Weight Loss Journey

I haven't really written about my weight loss much on here lately.
To be honest, it was because I was lacking motivation.
I was in a workout rut, wasn't eating healthy, and wasn't losing weight.
Several weeks ago {about the time I met the boy} I started making some progress, imagine that. ;)
Then, 3 1/2 weeks ago, my trainer told me that if I weighed a certain amount by my next weigh-in, she would give me 4 free sessions!!
I was beyond stoked.
Around the time she told me this I had already been losing some weight and really felt like I could hit that goal.
Reaching this weight meant I'd have to lose 13 pounds from my previous weigh-in.
Well, as of Tuesday, I weighed in and lost 14 pounds in 3 1/2 weeks!!
I will be honest, it hasn't been that hard.
A couple summers ago, you may remember that I had lost 30 pounds, but gained it all back, plus 10 additional pounds.
At this point I have lost 24 pounds and am looking forward to hitting that 30 pound mark again.
My overall goal is 70 pounds in 1 year.
That might seem excessive and I promise I have no intentions of being little miss skinny minnie, but the number I was left with after subtracting 70 pounds is a healthy weight for my height/age.
Of course, I will reevaluate this number as I get closer and see where I feel my healthiest.
So, you may be wondering how I achieved this 14 pound weight loss in under 1 month?
Honestly, the answer is simple: healthy diet and exercise...duh.
While I did eat a lot of salads and chicken, I haven't felt deprived at all.
I have had a few pieces of very dark chocolate {we're talking 90% so you only want 1 square because it gives you a chocolate fix, but is too bitter to eat the whole thing} here and there, but for the most part haven't touched sugar in weeks.
And I feel great!
If I know I'm going to eat out at night, I will eat very clean for the rest of the day and let loose a little bit for dinner.
A normal day of eating looks something like this:

Breakfast: 3 scrambled eggs with a large handful of sauteed spinach.

Lunch: Salad with chicken and loaded with veggies.

Dinner: Usually some chicken or other protein with a salad, maybe some brown rice or a sweet potato on the side.

Snacks: I try to eat a snack in between the meals, but between lunch and dinner I usually don't get to if I'm at work. When I do eat snacks it's something like vanilla greek yogurt with berries, veggies and hummus, a protein shake, almonds...ya know, the "normal" healthy snacks.

I'm not a nutritionist by any means, but I know what works for me and what I like.
I try to hit around 1500 calories a day, I definitely don't think it's healthy to eat 1200 and work off 500 calories a day...I'm not trying to starve myself.
Healthy, strong, and lean/toned is my goal.
The great thing about weight loss is when you start seeing results and then other people notice too.
It really motivates you to keep going and you don't even miss the delicious food you used to pig out on.
I just spend a while on Pinterest looking at cupcakes to fulfill my need for junk food! haha
Anyways, I'm not trying to brag here...

I just like reading weight loss blogs and posts so I  thought it might be motivating for someone else!
I hope it was!
And then last night I went on date number 2 with that boy, but I'll save that for another post. ;)

Happy Wednesday, friends!
XO Linds

Clean Eating Week 2

Well, it's been 2 weeks since Lent started which means 2 weeks of clean eating!
It's been going pretty well, but one thing I've noticed is that I'm barely reaching for vegetables.
If veggies are already mixed into a meal like this clean chicken fried rice recipe, I'll eat it, but I have been choosing a lot of fruits over veggies lately.
I know fruits are healthy too, but they contain a lot of sugar so choosing vegetables more consistently would be healthier.
Either way, not having processed foods, sugars, and white flour/breads has helped tremendously.
I've lost 5 pounds and a few inches as well!
So, I'm feeling great!
My goal for the next 4 weeks is to work out at least 4 days a week again, drink more water, and eat more vegetables.
Other than that, I've just been training for my new job at Sephora!
It's a lot to take in and I'm feeling a tad bit overwhelmed, but it's been fun so far.
I'll post more about that later.
For now, I'm off to bed!

XOXO

Let's Get Our Lent On

You may remember last year I gave up meat for Lent.
It was also when I started CrossFit.
Man, I miss it so much!
I'm hoping that once I hit my goal weight, I will join CrossFit again.
Two years ago, I gave up sweets.
By far, giving up meat was 100% easier than giving up sweets, mostly because I worked for a bakery at the time and dessert is my weakness.
Well, this year, my crazy mother and I decided to eat clean for Lent.
6 whole weeks of no overly processed foods, no refined sugar, no fried foods, basically anything with a list of ingredients on the box.
It will suck.

tumblr

In preparation for the next 40 days of no junk, I did just the opposite last night.
I wanted to have "a last meal", if you will.
A hamburger seemed just right, but by the time I went out to order one, I was starving.
So, I did what many people do on a daily basis and I drove through McDonalds.
What a mistake.
I was up really late with an upset stomach, a headache, and bloating.
This is the type of feeling I'm hoping to avoid by eating real, whole, healthy foods.
My mom and I can put away some food, but for whatever reason, we can always stick with Lent.
Probably because there is a timeline and accountability.
For several months I've been trying to eat cleaner, but I could never stick with it.
My workouts are intense and long and I need way more calories than I'm getting and much cleaner fuel than what I'm putting into my body.
It's really frustrating to be working out like crazy and barely lose any weight, but obviously it's more important about what I eat than how much I work out.
All that to say, I'm really excited to see the results after it's over.
I'm hoping to continue with the clean eating lifestyle, but let's be honest, I'll definitely need a cupcake and a glass of wine after Lent is over.

Are you giving up anything for Lent?

Have you tried a clean eating lifestyle before?

I'll keep you updated!

XOXO

Starting the New Year Right

Even though I technically didn't write a list of New Years resolutions, I did decide to detoxify this first week of 2014 and eat healthier as a lifestyle.
I know, I know, it almost sounds like a resolution...
I've been following the Tone It Up 7 day slim down plan.

^^Blackened Alaskan halibut salad with apples, broccoli, and cherry zinfandel balsamic^^

Honestly, I like the general guideline of the plan; Eat 5 clean, small meals every 2-3 hours.
The plan keeps me on track because I have something to follow; However, it definitely is not enough calories for me, or almost anyone in my opinion.
The first day, I started getting really hungry around 4pm so I went home and had meal 4 and meal 5 shortly after.
By this time, my head was pounding, my stomach was rumbling, and I was HANGRY!
If you don't know what hangry is...you've probably never been on a diet.
I added up the calories at the end of the day and it was only 1,150 calories {I even added brown rice to meal 5 to get more calories!}
I'm sorry, but 1,000 calories is simply not enough.
I work out hard at least 4 days a week, including cardio and weight training circuits.
I literally leave the gym soaked because I'm working out so hard.
I can't be eating 1,000 calories and then burning off half of that at the gym.

It makes me sad that a lot of girls think they have to eat a very restrictive caloric diet in order to lose weight.
In my experience, all that does is make me hungry, upset, and I quit the diet in 2 days...or less.
I'm not saying this to offend anyone and I don't claim to be an expert.
I just know what works for me.
You know your body better than anyone else.
If you can eat a very low amount of calories and feel healthy, awesome!
I'm willing to guess that's not the case for most women, though.
What I'm really trying to get at is, yes, I want to be in better shape and look my best, but I want to live a healthy, balanced life and feel positive about myself.
That's what 2014 is all about for me.
Becoming the best version of myself.

Pinterest

That's all we can really do, right?

XOXO

Goodbye June

Wow...

The year is half way over.



So much has happened, and yet, I'm still in the exact same place I was six months ago.

Here's a quick summary of my life as of late.

- The reason I haven't been blogging is because I don't have internet/cable at my new apartment.

It's kind of sad, but I'm doing ok without it.

I try to stay busy with friends, going to the pool, working out, etc...

I PROMISE I will get some apartment pics up soon!

It's cute space, I just need to finish decorating it.

- I finally went to the doctor after several months of "shin splint" pain.

We realized it is not shin splints at all.

In fact,  it is most likely Exertional Compartment Syndrome.

This means I am not able to run anymore.

So, my goal of running a half marathon is pretty much kaput.

My Physical Therapist thinks I just need to continue to stretch and do exercises, but the facia around my muscles don't expand, causing horrible pain.

*Good News* I have been doing CrossFit and it doesn't cause pain {minus the part where I've had trouble walking since we did the 100 unbroken Thrusters on Thursday...}

- One of my good friends is participating in a fitness competition this fall.

All of her hard work is motivating me.

I most certainly do not want to do a comp anytime soon {or at all, most likely} but it's fun to have someone to talk with about goals, health, and working out.

Umm...nothing too exciting, I guess.

Haha!

Well, I'll just throw in some delicious food pictures for good measure...

I went out to dinner last night for Restaurant Week.

Locally owned restaurants feature an appetizer, entre, and dessert for either $15 or $25.

This was the delicious app: Reuben Eggroll...soooo good!

I forgot to take a pic of the fish tacos...but they were so yummy!

The dessert: Bread Pudding with enough rum sauce to make me feel like I was in the Carribean ;)Well, that's my life, I guess.

Fun times indeed.

Speaking of fun...I'm off to work...on a Saturday.

Joy.

I will be catching up on your blogs soon!

:)

XOXO

Remember When...And a Very Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Hola amigos!

I hope your Sunday is treating you well.

I plan on stuffing my face with Mexican and Margs later tonight.

So, I would say my Sunday will be grand.

Speaking of stuffing my face...

You may remember last year how I was always talking about my weight loss and workouts and healthy eating habits.

Well, lately this has not been so.

It's almost embarrassing that I lost 30 pounds in 9 months and then gained back almost every.single.pound.

Who does that?!

This girl, apparently.

In an attempt to get back my motivation, I am going to blog more about my goals, struggles, and {hopefully} weight loss, again!

Don't worry, I won't post every picture of every meal I eat.

I'm not turning my blog into a weight loss blog; however, this is a blog about my life.

And losing weight is a huge goal of mine.

I hope this can serve as a motivator for others who read my blog and also be a place where people can share with me their stories and struggles.

I plan on sharing my story soon.

It's very hard to open up about it on the internet where anyone can see it...

But maybe it will serve as some great motivation to stick to my goals!

I hope you're all excited to hear my story and share your stories and get our booties in shape for LIFE!

Love you all!

XOXO

CrossFit Day 1

I made it through my first CrossFit class!

Only mildly sore {so far}, but with blistered hands from doing bar hangs.

One of the coaches said to me, "Squeeze your glutes...soon you'll be able to bounce a quarter off that butt!"

Haha!

I think I'm going to like this class.

Eating healthy consistently has always been a struggle for me.

I recently came across this blog called Eighty Twenty.

It's awesome!

The author has recipes on there for healthy foods and also some foods that aren't so healthy.

It's all about moderation.

I'm so excited to try these recipes and get my eating back on track.

Via

I even bought tofu tonight...I'm a little bit nervous about that one.

I'm going to spend the rest of the night obsessing over CrossFit pictures and videos.

I've heard it's quite the cult, and I'm drinking the koolaid!

;)

Have a great weekend!

XOXO

I LOVE Love

The only reason I like Valentines Day is because it mixes my two favorite colors {PINK & RED} and inevitably I eat way too many sweets.

Besides that, I'm somewhat indifferent.

This year, I decided the best Vday gift I could get myself is to get in shape!

Technically, my dad is giving me the gift, but still...haha

I just signed up for CrossFit!

I am excited, nervous, motivated, nervous, insane, and did I mention I was nervous?!

I've been obsessively looking at pics from Pinterest.

Here are some of my faves and hopefully what I will be able to reach if I work hard:

Seriously, those legs!

Haha Oh Ryan...I haven't even started yet, but thanks baby!

But for reals, can I look like that?

I have no clue...all I can do is try!

I want to heard your CrossFit stories.

Wish me luck.

Happy Valentines, loves!

XOXO

Motivation

Does anyone else find it hard to work full time, take graduate level classes, exercise, go to Bible study, cook, and still find time to blog?!

Or is it just me?

Cause I'll be honest, what's really taken a backseat is exercise and making healthy meals.

All the progress I've made over the past year I feel is gone.

It's a really frustrating time.

I've slacked off and gotten lazy.

I used to go the gym at least 4 times a week, plus play beach volleyball a few times a week.

I ate pretty healthy but didn't deprive myself.

Mostly, I'm just disappointed that I let myself gain back most of the weight.

I guess I wrote this because I'm looking for some motivation.

I've been reading a lot of health blogs lately, which helps, but I'm still having a hard time sticking with a regiment that works for me.

Anyways...I'm mostly just procrastinating from a paper right now...I should go get back to that.

Happy Sunday!

XOXO

Hodge-Podge

After not writing for a few weeks, I decided to write about all the randomness that has been going on in my life.

5 am has become my new wake up call time.

My new friend from work, Varity, and I have been going to the Y at 5:30.

The whole of this for me was to get in a second workout of the day.

For the most part, I have been working out two times a day now.

This has really helped in the weight loss department.

Another thing that has really been a huge change is giving up sugar and alcohol for 30 days.

Sometimes I wonder why I do these things to myself and then I remember that I've lost 5 pounds in 1 week and it's all worth it!

I got some sweet new running kicks the other day as a reward...

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12

I'm slightly upset that I didn't know the shoe came in pink online.

But I like the look of the blue shoe with pink laces.

The laces were free, by the way, because I told the guy I really wanted pink shoes and he felt bad so he gave me free pink laces!

What a gem!

Jason, Keoni, and I

The boys crashed our girls night on Friday.

We didn't really mind.

;)

Tomorrow I'm getting my hair done.

And in typical Lindsey fashion, I have no clue what I'm doing.

The above picture makes me want to keep my blonde locks, but it's Fall now and I'm thinking going darker would be nice for a change.

This is what I've come up with...

Decisions decisions...

Moving on.

Color Club Insta-This

I got SO many compliments on this color!

I love that it's bright and fun and something different for Fall.

That's about all the updating I can think of right now.

I promise to get back into this whole blogging thing.

I just needed a little break, but I miss you too much to stay away for long!

Happy Monday!

XOXO

Some Call Me Insane

Hello lovies!

Where to start...

Well, how about with the biggest news from the past few weeks.

I started doing Insanity two weeks ago.

The workouts are tough.

I don't love cardio circuits and that is basically all insanity is; however, it is the best workout for weight loss, which was why I started it in the first place.

I did the first week and then my friend Megan asked me to restart it so she could join.

Saturday I completed the first week {again...so I've done 2 weeks} and today I officially started week 2.

I honestly really like it a lot.

I sort of expected the videos to be harder than they are, but I think I was just psyching myself up.

Plus, I had been working out regularly before.

I do not suggest going from nothing to Insanity.

That is just...insane.

;)

But for reals, it's a great workout.

My legs have always been the smallest part of me and they are super toned.

I kind of don't like how big my calves are, but I can't complain that I have strong, defined legs.

My arms, shoulders, and back are also getting smaller.

I actually see definition in my arms and my back {especially my lower back} is toning up.

The ONE spot I'm having trouble with is my stomach.

This has always been my issue.

I can't complain too much because I haven't given up alcohol or the occasional midnight piece of pizza {or 2 maybe}.

But yesterday something miraculous happened.

I was at Kohl's shopping when all of a sudden I found a pair of Vera Wang skinny jeans I just had to have.

I had been looking for cute, comfy black skinnies for quite some time and I got just a tad excited.

I picked up a size 10 {my normal size} thinking they might be snug because skinny jeans sometimes run small.

I was super surprised to see that they were loose!

I went out to get an 8.

I have never bought a size 8...ever!

Even in high school I was a 10/12.

I freaked when I realized they were too loose also!

I almost cried when I slipped on size 6 skinny jeans.

Ok, so granted, they were a bit stretchy, but I could just imagine how one day all my clothes will fit better because I'll be in great shape and I won't only look great, I'll feel great.

I've lost 30 pounds total, with roughly 30 more to go.

I've been getting a little bit frustrated that the scale hasn't budged in a week or so.

Getting over those little hurdles can be difficult.

But I've done it before, I can do it again!

Plus, I have little rewards for myself.

After I lose 15 pounds I'm going to buy this baby...

Kate Spade

I'm obsessed with this watch!

It's so gorgeous.

Well, I need to go to bed before it gets super late and I get hungry and start snacking like a ravenous raccoon...ridiculousness!

If you have any tips for getting over the half way slump mark, let me know!

Happy Monday, friends!

XOXO

Juicing

Why did I ever wait so long to get a juicer?!

I am seriously in love!

Last night, I bought a juicer for one reason...

I had already bought all the ingredients to do a juice cleanse and when I got home I realized my roommates smoothie maker was not going to cut it.

So, I begrudgingly spent the money on a decent enough juicer.

After I used it for a minute, I was having so much fun!

Even though this juice cleanse isn't much fun, I plan on juicing much better recipes when it's over.

I've heard carrot, strawberry, and orange is quite the combo.

So, let me know if you have any fave juice recipes.

Because I knew this juice cleanse was coming, I went a little crazy last night.

I had kettle corn and Dr. Pepper and a couple chocolate chips!

I know...nuts!

But I seriously haven't had "junk" food like that in a while.

Sure, a couple crackers here, a slice of pizza there {even though I usually do stay away from dairy}...

But actually sitting down in my living room stuffing my face...that hasn't happened for a while.

And certainly no soda!

And honestly, it wasn't worth it.

My morning run sucked today.

I felt sluggish and weighed down.

I can't believe that used to be my life.

Overeating junk food.

But that was such a comfort to me and to so many girls I know.

Now, what comforts me is knowing I'm treating my body right.

Putting healthy foods into my body, working out with friends, and taking control of my life.

I have lost a total of 27 pounds {maybe 25 after last night ;)} with hopefully about 33 to go!

If you have struggled with your weight for a while {about 10 years for me!} I really encourage you to take control.

It is hard at first.

The first 5 pounds kind of just came right off, but the next 5 were HARD to get rid of!

It's not easy, but it's all about baby steps.

This has been about an 8 month process, with a couple months in there where I didn't try very hard.

I really regret that.

I think of where I could be if I stuck with it hard for the past 8 months.

But life isn't about the past and regrets.

It's about learning from mistakes and moving forward stronger than you were before!

Confidence is something I still struggle with.

I think that's a product of years of not feeling good enough.

But I remind myself every day that I am transforming not only my body, but my mind.

I'm retraining my way of thinking about food, self-discipline, and life itself.

It's an empowering feeling.

And that does make me confident!

I hope you are striving to be the best person you can be, as well!

...

Time for another 8 oz of nastiness delicious juice!

;)

XOXO

Take It Off...

Well, I hope you all had an amazing 4th of July!

Mine was great.

Cookout and fireworks {along with the rest of America}.

It was fun to have the day off from work and hang out with friends.

I love holidays.

LOVE!

Anyways, the title of this post is directed towards losing weight...not stripping, like some of you may have thought.

Tisk Tisk.

I know I mentioned a while back on here that I had been losing some weight thanks to spin class and expressed my desire to lose more; however, I felt like I never really followed up on that.

I had been roughly the same weight for many months and I was getting so frustrated that I would spend a good amount of time at the gym, but not see the results I wanted.

I look back now and see the error of my ways.

It wasn't that I wasn't working out enough, it was that I was putting horrible foods into my body.

I'll start at the beginning...

Back in November, I started spin class and got pretty serious about it.

I went 2 or 3 times a week and lost a few pounds quickly.

This makes every girl excited so I stuck with it.

Even over Christmas I was at the gym everyday with my sister in law.

A few months ago I got frustrated again when my weight plateaued.

I kept thinking I have plenty of weight to lose...so why aren't I?!

Then I seriously looked at what I was putting into my body.

At the time, I was still working at the deli/bakery.

I truly loved working there, but being surrounded by cookies, cupcakes and brownies all day was a problem.

It wasn't that I would eat a ton of junk every day, but I was consistently putting these high sugar foods into my system and usually eating a fattening sandwich along with it.

Around the time I started my new job, the weight came off a little faster.

It would seem opposite because at my old job I was on my feet all day and now I'm sitting at my desk all day.

Here is a picture of me last December:

And here is a picture from last week:

Yes, I know I look way better with a tan...don't we all.

My face is noticeably much slimmer...and I love it!

I can tell all over, but mostly in my arms, legs, and face...still waiting for that stubborn stomach pudge to budge!

Haha!

But, I have lost a grand total of...23 POUNDS!

My original goal was to lose 60 pounds total.

That's 37 more to go.

But 37 sounds a lot less than 60 so that's very encouraging!

It's been a total transformation in what I eat and how I work out.

The most obvious reason to me is that I no longer have junk food readily available.

I actually eat breakfast now instead of eating a muffin when I get to work.

Some of the things I normally eat for breakfast are oatmeal, eggs, and grapefruit.

I love that it looks like a monster!

Coffee is a MUST in the mornings.

Most days I drink it black, but usually on Fridays I treat myself to a Grande Soy Cinnamon Dulce Latte Extra Hot No Whip from Starbucks...and yes, everyone stares at me funny when the barista shouts out my order.

I started packing a lunch everyday also.

Usually I take a turkey, avocado, veggie whole wheat wrap or tuna, sometimes a salad.

Around 10:30am and 3pm my stomach is always growling so I bring some snacks.

Lately I've been munching on walnuts.

I know a lot of people can't imagine not eating their chips, candy or having a soda at work, but honestly my body doesn't even crave those things anymore.

I've never had so much self control in my life.

Do I still love chocolate?

YES!

Do I wish I could eat brownies every day and lose weight?

Duh...

But that's not me and that's not my body.

Normally I'll go to the gym a few times a week for a spin class, yoga class, or boot camp.

The other nights I normally go for a jog or walk with my neighbor/walking buddy.

I think the next step is to try waking up early and getting my workouts in at the start of my day.

There's too many times when I intend to work out, but other things comes up.

If I wake up at 5am {Lord have mercy} my workout would be done and over with.

I'd also probably be in bed by 8 that night.

Well, I just thought I would share with y'all where I was at and hopefully that encouraged some of you!

After years of saying how much I wanted to lose weight, I'm actually doing it.

And, surprise, it's not really that hard to say no when all my friends want to go out to eat.

I've actually started cooking!

Now, that is just crazy talk.

I don't really feel sorry for people who say they want to lose weight, but then do nothing about it.

I was there for years.

It's the small steps that matter.

Don't worry about losing 10 pounds in 1 week.

If that's your goal, you may as well quit now {but please don't}.

Just adjust your goals so they are more practical.

My goal for this next week is to lift weights 3 days.

I hardly ever lift weights, but they are so great for burning fat.

What is your goal going to be?

It can be as simple as drinking 64oz of water or going on a walk every night.

You don't have to radically change everything about your life overnight.

That's a recipe for disaster.

I know this post is long and some of you probably didn't even make it this far...at least I know my momma reads it all!

Right mom...?

I find it encouraging to hear other peoples stories so let me know if you're on a weight loss journey or need some extra motivation!

My door email is always open.

;)

XOXO

This Just Happened

So, I was meeting my friend, Shawn, at the gym tonight.

Right before she got there she texted me...

Shawn: "I'm on my way.  I just had to finish my donut."

My response?

Lindsey: "Ok no problem.  I brought chocolate chips to eat while I run..."

Some people would be disgusted with us, but I think we're smart!  Eat the junk food before or during our run.  Then at least we burn it off...right?

I bet Marisa Miller eats candy when she runs too!

Marisa Miller in Shape Magazine February 2011

Marisa Miller Shape Magazine February 2011

She's pretty much my idol!

I took a picture of her to my hair dresser and got that color...obsessed much?

She's just so gorgeous and fit!

I love that she's not grossly skinny.

I bet if I was a Victoria's Secret model and got paid a kabajillion dollars I could look like that too...