It's almost Christmas....we all know what that means- NEW YEARS is coming! After all the cocktails and midnight kisses the morning of January 1st will bring that uggg I better make a change feeling.
While of course I recommend all things Beachbody www.loseyourbooty.com to get your health and fitness goals in check....I don't recommend making a resolution and here's why...
Resolutions are the ALL OR NOTHING mentality that needs to stop. You're not on a diet or off, organized or not, motivated or not. This is life and life is all about learning to enjoy, smell the roses and live well and sure continuously improving oneself is wonderful...but not if it makes you a yo-yo lifer!
So as we all enter into 2011 with goals in mind....lets remember a few basic truths that will save you guilt, failure and self loathing for years to come...
Carbs are the devil- Nope. False. Don't do it. Carbs are wonderful energy sources and if a life without carbs means a life without steel cut oatmeal, sweet potatoes and fruit...then count me out! Carbs don't make you fat...overeating makes you fat. Track your food, watch portions and ENJOY!
Diet Soda is a liquid, that counts as water...right? Listen folks, as a former soda lover, I get it! I do...it's addicting...fizzy...less boring than plain old water. Reality is though that soda is chemical crap. The best thing for your body is water...lots and lots of water. When I gave up soda (except for my once a week cheat meal that always includes a regular coke) it was difficult! By my second glass of water of the day I was sick to death of it. I was adding lemon juice and splenda to a few glasses a day just to get my 8 glasses. The more I drank water the more I realized how much I needed it! Now I drink a minimum of 100 ounces a day of plain, boring old water and I've never felt better. Just do it!
I can't work out because I can't afford/get to/kids don't like the gym. I was there. Fat, tired and thinking that the gym would save me. I joined....paid...brought my then very young children to the daycare and they screamed and cried and I worked out for 6 minutes before the 10 year old they had watching them said they were too unhappy...you can try again tomorrow. Yuck. Thankfully for me I found Beachbody workouts and now workout 6 times a week in my own home. No expensive equipment required, no gym, no daycare. It's awesome! If you don't find something you like at www.loseyourbooty.com - then walk outside, go up and down your stairs several times, push ups, sit ups....you get the picture. Find something that makes you happy (and if that's the gym, then go for it!) No matter what exercise you're doing, give 100%...it's good for your body and your emotions!
Lastly, eating healthy is too expensive. I drink Shakeology (www.dotheshake.com) every day. With my Coach discount it's less than daily Starbucks and super duper healthy. Joe & I also cook at home 95% of the time. The money we save by not eating out is huge! People stress about spending money on fruits, veggies and lean protein but have no problem at all spending $8 a lunch on McDonalds and Taco Bell crap food? Most of the dinners we make for our family of 4 cost less than one take out lunch. If you think you can't afford healthy food, I urge you to track your spending for a week. You'd be amazed how $5 coffees and $20 pizzas really add up.
If you insist on making a resolution this year- I urge you to resolve to be a nicer, more productive, positive person. Do this everyday and life will be good....I promise!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Where I am today...
Well, it's been a year of Beachbody. A year of change. A year of dramatic personal growth. My biggest achievement hasn't been losing 40 pounds, although that's been wonderful. The best thing I've taken away from this year is the knowledge that I can do anything I set my mind to and that my will is stronger than I ever thought possible.
My personal relationship with my husband and kids couldn't be better. I'm truly blessed in that area. My relationship with my parents is another story entirely.
I was raised by crazy. No, I'm not being mean. I am serious. Raised by someone with such severe anxiety that there were years my mother didn't leave the house. A house that seemed happy, seemed "normal" but just wasn't. The thing about crazy is this....admitting you're crazy is half the battle.
We all have shortcomings. We all have issues. Acknowledgment of the issues is the hard part. Never did we talk about my mom's anxiety. It was the elephant in the room. Everyone knew but nobody talked about it. For years and years my dad would talk to me about it every time we were alone. He seemed to be just as in the dark as us kids as to why she was like that.
I yearned for a normal mom. One who would take me shopping, one who would do all the normal mother daughter activities. I shopped for my prom dress alone. I took pictures of the dress, had them printed and brought the pics home so my shut in mother could help me decide which one to buy. It's how I assumed I would pick my wedding dress as well....then the impossible happened.
She got better. It lasted only a few years and they were honestly everything I dreamed them to be. We shopped, we got pedicures, we picked out my wedding dress together. It was during this time that I was married and she attended the wedding, and also had two children in the same two years. She made it to both of my births and was the first person (besides Joe) that I wanted in the room, the first hands to touch my beautiful little angels. Life was perfection.
And, then she relapsed. The problem with having the relationship you always dreamed of with a mother you love, is that when it all changed back it was really difficult to understand. I didn't GET how all of a sudden she couldn't walk out the door again. I didn't get how she couldn't manage to go to my home but my sisters house seemed like her safe haven. I didn't understand how she could webmd and self medicate herself instead of seeing a therapist that could finally address the real issue.
Not only was this devastating for me on a personal level, but I also worked with her. Full time. 50 hours a week...in her home. It felt like walking into a prison each and every day and it was a ticking time bomb until I just couldn't take it for one more minute. Apparently, my distaste with the situation became very evident and soon we were both unhappy. Luckily for us both, we were able to dissolve our working situation and I started working from my home.
I had assumed in the beginning that the awkwardness and anger would dissipate in time and we would get back to some version of "normal"....as normal as crazy can be. That never happened. She got vindictive, she got mean and she said some of the most hateful things a person can say.
Making a decision to move on with my life, without my mom and dad in it was a heart wrenching horrible choice. For months I would wonder if I made the right choice. I remembered all the good things about them and somehow the bad didn't seem quite so bad...and each and every time I thought about trying to reconcile, crazy would strike again. I say crazy because I truly think some of what she does and says is out of her control.
So I sit here a year later, over 40 pounds lighter, parentless and I think to myself....God, thank you for this year. Thank you for this strength. Thank you for my husband and kids and thank you God for giving ME enough power and will to know that although eating a pumpkin cookie in Door County in Wisconsin made me burst into tears thinking of HER...that I can't fix crazy. I'm not a mental health expert. I can't fix her need to always be in battle with one of her children. (she'll deny it, but one of the 3 of us is always at the bottom) I shield my children from her, from the hurt and from crazy. Each day that I make it is a victory and I'm proud....even if still just a little bit sad.
My personal relationship with my husband and kids couldn't be better. I'm truly blessed in that area. My relationship with my parents is another story entirely.
I was raised by crazy. No, I'm not being mean. I am serious. Raised by someone with such severe anxiety that there were years my mother didn't leave the house. A house that seemed happy, seemed "normal" but just wasn't. The thing about crazy is this....admitting you're crazy is half the battle.
We all have shortcomings. We all have issues. Acknowledgment of the issues is the hard part. Never did we talk about my mom's anxiety. It was the elephant in the room. Everyone knew but nobody talked about it. For years and years my dad would talk to me about it every time we were alone. He seemed to be just as in the dark as us kids as to why she was like that.
I yearned for a normal mom. One who would take me shopping, one who would do all the normal mother daughter activities. I shopped for my prom dress alone. I took pictures of the dress, had them printed and brought the pics home so my shut in mother could help me decide which one to buy. It's how I assumed I would pick my wedding dress as well....then the impossible happened.
She got better. It lasted only a few years and they were honestly everything I dreamed them to be. We shopped, we got pedicures, we picked out my wedding dress together. It was during this time that I was married and she attended the wedding, and also had two children in the same two years. She made it to both of my births and was the first person (besides Joe) that I wanted in the room, the first hands to touch my beautiful little angels. Life was perfection.
And, then she relapsed. The problem with having the relationship you always dreamed of with a mother you love, is that when it all changed back it was really difficult to understand. I didn't GET how all of a sudden she couldn't walk out the door again. I didn't get how she couldn't manage to go to my home but my sisters house seemed like her safe haven. I didn't understand how she could webmd and self medicate herself instead of seeing a therapist that could finally address the real issue.
Not only was this devastating for me on a personal level, but I also worked with her. Full time. 50 hours a week...in her home. It felt like walking into a prison each and every day and it was a ticking time bomb until I just couldn't take it for one more minute. Apparently, my distaste with the situation became very evident and soon we were both unhappy. Luckily for us both, we were able to dissolve our working situation and I started working from my home.
I had assumed in the beginning that the awkwardness and anger would dissipate in time and we would get back to some version of "normal"....as normal as crazy can be. That never happened. She got vindictive, she got mean and she said some of the most hateful things a person can say.
Making a decision to move on with my life, without my mom and dad in it was a heart wrenching horrible choice. For months I would wonder if I made the right choice. I remembered all the good things about them and somehow the bad didn't seem quite so bad...and each and every time I thought about trying to reconcile, crazy would strike again. I say crazy because I truly think some of what she does and says is out of her control.
So I sit here a year later, over 40 pounds lighter, parentless and I think to myself....God, thank you for this year. Thank you for this strength. Thank you for my husband and kids and thank you God for giving ME enough power and will to know that although eating a pumpkin cookie in Door County in Wisconsin made me burst into tears thinking of HER...that I can't fix crazy. I'm not a mental health expert. I can't fix her need to always be in battle with one of her children. (she'll deny it, but one of the 3 of us is always at the bottom) I shield my children from her, from the hurt and from crazy. Each day that I make it is a victory and I'm proud....even if still just a little bit sad.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Decide. Commit. Succeed.
When I decided to start on my fitness journey, it was a rocky road. I had decided that I wanted to be skinny, my problem was I never committed to the program, therefore I could never succeed.
Everything shifted for me when I decided to commit to Slim in 6 for the full 6 weeks. No, I didn't do it perfectly. I cheated on my diet more than my planned once a week cheat meal and I even missed a few workouts. At the end of 6 weeks I lost 20 pounds. Why? Because I had committed to finishing- no matter what. Sure I cheated, but the next meal I was back on track...NOT the next day, next Monday- the next meal.
Did I love the workouts? Well that's kind of a loaded question. I loved how I felt after the workouts, I loved the changes I was seeing in my body, I loved my increased energy and I loved how easy it was to come downstairs every morning and just put the dvd on.
Did I love getting up at 4am every morning to get it done? Did I love being sore every single day? Did I love watching friends and loved ones enjoy yummy foods and having drinks that I had to pass on? No, no I didn't.
I think it's important to remember that if we continue to do what we've always done, we can't expect different results. I had to go out of my comfort zone, set my alarm for even earlier than I already get up and plan my meals in advance.
These things aren't easy. I have two kids, a full time job and a busy life in general. It's so easy to want to be skinny, want to be healthy and want want want! Deciding what you want is an important first step, but if you're not ready to commit you will not succeed.
I say this from a place of love, you need to wrap your head around the fact that you can't have it all. You can't have junk food and beer every day and a six pack. You need to decide what you WANT, then plan what you'll DO to get it. Then and only then can you succeed.
My coaching is keeping my weight loss and healthy living on track for me. Being accountable to someone other than myself is so motivating! If you think becoming a Beachbody coach may be right for you check out this video : http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/jamiemarie?bctid=58142491001
Til next time...
Everything shifted for me when I decided to commit to Slim in 6 for the full 6 weeks. No, I didn't do it perfectly. I cheated on my diet more than my planned once a week cheat meal and I even missed a few workouts. At the end of 6 weeks I lost 20 pounds. Why? Because I had committed to finishing- no matter what. Sure I cheated, but the next meal I was back on track...NOT the next day, next Monday- the next meal.
Did I love the workouts? Well that's kind of a loaded question. I loved how I felt after the workouts, I loved the changes I was seeing in my body, I loved my increased energy and I loved how easy it was to come downstairs every morning and just put the dvd on.
Did I love getting up at 4am every morning to get it done? Did I love being sore every single day? Did I love watching friends and loved ones enjoy yummy foods and having drinks that I had to pass on? No, no I didn't.
I think it's important to remember that if we continue to do what we've always done, we can't expect different results. I had to go out of my comfort zone, set my alarm for even earlier than I already get up and plan my meals in advance.
These things aren't easy. I have two kids, a full time job and a busy life in general. It's so easy to want to be skinny, want to be healthy and want want want! Deciding what you want is an important first step, but if you're not ready to commit you will not succeed.
I say this from a place of love, you need to wrap your head around the fact that you can't have it all. You can't have junk food and beer every day and a six pack. You need to decide what you WANT, then plan what you'll DO to get it. Then and only then can you succeed.
My coaching is keeping my weight loss and healthy living on track for me. Being accountable to someone other than myself is so motivating! If you think becoming a Beachbody coach may be right for you check out this video : http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/jamiemarie?bctid=58142491001
Til next time...
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
New Years Resolutions...
We've all made them. Grand proclamations of the good person, fit person, organized person we will become on the magical day known as January 1st. Since New Years is only a few weeks away I thought this would make a great topic.
Change, true lasting change takes time. Sure you can say that after the first of the year you will never ever ever eat a cheeseburger again...well you know what...YOU WILL. We make these promises to ourselves that we can never keep. Telling yourself that you will never cheat on your diet, or that you will never miss a workout is just setting yourself up to fail.
The reality is that you will slip on your diet, you will miss some workouts and you might even fall off the wagon all together. The important thing isn't what you don't do...it's what you do. It's how you handle the slip ups that will determine your success.
If you've decided that January 1st will be your start day for your new diet/exercise program then do this...start making small changes today. Cut back on fat and sugar...switch your white bread for whole wheat...white pasta for wheat pasta. Start this now...not on the 1st.
Next week start moving...start walking...get up and get moving. I don't care what you do...just move. Dance naked...doesn't matter! Keep up with the food changes you made this week, and then start moving! Next week is Christmas...enjoy your two days...Christmas Eve and Christmas Day...enjoy! Saturday...make sure you start moving again!
Decide what program you will start on the 1st of the year. Interested in Beachbody? I have lost 25 pounds and am still losing. I can help you pick a program and I can help keep you motivated. 2010 will be MY year and I'd love for it to be yours too. If you haven't already sign up for my FREE coaching at www.beachbodycoach.com/jamiemarie
Then on the 1st...add in your fitness program...stick with it...keep your food changes and make sure you add in your fruits and veggies and are drinking your water.
Making changes now, instead of all the changes on the 1st will make the transition easier.
If you need help, need a coach or just need someone to talk to...let me help you. email me anytime bbcoachjamie@yahoo.com
--Jamie
708-285-2336
www.beachbodycoach.com/jamiemarie
Change, true lasting change takes time. Sure you can say that after the first of the year you will never ever ever eat a cheeseburger again...well you know what...YOU WILL. We make these promises to ourselves that we can never keep. Telling yourself that you will never cheat on your diet, or that you will never miss a workout is just setting yourself up to fail.
The reality is that you will slip on your diet, you will miss some workouts and you might even fall off the wagon all together. The important thing isn't what you don't do...it's what you do. It's how you handle the slip ups that will determine your success.
If you've decided that January 1st will be your start day for your new diet/exercise program then do this...start making small changes today. Cut back on fat and sugar...switch your white bread for whole wheat...white pasta for wheat pasta. Start this now...not on the 1st.
Next week start moving...start walking...get up and get moving. I don't care what you do...just move. Dance naked...doesn't matter! Keep up with the food changes you made this week, and then start moving! Next week is Christmas...enjoy your two days...Christmas Eve and Christmas Day...enjoy! Saturday...make sure you start moving again!
Decide what program you will start on the 1st of the year. Interested in Beachbody? I have lost 25 pounds and am still losing. I can help you pick a program and I can help keep you motivated. 2010 will be MY year and I'd love for it to be yours too. If you haven't already sign up for my FREE coaching at www.beachbodycoach.com/jamiemarie
Then on the 1st...add in your fitness program...stick with it...keep your food changes and make sure you add in your fruits and veggies and are drinking your water.
Making changes now, instead of all the changes on the 1st will make the transition easier.
If you need help, need a coach or just need someone to talk to...let me help you. email me anytime bbcoachjamie@yahoo.com
--Jamie
708-285-2336
www.beachbodycoach.com/jamiemarie
Monday, December 7, 2009
Do it for you...
We have all tried to people please at some point in our lives. I for one am a people pleaser to a fault. I will people please myself right into unhappiness. What is the point of giving so much of yourself that you have nothing for yourself?
During a family party yesterday I was getting compliments on my recent weight loss. I've been working my booty off (really!) and it felt great to hear it....but I kept waiting to hear just one positive remark from my mom and it never came. At the end of the night I felt like crying. She and I worked together for 2 1/2 years, she knows how hard my struggle with weight has been and how defeated I had been each time I had failed.
So while others listened to me go on about my workouts and Beachbody and how I finally feel like I have it under control...she listened and seemed annoyed and said nothing. I waited, I wondered if it would come and nothing.
It was a blow I half expected, but one that I had hoped I was wrong about. So I went to bed feeling a mixture of anger, sadness and confusion about how this woman who I have been so close to could completely ignore my happiness....
and then I had it. It was MY happiness. Mine and really mine alone. Looking to other people (as great as it feels) to lift me up and make me feel good about myself is a mistake. Seeking out positive praise for something I'm doing for myself is a moot point.
I have taken control, I'm happier, I'm skinnier and I don't need anyone to validate that. So this morning my message to you is DO IT FOR YOU. Because at the end of the day you never know who will support your journey and who won't...but it really doesn't matter if you are taking steps to leading a healthier and happier life for yourself.
During a family party yesterday I was getting compliments on my recent weight loss. I've been working my booty off (really!) and it felt great to hear it....but I kept waiting to hear just one positive remark from my mom and it never came. At the end of the night I felt like crying. She and I worked together for 2 1/2 years, she knows how hard my struggle with weight has been and how defeated I had been each time I had failed.
So while others listened to me go on about my workouts and Beachbody and how I finally feel like I have it under control...she listened and seemed annoyed and said nothing. I waited, I wondered if it would come and nothing.
It was a blow I half expected, but one that I had hoped I was wrong about. So I went to bed feeling a mixture of anger, sadness and confusion about how this woman who I have been so close to could completely ignore my happiness....
and then I had it. It was MY happiness. Mine and really mine alone. Looking to other people (as great as it feels) to lift me up and make me feel good about myself is a mistake. Seeking out positive praise for something I'm doing for myself is a moot point.
I have taken control, I'm happier, I'm skinnier and I don't need anyone to validate that. So this morning my message to you is DO IT FOR YOU. Because at the end of the day you never know who will support your journey and who won't...but it really doesn't matter if you are taking steps to leading a healthier and happier life for yourself.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
What motivates YOU?
I have friends who are in great shape. Some do it because they want to look good, some because they want to feel good and some because they are single and are just waiting to hook that guy! :) Everyone has a different WHY. What motivates me, may not you and vise versa.
Do I want to look good in a bikini? Sure! Does that make me workout every morning...NO. I get up and push play every day because I want to FEEL my best and I want to always be making progress. My stomach has carried two pregnancies, been stretched to its limits and the reality is it may never look amazing in a bikini. If I was only motivated by looks, one day my drive would fade and my programs would be sitting in the closet getting dusty.
I am motivated to feel my best so I can be my best. I would love to hike, run marathons, kayak and live a very active life. I want my kids to have adventures and I want to be actively enjoying each one of their precious memories :)
I can't believe how much different my life perspective is compared to just a month ago. Body changes and emotional changes are happening every day and I couldn't feel happier. I hope that you take a moment and think about all the things you hope to do one day. What's stopping you? Think about your why and then find your passion and drive to go out and make it a reality. One day at a time :)
Do I want to look good in a bikini? Sure! Does that make me workout every morning...NO. I get up and push play every day because I want to FEEL my best and I want to always be making progress. My stomach has carried two pregnancies, been stretched to its limits and the reality is it may never look amazing in a bikini. If I was only motivated by looks, one day my drive would fade and my programs would be sitting in the closet getting dusty.
I am motivated to feel my best so I can be my best. I would love to hike, run marathons, kayak and live a very active life. I want my kids to have adventures and I want to be actively enjoying each one of their precious memories :)
I can't believe how much different my life perspective is compared to just a month ago. Body changes and emotional changes are happening every day and I couldn't feel happier. I hope that you take a moment and think about all the things you hope to do one day. What's stopping you? Think about your why and then find your passion and drive to go out and make it a reality. One day at a time :)
Monday, November 9, 2009
My diet...
So I used to think I could diet or exercise. In all reality before having kids I could. I stayed thin, ran a lot but ate whatever I wanted. After having kids it all changed...I can't choose to diet or exercise. I have to conquer my overall health.
This quest that I'm on isn't a 6 week journey. It isn't a 12 week journey. This is my journey to leading a healthy, happy, and long life. I want to keep up with my kids, I want to try new things, I want to show my kids that their mom doesn't just go through the daily motions but that she CREATES her own happiness and makes herself a priority and that is truly living a full life.
Making small changes in my diet have brought me to this place where I can now eat really really CLEAN. I am eating 5-6 small meals per day. I have cut out all white pasta, sugar and high fat meats. The craziest thing is that I am actually enjoying the foods...I'm enjoying the flavors and I'm mostly enjoying the way that I feel because of these changes.
I have also replaced one meal per day with Shakeology. It's a Beachbody product that has over 70 healthy ingredients in it. No way I can eat that healthy on my own so I feel its the perfect compliment to my ever improving diet. So far I've only tried the chocolate one and I love it. I do it blended with water, ice, natural peanut butter and banana. It's great!! If you are looking to make a healthy addition to your diet check out Shakeology. www.beachbodycoach.com/jamiemarie
This is not to say I don't enjoy my junk food....oh I do! Now instead of mindlessly eating whatever I want whenever I want- I plan my cheat meals. Yesterday I ate well all day, got my nice small meals in and had a great day...last night, I enjoyed pizza out with my family. It was planned and it was wonderful. I enjoyed every bite. I earned every bite :)
Til next time...
This quest that I'm on isn't a 6 week journey. It isn't a 12 week journey. This is my journey to leading a healthy, happy, and long life. I want to keep up with my kids, I want to try new things, I want to show my kids that their mom doesn't just go through the daily motions but that she CREATES her own happiness and makes herself a priority and that is truly living a full life.
Making small changes in my diet have brought me to this place where I can now eat really really CLEAN. I am eating 5-6 small meals per day. I have cut out all white pasta, sugar and high fat meats. The craziest thing is that I am actually enjoying the foods...I'm enjoying the flavors and I'm mostly enjoying the way that I feel because of these changes.
I have also replaced one meal per day with Shakeology. It's a Beachbody product that has over 70 healthy ingredients in it. No way I can eat that healthy on my own so I feel its the perfect compliment to my ever improving diet. So far I've only tried the chocolate one and I love it. I do it blended with water, ice, natural peanut butter and banana. It's great!! If you are looking to make a healthy addition to your diet check out Shakeology. www.beachbodycoach.com/jamiemarie
This is not to say I don't enjoy my junk food....oh I do! Now instead of mindlessly eating whatever I want whenever I want- I plan my cheat meals. Yesterday I ate well all day, got my nice small meals in and had a great day...last night, I enjoyed pizza out with my family. It was planned and it was wonderful. I enjoyed every bite. I earned every bite :)
Til next time...
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