Eating Clean and a Little Bit of Progress

I've done 21 Day Fix before. I was pretty successful for the first round but I felt so constricted by the containers and gained all of the weight back. So, I did some research and figured out the measuring cup equivalents to the containers and am finding a lot more success in eating clean.

I started a new round on Monday, which is the first full day of summer, as a part of a 30 day accountability group. I also thought it would be a great way to kick off Fitbloggin week. I figured all of this momentum and timing has to keep me more motivated to stay on track.

I'm two and a half days in and things are going pretty well. I've already lost three pounds so I think that's good progress. I feel less bloated too, which is another bonus.

I've found through many trial and errors is that I can't just have a cookie (as in one). I can't just have "a little" candy or "a few chips." A little and a few turns into a whole bag, then I have sugar or salt cravings and then I have another little bit. Then, a few more chips and then my pants don't fit.

Some people have self control. I haven't learned this yet when it comes to certain foods.

Part of the benefit of being part of group has been that I have to report to the group what I eat, what I drink and how much I move every single day. The group is small enough that my Beachbody Coach and leader, Linnea, will know when I don't check in. Plus the group is super supportive and you get ideas of what other folks eat.

I am traveling to Fitbloggin' in Denver later this week so I must be on my best behavior while in the airport. I'm sure I'll be able to pick up some healthy snacks from conference sponsors though!

I'm excited to feel better. I'm excited to see progress. Man those sugar cravings can get you though (don't worry, I'm staying strong right now!).

(These are all my opinions and I wasn't paid to say nice things about Linnea...I just like to say nice things about her.)

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Early Morning Walks

Walking my dog is something that puts me at ease--especially in the morning. The streets are quiet. In the summer, the sun is out or there's daylight. Most people aren't out on the street driving or walking. I don't often see other people out walking their dogs. It is so completely peaceful.

Let's be clear: I'm not a morning person and that's probably why a morning walk does so much for me. I really don't want to talk to people first thing in the morning. In fact, I want to watch a little TV, check my email/news, and figure out what the priorities are for the day.

I've been in a funk with my mornings lately, which have turned into a grumpy attitude and not being as productive as I could be. So, with the break in the rain for a few hours a couple of days ago, I started walking the dogs again. Feeling better, I decided to get up and go early.

I forgot how much walking in the morning clears out the sleepy fog and gets my brain really churning. I know part of the mood boost is the fact that it is exercise and according to Elle Woods, endorphins make you happy. Early morning walks also seem to be a time to reflect.  While I can't sit still enough to be successful at meditation yet, maybe my morning works are a good way to transition to it.

I'm definitely going to put the morning walk back into my routine. Now, if it could only stop raining every day!

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Almost Time for My First Fitbloggin Conference

I took the plunge and am attending the Fitbloggin' 15 Conference in 22 short days. I'm not regularly posting yet--its a challenge as is focusing on getting healthy and losing weight. However, I know from experience spending a few days with other people with the same mindset, attending a conference sessions, and working out will be super inspirational.

So, with three weeks to go to Fitbloggin, I'm doubling down on my efforts to get healthier. I'm currently on day two of a five day clean eating challenge. It certainly is a challenge to cut out all of the crap I like to snack on but its a great way to kick off the month.  I'm on day two and have stuck to it about 85% of the time. If I can eat clean  80-90% of the time, that's certainly progress. We all know eating right is 80% of the game. So, if I can get that down, then I'm cruising along to a healthier lifestyle.

At the beginning of each month, I set goals and make a list of the things I want to accomplish during the month--everything from life and career to fitness and health. I thought it would be fun to share my top three health and fitness goals for the month on the blog!

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