Still Feeling Good

Although, it's only day two and the day isn't over. ;)

Today I felt so fabulous after our run/walk that I had the hubby snap a couple of pics for the blog, and for records sake. I'm rather proud of this first one. No, not my size in particular, but what my Bondi Band says. True, I'm not that athletic, but I'm working on that. But the message is awesome: Athletes come in all Shapes and Sizes!

I also needed an updated shot for my progress record, starting weight of 260.0

And to get all corny, "It won't be like this for long." I'm feeling determination, and with the support I've got going I know I can make a complete change this time.

I've also been dabling with the idea of changing my blog name. For now it states "A New Me." But I think I need to change the URL. I'm no longer up a creek. I've got my nemesis, I've got my friends, but most importantly I've now got answers. I don't feel clueless like I did in the beginning of this blog.

So, help a gal out. What names/url do you suggest?

Day One, Weight Watchers

Well, I took the leap after an amazing friend gave me an opportunity I might not of otherwise had, and I signed up for weight watchers last night. Today was day one. I also attended my first meeting this morning. I wasn't sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised at the energy in the room.

But prior to the meeting I registered and weighed in. Yeah, Sadly I've gained more than I initially thought and weighed in at 260.0. But that's okay, it's a starting point and it will only go down from there. I feel really good about the support system I have in place now and I'm already diggin' on the points system versus counting calories.

For now I'll take it day by day. I even stuck to my new workout habit and walked today. I figured I'd give my right knee a break from running and just walk it. I was hoping to pound out 4 miles, but I settled for a little over 3 miles in an hour. Well, off to bed. Tomorrow's another day.

Despite what the picture shows, my actual pace time was around 17-18 minutes!!!!

Reluctant, C25K

So, I'm rather hesitant to post about this. Why? Because it seems that anytime I blog about my small victories I personally destroy everything I had been doing and become dormant. Why do I do this to myself? I don't know. But right now I feel that I need to put something down on virtual paper.

About two months ago I downloaded the free Couch to 5K app. I had every intent to start using it the next day. Uh...yeah that didn't happen. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, I went to my hubby's Krav Maga class. The kids were acting up so I took them outside to walk up and down the strip mall. I had my camera in hand and had been snapping pics of baby girl. I turned around and saw my reflection in the window. From that point forward I was pissed. I was disgusted. I was upset with myself. No one else, just me. I was frustrated with my hubby though because he's been physically active, whereas I've been sitting on the couch.

I made a vow, no more. I cannot live like this. It's not all about the looks, but how I feel and I feel miserable; both physically and mentally. So I decided that I had to get back on the wagon and trudge forward. So last week, I think, my hubs decided to take the kiddos to the park and let me go for a run by myself. I was actually kind of pumped. I mean, hey it's "me" time, all alone, no kids whining in the stroller. And then it hit me... I need to use my C25K program. And I did just that.

I must say that first jaunt back into running was both torturous and absolutely amazing. I hurt, I ached, I huffed and puffed. But when all was said and done, I mentally felt amazing. I was tickled. I loved the prompts that the program gives. There was no guessing if I'd walked too long or ran too short of a distance. The program tells you what to do and when. It also lets you play your music at the same time.

I've only found one downside to the program. If you crank your music up, like I do to drown out the sound of my huffing and puffing, it's very difficult to hear the prompts even when the "voice" is turned up to its maximum. So today I kept the volume at a "reasonable" level and heard every prompt perfectly.

Today was my third day of the program, but apparently I goofed something up last time and it started me over on day two. But no biggie. The point of the program is to slowly improve your ability to run a distance without stopping, or being able to run a 5K in eight weeks.

But as far as a goal for me? I'm not sure. I don't really have a goal per se, just trying to get back into the habit of running on a regular basis. Building back up the muscle tone I've lost and continuing forward on my journey to get healthy. If you're looking for a free program that will help you, I suggest C25K.

As for my "mental" issues, guess I'll have to see what becomes of it. 

Tropical Traditions Review & {GIVEAWAY}

In my quest to get healthy I started doing some research, and *ahem* taking my husband's advice, and I made the switch to Coconut Oil. But not just any coconut oil, Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil. There are a lot of reasons behind my decision, but I believe your choice needs to be your own.

So after realizing the many benefits of coconut oil in lieu of vegetable oil when cooking I jumped on a great sale that Tropical Traditions was having and am I ever glad I did. Ever since then I have been hooked and 100% committed to using only coconut oil for cooking and baking.

So what is Virgin Coconut Oil? Virgin Coconut Oil can only be achieved by using fresh coconut meat or what is called non-copra. Chemicals and high heating are not used in further refining, since the natural, pure coconut oil is very stable with a shelf life of several years.

When using coconut oil in baking there's a slight coconut flavor to your products, but I have yet to find a downside to that. I've indulged from time to time in some cake cookies and they are simply amazing when Coconut Oil is used instead of vegetable oil. The cookies usually disappear in a matter of hours. :/

I've also used it to fry up some yummy chicken fingers on the stove top using Tropical Traditions Coconut Flour as well. My family could not get enough of those bad boys. And don't forget my amazing adapted recipe for The Best Broccoli Ever using Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil. And if you're wondering the conversion for coconut oil in lieu of vegetable oil, it is one to one. Yes, there's no need to bust out the scientific calculator. If a recipe calls for a cup of oil, you use a cup of coconut oil!

And yes, I've even eaten it straight up...bet you can't say that for vegetable oil huh? I don't use oil every single day to cook and in some of my researching found that having certain amounts of coconut oil daily can help a lot of things going on in and with my body. It may not work for everyone, but it does for me.

Tropical Traditions is also a fabulous resource for information regarding Coconut Oil and other Coconut based products. You can read to find hundreds of uses for Coconut Oil here. You can read here to decide which type of Coconut Oil best suits your needs. You may also be wondering, what do I cook with coconut oil? Tropical Traditions has that covered as well with a wealth of recipes that include a wide span of the product catalog. I dare you to not drool when looking at the recipes.

 

After all is said and done, I am 100% happy about my decision to switch to Coconut Oil and I know you will love it to. And thanks to the wonderful Tropical Traditions company they are offering one of my fabulous readers a free quart jar of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil! That's a $40.00 value!!!!

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

1. {Required} Subscribe to Tropical Traditions Email Newsletter {ONE ENTRY}
2. {Optional Entry} Visit Tropical Traditions and tell me what product you'd love to try the most. {ONE ENTRY}
3. {Optional Entry} Blog about, Link on Facebook, or Tweet this giveaway. {ONE ENTRY}
4. {Optional Entry} Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter @troptraditions and @ttspecialdeals {ONE ENTRY}
5. {Optional Entry} "Like" Tropical Traditions on Facebook. {ONE ENTRY}
6. {Optional Entry} Follow Tropical Traditions on Pinterest.  {ONE ENTRY}

That gives each person SIX CHANCES to WIN!!!! Simply leave ONE COMMENT PER ENTRY. :D
 

Giveaway ends at midnight CST, Friday March 30th. One winner will be drawn via Random.org. The winner is responsible for contacting me to claim their prize. If the prize is not claimed within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Two in One Day?

Okay, so I just had to come back and let my lovely friends know that I will soon be posting a review and GIVEAWAY. I'm super stoked. I'll give you a hint, it's a wonderful product that will make you forever throw away all other oils used in cooking.

Stick around!

Hmmmm

Wow...January? Really that was the last time I checked in? Well, no time like the present to give an update.

I haven't done a thing. I mean seriously, I've lowered my food intake but otherwise there isn't much of an update. That will be changing very soon. We are having some fabulous weather here and I'm going to take advantage of it. I AM!