The Biggest Loser Revealed

24 days into this wonderful year and if I may boast a little bit; I have worked my BUTT off! (Well not actually, I mean there's still tons of butt to be worked off, but you get my drift). To stay motivated on my quest for a healthy lifestyle I need to be surrounded by encouragement: I read books, watch DVD's, and television shows all geared towards health. One of my favorite shows is the biggest loser. I enjoy it mostly because I'm able to see the person transform week to week right before my eyes. This show gives me hope and makes me feel like I too can be the biggest loser, right at home.

In past seasons, I listened to Bob, Dolvett, and Jillian as if they were screaming right in my face telling me to suck it up and get to it. So I got to it...and failed horribly. Not only didn't I lose weight, every season I GAINED weight! I was later informed that they have a team of doctors and specialist who help them learn to survive on less than 2000 calories a day and approximately six hours of exercise A DAY! (FYI I read this info in an article from a local biggest loser contestant; scouts honor).  

I don't know about you, but with the hubby, the kid(s), the job, the laundry, the housework, the cooking, the writing, the reading, and basically living; I do not have the time, energy, desire, or resources to be able to "do it" like a biggest loser contestant. That doesn't necessarily mean I can't still lose, it just won't be at the same rate as the contestants and I'm ok with that.

I did, however, learn a lot from watching the show and doing things on my own. I learned that motivation and visualization are two major tools to health's success. You have to know why you want it and be able to see you with it. Motivation is not an emotion and it shouldn't be tied to one either. Motivation is a reason, ask yourself WHY? Why do I want to or need to be healthy. Your motivation needs to be something that compels you to do and be better no matter what you feel like on any particular day. 

Visualization was new for me. I've never been able to see myself thinner than I am now and that's why I've struggled losing the weight. To help with this I created a motivation board that is tacked on the wall next to my side of the bed. It has quotes, scriptures, overall encouragement, and pictures of the body I desire and I look at this several times a day. I am retraining my brain and body to become the woman I am purposed by God to be.

(This is my motivation board)

The burpee challenge I mentioned in the last post is going GREAT! I did have a minor set back of a couple days and I just started over (which means now burpee's and abs will overlap for a few days, yuck!) I've started going to Zumba classes and other group fitness classes at my local YMCA. I make sure when our family eats a meal 50-75% of the food on the plate comes from fruits and veggies.

I'm determined this time not to let go of this dream, because I've come to learn that the biggest loser is really the person who gives up on themselves. In years past I had little to no support from those around me to be healthy, but I learned that I really didn't support myself. I didn't believe I could achieve the dream and therefore, even though my mouth said I wanted it, everything else said I didn't deserve it and I should let it go. Well I've officially rescinded my membership to the losers club and I vow from this point on to always be a winner. I approach this situation and every other in my life from the standpoint of Victory and I hope you will now join me on the victorious side. 

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Lastly, If you're a fat chic like me stay motivated, be encouraged, and know that inside of every fat chic is a skinny chic waiting to come out.

Holiday Hangover

Well another year has come and gone, which means another holiday season has blown in like a thief in the night stealing most of my weight loss progress. And now...Now I'm waking up from the fog and wondering... how did I get here. I'm doing the walk of shame back to my computer and feeling horrible about all of this. The last thing I remember is detoxing two weeks prior to Thanksgiving and feeling great. I told myself that Thanksgiving day would be my only "cheat" day and I'd be right back on track; once again faithful to weight loss after this one day.

Not having actually mounted a scale I'd guess I lost close to 10 pounds prior to Thanksgiving and I'd guess by December 22 I'd gained about 15 pounds (so much for counting that loss). But I had a plan... On December 22 we started a juice/smoothie detox only drinking fresh fruits and vegetables. This was one of the hardest, but greatest things I'd ever done for my health. After getting over the initial three days of headaches, hunger pains, and desire to chew; I felt great.

I noticed my skin began to clear up, I felt lighter (After one week I'd actually lost ten pounds! Mostly water weight of course), I had tons of energy, and my clothes were fitting differently. I loved all of the juices and veggies and I never wanted it to end. Of course it all came to a screeching halt once my pocket book caught up with my new lifestyle. Eating 100% fresh organic fruit & veggie juice/smoothies is EXPENSIVE! So regrettably we stopped and began adding in healthy meats & grains and now...Now I'm still 4 pounds down, not feeling as great, but I've not completely jumped off the health wagon. I just had to stop and regroup.

What's the plan now you ask? I'm going to workout 4-5 days a week, making sure to do cardio at least 3 days. I also set up a personal challenge to complete one health challenge a month. We've all seen the challenges on Facebook and Pinterest. For the month of January I'm completing a 30 day burpee challenge. I'd love it if you'd join the challenge with me, post a comment and I'll send you the link.

I'm still eating healthy, we've actually switched over to mostly organic foods. We don't eat fast food, fried foods,or too many desserts. We eat fresh fruit or vegetables with each meal. I also plan to do a 7 day cleanse/detox every month. I enjoyed the benefits so much that I feel obligated to do it again just so that I can feel that way again; 7 days is doable on my budget.

Last, but not least I plan to take some time out for me. I plan to de-stress, relax, and work on being ok in my own skin. Stress in addition to many other factors can lead to weight gain. So there you have it, nothing too drastic, everything doable and realistic. At this time of new years resolutions I hope you can resolve to join me on this mission to be fun, fit, and fabulous. Know that this year all things are possible and together we will accomplish greater health and life achievements.

If you're enjoying the reading, don't forget to FOLLOW the blog, SHARE the blog, and SHOUT from the roof tops about how much you love the blog!

Lastly, If you're a fat chic like me stay motivated, be encouraged, and know that inside of every fat chic is a skinny chic waiting to come out.