28 days later!

I MADE IT THROUGH ONE MONTH!  HINDSIGHT IS 20/20 RIGHT?  I'm going to go in depth about feelings and obstacles I faced, the accomplishments I made, and the miles I still have to travel ahead of me.  Good news or bad news first?

GOOD NEWS!

• I DROPPED 10.4 LBS IN ONE MONTH!
• I MELTED AWAY 11.5" IN ONE MONTH!
• I FEEL BETTER ABOUT MY BODY
• I'M GOING TO CONTINUE THIS JOURNEY TO SEE WHAT MORE I CAN ACCOMPLISH!

BAD NEWS :(

• I CHEATED WAY MORE TIMES THAN I WAS ALLOWED TO CHEAT!
• I DIDN'T GO TO THE GYM AS MANY TIMES AS I WAS SUPPOSED TO
• I SHOULDVE BLOGGED MORE ABOUT WHAT WAS REALLY GOING ON AND HOW HARD IT REALLY WAS

First, compared to one month ago, I feel like a new person, IN ONE MONTH!  Second, compared to how I want to feel/look, I still have a decent road ahead of me.  I don't even know where to start.  I never knew that I could lose 11.5" in a month! That is tremendous and its almost a whole foot off of my body!  I am really glad that I did measurements along with weighing myself because there's a lot more confidence in numbers! 

A few obstacles that defeated me were:

• Family gatherings-  Easter really put a hurting on me.  I had already had my cheat meal that week, and was running so late to Easter dinner that I hadn't prepped any meals for that day.  It was so hard for me to watch my family eat all this delicious food, while I sat at the table with them.  I caved in and ate a full plate of Easter dinner, and went to a second dinner later and had another small plate.
• I DID FIND THAT EVERY TIME I CHEATED EVEN THE SLIGHTEST BIT, I FELT MISERABLY SICK AND PAINFULLY FULL.
• Another big obstacle that was hard for me was an every day obstacle.  My boyfriend decided he didn't want to get on my clean eating bandwagon.  We were together for at least one meal a day all month long and he would have pizza and hot-pockets and chips and crackers and cookies and sodas and anything else his little heart desired.  I never ate anything with him while he ate at home, except one time I had a frozen yogurt with him, and another time had one bite of his pizza. 
• There were a COUPLE times when my will power crumbled (or influenced by my period, whatever)  and we went out to eat 2-3 times on top of cheating.  This all happened in the last two weeks of the month.  I also heard that a lot of people that try clean eating go into binge mode in week three.

I feel as though I lost track of my goal, and need to re-up on my will power and get everything back in focus for another month.  Looking back I feel a lot of guilt for the cheating that I did, and the exercising that I didn't do, only because I know how much further I could be right now.  (everyone's going to say, don't be so hard on yourself, save it, I know I did well)  I got results that I wanted, but now I know if I work a little harder and stay a little more dedicated, I can achieve even more than I had anticipated!

In case anyone is wondering, I have had family members and coworkers and customers tell me that I look great, and so much thinner and my parents, more than anyone, couldn't believe how great I looked.  They say that I haven't looked this good in a long time and they are so proud of me!  My boyfriend is probably the only one who may say that this has gone to my head a little because I walk around looking at my stomach all the time, just hoping that it looks a little smaller every half hour. 

I am very excited to see where I will be in another month.  By month end, it will officially be bikini season!!!  I've already been getting back into the gym, however, I am on the look out for a lifting partner!  Also, my next step is to contact Justin Pryor, who made my meal plan and tell him my likes and dislikes and my accomplishments, and maybe get some encouragement. 


Until next time, do some research on clean eating.  Start substituting some healthy options.  The weather is warming and there will be fresh local produce at every corner soon!  Give me some feedback! I'm sorry I was MIA, but I'm back on track!

cheat breakfast=cheat day a review of bad decisions

Man on man, the struggle is REALLY REAL!  I weigh in every Monday and have decided that Mondays will also be when I eat my cheat meal.  As you may know, my first cheat meal wasn't exactly exciting, and actually on the healthier side.  I had a wrap and a salad and a cupcake (basically).  I have been craving breakfast foods because currently my meal plan doesn't include eggs, or turkey bacon, or pancakes (of course).  So I went to Dennys for my cheat meal and I had coffee, pancake puppies, half of a grand slamwhich, and a few red skinned potatoes.  I was stuffed and wanted to explode.  Not so lucky for me, I had to work later that evening (as a bartender).  I forgot my prepped meal at home on the counter when I left for work (first mistake). A customer, who is also a chef, brought me a Cuban sub (second mistake).  Work was slammed, so even if I had brought my meal, I wouldn't have been able to eat it.  I could've ordered a chicken breast and some veggies from the kitchen, but by the time the bar slowed down, our kitchen was closed.  I was starving by the time 10 o'clock came around, so I decided to see what this sub was all about (third mistake).  I did do well, however, and ate the inside of the sub and left the roll.  It was pulled pork and peppers and onions and some type of sauce.  I also had about 5 ounces of coke with my sub.  :-O!! I know, super fatty! I felt really guilty AND the food made me physically miserable! :( So I know I will not do that again! God blesses me with the ill feelings so I know better than to do it again! Brandy gave me some advice to follow.  She told me that as soon as my cheat meal is over, I should move on to the next one and not look back.  She also said, don't eat at home and if I eat out to not bring the leftovers home.  I think I have decided to save my cheat meal for the last meal of the night so I go to sleep and start right in the morning. 

Another let down I gave myself last week (week two) was that I didn't go to the gym at ALL!  Now I'm really a horrible person!  Well I went today and did 45 minutes of cardio and my goal is to go four days per week along with the meal plan.  Ultimately I would like to go 5-6 days per week, but as long as I go more days than I stay at home, I wont feel guilty.

 I prepped a ton of chicken tonight, enough for the next few days.  I have to venture to the grocery store for a few more things to get through the week.  Because I have a lot of days off per week until the season picks up, I only do a few days shopping and prepping at a time so it is fresher.  I personally think the freshness helps a ton with the taste!

I confess my downfalls to yall so that everyone knows I am human, just as you are, and it can be done.  Striving for progress!  I am very happy with the results I have accomplished thus far, and they keep me going.  I want chic fil a EVERYDAY.  Also, I miss wine, a lot. 

TWO WEEK TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS =9.6 LBS.  So after the calculations, I lost 2.4 pounds last week, but keep in mind that was all as a result of what I ate (zero gym time)!  I would have really liked to have made it to 10 pounds in two weeks.  Another lesson learned= exercise aides in weight loss! 70% what you eat 30% lifestyle and exercise (in my opinion, this is not FACT)!  I know that you always lose a lot of weight in your first week, because that was the pattern when I did fad diets and weight watchers.  I know that the weight comes off slower and you have to work harder to get the same results, or even half of the results.  Because of that, I decided to do my measurements every two weeks.  I promise I am going to post some pictures soon!

SNAPS FOR BUYING MY FIRST BATHING SUIT OF THE SEASON!

 

THANKS FOR ALL OF THE SUPPORT! SERIOUSLY!!

Cheat Meal

First, I want to clear up something that I used to believe to be true and now understand is a myth!  With the clean eating and meal plan that I am following you get ONE cheat MEAL per week.  I used to think that I can't follow a good eating plan because of all of the holidays and events, like bonfires or cookouts and birthday parties.  In these cases I will just save my cheat meal for that occasion.  This passed Wednesday I had my sisters baby shower and my first cheat meal!  I am allowed one per week but wasn't allowed anything the first week.  My friend Brandy (also Justin's gf) eats clean always so I asked her for advice about cheat meal #1.

Believe it or not, I was scared to have my first cheat meal.  I think I was the last person in line for food at the shower.  We had the hotel cater it so there was a big salad with 2 dressings, assorted wraps, chips, sodas, bruschetta, two different dips with crackers and deviled eggs.  Of course there were cupcakes and chocolate covered pretzels at the desert table.

I'm posting pictures of what I ate plus 6 chocolate covered pretzels, three more wheat thins with dip,  and French fries.  Her shower was late so this was dinner time and when I woke up the next morning I ate my typical breakfast and got right back on track! 

My will power is fierce these days! I can only hope it stays this way!  Everyone's feedback and encouragement really helps more than you guys know!

Also I'm going to try and start using the app on my phone but I'm not really sure how to navigate  this page let alone the app!  Any pointers on that would be much appreciated!

I ALSO WANTED TO ADD THAT I FELT LIKE A GUILTY FAT WHALE AFTER EATING ALL OF THIS!  People say that it helps you from cheating and binging throughout the week, but the amount of guilt that I felt was crazy!  I still feel gross (mentally) when I think about it and I didn't even eat too bad!

 

Ya learn something new every day!

Hey guys!

I experienced a new first today!  I also learned a lot from it!  I hadn't been measuring my water besides mentally knowing how much is in this cup or a water bottle is 16 oz.  I think that is why I experienced my first super hungry day!  I was decorating for my sisters baby shower (which is tomorrow) and realized I left my food at home!  This wasn't such a big deal but I went a couple extra hours between meals than I should have .  Because of my delay I felt like an hour after my third meal I wanted my fourth!  Then I remembered I hadn't done well with my water intake and drank a lot before my fifth meal and basically force fed myself that last meal.  Bleh!  I feel weird eating so close to bedtime but apparently it helps your metabolism.  I am so ready for bed!  Tomorrow is supposed to be my first cheat meal! Stay tunes!

What I learned today

• Don't allow more than 4 hours between meals!
• Drinking more water really does help you feel fuller.
• Don't ever leave home without food!

Here's go being nervous about my first cheat meal! Wahhh! Thanks for all and any support y'all! 

One weeks progress!!

Today marks one full week completed! Looking back it wasn't that hard but when you're in the moment and you're all alone with a donut, it's life threatening lol. I need to be 100% honest with everyone. I did NOT cheat at ALL!!!! I didn't have a sip of soda or a taste of cake or a bite of a burger. I cheated zero times! Since it has been one full week I will chime in on stats! I weighed in this morning... Drum roll please....... At 174.6! That's down 7 pounds in exactly one week! Now I don't really feel any smaller, but that's probably because I look at myself 600 times a day expecting a flat stomach to magically appear. Time for measurements! Chest 37.75" /waist 33.25"/ high hips 39.75"/ lower hips 42.25" /thighs (r) 22.75 (L) 22.5" /arms (R) 13.1" (L) 12.75. 

I'm sure all of that stuff bores y'all though!  Feedback is greatly appreciated whether it's on here or on Facebook! This journey is tough and support helps get me through it! Thanks!

Cravings cravings cravings

Okay first time blogging from my phone!  I do not like-y!

Back to how the meal plan is going! I am full beyond belief, but could house down  some donuts or a whole pizza.  The cravings have started.  I am getting so bored eating the same  stuff every darn day.  I'm going to turn into a chicken for sure! I feel like I'm in a hard place  because I know seeing results will keep me motivated and steer me away from the cravings but results don't come overnight and I must be patient.   I went to Walmart to get some extra things to make it through the week and that was craving central.  I had a coffee addiction prior to this meal plan.  The aroma of fresh coffee and donuts smacked me in the face when I walked into Walmart.  Normally I would indulge in an iced coffee or a boston cream donut... Making my way around Walmart I faced many temptations, but the Reese's egg was most prevalent.  Shew!  I made it out of there alive and cheat free!

Just so my readers (if there are any) know, I am going to weigh in and measure weekly and keep y'all updated on progress.

I have been weighing everything and measuring all of my meals.  Using a lot of spices to liven up my chicken!  My favorite meals are 1 and 3! I have brown rice with meal three that makes me feel like I'm getting a years worth  of carbs!  It's easy to do this, so far.  It really isn't difficult to physically do, but mentally it is a little trying.

Weight loss is super mental!

Nitty Gritty, Carly Eats Clean, Q & A

First, I've been getting a lot of questions about what I am eating and what I can have and can I have this, and people giving me suggestions on what to eat.  I really appreciate all of the feedback from everyone and the concern and interest being shown the passed few days.  These comments/questions from everyone restore my faith in my network and in humanity. 

Taking it from the top... I paid Justin Pryor (a professional) to create a meal plan for me.  I had to tell him what my likes and dislikes were, what my goals were, how much I weighed, height, body fat %, how often I exercised.... etc.  He sent me the meal plan, has been prompt on any questions I have had since, and told me to take before pictures and measurements.  Together, in one month, Justin and I will re-evaluate my goals and accomplishments and adjust my meal plan accordingly so I can continue. 

Questions and Answers Time!

1. How long are you doing this for? I will be doing this meal plan for one month.  I plan on continuing to eat clean and healthy for as long as possible.  (just like everyone else who tries weight watchers or tries to eat healthier)  This IS NOT A DIET, this is a lifestyle.  
2. What are you eating?  The easiest way to explain this is I am clean eating.  If you google clean eating, it will explain to you that it is eating as close to earth as possible.  I eat items that don't have a food label (ingredient list).  For example, I have been eating steamed veggies, grilled chicken, grilled steak, almonds, brown rice... Nothing processed, no frozen meals, and all prepared without adding anything besides spices.  No condiments (no mayo, no ranch, no bleu cheese, no ketchup, no A1, no honey mustard, no chic-fil-a sauces, no BBQ sauce...), except for mustard and I don't like mustard lol.  ON THE BRIGHT SIDE, I can use vinegar and all the spices that I want, so I use pepper and garlic a lot.  (just granulated garlic, not garlic salt -check the ingredient list )  Pretty much I buy fresh or frozen vegetables and steam them, and grill my chicken and steak on a foreman (until the weather breaks) which will hopefully happen tonight, in which case I will be grilling outside!
3. What are my goals?  I would like to lose minimally 20 pounds.  A healthy weight range for my height is between 130-164 pounds.  20 pounds would put me right under that limit.  I am not ashamed of my weight or the way I look, but I would be lying to you if I said I was happiest where I currently am.  I could definitely stand to gain some self confidence, believe it or not! I like most to be on the beach or fishing, and I would prefer to not wear a cover up the entire time!  To each his own!  If you're happy the way you are, be happy! Congrats!  I appreciate that many people say I look fine the way I am but I want to look FINE not just fine!
4. How does the food taste?  Honestly, the taste isn't bad when you can add spices.  The only thing I am missing is sugar, which I don't get much of a craving for.  Meal #2 is a protein shake and mine is chocolate flavored, and that helps the sugar craving.  My biggest issue is dry meat, dry rice, and dry veggies.  I think the dry part comes from the prepping.  When it comes off the grill or the steam pot its nice and moist, when it sits for a few days its not so moist.  Its hard to swallow. Literally, the food is hard to swallow! I would love some honey mustard on my chicken and some A1 or ketchup on my steak.  That is the HARDEST part thus far.  I am a condiment girl, but I guess that just shows how those calories can sneak in there!  Plus, there is tons of sugar in sauces even when they don't taste sweet!
5. Are you meal prepping? You kind of HAVE to meal prep because how are you going to grill a chicken breast at work? How are you going to steam broccoli before your business meeting? And even though some restaurants advertise grilled chicken and steamed vegetables, you don't know if they were marinating them, or how fresh they are, or what they do to prep them.  When grilling and steaming the way I am, prepping doesn't really change the taste, but maybe the food is a little dryer than it would be fresh off of the grill.  I do, however leave my last meal *filet mignon* to make fresh every night, because by that time I am home.  One trip to the grocery store per week, and one, maybe two solid hours of prepping is all it takes for the entire week.  People say that they don't have time to prep, but you put in just as much time packing your lunch for the week and making the family dinner for the week.  Determination, not excuses.  Trust me I've had many excuses in the past and hopefully I'm through with all of them now!

I think I've lost track of the questions and I have rambled on enough.  Feel free to comment a question or inbox or comment on facebook!  I am really appreciating the support guys! keep it coming because you guys keep me going! xo

Too much food...

Day two is going well with one hiccup.
I skipped meal number two.  First, I am supposed to eat every 3-4 hours.  Second, I wasn't home for 4.5 hours and I figured if I ate meal #2 there was no way I could put meal #3 in my stomach and still have dinner on time with my boyfriend.  I should have meal #2 closer to meal #1 because meal #1 is rather small.  This is a lot of food, however, is only 1400 calories per day.  I still have one other meal to eat and its 815 pm and I'm full and could go to sleep without it. I did 43 minutes of cardio (jogging/walking/running) today also.  I figured the cardio would make me more hungry, but I haven't been so lucky.

Since my boyfriend got home at 5, I have probably peed about 8 times, and I could go again right about now (no joke).  I've been instructed to drink 100+ ounces of water per day.  Also I am supposed to drink a few cups of green tea.  Green tea and water are the only fluids I have been instructed to drink besides a Gatorade after working out, but only if I work out. 

I started this blog with the intention of telling you guys about the highlight of my day!  I put a whole new twist on meal number 4.  This happened after I chewed up an almond before taking a bite of chicken and then ate them together.  The flavor combination was so delicious, I made Andrew (my boyfriend) try it.  He was not enthused.  He said it tasted pretty plain.  I would like to make note that he ate chicken flavored noodles and had a tasty beverage with his chicken and green bean dinner, whilst I ate broccoli, chicken, almonds, and green tea.  Well I guess it is silly that almond + saliva + chicken made my day, but it did!

Thanks for your time guys! love all the support!  Even if no ones reading, as long as I believe they are, I feel like I'm working this plan for more than myself! xo

Temptation.. why were you ever created?

Time to rant!
-Natural granola is hard to chew
-precooked chicken would taste a lot better right off the grill versus refrigerated and reheated
-I drank so much water that I think I will be peeing well into the night (100+ ounces)
-naturally brewed green tea is disgusting!
-I think fish oil makes you poop, I'll have a definite answer tomorrow!
-plain green beans kind of make me want to barf
-my favorite meal of the day was filet and mixed greens (meal #5)
-I put too much water in my protein powder this morning :(

Clean eating is a battle between my inner fatty and my future skinny self!  I bartend in a restaurant in OC, MD.  I was within fingertip reach of fresh hot French fries, a BLT, homemade potato chips, cheesecake, crab cakes, tons of alcohol, sodas, dips, soft pretzels, and much much more!  The amount of temptation is beyond describable and today was only day one!  I haven't fudged up on ONE thing today and have followed my meal plan to the T!  This is very doable, but I feel as though its pretty bland.  (I know that there are ways to eat clean and have sugar and blah blah blah, but I am following this exact meal plan for minimally one month, so as I acknowledge everyone's efforts of suggestions of other foods that are healthy and good substitutions, but I'm not allowing myself those things right now)

maybe tomorrow I will post my before pictures!!!?

dropping the bomb! measurements and weight

 Hello measuring tape! Bust- 39" , waist- 35.5", high hip- 40.5", low hip- 43", thighs- (r)23.25" (L)23.5", arms (R)12.75" (L) 12".  I know this diagram doesn't show thighs or arms, but I measured a little above the midpoint between my knee and crotch and then midpoint from my elbow to my shoulder . (if anyone uses this as a reference guide) since today is day one, I guess I will put it all on the line.  I am 5'8" weighing in this morning at a whopping 181.8 pounds (even though I've seen worse numbers in the past).  A lot of people don't believe that I weigh that much and say that I "carry it well".. blah blah blah I want it gone, and I don't want to HAVE to carry it at all.  I'm exposing myself because there are too many people out there that think they just can't do it.  I know that my "just can't do it" reason is because I quit, I give up, my will power just can't leave that last cupcake in the box.  Today, it changes, because now if I "just can't do it" I'm not only failing myself, I am failing you guys.  Going public is a little tough, but the benefits will see me through to the end!Instead of being a success story, I am going to be a success journey.  Laugh, cry, scream, shout, I am doing it until I succeed.  As always, support is much appreciated! Feedback and questions are a big reason I am blogging!  JOIN ME! oh and stick around, before pictures are soon to come!  Here goes nothing!

Grocery shopping

I went to Food Lion and I was out in twenty minutes and got everything on my list to prep at least for the next few days.  I need to buy a food scale, but Food Lion didn't have one (not that I would've bought it from there because it probably would've been ridiculously over priced). My plan is to eat my breakfast, go to gym, eat meal two, and then prep for a few days.  I will do my measurements and weigh myself in the morning for day one of clean eating.  I already know this is one of the hardest things I have ever done because food is something I am beyond addicted to.  I'm going to say a little prayer for myself before I go to bed tonight.  God give me strength and courage. xo

Almost Day 1

Deep breath in, deep breath out! Here goes my future I hope!  I invested a small fee in a personalized meal plan.  I feel as though it wouldn't be right to disclose exactly what I am eating, however, I will be posting pictures.  I need to post before pictures and measurements and once I get enough encouragement I'll display my fat pictures for all of the world to see, (except only the very few that follow me will get that pleasure lol ) I am going to go measure every inch of my body, get on the scale, and take some pictures! Catch yall on the flip side! Prepping tonight, and starting tomorrow!  And hey guys and girls, I will glady take all of the support and feedback I can get! xo