One Hope Wine

Thank you One Hope Wine for gifting us with a bottle of red wine. It has long been thought that red wine is beneficial to the heart and you can read more about that here.
It may help your heart by lowering cholesterol and preventing blood clots. For example, one 5oz. glass a day for women (2 for men) may help raise your good cholesterol and thin your blood.

The American Heart Association is still researching the benefits of wine, so remember that diet and exercise are the best way to stay healthy. And know that a nice glass of wine every now and then could be good for you!

Alcohol in moderation can be a nice treat and it's nice to have a glass of wine from a company that gives back to charities. Every time you buy a bottle, they give money to a charity of their choosing, and a charity of your choosing. Take some time to read about One Hope Wine's mission and again, thanks to One Hope for the gift!

 I look forward to enjoying a glass at the end of the khantest!

Friends and Family Make it Better

 Here I am at Genghis with my kiddos, my mother-in-law Jean, and her sister Carol. Carol was visiting from CT. We had a nice lunch and I was happy for the great company!

 This past weekend I had a bunch of fun with some seminary friends that were in town. Friends are part of a healthy life too and my health got a boost with the laughter and chatting I enjoyed with these treasures.

Blurry pic, but here I am 2 weeks in with my bulletin board.

Week two was TOUGH!! I hit a plateau on the scale-totally frustrating! I think it may have finally budged, but I'm cautious. Ultimately I'm in this to get healthy, so even if the scale doesn't say what I wish it would, I'm sticking with it. I can tell that my body is changing.

Unfortunately, I'm having a little trouble with my achilles tendon. It's the same leg that I had the knee injury. I'm guessing that since I'm still weaker on that side, that it's affecting that as well. So, I'm taking it easy and doing low impact cardio. I talked to a PT friend about it yesterday and I have the name of a good doctor in case I need it. Lots of ice and stretching and no overdoing it.

I'm really glad I have a personal trainer because he is helping me pace myself and has told me to stay out of the gym on certain days. He keeps me in reality. And then he kicks my butt every time he works with me. By the way- I always thought of personal trainers as a luxury because of the expense. But think about the medical bills from the effects of being overweight and unhealthy. That cost is far above the cost for a personal trainer for a little while to help get you jump started and teach you the proper way of doing things. I'm SO glad we got one for me- I have 12 sessions total and every time I feel like it's a last chance workout on Biggest Loser. And every time, I feel strong and empowered. Totally worth it!!!

So, normally, I would be derailed by the events of the past week, but I am determined like I never have been before. I WILL succeed!

3 Goals

Just a reminder of where I'm starting at, here are my before pictures again. The weekend before the contest and one week in. I'll post another picture update this Monday.

I've hit a weight plateau this week even though I can tell my body is changing. We're going to tweak a few things and just keep pressing on. I've been VERY discouraged the past few days but am trying to press on! I need to focus on the positive. For instance, I "ran" 2 miles yesterday without stopping. My knee didn't hurt a bit (for those of you who don't know, I'm 6 months post pcl/acl injury).

I have three major goals for the Health Kwest and if I can focus on those, I won't feel as disappointed when the scale doesn't go down because I know I'm working towards these goals, not a number.

1. Be healthy- have a healthy heart and a healthy body. I want to improve my cardiovascular health and I'm doing that through workout and having fun too! Exercising also helps your brain, your mood, everything! So, I want exercise to become a habit by the end of this, something I can't live without.

2. Be in control of what I eat and make good choices. I am trying to learn to put more of the good stuff in my body but still enjoy it. I want to have the will power to make good choices about food on a consistent basis and not eat due to stress or boredom.

3. Begin a lifestyle of teaching my kids healthy habits. They will learn from me, so when they see me exercise and eat right, hopefully they will too. I want them to grow up already having healthy habits ingrained.

And of course, I'd love to lose weight and win $10,000 too!!

I Have A Dream

I Have a Dream

• That I will one day be a healthy weight
• That exercise will be a habit
• That my children will look up to me as a role model for a healthy lifestyle
• That I can buy whatever bathing suit I want to
• That all my blood tests would show a healthy body
• That I would have energy to keep up with my kids
• That my husband and I can be proud of what we accomplished in this 60 days
• That I will run in races again
• That people will say, "Wow, you look great!"
• That I will never return to an unhealthy weight again.
• That clothes shopping will be fun
• That this Health Kwest is just the beginning of a lifelong style of living
• That Krispy Kreme invents a healthy doughnut. Haha!!!

I have lots of dreams and I am sure you do too! What is standing in your way! Don't let it- make it happen!!!

Life Changing

 This picture was taken on Monday, one week into the contest. Down 11 pounds from the official weigh in. It's a lot but it was the first week. This week, so far, is going at a more realistic pace.

Here's where I spend a lot of time these days. Fusion Fitness

Normally, I don't post photos where I look like this but it is what it is and I'm dropping the pounds and getting healthier each day. I'm trying to also focus on how I got here, and what needs to change in my life, in my heart, in my mind, to keep me from getting here again. Last night I listened to a podcast by Chip Ingram on changing habits and he talked about looking at the underlying issues and finding a peace with God. So, while I'm working out my body, I'm trying to work out my heart and mind also. This is a life changing journey for me. Thanks for coming along with your support!

No More Excuses!

I'm tired.
I don't feel well.
I'm hungry.
It was a hard day.
It's too cold.
It's too hot.
It's raining.
I don't have clean workout clothes.
It's a special occasion.
We're out of our normal schedule.
I'll start Monday.
It's just one cupcake.
But I love McDonald's cokes.

In the past, these have been my excuses...

I am definitely learning about pushing past the excuses. This weekend we went to an adoption conference in Orlando. It would have been so easy to abandon my plan. But we made it work. I took meals with me. We drove way out of the way to get my Genghis Grill meals in. I worked out where, when, and however I could. I stayed on track. I even "showered" in a church's bathroom sink, but that's a story for another day.

There were a dozen times, like in the Millenia Mall Food Court, that I could have chosen to make an excuse and lose sight of my goal but I stuck with it. My husband continues to be such a huge support and is helping each and every step.

I am definitely tired of excuses and excited for results!!!

Yesterday's challenge was to do a dance video at Genghis Grill and post to YouTube. Here's my video led by my Zumba instructor, Sandra Kerr, from Fusion Fitness Center

Can You Feel the Genghis Grill Love?

Happy Valentine's Day!! My husband and I met 7 years ago this week!!

Speaking of love......Here are my Top Five Reasons I LOVE Genghis Grill

1. I like picking what I want but not having to cook it myself.

2. The staff are so friendly.

3.They have great healthy choices that taste good.

4. It's relaxed enough that I can take my kids there.

5. This Health Kwest that is kicking my rear in gear!

Day 3

Well, it's day 3 and I must admit, I am SO tired! This working out takes some getting used to. Before the khantest, I was only working out about 30min. every other day. Needless to say I've kicked it up a notch.

I went to another Zumba class last night and it was not for the Steve Urkels among us. I left after 25 min. Thankfully God spared my life, and my heart rate and pride recovered. I think the teacher last night came right out of a salsa dance club. I went back to Zumba this morning and it was more my level, but still difficult. A few saintly girls, joined me in the back to help me learn the steps. Apparently they noticed my Urkel dance as well and decided to intervene!!!

I'm actually at GG right now. My daughter's allergies are bothering her and she made it known that she had no interest in eating her PBJ at GG today. She took a great nap and now I'm enjoy a few rare moments of peace, waiting for my bowl to arrive. It's chicken again with peas, carrots, cilantro, squash, zucchini, garlic, pepper, cayenne, and island teriyaki. It just arrive, I'll take a pic for ya!

Ok, so I can't figure out how to put in on here right now, but I'll post it later. Trust me its good!

I am meeting with the personal trainer tonight. I dislike him right now with ever sore muscle in my body, but I love him for the results I will hopefully see. Pray for me!!!!!!

Day 2

1st day- talking with the store owner, lovely hostess, and one of the managers- photo credit- Jean Fanning

1st day picture with staff- photo credit- Jean Fanning

Day 2 Bowl- it was AMAZING!!!!!

Step 1 (Protein): Chicken(2)

Step 2 (Seasoning): Cayenne Pepper(1), Granulated Garlic(1), Black Pepper(1)

Step 3 (Veggies): Carrots(1), Cilantro(1), Squash & Zucchini(1), Spinach(2)

Step 4 (Sauce): Dragon Sauce(.5)

Step 5 (Starch): Brown Rice(1)

Calories: 488
Protein (g): 53.9
Carbohydrates (g): 48.7
Dietary Fiber (g): 10.1
Total Fat (g): 1.9
Saturated Fat (g): 7
Cholesterol (mg): 120
Sodium (mg): 897

Day 1 went really well. I got all my workouts in and met with the personal trainer at our gym. I'll have a few sessions with him to get me started. So, while I would normally be watching Biggest Loser on TV, last night I was experiencing my own personal Biggest Loser workout. It was crazy but good!!!

This morning I tried Zumba for the first time. If you had seen me you may have thought I had a spider on me, I was having some sort of medical emergency, or had lost my mind. But no, those are my dancing skills. I will earn no awards for my Zumba skills, but moving is moving, pretty or not and I burned some serious calories! So I will be back tomorrow to channel my inner Beyonce....er, I mean.....Steve Urkel

Day 1- My 1st bowl

 

Getting ready to weigh in

 Genghis Grill Day 1- here we go!!

 My first bowl: chicken, carrots, zucchini and squash, spinach, garlic, pepper, cayenne powder, and brown rice with sweet and sour sauce. Under 500 calories and delicious although the brown rice will take a little getting used to, especially without pouring on the extra sauce! I really liked the added kick of the cayenne powder.

 Bethany took this picture for me.

Day 1- Morning

Genghis Grill Health Kwest

This is the photo I used in my application for the Genghis Grill Health Kwest.

I had been doing Weight Watchers for a few months, so when we needed a healthier option one night for eating out, I chose Genghis Grill. As I looked over their website, trying to calculate points, I came across the ad for the upcoming contest. I decided to apply and was ultimately chosen.

One contestant from each Genghis Grill in the United States will be eating a free Genghis Grill bowl of yummy food daily for 60 days. In addition, we will be completing daily social media tasks such as posting photos, videos, blogs, etc. and trying our best to become healthier and lose weight. A winner will be chosen based on percentage of weight lost and points earned through the social media tasks. The prize? A lighter, leaner, healthier Katie and $10,000 if I'm the top Khantestant!!!

I will need every ounce of encouragement I can get, so keep those comments coming!

Subscribe via email by using the link on the side of this page. You can also follow me on twitter @Katie8025

This is me on our wedding day and I'd like to be back down to at least this size by the end of the contest. I am determined and have a great support system in place! Plus lots or lettuce.......lots and lots of lettuce! ; )