I feel skinny today.

Ugh I did NOT want to get up and a) workout this morning or b) go to work. I still stick to my original statement that ill vote this Tuesday for the president who is going to give us 3 day weekends haha.

I've been having the problem of eating amazing during the week but then when it comes to the weekend it's like hey, lets eat carbs! This weekend we were running errands and it was freezing so obviously we went to Panera to get some soup and of course because I'm an idiot I didn't just get the soup I got it in the bread bowl and that came with the top of the bread bowl and then a side of bread! Talk about cheating. Jesus. But for some reason I just couldn't resist that bread. Ugh. And I know if Brian reads this he's going to kick my ass because he told me not to have diary or gluten, but I'm trying... I really am - I'm good during the week honestly, but then it's just so hard on the weekend - i need to be more disciplined. Im working on it I promise.... I mean COME ON ANDREA.

Anyways one more weird thing, I really hate jumping jacks. I mean really. Talk about the exercise where your shits flying all over. I mean seriously. Any they make jumping jacks so your not jumping up and down flailing your arms around while your tummy rolls shake like their in an earthquake. I mean come on! And then on top of that to see yourself in the mirror having that happen?!?! Ugh I'd rather be dead!


I feel like today is just a bunch of random thoughts from my scattered brain... and then of course, I will post something of some sort of use at the end, but for now, I'm just rambling.

So, back to the title of my post... I feel skinny today... I feel like I've got some swagger in my step today... i think mostly it's because I went to old navy this weekend and fit into clothes I never thought I could fit into... So I decided to wear them to work today, and damn do I just feel good about myself. Check me out <-----(also ignore my faces, i really hate taking pics of myself so I don't look normal and yeah, so, the weird thing is, if people from work read this, they are totally going to be like, dude that picture is from our work bathroom you are totally taking pics of yourself at work hahaha, yeah, well, it happens sorry!) Anyways, Do you know how good it feels to sometimes feel like WOW, I actually do feel like I'm not 200lbs today! Ahhhh I feel like nothing can stop me today. I feel like I'm seriously conquering this weight loss shit! Like GO ME! I'm feeling GREAT!!!

I need more outfits that make me feel good about myself! I think I've started buying things that fit better and make me feel better about myself, but shit, clothes are expensive and if I'm going to keep dropping lbs' I can't buy new clothes every time I drop a pant size. I'm going to have to figure that one out.

One more random thought for the day.....

You know when you lay down totally flat on your back and you put your hands on your sides and you feel super skinny? I want to be that thin when I'm standing up! When I do that, I just feel so little and i feel like the world is my oyster, and I totally TOTALLY take a second to dream about what I would be wearing or doing when I get thinner, and then I wake up, stand up, and realize, I was just laying down, and my size goes back to the way it was. Stupid skinny laying down!

OH the gym, omg the GYM I praise and LOVE made a commercial, and they released it today --- This is why I love it so much, I mean just watching the commercial makes you want to get your ass to the gym and get in GEAR! THIS IS WHY I WORK OUT AT RAISE THE BAR. Just look at the commercial and you will see how intense it is and how MUCH I LOVE IT! My amazing trainers are in it, some of my friends are in it - I Love it. Just watch it. And then come to a class with me! :)




Ok last thing - My most favorite thing in the world in the fall is a PSL from Starbucks, obviously... but damn, those things aren't healthy for you.... This is what Dashing Dish has to say:

Now wait one minute…Before you roll into Starbucks to enjoy one of these popular seasonal drinks, ask yourself if you really want to consume 380 calories 13 grams of fat and 49 grams of sugar in one coffee drink! Save money, (and the calories, fat and sugar) and make this ‘skinny’ version right in the comfort of your own home! I promise you will enjoy it just as much, and you can save yourself $5 bucks and a couple hundred calories! 

SO here is a better alternative from Dashing Dish:

Skinny Pumpkin Spiced Latte
Ingredients:
2 tbs Intant espresso powder (or 2 pkts Starbucks Instant Via Coffee)
1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 Cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup Sugar free maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar
2 cups Vanilla almond milk or skim milk
3-5 pkts Stevia (or sweetener to taste)

Optional: 2 tbs half and half (to make it even more rich and creamy) and/or fat free whipped topping for garnish

Method  
THE ESTIMATED TOTAL TIME TO MAKE THIS RECIPE IS 5-10 MINUTES.
1 Add all of the ingredients to a small sauce pan, stir to combine everything, and heat over medium heat, for about 1-3 minutes, or until very hot, (but be careful not to bring to a boil.)

2 Remove from heat and add to a blender to get milk nice and frothy! Blend on high until the milk begins to form small bubbles, about 1-2 minutes.

3 Divide the mixture between two mugs (or save half for later in the fridge). Add a splash of half and half if desired, and/or a squirt of whipped cream, a drizzle of sugar free caramel, and a dash of cinnamon on top! Enjoy!

Nutrition Breakdown
2 Servings
71 Calories per Serving (each serving is 1 1/2 cups)
4 g Fat
13 g Carbohydrate per Serving
3 g FIber per Serving
2 g Sugar per Serving
2 g Protein per Serving

OK ENJOY, LOVE YOU GUYS LOTS!

8 weeks down, a lifetime to go....

Looks like I'm going to have to keep writing this blog people, because clearly, my job is FAR from over.

The big question is why...? Why??? BECAUSE. I DONT WANT TO LOOK LIKE THIS ANYMORE! (see right below)

Our 8 week CRANK class has now come to and end... and as I sit here and look back on when I started this whole thing, and not even just 8 weeks ago, but like from the beginning of this blog.. I look at the fact that I did 4 week cleanses, or I did a WEEK of working out, but today, I can say, I watched what I ate, and I worked out for 8 weeks straight. Besides playing sports in school, that's the longest I've gone, post college, that I have ever been in a gym, and I'm not stopping. What's Next? 8 weeks of bootcamp. So in 8 more weeks I'll be writing talking about how I made it thru 16 WEEKS of working out... and so on, and so on. I think a lot of it has to do with the people I work out with at RTB, and my friends who graciously sit here and read my horrible writing, and listen to me bitch and complain, but still send me those supportive text's, or facebooks, or emails.... It's YOU guys, and a little bit of dedication on my part, that has gotten me through the beginning (and I believe hardest) part of this journey.

The hardest part for me has always been getting over that 2 week hump - finding time to get to the gym, and finding a place where I'm happy and I feel comfortable.... but I've learned, if you want to meet your goals (and unfortunately, mine take a lot more work then most) you have to make it part of your life. Make it a priority, and make it one of those things you just have to do everyday... I used to just, eat, work, sleep, hangout... now, eat, sleep, work, WORKOUT... It obviously sucks... because I don't have the time that I used to have for my friends, or for Juan..... just last night he was telling me how he's happy for me, but he misses me, and misses that we don't hang out as much.. and that hurts. It's the hardest part of this whole thing... trying to better yourself, without hurting the ones you love. Especially for me I think, because i'm not just trying to lose the weight so that I'm healthy and skinny for everyday life.. but I'm newly engaged, and am trying to meet specific goals for my wedding, so it's like, one, I'm doing this for me, for our day, but two, it's hurting my relationship. Unfortunately, I can't force anyone to come workout with me, Juan and I from day 1 have had different ways of dropping pounds, and we are pretty much stuck to our ways.. .he does his thing, I do mine. Thats just the way the cookie crumbles my friends... and it sucks. It's not that he doesn't support me, that's not true in any way, it's just hard, and I understand that.

make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

Last night I met with Brian (the owner of RTB) and we talked about diet and nutrition - and we are going to be taking it to a level that I haven't taken it before. Well, actually, I retract that... the "detox" I used to do, is a lot similar to what my diet will be from here on out, but I think it's going to be harder this time. I really learned what I should and should NOT be eating... because it's so hard for women's bodies to lose the weight, since we were built to have some chub and be baby makers, there are tons of things that we think are OK for our body, that really aren't. And last night, I learned a lot about it... And like Brian said, this isn't a "diet" this is changing your eating habits to give you a healthy life. And I believe that. I think the problem with a lot of these quick loss weight loss programs is that you do them for a year or so but you aren't training yourself how to eat healthy for life... you are training yourself how to be healthy for your immediate goals... I really have a much better sense now on what this banana is doing to my body instead of just, I'm going to eat it since it's a fruit. It's really pretty cool.

What does this mean though? It means again, less socializing, more working out and eating right. If I am going to achieve such radical goals in one year, this is what is going to have to happen... and hopefully my friends won't get pissed, and won't be upset with me, but instead, will go on a bike ride, or take a boot camp class with me... but see that I need to do this, I can't step off track by going to the bar one night and skipping the gym... that this is my life right now, and hopefully you will be there with me along the road... Does this sound selfish of me? Of course... but honestly, I've been a good friend, for a long time, and I was always the YES girl, YES I'll go drink, YES I'll party all night, YES I'll eat that whole cheese PIZZA ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! haha... But I can't do that anymore.. plain and simple... And stop making me trying to eat a whole cheese pizza when I'm drunk, I won't do it! HAHAHAHA..

This doesn't mean I'm going to be lame, shit ass boring, Andrea... I'm still planning on going on my trips, I'm still planning on going out and such - but I'm just changing some of the habits that I had in the past, to reach my goal in the future.

SO AFTER ALL THIS - AFTER 8 WEEKS - I know it might not sound huge to you guys, but I lost over 12 inches on my body - 4 1/2 in my bust, and 4 1/2 in my waist to point out the big ones... and 10 pounds! A normal, healthy weight loss is a pound a week, and yeah, that sounds like not a ton, but it's healthy weight off that I will keep off!

I couldn't be happier... (well, I could, not thinking about everything I'm about to give up as far as FOOD YUM YUM FOOOOOOOD) but, really... I say this again, I couldn't have done this without you guys... without the trainers at RTB, without Juan... and this is only the beginning!

I also think about the things I COULDN'T do in the past, and the things I want to do...

• I couldn't wear a north face jacket unless it was dudes, because a womens didn't fit me. 
• I couldn't wear sweet ass snowboarding gear bc again, the women's stuff didn't fit me... 
• I couldn't fit into a blazer because it wouldn't fit around my sides and button -- (my arms are still an issue, but I'm sure those will start shrinking soon as well) 
• I couldn't shop at awesome stores like GAP/AE/ATL without shopping online in their "Large Sizes"
• I couldn't fit into most XL Nike workout pants... 
• I couldn't even really fit comfortably in a plane seat...

All these things are now I CAN'S... we are getting there, slowly but surely... but I'm about to buy my first North Face winter jacket, and some new snowboarding gear that isn't MENS for this upcoming season... I love being able to say, finally... I can get this stuff... And eventually I will have all the problems skinny people have with shopping and such - more problems like - I can't find this in my color, or this might be too big, can I get a smaller size, or even, these are too small, can I get a larger size! Because up till now, I've ALWAYS BEEN THE LARGEST SIZE! haha

So, after all that, I leave you with this today... THANK YOU. If you are reading this, I have to THANK YOU... and because if I can finally do it... ANYONE can do it...

Well, I'll leave you this as well -
From our friends at Dashing Dish:

Carmel Apple Pie Protein Shake!!!!!! Yum.
Ingredients

1/2 cup	Fat free cottage cheese 1
1	Scoop vanilla protein powder 2
1/2 cup	Apple chopped fine, or 1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 tsp	Caramel extract (or 2 tbs sugar free butterscotch pudding mix)
1/2 tsp	Apple or pumpkin pie spice
Dash	Cinnamon
5-10	Ice cubes (Depending on how thick you like it, use less for a thinner consistency)
1/2-1 cup	Water (Alter this according to desired consistency)
Optional:	1/2 tsp xanthan gum 3, 1/2 tsp butter extract

¹ Cottage cheese may sound strange, but TRUST me… this is what makes the ‘MILKSHAKE’ consistency! Also, if you are sensitive to dairy, you can use tofu to get the same consistency!

² I use Designer Whey Protein powder. (I WOULD SUBSTITUTE THIS WITH Vitol Egg White Protein Ice Cream Vanilla -- 12 oz (LINK HERE)) It has 100 calories per scoop. I buy the vanilla flavor because it’s a good base to add whatever flavors you want to make. It is also all natural. You can buy it from Kroger, GNC, Trader Joe’s, Amazon, or Netrition.com.

³ You can get xanthan gum from most grocery stores in the gluten free section! Just a pinch of it makes your shake so thick and creamy!

Nutrition Breakdown

1	Serving
213	Calories per Shake
0 g	Fat
16 g	Carbohydrate
2 g	Fiber
10 g	Sugar
36 g	Protein
5	WWP+*

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

Frankly... starting to get annoyed.

Ok so, there comes a time where people change. And right now, I am changing. My focus on life is getting in shape and dropping lb's, not going out and drinking and being social. If you know me, you know that I am up every morning at 4:30am, heading to work by 5, working from 6:30-3, back home by 4:30pm, grab a quick dinner, maybe do an hour or so of freelance (to pay for this wedding), then am at the gym from basically 7pm-9pm, get home, and repeat. I don't even get to spend time with Juan, let alone go out and be social with people... so IF you know my schedule, and IF you know me, you would be happy for me, and happy that I'm finally getting into a routine where I am working out. But no. Apparently, I'm still the bad guy.

AND THE FUNNY THING IS IM ACTUALLY LOSING WEIGHT AND I CAN'T EVEN BE EXCITED BECAUSE MY FRIENDS ARE ALL MAD AT ME!!!!!!!

Listen.... I don't live in Arlington, so I can't just go to work at 8:30, come home, go to bocce, work out, blah blah blah, I can't. The fact of the matter is that I live in the middle of F'ing NOWHERE (that being so we could purchase a home) and driving in and out of DC takes time, and unfortunately, it takes too much time for me that I can't get a workout in if I decide to go out and drink... which, I'm sorry, is not on my main priorities right now. It's starting to get really annoying when people are getting pissed at me because I don't have time to hang out anymore because I'M TRYING TO GET SKINNY. As my friend, you should support this.

Just because I'm working out, doesn't mean I'm not friends with people anymore, it just means my priorities have changed and not only do I not have time to hang out with my friends, I don't even have time for Juan, and he has to be the priority.

BLAH - ANYWAYS, I'm OVER people giving me shit for all of this, I am a good friend to A LOT OF PEOPLE, and I'm just asking you to not be pissed at me please. Now, if you need me, I will be working out. HAHA.

PS- PUMPKIN SPICED LATTES ARE BACK BABY, SO MAYBE WE CAN GO GET A COFFEE TOGETHER (and then work out ;)

OH, and get the damn LivingSocial deal so we can get coffee on the cheap ;)

XOXOX

FREEEE DONUT DAY AT DUNKKKKINNN!!!!

Ok so yes.... this is the day we have ALLLL BEEEEN WAITING FOR! Freaking FREE DONUT DAY AT DUNKIN DONUTS!!!! :)

Contrary to what my blog might say, and what my cousin Sam might say, GET OUT AND GET YOUR DAMN DONUT. No matter what size you are, big, small, skinny, chubby, WHO CARES, if it's FREE you better be putting it in your mouttttthhhhh!!! (that's what she said.) 

Anyways, thanks to Sarah for pointing this out, and telling us that she got it "to give it away" but then ate it (you knew you were going to do that!!!) Now I can tell the WORLD (or all 20 of you that might read my blog) THAT IT'S FREE DONUT DAY! FAT KIDS UNITE!!!!

Ok enough, no more donuts after Sunday.... better hurry home and get me a chocolate frosted donut! :) 

XOXOXO- 

Free donut kid OUT!

PS. Don't let this be you today. YOU should not be ashamed for eating a free DONUT today...

I'm off to a good start.....

So day 2 - I'm def not on the detox, YET, but slowly getting there... I don't know how I am going to give up caffeine again, that is my lifeline. But I guess you gotta do what you gotta do. I ate a healthy breakfast this morning, and I'm planning on eating a healthy lunch as well! :) Since it's Joanna's birthday, I'm skipping the workout because frankly there just isn't enough time in this day, and I don't want to wake up at 3:30am just to work out... I'm not there yet....

My amazing cousin Amy, a while back sent me this great email with some awesome tips on working out and dieting... and I wanted to share them all with you!

• Workouts - I've found that no matter how hard I push myself on an elliptical or any other machine, nothing gets me back in shape faster than running.  More so outside than on a treadmill.  Tones me up more than other cardio.  I have no explanation for this, just an observation!
• Food - Fiber and Lean Protein!!!  You need fiber for obvious reasons - get everything out, lol.  They say fiber also makes you feel full, but I need a little protein to make me feel full too.
• Always eat wheat pasta, bread, etc.  Once I started reading labels, I realized how nutrient-deficient white pasta is.  Truth is, I think the wheat tastes better anyway.
• Fiber One yogurt - it's actually delicious, and its an easy 50-calorie way to get 5g fiber in your system if you've been lacking that day.  Some cinnamon in the vanilla is awesome!
• Healthy fats are good!  When I don't eat enough fat I get super hungry.  Some fats are actually good for you - like stuff with low saturated fat.  I typically mix a little bit of olive oil (no more than 1tbsp) with balsamic vinegar for salad dressing.  Also, I always eat the yolk of the egg.  It might not be the healthiest fat, but I've read there's good nutrients in there.  Also, if you eat eggs in moderation (2 a day at most) and don't have a lot of other cholesterol it can't be that bad.  I'm a fan of a simple hard boiled egg.
• Salads - If I just eat veggies with dressing I get super hungry right after.  I try to always add something to a salad.  Olive oil dressing helps, but it's not enough for me.  I also add a scoop of beans, usually chickpeas and black beans.  Tons of fiber and protein!  Sometimes I add low-fat shredded cheese.
• Dinner should not be the biggest meal of the day, unless you work out late at night.  It's silly - you need energy throughout the day so it doesn't make sense to eat most of your food at night.  Too bad the concept of a big dinner has been shoved into everyone's head forever now.
• Because I don't think dinner should be huge - Eat a good breakfast!  My favorite cereal is Special K Protein Plus - 100 cal and 10g protein!  Skim milk adds more protein.  Some people complain it tastes like cardboard, but I put cinnamon on it and that does the trick for me.
• Speaking of breakfast, I love egg & cheese sandwiches.  I make a 260 cal version at home.  I've found light wheat bread that's 70 cal for 2 slices.  Then I use 2 eggs.  I put one slice of Kraft 2% milk american cheese (50 cal).  Toast the bread and spray some of that 0 cal butter spray on it - makes it taste fattier than it is!  I also like to add chili powder to the eggs, and some hot sauce or cayenne pepper.  If you need meat on it, turkey bacon is a great lean option - I've found turkey bacon that's only 25 cal/slice!
• Burgers - I love veggie burgers, and instead of a bun, I use that light wheat bread I mentioned before.  I can usually have a whole sandwich for under 200 cal!  If you're not wiling to do the veggie burger thing, make your own burgers with lean ground beef or turkey - awesome!!!
• Herbs and spices - experiment with them a lot.  You can add a ton of flavor without extra calories or fat.  Definitely good for making veggies edible :)

These are some things I've already started living by... I love cheese on my salads, I put that on instead of dressing because it adds flavor and makes it healthier!! Thanks Amy for all these awesome tips... I guess it's time to work! SO i will chat with you all later! :) 

Have a great day... xoxox FAT KID OUT!

Wednesday... Day 2, TRX, TRX and more TRX

Man, day 2 isn't as hard as I thought it would be... I woke up, and got ready for TRX class this morning... I'm sure all of you have heard me talk about TRX many times, because it's AHHH-MAZING. I take the TRX classes over at Balans on Mondays/Wed/Sat's - with probably the best instructor ever. If you don't know what TRX is, click the link above and check it out - it seriously is an awesome full-body workout. I'm addicted. I really hate working out, doing weight training, but this shit uses your whole body to work out - and it's AWESOMEEEEEE! :)

Today's class we did some interval training using the TRX, kettle bells, and your basic weights. In an hour long class I usually burn about 600 calories. I'll go back to the gym later today to do some cardio, but it's a great way to start the day.

It's actually kind of funny, because I love LOVE Balans, but I go to the 9:30am classes, and it's def filled with a bunch of stay-at-home moms. And good for them, but I'm def the black sheep... I'm again in another situation where everyone is a skinny little twig and I'm that fat chubby kid. Oh well, at least I'm at the gym right!

Here's a shot of how Balans has their studio set up, and the other is the lovely Evie trying to shake it as I take a pic. haha she's probably going to kill me for this if she ever sees it! hahaha

Oh, and GREAT FIND... Last night at Wegmans, I totally found this great little thing called a "Dole Shaker". All you do is add juice and you've got yourself a smoothie.... I def had one before my workout and it held me over till after my workout where I could have breakfast. I totally recommend them!!!

Tata for now - 

Fat Kid OUT!