Back & Feeling Better Than Ever!

I'm back, I haven't had any desire to blog and have felt too busy to sit down and write. Well maybe there was too much to write about and I didn't know where to start. I'm going to try and catch up with home updates and family updates but first thing is first. You can't have a happy healthy home and family with out being healthy and happy yourself, right? Right. 

“Arriving at one goal is the starting point of another.”

Every year I have the same resolution, I’m going to get fit and be healthy this year, this is my year. And of course, I always slipped back into my bad habits.

I finally woke up. I was tired of wondering how I would look and feel had I stuck to eating right and exercising. I decided enough was enough and I was going to do it. No more wondering where I’d be at now had I just stuck to the plan. It takes time to transform physically and mentally (man it’s been a HUGE mental battle for me personally).

down 11 lbs and bloat I'm sure

I've stuck to it. I made no more excuses, packed my gym bag every day, looked at it and knew I’d have to go since it was already there. I got used to changing at lunch (which was an excuse before, I wouldn’t want to change in the middle of the day haha) and enjoying that warm uninterrupted shower after a good sweat. After a while it became a habit.

I think about this everyday, and it's true!
I'm now getting comments from strangers on the weight loss they see!

I started C25K (Couch to 5K) and that kept me going. It was kind of a personal game for me just trying to get to the next level. I’ve NEVER been a runner. Ask one of my best friends Val, she had me tryout for cross country in high school and I think I only made it a week, if that. Hah! I’ve now completed c25k and I’m continuing the program for a 10k. My first 5k is in August for my birthday…unless I get a bug to sign up for another one sooner. But I’m hoping by then I will be able to do the 5k painlessly.

I also challenged myself to a 30 day squat challenge (pic below), I made it to day 27. I pulled my hamstring and decided to stop there so I wouldn't ruin my running...I do see a big difference though since day one, sorry, not posting pics of my butt lol. I would admit I am kind of addicted to squats now. 

source

I have 6 days left to my 30 day liver detox….details on that to follow. And I'm restarting Turbo Fire. I’m on a roll and I don’t plan on stopping now. I’m not too tired to play with the girls and I feel the side effects after eating unhealthy. Let's kick it into high gear! 

Please join me on my journey, cause it’s a journey, nothing is overnight. Well unless you have the big bucks for lipo ;). 

Gettin' Healthy: Weight loss Status Update

I've gone through my ups and downs of motivation to get fit after having Lori and I'm finally at the point were I'm sick of being lazy and giving myself excuses.

 THIS. IS. IT.

I need accountability. I need people pushing with me not against me. If you're a friend and you know I'm trying to break bad habits and working hard to better myself and you still offer me a donut...you're not really a friend. Boom. Clear as day.

This is where it begins and does not end.

pretty rad cup too ;)

If you follow me on Instagram (@momabirdlibby) you know that not too long ago, I scored the best deal ever. Turbo Fire, brand new, sealed box for $15! Best deal ever!!! I was so pumped (still am, that's a amazing deal) but I got lazy again. Enough is enough. I decided to put it all out there. I need to tell the whole blog world this is what I'm doing. This my my new journey and if you see me getting lazy feel free to tell me to knock it off!

nasty but worth it sweat pic. i think everyone needs to boast, it's healthy ;)

Which brings me to my next problem/excuse. I know that the morning is the best time for my schedule to get my workout in...the problem is that I am not a morning person. At all. So I need tips and tricks to get my fat (but soon fit) ass out of bed in the morning and motivated to work out. Anyone? 

I don't know if I have the courage to post my before pics. Maybe next update post? For now, I'm off to do my workout. Or as Chalene Johnson says in Turbo Fire, I'm off to "class".

-LL

Gettin' Healthy: Protein Box

Since getting on my fitness kick again I've been trying to stick to a high protein diet. Not being all crazy about it. Just making sure my carb intake is very VERY low. So pretty much little to no carbs. Not Atkins, more like South Beach (in case you're familiar with either). 

I thought I'd share my protein pack with you all. I love the Sbux protein bistro box, but my wallet does not. Especially since I could easily eat that thing everyday. So here you go, a thrifty and quite easy do-it-at-home protein pack. 

Nice little container was $1. at the Mexican market...woot! 

Package of 8 small creamy peanut butter cups was $2.99. I do like love the Justin's peanut butter packs in the sbux box but they are expensive for just one =\. 

Cut a few slices of low-fat cheese, one apple (or a half if you'd like), 1 small bunch of grapes, hard-boiled egg, toss in an easy to-go peanut butter pack (the one shown in the sbux bow is also available in stores, just suoer pricey) and you're good to go! 

Sbux's box at $4.95 vs. IELM protein box, no more than $1.50

The only item I didn't include was the museli bread.

I eat mine about a 1/2 hour to 45 mins before my workout. I think it gives me an extra boost. And it's also my bfast lol. win/win. 

Next I would normally talk to you about carbs and compare the two, but I'm not counting carbs, just high protein intake...so I'm not even gonna go there ;). Trying to go this route and see where it takes me. If you are still interested in counting carbs (which does work) here are a few sites that I've used in the past. 

myfitnesspal.com

calorieking.com

livestrong.com

It's really not that hard, take a few mins before you turn off the kitchen lights for the night and pack everything for the next morning. I made the eggs in a big batch so it's even quicker to pack for the next week. Don't get me wrong, if I'm stranded and need a boost I will still buy theirs, but this is nice for the everyday, not-stranded situation. 

Here's another nice tid-bit about snacking with protein before a workout (via pinterest) --->

Source: healthyisalwaysbetter.tumblr.com via Libby on Pinterest

Gettin' Healthy: Kale Chips!

Have you had them yet? Well I made them and they were delish! 

I'm finally getting back in to my motivated-eating-healthy-'n-exercising-self...hallelujah! 

These are so easy to make. As easy as 1.2.3 (no really look below) and ever so healthy for you. And if you know me you know I'm a big snacker. I love munchies. After making these I noticed myself eating them up like popcorn, that's when I knew we had a winner.

 FYI, I loooove movie theater popcorn. I think I can eat a large all by myself. Sad, I know. 

1. wash the kale, pat it dry and tear it into chip-size pieces. 

2. drizzle olive oil and garlic salt.

  (I wouldn't add too much of either, wait till they're done to see if they need more salt)

3. place the kale on a non-greased baking sheet and in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15-20mins. 

I think the next time I make them I'll try some paprika for a kick. 

See, so easy huh? Now go try it! 

I would also like to report that I made it back to the gym today at lunch after a loooong time. Man did it feel good. I'm sure my muscles will pay me back tomorrow hah.

Vayda was not amused 

Lori is still my little food tester ;) haha  

We'll see how long that lasts...

Friday's Letters 4/6/12

Yesterday is over. Thank goodness. 

Yesterday was Vic's procedure. It ended up only taking about 5 mins. Put him to sleep, shocked his heart (externally after all) and he woke up about 1 min later, if that. The Dr said he did very well and they were happy they only needed to shock his heart once. Vic said he was able to feel the difference in his heart beat right away. I on the other hand have never felt my heart beat so hard. My heart beat was in my throat, I think it was until we got home. 

So no we are on the road to recovery. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. This isn't over yet, but I have a good feeling about the future. Especially since we caught this early on and we can move up from here. 

Dear Vic, Thank you for being patient with my million questions all day errday making sure you're ok lol. You're a trooper and just like the nurse said, it's going to take work and positive thinking to keep you from going back. I love you more than you know. that is all. Dear Vayda, As much as I was telling you what Easter is all about I'm pretty sure all you care about is the bunny that brings all the goods lol. That's ok though, this is so much fun enjoying with you. Every moment. Dear Lucky, I've never seen a baby lounge as much as you do. It makes me crack up every time I turn around to see you plop down and lounge wherever you land. You're so stinking smart haha. Dear family & friends, thank you for your continuous thoughts, texts and calls letting us know that you're praying and thinking about us. None of that goes unnoticed. We are loved, thank you. 

Happy Easter Everyone!! 

Friday's Letters: 3.23.12

Dear Husband, 

I know in my heart of hearts everything will be ok. We are going to get through this and be able to look back and  say, "pssh. Oh that 'ol thing?!". 

Until then, I decided I'm going to be a ultra-protective, take over and manage everything,

 soup nazi kind of wife lol (I'm trying to stay tough, thank you for being so tough). 

-I love you more than you know. 

Dear VaydaCakes, 

When you said "My bones will bounce if I swallow my gum" I could not stop laughing. It still makes me smile when I think about it. I love you goober butt. 

Dear Lucky, 

It's been sooo much fun watching you be a little daredevil this week! All of your standing up without holding on and clapping at the same time is so much fun to watch. No rush on walking though, ok? I love you Darling. 

Dear new job, 

I am kind of loving you so far. Let's keep it like that, ;).

Dear BloggiBuddies, 

Anyone experience arrhythmia and or know someone that has and has had to have their heart shocked back into a normal rhythm? Doing research on electrophysiology and any insight, feedback, similar experiences would be helpful to hear. 

Thanks & TGIF!

Emotional Level: 10

To say that this has been the most emotional roller coaster of a week is an understatement.

My week began normal. It was the last week here at my reception desk, was training and being trained, and then we had an abrupt jolt hit the family. Vic called me and told me he was being taken to the hospital via ambulance from the clinic at work.

Wait, what?! Yup.

 He went to the clinic because his heart was beating too fast and as soon as they did an EKG they called the ambulance. I freaked out and left work immediately. They then said they needed to keep him over night to monitor his heart. I have to tell you, that was thee toughest thing to sit there and decide if I was going to leave the girls with family overnight and be with him or leave him by himself and take the girls home. I ended up going home to be with the girls (he doesn't like the attention anyway haha) and went back in the morning.

Turns out he has arrhythmia. A fast (too fast) irregular heart beat. Thank God all of the other tests came back negative. He wasn't diagnosed with anything else or any causes for the arrhythmia. All we can do is make sure his heart beat doesn't spike again, take preventive medications and follow a cardiac diet. 

Now he's home resting (as much as he can). I've stayed pretty calm, I think. But this has been one of thee emotional weeks ever! When I came back to work I was closing all loose ends and was given a sweet 'congratulations' get together by my friends and coworkers. They gave me the nicest good bye card (scrap booked card I might add, lol it's rad) and said sweet things. On top of that I got the nicest welcome-to-the-team emails! Great team in the past and so far, great team in the future. Someone is definitely looking out for this girl ;). 

Hopefully things calm down and only good news comes back from the cardiologist.