The Better Body Blog Project - Day 1

Ok, so today was day 1, and I will admit, from the moment I woke up, I struggled. I also expected to.

Here it is, my starting photos with my starting weight. All glorious 145lbs of it. This is the heaviest weight I've ever been. I feel fat at times, it's true. I want to clear up right now that when I say that, I am NOT comparing myself to other people when I say "I feel fat", I am comparing me now, to previous weight in the past. So I am NOT comparing myself to anyone; skinny or fat. I am also pretty white. I sometimes joke that if I were any whiter, I'd be blue-ish, and they do not make a lighter foundation (make up) than I use. Sometimes I have to mix it with a white base, because the lightest is too dark. But I digress.

My first day happened to fall while on vacation with my in-laws, camping near Ocean Shores Washington on Labor day weekend. I was in charge of bringing snacks, and I knew that food would be temptation number one. I also knew that I would be beginning this project while on this trip and that it I would tempted with both endless grazing on unhealthy snacks and camp-fare (hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, beer) and opportunities to be lazy and do little-to nothing in terms of being active, as is the custom when enjoying a camping weekend.

So, before I even got to the campground, I went to the store. Again, I was in charge of bringing snacks, and while my first round of snack-choosing included three bags of chips, a meat-cheese and cracker platter, Milano cookies, Fig Newtons, goldfish crackers, several assorted Chobani Greek yogurts and then went looking for a fruit platter. While in the fresh produce section, I had to remind myself that I am taking small steps to change my life for the better, and working towards making smarter and healthier choices.

I put about half the items back, including the chips and the meat platter, and substituted them for a pineapple, a pint of blueberries, a bag of Fuji apples and a box of assorted grapes.

*Tip of the Day: Substituting fruit for cookies or other packaged snacks can help lessen your cravings for sugar or high fructose corn syrup-heavy snacks, lessen your daily caloric intake of surplus fattening calories and help you feel more full, plus, helps you get your daily 4 servings of fruits and veggies!

I figured that if we had fruit out to snack on, that that'd either be a more healthy alternative, or if they didn't want to eat fruit, then they may be less likely to snack on unhealthy foods like chips.

I did keep the cookies and the goldfish crackers because if you are going to be naughty, you might as well have a small portion (1 cookie) on the good stuff (Milano cookies are DARN good!) and my 14 month old nephew loves goldfish!

For breakfast, my in-laws prepared the food, and thanks to my foresight (buying greek yogurt, only 120-140 cals per serving, and the fruit) I had more healthy options available, over hash browns, bacon, sausage links, and pancakes.

Here's my breakfast; cut fruit, chobani peach yogurt, a little bacon, a little hash-browns and about a cup of orange juice; I am on vacation/camping and it is only day 1 - horrible mindset I know, but hey, I've got to be realistic.

Then, when my breakfast had settled, I went for some interval runs/sprints/boot camp like exercises on the beach. It took about 45mins, and we did interval runs, walks and sprints for about half the time, and then did intervals of walking and then duck walks, frog jumps and reverse frog jumps. I gave it my best effort and by the time I was done, I could barely walk back to camp.

Then, we went into the Quinault rainforest and went for a little hike. I had a medium Fuji apple for a snack :). It was about an hour of walking, then we came back to camp, packed up camp and I drove home (it was about three hours).

I always struggle when eating on the go. The conflict is quickness and convenience verses healthy choices (because salads are impossible to eat with one hand). My options come lunchtime were McDonalds, Dairy Queen, Quizznos and Subway. I chose Subway!! This is my number one recommendation for eating while on the go because they are everywhere and you can customize what you put on your sandwich.

McDonalds and Dairy Queen (and any other fast-food burger joints or places that have French fries) are poor choices, because unless half of their menu is mad up of healthy choices that you would actually order and eat, you will most-likely chose to get exactly what you want (for me, it's either a chicken basket from DQ or a Big Mac meal, both are around 1000 calories) and when you are making healthy choices, and sticking to a daily caloric intake of about 12-1500 calories per day, you don't want to have one meal take up the bulk of your allowance.

So, Subway is a great choice! I chose a six-inch ham and turkey on wheat (no cheese) with lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, pickles and onions with honey-mustard and oregano with an iced tea. Total calories; 310. I didn't get chips (I LOVE Lays Salt n' Vinegar chips), and it was really hard not to, but that is an additional 160 empty calories that I know I may want, but don't need.

When getting a drink at soda fountains or out at restaurants, I will only drink unsweetened iced tea. I used to drink full-sugar Dr. Pepper but this is one of my best simple swaps.

I will write later posts on how to make the switch from soda to tea, simple swaps for maximizing your positive calorie intake, and why not to drink your calories.


When I got home, there was very little food in the house, and I wasn't all that hungry, so I made a chocolate protein shake.

So, day 1 wrap-up. I made good, positive steps toward making healthier choices, I got in a great workout, and still could hang out with family on vacation, and didn't starve.

I feel very positive about day 1! It wasn't perfect (I did have orange juice, bacon and a little hash-browns for breakfast), a few chocolate bon-bons (my sister-in-law went to the Wizzarding World of Harry Potter and brought back exploding bon-bons) and drank my dinner (protein shake) but I got in a great workout, had no fast-food and considering the circumstances, I did pretty well and I felt great! I expect to be sore tomorrow!

In the future, I may not be so specific on what I ate, unless I am making a new dish and sharing the recipie, but I will share if I mess up, and how many calories I ate for the day. Please keep reading, and if you have any questions, suggestions for food or a new recipe for me to try, want to see a favorite dish made lighter, or anything, please leave a comment or email me at followmegfit@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!

The Better Body Blog Project

We all want to lose weight, look better, feel better, but we all have the same problems.
1. Lack of motivation
2. lack of support
3. lack of accountability
4. lack of goals.

Well I am motivated by my "Mud Run" 5-k race at the end of the month, and my husband's return from deployment, and I want to look awesome for his return and train for my race. I have the support and accountability of YOU, my readers. I give you full permission to read, follow and call me on it, if I am being lazy and/or slacking. My goals (and the rules for this blog) are these;

The Rules

The Long Term: Spend 365 days working out, making healthier food choices and blogging about what you do, how you feel, and how it affects you. 

The Short Term: Spend the next 30 days (September) making smarter choices and working out for at least 30-45mins per day, with an optional day off (Sunday). You can do any kind of workout you want. The first 30 days is a jump-start.

Take beginning, monthly and "ending" photos, and weigh-ins to display your progress, along with blogging your daily struggles, failures, and good and bad behavior.

So, how to get started:

• Make small changes - make simple swaps. You can still eat out, just order healthier options. Build meals with a balance of fruits, veggies, protein and fat.

• Take small steps - don't do more than you can do. Listen to your body, and challenge yourself but (to start) don't overwork, over strain or injure yourself.

• Don't be too hard on yourself if you mess up or if you can't keep up with a class or video. Do what you can do, give it your best effort and your full attention. Make sure to stretch before and after. When you're through, relax and reward yourself with something like a dunk in the hot tub or watching a movie. 

 

• Do NOT reward yourself with food.

The table and chairs project: part one

While my husband was gone on deployment I decided it was time to find a new table and chairs to better suit our style, space and needs. Our current one is a blocky rectangle with a blonde birch top and white legs that seats or comfortably and maybe six squeezing in. The chairs are also the same body is white with a blonde birch seat. They are very plain, with clean lines, which to me is very boring and overall the set makes the space feel crowded. My husband was given them for free when he was still a bachelor so I figured I could sell the set we had and probably not be out any costs in replacing them.

The dining room space is very small and so I determined that we needed a versatile table. I thought it would be ideal to find a round table that had double-drop leaves as well as center leaf extensions so that the table could grow or shrink depending on the needs of the occasion. It would be ideal if at the smallest size the table could be used as a small buffet, allowing many people to easily maneuver around it and at the largest size would seat as many as eight people comfortably.

My first thought was buying and IKEA table because I love IKEA and they are famous for furniture pieces that are both inexpensive and versatile for using in small spaces. Me first choice was their "Norden" table because it could fold down to the size of a side arm table in the living room to set drinks on but would extend out to be able to see as many as six, which was the size of our current table. The problem was it was ugly, rectangular, and almost $200. So despite the versatility it practically had nothing else going for it.  My overall budget was about $200 so I knew that wouldn't work. 

My vision for the chairs was to find chairs with an older vintage look that had a lot of character and potential for upholstering the seat with a fun or vintage fabric. I knew I was not going to find the chairs at ikea. 

The solution for where to find both the table and chairs for at or under budget was to look at my favorite place to find anything; A thrift store.

I found the chairs first, at "Richard Scary's" thrift store. I go in from time to time and on this occasion I wasn't looking for anything in particular. When I thrift shop usually I have a list in my mind of things that I know that I'm looking for that helps me to be focused on looking for only those things and not browsing aimlessly and spending too much money on things I don't need. I knew I was looking for chairs and when I walked in, I saw the set of chairs immediately, piled in the center of the store. They were cool, vintage and very charming but the price was a little more than I wanted to spend on them. I walked away thinking maybe I will wait and if they're still there months now I'll have time to think about it. 

Sure enough, I was driving by one day and saw a sign for a furniture sale. I stopped in to look to see if the chairs were still there. They were. They were still more than I had wanted to spend, (I have a sense of how much things are worth) and I didn't think they were worth what he was asking. But he told me they were over 100 years old and I knew I wouldn't find that vintage charming style anywhere else. So, I broke down and bought them. I paid $100 for the set. 

I found the table when I was down in Oregon visiting my parents. One of my mom and my favorite things to do together is "putz" around at thrift stores. I knew that I was looking for a round table so I walked back into the furniture section and there it was, a round, double drop-leaf table almost exactly like I had been looking for. The problem was it didn't have center leaf extensions, so at the largest size it would probably only be able to fit four people squeezed around it. I called my dad sent him a picture and ask him if he thought it would be possible to add leaves. Since my dad is a woodworker he is the perfect person to do this kind of project. He came up and looked at it and that he could easily add leaves, so I bought it on the spot for 20 bucks and took it home. Current cost for the project: $120.

So, I had found my table and chairs. However there was still a lot of work to be done. The chairs needed to be sanded, painted and the seats upholstered. I would need to choose the color scheme, buy paint, upholstery foam and fabric to cover the chairs. Upholstery foam is extremely expensive so I would also need to keep my eyes open for some at the Goodwill pound store. 

The table needed to be cut down the center, slider brackets installed and leaves cut and fitted to match. Then I would need to sand and stain the top and paint the base.

So lots of work to be done. Yay for projects!

Coming soon in the next post: beginning work on the chairs!

Deployment project #1

In today's post we are talking about "deployment project number one". In case you don't know, my husband is currently serving in the US Air Force and is deployed overseas. As one of my many "keep busy to survive during deployment" lists, I have three projects that I have decided to do while he is gone, hoping to finish before he gets back and surprise him. 

The three projects are:

Project #3: reorganize the furniture in our bedroom to optimize the space.

 Project #2: reorganize, redesign and clean out the office to maximize the space, clean out the clutter, and make it a peaceful, serene and an inviting space we can both use and enjoy together. 

Project #1: replace the dining room set with something less linear/masculine with a set with more vintage character that i can paint to add pops of color and brightness into a very white, plain space. The previous table set was given to my husband when he was still a bachelor, for free. It is a 4 to 6 person rectangular table that is very staunchly, with crisp, white paint and clean lines, but limits the use of the space. 

I was looking for a round table with double-drop side leaves, extendable center leaves, and a single, plain base that at the smallest would seat as few as two, and at the largest would seat as many as eight.

I was also looking for a set of four chairs with interesting and intricate details that would add character and a slightly more feminine, vintage style.

I was inspired by this picture that I found on Pinterest.

Sure, I would love a room with these rounded, bay windows, this amount of space and light, but I just liked the furniture. I wanted pieces that were full of character, vintage style and were also versatile. I wanted the table at the smallest size, to be used as a buffet and at the largest size as an entertaining and dinning space for dinners. 

I wanted the chairs to be full of character but also comfortable enough to be used as alternate pieces of living room furniture for extra guests. I chose a fabric that would work in both a vintage/country chic dining room and also that would work with the eclectic style of the fabrics of the throw pillows on the living room sofa. I wanted the color I chose to blend with the colors of the living room and kitchen spaces but to definitely add some great pops of the eclectic, fresh color.

Teaser: I found both for under $150.  They were not purchased together as a matching set but when put together really work. I will post pictures in my next post.

Generally the object of all 3 to 4 projects is to clean out, get rid of, and leave clear spaces to give the illusion of a larger space and make it more comfortable and pleasant. Jason has said the past that coming home to this house can feel  oppressive, stifling and depressing because there is so much stuff. I wanted to clean out and start over. I wanted him to feel like he can come home to spaces that were warm, full of character, pleasant, open, clutter free and generally inviting, warm and livable.

I will keep you posted with pictures of the transformation process. My next post will be part 1 of 2 or 3 posts on the project! So keep your eyes peeled!

Recipe for Motivation

Recipe for Motivation

1. Dissatisfaction - reason to change
2. Desire to make a change - do I really want to change this?
3. Believe that change is possible
4. Willingness to do what it takes - be willing to take whatever action is needed to accomplish the goal
5. Goals: both short term, and long term
6. The tools you need to accomplish your goals
7. Support from others

Motivation is a matter of choice, not chance.

Followmeg.com Pre-launch

Back in June 2012, you may remember reading about "the better body project". Well that was over year ago and I haven't written since about health and fitness.  Then again in March, you may have read about my packing for vacation to Hawaii. In the two months prior to that trip, I spent January and February really digging deep, and lost 10 to 15 pounds and was in the best shape of my life, all in preparation for that trip. I was determined to look amazing in my little black bikini and I feel like I succeeded (although I got zero pictures as proof). But after that point I kind of lost the plot. 

I have the tools. I know what I need to do; what I need to eat and what I need to avoid, how to work out, how to prepare and apply myself and really work to see the results. 

The problem now is motivation. A lot of people will say
"I want to look amazing, I want to lose weight and I want to be healthy but I just don't know how to get started or don't have the motivation."



Me, March 2013 (125 lbs)

Let me tell you something; I'm with you! When I was in Hawaii I felt and looked amazing, and also felt like I deserved a break. But then I got totally  lazy and backslid to the point where I am at the heaviest weight I've ever been in my life. Many of you may be in the same situation. Whether you were once fit but life may have gotten in the way (or laziness, like me), or if you've never been  a fit person to begin with, we're all in the same boat. We aren't where we want to be, for whatever reason. It's easy to be so discouraged that you don't even want to bother, or too overwhelmed to know even where to start.



Me, August 2013 (143 lbs)

Well this is your golden opportunity. This is the place to get started, with me as your friendly guide along the way. FollowMeg.com is a place to get inspired, find new recipes, weekly menus and shopping lists, work outs, inspirational blogs, as well as a place to leave comments and ask questions. I really do want to hear from you, and help you in whatever way you need, whether you ask "what should I make for dinner?" or "how do I get started?" or even if you just need a  regular word of encouragement or a kick in the pants, this is and a platform for beginning your fitness journey. FollowMeg.com is YOUR place to ask questions, leave comments and let me know what you need to keep you motivated and on track as you jump-start your fitness journey toward a healthy lifestyle. So feel free to email me at Followmegfit@gmail.com, and let Me know what you need to help you get started!

For the time being Followmeg.com will post out of mirrortheinnerbeauty.blogspot.com

I will keep you posted when Followmeg.com goes live!
Keep watching for updates!!

I will be posting my journey; yes- the good, the bad and the ugly will be posted, hoping it will encourage you on yours. Please forgive the pasty-whiteness, the lumps and bumps, the occasional bouts of self-loathing, and the blatant honesty, but my hope is to lay it all out there, and show you what works and what doesn't. My biggest goal- to help you, in any way I can.


 

Projects - Mama Mia!

So my mom came up to visit for  couple days, and one thing you've gotta know about my mom, she's a slavedriver... in a good way.  Whenever she comes up to visit, she's like a bloodhound for projects. She won't be happy unless she's helping finish undone projects, tidying up, cleaning out something. She's like that at home too, it drive my dad crazy, but I like it! It's probably, because he's around it all the time and I get it small doses.



 
 



 My moms motto is "get it done while you're thinking about it and don't put it off for later". She got her motto from her mother, who taught her to work hard and not procrastinate and she is working hard, both on life's to-do list and in passing that legacy on to me.

 

 



 
 


In the two days she was here, we: cleaned out and packed up the office, moved out all the furniture including two large desks into the garage that i had wanted to sell on craigslist, Finished the chair cushion upholstering project, painted my table base, stained the table top, and finished the office.

 

 Look out for posts to come on my table project and chairs project, and the before and afters of my dinning room and office!!

 

 

 
 

The other thing that she and I like to do is called "putzing around". This usually involves going to thrift stores, Ross, IKEA, and other assorted stores and just generally window shopping and thrift store shopping and having a good time. Then we come back to the house and do fashion show, to rediscover and enjoy all the things that we purchased that day. We usually go out for lunch too. 

 

  

  

This time we did just that. We started out going to IKEA, then to the Goodwill pound store, then to lunch at Mod pizza and Menchies for dessert, and last but not least Target, Ace Hardware, and the scary thrift shop (because I talk about it a lot and she wanted to see it for herself). 

 

 

If you haven't tried or seen my last post on Mod Pizza, read here.

 
 

 

 

  
So we had a full couple of days of putzing around, doing projects, watching movies and going in the hot tub. It was pretty exhausting. I've spent all of today just recuperating from all the projects that we did, but also trying to plan new projects to start on next.

 

 

 

 

 

It probably would've taken me several weeks to accomplish what she and I did in just two days. I think I will make a list of future projects to have around so that when she is here the next time we can simply look at that list in case there aren't any obvious projects that need doing. For better or for worse she is often times the voice in my head and sometimes the voice in real life urging me to work hard, to get projects done, and to look back with satisfaction on jobs well done.