Just a Number

I'm rather quick to tell anyone who is interested that I've lost 85 lbs and went from a size 3XL or 24 to a size XL or 16/14. I'm really proud of my accomplishment and I know that I've made tremendous progress.

Then why is it that a number can throw me into a funk? If I know everything in my closet is a size XL or 16 at the biggest, why should I get depressed when something fits that is gorgeous and beautiful and looks stunning on but is a size 2x or bigger? Sheesh Heather, get it together....it's just a number!

I've lost 20 inches off my waist. 13 or 14 inches off my bust. 18 inches off my hips. The size of the clothing doesn't really matter.

So I'm trying to get over it. At my big event next Saturday, I'll be rocking two gorgeous gowns....(yes, two...I've lost 85 lbs and I deserve to feel amazing:)) One is a size 14 the other is a size 4x. Yes, you read that correctly.....a 4x. I didn't even wear a 4x when I was 300 lbs.

Five Lifestyle Events

I'm working on my 12 week health transformation...which actually sounds a little deceiving. I believe my health transformation will last a lifetime. But I honestly love getting the emails daily with little exercises and things to think about. It's helped me stay on track during a crazy, busy, stressful week. One of the exercises in the 12 Week Health Transformation was to pick five lifestyle events that you'd like to experience. These could be as large as hiking the Appalachian Trail or as everyday as playing touch football with your kids. I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours. Mine were: 

• Climb Mt. McLoughlin 

• Complete five 5Ks and one 10K this summer 

• Ride bikes with Nate on a regular basis

• Hike The Narrows in Zion National Park and 

• Practice yoga on a regular basis. 

Ok, your turn....tell me in a comment what lifestyle events you want to experience. If you want to learn more about the health transformation, send me a message. 

Amazing Fried Rice Recipe

I'm always on the lookout for yummy recipes and a while back, I pinned this Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe. With everything in my pantry and fridge, I decided to attempt it.

It was DELICIOUS! Seriously, even if you think you hate cauliflower....you must try this.

Cauliflower Fried Rice 

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower
• 5 slices thick cut bacon, chopped (Uncured Organic Bacon for Strict Paleo)
• 1 lb. organic chicken breast, sliced into thin pieces
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 Tb. freshly grated ginger
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped, greens and whites separated
• 1 cup shredded carrots, roughly chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/3 cup chopped thai basil or cilantro
• 1-3 Tb. soy sauce 
• 1 tsp. sriracha or chile paste
• Lime wedges for serving
• Coconut oil for frying

Directions:

1. Chop the bacon, chicken and veggies so you can work quickly once you start cooking. Cut the cauliflower into florets and place in the food processor. Pulse until it roughly resembles rice.
2. Heat a large wok (or skillet) over medium heat. Place a rimmed dish to the side of the wok as a holding dish. Add the bacon to the skillet and fry until brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place in the dish.
3. Add the eggs to the skillet and quickly scramble. Use your spoon to break into small pieces, then move to the holding dish. If needed add a small amount of oil to the wok. Turn the heat to high and add the chicken, white onion pieces, ginger and garlic. Stir fry until the chicken is just barely cooked through, then add the carrots and cook another minute. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to the holding dish.
4. Now add the cauliflower "rice" to the wok. Stir fry for 3-5 minutes until soft, but still firm. Add all the cooked ingredients back to the wok, along with the frozen peas, soy sauce to taste, and chile paste. Toss and cook until the peas are warmed through, then toss in the green onion tops and basil. Serve warm with lime wedges.

Copied from A Spicy Perspective

A Health Transformation in 2014

Last year, I made the bold and daring decision to not set any weight loss goals on New Year's Day. Nearly 18 years of unsuccessful resolutions had left me feeling like a failure as my weight continued to climb. It started with a goal of losing 20 lbs, then 30 lbs, and eventually, I needed to lose more than 100 lbs before I could be considered healthy weight.

I had no energy. I went to work each day and returned home to make dinner and sit on the couch. My life consisted largely of work, television, and more work. I'd force some motivation at times - to throw a fantastic birthday party for one of my beautiful sons or put together a fantastic event at work - but then I'd spend days drained and worn out while I recuperated.

My body was fueled by junk and I felt it. Head aches, body aches, and indigestion were a daily occurrence. I had started to accept them as the norm.

My closet was filled with clothing I hated. My inner fashionista was buried. The days of loving clothes shopping and fun fashion had disappeared. I dressed to hide. I dressed to blend in.

I was forgetting how to dream. I accepted my life as it was even though I was unhappy. As I felt incapable of controlling my weight, other things began to fail. I was terrible at managing my money. My dreams of finishing college seemed unattainable. My relationships were less than healthy. I didn't like me.

Photos from the beginning

I knew something had to give and I needed to focus on losing some weight. Mid-year, I started Take Shape for Life with a goal of losing 30 lbs. My first reaction was to my increased energy levels. By day three, I had energy and lots of it. By the end of the first week, I'd lost weight. By the end of the first month, I was amazed. The weight was coming off!

I began to realize just how terrible I'd felt - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As the pounds dropped, my spirits lifted. I have around 50 lbs left to lose but my life is starting to balance.

Minus 80 lbs

I've now lost 80 lbs and my life is being transformed - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I have energy.
I'm spending more time with those that I love and less time with the television.
I'm dreaming.
My finances are back in control.
I started back to school.
I love clothes again.
I'm looking pretty good!

A comparison before and during - 50 lbs left to go!

With this blog, I'll share recipes, tips, and stories of inspiration. Please follow along. And if you want to learn more about the program, just let me know!