MOVE IT, LOOSE IT, FLAUNT IT

Day....lost count!  I do know my *5* months of this healthy lifestyle is in AUGUST! To celebrate I have promised myself to blog more!

Hello world! It's me! First I would like to apologize I have been super busy and the past month and a half have not done a post! I HOPE this did NOT change anyone from continuing their healthy lifestyle!

I recently have made some BIG changes in my life...so let me share :)

1st- I have moved from KS to MO!!! I moved for a career! I am SO happy I made this change! I was hesitant at first because I was scared as I was about my new healthy living but it IS the best decision I have ever made in my LIFE along with my NEW HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!!! Which brings me to....

2nd- BIG change!!! I am down 30 POUNDS!!!! Yes, that is right y'all! Eek, I still have a ways to go BUT I am proud of my accomplishments thus far!

At the end of this blog I will post a CURRENT picture of myself which you can compare it to my first ever blog picture! I am around 118 pounds from 135/140!

GO FOR YOUR GOALS!

I know I repeat myself BUT listen up! Set realistic goals!!! For example. loose FIVE pounds in a week! This is very do-able. Then once you have reached your goal...do something nice for yourself. YOU DESERVE IT!

Some goal rewards: A mani/pedi, or buy a new shirt, or pair of shorts (in this HOT weather, jeans is OUT of the question, ha ha)

As you know by now I love to read up on health and fitness! So here are some cool ideas, tips, information that I have recently read up on! ENJOY!!!!!!

Did you know??
That writing helps weight loss? It's true! Writing helps boost weight loss :) "Taking time to reflect on your values seems to help with self-control because it leads you to think ABOUT THE BIGGER picture."

And I believe this to be true. TRY it!

1-Write it out early- Wake up 15 minutes early

2- Be passionate- "I believe in _____" write 5 important values  that come to mind first

3- Reflect on the go- When you cannot write THINK about it on the way to work/school.

So it's SUMMER TIME still and you may have a fair coming up and you want to go but want to avoid the OVER THE TOP eats. Well, good thing you read this blog because here are some alternatives to eating healthy!!

CHEWY: Saltwater taffy (1 piece)
COOL: Italian Ice
SWEET: Cotton Candy (be careful with this one)
HEARTY: Chicken kabobs (2 skewers)
FRESH: Shrimp on a stick (6 shrimp)
SALTY: Corn dog (2 3/4 oz)

Along with SUMMER there are summer ROAD TRIPS!!!
Myself I am a sucker for road trips! I caution you that along with fun road trips there is eating along they way and through out the trip.

I am not saying avoid road trips I am saying be SMART and think ahead! For example, my last road trip back home I borrowed my managers cooler so I could put fruit and healthy food I had made so when I was needing dinner on the road I would not eat fast food and when I was home I had good food to eat.

Most of need to stop for a restroom break or to fill up on gas. If so, you will be tempted by candy, soda, snacks!!! AHHH. I found myself in this situation as well..and well I did so-so.. I ended up getting Weight Watcher chips and liquorish. Not the BEST choice not the WORSE...but I learn from my mistakes!



SUMMER TIME= BBQ'S!!

what to do? Some things you could do to avoid eating bad is: Be a host!!! If you are the host you are able to provide healthy options! Remember that a BBQ is to socialize and talk with friends and family! Do this before you even think about eating! Also, what I do when my family has get togethers/bbq's is BRING MY OWN FOOD!!! I bring healthy options, fruit, water, or veggie hot dogs. LOL. My family does not judge and I am sure your "Friends" won't mind you bringing your own food:)

Now a lot of friends continue to ask me WHAT DO YOU EAT? HOW DID YOU LOOSE all that weight? or even HELP me please...

I know I re literate myself but here it goes:

I eat a ton of fruit and vegetables! HOW MUCH? $75 per week to be exact! What fruits?

-Apples
-Grapes
-Kiwis
-Bananas
-Cherries
-Apricots
-Strawberries
-Watermelon

Veggies, Carrots, broccoli, lettus (salads), tomatos, mushrooms, onion, etc.

I DRINK WATER or coffee<---CAUTION on coffee. Recently I have been drinking a lot. NO SODA and NO juice for me and NOOOOOOOOOOOOO fast food!!!

What's in my fridge? Water, fruit and veggies *listed above), pickles, olives, low fat mozerella cheese, red wine vinegrette, laughing cow cheese, eggs, applesauce, tuna ...

Freezer? Chicken, salmon, shrimp and a bag of frozen veggies.

Snack cuboard? Kashi bars, rice cakes, pistachos and all natural peanutbutter.

I try to keep ONLY healty food around. You eat what you have! So even if I do get hungry and eat more than I should it is not a BIG FAT CHEESEBURGER, cookies or ho-hos.

I do CARDIO and A LOT of it! I aim for 6xs a week for a hour and half = 7 to 8 miles.
When I want to stop I think "TEAM JILLIAN" hahaha, but it works! I put my body to the LIMIT!!!

Recently I had a knee injury and have to rest from the high impact cardio to the low impact but it still is helping me loose weight and I keep focused!

Last, I want to share QUOTES *Motivation* KEEP READING UNTIL THE END MY NEW PICTURE!!!!!! before and after!!!! Yikes!

Sooo true!

Everything you do give it 100%!!!!

Hahahaha I had to put this one up! It is one of my favorites!

Yes again!!!!

She is the VOICE in my head that says, COME ON ALYSSA! You are on MY team KEEP GOING!!! Let's go! Call me crazy y'all but it helps me keep going. When I am a hour into my workout I want to stop but I keep going!

This is SO dead on! My knee injury DID NOT stop me from working out! I will do EVERYTHING I can to avoid excuses NOT to workout!

well said!

Soooooooo cute!!!!!!!!!

Okay so here is what you have been waiting for!!! Before and after!!!

Stay Stong!!!

Gym. Tuna. Laundry.

Alyssa

YOU ARE STRONG

Day  66 !!! Woo Hoo! I just keep going and going....ha-ha.

Hey world!!!! >_< it's Alyssa....I apologize I have been busy with work or working out  :) and I have been visiting family a little bit more often due to it being nice outside. Then when I think about blogging I am too tired :/ It's 12:33 AM Wed Morning but I want to get started.

First, I would like to thank everyone who has read this blog! I do put in time and effort to help motivate you with a healthy lifestyle and as for myself as well :) For all my friends who text me asking for a new blog...here it is...finally! Tara-bear :) I will promise to try and to do the blog weekly. If I don't get to it just keep texting me for motivation! To the readers for motivation when the blog is late.... you can do what I do...which is...pinterest! Yup! I will daily get on and look up the fitness area just for motivation :)

I want to shout out to my friend Sheena who has been working out! I am proud of you girl! And Tara too! Keep it up ladies :)

NOW...to the "real" blog...hee hee

Honestly, I have not read any new magazines to get information to share with you all like I always do...sad face. I do have 4 new magazines but I just have not had the time. BEING KNOWLEDGEABLE IS KEY IN MY BOOKS :)

So here I will write about my struggles  yes, even I still struggle and I have been living my healthy lifestyle now for over 8 weeks!

Recently I have been feeling ick.... when I workout. I know it is all in my mind...which sucks, but I feel I take more breaks during workouts then I usually do. I want to say DON'T GIVE UP! Even though I have been sluggish with the workouts I still KEEP GOING!

Example- Tuesday I was not able to make my workout.. I really needed a break! What does this mean? Is it the end of the world? NO instead I will just make up my workout on my "normal day off Sunday" after work.

Here is something I was asked via text message :) "Do you eat before you workout?"

A nswer: YES!! I try and eat a banana before I workout :) and after I try to help repair and also eat some more fruit!

Next I want to share *100* reasons why you should work out TODAY!!!

1. Because it makes you feel confident
2. Because it helps you get stronger
3. Because exercise helps combat depression
4. Because you'll feel proud of yourself
5. Because you have goals you want to reach
6. Because you'll feel bad if you don't
7. Because you want to move forward, not backward
8. Because it burns more calories than not working out
9. Because it improves your heart health
10.Because you want a great butt
11. Because it prevents diabetes
12. Because you want to be a good example to your kids
13. Because you want to feel good in your clothes
14. Because it reduces your risk of cancer
15. Because your body was made to move
16. Because you want to be an athlete
17. Because you want to look better
18. Because it lifts your mood
19. Because you want to stand taller
20. Because it reduces back pain
21. Because it feels good
22. Because it makes you feel accomplished
23. Because you spend most of your day on your butt
24. Because swimsuit season is always coming
25. Because strong is the new skinny
26. Because dieting only works so much
27. Because it strengthens your bones, too
28. Because it helps you lose weight
29. Because it allows you to eat more food
30. Because it's the best way to spend "me" time
31. Because it helps you DE-stress
32. Because it's cheaper than therapy
33. Because you want a strong core
34. Because you want to take care for yourself
35. Because you take pride in your body
36. Because it strengthens your legs
37. Because it helps your clothes fit better
38. Because you want to push yourself
39. Because you are capable of more than you ever imagined
40. Because moving your body feels good
41. Because it keeps your mind sharp
42. Because it helps you beat belly bloat
43. Because it helps you sleep better at night
44. Because it gives you energy
45. Because you want to stay healthy as you age
46. Because you want to look younger
47. Because you want toned arms
48. Because it improves your balance
49. Because it burns off last night's dessert
50. Because it boosts your immune system
51. Because sweat is sexy
52. Because you want to live longer
53. Because you want to get better at your game
54. Because you want to catch some one's eye
55. Because exercisers earn more money
56. Because you're more likely to eat better when you exercise
57. Because you want to shave time off your running pace
58. Because you want to breathe easier
59. Because you want to see the scale drop
60. Because exercise improves your sex life
61. Because you are worth it
62. Because being fit makes everything in life better
63. Because you promised yourself that you would
64. Because you deserve a better life
65. Because it'll help you drink more water
66. Because you want to do real push-ups
67. Because it reduces your health care costs
68. Because you'll miss fewer days of work
69. Because you want to create a new future for yourself
70. Because it'll help you like what you see in the mirror
71. Because it makes clothing shopping more fun
72. Because you want to look and feel incredible
73. Because exercising can be fun
74. Because it'll give your skin a glow
75. Because it's a good way to spend time with your friends
76. Because it'll help you prevent the middle-age spread
77. Because it reduces your blood pressure
78. Because you don't want to let yourself go
79. Because you don't want to squeeze into an airplane or roller coaster seat
80. Because it strengthens your spirit
81. Because it's a cheap way to entertain yourself
82. Because you'll be able to reward yourself
83. Because you need a reason to wear those new workout clothes
84. Because you're tired of being tired
85. Because not working out is not going to get you very far
86. Because it's a great way to spend time outside
87. Because you made a commitment to yourself
88. Because you're tired of starting over
89. Because there will always be another wedding, vacation or reunion
90. Because you're not a quitter
91. Because it improves your cholesterol
92. Because it boosts your metabolism
93. Because it prevents age-related muscle loss
94. Because if you can do this, you can do anything
95. Because a fit body is a healthy body
96. Because it beats sitting on the couch
97. Because everyone has at least 10 minutes to spare
98. Because you want to be stronger than your excuses
99. Because not working out isn't working out for you
100. Because the only workout you ever regret is the one you skip
********FEEL GOOD, LOOK EVEN BETTER************

Here are some songs that I came across that will keep you movin' during your workout... CHECK THEM OUT!!!! LOAD THESE TRACKS :)

- LEVELS BY AVICIL (126 bpm)
- P.Y.T. BY MICHAEL JACKSON (128 bmp)
- GOOD FEELING BY FLO RIDA (128 bmp)
- PART OF ME BY KATY PERRY (130 bmp)
- S.O.S. BY RIHANNA (137 bmp)
- BEAT IT BY MICHEAL JACKSON (139 bpm)
- GIVE ME EVERYTHING BY PITBULL FEAT. NE YO (129 bmp)
- I'M A BELIEVER BY SMASH MOUTH (165 bmp)

THREE ways how to keep your weight loss off...

-1- Change it Up, ADD something new to your exercise every 2-3 weeks!! ( I recently bought a jump rope )

-2- Slimmer-Size it, keep it portioned

-3- Keep it Handy, always on the move? (like me) ALWAYS have fruit and water on hand

I know summer is near us VERY CLOSE so when you do take vacations always plan ahead. Even to where you are staying..check and see if they have a fitness room!!! Or swimming pool to get your exercise in!!! If not, you are setting yourself up for failure.

SHAPE UP FOR SPRING

Try an outdoor class: Sign up for a boot camp or yoga class in your local park for a sweat session with a view

Get Stylish Sporty: Stock up on some cute workout gear

Walk for a Cause: Get a group of friends and walk in your city

If you live where I do coming up is:

THE COLOR RUN and the GLOW RUN check out the websites!

Now here are WORDS of motivation!!!! EnJoY!

Too funny! and I LOVE it!

Awesome! *w*s*a

Yup!

Be PROUD of your work!

This one is just awesome x100000!!!! Love this!

LAST, REMEMBER....

Thanks to everyone who reads my blog!!! Now it is time for me myself to WORK OUT!!!

Stay Strong!

Gym. Tuna. Laundry!

Alyssa

Keep MOVING!

1,2,3,4,5,6,7, 8 weeks!!!!

Hey all you lovely people ;) Today is WEEK 8 for me on my new healthy living!! I am so happy I have stuck with this for a lifetime. I have my good and my bad days but I still keep MOVING! Now I feel like everyday it is not a matter of "awe, I have to workout" it is more like I am READY to workout! I must! If I don't I feel like I am letting myself down. Also, I am at a rough place right now. Let me explain.

So, I am to have one bad day to eat not so healthy to balance everything out..so yesterday (Sunday) I went to eat PHO <3 YUMMY. It is a Asian soup/noodle dish. Then today I went and worked out on my day off. I just felt bad for eating bad. Then I get home and my fiance has dinner made....today was not my day!! BUT I will not give up. Just know that you too will likely have a bad day but don't let it get you too down.

Also I weighed myself and I am still at 127...it is kind of depressing but I need to S N A P out of it because I was told that at some point I will plateau. I am

just hoping this is the case.

Here is some information I want to share with you all :)

*****BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN*******

"People say that motivation doesn't lat. Well, neither does bathing- that's why we recommend it daily. (ha, ha)

*******WANT TO LOOSE WEIGHT?*******
this is what your plan should look like

-it should be specific
-it should be attainable
-it should have measurable milestones
-some of those milestones should occur within weeks or a month

OTHER TIPS
------> More about energy and feeling good, less about numbers and body size
------> More I wants, fewer I shoulds
-----> More about asking for help, less about going it alone

GET STARTED!!!!

Good info know

One in five restaurant calorie listings are incorrect and have at least 100 more calories

how can you avoid from eating too many calories when you are out?? CHECK THIS

*Keep your radar on high alert: Assume the calorie count is off
*Go online for nutritional data: from your favorite chains, so you can plan wisely before you head out
*Look for ways to take reins: at restaurants by requesting dressing, sauce and cheese on the SIDE
*It's never just about the calories: A slice of pizza may have the same calories as a large salad with grilled chicken and nuts, but the latter will fill you up and pack more nutrients

pretty much make smart choices :) BE KNOWLEDGEABLE

GO DARK

Iceberg lettuce, cucumbers and celery have fiber and almost no calories. Spinach, peppers or scallions are richer in nutrients like Vitamin C.

WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY PHRASES :) LOVEEEE

" Ate too much. Changed my ways"

"Love food. Love life much more"

"Been every size. Insides never change"

"Some math is all it takes"

Now for some more motivation pictures/quotes:)

Love this!

Truth!!!!!!!!!!!

NOW this HAS TO BE M O T I V A T I O N...it's almost Summer-Summer- summertime!!!!

And it feels SO good at night!

hahahahaha! HAD TO leave you with a funny! BUT tough love!!! MOVE already!!!!

I know this is a short blog I just seem to get busy all the time and I know I should but I don't always make time to read as much as I should so I MYSELF can be knowledgeable and then in return I can give good advise. I hope this blog has helped you somewhat even if it is a tiny bit :) Until next time...

GYM. TUNA. LAUNDRY.

Stay Strong!
-Alyssa