Reaching Milestones

Today marks another milestone in my health and fitness journey.

I have always struggled with my weight, even before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and then PCOS.  I would workout, lose weight, get comfortable, and then gain it all back.  It was a vicious cycle for me that I just couldn’t get a hold of.

In 2009, I started running daily in order to train for the Gate River Run, a 15k race in Jacksonville, FL.  I lost 20 pounds while training, and I felt better than I had in years!  I bought all new clothes – mostly size 8’s – and threw away the size 12’s and 14’s that were hanging in my closet.  I vowed that I would never wear those sizes again.  However, the weight began creeping back on towards the end of 2009.  I couldn’t figure it out.  I hadn’t changed my eating habits, I was still running as much as I could, and I worked as a waitress so I was constantly on the move.  It didn’t make any sense.

In 2010, I was diagnosed with PCOS.  My doctor put me on Metformin and sent me on my way.  Nothing changed.  I was still struggling to lose weight.  I exercised, ate right and still, nothing.  It wasn’t until September of 2012 that I decided to take my health into my own hands.  I got off Metformin and began eating a gluten-free diet.  I dropped 12 pounds.  It didn’t hurt to exercise anymore!

Just this past February, I decided to take my health and fitness one step further by joining Beachbody as an Independent Coach and participating in a Beachbody Challenge Group.  I began drinking Shakeology every day and working out with P90X.  I lost another 8 pounds, putting me at a total of 20 pounds lost since September!  I still have 10 more pounds to go to reach my goal of 138, but I am confident that I am well on my way!  I have taken my health into my own hands and have successfully managed my disease and my weight.  I have made a lifestyle change.  I will not wear those sizes again!

So, what is the milestone that I reached today?  I went shopping in my bin of 8’s and 10’s and medium shirts this morning.  My favorite shirt from Express finally fits!  The size 10’s I put on with it?  They are almost too big!  I have not been able to wear these items since 2009.  This is a huge accomplishment for me, and my motivation to stay on track!  Hard work does pay off, it just takes a little dedication and commitment to see results.

 

Gluten-Free Fudge Brownies (with a twist)

After going gluten-free in September of 2012, I spent a great deal of time looking for great tasting, easy recipes that would keep me feeling somewhat normal.  I love to bake, and I love to eat.  I wanted to find options that weren't just free of the pesky little protein, but options that also provided some nutritional benefit.

Fast-forward to yesterday, when I stumbled across an online recipe for Fudgy Black Bean Brownies.  I scanned the ingredients.  This recipe was okay to begin with, but I thought with a few minor tweaks, it could pack a healthy punch.  So armed with my recipe, I took to my laboratory.

I substituted this, I substituted that, I mixed it all up and popped it in the oven.  What came out was a pleasant surprise.  Moist, delicious and healthy fudge brownies!  If your sweet tooth is calling, I suggest giving this recipe a try.  And of course, let me know what you think!

Gluten-Free Fudge Brownies (with a twist)

-1 - 15oz. can of black beans, drained & rinsed well
-3 lg. eggs
-3 T. canola oil coconut oil
-3/4 c. granulated sugar 3 individual packets of Stevia
-1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder Chocolate Vegan Shakeology
-1 t. vanilla extract
-1/2 t. baking powder
-pinch of salt
-1/2 c. 1/4 c. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips divided

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly oil or coat an 8x8 inch baking pan or dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Place the black beans in a food processor and process until smooth & creamy.  Add the eggs, oil, sugar Stevia, cocoa powder Shakeology, vanilla, baking powder & salt, and process until smooth.  Add 1/4 c. of the chocolate chips and pulse a few times until the chips are incorporated.

Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth with spatula, and sprinkle remaining chips on top.

Bake 30 -35 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  (May take closer to 40 minutes.)

Cool & slice into two-inch squares.



Day 1 - P90X Challenge

Today begins the Beachbody Spring Into Action Challenge Group.  I have made the commitment to follow the P90X fitness program, drink Shakeology every day, and check-in with - and be accountable to - all of the other men and women participating in the challenge. 

 

My goals are simple: to lose weight, lose inches, become an overall healthy person, and develop a lifestyle that I can stay true to even after the challenge is over.  I have been a yo-yo dieter for years, and I'm passionate about making this the last time.

 

Over the next 90 days, I promise to post updates to my progress.  I will be accountable to you, my readers.  With that, here are my before photos and measurements.   I am not ashamed to share them, because they will only get better.  This is the last time you will see me at 155 pounds, with a 35.5 inch waist, 38.5 inch hips and chest, 22.5 inch thighs and 12 - 13 inch arms.

 

I am excited to take this jouney, and I hope that my transformation will be inspiration to someone else.  If you would like more information about Beachbody Challenge Groups, please feel free to contact me.  Let's achieve greater health and fitness together!

 

 

Muscle Milk v. Shakeology: my non-professional opinion

 

A friend of mine contacted me yesterday to inquire about Shakeology.  She explained that she was interested in trying it, but couldn't justify spending the money for it since she was already using Muscle Milk.  This got me thinking: what are the differences between Shakeology and Muscle Milk?  What do each bring to the table and why would one be better than the other?

Now, I am not a nutritionist.  I took a nutrition class in college, but an expert that does not make me.  I am merely providing my own interpretation of the nutrition labels.  As with any health or fitness product, you should consult with your doctor before deciding which is right for you.

What is Muscle Milk?  Muscle Milk is a nutritional supplement that offers added protein and nutrients to help athletes maintain energy during, or recover from, intense workouts.  It comes in powder form as well as pre-mixed bottles.

Similarly, Shakeology is a nutritional supplement that also offers added protein and nutrients, however it is intended to be more of a meal replacement shake to help people looking to lose weight meet their goals by controlling caloric intake and curbing cravings.  It comes in powdered form.


Nutritional Guide for Chocolate Muscle Milk Powder

While both products offer benefits to athletes, Shakeology is geared more towards people looking to lose weight and build lean muscle.  Muscle Milk is geared mostly toward those looking to increase muscle mass.  But, whatever your fitness goal may be, it is my opinion that Shakeology offers a more complete nutritional package with more nutrient-rich, naturally occurring superfoods.

Although one scoop of Muscle Milk contains less calories than Shakeology, one scoop of Shakeology contains less fat and cholesterol.  Shakeology also contains more fiber and protein than Muscle Milk.  When it comes to vitamins, Shakeology offers a greater percentage of the recommended daily value (RDV) of each, with the exception of magnesium (both products contain 20% RDV of magnesium).


Nutritional Guide for Chocolate Shakeology Powder

As for the ingredients, Muscle Milk contains processed or artificial ingredients (maltodextrin, crystalline fructose, acesulfame potassium and artificial flavors) including alkalized cocoa powder.  According to e-how, alkalized cocoa powder is cocoa powder with added potassium carbonate, which enhances flavor and helps the cocoa to mix with liquids easier.  However, it is lower in "health promoting flavanol antioxidants than untreated cocoa."  Shakeology contains natural, non-GMO sweeteners, natural flavors, and natural cacao, a superfood known to be rich in antioxidants.

As with any product, you get what you pay for.  It costs far less to purchase processed foods rather than natural whole foods, and protein-rich shakes are no exception.  Price shouldn't be your deciding factor, complete nutritional value should be.  And in my opinion, Shakeology is the complete package.