You fall down, you get right back up

It's been about 2 weeks since I started my new diet. I followed it strictly, increased my protein, and continued with my cardio and weight lifting. I've been feeling better about myself, with a sense of hope in the future. I've been taking daily iron supplements that have been helping with my energy, dizziness and headaches. I felt accomplished Of course that all changed when I had a follow up appointment. The results: Gained weight.

I was devastated

I wanted to scream. Break down, and cry. Give up. My dietitian was concerned. She told me she doesn't think I eat too much and is curious as to why I haven't lost any weight. She told me to keep working hard and stick to it. She told me not to give up.

Feeling frustrated, I went home. Normally news like this brings me down. But this time, I'm sticking with it. I'm determined. I've been battling weight loss for about 3 years now, and this is a battle and I'm ready to win

On my own

Spent most of the weekend on my own. Tyrel went up to Portland with his friends for brew fest. I hate beer so he went without me. This is a big deal for me, not because I can't handle life without my boyfriend, but because I trust him enough to go on his own. This was never the case with my past relationship. I know that I shouldn't compare him to my ex,  but if you knew the situation you would see the pain and uncertainty I went through. It's taken a lot of work and effort to get to where I am and I can say that I'm proud of myself.

I did things I enjoyed. Including going on a lovely hike

Later I drove up to Salem and watched a dear friend and co worker get married!

The ceremony was absolutely beautiful and the reception was a lot of fun. Made me a little emotional as I start to think about how my own wedding is going to be like. I'm not going to give away too much but I will tell that it's not going to be like any other wedding :)

At the moment I'm now cleaning the house as I await for my wonderful boyfriend to return home!

Happy Sunday

Wordless Wednesday: Road trip

Total bliss

Surrounded by good company
Drink in my hand
Playing games
Enjoying the great outdoors

Can life get any better?

Car tracks

In case you haven't noticed I love doing arts and crafts with the kids in my class. This project was similar to the dinosaur tracks, only we used cars!

The craft is petty self explanatory. Either way the kids had fun. It's a way for them to explore with the different cars and seeing the different tracks it makes!

Time for a fresh start

Went to the dietitian and she was very helpful with lots of tips to help me through my weight loss process. Lately I have been feeling extremely tired. So tired that I could barly function. I dealt with headaches on a daily basis, all making it hard to stay motivated to workout everyday. I would simply walk across the classroom and be short of breath, therefore having my asthma bother me. I did some blood work and as it turns out my iron levels are extremely low. Normal ranges between 60 and 170. Mine level was at 27. My doctor recommended iron supplements. It's day three and I'm already starting to feel a difference in my energy level. She also feels vitamin D will help with my energy levels

I was given a meal plan. A plan to have a breakfast, lunch and dinner with a snack in between. It's based on a 1500 daily calorie intake, while drinking lots of water and incorporating at least 30 minute workouts 3 or 4 times a day.

Other things she encouraged is for me to eat more protein. Protein not only helps build muscle mass but makes you feel fuller, therefore not eating as much. The dietitian recommends that I eat 20 mg of protein for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Aside from meat I learned that other things like eggs, cottage cheese and yogurt have protein as well. All things that I find rather disgusting. She then mentioned three other foods with protein- nuts, peanut butter and cheese. All these things also have a lot of fat in them so I stayed away from them. Although in moderation these fats are heart-healthy fats. I am very exctied to start buying cheese and peanut butter again :)

She also wants me to drink at least a cup of milk with every meal. Drinking milk help inhibits fat build up in the tummy area. Don't need any more motivation then that!

Guest post- Bringing home bary Ariah: iPad giveaway

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Click here to learn more and read about their journey!

Getting fit

3 weeks ago I purchased a new workout "game" to go with my xbox kinect.

It's actually a lot of fun. Combining all sorts of different exercises including cardio, dancing, boxing, weightlifting, and yoga. It's really motivating and it's cheaper then paying a monthly gym membership. The hard part is sticking with it along with an appropriate diet.

Out of everything that has gone on in my life I would say that weight loss and staying in shape is one of the hardest things to do ever! I'm a junk food junkie. I crave sweets and LOVE ice cream. I refuse to let myself give up, but I see myself reverting back to my old habits pretty much on a daily basis.

I have a long road ahead of me but I know I can do this

(Late) Wordless Wednesday: 4th of July festivities

Beach tirp

I don't know about you, but this weather has really been bring me down. It's suppose to be summer and it feels like it's fall. Will summer ever come?

Anyway, aside from my summer blues, I spent yesterday at the beach. The weather wasn't perfect, just a little drizzle. It was always really busy. Had a hard time finding parking along the bay front and after walking around we ate lunch at the Rogue brewery. I'm not a beer person, but their food is delicious!

Perfect use for a beer bottle

Perfect carrying case too

Raw material of beer- Hops, barley and yeast. Just add water!

Overall it was a good day. I didn't get to walk along the beach, but I did get to look at it haha. There will be other times to go to the beach. But until then I'll be waiting for sunnier days