Operation Get Healthy: Slow Progress

So....it's been a couple weeks since I finished my 24-day challenge with Advocare. Here is what I want to share.....

The stricter diet was TOTALLY do-able, but hard. I mean....FOOD is SO ingrained in EVERYTHING....our decisions, our comfort, our schedule, our ability, our knowledge, & for some (not me :)) what we take pride in. So....RIGHT before I started this 24-day challenge....I took a looooooooong, hard look at my diet, the food we bought, & what I was feeding my family & KNEW that I needed to make some adjustments.

I remember buying The Daniel Plan & Journal & although I REALLY wanted to make it work & for my will power to stay strong......I just didn't have enough FAITH in myself that I would stick with it, unless I was held accountable..... Like.... REALLY accountable. By, paying for the challenge, taking the BEFORE pictures & knowing I wanted my AFTER picture to look better than the first & REALLY giving the program a chance....NO EXCUSES! One of my best friends believed in this, had been asking for me to try it for some time & was WILLING to take my phone calls, text messages, & honest opinions about EVERYTHING from diet plans, to my doubts, to my struggles, to: "What the heck is in this stuff?" IF I was going to do it....I was going to REALLY do it....NO cheating.

I finished the challenge. Was really happy with my results & although....quite exhausted (mentally) from the whole experience....was pretty proud that I did it. For the last two weeks (after I completed the challenge)...I fell off the wagon....GLADLY to be quite honest. I MISSED my coffee, my occasional fried calamari or cheese sticks, my friend Little Debbie.... I think I'm painting the picture... I mean... I was more conscious & felt a little more guilt, because I KNOW that it's really not good for me, but I just wanted to eat 6 miniature Milky Ways SO BAD!

So....although I ate MUCH better than how I normally would....I ate quite a bit of things I had cut out the previous 24 days. It took about a week and a half for me to physically feel the difference. Luckily Ashley (my coach) & my husband did a really good job of reminding me about my results....about the simple fact that I COULD do it & that the BIGGEST thing I changed was my diet....which ULTIMATELY for me was my PRIMARY reason for doing all this in the first place. I had become quite AWARE of how, what we put in our bodies - directly affects our long-term health, our mental focus, our ability to have a better quality of life & keep us around as long as the Good Lord needs us to be. I'm in a line of work that PHYSICALLY needs me PRESENT....like....I can't "work from home." I have to be front & center & ON. IF I want to be SUCCESSFUL, which I do...I have to take care of the KEY tools that allow me to help SUPPORT my family & that is my voice, my mind, & my body. The BEST way to teach your children is by example, Kyle & I have to get US right & our children will follow suit.

I tell you all this, because I want everyone to know that you have to WANT to make a change. The program can only help you as much as you help yourself & that not everyone will BE READY at the same time. In fact I was ready at the beginning of January....for the past two weeks I WAS NOT ready & not REAL interested in focusing on it, but now I am again & that's okay. It really is all about forward progress...baby steps. I love this quote:

There's a whole new group of Advocare CHALLENGERS starting this coming Monday. IF you WANT to look into this...I ENCOURAGE it. I am focusing on the last 14 days of the 24-day challenge again, because I feel like I NEED that structure to MAKE PROGRESS towards my NEW GOAL, which is: Losing 20 more pounds & making some sort of exercise a daily routine. I don't know what that will be. I want people to know that they can RandOmly talk to me about health & food & taking care of the HOME of the The Holy Spirit that is inside us....KNOWING that this whole "Gettin' Healthy" journey I'm on...is not easy. I stumble....A LOT sometimes. I have trouble following the plan exactly sometimes... I don't exercise much at all.... I'm just trying....

I do not know sometimes WHY I share all of this with all of you. A big part of something I truly feel like I UNDERSTAND now is that we HELP each other by sharing our experiences, but me sharing THIS journey still kind of takes me by surprise. I mean....I put my big girl picture on Facebook :/! Yeah....I am totally not proud of that BEFORE pic, but sure am of the after....

My weight a few days after the challenge ended I was down 15 pounds. Over the last two weeks I gained about 3 of those pounds back & about 2 inches of the 14.5 I lost. Not a HUGE gain, but a steady gain over the last two weeks. 

So NOW...my choices are to either continue to slowly gain OR to slowly chip away at it.... That is why I continue on this journey. I'm not gonna tell you to Buck Up & do anything, because I was at a point sometime in the last couple weeks, where I would have seriously thought about givin' someone the finger if they even TRIED to tell me what to eat, BUT.... I will ALWAYS ENCOURAGE you to PUSH yourself to BUCK UP in ANY area of your life. Just stretch yourself outside of something you know... to DISCOVER something you don't. Your ENCOURAGEMENT is APPRECIATED. I can get mighty grumpy without some of my comfort foods....JUST SAYIN'! 

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Day 17

I'm tellin' you.... Pastor Rick Warren's writing is on the same rhythm as my thinking....almost always... It amazes me sometimes.

Today The Daniel Plan Journal talks about sleep restoration & how our sleeping habits are linked to our eating habits.

So last night I got the most sleep I've gotten in a loooooooooooooooooooooooong time. I mean...the most sleep I usually get is 6 hours...and that is the most. Last night...I got 7 1/2 hours of sleep! I felt AMAZING today. I actually had a moment of.. "Is everything okay? I mean....should I have this much energy?" How ridiculous is that? I mean really?! I mean for once I have felt TOTALLY rested ALL day, the only food I've put in my body is GOOD food & water (which I really should have drank more of) & man....had laser beam focus. So much so, that I almost shocked myself with it. This is what our "normal" is supposed to feel like. I mean...I had gotten to a point where EXHAUSTED, HUNGRY, & ACHY were "normal" for me. I found a way to randomly exercise for over 45 minutes today & exercised at almost any in between time I had. Ya'll!!! That NEVER happens. Not only that, but I made PROGRESS in ALL the areas where I need to & further progress than what I'm used to getting done. I am convinced that the BAD food we put into our bodies, blocks stuff up in our brains. I'm sure there is a fancier, more educated sounding way to say that...but ultimately....it muddies the waters.

The Daniel Plan Journal was discussing how....people tend to run to carbs and caffeine, & sugar to boost our energy, which only makes us crash harder...later. GUILTY! Totally me before I started the 24-day challenge.

"Matthew 11:28-29 says, 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.' What longings stir in you when you read Jesus' invitation to rest?"

My answer: I long for a routine that allows just the right progress needed to carry out God's mission for my life, in his timing - with clear focus and joy.

Buck Up Baby & Ride With Jesus!! He is giving me all that I'm asking him for. I NEVER know what it is going to look like, but He gets me there! God Bless!

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Days 12-15

Hey! Hey! So, It's been a BuSy couple of days. Switching phases on this 24-day challenge threw me for a loop... a little, but you MUST know that I have A LOT going on & sometimes implementing new things throws my mind on overload....plus following through on other obligations & having a few road blocks suddenly appear, just detours me.

Well....the responses that we have received over the last several days...honestly....made me feel so blessed that I could somehow ENCOURAGE others to try and implement a healthier lifestyle & also made me feel a sense of responsibility to REALLY keep making an effort. Believe me....when I felt all over the place the last couple days....I just wanted to grab something fast. I didn't want to think about anything more than what I had to, BUT....I made the effort & I am REALLY thankful for my friends & my friend/coach....because a lifestyle change just ain't easy. 

In fact...without that SUPPORT - I would have derailed. I see SO much VALUE in it, that I made the decision to become an Advocare Distributor. It will allow me to continue using the vitamins and supplements that my body POSITIVELY responds to & serve as a resource for people that WANT to know more. It also creates more REGULAR conversation about my health and fitness & the goals that I'd love to achieve one day. Not to mention... I...all of a sudden....found myself in this role as an ENCOURAGER....just by sharing my journey & realized that I NEEDED guidance & support to stick with it & to allow myself to be educated....just by being a part of something that has already made me reach goals I didn't think I was made for.  

I also know the key to that is a SOLID coach/friend/supporter that KNOWS the things I don't & KNOWS that things are possible that the normal person doesn't...like myself. I WANT to be that girl that didn't believe, tried anyway, to her surprise...succeeded, & can now ENCOURAGE others to do the same & not feel bad about it or like it's not my place b/c I don't know... 

What you all don't know...that I find EXTREMELY interesting...is how God is connecting some dots. My friend/coach, Ashley, got her degree in Health & Fitness & has been working in this industry since before graduation. She's had her hands in all kinds of things, but her PASSION is in health and fitness. I don't even think you could question that, if you really spent some time talking to her. She's tried programs. She's seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. She's worked with ALL kinds of people that have all kinds of different fitness goals, body types, CraZy schedules, lame excuses....you name it. 

I've learned a thing or two in MY professional career & life. The biggest lesson is that, when you are trying to tackle something you know very little to nothing about and you want to make a change, you FIND people that know what they are doing. That is a common thread across the board: photographers, real estate agents, auctioneers that hold different specialties, production crews, tax services.....ANYTHING. As much as we'd like to be...we aren't good at everything. We are all given special and unique skills and interests that allow us to carry out the PURPOSE God put us on this earth to do. 

She was in a place where she was trying to "figure things out" & she just couldn't let go of Advocare. I mean...I had talked to her a couple times URGING her to go in a direction that I thought made more sense.... She's not programmed like me though.... It doesn't work that way. Sometimes we have to TRUST our gut. We have to follow, what others don't get.

So here are my take-aways from The Daniel Plan Journal over the last several days: 

"God wants you to 'use your head - and heart! to discern what is right, to test what is authentically right.'" - John 7:24 MSG)

In short discussion of the book One Word That Will Change Your Life - which discusses how focusing on one word for a year can change your life Pastor Warren urges us to choose a word that will motivate us in our FITNESS goals. Mine is "DO." KSBJ (Christian radio station) ENCOURAGED listeners to choose a word to focus on & my word for the year is RELEASE. 

Something I found interesting, while journaling, is that; when asked what makes it difficult for me to shift my focus to God; my answer was...feeling rushed. Who is making me feel rushed??? Myself. 

"The problems of everyday life often tempt us to make unhealthy choices out of convenience or as a temporary fix for handling stress. But the truth is, problems will follow you the rest of your life. If you're waiting to deal with stress until you make it to a new stage in your life, you will be waiting a long time!"

Buck Up Baby & Ride With Jesus.... If you have any questions or want to learn more about the 24-day challenge you can CLICK  HERE or Email or Facebook Message Ashley Farris: ashley_farris@hotmail.com

Buck Up Baby & God Bless!! A new group of 24-Day Challengers is starting this coming Monday. If you're ready... go on with your bad self!

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Day 10 & 11

So I'm just gonna skip right on ahead for ya'll! Today is day 11...the day after the Advocare cleanse. I went to bed last night....kind of exhausted...and a itty bitty bit bummed because I was expecting my typical results from trying to eat a little healthier & exercising....you know lose 3 pounds initially and gain one back....while your husband loses 15.

So I get up this morning....get on the scale...& do a double-take, look back at my initial weight...step off the scale & step back on....DOWN 8 POUNDS....with NO exercise. I'm on the phone with Ashley my coach/long-time friend askin': "When are you comin' to get my measurements?" That scale made me pay attention....Down 8.75 inches....2 in my waist alone. So then I think to myself...I'm pretty happy where I'm at. I can't wait to see what Day 24 looks like, but didn't really think people would be able to notice yet.

I called an auction for the Red HOT Round Top Chili Cook-Off that benefits the Round Top Family Library. I had more people commenting on my appearance than normal: "What are you doing? You look great." "Heather, your always beautiful, but you look really good today." "You are just radiating!" "Have you lost weight?" Yes PEOPLE! YES! All those things because I'm eating healthier and am on the Advocare 24-day challenge! Obviously I had some room for improvement. Apologies for tootin' my own horn a little bit here... It will still be a challenge for me to stick with it, but man..... I mean...I wasn't prepared for all that, but I WILL TAKE IT!! It makes it quite encouraging to keep going!!

Below are my results so far & I'm also sharing the results of 2 other friends that are doing the challenge right now also.

8 lbs. - 8.75 inches down. 

3 lbs - 10 inches down. 

6.4lbs - not sure on inches. 

The Daniel Plan Journal has a 10 day check-in also & then asks you to assess your journey. Here are my responses to their questions:

What Essentials have you been focusing on, and why?: Food - because I was unhealthy eater overall & the Advocare Plan pushes you to change that.

What progress have you made?: (My results listed above).

Is something still standing in your way? If so, what will you do differently to overcome it?: I need to work on better fitness, so I'll do that.

What is something new you have learned about yourself?: I can do this!

Based on what you have learned, what will you change next week?: More exercise

Already achieved your goals? Congratulations! It's time to set some new goals: Lose 20 more pounds.

What is a new Essential(s) to focus on for the next 10 days?: FITNESS

Now set your SMART Goals & share them with a friend!: AT LEAST: 50 jumping jacks a day, 50 sit ups, & arm workouts with weights

Buck Up Baby & Ride With Jesus!! He WILL get you to your better self!! God Bless!

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Day 8

I can't believe it is the 8th day!!! For reals! Today The Daniel Plan Journal talks about FITNESS. I had every intention of doing minimal stuff from the beginning & then when my little boy got the flu...it just wasn't gonna happen, because when Little Man slept...he was sleeping on me & would wake at most slight movements. I know I need to add some FITNESS to get the most out of both the 24-Day Advocare Challenge and The Daniel Plan. Pretty funny how I'm randomly urged by another friend today, to join her kid-friendly fit club here in town. Funny how things work out... I probably still can't go right away, but now I have a REALLY close-to-home option that has a SAFE environment for kids. Can't beat that.

I don't really have a lot to write about today. I have my moments where I miss MORE FLAVOR. It has a lot to do with me NOT knowing how to add HEALTHY flavor to my cooking - which then takes me to a little point of frustration, but I've been good at channeling it & thinking about how much better it is for all of us. I'm trying to be PATIENT with myself - knowing that EVENTUALLY I'll LEARN how to make things taste better with healthy ingredients. My hubs has been pretty patient....usually eating the same food I am & some days it's just better than others.

To ALL those people that have been supporting me & those that are in my circle to ENCOURAGE...
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT. Just TRY to make it better than it was the day before. If you keep doing that...you'll be making little changes that turn into big changes.

Hmmm....I just glanced back my journal & this is something interesting that I will share. Back when BUCKET LISTS were the new rave...I made one & on it was: "To run a FULL marathon." Well...since then...it's went from a FULL to a 1/2, to a 10K, to a 5K. Now I know that I should start at, where I have now brought myself. However, it was interesting to me that I shot BIG...knowing it was possible & slowly, but surely I've let the zest for it dwindle down a bit. Interesting how that faded... The question from the journal was: "What is your Big Fitness Dream?"

Buck Up Baby & Ride With Jesus!! God Bless!

OPERATION GET HEALTHY: Day One

Hi All! Be ready for MORE daily blog posts!

In 2014 I spent more time reading The Bible than I have my ENTIRE life....& it has changed my life. It is AMAZING to me how The Holy Spirit works inside of us & MOVES us. I've been gently nudged and made aware of so many things that I probably would've passed up or not paid any attention to in the past. Over the last several weeks my health and my eating habits have been at the forefront of my thoughts. I am pretty weak in these areas....as far as...knowledge on HOW to be healthier and actually FOLLOW-THRU with it.

Before Christmas I bought the Daniel Plan Book & Journal & I bought another set for my VERY dear friend down in South Texas...in hopes that we could ENCOURAGE each other to be healthier based on what the Bible tells us about our bodies, deepen our friendship, & deepen our FAITH & UNDERSTANDING of God's LOVE for us. She agreed....but like things usually go for me - with these plans I didn't know how to start & if I was "ready."

God has BLESSED me with one very persistent friend that is a STRONG believer in Advocare. I've told her NO a lot, but the last time we saw each other I just felt like this 24 day challenge she was talking about was something I should do. Really,...sometimes the whole - in the middle - of how I get from Point A to Point B astonishes me. I was really not into it & then I just was. Anyways.... since I decided to do the 24 Day Challenge, which started today, I decided to also start The Daniel Plan and my journal.

I've decided to share this journey with you like I did when I read through: The Purpose Driven Life: What On Earth Am I Here For?

I SO strongly URGE all of you to find a way to get closer to The Holy Trinity. I can't explain all the POSITIVE changes happening in my life, but the doors that open up are way better than I can explain, It doesn't have to be all "holy-roller-ish." If you believe in God - your Creator....all you have to do is TALK to him. I'm tellin' you...give him a little & he'll give you a lot...more than you ask for...& don't think that you have to be QUALIFIED to do it. (ex. Go to church every Sunday.) He WELCOMES you just as you are, just where you are. I've talked Jesus around a beer pong table & the two of us that were talkin' are better for it, Maybe not physically HEALTHIER, but spiritually stronger.

So to be clear. I think one of the BIGGEST reasons I agreed to the 24-day challenge, was that I KNEW I would have someone that would hold me VERY accountable & someone that was accessible to HELP me when I needed it. Through this challenge & with the help of my friend I will LEARN to eat healthier. From reading Pastor Warren's book: I also know that it takes about 40 days to FORM a new habit. That is why I decided to couple the Advocare challenge with The Daniel Plan.

Today was the first day of the cleanse. Besides the products I took (shakes, cleanse formula, etc.) here are the foods I ate: (I share this with you - in case it could help you.)

Breakfast: Chocolate Mocha Meal Replacement Shake
1st Snack: Kiwi
Lunch: Salad with Super Berry Vinegarette & 6 small organic turkey meatballs
2nd Snack: Pear
Dinner: Smoked Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Steamed squash,red bell pepper, & zucchini mix
3rd Snack: A little smoked turkey & baby carrots

I did 50 jumping jacks & need to drink more water than I did today.

If you want to make a change in your life & you need MORE than willpower & a persistent friend or several....go get THIS book. You will realize that you have masses of people praying for you & INVITE God to walk with you EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!

The first chapter of The Daniel Plan discussed why Pastor Warren felt MOVED to address this very issue of our society. It is filled with scripture & medical facts & statistics. On page 19 & 20 I found the very thought that has crossed my mind multiple times over the last several weeks: "If you want to know how valuable your life is to God, just look at the cross. With his arms outstretched, nailed to the cross, Jesus was sayng, 'This is how valuable you are to me. I love you this much! I'd rather die than live without you.' Now, if you are worth dying for, don't you think God wants you to take better care of yourself?" I'd feel twinges of guilt, because I know, like many of you know, that we NEED to be healthier.... We need to BUCK UP....quit making excuses! We need to BUCK UP & RIDE WITH JESUS! At least I do on this one....

I feel extremely blessed because I have a posse of about 7 people that are surrounding me to support me and encourage me, like I will them. Some are doing the 24 day Advocare Challenge, One is doing The Daniel Plan, & some are doing their own OR are just supporting me through it.

I will end today's blog with a prayer that Pastor Warren is praying over everyone on this journey. It is from 3 John 2: "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." Amen.