to my goal weight!

It's so easy to get discouraged when you think about how far you have to go. But I choose to focus on how far I have come! To date, I am down 18 pounds. Now that may not sound like a great deal to some people, but I have truly worked my ass to get where I am, and there is no turning back. I can not even imagine going back to my old ways. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was so unhappy with myself. When you are down on yourself, and miserable you project that on to others. I am quite sure, I was not always a joy to be around. Now don't get me wrong, I am probably still not always a joy to be around, but I am happy! I am learning to be comfortable in my own skin. In just 5 months, I honestly feel like a completely different person. It's not always easy to admit it to ourselves, but I am proud of myself. I made the decision to change my life for the better, and 5 months later I am still going strong. I can honestly say, this was one of the best decisions of my life.

It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be! I started with baby steps, and just keep pushing forward. It's a learning experience. But trust me.....all you have to do is start!!! So what are you waiting for?! 

 

Let's do this together! 

 

XOXO 

What do You Wear When You Work Out?!?!

I have gotten many emails asking about my workout gear. Finding comfortable fitness gear for a plus size woman is harder than you may think. Honestly, I buy most of my workout clothes at Old Navy. They fit great and are relatively inexpensive. I have a few pairs of workout pants from the GAP that I LOVE as well. I would say the question I get asked the most is what type of sneakers I run in. Currently I wear Adidas. It took me a very very very long time to find a good pair that I love. I first bought Nike Shox, and let me tell you, I had zero luck with them. They pinch my foot terribly. I mean I can wear them when I'm running errands, but to workout in...NO WAY!Z I also tried Saucony's. They were ok, but my arch was uncomfortable. I always seem to have a problem with my arches!

I would recommend getting fitted for a sneaker. I had this done a Foot Locker. They had me walk around with just my socks, and I kid you not, the woman sat on the floor and watched how I took my steps. She then had me try on different sneakers and watched me walk around again. She explained that I have very flat feet, and that's why my arches bother me in sneakers. She helped me find a pair that worked for me. She was awesome!!! She didn't try to talk me into the most expensive ones either. She did all of it for FREE too! It was very helpful! When I bought my Adidas sneakers, I bought them in both colors, because I didn't know how long it would take me to find another pair that I loved as much!

I often wear hats when I workout as well, it keeps the sweat from running down my face and my crazy hair in one place. I hit an awesome sale at Dick's and got 4 hats, for under $30! Keep your eyes our for good deals!

XOXO 

My Eating habits

Well we have all heard it, small meals through out the day. Well if you were like me, you are thinking......yea ok, I don't have time for that. That was honestly my attitude for a long time. So I would eat a big breakfast, a big lunch, and a big dinner. I thought well if I eat enough during those times, I will not be hungry and snack thorough out the day! Well Wrong!!! I still snacked. So what's wrong with this picture?! I was eating way to much and feeling bloated and uncomfortable after every meal! So, something has to give!

I thought there has to be something to this eating a small meals throughout the day! So my typical day goes like this.....

 

Breakfast- Shakeology, some days I throw some PB2 in so change up the flavor and add some protein.

Snack- around 9:45is I have 1 piece of wheat bread with Peanut Butter

Lunch- I switch this up, but most days, it's either turkey meatballs, or chicken cutlet with carrots or green beans

Snack- around 3:30 I will have a Think Thin protein bar. (I will admit they are not my fave, but once you get past the fact they it will not taste the same a chocolate we are use to it, it's pretty good) It definitely is filling

Dinner-7:00 This is different everyday. I try and cook a different clean meal for my family every night. 

If I am feeling hungry a little later, I have been snacking on some popcorn. Not dripping in butter and salt!

I also drink Green Tea all day long.

I will admit the weekends are a struggle for me. It's easy during the week because we are on set schedules. The weekends I tend to wake up later, and that throws everything off. I also tend to go out to eat at some point, so I will have a cheat meal here and there.

My advice to you is to prep your meals ahead of time. I usually cook meatballs and chicken on Sunday nights, that way in the mornings I throw my lunch in a container and I am ready to go out the door! Also at dinner, start using a salad plate, you will be less likely to over eat when you use a smaller plate. I have cut soda and juice out of my diet. It' tough....I love juice, but it's full of sugars that I don't need! Pizza is a huge love of mine, so if I do indulge I will have one piece and then some salad. It's all about the moderation.

If you start by taking baby steps, it's gets easier! Trust me! It's a learning experience! I am in no way an expert, but this is what has been working for me!

XOXO

Clean Eating- Chicken Fajitas!

Tonight my family and I are enjoying these amazing Fajitas! They are delicious! I would definitley recommend trying them. It was very easy to make, just a bit time consuming chopping everything up, but totally worth it! I found the recipe on The Gracious Pantry's site.  

Ingredients:

• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced thin lengthwise
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced thin lengthwise
• 1 large orange bell pepper, sliced thin lengthwise
• 5 raw, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin lengthwise (about 7 oz. each)
• 1 large red onion, slice thin
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 packages of small corn tortillas, no sugar added (24 total)

Directions:

1. Saute’ everything in a large pan, adding the spices about half way through.
2. Fill your tortillas and serve topped with salsa and guacamole.

I decided to make fresh salsa to go with ours, which was also super easy. I chopped tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cilantro. I mixed that together with chili powder and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. 

 

If you try it let me know what you think! 

 

XOXO 

Do You Struggle to Stay Motivated?!

How many of you struggle to stay motivated?! I know that I do!!! It’s so difficult to keep your eyes on the prize and focus, because let’s face it…..it takes time to results, and when we are getting instant gratification, we lose interest. Believe me, I know!!! I have been “dieting”  and trying to lose weight my entire life! Yes….seriously my entire life. I would get real motivated for about two weeks, and just lose interested. So guess what…..I never achieved my goals because I never gave my body a chance to change. This time around has been completely different. I started this journey about 5 months ago now, and I am still as motivated as I was on day 1. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve struggled along the way. I’ve cried and screamed when I didn’t get the results I wanted. But each time I have had a setback, I reflect upon how I can change my habits and improve my results. As part of this journey, I have learned you have to be your own critic. If it’s not working, face it, and change it. Don’t continue to keep doing the same thing and expect results.

I have become part of one of the best fitness families I could ask for. These coaches are amazing and inspire so many people. They are literally there whenever I needed them. I am so happy to be a part of their coaching team now! I also found such amazing and inspiring people on Instagram. I kid you not, my feed is filled with words of encouragement and before and after pics. If there is a day I’m struggling, I literally start scrolling through Instagram and refocus my mind on my goals! I take pictures almost every day of myself working out, or showing progress. This is to remind myself of just how far I have come.

I am a completely different person than I was 5 months ago. I have a clear mind, I am focused, I am driven, and I am succeeding. I honestly didn’t know if I could do this, but look at me now! I am kicking butt! I am a happier, healthier version of myself. The old me would’ve never stuck with something this long!

I am not only improving my health, but family’s health as well! I started cooking a healthy dinner for them every night, and it’s really paying off! Just yesterday, my mom sent me an email from the doctor’s office telling me she lost 6lbs since eating clean. How awesome is that?!

Shakeology has been a huge game changer for me! Watch for my upcoming post about how Shakeology has changed this journey for me!

So here is the secret to staying motivated:

1. Make a list of your goals
2. Send me an email, thebulkyb@outlook.com, and I can be your coach for FREE!!!
3. Jump on Instagram, and become a part of the #fitfam
4. Join one of my challenge groups
5. Get up, and start movin’

It’s honestly that simple! You have to take baby steps before you can start running. But you CAN do this! Trust me, if I am getting results, you will too! I believe in you!!!!  

XOXO

The Bulky B ~Fashion Swap~

So, as I was brainstorming about topics to write about for this blog, I was sitting at my desk thinking about how I am going to need some new clothes pretty soon! How exciting! Then I thought how cool would it be to start an online clothing exchange with my fitness family! Let's face it when you are on a weight loss  journey, your size is constantly changing and we all don't have the money to spend on new clothes all the time!

So, here's how it would work.....I created a Facebook page, The Bulky B Fashion Swap. In this group you will post pics and sizes of the clothes that no longer fit you. If someone is in need of that size, they just comment, and send a message to the person who posted the pics. 

 

To participate you MUST be WILLING to pay for shipping costs when you are sending your items. This is a free group, so at NO time may you charge for your clothes. Also, you may NOT take someone's clothes and sell them!

 

 The idea behind this group is to help out one another in our fitness family! Please don't be that one person to ruin the fun and kindness of the group. You will have 5 days to ship your items to your "buyer".

I am completely new to this, so it is a learning experience. Any feedback you have is welcomed! I hope we all enjoy this, and get some "new" clothes as well!

Happy swapping!

XOXO

Clean Eating- Chicken Penne in Lemon Basil Sauce

Tonight my family is enjoying Chicken Penne in Lemon Basil Sauce. I found this recipe on The Gracious Pantry's Site. It is delicious! I put some chicken broth in the pan while the chicken baked. This kept it nice and tender! I also sauteed some garlic, basil, and lemons in some extra virgin olive oil. Why?!? I feeling the need to get a little fancy, and any excuse to put garlic in things, I am there! This recipe was super easy to make and yummy!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound whole wheat or whole grain pasta, cooked to package directions

Chicken Ingredients:

• 4 large chicken breasts (about 8 oz. each) – Baked as per instructions below
• 1 tablespoons dried basil
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup fresh, finely chopped basil
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth (approximately)

Directions:

1. Place the chicken breasts (frozen or raw) on an ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with lemon juice and top with basil. Bake at 350 F. until internal temperature reaches at least 165 F. on a meat thermometer.
2. Set the pasta to cook.
3. Mix all sauce ingredients together except the chicken broth.
4. When the chicken is done, cut into bite sized pieces and toss into the cooked pasta. Add yogurt sauce.
5. Slowly add the chicken broth to the pot, stirring constantly until the sauce reaches a consistency you like. I used approximately 1/2 cup, but you can add more or less if you like. Just get the sauce to a nice, creamy consistency.
6. Pairs nicely with a dinner salad.

Nutritional Content:
(Data is for 1 cup)
Calories: 274
Total Fat: 6 gm
Saturated Fats: 2 gm
Trans Fats: 0 gm
Cholesterol: 40 mg
Sodium: 169 mg
Carbohydrates: 28 gm
Dietary fiber: 3 gm
Sugars: 2 gm
Protein: 26 gm
Estimated Glycemic Load: 16

If you try this recipe, please let me know how you like it!!!

"You are what you eat....So don't be fast, easy, fake, or cheap"

XOXO

Making Progess with My Clean Eating Group....Want to join us???

Hey Y'all! So I have to take a minute and brag about how FABULOUS my clean eating group challenge group did!!! 8 of us lost a total of 48 pounds in 2 weeks!!!!!!!! Holy smokes right?! That's like a small child!!! I am so excited and proud of every member of this group! It was an eye opening experience for me as well. It has taught me just important a healthy diet is in achieving my goals! I myself lost 6.8 pounds during these two weeks! I could not be more excited with my results! I took this challenge a step further and tried to cook a clean meal for my family each night. They did not partake in this challenge, but they did enjoy some yummy meals! Each night, I took pictures and posted them to my facebook page, and posted the recipes right here on the blog!

If any of you are like me, you have some reservations about eating clean! That's totally ok! I struggle a great deal with my eating habits. One of the reasons is that I am one of the pickiest eaters you will ever meet! I have a texture issue when it comes to food. I know I know, I'm a little crazy! I can't even chew gum because the texture of that makes me throw up. Eating fruit is difficult for me as well! I share these things with you, not to prove how strange I am, but maybe just one of you struggles with some of the same things that I do!

 So about 3 weeks ago, I jumped on the scale and was devastated to find that I had gained weight. That very same day, a fellow coach of mine had posted that she was hosting a clean eating group! I thought about it for a little bit and knew I had to try it! Well low and behold it was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be! I began eating healthy, and honestly felt amazing! To my surprise the weight began coming off!

During this challenge I have found a new love for cooking! Even though my family did not partake in this challenge, they are eating at least one healthy meal a day! What more could I ask for! Honestly I thought the food would be gross and I wouldn't like anything. Well I stepped out of my comfort zone and was pleasantly surprised to learn that I have found things that I really enjoy!!! 

I referred to the Clean Eating Magazine's Site very frequently! I have been a recipe researching fool!!! They also have meal plans for you to use! They plan breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks for you! They also have shopping lists that you can print out and take with you! I mean how much easier could it be! If you live close to me, I will honestly cook a clean meal for your family just prove how delicious it can be!

Starting Feb. 17th I along with my fellow coaches will be holding another clean eating challenge! It last 2 weeks, and everyday we post what we ate in a closed group on Facebook. This means that only the members of the group can see what you are posting. It is a fantastic way to stay motivated and gives you many great ideas by seeing what every one else is eating! I want to plan out meals for those two weeks for my family and post them on here so that you can also see what we will be eating! This will be a challenge for me because I am not the most organized person, but I will try my best!

So who's up for a two week challenge??? Send me an email, thebulkyb@outlook.com!!!! Together, we will crush this challenge!!! 

 XOXO

Clean Eating-Stuffed Peppers

Tonight I made clean stuffed peppers for my family. It was one of the meals as you are cooking, if something could go wrong, it did! I was thinking to myself, if this comes out edible, it will be a miracle! Well, to my shocking surprise.....they came out delicious!!!! I would definitely recommend trying these!  I once again found the recipe on Clean Eating Mag's site.

I used a garlic seasoning rather than an Italian one! The lid fell off and way more came out then should have, and it still tasted amazing! (We all have days like this right!?) I also used brown rice instead of wild rice.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup wild rice
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 lb 99% lean ground turkey
• 2/3 cup low-sodium natural tomato juice
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 10 grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 4 assorted medium sweet bell peppers (red orange and yellow)
• 2 oz part-skim mozzarella

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring rice and 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium, cover and continue to boil for 25 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, add oil and onions to a large sauté pan over medium-high. Sauté onions for 2 minutes, then add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add turkey, juice and seasoning. Cook until turkey is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and black pepper, cooking, covered, for 5 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F.
3. Fill a large pot half-full with water and bring to a boil. Cut tops from bell peppers and remove all seeds. Add bell peppers and tops to water and return to a boil. Cook, covered, for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Remove bell peppers and dry on paper towel.
4. Drain rice and add to turkey mixture. In a glass dish, stand bell peppers and fill with turkey-rice mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella and add bell pepper top. Bake for 15 minutes.

Nutrients per stuffed turkey pepper: Calories: 350, Total Fat: 7 g, Sat. Fat: 1.5 g, Carbs: 35 g, Fiber: 7 g, Sugars: 14 g, Protein: 36 g, Sodium: 210 mg, Cholesterol: 60 mg

If you try this recipe, please let me know if you loved it as much as we did!!!

"Do not use you stomach as a trash can"

XOXO

February Goals!!!

Last month I was pretty proud of my progress. This month I want to completely destroy my goals! Setting goals allows me to work for something. They keep me on track and remind me of where I want to be! This month is going to be tough, but I know I can do it! 

 

1. I want to continue to run at least 5 miles a day! I signed up to run a Color me Rad 5k with my team of coaches, so I want to be in great shape come time of the race. Some days this is super hard, but last month I was able to push through and I know I can do the same this month. 

2. Eat Clean- Last month I joined a clean eating group, man oh man was it awesome! I took it a step further and tried to cook a clean meal for my family every night! We have really been enjoying these new dishes! I also lost 6.8lbs in that challenge. It proved to me just how important it is to eat clean! 

3. No soda or juice- Last month it was super hard not to drink soda, but I felt so much better. This month I want to take it a step further and cut out all sugary drinks from my diet. It won't be easy, but totally worth it! 

4. Burpees- Oh how I freakin' hate these things! But I want to become better at them. This month I really want to focus and become more comfortable with them! 

5. Try a new workout- I want to step out of my comfort zone, and try a new workout. My cousin and I have talked about going to a hot yoga class. I think this is a must in the near future! 

6. Give it my all every single day- I work out hard every day, but some days I know I could've done more. This month I want to know that at the end of each workout, I gave it everything I had! 

It's going to be a tough month, but I am so excited to murder these goals! 

"You are so much stronger than you think"

XOXO

Reflecting on January's Goals!

Wow has January been a crazy month for me or what!? Well, I have to say, I did pretty well this month! There has certainly been ups and downs along the way! At the beginning of this month I jumped on the scale that I avoid like the plague, and I had gained weight! I didn't know whether to sit and cry or scream. To be honest I think I may have done a little of both! I have been giving it my all, and I gained weight, I was devastated!!! One of the first things I did was send my coach a message to share my frustration. Within in minutes she was there to lend a helping hand. Seriously, I don't how she deals with me sometimes! I am always sending random messages to her expressing how I feel! She is seriously the best!  I decided to start a food journal. I also joined a clean eating challenge group! Now I can say that I am down 10 pounds this month! I jumped on the scale this morning and broke that one number that it devastated me to see!!! I kid you not, the tears ran down my face as I stood there taking it in! Now I know you might think 10 pounds oh ok, but what you don't understand is that feeling behind that number you see sitting at your feet. I can't tell you the last time I saw the number I saw today and it made me feel so damn proud of myself!!!! I am doing this, and kicking ass!!!

One of the toughest parts of this month was PMS! I am getting a little personal now, but hey I always share the good, the bad, and the ugly right?! So why stop now?! I am on  Seasonale, so I only get my period every 3 months! It's pretty great! But this was the month, and boy oh boy did I struggle! It's like little gremlins took over my body, and every time I would look in the mirror they would whisper in my ear how horrible I looked! I didn't know whether I wanted to cry or sit down with a bag of chips and a jar of chocolate frosting! I actually spent a good couple of minutes thinking about how delicious it would be to dip those chips in the frosting! I however, did NOT go through with this amazing idea! There were lots of tears shed, and I did give into my craving of pizza. But you know what, you can't totally cut yourself off! You need to cheat every now and then! It keeps you on track. I did finally make it through last week, and came out losing weight at that!

I killed my not having soda goal. I did not have any soda  in the month of January and it felt fabulous! I don't feel bloated or full at all! I could have improved my water intake, but like I always say, that is a work in progress for me! I have consistanly been running 5 miles a day and averaging about 45mins in total! Hey, I'll take it! This coming from a girl that always came close to failing gym because I couldn't run that mile in the "recommended" amount of time! Oh how I would like to go back and ask some of those gym teachers to go for a run with me now! I finished up my 81K this month, and ran an Autism 5K! I didn't complete a squat challenge. I DID FOUCS on T25 finally!

This has been such an amazing month for me! On January 8th I stepped over into the coaching world! It was a very big decision, but I know that I made the right one! I couldn't be happier. I never in a million years thought that I could inspire others and help them reach their goals! This brings so much joy to my life! Many of you have reached out to me and expressed such kind words of encouragement and support, and even thanked me for inspiring them! Your words mean more to me than you will ever know!!! From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for being apart of this!

I kicked serious bootay this month! Now it's your turn!!! Let's do this together!!!!!!

"If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you"

XOXO

Clean Eating- Chicken Cordon Bleu

I have to say this dinner was fabulous!!!!!! I am so glad I decided to make it! I found it on Clean Eating Magazine's site. I didn't make the sauce to go along with it, honestly just because school was closed and I didn't get a chance to stop at the grocery store! Instead of the dijon yogurt sauce, I threw some extra virgin olive oil in a pan with some fresh garlic and a dash of white wine! Can I just say yum!!!! I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 4-oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 large spinach leaves, washed stems removed
• 2 wedges Laughing Cow Light cheese
• 1 oz reduced-sodium nitrate-free ham
• Paprika, to taste
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

DIJON YOGURT SAUCE

• 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp 1% buttermilk
• 2 tbsp chives, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Pound chicken with a mallet to 1/4-inch thickness. Be careful not to tear apart the breast. Lay 1 spinach leaf on top of each breast. Then spread cheese wedge to cover spinach. Top with 1/2 slice ham, folding ham over as needed to fit breast. Gently roll up each breast and secure with a toothpick. Sprinkle outer side of breast with paprika. Bake in oven for 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
2. While chicken is baking, sauté garlic in oil in a nonstick skillet for 1 minute on medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and pepper. Stir occasionally for 10 minutes until soft. Remove from heat. Cover and set aside.
3. To prepare sauce, whisk together yogurt, mustard and buttermilk. Mix in chives.
4. Divide mushrooms equally between 2 plates, about 1/4 cup each. Then place chicken on bed of mushrooms and drizzle 1/4 cup yogurt sauce over top.

Nutrients per serving (1 chicken cordon bleu, ¼ cup mushrooms, ¼ cup yogurt sauce): Calories: 281, Total Fat: 9 g, Sat. Fat: 3 g, Carbs: 10 g, Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 3 g, Protein: 38 g, Sodium: 587 mg, Cholesterol: 80 mg

 If you try this recipe, please please let me know what you think! I loved this so much! My family will definitely be enjoying this in the very near future again!

XOXO