Monday Mommy Transformation

This week Im featuring Jessica's journey! Ive been following her on facebook for quite a while so when I heard she was a Sweat Pink Ambassador I jumped at the chance to share her story! Enjoy!!

What was your life like before you started your journey to better health? 

Before I started my journey to health & fitness I was depressed. I had no self esteem, self worth or confidence in myself. I didn't know anything about being healthy or how to eat clean. I always thought "eat less, weigh less" and I tried ever diet pill, extreme diet etc you can think of! I would lose weight a lot of the time but gain it right back & usually double.

What motivated you to make a change? Well, I started my journey in September 2010 for the first time at the weight of 181 ...and I admit back then it was for the wrong reasons..I just wanted to get skinny then. I didn't even consider fit. By December 2010 I was down 29 lbs but in January 2011 found out I was pregnant with twins. While pregnant I changed my whole outlook. I researched fitness & healthy eating..I was very motivated to get it right this time. After I had my twins August 19th, 2011 I walked out of the hospital at 183. I was motivated bigger than life!! I had 6 weeks of C-section recovery time and it was HARD to keep myself recovering! Haha. Having my daughters changed everything for me. I wanted to get healthy for them..I wanted to set an example for them. I never wanted to be too out of shape to keep up with them! So..this time..I did it for the right reasons..my daughters!

How do you involve your family in your journey? I have a jogging stroller & on the weekends I will take the girls out on a run with me. Or my husband, me & the kids will take long walks on this gorgeous trail we have where we live. Also, I love doing races so my family is always on the sidelines cheering me on :) 

What is your biggest accomplishment so far? This one if tough for me because everything I have accomplished so far is far beyond my wildest expectations!! But, I used to hate running so knowing I found a passion in that..is a great accomplishment in my eyes. 

Who inspires you? My daughters mostly! And other moms who set aside excuses & make it happen!

When your in a slump what do you do to shake it? Remind myself where I started. I never want to be that unhealthy person again so giving up is not an option!

-What future goals do you have for yourself? I have SO many! I love strength training so really challenging myself in the weight room is one. Also, I  have been training for a marathon that I will take on in 2013. In a few years when my daughters are older I really want to train & compete in a bikini competition..my reason for waiting on that is my daughters. They are only babies once & I do not want to miss one minute of them growing up!! But, I WILL do it someday!! For now, my goals are just to keep up in the gym 5 days a week, get my long runs in on Sundays and be healthy, happy, eat clean & train mean!

How did you do it? No excuses!!! I don't always have the time to workout or eat clean, I mean my whole journey has been while my daughters were infants...but it's important to me so I do it!! I get up at 4 am before my husband or the babies are up and I get my butt in the gym. I prep my food daily and journal everything. I don't let myself have excuses because when I do that's when things crumble!

What is one of your favorite recipes? Jamie Eason's turkey muffins...I'm obsessed :)

Click HERE to check her out on Facebook!
Instagram: jessicansmith12 

I {heart} BOOBS + Giveaway!

October is breast cancer awareness month but we need to be aware year round!

Growing up my mother made it clear that as I was getting older it was important to do your self breast exam once a month when I was in the shower...at times she even hung up a waterproof card with a boob on it with instructions! 

I never really took it seriously until I was married with kids. I have had lumps found and checked with (thankfully) nothing found...I guess I have lumpy breasts! Regardless I will continue to check and be checked! 
You can say "feel you boobs", "check your chest" and "get a mammy" (mammogram) all you want but if you aren't actually doing these things you are doing yourself and your family a disservice. 

About 1 in 8 U.S. women (just under 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Source

What I'm doing (and YOU CAN DO) to reduce the risk of breast cancer:

• I choose to #livepink  everyday and check myself!
• I choose to breastfeed to help prevent breast cancer.
• I choose to stay active to reduce my risk.
• I choose to be alcohol free to help my chances at being cancer free!

Early prevention is key!

Source

Check out my THINK PINK GIVEAWAY!

Safe Postpartum Running

Now that I am back to working out (almost 2 weeks in!) Ive been thinking about what I want to accomplish in the next year. I have my 6 month and 1 year goals but the one I am most wanting to start preparing for is a 1/2 marathon. I have done countless 5ks and love them but Im ready to challenge myself! I want to properly train for it and feel like I did everything I could in order to do my best.
I've been looking at some training programs but haven't found one that I'm going to go with.

I prefer to run with a jogger. This gets you and baby out and adds resistance-especially going up hills!
Here are some tips for safely running after pregnancy and with a jogger!

• Recovery: After giving birth its important to be cleared for exercise by your doctor. 
• Age of infant: If you are not using a car seat attachment your baby should be at least 6 months old when running with a jogger. 
• Pack accordingly: Bring items for the baby just incase you have to change or feed. Depending on the weather- bring extra water, blankets, sunscreen, snacks. If its raining bring a cover. 
• Safety: Baby should be securely strapped in seat. Stay clear of busy roads (especially when wearing headphones) and unsafe areas.
• Ease into it: Whether you ran while pregnant or are just starting out, taking your time to build you endurance back up will take time. Don't expect to run 5 miles the first day! Find a plan and have patience! 
• Sole Sisters: Most cities have running groups like that you can join or find some friends to jog with around your neighborhood. Having support and accountability is the key to success! 

Some great running sites:

• Beginners
• Couch to 5k program
• 5k, 10k, Marathon
• Stroller Strides

This Week in Workouts

Now that I am close to being cleared at my 6 week check up I wanted to start sharing This Week in Workouts with everyone! I had my son on September 16 and took 4 weeks to relax, re-coop and spend everyday with my husband loving on our babies!

Morning Routine!

I knew starting after being out of it for a month would be a lot so I needed to start slow and work my way up. The old me would have taken off running. Here is a look at what went on in my week!
Its not much but it'll do until Im cleared...1 week left!

Monday: 2.5 mile walk
Tuesday: 2.5 mile walk
Wednesday: 3.1 mile walk
Thursday: 3.4 mile walk
Friday-Sunday: bowling and family time!

Hopefully this next week we'll go farther. I think the only thing that puts a damper on things is the heat! I worry about the baby more than anything.
Hopefully this next week we'll get some clouds and a break from the heat!

LINKING UP:
Me Plus My Trainer

Little Girl in the Big World

Staying active

Even while you are pregnant its important to stay active! This is the best time to do it for your body and baby and continuing exercise throughout pregnancy reduces the risk of obesity, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Please check with your doctor when starting any activity during pregnancy. 

If you are a beginner to working out, especially while pregnant, start slow and stick to your level of fitness. You don’t want to over do it and hurt you or your baby. 

STRETCH!

Stretching throughout pregnancy has helped me stay ache free. I try to stretch at least once a day and it doesnt take long at all! I feel that due to my constant stretching I can still touch my toes and do most yoga poses with ease at 40 weeks! I don’t think my belly is on the small size either so Im grateful for my flexibility!

I usually stretch once Im at the gym in the morning both before and after I work out. During the day if Im sitting I try to sit butterfly style and once Im in bed I stretch my back out a bit! After a long day, stretching helps ease my body and I sleep so much better! 

WARM UP!

No mater what you plan on doing for exercise I highly recommend warming up and cooling down at an easy pace. I walked on the treadmill/elliptical for about a mile before I start any weight training to warm up my body and get my heart rate up without over doing it!

CLASSES!

Just about any class that is offered in the gym can be taken while pregnant. With any class, inform the instructor that you are pregnant and most will give you alternate moves or easier ways of performing during the class. 

*Spinning, take it at your own pace. If you are not used to the intensity then stay within your limits or take the speed down. 

*Yoga/pilates be mindful of moves done on your back or stomach.

*Water aerobics: consult your doctor later in your pregnancy

Warning signs

If you have any of the following symptoms while you're exercising, stop immediately and contact your doctor if they don't quickly resolve:

• dizziness or feeling faint
• headache
• chest pain
• bleeding
• contractions 
• fluid leaking 
• decreased fetal movement
• rapid heartbeat while at rest

Always perform your workouts with good form and know your limits!

Here are a few workouts I enjoyed!

Waterbaby work out!

Baby stretches

Baby Bumps and Barbells 

A few of my favorite things!

This week's 6 Favorite things are my everyday must haves! In and out of the gym!

I use my Blender Bottles for everything from my protein shake to my iced tea! I take it everywhere and love getting one in every color! They also have different sizes!
Their awesome facebook page with to keep you up to date on all their new products!
Check them out!

Have to have my iphone/ipad! Even though I hardly use it for talking it has all my playlists on it!  I also have  an app that has all my fitness magazine subscriptions! 

I LOVE this stuff! I use Egg Beaters 100% egg whites both raw and cooked! SO many options- making shakes in the morning, to cook with when baking and in my nightly chocolate shake before bed!

I use True Lemon everyday in my water to change it up a bit! They have so many different flavors I cannot wait to try!

I am constantly making lists-and sometimes I make lists of my lists! lol I find that writing things down helps me stay on track with food, home, exercise and finance! 

My all time favorite piece of clothing is  a razor back tank! I love how they fit and can be dressed up or down for the gym! 

Monday Mommy Transformation

 Jodi to our newest Mommy Transformation story.

 She lost 65 pounds and 5 dress sizes! 

          -What was your life like before you started your journey to better health?

It was very unbalanced. I really wasn’t taking any time for ME at all – life just felt like a race to get everything done, and I wasn’t prioritizing myself. Life as a working mom with two kids still feels like a race some days! But, training for a half-marathon has given me a personal goal, time to myself when I run, and a great feeling of accomplishment as I cross the milestones along the way. It has made me a better mom. It has also reinvigorated a very important friendship in my life – my dear friend from university, Alana, has joined me on my journey and we are both training for Disney’s Princess Half-Marathon!

        -What motivated you to make a change?

It was a story I read about a young family that lost their mom. It got me thinking that I needed to do a better job of taking care of myself, for my kids. I had come through a very difficult time in my own life and it was time to redefine myself. I was suddenly very ready to make a change and take control of things. I truly believe that you have to be in the right emotional and mental space to make a physical change.

         -How do you involve your family in your journey?

The end goal is racing at Disney World, so my kids were clearly a key factor in choosing my goal race. But it has become so much more than that – they come with me to races, cheer me on, and have recently started racing themselves. On Canada Day, we celebrated by running the Limestone Mile together as a family – a new tradition. And they now participate in the kids’ races whenever there is one attached to my race days. They like to “train” by running up and down our street and having me time them. They want to beat their personal bests! It really reminds you of the power of parenting when you see your kids model themselves after you. We may not always think so, but they are paying very close attention to everything we do.

         -What is your biggest accomplishment so far?

I started this journey having never raced before – and now, I have completed 5 races and have numerous more on the calendar. I would say just getting myself to the start line was an accomplishment! As I started my running journey, a dear friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. I decided to create a team for her in our local Run for the Cure – our team is now the biggest in the city, with the most dollars raised! It has been so inspiring to rally and recruit people for such an important cause. Suddenly, I am seeing women who have never run training for their first race and taking time for themselves to do so. Some are involving their families. It has grown into something so powerful and I feel we are making a big difference. I am so proud to be involved with this team and to run for my friend, Karen.

         -Who inspires you?

I love the “Run Like a Mother” duo, Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea. They are very relatable and down to earth – and funny! But mainly, I am inspired every time someone asks me what I have done to get healthy or comes to me for tips on starting to run. I love to see that spark of interest because I know that will to make a change is the first step. Motivating others to run, whether it is a slow run around the block or training for a 10K race, is very inspiring in return.

         -When your in a slump what do you do to shake it?

Go for a run! The best thing about running is that you can never predict what will make a good run. You can easily turn a bad day into a good one with a run that surprises you – you may start out feeling sluggish or tired, but quickly find yourself flying along and setting a new personal best. I also find that running helps to shake the blahs out as it so invigorating, and it gives you time to resolve whatever may be nagging at you. It is just you and your thoughts – there is nowhere to hide. When you do have a hard run, the feeling of accomplishment at completing it is that much sweeter. So basically, if you are having a good day – run! If you are having a bad day – run! That is my philosophy.

-How do you reward yourself?

Shopping! I love shopping for new running clothes and gear. One of my biggest purchases was a Garmin watch – now I cannot run without it! It is great if you can reward yourself with things that fuel your love of exercise. When I buy a cute running skirt or funky arm sleeves, I can’t wait to hit the road to try them out.

         -What future goals do you have for yourself?

The goal that I am working towards right now is Disney’s Princess Half Marathon. Running to the Castle in my pink shoes is about more than just a race. It’s about proving something to myself. It’s about setting a goal and achieving it. It’s about being feminine and athletic, not having to choose between the two. It’s about showing my daughters that strong is beautiful. It’s about my sole sister and all of the amazing women who are training with me, on their own journeys to this finish line. It’s about realizing the childhood dream of becoming a princess by making my own dreams come true as an adult. It’s about having faith and trust in myself… and still believing in pixie dust too. I have a lot invested in this race. When it is over, it will be time for a new goal.

         -How did you do it?

I think the big secret is that there is no big secret – people spend so much time looking for shortcuts. If they spent that energy on changing their habits, they would be so much closer to their goals. It takes commitment and discipline. It means working out, hard and regularly. It means making healthy food choices. That’s really all there is to it. The good news is it is not complicated! Anyone can do it if they have the will.

         -What is one of your favorite recipes?

I think more important than recipes is debunking some common myths about food. I hate to see people sabotaging themselves without knowing it. For example, people often assume that eating salad is a healthy choice – but they don’t realize that many dressings are full of fat and empty calories. Another good example would be tuna or egg salad – sounds healthy, but the fattening mayonnaise cancels out the health benefit. You really need to be mindful of everything to make the smart choice. In doing so, I have found that you can still have your favourite dishes if you just learn to make them in a healthier way. One of my favourite guilty pleasures was always nachos with cheese and sour cream. And I refused to give them up! Now I use baked nacho chips and low fat cheese (hold the sour cream  or use a non-fat alternative)…still yummy with no guilt. It’s all about getting creative.

Check out Jodi on her BLOG! 

Monday Mommy Transformation

Hello Monday! Today, Stephanie is sharing her fitness journey!  

-What was your life like before you started your journey to better health?                 

 As a naturally thin girl, I was very rarely active. I lived with the false belief that thin meant healthy. I was so sedentary I could barely run more than 30 seconds without being completely out of breath. I assumed I was healthy but looking back at old pictures, my hair was dull, my skin had no glow and I constantly battled hypoglycemic attacks, insomnia and fatigue.

 -How do you involve your family in your journey?

I do my best to include my kids in everything I do. Whether it's "helping" with dinner, going for runs with the jogging stroller or doing short, intense fitness circuits in the backyard, basement or part, I try to always model the behaviour and lifestyle I want them to live as they get older. Actions speak much louder than words and if I want them to be healthy, I have to model healthy.

 -What is your biggest accomplishment so far?

To date my biggest accomplishments are learning to swim 2 years ago and running my first half marathon last year. Also included in that is my success in losing all my baby weight after both my pregnancies through healthy eating and regular exercise.

 -When your in a slump what do you do to shake it?                                                 When I feel tired, unmotivated and like I want to sit on the couch and eat my way through a bag of chips (which tends to happen a lot more often with a toddler and baby keeping me up all night!) I just channel my inner fit mom and remind myself that I will feel much better if I eat well and exercise. My exercise time is also my alone time, which I both cherish and need so that's always a good motivator for me to get off my butt.

 -What future goals do you have for yourself? 

I am currently training for a 10-miler and a half marathon this fall. I'm hoping to set personal bests in both races. I have a long term goal to compete in a triathlon which I hope to accomplish in the next 2 years.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fitmomtraining

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitMominTraining

Instagram: @fitmomintraining

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/fitmomtraining/

Blog: http://www.fitmomintraining.com/

Monday Mommy Transformation

This week Im sharing Wendy's story! She is one of the funniest ladies I've come to know and she's a fellow Sweat Pink Ambassador! 

What was your life like before you started your health and fitness journey?

I have always been active. Never over weight in my life. Staying at home with my greatest accomplishment our 2 boys, Logan & Landon, I found myself too *comfortable*. I saw a picture of myself that I did not recognize. Or Like. So I started my journey back into fitness. I had been a CPT for almost 10 years in the 90's. I DECIDED NO MORE. I DECIDED to work hard and find myself again. But not just an *ok version* of me. But the BEST me I can be. Not just for myself, but for my husband, and our boys too. I was So overly happy, and blessed, in all the other areas of my life. Actually completely blessed and thrilled with our little life. But once it was just me, in the mirror by myself, I wasn’t happy with what I saw. So there were times that I would feel insecure about myself. And we all know that is no way to feel, or live. SO me & my husband got after it! And I have never been happier!

What motivated you to make a change?

I actually saw a picture of myself that I didn’t realize it was ME!! L After that I decided NO MORE!! And also not wanting to do certain things because it involved bikinis or water. I wanted to live FIT , healthy & Happy for all my boys!

I started Picking up the heavy weights again for the first time in quite awhile. It’s funny because before I ran across Kelsey Byers Story I had always said “I’m going to get as SKINNY as possible”. After reading her journey, then finding so many others just like her, it sparked something inside of me. Seeing all these women transform their bodies into Strong, fit, women I KNEW that’s what I wanted too! I no longer want to be *skinny* I want to be Strong, toned and Healthy! Just a little girl from TX with BIG FITNESS dreams.

It is truly a journey. Not happening as fast as id like. But it WILL happen. 

How do you involve your family in your journey?

Because there were certain times & places that I tried to avoid because I was not happy with myself. I was doing boot camp {mostly women} and my husband went to his gym. We talked about it decided to re-join our gym and get busy together as a family! Now we all go to the GYM as a family! The boys LOVE it there and have so much fun! And me and my sweet husband get to work out together for the first time in awhile!

It’ exciting to see my older Son, Logan who is 6, seeing the changes and being proud! I want my boys to know, by my example, that they too can do ANYTHING they set their minds to! 

What is your biggest accomplishment so far?

I have lost 55lbs so far on my own. My husband is gone a week at a time and with sick kiddos , and baby boy in the hospital last NOV. it put me in a funk/got me off track. It took me awhile to get back but once I did I never felt more inspired or motivated to get it done!! And past losing that big chunk of weight I would definitely say going to the gym, by myself when my husband is gone. Not being intimidated. Not making excuses. Just getting there to get the job done. And what’s funny is after the first time in the weight room alone I felt Strong already! I had a new *pep* in my step. Felt SO good being back to the weights!

Who inspires you?

The ultimate Main motivation, and inspiration, is our boys. I want to be Strong and healthy to live an active life with them forever! I want them to be proud of me and reach for their goals knowing that mommy taught them that anything is possible!

I also have so many amazing women that I follow on their transformation journeys! Kelsey Byers is really the one that Got me Back on track. After seeing her story. And where she is now. Well it lit a fire inside of me. I have even more goals for myself. I thought…HEY! I can do that too! So there is a Fitness bucket list that I have! I plan to tackle them all! I also follow Angelica Haas and Jamie Eason. All are local to me here in Houston. And more recently I now have a whole *family* of #SWEATPINK sisters! I LOVE that my Facebook page is flooded with motivation & amazing transformation & progress stories from all these amazing women! I have had some very KIND ladies post my transformation/progress and I am so thankful for their encouragement and kind words!

When you’re in a slump what do you do to shake it?

I usually SHAKE it off by just Deciding! Sounds too simple I know. But there is another Organization that I ADORE and follow here in Houston, TX and the concept is just that Simple. “I DECIDE”  

I would see The Founder of The "I DECIDE" fan page, Michael-David Reilly , and his photographs, on facebook at: www.facebook.com/IDECIDE4ME and at http://www.idecideiam.com/  And I would get so inspired by these amazing FIT women!

And it just stuck! Now anything I feel that needs to be changed. That’s it. I tell myself “I DECIDE” to change whatever it is that needs to be done and I do it! It’s up to me, and you, to Decide where we take our lives. I could either be stuck, or MOVE!

How did you do it?

I actually started working out for the first time in years doing the Warrior Dash. I was at my heaviest at 210lbs. L I KNOW! WHAT was I thinking!? But my husband wanted to do it and I was determined to do it with him. I survived…I think! After that day I woke up SORE for the first time in forever! And I wanted more! SO then I started out going to Boot camp 3 days a week. And eating Clean. I saw amazing, and pretty fast, results so I joined the boot camp and went 6 or 7 days /week. I was thankful that was body was so forgiving and everything seemed to be going back where it belonged J I did that for about 9 months. Since then it’s been with my family at the Gym. And most recently following Jamie Eason’s LIVEFIT trainer.

My Next goal/what I’m working towards is to save up to meet with Kim Porterfield, a nutritionist, with The Institute of Eating Management here in Houston. And yes she is the one Kelsey Byers goes to! ;)

What is one of your favorite recipes?

I can pretty much eat the same things over & over. But I look to The Eat-Clean Diet, Tosca. And Clean eating online. As well as a number of Clean eating pages on Facebook just to get new ideas. But I always try to eat a lean protein, complex carbohydrate & non-starchy veggie at each small meal every 3 hours. I Love to make things with veggies that taste like you’re cheating. Like Cauliflower Pizza crust or zucchini Pizza bites etc.

One of my Favorites though is Jamie Eason’s Protein Bars. You can find them here at: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/video-jamie-eason-carrot-cake-protein-bars.htm

My FAV Protein right now is: Perfect Fit Protein, from the Tone it up Girls. You can find it here: http://www.perfectfitprotein.com/ or here: www.facebook.com/ToneItUp

& Lean Body for her *Vanilla Ice Cream* You can find it here: http://www.labrada.com/store/MR-0160.html

Eat Clean & Train Mean

XO-

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