The Healthy Struggle!!!!!

How is it November already... That means soon I will be Mrs. Gilyard!!!!! This post is not about that though LOL!

I was reading a friend of mines blog and she speaking about the struggles with being healthy. After reading I thought WOW what a great topic. Often we hear people complain about being healthy and the cost and other constraints and then we see those who have it mastered saying suck it up it can be done. Well this post is... eh... just keep reading... lol

Let me start with the hair!!!- I am a African American female and my hair is a beast when it is untamed. I personally get relaxers because I am too lazy to deal with my hair in its natural state and I do not like the curly look for ME. I have friends who are natural and I love it. It is just not for me. Surprisingly I have not had a relaxer all year. Mainly because I have been wearing a sew in so that I can work out and still look presentable. Joi wrote a post that you can read here that sums up this challenge better than I can so check it out.

The cost- I have seen this argued both ways but society makes it so easy for us to drive through the drive through rather cheaply and conveniently all the while we are gaining weight. The salads I get through the drive though are usually dull and browning and look nothing like the advertising picture. What is your experience? Have you ever gone to the grocery store to buy salad fixings? You can really spend a pretty penny... Oh and why is a gym membership with child care so freaking expensive?!!?!? UGGGHHHH

The time factor- I am not an early riser. I have tried desperately to be a part of the 5am club and it is just not for me. I am able to do it occasionally but I love to sleep, and is it just my bed or does it feel better right when it is time to get up for work? After work is good for me if I leave on time but if I leave even a little late my schedule is thrown I'm stuck in traffic and then EVERYTHING is behind... between dinner, homework, cleaning, and actually getting home it seems like time just gets away from me.

So what is a girl to do? The truth? Be fat and unhappy or suck it up and make changes. I'm happily engaged and my boo doesn't mind my hair in a ponytail in between sew ins because I'm in a better mood when I work out. Life is expensive and I'm happier when the scale is going down so buying food at the store and not from the drive through is just what I have to do. I have to make time for what I want. That's what we do anyway. Girls night, game night, soccer, whatever it is if we want to do it we make time for it. So in short yes it sucks it is uncomfortable but the outcomes are so worth it!!! Happy Monday Folks!!!!

June Goals!!!!- How is it June already?!?!?!

June already!!! I’m still late because it’s the 3^rd LOL!!!! Anywho I just popped in to give a brief update. I’m super busy in my life right now and lots of things that I will blog about as soon as they are finalized are taking place. So I will be having some guest post happening. If you are interested in guest posting email me: latoyaccarter (at) gmail (dot) com.

That being said I’m still planning this fabulous wedding on a strict budget, and the struggle to lose weight continues. I haven’t been on the scale because TOM is sooo happening right now… Soon as that is over I will go back to weighing and checking in via blog EVERY Monday. When I was holding myself accountable and blasting those numbers for the world I was making progress.

Since my hip bone is STILL bruised I’m not running but I have been cleared to ride the bike. Let me tell you the bike is soooo BORING!!!! I guess this is how outdoor runners feel about the treadmill but honey I would slap someone to be able to hit that treadmill!!! LOL. Ok peeps that’s about all I can say right now stay tuned!!!  Here are my mini goals for the month: 

Tell the Truth Tuesday

Tell the Truth Tuesday!!!! This idea came from the Mr. and originally thought I would be silly and say the things we are all thinking but not saying (we don’t care about Kim and Kayne’s baby, your co worker is driving you crazy) but then I decided I needed to write about my feelings and tell the truth.

If you have been reading my blog for any period of time you know that I struggle with my weight. I mean struggle struggle like tears are shed sometimes. For a while I could not understand what I was doing wrong. Then I was diagnosed with PCOS. Ugh another recipe for disaster since one of the side effects is weight gain. AAANNND Im getting married in November. Needless to say I am on a weight loss journey.

I say journey because this process has not been linear. It has not been all roses and sun shine. Some weeks I love the scale other weeks I think she is a she devil in a plot against me. Now I will admit my eating is not always the best and you cant out run a bad diet. My weight has gone up and down and toggled between numbers and then BOOM I hit ONEDERLAND.

Well I don’t know if I got cocky, or satisfied that my fat girl jeans fit again but I became lax and started falling into old behaviors. I am human and this is a daily battle for me. If you are one of the ones that eat clean with no worries KUDOS to you. I however love fried chicken and potatoes.  With my bruised bone and edema working out is a no because I'm on crutches. So I have to be very careful about what I eat.

In the mean time I did it… got on that wretched scale…and guess what? No more onederland. I weighed in at 200 and almost had a come apart. Then I decided hold on Toya you have still managed to keep off 20 pounds. Reel in these emotions and this eating. Truly I think my lowest was 196 so that’s a four pound gain and while on some level it is bad, its not the worst or unexpected. I have had weeks where I ate whatever I wanted and downed mixed drinks like I was back in my undergrad days. So four pounds ehhh I guess it will be ok this one time.

However it is not acceptable to continue this behavior especially since I’m down at least 2 more weeks. I have been taking advice from a dear person in my life and hitting the sauna. I have been throwing a pity party when really I know better. Pity party leads to emotional eating and oh hell no!!!! So instead of continuing to feel bad about these four pounds I will celebrate the 20 I have lost and kept off. 

On this journey I know I will be derailed but I WILL NOT give up. I will fight to get to goal weight and lose at least 50 more pounds. I may not reach this goal by the wedding but I will NOT be 220.

There is my truth and since we all love a good before and after shot here you go…

Monday this week, and summer sometime in 2012

Monday- Weigh in- Link up

Weekend oh weekend where art thou... Ok peeps It is Monday.. am I not always typing that? Well I suck. I got comfortable and ate like a crazy person this weekend. My only saving grace is that I have really allowed myself to enjoy the gym and I crave it (at least three days a week, the other days I go its a pure struggle). I went to Chattanooga for wedding stuff, and ate like a mad man, and drink liquor like I was being paid... WTH happened to all that water. SMH. Again I rocked it in the gym so the damage was minimal. I only lost one pound making my new stats:

 





SW 220

CW 196

GW- Im thinking 150

Total lost -24 pounds

Total lost in challenge- 15 pounds!!!!

 

I know I should be proud but if I had stayed on program this weekend what would I be typing instead? Oh well its a new week and another chance to get it right! I have a meeting with my bridesmaid this weekend and Im moving tomorow so busy is an understatment. Looks like those at home workouts from Pintrest will come in handy...Now for your viewing pleasure here are some random pics from my phone!

 

 

 

Me at work today wishing it was Friday again

My number 1 guy... this is my Father he had just come back from a party with my mom

Me with my nephew....in this picture I totally see some weight loss

Him wondering why I have a light (the flash) in his face

My boo is so supportive he totally went to the gym with me with NO music!

 

 

 

 

A little before and after... I always look beat up after the gym... My sunglasses kept sliding off and I didn't want to bother with them on the way home.

 

 

 

Well thats it for now... how did you all do? Whats new. Some things will be changing around here soon and I really hope you stick around for them!!!

 



Wellness Wednesday- Change

Change. In its most basic definition means to make different. This is such a small word but so many of us find it extremely hard to do. Part of being happy and healthy is all about making changes or doing something different. My favorite intervention to do when people come to me with the goal of "being happy" (after they define happiness) is to have them identify what is stopping them from being happy. Usually they give me more vague terms like oh I am "sad" or "things just keep happening" my personal struggle "Im not happy with my weight." Just as they are expecting something life shaking from the therapist I simply ask "What are you willing to change to get the results you seek?"

Im usually met with a look of confusion and Ive often been asked "isnt that why I see you."  The joys of my job LOL but in all seriousness the key to most things is change. Lets see... If you are overweight, in a bad relationship, unhappy, even schizophrenic (wellness post coming soon) some form of change can improve all these circumstances.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly yet expecting different results. Life is hard I believe it was designed that way unless you are Blue Ivey or some other mega millionaire baby and even then there will be some struggles just not the financial kind. It is always easier said then done to make changes and that is why I encourage you to start small. Set realistic goals that have an end date. Do not set yourself up for failure. If you do not have a high school diploma then the goal of obtaining a doctorate degree in three years is not for you.

Figure out what your road blocks are then move them out of your way. Or be stuck in your current situation and make no progress. Progress is a journey and you wont wake up overnight and see the results you want, and even I have to remind myself of this daily. Still small steps are steps in a different direction from where you are now hopefully toward your end goal or your ideal of happiness.

What will you change today?

Monday Management- Biggest Loser

Its Monday and since I was off today I am on a FANTASTIC mood!!! Let me say that I have been hella productive today. *thinks that I want to be a SAHM ok back to my reality* I tip my hat to you ladies because I have heard "mom" 10000000 times today and Im in no hurry to keep hearing it. JUDGE ME!!!! LOL We are moving and I have packed my lil ole apartment up in almost one day. Only thing out are essential DVDS, hygiene stuff, and that dam kitchen is taunting me, I never knew how much I stuff I had until I tried to pack it up... Here is a little sneak peak at my boxes because Im sure looking at boxes is fascinating LOL

Ok let me get to the real reason you all are here. The Biggest Loser link up... 

Well *drum roll* I AM IN ONEDERLAND!!!!!!!!! Ladies with tears in my eyes as I saw this I said "Babe I need my phone I gotta take a picture for my blog"- He is used to this by now but when he saw my face he was concerned. SOOOOO I hopped back on and we saw this:

This brings my stats to- SW 220

             CW 197

GW- Im thinking 150

Total lost -23 pounds

Total lost in challenge- 14 pounds!!!!!!!

While this is very exciting I see no change in my body when I look in the mirror. Recently my fiance told me that my self proclaimed "sexy big girl pants" were too big and I though SMH these fit.... ummm Lets see how wrong I was...

 

Yep I have both my arms in my pants

 

Being silly

I posted these pictures on Instagram but looking at them now.... Speechless. Ok I'm no idiot I recognize that 20 plus pounds is a lot but honestly when I look in the mirror I see the old Toya with the 20 plus pounds. I only see the work that needs to be done. So its important to revel in the progress or it will get discouraging. Always remember that one pound loss per week will eventually add up. Who would have thought I would be down 14 pounds since Jan 1, 2013? Not me. But I am.... What works FOR ME: WATER WATER WATER and I am no water fan but when I guzzle it to the point that I think I will float away the scale gods smile on me. Low carb, I have PCOS and my body craves potatoes like it is heroin but I know that it will only allow the scale to go UP no matter what time of day. I use meal replacement shakes. I know there is often controversy behind this and the amount of calories and needing more calories but this is what works for me. Also WORKING OUT. I DO NOT have the body type that can simply eat right and there will be a lost I have tried that. Been to the weight watchers meetings paid the money and counted the points. While I do think they are on to something with the points I just have to exercise to see results. I have to move my ass!!!!.... And because he is my best friend, my support, my shoulder to cry on, my love, my babys new daddy LOL, my ROCK I thought Id leave you with this silly picture!!!

 

 



We were on our way to church my mom said hey let me get a picture and this is what she got... not planned I promise! LOL

Biggest Loser week 3!!!!!

 

 

Monday already!!! I need a snow day or a hey you don’t have to come to work Monday free card LOL!!  Happy Martin Luther King Jr DAY!!!!! Woot woot... since I am procrastinator I did not take my floating holiday early enough to get today off so I'm at work. Blah... Anywho I was terrible this past week I only worked out twice (this does not include doing squats daily) the only thing I was consistent on this week was the squat challenge and increasing my water intake. So when I got on the scale I had to be proud of myself I was -1.... I am convinced I lost my one pound in here: my daughters room, and how she left it before going out of town... but the joke is on her because when I clean I like to feel accomplished and THROW CRAP AWAY!!!!! *evil laugh*



Notice the trash bag... I went on a rampage

 

 

Some child is going to be very happy. It wont be mine but hey we cant always have it our way LOL  I had 2 bags to be donated, and 1 bag for trash!!!!

 

That cardboard is Z world that she built so I couldn't let it go

 

 

 

 

 

Now if I could only get the rest of my house in order... Oh well one battle at a time. Here are my stats:

 



 

 

Last week weight- 205

This week weight 204

Pounds lost this week- 1

Total pounds since challenge started 7

 

 

 

I am so stepping it up this week. I mean come on I am sooo sick of looking at a 2 on the scale. This means adding 30 day shred to my regimen, and actually getting back on program! I know I have to move this body to see any real loss. Im excited to get back in the gym... Dare I say it, I almost missed the place.... well almost....

Monday management... on a Monday! LOL

Its Monday bitches! Lovely ladies that follow my blog!!! How is it going? Ok so it is Monday and surprisingly I am feeling good feeling great!!! I definitely won. I was asked to speak to a big wig of the company and I was not a whistle blower! Ok really they just didn't ask the right questions! LOL ok seriously I spoke very well, and made my supervisor proud (like he asked me to right before the interview)!! … I feel accomplished and I am praying super hard for things (that will be disclosed later) that I want, well feel like I need!

So I thought I would talk about my love affair with “weigh in days”. I LOOOOVE getting on the scale and seeing the number drop however we have all had those weeks were we skip dessert, work out, drink water, you know ALL the things we should do. Then we step on the scale and NOTHING or WORSE some gain… I cannot deal with a gain. It makes me binge I feel discouraged and overeat. Is it just me? I understand that not every week there will be a loss but geesh can there be no gain????? Ugggh… As a result I am toying with weighing every two weeks. Really I am just trying to find what works for me and keeps me loosing… stay tuned for that

Ok enough of that. I am feeling good and need to get some family time in… So here it is… I’m doing well with all my preset goals except my water intake sucked today… I will try really hard but I just don’t like water bring on the sweet tea must do better. This may be slowing me down, so a change must come... Anywho today I did a total of 6 miles 4 of those on the bike. Oh I also shaved a few seconds off the mile time!!! 

Mile time- 13.17... slowly coming down

Still on treadmill.... TIRED!!!!

I have been encouraged to add strength training to boost the weight loss. That in mind today I did upper body weights. It may be time for me to utilize that free personal training you get when you join the gym so that I can get some kind of weight lifting plan because as of now it’s a free for all me just doing what I see others do or have done in the past or saw on Pinterest LOL… And of course some pics…

After workout!!! (I had a cami sports bra on under the shirt) Look at all that sweat (fat crying tears)

Leaving the gym... OMG my hair

So this weekend the fam and I checked out a new church as we are in search for a church home!

Me and mini me...notice the hair then look at the workout pics

Babe is never ready for the car photo shoot... LOL

Mini me ready for church!!!

I washed my hair to be pretty for church... See post workout pic and it is once again a mess!!!! LOL

SO how was your Monday whats new???

*chokes and gags on water to increase daily water intake*

Its a new week!!!!!!

Let me start by saying GO VOTE!!!!!!... this is not a political blog so I don't care you who vote for but OBAMA is Amazing!!!!!!

Hello out there! Here we are on a Tuesday and I am doing my Monday post so I know you are thinking Monday won this week. Buuuuuuuut that's not true. It was a definite tie LOL. It was my first day back at work and that went ok.... A bunch of clients did not show so I did some paperwork. I had two OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) clients so I scattered my desk intentionally.... Cruel huh? NOOOO its to help with the compulsions LOL.

Me wanting to be at home LOL

My desk... Drives them and sometimes me crazy!!!!!

So I stayed at work later than usual which tears my schedule up because of traffic and getting mini me and blah blah so I did not make it to the gym. No worries though Chalene is always there!!!! I did Turbo Jam even though I really did NOT want to. She can be a bit cheesy when you really don't want to work out... "Now pump it" LOL... Its all good because I sweated and I was moving which is always the goal....

Cardio Party 3... and look who made an appearance  "Ms. Bling" lol

Me before I pressed play

Those are me after the workout... I tried to smile and look all happy because too often my workout pictures look like I want to do bodily harm to someone LOL. Working out is fun, or at least that is what I am telling myself!!!!

 The family and I went to Chattanooga for the weekend and here are some pictures...

I dont think Babe enjoyed my impromptu photo session while he was driving LOL

Thats better babe!

My mini Me!!!! Love her

Just so you can understand my hair struggle here is a before and after. I washed my hair and blow dried it then flat ironed it. I have to do this at least twice a week, and more when I am working out daily or I am forced into a pony tail.... The struggle is real!!!!

So as far as my mini goals... I sucked at water intake, and over indulged on Chic-fil-a at work on Monday but I worked out, and spent 15 minutes studying for the big test!

How have you guys been? Whats new?

*sips tea and thinks about doing homework* LOL