Day 23 - I Am Out of Here

This drawing has been hanging on the inside of our pantry door for 6 years.  My Daniel drew this at his daycare friend Caroline's house back in the day.

It is 10:39pm and we just got done packing.  The movers come tomorrow at 9am.  I have been so crazy with work, kids home on sick days, packing and my Advocare 24 Day Challenge that I haven't taken a moment to think about what I am doing.  I guess that is good.

This is the house that all three kids learned to ride a bike without training wheels.  This is the house that after two wild boys, I brought a baby girl home from the hospital.  This is the house with the front porch that Jake and I love to sit on and drink red wine on Fridays whenever it is warm enough.  I have loved this house from the day I laid eyes on it...long before it was ever for sale.

So, tonight Jake and I are sitting here together and we made a little "kids went to bed, we are done packing" celebration drink.  Jake says "here is to our last night in the house".  It has finally hit.  As much as I am so excited to move into our new house, there is so much in this cute house that I have loved so much that I will miss so very much.  So many good memories.

So, with that...had I been up to my usual business, I would be a mess tonight.  I would have been loaded up with Diet Coke and candy that would ease the pain of packing, yet that would have made me into a crazy lady.  Ok, so I am a little bit of a mess, but not a crazy hot mess...just a little teary.

I am known for my ups and downs and I am positive that being in control of the nutrition piece of my life has kept me level during an extremely stressful time of my life.  My Mom and husband have both noticed how level I have been during all of this and they are the ones that get the crazy from me, so that says quite a bit.

I know this challenge has kept me even and I am thankful.  I feel so good. My clothes fit so better than they have in years.  I don't know how the timing of this has worked out, but it did. Thank you Liz for showing me the way.

If you would like more information on my friend and Nutrition Coach Liz Blom or Advocare products, please visit and "Like" her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 22 - Gas Station Donuts

Could you say no to this face?

There is a guy that works at the gas station by our house.  He likes to talk to me as if we are old friends.  He has worked there for as long as we have lived in our house (8 years), so I guess maybe we are old friends by now.

I used to stop in frequently to buy Baked Lays.  This was usually after I would go for a run or on the way home from the gym.  I would stop and buy Baked Lays because I had just worked out and well, they are healthier than regular chips and I felt like I deserved them. Again, the vicious cycle.  Eat to run or run to eat.

Over the years, he has always been a really nice guy.  Occassionally, he says stupid stuff like "did you just get done working out" and when I replied yes, he followed up with "just trying to get rid of the rest of that baby weight, huh?"  Stuff like that.  I think he is extremely single, so I let it slide.

Well, the other day, because I am strong and can handle it, I took my kids to the gas station for donuts.  I know that it sounds really classy and all, a gas station donut, but they have a wide assortment of delicious donuts that I believe are delivered fresh each day.  Anyway, I went to wake up each of my kids and when I snuggled in to wake up Calvin (photo above) with his crazy hair and red cheeks, he rolled over with his eyes still shut and asked if I would take him to go get donuts.  In the Calvin department I am weak.  He is 8 and has a way of asking for things that I can not deny.  He is into winking at me after he says something, which only helps him all the more.  He also calls me "Pretty Pony", which I think is weird, but I will take whatever compliment I can get.

So, I said I would take them to the gas station to get donuts.  There was nothing in it for me.  Not even really strong gas station coffee that makes your face fuzzy because of its truck driving power, as I am avoiding and not minimizing coffee (well, I had one coffee on Sunday...come on, live a little).  So, I guess I am REALLY minimizing coffee.

As my three little children were in the process of picking out their donuts (this includes yelling at each other, putting donuts back and yelling about not being able to see on the top shelf) my gas station friend slides up next to me.  I was so happy to see him.  It had been a long time!  And then, the sweetest words came out of this mouth.  He said "I haven't seen you in so long.  Where have you been?  Did you move or something?"

Thank you...no, I haven't moved...yet.  But, you are right.  I haven't been to the gas station to buy crap in a long time.  At least 22 days to be exact.   No big whoop.

I am on Day 22 of the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. It has been one of the best decisions I have made.  I feel like I have taken control again and I am so happy that I can move forward with healthy habits in place.  For me, this will be a lifestyle change and the end to pushing off or failing at diets.  Will I stop in every once in a while for a treat and friendly hello, of course.  Life is way too short to always say no.  But indulging for me will have a whole new meaning now.

If you would like more information on Advocare or my friend and Nutrition Coach Liz Blom, please visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness?

Day 21 - Forrest Gump and Dirty Candy

My running partner Melanie (right) and me running the Des Moines Marathon in our Diet Coke shirts.

I used to run all of the time. At least 5 miles a day, 5 days a week and only took breaks from running when I was pregnant.  I would just run and run and run. Sometimes my running partner Melanie (aka Nancy) and I would call each other and plan out our route for the morning and say "let's just Forrest Gump it today" and we would go out for long, long runs just for the fun of it.

In fact, I ran so much that I finally ended up injuring myself last Spring.  My injuries included Plantar Fasciitis, Tendonitis and a muscle strain from my big toe to my heel.  It felt like a nail was being hammered into my heel.  I had to wear a special boot and was told not to run for 8 weeks.  On a positive note, I was pretty popular with the 60+ crowd in Florida during vacation.  It seems that quite a few of them had worn the same boot for various reasons and they were drawn to me.   The gentleman pictured below with me had recently undergone ankle surgery.  We were fast friends.

Now, you would think that someone who ran so much might have nicknames like "Skinny" or "Waif" or maybe even "Slim".  Not so much in my case.  My running was a vicious cycle.  I felt like I needed to run everyday because it was the best way to maintain my weight.  If I ate bad and didn't run, I would be crabby.  In fact, when I was crabby my husband would mention to me that I might want to go for a run. It might make me feel better. If I ran, then I felt like I could splurge a little and eat treats.

Now that I am on the 24 Day Challenge and eating healthy (my delicious snack of the day is posted above) and watching how much I take in, I don't have to rely so heavily on exercise.  I still love to run or go to the gym, but I feel more balanced.  I don't feel like I need to run my body into the ground.  By watching what I am eating, I can squeeze in a quick 30 minute workout and still see results and feel great.  I think the vitamins and supplements that I am taking are really helping with my energy level as well.  I feel balanced and not so up and down or crashing later in the day.

In fact, today I stopped by the gym and did 35 minutes on the Stairmaster.  I used to run for 40 minutes and then do another 30 minutes on the Stairmaster. Now I spend less time working out and I feel satisfied knowing that I am not trying to continually match my workout to what I ate for the day.

So, as the Stairmaster let up a little tension, I figured it would be a good time to take a chug of water.  I hadn't quite recovered and since drinking water and huffing and puffing don't really mix, water went up and out my nose.  I am not sure if anyone saw, but it is really hard to play it off when you have a burning sensation in your face and water dripping off your nose.  On the bright side, it reminded me of the feeling I used to get when I was little and water would go up my nose in the swimming pool.  So, I wiped my face off, finished my workout and left the gym with the promise of summer still stinging the inside of my face.  I sure do love summer.

I am on Day 21 of the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. Yes, I truly have been challenged.  Challenged to eat healthier, challenged to remember to take vitamins, challenged to say no to all the things that I used to eat throughout the day, challenged to take a look at habits that I wasn't aware of.  Was it worth it?  You bet.  What I am getting in return is better eating habits, renewed energy and a more balanced lifestyle.  I really like it and will continue implementing many aspects of the 24 Day Challenge in my normal life.

On a side note, I was driving home from the gym and there was a weird lump under my foot.  When I got to the stop sign, I lifted up my foot and looked to see what is was.  Under my foot was a dirty, candy Robin's Egg from 22 Days ago.  I bought some the day before I started the 24 Day Challenge and a few of the Robin's Eggs fell between my seat.  I thought I had gotten them all when I cleaned out the car.  Even though it had been in my car for 22 days, was just under my foot that had been walking around the sweaty gym and it had dirt on it...I was tempted to eat it.  I sure do love those things.  I threw it out my window and forced myself to act like I was disgusted about it. 

So, do I still have cravings?  Oh yeah!  Is it easier to fight off the temptation?  I guess it depends on the day.  But, I know for sure that I think about my choices instead of acting and then kicking myself later or pigging out and then feeling like I HAVE to go for a 5 mile run.
Balance is good.

If you are interested in Advocare or information on my friend and Nutrition Coach Liz Blom, please visit and "Like" her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 20 - Zone Defense

Oh, is there a basketball game going on Molly?

This weekend has been packed full of basketball tournaments for our 3rd grade and 4th grade boys.  I love going to their games. It is one of my favorite things to do.  I love to watch the boys play and I love to hang out with the parents.  Today we had games in two different cities starting at 9am.  The final game was at 4:15pm.  Throughout the day we drove back and forth between games to watch.  Cal had 2 games.  Daniel had 3. 

We have a system in place on the days that both boys have games.  Jake plays man to man (as he is Cal's coach (love) - so he is in charge of Calvin).  I play zone because I take Daniel to his games, but I also have my trustworthy assistant Molly (age 5) with me at all times.  Molly could care less about the game itself and is more interested in things like what she wears to the game, if she can play with my phone and if I have gum in my purse.

Again, I love to watch the boys play ball, but today was a challenge.  Two games at two different locations means two different concession stands.  When you have Molly tailing behind you, sitting and watching the games (not really watching at all, but begging for treats the ENTIRE game)..you spend quite a bit of time thinking about the concession stand.  5 games means the pressure of snacks at 5 concession stands. 

Here's where I went wrong.  We all had to be out the door at 8am this morning.  I didn't have anything ready to go, so we just got ready and hurried out the door.  I usually pack snacks, which saves us money and sort of keeps us away from the concession stand.  I pack apples, raisins, Wheat Thins or Cheez-Its and other treats.  By not being prepared today and keeping Molly happy with her usual go to treats, the concession stand pressure was completely on.

For the most part, we held off until lunch time and headed straight to Subway and pigged out.  My kids were somewhat embarrassed and amused at the amount of vegetables I had on my Veggie D'lite on whole wheat.  It was basically a big leafy salad on 6 delicious inches of whole wheat bread.

Healthy eating is SO much easier when you are organized, plan ahead and have healthy options.  I truly believe that if I stay on top of that part of our life, I think we will continue down the road to healthy eating with success!

But, it was definitely another opportunity to figure out what works best.  Had this crazy, on-the-fly day happened before the 24 Day Challenge started, I would not have thought twice about spending money all day on concession stand options.  Once again, I would have thought "I will start eating healthy tomorrow" and indulged in Diet Cokes and popcorn all day. 

I truly am thankful that I have something to stick to.  24 Days.  Every time I think about just giving in and saddling up in the candy aisle at Super Target, I remember my commitment.  Only 24 Days.  I know that in 4 days this will be over and I can go back to whatever I want, but as I read back through the days I know that I am learning so many things about myself, my habits and learning new habits.  I know that pushing off healthy eating won't be as easy as it used to be.  I know that eating healthy 90% of the time with a 10% party works.  Who knew that 90% + 10% equals balance.

If you are interested in information on Advocare or my friend and Nutrition Coach Liz Blom, please visit and "Like" her Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/lizblom.nutritionandwellness.  Liz recently shared information on carbs.  I was in desperate need of healthy carb ideas.

BTW, my 3rd grader Calvin got 2nd place and my 4th grader Daniel got 1st place.  It was a very good day.

Day 19 - Taking Charge of Something

I was looking at some articles last night and came across an article titled Top 10 Ways to Change Your Body.  I was intrigued, so I read on. 

The article shared some really great ideas, such as doing just 5 minutes of abs a day before I jump in the shower.  That sounds so easy.  I just have to remember to A) shower (I work from home) and B) when I do shower, remember to do the abs real quick.  Just add something else to my new improved routine.  I love it.  I am becoming well rounded.

The article also talked about wall slides and lunges that will firm up the buns.  2 sets of 15.  Easy enough.  I am going to make a real effort to add this to my routine.  Get the blood flowing...maybe even make my kids do it with me.  Tighten up all of our buns together.  Why not?  The only other thing we are doing in the morning is fighting over who is chewing louder or who is the grossest eater.  This will help cause a distraction.

They also mentioned Yoga.  I LOVE Yoga.  This has been a little tough to get back into because of all of my kid's sick days.  There really is nothing quite as embarrassing as having an audience while you are trying to find your third eye.  This is a sport that I like to do at the gym in a class when everyone else has the same goal or completely alone.  But, all the same, I do need to get this back into my routine.  Plus, you have to set time aside for Yoga...it didn't mention a quick yoga routine.

So, the article really gave some solid ideas on easy ways to get in shape.  They were fast and quick...but for these things to be effective you need to do them everyday.  So, I will give it a try and work those simple things into my life and see what sticks.  I am up for the challenge.

The one secret or tip I did see that made me laugh was the following...
"Splurge on a new haircut - What better way to focus attention away from your figure and toward your bright smile than with a hip new hairstyle? Talk to a stylist about cuts that complement your face."  The last time I cut my hair off for a fun change was when I was extremely pregnant.  Lesson learned.  THE last thing I want when I am feeling yucky about myself is a bad haircut.  Not only did I feel HUGELY pregnant (I don't get cute pregnant...I get PREGNANT...is she having triplets pregnant), but then I chopped my hair off because it was the only thing I could control.  So then, I was left feeling HUGE and stuck with the Rachel again...5 years after it was a cool haircut.

So, yes it is good to feel in control and take control...but, no chopping hair off, unless you have your heart set on a pixie cut or something.  I have made nutrition changes and it feels good.  I am working excercise back in after a 6 week recovery.  That feels good too.  I started working with my friend and Nutrition Coach Liz Blom to start on a nutrition plan  (the 24 Day Challenge).  I know I have mentioned her throughout my postings and thought you might want to get to know her better and why she chose to work with Advocare products.  She is a wonderful lady and offers great information on nutrition and health in general.  Below is a letter she wrote to me the other day.  I think it really explains who she is and why she does what she does...

Dear Cathy,

Dear Cathy,

I was asked to take a look at the products and the business opportunity that came with them by a childhood friend.  Timing had a great deal to do with it.  I was told the products were a "given".  Trained as a dietitian, nutrition and exercise took precedence over supplements.  This being said, I was not totally naïve to supplements, as I had used them for general wellness; an insurance policy so to speak.  I also like to consider myself athletic, so I had tried and used quite a few different protein powders, bars, and rehydration type drinks. 

At the time my friend called, I was getting low on my multivitamins, minerals and fish oils.  I was also working out, eating a healthy diet but had plateaued in my results and was not really looking to put more time into the exercise.  I tried product more so out of curiosity.  I was told to try the 24 Day Challenge.  Needless to say, the products won me over with the energy they provided and a change in my body composition.  I immediately started looking at people thinking, "if this was what happened for me, what could it do for them?"

I continued on with products after the 24 day challenge and watched my habits evolve toward better habits.  The products continued to match my efforts.  I researched the safety, quality, science and efficacy behind the supplements.  I found that the 24 day challenge was just the "teaser" to all that is offered.  There are "lines" of products to choose from based on what an individual is looking for.  Basically, the founder had a vision for its products to improve lives through superior nutrition and fitness.  I liked that is was not  "diet" focused.  I've seen enough failed diets for a lifetime in my line of work.  I was looking for ways to help people to improve wellness though lifestyle.

I have enjoyed reading your Blog so much as I see the increased awareness though your eyes, and the lifestyle adjustment prompted by the products.  Regardless of what you do after the challenge is completely up to you.  It does, however make me feel good that I was able to share something that has helped you dig a little bit deeper.  AdvoCare is often referred to as a vehicle (sometimes an investment).  I think both words apply.  The vehicle helps one get from point A to point B.  An investment is putting money into something with the expectation of profit.  Regardless of money or health benefits, they both allow for a better lifestyle.  I'm pretty sure this is something most of us are looking for.

So, does everyone need to do a 24 Day Challenge or buy into the business to benefit from what I have to offer?  Did I mention that it was my lifelong dream to sell supplements to people?  If you need a little help, both answers are NO.  I wanted to make sure you were paying attention.  I have received more gratification from small comments, increased awareness, and the Spark I have been able to introduce into someone's day, with or without product.  I appreciate skepticism, and educated comparison and evaluation.  All of this said, AdvoCare has products that offer quality solutions for weight management, increased energy, athletic performance and core nutrition/personal wellness needs.

Liz

For more information on Advocare or my friend and Nutrition Coach Liz Blom, please visit and "Like" her Facebook page at ttps://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 18 - Dear "Goal Pants"

Dear far too expensive pants in my closet that I bought at Banana Republic 5 years ago with the goal of fitting into them at some point down the road (i.e. "goal pants"),

Were you surprised to see me coming at you today?  I bet you were.  Stop laughing at me.  I buttoned you today without the usual muffin top, didn't I?  Who is laughing now...laughing pants?  Oh, I get it.  Yes, you still have the upper hand.  You aren't exactly perfectly comfortable.  But, guess what?  I see progress.  I will be back for you soon with every intention of getting my money's worth.  I don't even care if you are completely out of style.  I will be wearing you comfortably very soon and with great pride. Your days of hanging out are over!

Oh yeah, and while you are at it...why don't you let that hill that I used to run up with ease and could only make it 3/4 of the way up today know that I am coming after that too!

Life is too short to let you hang in my closet forever.  Maybe I will wear you the next time I try and conquer that hill.  I am going to show you both that I am in charge.

Yours until I am over you,
Cathy

P.S.  Today I am on Day 18 of the Advocare 24 Day Challenge.  I am exercising, taking vitamins and supplements and making healthy food choices.  I feel very energetic and very good.  Ok, so I have had some carb cravings lately.  Don't get excited pants I am not going to eat donuts.  My friend and Nutrition Coach Liz gave me a great idea for dinner last night.  I made a baked potato and put salsa on it.  It was SO good.

P.P.S.  And let the jelly beans know that I saw them looking at me when I was at the gas station today and that they still hold a special place in my heart.  Make sure to let them know that there is a new girl in town and that I am stronger now and I think it is fine if we are just friends and we see each other on special holidays like Easter, but that is about all I have time for now.

P.P.S.  You can also let red wine know that I have plenty of time later today.  When given the option of minimizing or avoiding today, I am choosing to minimize.  While it is true that I am challenging myself to get healthier...I am also human.  Like I said before, a girl's got to have a little fun.

For more information on Advocare and my friend and Nutrition Coach Liz Blom, please visit and "like" her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/lizblom.nutritionandwellness.  She will be sharing recipe and healthy food options on her page and you won't want to miss out on her suggestions.  Next up....working exercise in and an Advocare product review.

Day 17 ~ Noodles

This is my daughter Molly.  She is very cute.  Great personality.  Really, really fond of this one, but she has stayed home due to Strep Throat far too many times in the last 2 months.  Today it was not Strep Throat that was bothering her, but the antibiotic that she is taking for Strep Throat that is upsetting her stomach.   So, it seems that just about the time I get back into a routine with work and going to the gym, we have another sick day.  I feel bad for my little lady and yet the shift to my routine really throws me off.

I shouldn't complain, as Strep Throat and things related to Strep aren't so terrible.  Although she is miserable...and we are stuck at home most of the time.  It for sure has been a test of my will power.  As I have mentioned before, sick days equal comfort food.  Since this 24 Day Challenge started, we have had a total of 6 sick days.  Let me repeat the word challenge. 

Today was beautiful and Molly was a little slap happy...minus the occasional stomach pain, so we decided to get out of the house.  We ran errands and decided to go to lunch and make the most of our ladies day.  Her favorite place to eat is Noodles and Company, so we went there.  They have the most delicious Mediterean Salad.  It has cucumbers and tomatos, feta cheese, olives, macaroni noodles and I just love to add shrimp.  I love it.  There it is.  It is recommended that I avoid or minimize dairy and shrimp on the 24 Day Challenge.  Today, I chose to minimize.  A girl has got to live a little.  It is better than the usual Dorito party that I have on sick days.  Plus, to health it up a little bit, I had them replace the macaroni noodles with whole wheat pasta.  I think it might have made it even better.

This is what Molly gets...every single time we go to Noodles.

It is good old fashioned Macaroni and Cheese.  It is just about as delicious as it looks.  Usually, what happens is that I order my fav salad and she orders her Large Mac and Cheese and then I eat my salad (with Macaroni noodles) and while we talk and laugh, I also help her eat her Mac and Cheese.  Today, I ate my salad and she ate her small order of Mac and cheese.  When I was done with my salad, I stopped eating.  She ate half of her small Mac and Cheese (I didn't finish it for her) and we left.

It all seems pretty boring, but HUGE steps for me.  I can see that I am changing my habits.  Plus, I have never, ever thought to ask them to replace the noodles with healthier noodles. 

Don't get me wrong, had it been raining outside and Molly had a fever and we were cooped up again, maybe I would be face down in a bag of jelly beans.  I don't know.  I am just trying to take this 24 Day Challenge one day at time and hope that when it is all over I will have successfully established an improved lifestyle and not just finished a "diet". 

And, as much as routine is a comforting thing, it was time to shake up my old routine and tweak some of my old habits.  Change has been good.

Next up....CARBS.  I have been craving carbs the past few days, so I called my friend and Nutrition Coach Liz Blom and asked her for recommendations on healthy carbs.  I will let you know tomorrow what she told me.  She is also planning on posting fun, healthy and delicious recipes and information on healthy carb options on her Facebook page soon, so make sure to visit and "like" her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1159252272&ref=hpbday&pub=2386512837#!/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Thanks for reading!  P.S. ~ Apparently, I am on Day 17, not Day 16 of the 24 Day Challenge.  Liz emailed to let me know.  I am not good with fast math...or any kind of math.  Calendars, scheduling and dates seem to throw me as well.  See, time flies when you are having fun.  I posted a Day 13 twice.  Sorry for any confusion!  :)

Day 16 - Making a Change

People laugh at me when I say that Facebook is a blessing.  I know it can be a curse also.  But, it has reunited me with so many amazing people.  I truly feel like it is a little bit of a gift.  The best part is to see people from your past and where they are in life, who they have become, what they have done, and to find out their story.

I had this friend in college that was really fun.  We weren't best friends.  We didn't sit in each other's dorm rooms and brush each other's hair or share our life dreams.  But, we would occasionally run into each other at the bar and always have a really fun time together.
She was younger than me, so when I graduated, we went our separate ways and lost touch.  About two years ago we reconnected on Facebook.  It was one of those things where you get the friend request and you recognize the name, but once you see the face it all comes back to you.  As many people will agree, she has this smile that is amazing.  It was her smile that brought me back to our days at Loras.  We reconnected, but didn't really get into details right away.  We "Liked" each other's posts and wrote some stuff on each other's walls, but that was about it.  I assumed, like so many other friends that I have reconnected with that her life was the same as everyone else.

Over the next few weeks I started seeing her posts pop up talking about her hair or her IV pole. I finally realized something was up, so I started paying closer attention.  Sometimes I show up a little late to the game, if you know what I mean.  We started emailing each other and talked on the phone.  I remember being in TJ Maxx when we talked and she told me the whole story.  In 2003, shortly after she had her son she started having health issues and thought it might be post partum.  It ended up that she actually had brain cancer. 

Jenny made a decision to run for her life.  She had never been a runner before, but decided that she wasn't going to sit around...she was going to do something.  And do something she did.  She went on to raise money for brain cancer research by running.  She was a member of Team McGraw (the Tug McGraw Foundation) and even hosted her own fun run each year in Palatine, Illinois called Joggin' for the Noggin'.  She was named Saucony Woman of the Year, was in an Energizer Bunny Commercial and was featured on the Today's Show.  BUT, the most amazing thing about her...that I still can't get over is that she ran all but 2 marathons on some sort of chemotherapy.

Jenny passed away last fall.  I had the honor of attending her funeral.  She was an amazing lady.  Truly, an amazing lady.  Last summer I had promised her that I would run with her sometime in 2011.  I assumed that because she was so strong, that she would be around forever. I honestly thought she would out run brain cancer.  I know she believed that too.  Her enthusiasm and love for life was so contagious.  She inspired me and continues to inspire me.  But, I do kick myself that I promised to run with her this year and didn't just go run with her last year.

I know that this has nothing to do with nutrition or eating (directly), but my point and the reason that I have been thinking about Jenny and I have shared her story with you is that obviously, you only get one life.  If you want to start eating healthier, make the change.  If you want to start exercising, go out for a walk...today.  Just go outside or push start on your treadmill and start walking.  If you have been putting it off for weeks or months or years, choose to make that change.

I have put it off for 2 years (maybe more).  I wasn't unhealthy, as I was always working out, but I reminded myself daily that I needed to eat healthier, start taking vitamins, stop drinking so much Diet Coke.  Every day I thought about all of these things and every day I told myself I would start being healthier tomorrow or "on Monday".  I can't say that it has been easy to break my habits, but it does feel good to take control and do something good for myself.  But, one of my new year's resolutions was to stop getting ready to do stuff and follow through.

So, if you want to get truly inspired, go to Jenny's website at http://www.jogginforthenoggin.com/ and watch her interview on the Today's Show.  I promise that you will love her.  You can also find out more about the Tug McGraw Foundation and brain cancer research.  I know I didn't do Jenny justice with my story about her, but she is so worth sharing.  Especially if you are in need of a hero or inspiration.

Day 15 - Furniture Store Cookies

My children testing out recliners in the "Comfort Zone"

Why do they offer free cookies at furniture stores?  WHY?!!  And WHY do they ask that you keep the cookies in the cookie area?  What is the point?  Why do they want me in the cookie area instead of out on the sales floor looking at furniture?  The furniture store that we visited tonight is even shaped in a loop.  The ideal situation for everyone involved (if you are going to serve free cookies) would be to let your customers stock up on some cookies, send them out in one direction and then loop around for more cookies.  But no.  They ruin their best sales technique with the sign that says "please eat in cookie area".

SO, while my kids are eating the free cookies in the cookie area, I wait and watch them eat cookies when I could be out looking at furniture with potential to buy.  If they were smart, they would let us walk around and eat cookies and then have cleaning demonstrations on the spot for when my kids wipe chocolate on something nice.  Real live demos of stain guard would seal the deal.  Free cookies at furniture stores would make WAY more sense if they did something like that.

And, I don't think I have ever noticed before how many times my kids ask me to hold their cookies.  Yes, I was the Mom shouting "NO, I CAN'T HOLD YOUR COOKIE BECAUSE I WILL EAT IT".  At least 4 times one of my kids asked me to hold their cookie. I felt like I was being haunted by cookies.  At one point, my husband and I were walking and talking and out of nowhere he was eating a cookie (he didn't care about the cookie in the cookie area rule).  I stayed strong. 

I am on Day 14 of the Advocare 24 Day Challenge.  I feel really good.  I like the physical changes that I am witnessing.  My skin looks better than it has in a long time and my clothes are fitting differently (better).

During the first 10 days there was no mention of exercise (that I had noticed).  I have been walking or doing the Stairmaster anyway.  For days 11-24 of the 24 Day Challenge, I see that it recommends at least 30 minutes 5-6 days a week.  In addition to exercise, I am taking something called Catalyst which "has rapid toning effect and preserves lean muscle during times of weight loss and exercise".  Interesting.

So, I ate fresh all day.  It is recommended that I eat less than 30 carbs per meal or snack.  I am checking labels and looking at ingredients.  This is a positive thing.  I am becoming aware of labels again.  There are carbs in everything.  I went out for a run this morning.  I walked my daughter to school.  I am very aware of everything I am doing in order to stay on track for success.

Cookies at the furniture store!!!  They probably tasted like crap, but they sure looked and smelled yummy.  I didn't eat any, but man did it stir up some cravings.  I held tight until I got home and then I indulged in a sugar free hot chocolate.  It had 14 grams of carbs.  It was delicious.  I am pretty sure that it isn't recommended on the 24 Day Challenge, but it was much better option for me than a furniture store cookie.  Maybe that is part of this challenge....challenge myself to choose healthier. Who knows?  Plus, my pants fit better today and that trumps any cookie.

If you are interested in Advocare or information on health, nutrition and wellness, please visit and "Like" my friend and Nutrition Coach Liz Blom's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness.  Liz offers product information, health and wellness updates and has started posting healthy meal and recipe ideas.

Day 14 - Challenge Means Challenge

I remember when my son Daniel was 2. He loved the movie Toy Story. We watched it over and over and over again. He had a Buzz Lightyear doll and a Woody doll. Woody was his favorite. He carried the Woody doll everywhere. And, just like in the movie, we were constantly losing and looking for Woody's hat.

Every time we lost it, it made me think of the movie and how smart they were to actually make the hat a separate feature. I assume they made it that way so that when you were looking in toy boxes and under beds, it would make you feel just like in the movie.  And, it worked.  Every time we were looking for that hat, I thought about the scenes in the movie when they were on the hunt for Woody's hat and it always brought me back to the movie.

Today my daughter was home sick...again. This is the second time during this challenge. As I have mentioned in the past...sick days at our house equal comfort food. So much so that as soon as the Ibuprofen kicks in, we often make runs to the store for say, oh...I don't know, Doritos.  These same sick days on the 24 Day Challenge equal, well, a challenge.

So, just like Woody’s hat always brought me back to the movie, days like today bring me right back to the meaning of this program. This thing is called a challenge for a reason. For instance today, Day 14 of my Advocare 24 Day Challenge, I was challenged. When I recognize that I am being challenged, it reminds of the name and then I think how smart those Advocare folks were to name it that. Not all that creative, but a really great reminder of what I signed up for and brings me right on back to the program.

I can honestly say that I wanted to go off the deep end several times today. In fact, I found an old Fun Dip at the bottom of my purse and seriously considered it. And, there wasn't even a need to run to the store, as there are Doritos here...at my house. But, I thought about "the challenge" of it all. I only have 11 days to go. 24 days of healthy eating. Why give in now?  Why not just keep on challenging myself. So, I had a banana and some almond butter and it was pretty darn delicious.

So, I am choosing to stay challenged.  Some days are way easier than others.  Do I have it so bad?  No way.  And so, the challenge continues.

Side note...I did have a great salad today. It was so delicious! I chopped up spinach, chopped up a chicken breast, sliced almonds, cut up some cucumber, onions, cut up an apple and added Broccoli Coleslaw mix (sold at Super Target by the packaged lettuce) and then added Panera Asian Sesame dressing (only 4.5 grams of fat). It was SO good and crunchy.

And, speaking of nutritious and delicious food, my friend and Nutrition Coach Liz Blom has heard your feedback for healthy meal ideas and is going to start posting recipe and menu ideas on her Facebook page.  Make sure to visit and "Like" Liz's Facebook page, so that you can be notified when she posts new menu and meal ideas.  Today she posted information on the Ezekial Bread that I love so much.  In no time, you can build your own meal planner!  I intend to.  The more healthy options that I have to choose from, the easier this challenge gets.  Check it out... https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 13 - The Big Sale

Today we posted my double running stroller, our wicker furniture and tag-a-long bike on Craigslist. By far there are more people out in the world looking for running strollers than wicker furniture or tag-a-longs. I only asked $25 dollars for it. I guess I should have asked for more.

The lady who bought it drove an hour to pick it up. When she pulled up in her Alero and had her 3 year old and 6 month old sons in her car, my heart broke. She was basically (give or take a year) exactly where I was 7 years ago. She told me on the phone that she was so excited about my running stroller because she could get out running with her sons and finally lose that baby weight. Exactly why I bought the stroller in the first place.

It took everything in my power not to start crying and give her my life story when she pulled into my driveway. All of a sudden that beat up old running stroller was priceless and my buyer and I were soulmates. All of those summer days I spent with that stroller with my little children, out for a run or on some adventure.

We showed her the stroller, she gave us a smile and nod of approval. My husband showed her how to take the front wheel off, so that it could fit in her trunk. It fit perfectly and you could see how excited she was with her purchase. Well, since she was so excited and there was such emotion connected to the stroller, I raised the price by 20 bucks and because she had driven an entire hour to get there and the stroller was already in her trunk, I guess she felt like she had to give me the money. Just kidding. We told her she could just have the stroller for free since she drove so far to get it. Plus, it was worth $25 to know that 2 little boys were about to enjoy sunny summer mornings with their mama.

I am now on Day 13 of my Advocare 24 Day Challenge. I successfully completed the first part of the challenge, which consisted of a 10 day cleanse and I am working my way towards day 24.

I have to admit that during the 10 Day Cleanse I didn't stray from the rules. I avoided dairy, alcohol, soda, wheat, sugar, etc. I did have a cup of coffee on Day 2, but decided to avoid it the rest of the cleanse. With the help of the Coffecino, it really wasn't hard. I do think the reason for my success was that I was VERY ready to make a healthy change. I was done getting ready to make a change. I also went into it knowing that the hardest part would be the first 10 days and had it in my head that it it was only 10 days my life. Not much of a sacrifice.

With that being said and the 10 Day Cleanse being over, I can say that I am easing back into regular life. For success in the remaining 14 days, it says that I need to be 90% on. Now that I have gone through the 10 Day Cleanse, "10 percent" seems sort of like a little party. So, don't mind if I do.

What I have learned is that if I eat healthy (truly healthy...back to the basics healthy) and continue choosing healthy, I can indulge once in a while without the guilt and I will continue to see results and feel good. I had a Diet Coke today. Sadly, it wasn't that fantastic. I did drink the whole thing though. :}

I have heard feedback from people that have been following my journey and feel like they wouldn't be able to do it because they would cheat. My best advice would be to follow the 10 Day Cleanse as close to the rules as you can. It is only 10 Days. It will teach you how to truly eat healthy again. But, if feel like you have to have a Diet Coke, drink one. If you want some coffee...drink it. Just always keep in mind that it is only 10 days and just do the best you can. If you are like me, what you do will be doing is better than what you were doing. I definately couldn't have eaten a handful of jelly beans or a few Doritos. I can't stop at just a handful or a few when it comes to that, so I just avoided those heavenly items.

Something that I have been doing differently, which has helped is eating when I am hungry. Granted, I am eating bananas and apples and Almond Butter and Rice Cakes, but I am eating on a schedule. This has helped so that I don't binge later in the day. I am also paying attention to serving sizes and logging what I am eating, because even though it is healthy doesn't mean I can eat the entire package.

The 10 Day Cleanse was pretty strict, but it taught me something. It taught me how to eat right again. It taught me to cut out crap that I was easily turning to and replace with fresh and healthy alternatives. The strict rules of the cleanse is making the remaining 14 days of this 24 Day Challenge (and hopefully regular life) so much easier. 90% of the time choose healthy.

Before I started this I can honestly say that I was choosing healthy 50% of the time, exercising and then eating what I wanted to because I felt like I was eating healthy and exercising. I know now that I was fooling myself.

Along with this 24 Day Challenge comes vitamins and supplements, but also a better understanding of how I might be able to balance my life so that I am truly eating right. Just like I used to balance my life when my children were little and made it a point to get out and go for a run with that stroller, I will continue to make it a point to balance with the nutrition piece as well.

For more information on Advocare or my friend and Nutrition Coach Liz Blom, please visit and "Like" her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness

Day 12- Eating Healthy on the Road

A few days ago I found out that one my best friend's brothers had passed away. I knew immediately that we would be traveling to Des Moines for the funeral.

Traveling for us is often times an excuse to indulge in fast food and tasty snacks and for me especially, Diet Coke. I was a little concerned that convenience would win over healthy options. Not as concerned as to who would be packing our house up for our move in 2 weeks, but still...it was a concern. I didn't want to throw all of my hard work out the window.

The night before we left we got everything packed up and planned for a 5am departure. It was then that I thought about how I have been successful so far in this challenge. The key for me has been being prepared and planning ahead. So, I packed healthy snacks for us. Instead of having a Diet Coke, I drank Spark. It was actually very refreshing first thing in the morning. The night before, I toasted some Ezekial raisin bread and put some almond butter and sliced apples on it and stuck it in the fridge. By morning, the apples had absorbed the almond butter. It was SO delicious! I packed plenty of fruit.

It was wonderful seeing our friends, even under such sad circumstances. We celebrated the life of Mike Quijano.

With the next stage of the Advocare 24 Day Challenge, I am taking vitamins throughout the day. I am also taking something called Catalyst, which supports muscle tone and enhances strength and energy. Bring it! My biggest hope is to lean out and tone up...and of course train myself to choose healthy over unhealthy.

Surprisingly enough, these healthy options are everywhere, I think I just choose not to see them (at least I used to not see them). For example, at the breakfast buffet today I first saw the oatmeal, fruit and eggs when before I probably would have focused in on the friendly waffle guy (truly, a really nice guy) and the hasbrowns and would decide it was ok to splurge because I was traveling. But, to be honest I have chose to splurge because of this or that for over 2 years for one reason or another. My favorite thing to comfort myself with would be that I will "start eating healthy on Monday". Far too many Mondays than I can even count. I have grabbed a bag of some sort of candy at Super Target with every intention of it being the last bag of candy that I will buy...always thinking this is the LAST one!

So far, 12 days into this thing, this is what is happening. I feel REALLY good. I don't feel cheated. In fact, I feel lucky that I FINALLY broke the streak of starting to start. As much as I loved to think I would "start on Monday", I hated secretly knowing I had no intention. Now, I no longer have to get started. I HAVE started and I am not dieting. I have made a lifestyle change that feels really good.

Will I ever eat crap again? Will I ever have drinks with friends again? You better believe it. BUT, from now on I will be choosing healthy 95% of the time and when I do choose to indulge, it won't matter because it won't be a downward spiral of bad eating behavior with the intent of starting a diet on Monday.

So, all of this healthy eating and drinking (water, Spark and a new DELICIOUS meal replacement shake) inspired the "I Have to Pee" musical on our way home from Des Moines today. It was set to the tune of Billy Joel's song My Life. In fact, listening to my husband sing at the top of his lungs "I don't care anymore if you have to pee" and other similar lyrics, almost did me in. As we pulled into the Clear Lake truck stop, I let everyone know that I had to take a moment off from being motherly and it was every man for himself.

So, it is back to reality now and for once we don't have to empty the fast food wrappers out of the car. Banana peels maybe, but no fast food.

Oh yeah, as I side note since I will going out for a walk later today, I think that squirrels are far more socially acceptable than they should be. Enjoy the nice weather.

Fore more information on Advocare or my friend and Nutrition Coach Liz Blom, please visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lizblom.nutritionandwellness