THE WORST SALADS!!!!!!

So after my bitching session last week, complaining about how I wanted to give up, I just said shut up Andrea... you've got this.. and moved on. So, back to bootcamp this morning, and boy was it a killer, if you don't know what burpee's are, you must learn, and you should try to do at least 10, and then maybe try 100 because we did WAY more then 100 today (the cards workout is not even a joke, it's a bitch, a big big ass kicking bitch).... Yeah, I'm badass I know. But the more burpees you do in a day, the more you can probably eat.. Brian burned over 1200 calories on this morning, which is how many calories I'm supposed to be eating in a day! Sheesh....

Anyways, I'm still waiting on weighing myself, I just really really REALLY don't want to. I just really don't. I like thinking I'm getting smaller, and then eventually in like 20 weeks ill get on the scale and say, wow yeah I'm so skinny now hahaha... Why can't scales just read "you've lost weight this week" or "you've gained weight this week, nice try, work harder next week" instead of telling you your actual weight? I need to invent that, someone write that down! 

We put up our christmas decorations Sunday and I realized a fun new way to track if I am getting smaller or not... it's called the, "Can we fit into a full size tupperware" method. Step 1) Get into a tupperware, preferably the standard storage bin size. Step 2) try to get in as small of a ball as possible. Step 3) have someone close it on you. Try this at the beginning of your weight loss, 8 weeks in and 16 weeks in, and see if there's any difference! WORKS LIKE A CHARM! HAHAHA. I'm almost there... take a look: 

 See, I'm almost there. HAHAHA. Come a few more weeks we will be able to close that container and I will feel like I've accomplished something! HAHAHAHA. So funny.

No but really. This is weird, I totally know. But I was walking into the bathroom this morning to change at work and I stopped and I looked in the mirror, and I said damn, I am swimming in this shirt, I'm actually looking smaller these days. (this is the weird part) I had HAD to document this for my own sake HAHA... I literally went back to my desk, grabbed my phone and snapped a pic. Because I was proud of myself. HAHA. I was actually feeling good for a minute. It felt nice to be swimming in my shirt. (still didn't feel awesome when we were doing jacks this morning my my flab was bouncing all over, but maybe soon that won't be a problem).

I've got 33 days till I have to be in front of my mom and my friends in a wedding dress, and I'm shit scared. I really really hate shopping, let alone shopping with people watching me. Honestly, and this might sound horrible, but you know when you go wedding dress shopping and you see these shows where the mom cries and is just like wow my daughter is so beautiful, I want my mom to be like that. She's already said that she's going to cry, but I want her to cry because I want her to say, damn, andrea is beautiful.. and I know, I know, I am beautiful no matter what size, but it would be awesome if I was beautiful because I was smaller than I am now.  I would feel more comfortable about the whole wedding dress experience if I was... blah... only a few more weeks, I can do it.. the other thing I'm scared about is finding a dress I really want to try, but not even being able to fit my left thigh in the thing.  Some dresses are just so small, and I'm just scared I won't fit into anything! All I want, is to be able to fit, and zip, into one dress, just one. That's all I ask wedding dress gods, let me fit into one! :)

Since I feel like I want to give something back to the people reading this blog, I read the other day about the 7 salads you should never EVER eat, and it's funny because you think you are eating something healthy, but it's SHIT. Read below, and watch out next time you're ordering a salad you think is good for you!!!!!!!!!

BY THE WAY, I started a facebook page so I could share more info and stuff on the page instead of doing it on my own personal page, so go ahead and like me if you want, if not, that's ok too, but I'll be sad. BAHAHAH https://www.facebook.com/fromthicktothin

7 SALADS YOU SHOULD NEVER EAT

7. #7: WORST BUFFALO-STYLE SALAD: Friendly’s Kickin’ Buffalo Chicken Salad
1,180 calories, 95 g fat (19 g saturated), 2,090 mg sodiumDon’t be fooled by the lettuce—it’s simply a foil for the hunks of deep-fried meat, oily wing sauce, cheese, and cream-based blue cheese dressing. This salad is, in fact, more damaging than the hot wings that inspired it. (It has 66 percent more calories than a full order of Applebee's wings!) Instead, opt for the tuna melt and salad combo, the sole menu option to keep both calories and sodium in check.

EAT THIS INSTEAD!
Half Tuna Supermelt and side salad with Italian dressing
450 calories, 25 g fat (5 g saturated), 1,190 mg sodium




6. #6: WORST TEX-MEX SALAD: Baja Fresh Steak Tostada Salad
1,230 calories, 63 g fat (17 g saturated, 2 g trans), 2,380 mg sodium
Props to Baja Fresh for introducing lower-calorie entrées like Bare Burritos and Baja Ensaladas, but that doesn’t excuse the more nefarious offerings like the 2,000-calorie nachos and this fat-drenched salad that comes served in a deep-fried tortilla receptacle. Don’t let the novelty suck you in. There’s still nothing better than the Original Baja Tacos paired with a side of fiber-rich beans.

EAT THIS INSTEAD!
Original Baja Steak Tacos (2) with Pinto Beans

632 calories, 17 g fat (4 g saturated), 972 mg sodium

5. #5: WORST CLASSIC SALAD: Outback Steakhouse Aussie Crispy Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Mustard
1,288 calories, 98 g fat (32 g saturated, 2.2 g trans), 2,096 mg sodiumCobb might as well stand for “Corrupted by Oil, Bread & Bacon.” These iconic salads’ toppings include croutons, cheese, bacon, and an oft-fried protein, and they tend to be topped with heavier dressings. In the case of Outback, this salad contains more fat than 64 ounces—that’s four pounds—of the chain’s Victoria Filet. The Shrimp Caesar is the lightest salad on the menu, and it comes with 25 grams of lean protein.

EAT THIS INSTEAD!
Shrimp Caesar Salad
554 calories, 39 g fat (11 g saturated), 1,382 mg sodium

4. #4: WORST CRUSTED SALAD: Applebee’s Pecan-Crusted Chicken Salad
1,360 calories, 80 g fat (17 g saturated, 1 g trans), 2,640 mg sodium
Nuts can be a great salad topping, but because they’re calorie-dense, they should be applied judiciously. Applebee’s does not adhere to this advice. With this salad, the chain adds both crushed nuts and sugar-coated pecans. In addition, it adds deep-fried chicken and fat-heavy bleu cheese dressing. The total damage is more than a full day’s recommended fat intake and 117 grams of carbohydrates. You’d have to be nuts to eat that.

EAT THIS INSTEAD!
Seasonal Berry & Spinach Salad (with chicken)
620 calories, 31 g fat (9 g saturated, 0.5 g trans), 1,610 mg sodium

3. #3: WORST “HEALTHY” SALAD: California Pizza Kitchen Moroccan Chicken Salad (full)
1,370 calories, 12 g saturated fat, 1,040 mg sodiumAt 116 grams, this salad has more carbohydrates than most of the pasta dishes on the menu. Then there’s the saturated fat. With the exception of the Sicilian or the Meat Cravers, you could eat half of any thin crust pizza on the menu and take in the same amount or less. Try the new Quinoa and Arugula Salad instead. Despite being a seed, quinoa supplies the same amino acids as meat, making it an excellent vegetarian source of protein.

EAT THIS INSTEAD!
Quinoa and Arugula Salad
607 calories, 5 g saturated fat, 872 mg sodium

2. #2: WORST SPINACH SALAD: IHOP Chicken & Spinach Salad
1,530 calories, 111 g fat (30 g saturated, 2 g trans), 2,400 mg sodium
This is the improved version. IHOP’s previous effort at this same salad had 1,600 calories. Call it progress? We don't either. Despite being 70 calories lighter, this plate still manages to fit in more calories than 5 McDonald’s Cheeseburgers, not to mention a day’s worth of sodium. And athough this salad is by far the worst of IHOP’s greens, the others are far from ideal: With the single exception of the Chicken Caesar Salad—ordered without chicken, that is—none of the chain’s dinner salads fall below 1,000 calories. You’d do better to play it safe and order off the Simple & Fit menu.

EAT THIS INSTEAD!
Simple & Fit Grilled Balsamic-Glazed Chicken (served with a salad)
440 calories, 22 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 940 mg sodium

1. #1: WORST SALAD IN AMERICA: Cheesecake Factory Santa Fe Chicken Salad
1,720 calories, 17 g saturated fat, 2,636 mg sodium
Tex-Mex salad iterations are rarely light, what with all the sour cream, guacamole, and creamy dressings. But wait—this salad can’t claim any of those usual culprits! The only two potentially troublesome toppings are cheese and tortilla strips, but how much damage could they possibly do? Well, based on these numbers—and the fact that their inclusion appears to be the main difference between the Santa Fe and the Skinnylicious salad below—a lot. Order accordingly.

EAT THIS INSTEAD!
Skinnylicious Spicy Chicken Salad
440 calories, 1 g saturated fat, 771 mg sodium

If I can do it, YOU can do it. REALLY?

That phrase, if I can do it, you can do it. It's used SO often. But is it true? When a quarterback says to a linebacker, hey, if I can throw the ball 80 yards for a touchdown, YOU can throw the ball 80 yards for a touch down, can that really happen? Doubtful. Or, a 5' 5" 110lb girl says, hey, if I can finish a half marathon YOU can finish a half marathon... Honey, my thighs are as big as your waist and the last time I ran a mile it was because they were giving away free donuts and I just had to SPRINT to get to them. Highly unlikely.

That phrase, used to be somewhat of a motivational phrase.. like a friend saying, hey, I lost 10 pounds and shit, if I can do it, YOU can do it. But even then, my body might be different from your body, my metabolism might be different from YOUR metabolism, there's just no saying that the ever-so used phrase, is even motivational now! It goes both ways too - like this morning, talking about the Tough Mudder in April... I go to Jenny, (she owns the gym, so clearly, in super shape), "come on, do the tough mudder, if I can do it, YOU can do it." well, I mean come on, that's a no brainer. No shit. She EATS tough mudders for dinner. Me on the other hand, I've only just finished my 2nd week of bootcamp. haha... So yeah, where are you going with this? Right? Well, how about this... IF I CAN DO THIS, YOU CAN DO THIS. And this isn't a lie.

I never thought, that I would be in this position I am today. Anytime I ever started a diet, a workout fad, NYE rolled around and I said, this is going to be my YEAR, that lasted about 2 days, and I was like, F THIS NOISE, I quit. But now, NOW, I'm looking back and 12 weeks ago when I walked into RTB, I never thought that I would be finishing my 2nd week of bootcamp, and getting myself ready for a Tough Mudder next spring! All it took was a little motivation, some result seeings, good friends, and people to push me.

Yesterday, I was down, yeah... I was pissed, I was frustrated, weight LOSS sucks. It's not fun, it's not easy, you can't eat your favorite foods anymore (by the way, anyone reading this and wants to mail me some Mario's pizza, I'll love you forever HAHA), you have to manage your time so that you make it to the gym on the reg, and a lot of people just don't get it - but if this is what YOU WANT, then YOU can do it.

Again, I'm not sitting here saying that I'm horribly large, ugly, anything like that, I don't want to lose the weight just so I "look better", that's not the only reason... the main reason is because I want to feel great, and fit into clothes, and not be that lard in sweatpants on the couch anymore. The most amazing thing I could ever have though, is someone to support me in whatever I do. I thank so many people, but I have to give the biggest shout out to Juan - no matter what, if I kept going, or stopped tomorrow, he would still love me, and that makes me feel great. (I'm sure he will love me even more when I look like a super moddddeeeel!!! hahaha)

Sidebar - am I the only one who is TERRIFIED of the mirrors in the gym???! Dude - I HATE the mirrors - anytime I have to do a move in bootcamp and I have to be in front of the mirror - head's down, and I'm checking out my sneakers. I don't want to see  my rolls jiggling around when I am jumping up and down or when I'm lifting weights... no thank you!

Listen, if you don't have time, and all you can do is a small workout a day, even that's better then nothing. I have some fun workouts below for you to do in your home, wherever - but doing something is better then doing nothing. A really good friend said to me yesterday on Facebook, Tessa Alexandria ...and don't look at how far you still have to go to reach your goal, look at how far you have already come. You are already 11 weeks ahead of every loser sitting on their couch!!

She's RIGHT. Don't look how far I still have to go (wedding dress shopping in Dec, or wedding next Oct), look how far I've already come... I never EVER would have sat here and said, hey, I'm going to train and KILL IT at the tough mudder.... at the same time, yes, she's RIGHT. I am, already 11 weeks ahead of people sitting on their couches.. and guess what, 11 weeks ago, I was that person sitting on my couch. I would rather eat pizza and watch trashy real housewives of some stupid city, then get myself HEALTHY.

You know what, if you want to lose weight then START NOW. Go out, get yourself this, it's a TRX suspension system for the home, and start working out. TRX is the BEST way to build muscle, and start dropping those LBs like they were a bad fashion statement.

Or, if you don't want to do that, go out and WALK. Just walk.....

But if you want to work out - here are some workouts you can do, and QUICK.

Melt It Off: Calorie-Burning Circuit Workout 
(they have weird names for these, like number 1 is really a "burpee" haha but it works.)

And then last but not least - I think I might make these this weekend - it's a great alternative to pumpkin pie!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Shooters from Skinny Taste!
Skinnytaste.com
Servings: 16 • Size: 1 shot glass* • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 2
Calories: 78 • Fat: 4.2 g • Carb: 11.6 g • Fiber: 0 g • Protein: 1 g • Sugar: 7.5 g
Sodium: 16.5 mg 

Ingredients:
3 (1.5 oz total) whole chocolate graham crackers

• 4 oz 1/3 fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup pure canned pumpkin
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp dark brown sugar, unpacked
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 8 oz light whipped topping (I used Truwhip light)

Directions:

Crush graham crackers in a food processor. Set aside.

In a large bowl beat the cream cheese until smooth with an electric mixer. Add the pumpkin, vanilla, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg and cinnamon. Beat until well combined and creamy.  Use a spatula to fold in 5 oz (1-1/2 cups) of the whipped topping; combine until no streaks remain. Place in a piping bag or ziplock bag with a corner snipped off.

To assemble: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of graham cracker crumbs on the bottom of each shot glass. Pipe a layer of pumpkin cheesecake onto the graham cracker crust (about 1 tbsp) followed by a layer of whipped topping. Repeat a second layer and finish with another sprinkle of crumbs. Insert small spoons and refrigerator until ready to serve.

*Each shot glass has 2 tbsp pumpkin cheesecake, 1 tbsp whipped topping, 1 tsp graham cracker crumbs total.

Ok enough for now - see you later dudes!

Why isn't weight loss instant?!?

I don't know what's worse, sitting next to a women on the VRE who wore entirely WAY TOO MUCH perfume, or realizing all the hard work you are doing won't make you hit your goals overnight.

No really though, think hard, it's wayyyyy too much perfume haha.

Anyways, I had a moment of weakness yesterday... I was emailing with my mom and realized that D Day, aka, dress trying on day is only probably 7 weeks away and yeah, I know I'm making improvements but shit, sometimes I'm like, all this work and its not coming off fast enough. I know I know like I said before, this isn't a race it's a marathon and its going to take time so you have to be patient. My biggest fault is that my patience is basically at a big whopping 0. I have none, zip, zilch, zero. So waiting to drop more sizes so that I can actually try on the sample sizes they have at the store, sucks. To the point where I was even emailing my mom saying I really don't even want to go, because honestly, the tears in my eyes the day I try on those dresses are going to be those of sadness bc ill feel like I haven't lost enough weight, not years of excitement or happiness. I know I know that isn't the way I should feel but it's hard to always be positive about such a drastic goal.

I'm not even kidding this chicks perfume is giving me a headache haha breathing through my nose just isn't cutting it. Haha.

I sit here and I'm like I've been going to the gym for 11 weeks straight why am I not a size 8 yet hahaha. Yeah sure i went shopping this weekend and finally fit into normal sized clothes but thats not good enough yet. If it were only that easy. (Vanishing into a size 8 that is) I wish I had better will power, because when I think like that then I feel like i should eat my feelings, but thankfully I don't haha. I wish I could eat my feelings but I can't do that anymore. What I would do for a bacon egg and cheese right now haha.

I know ill never be a twig, I'm always going to be a bigger girl because these tree trunks for bones aren't getting any skinnier, but its so hard to always be positive about it. What I like about the gym is I always feel like I get positive reinforcement from them, and maybe that's why I love going there so much but at the same time we are all there for similar reasons and of course there isn't going to be negativity. If I could just go throughout my day with my gym friends by my side letting me know that every little things, gonna be alright.... (Sing it) then it would be much better haha but that's not realistic. And at the same time I shouldn't need people to life me up. I should be able to do it on my own, I should be able to be strong and not worry that I'm not dropping fast enough but easier said then done, right ?

At the end of all of this, after I walk down the aisle and realize I've hit all my goals I'm sure ill look back at this post and say hey, look, you did it... But for now, it's a daily struggle.

So, since I'm doing bootcamp here's a fun workout I found online, it's like bootcamp but we do 5 rounds and go for an hour, but even doing this 5 times a week for 20 minutes is better than nothing.

http://m.self.com/fitness/workouts/2012/02/insanity-workout-slideshow

Insanity Workout - Do each of these 6 moves for 1 minute without stopping between exercises. After you've completed 1 round, rest for 60 seconds, then go again. Perform the circuit 3 times (20 minutes & done!) 2 days in a row. Take a rest day & repeat.

And last but not least I'm all about these inspirational quotes now.

Have a great day!!!!!

Andrea & The Dudes.

So I thought it would be appropriate to start today's post off with that title. Andrea and the dudes haha. Sounds like a band name doesn't it? Well no, sorry, I didn't start a rock band, although many of you think I would be a great super star, these dudes aren't in front of the lime light.... They are my new gym buddies.

Since CRANK ended, I jumped right back in and signed up for 8 weeks of bootcamp. Why not right? I've done so well so far, making it to the gym 9 straight weeks in a row (probably my personal best since playing sports in school). Today was day four... I'm not gonna lie, I thought it would be semi easy seeing as though I seem to think I'm some body builder now that I've been working out for 9 weeks haha but NO THIS SHITS INTENSE. But back to my dudes, haha. So I walk into the first class on Monday at 6:15am, not knowing what to expect except maybe seeing some familiar faces, but what I got was a room full of dudes and me. Now normally I would be SUPER uncomfortable, but the minute I walked in the jokes were made that a girl was finally in this glass and I officially felt welcome. These dudes are great. They range from like a 23 year old to probably 40's-50's and they are strong as shit. Let me tell you haha. But I'm keeping right up there with them. It's great too because normally I would feel so awkward working out or even showing up in workout clothes because I feel like people are judging you. ESP GUYS. But not here, this is the first time I've ever felt comfortable in a room full of dudes. Hahahaha. But no, I really like it, I really love them. And I really feel like I'm getting pushed to better myself. I'm addicted to working out now and getting in shape and 100% getting rid of my fat wings on my arms haha. This isn't just for my wedding anymore. This is more than that. This is me making the decision to better my life, feeling better, feeling healthy and being in shape so that when the time comes, I will be alive a lot longer then my grandkids. (Because you know by then there will be some ridiculous way to live that long haha).

I'm still getting the pushback from friends, but its just going to have to be something that I get used to. A true friend will stick with you thru whatever is going on, even if its a big life change like this. (It doesn't help that work is so crazy and I don't have a life anymore) but people want to blame my change in wanting to workout on me shutting myself out when really, I've always put everyone else first, I've never put myself first, and you know what, I'm finally putting myself first and you're either in it with me and won't care if we don't talk daily, or you're out. It sounds harsh but for my own sanity I need to be like this. Welcome to the new me folks, love it or leave it. I'm still the amazing friend I've always been and ill be there if you ever need me but if my focus has shifted slightly, I'm sorry. I thank some amazing people who have helped me out over the past few days realizing that I just need to so me. I love you for it. (You know who you are).

Ok well anyways, for now, 4 days into 8 weeks, lets see if I make it through week 1 and we can celebrate.

Have an awesome day. And oh hey, a big FU to all those haters out there.

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:

Suck it up and Suck it In!

Happy Thursday folks! It's been a while, but man, have things changed. It's so funny to me how I have done a complete 180 since my whole workout kick began 7 weeks ago. 

First, HILARIOUS... Let me tell you, I often sit there and tell myself, SUCK IT UP ANDREA, but don't forget to suck it in. My whole ENTIRE life, I have sucked my gut in. You wouldn't believe how big I really am if I let my chub go. As I sit here writing this post, I'm letting my suck in, out, and it feels weird!!! I've just naturally sucked in for probably 20 years, that when I'm skinny enough to not have to suck in, it's going to be hilarious! Not sure why I got on this topic, but yeah... Anyways.

So, back to this whole 180 degree change thing. Before I started this whole workout/diet thing, all I ever wanted to do was go to work, come home, relax, watch TV, or hang out with friends.... now, all I want to do is GO TO THE GYM! I am pumped. The gym I go to is amazing, and the classes I take, are amazing, and even after 7 weeks, after every class, I can't move. I'm sore in places I didn't know had muscles, and its hard for me to wake up the next morning. I literally get depressed now if I don't go to the gym almost everyday. I think that's so funny. I go from party girl, Andrea, to workout girl, Andrea. As fun as it has been, it's also been a struggle. People are different towards me now, they get upset with me, they can't just be happy for me... and then there are some people, I'm not going to name names, but I'm going to vent, that mock me, tell me how great of a job I am doing, and then lie straight to my face about things.. STOP, you are so annoying. You are pissing me off. This is not a f'ing joke to me. I have NEVER been skinny, EVER, in my whole entire life, and you doing these things that you are doing, it's making me mad. It's the most annoying thing when you work so damn hard at something, and others just mock and lie. I'm not doing this to just drop a few pounds, I'm doing this so that for once in my life, when I walk in front of 300 people, I don't feel like a fat ass, I don't feel like everyone is looking at ME because I'm the fat kid in the room. I'm doing this to make sure that I'm around for a long time, when my kids are having kids, and my kids kids are having kids. So stop, don't lie to me. Stop making this a game or a joke. Because it's not for me. 

Wow, anyways, rant over... Again, Andrea... SUCK IT UP. Stop the bitching. But unfortunately, it's hard to feel good when others are making you feel angry or mad. My new gym friends are awesome. I never feel like I'm annoying them with my questions (well maybe I'm just annoying them with my facebook posts in our RtB groups, but I'm just so excited to see results and be part of this AMAZEBALLS family...), I always feel like they are pushing me to do my best, and it just makes me feel a MILLION times better. I've never been one for gyms, I always feel self conscious, I feel like the meat heads stare at the over weight chick and say, "yep, she def needs to be in here", it's just not my thing... and when I stepped out of our small group at Crank and stepped into a larger group in boot camp, I felt fine. I felt like no matter what I look like, I fit in. I even wore SLEEVELESS SHIRTS! Omg, for you that know me the closest, you know that me wearing sleeveless shirts is like UNHEARD of. hahahaha... But for real, yes, I like working out, but I think the bigger picture is that I like working out with the people I have been working out with, they make me feel good about myself, and cheer me on for trying to do what I'm doing.... I just love it... I thank them for that, they will never really truly understand how appreciative I am of all of them over there at RtB, you will be the reason that I walk down that aisle next fall looking amazing... 

So we only have 2 classes left of the 8 weeks of CRANK and I will finally find out how much I have lost over this process... Its hard to believe that 8 weeks have passed, and yeah, it might not show that I have dropped a ton but I feel amazing, and its getting me geared up for the next 8 weeks of intense bootcamp. I am happy about that. Hopefully, come December when I am trying on dresses, I will finally see all the results that I have been working so hard at trying to achieve.

OH by the way - I'm down to a L/XL top and a 14/16 bottom! Slowly but surely I am getting there.... (down from XXL and 18/20)

Alright, enough for now - but let me leave you with an awesome quote, and a recipe since I don't want you guys to listen to me bitch the whole time, I actually want you to get something out of this blog!!!!

RECIPE TIMEEEEE!!!  

I found this amazing recipe this morning on Dashing Dish - It's for Skinny, buffalo chicken bites!! I cannot WAIT to try these. 

1 cup	Chicken, cooked and shredded
1/4 cup	Hot sauce
1/2 cup	Mozzarella cheese, grated
4 oz	Fat free cream cheese, microwaved 30 seconds to soften
1/4 tsp	Garlic powder
1/4 tsp	Onion powder
24	Wonton wrappers
Optional:	Additional mozzarella cheese for topping Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet pan with foil or parchment paper (for easy clean up) and spray with cooking spray.  In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, hot sauce, mozzarella cheese, and seasoning.  Add the shredded chicken and stir until well combined. Begin filling the wonton wrappers by placing about a tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. You could use a little more or less, just try not to over-fill them, or the filling will ooze out the sides when you are baking them. To seal them shut, place your finger in the water…Then trace two of the corners with the water. Fold the wrapper in half to meet the two dry corners with the two wet corners. Press to seal the two sides together. (Note: the water acts like glue to seal the corners shut!) Continue filling until all of my wonton wrappers are filled. (Note: You may be able to fill even more than 24 wrappers depending on how much filling you use in each one!) When wonton wrappers are filled, give them a light spray with non-stick cooking spray and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese over the top of each one if desired. Lay buffalo chicken bites on prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown. Enjoy with hot sauce, or light greek yogurt mixed with dry ranch seasoning!

A tad bit emotional this morning.

Do you ever wake up thinking, life would be so much better if..... Well I do... my if, is if I was skinnier. Do you know how much easier life would be? Clothes would fit better, I would feel better about myself, I wouldn't feel uncomfortable walking around in life looking the way I do... I know, I know, I preach about everyone is beautiful, of course, and I know I am, but man, do you know how much easier it would be if I was a size 10 instead of a size 18? Do you know how much better I would feel being able to go into a clothing store saying, ahhh, I will find something today, instead of, I hope this stores largest size fits me? Do you know how HARD it is to lose weight?

I get so down on myself because I see Juan, and all he has to do is only eat a sandwich a day for a month and he's lost 30lbs. I mean, A) That's not healthy, B) I love food and I get hungry even talking about food so that would never work and C) I'm jealous. I am so jealous that that's all he has to do. For me, I have to wake up at 4am, get ready for work, have a meal replacement shake, work till 3, get home at 5, have another shake, workout for 2 hours, and then get home just to come to bed. So basically, for me to lose weight, I have to not have a life. Now, I feel like I'm being a big whiner right now, maybe I am, but at the same time, I like working out now so I don't mind doing this, but when I have no friends left because I can never hang out because I'm at the gym, then I'm going to care.

This whole wedding thing has me down too - you know, you look at stylemepretty. com all day long and you never really see brides that are overweight. I don't want to be an overweight bride. My biggest fear is walking down that aisle with all the eyes on me, knowing that I've been on a strict diet and workout regiment for the past year, and then BAM, I'm still rocking my size 18 dress. It's not all about appearances, I know, it's about marrying my best friend, but at the same time, I can't help but think in the back of my head, ugh, I'm the biggest one here.

My guilty pleasure is reality TV and my guiltiest pleasure is probably all the different Real Housewives shows. On RHONJ, Lauren Manzo, has a difficult time losing weight. She's always talking about the same things I talk about, she doesn't want to be bigger and her brothers can eat anything in the world and still be skinny... well, I used to feel for her, and I was like, just work out and stick with it - you will find it will work for you... Well instead of that, I guess she got the lapband surgery. And she looks great now. I am so jealous, but at the same time pissed. Just like all these celebrities, they have the time and money to either work out with a personal trainer 9 hours a day to stay skinny or have a surgery like that. I'm jealous in that I don't have that time or money, but I'm also kind of pissed that someone I could relate to on TV just took the easy way out. You should be in the gym Lauren, you could have done it. I eat a lot and love food too.... Anyways, yeah, annoying....

Honestly, I don't know what the point of this blog today even was? TO bitch and complain about the fact that I hate that I'm overweight? And that it's taking a long time to drop it? I guess... But I can tell you one thing, I think the thing that has been getting me to get up and go to classes everyday to workout has been the people over at RTB, they really are great, they are motivating, and they really like doing what they do, and it makes me like what I do... Also, I'm strong. Under all these rolls, I actually have some big muscles under there... and going to class and feeling like I'm really kicking some ass, makes me feel good. I know I just need to keep telling myself that it will take time, and I will get there eventually, I'm impatient, and I want to be skinny tomorrow. By December, I want to be a size 12/14 so  when I'm trying on dresses, they aren't like, well, there really aren't a lot for you to try on because you are HUGE. I will be skinny. One day.

Anyways, life is what you make of it, and just be happy... you will get there.. (Yeah, I'm really talking to myself)

Half-way home.... Crank is almost done.

First of all, I never thought I would even make it past 2 weeks. If you know me, you know that my dedication to working out is slim-to-none. Actually getting into a routine and going to the gym everyday and getting on a good diet, just isn't for me. But it's been half way through our crank program at Raise the Bar in Manassas with Evie, and I'm happy to say, I am seeing some results!!! Not only am I getting stronger, building up my endurance and becoming more flexible, I've also lost 8lbs and 8 1/2 inches!!!! (let me explain the inches, that's in my waist, arms and legs for a grand total of 8 1/2) and I know it doesn't seem like a lot, but for me it is, considering I GAIN 10LBS EVERYTIME I WATCH A PIZZA HUT COMMERCIAL.... but damn THAT'S PRETTY GOOD FOR ME!

I was really surprised to actually see that. I mean honestly, I am doing the best I can. I can't just wake up one day at the beginning of this and go ok, I'm changing my WHOLE LIFE. I'm not ever going to eat any junk food, I'm not going to drink (HAHAHAHAHHAH REALLY?), and I'm going to work out 7 days a week. A shock like that to my body would probably kill me HAHA. But I am, getting dedicated. Working out 5 times a week with a day of cardio for 6 times a week, eating WAY healthier than I have in a long time, and drinking a gallon of water a day (the evidence is in the gallon jug on my desk haha). I feel so much better, I have more energy, and although I haven't lost a ton of weight yet, I am building so much muscle and I'm doing it the right way so that I don't just gain it all back.

I think another thing that is really helping me along is my isagenix shakes. I love that shit. Vanilla with the power boost makes it taste like a creamsicle and shittttttt, having that for breakfast or dinner everyday makes a HUGE difference. I can honestly say I have tried EVERY FREAKING weight loss shake, diet, program on the market, and this just tops them all because it TASTES good!!!!! I love it because I don't have to get up in the morning and think about preparing a full meal, I can just throw a shake together, drink, and I'm full till my mid-morning snack! Same for dinner.. I'm finding it's hard get home, cook dinner, and then go work out, so instead, I'm just having a shake. Isagenix is my new favorite thing. I think I'm going to do the 30 day program next, just to see how it works for me - and clearly I will let you know how it goes along the way. But I really just want to take my time, drop the weight and do it in a healthy way so that it doesn't come back!

Besides that, I really love the support my friends are giving me. They really are pushing me and talking to me about this whole diet thing and giving me advice - I honestly can say I couldn't do this without them!

But wait, here's another take away from my blog today - did you know that pandora has some kick ass workout stations???? CHECK IT OUT BITCHESSSS: I love it, and I get pumped the F up! hahahaha

http://www.pandora.com/music/workout

And plus, I didn't know this, but my whole family is doing Isagenix! hahaha - anyways... here's a few fun shake recipe's if you are doing Isagenix!!

Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

• 1 scoop IsaLean® Shake in Natural Creamy Chocolate
• 1 scoop IsaLean® Shake in Natural Creamy Vanilla
• 1 square IsaDelight Plus™ Milk or Dark Chocolate
• 1 tsp. Natural Peanut Butter
• 8 oz. of water
• Blend with ice

Submitted by Kimberly C.

Piña Colada Shake

• 2 scoops IsaLean® Shake in French Vanilla
• ¼ cup fresh or frozen pineapple
• ¼ teaspoon coconut extract
• 8 oz purified water

Blend well and serve cold.
Try it with an IsaBlender™!

Did you know you are supposed to drink this much water a day????????

happy shaking! haha

Andrea