The Trials And Tribulations Of Working Out

Working out is not my favorite thing. I would place it on the same level as being in labor. Some people seem to crave it, they wake bright and early to hit the pavement.
For me my motivation comes from those moments when I realize what exactly the exercise has done for me and how much more it could do in the future.

A few years ago I struggled with feeling depressed, now I don't-  

WIN WIN exercise! 

 I used to hurt everywhere, my knees, my arms and back hurt all the time. Guess how much I hurt now? Well, when I exercise I do but, you know... not a bit. 

I used to drink coffee like it was going out of style. 

How much do I drink now? ZERO and I have way more energy to boot. 

Now that I am really focused on not skipping work outs and giving it my all I really see how far I have come. Even at my plus size, I can plank for a minute, do push ups, burpees and squats like there's no tomorrow.
I can feel the results. I feel strong and I feel accomplished
I think my favorite thing, is the stamina I have. Life is not so overwhelming because I have energy to spare.  That is what keeps me going, the promise of the results in the future.
I am also gentle with myself. Pick a workout that you find appealing or enjoy to a degree. Maybe you are not up to doing 60 minutes or even 30. Do what you can and you are still lapping the folks on the couch.

Today, in honor of working out I am sharing a super-honest-real-not pretty workout photo that my sweet 6 year old took of me. This is what I do every morning in my pretty blue school room.

These weights have become my old friends this last year.

I keep this blog to keep myself motivated and focused on future goals. I hope to inspire others as well. It doesn't matter how large you've become YOU CAN change yourself! You can change all those bad habits that surround you daily. Make that choice. The results are incredible.

Right now I am on day 4 of a mini challenge I put together for myself.
It is 7 days of
No Sugar
No Carbs
2 servings of dairy a day, and of course working out.

With the working out it has been a bit more difficult to want to with this chilly weather. I'd kind of rather be cocooned in my bed with kiddos instead of doing burpees.
Although, I have to say it makes me feel so strong as I finish and my  body  just feels happier.
I'd read a study recently that mentioned that working out can be just as effective as an anti-depressant. God created our bodies to be active and to move.
Temptation is always a struggle for me. How is temptation for you gals? What are your methods and mindsets when it comes to this? I've been asking the Lord for strength and self control in all my choices. It seems that if I just reach and taste one I go back again and again.  For me it is simply easier to abstain all-together.
Things have been going alright in this area except for a visit to Trader Joes, where they had the most amazing looking truffles. I just shut my eyes and mentally held my hand up to say no.
Victory!

I've really been focused on good, delish and nutrient rich foods. Of course, I am going to share some photos on here of what I ate yesterday!

Here we go......

My breakfast was one egg, fried, 4 slices of nitrate free bacon, 

broccoli and mushrooms all sauteed together! 

Delish!

Then came lunch, shrimp squash and broccoli all cooked together with herbs and garlic. 

This was so yummy and satisfying. 

This photo is not the best quality but, the food was good.

The 3pm snack was red peppers, 

3 tablespoons of chive/cilantro yoghurt dip and 4 slices of nitrate free lunch meat. 

 Dinner was balsamic marinated chicken, mushrooms and squash saute 

topped with pieces of nitrate free bacon.

All that tasty food kept me very satisfied yesterday and I woke up a pound lighter today!


On my way out the blogging door this morning, I'll share a photo update of me. I can fit in a size 20 now! Which to me is a huge deal. I have not worn a 20 in a long time!