Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 19

This post is full of whining and boohoos. Proceed at your own risk... (don't say I didn't warn you, I did)

Menu:
Wake Up- 3 Catalyst

30 Minutes Prior to Breakfast: Yellow MNS Max Packet of Supplements*

Breakfast: White Supplement Packet and Meal Replacement Shake with 1 Banana (truly, it's 1/2 to 3/4 a banana... I share with the small one)

7:00- Spark

Mid Morning- Almonds and Apple

30 Minutes Prior to Lunch- Catalyst (3) and Yellow MSN Max Packet

Lunch - Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Veggies. Whole Wheat CousCous

3:00ish- Spark

Mid Afternoon: I'm not sure what my snack will be. I have to go to the doctor this afternoon. I can't stop coughing and my chest hurts :(

Dinner: Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Veggies in a Whole Wheat Wrap..... Hey Jessica, didn't you just have that for lunch, minus the wrap? Why yes, I did. But we're out of food and Mama isn't going to the grocery store until tomorrow. So guess who's eating the same thing twice today? This girl.

Workout: 

JM Shed and Shred- Level 1

I upped my weights this morning. Not bad, not bad. The coughing up a lung part? Bad, very, very bad.

Daily Challenge:

I'm probably going to have a hard time staying motivated.... 

I feel like super crap. I have a really bad cough that I can't seem to stop no matter what I do.

And... here's where I throw myself a pity party complete with cheese, whining and the world's smallest violin:

I stepped on the scale today and I have lost zero pounds in the past week. ZERO.

Do my pants fit better? Yes

Do I see the formation of baby abs, sorta? Yes

Do I see more muscle formation? Yes

Do I feel 100% better (minus the whole cough thing)? Yes

Should I take all of the above and stick it up my scale's ass? Yes

I realize it isn't all about a number on the scale. But seriously, I'd to see a smaller number on the scale. I really and truly would.

Daily Tip:

Don't stand on the scale at 3am while coughing your lungs up. Nothing good comes of it.

Notes from Yesterday:

I coughed all night and have been wide awake since 2am.... the end!

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 18

Today marks the start of my LAST week y'all (and in 2 week at this time, my flight will be touching down in Charlotte and I'll be reunited with my bestie and her husband!)

Menu:
Wake Up- 3 Catalyst

30 Minutes Prior to Breakfast: Yellow MNS Max Packet of Supplements*

Breakfast: White Supplement Packet and Meal Replacement Shake with 1 Banana 

7:00- Spark

Mid Morning- Almonds and Apple

30 Minutes Prior to Lunch- Catalyst (3) and Yellow MSN Max Packet

Lunch - Sweet Potato Shepard's Pie and broccoli with sriracha because that's how plain broccoli should roll :)

3:00ish- Spark

3:40ish- Carrots and Almonds..... just realized I forgot the guac.  (gI'm getting mighty sick of guacamole anyway) 

Dinner: Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Veggies with Whole Wheat CousCous

Workout: 

JM Kick Boxing Levels 1 and 2

Lately, I've been doing Level 2 first and then doing Level 1.
Today I did it in the 1 then 2. I didn't love it as much.

Daily Challenge:

Today I will need my patience cap and a glass of two of wine. Unfortunately, I get neither. 

Daily Tip:

Read the labels on your MNS packets!

Notes from Yesterday:

*Yesterday was a crazy day. The stomach flu hit Mr. Berg for the second time in 2 months the night before. He woke up still sick but desperate to get to his morning meetings. (He is an HR Director's germ spreading nightmare.) He felt too bad to do his household chore, but well enough to go to work..... yeah about that...... I digress....

So he left and I had all the crazy to deal with between trash cans that needed to be put out, a cat that needed fed, Ryan and all of his stuff, plus general house stuff that Mr. Berg typically helps/ deal with and didn't do. The neighbor's dog was hanging out on our deck, my counter tops weren't clean, the dishwasher needed to be unloaded, reloaded.... I couldn't find the friggin jet dry.....

Not to mention I was five shades of pissed because Mr. Berg was sick and left.
Oh- and I had to leave early to pick up my Dad at the dealership on my way to Ryan's school.

So yesterday morning was insane.

So insane, I some how managed to take my 30 minutes prior to breakfast supplements on schedule and then took my 30 minutes prior to lunch supplement with breakfast.

I didn't even realize my error until lunch time rolled around and I had two take with meal supplement packets and no take 30 minute prior packets.

So I just took my catalyst as usual and then had both packets with lunch..... I'm sure the Advocare gods are just thrilled with me right now.  Hey- at-least I took them

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 17

Menu:
Wake Up- 3 Catalyst

30 Minutes Prior to Breakfast: Yellow MNS Max Packet of Supplements*

Breakfast: White Supplement Packet and Meal Replacement Shake with 1 Banana 

7:00- Spark

Mid Morning- Almonds and Apple

30 Minutes Prior to Lunch- Catalyst (3) and Yellow MSN Max Packet

Lunch - Sweet Potato Shepard's Pie and Green Beans....this is the last green beans day. Tomorrow, broccoli :)

3:00ish- Spark

3:40ish- Carrots and Guac.

Dinner: Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Veggies with Whole Wheat CousCous

Workout: 

JM Shed and Shred Level 2

I'm so glad I'm finally getting the hang of this workout. I have had to make several modifications in order to not aggravate my stenosis. My chiropractor helped me with them.

For starters- I can't do elbow raises- I stick with straight planks instead.
I also don't do the one legged mountain climbers, or the renegade rows with leg lifts. I can't explain why they aggravate my shoulder but my chiropractor had a great answer, that I don't remember. So I stick with regular ones on both accounts.

There is also a move where you basically do a back bend and balance on your head- Nope.
I stick to the modification for that one as well. I still get a really balanced workout.

Daily Challenge:

Mr. Berg has the flu and I'm out of patience. Yay! 

Daily Tip:

Don't let stress win. Combat it with great choices and deep breathing.

Notes from Yesterday:

I had dinner with my parents last night. My mom served spaghetti and meat sauce. I ate it and didn't complain. Honestly, it was delicious and I was so hungry it wouldn't have mattered what she made, I was eating it.
I made sure to watch my serving size and didn't go over board.

I left feeling satisfied and happy.

Ryan was thrilled to be with his Grammy and Grandpa, making the meal even more worth it. 

Life, Lately....

The weather is still cold and gloomy here in our little Pennsylvania town. I think it seems colder after our trip to Virginia. Saturday afternoon I was playing with my son outside in the 70 degree sunshine and today I'm wearing my warmest pants and sweater, sitting at my desk with my space heater on full blast. It's been a rough winter, that's for certain.

Mr. Berg and I leave on a jet plane bound for the Bahamas in 15 days. Days that can't pass us fast enough. My travel to-do list is roughly a mile long. This weekend will be filled with suitcase dragging out, summer clothing retrievals and lists for Ryan at Grammy's house. Chances are, something is going to get forgotten about in the next 15 days.

Mr. Berg is doing really well. He's kicking butt at work and enjoying the new challenges it brings.

Ryan is holding his own at school. He's one of the smaller ones in his class which presents some challenges but otherwise, he's learning and growing and loving his time there. As much as I miss our old daycare, I know this transition was one of the best ones we could make. He's learning sign language, new songs and motions, words, prayers. It all just amazes me.

I still get up at 4:30am, I still kick my butt and then get the rest of the day going. 4:30am is sometimes really early and not always ideal. But it works for me. It's harder to put working out off or get side tracked when it's the only reason you're awake at some ungodly hour.

My job is still busy, challenge and crazy. Some days I love it, some days I want to run from the building screaming but I always come back for more.

Lately I've been finding myself reflecting a lot on the life of my little family and how good it really is. We are three happy souls. Knowing that keeps me warm on even the coldest of winter days.

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 16

Menu:
Wake Up- 3 Catalyst

30 Minutes Prior to Breakfast: Yellow MNS Max Packet of Supplements*

Breakfast: White Supplement Packet and Meal Replacement Shake with 1 Banana 

7:00- Spark

Mid Morning- Almonds and Apple

30 Minutes Prior to Lunch- Catalyst (3) and Yellow MSN Max Packet

Lunch - Sweet Potato Shepard's Pie and Green Beans.... here I go again on the green beans

3:00ish- Spark

3:40ish- Carrots and Guac.

Dinner: ? I have absolutely no idea ? Mr. Berg is having dinner with friends. I might be having dinner with my parents. I might not. Let's find out :) 

Workout: 

JM Kick Boxing Levels 1 & 2

I was lost in my own thoughts this morning when I was doing my workout. I truly thought about 3/4 of the way through that I was probably doing a piss poor job.
I think I was wrong. My arms hurt, they hurt so good.

Daily Challenge:

I didn't plan for dinner. That has the potential to be completely disastrous. Let's hope for a good outcome. 

Daily Tip:

When in doubt, plan it out.

Notes from Yesterday:

Yesterday morning was rough, getting back into the game and all.
I did find that I did better and better as the day went on.

Today I am planning on doing all the good things. I hope I don't have any issues.

In other news: Remembering to take supplements at the right time, do my eye drops at the right time and eating at the right time is starting to wear on me. I think it's just a case of one too many things to worry about.

 

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 15

Menu:
Wake Up- 3 Catalyst

30 Minutes Prior to Breakfast: Yellow MNS Max Packet of Supplements*

Breakfast: White Supplement Packet and Meal Replacement Shake with 1 Banana 

7:00- Spark. *remind me to tell you a funny story about Spark later 

Mid Morning- Almonds and Apple

30 Minutes Prior to Lunch- Catalyst (3) and Yellow MSN Max Packet

Lunch -Leftover White Chicken Chili and a Piece of Swiss Cheese.... who brought cheese to my office. I must murder you!!

3:00ish- Spark

3:40ish- Carrots and Guac.

Dinner: Turkey Meatloaf and Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussel Sprouts 

Workout: 

JM Shed and Shred Level 2

I so nailed this work out. Nailed it so, so hard!

Daily Challenge:

I'm hungry to all the bad things because I ate some of the bad things this weekend. It's been a battle to just so no. This morning was the worst. This afternoon hasn't been bad.

Daily Tip:

There ain't no shame is getting back in the game :)

Notes from Yesterday:

Spark Story:

Yesterday we arrived home later then anticipated and suddenly we needed to do all the things and wash all the clothes and wrangle the toddler. I didn't even have a minute to myself until 5pm when I was suddenly exhausted and needed to be super mom/housewive/unpacker/laundress/etc.

So, I had a Spark and literally traveled at lightening speed for the remainder of the evening. Ryan and Mr. Berg were very, very afraid. Sophie'd head just keep whipping back and forth as I scaled the steps 4 at a time.

I was afraid I wouldn't be tired at bedtime but I fell right to sleep without issue. Love me some Spark :)


In other news: There is so much good cheese in my office building right now. We recently started doing business with a local cheese manufacturer. They love us so much they sent us samples, like a million pounds of samples (okay, maybe 3 pounds, but still). So I've had some cheese today. Sue me!

Typically we get candy/ chocolate samples and I always stick to the "just say no" philosophy. Clearly, my weakness is cheese not chocolate. 

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Days 13 & 14

Menu:

30 Minutes Prior to Breakfast: Yellow MNS Max Packet of Supplements*

Breakfast: White Supplement Packet and Meal Replacement Shake with 1 Banana 

Mid Morning- Almonds- I remembered the apple on Sunday, Saturday not so much.

Lunches: Saturday- White Chicken Chili Sunday- Lo Carb Wrap with Turkey, Swiss Cheese, Lots of Veggies and Roasted Tomato Sauce (which I'm willing to bet contained mayo- but whatever)

Mid Afternoon- Hmm, don't remember. Probably nothing.

Dinners: Friday Night: Sweet Potato Shepard's Pie, Saturday Night: Pork Tenderloin, Baked Apples (totally on plan preparation), Scalloped Potatoes (I had about 1/4 a cup), 1 Dinner Roll and wine and chips.

(So, there's that)

Workout: 

There was no formal workouts this weekend. Ryan and I did a lot of playing in the yard in the 70 degree weather.

Daily Challenge:

The whole weekend was a challenge but I feel I made some really good choices, so really average choices and some not so good choices. But all in all. I am really proud of myself. I kept the snacking/ fattier foods to one day instead of three. I also drank a lot of water, took all my supplements and didn't over indulge at any point. I kept track of my portion sizes and didn't over do it.

Daily Tip:

When in Rome.... (just kidding, see below)

Notes from This Weekend:

I am so glad we were able to make the trip south this weekend. I am incredibly proud of myself for making some really good choices and enjoying myself too.

I knew that I would drink wine, I knew I'd probably eat some things that aren't exactly Challenge Approved. I decided to stick to one meal of cheats (instead of a whole weekend) and stuck to the plan as best I could other wise.

Tales of a Wondering Mind

I do a lot of thinking during my early morning workouts. It's my time to focus on myself, my ever evolving to-do lists, my general thoughts about my life, my family, my world.... Sure, I'm also sweating my ass off and silently cursing Jillian Michaels and her squat jumps but that goes without saying. All and all, it is my time to just let my mind wonder and it does.

I wonder about Ryan and what he'll be like as a young boy. Will he ride his bike all over the neighborhood? Will he like sports? I secretly hope he'll like baseball and want to play on a little league team. He has such an awesome arm at 19 months.

I wonder about the house that we love, that's for sale right now, a year earlier then we'd like it to be. As much as we love it, I know we can't afford it and it's beautiful kitchen and wide open spaces right now..... Man I wish we won the lottery.

I wonder if we'll ever get a dog or if we'll always say we'll get a dog with X,Y or Z happens then never do....Sort of like that trip we keep saying we want to take to a Beaches Resort or Disney World.

Back in November we said we'd start trying for another baby in March after we got back from our trip. That seemed like an easy idea at the time. Now March is almost here and I wonder how long long it will take to get pregnant this time. And should we actually get pregnant, where will we put said baby when it arrives?

Mr. Berg often says I don't seem to be as excited for Baby #2 as I was when we were trying for Ryan. It's a hard thing to explain to him. Yes, the excitement is there, it's absolutely there. The hopes of another positive test, the flicker of a heart beat on a screen, the kicks and rolls and finding out if you're shopping for pink or blue. I can't wait for all of that. But what scares me, what never stops whispering back in a quiet corner of my mind is that fear of what might happen.... More postpartum hypertension, medications that don't work and medications that do, more damage to the already damaged blood vessels of my left eye, more anemia from significant blood loss? Those things, they weren't exactly what I'd call fun

I long for another baby and I know we aren't getting any younger. Mr. Berg refuses to be an old parent. Having been raised by parents who were almost 40 when they had him, he often felt lost is his own family. (I realize this is not the case for everyone). I'm already past the age my parents were when they had my younger brother. I know that the timing is right. It's just hard to fathom how your heart can expand with that much more love for another child. Yet, somehow, I am very confident it will.

All of this is exciting stuff, just heavy too. We're almost ready to jump off the cliff and take another leap of faith. I just hope the landing is as sweet as it was the last time.

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 12

Menu:
Wake Up- 3 Catalyst

30 Minutes Prior to Breakfast: Yellow MNS Max Packet of Supplements*

Breakfast: White Supplement Packet and Meal Replacement Shake with 1 Banana 

7:30- Spark. Again today I drank my Spark when I got to work. My only complaint is that there isn't ice at work. I like my Spark super cold.

Mid Morning- Almonds and Apple

30 Minutes Prior to Lunch- Catalyst (3) and Yellow MSN Max Packet

Lunch - Balsamic Glazed Pork, Sweet Potato and Green Beans- 3 Omega Plex

2:30pm- Spark

3:00ish- Almonds and a Pear... In the car.... on the way to Virginia :)

Dinner Time- I am not 100% sure. We are either stopping on the way down OR eating when we get there. I did bring along some white chicken chili and some sweet potato shepard's pie to have if there aren't healthy options for me. I also brought an extra sweet potato, lots of fruit, some veggies and lots of almonds

Workout: 

JM Kick Boxing Levels 1 and 2

I was going to do Shed and Shred, but I wasn't feeling it. I did have a great kick boxing session though

Daily Challenge:

More like Weekend Challenge- Survive our mini vacation and make lots of healthy choices.

Daily Tip:

When you're going into unfamiliar situations, bring back up!

Notes from Yesterday:

Overall, a very successful and happy day.
One thing I have noticed lately is that I haven't been hungry. I still eat on my schedule but I'm hardly ever hungry.

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 11

This morning I took my measurements and weighed myself. I was pleased with the results. I have decided not to post my results until the very end. However, I will break down the results from the 10 Day Cleanse Phase and the 24 Day Max Phase in my final post.

I might also show pictures, but I'm not sure y'all really want to see my pale self in a bathing suit. 


Menu:
Wake Up- 3 Catalyst

30 Minutes Prior to Breakfast: Yellow MNS Max Packet of Supplements*

Breakfast: White Supplement Packet and Meal Replacement Shake with 1 Banana 

7:30- Spark- I was running late this morning so I didn't get my spark until I got to work. I have a slight headache now.... However, that might be related to a story I'll tell you in a minute.

Mid Morning- Almonds and Apple

30 Minutes Prior to Lunch- Catalyst (3) and Yellow MSN Max Packet

Lunch - Balsamic Glazed Pork, Sweet Potato and Green Beans- 3 Omega Plex

2:30pm- Spark

3:00ish- Carrotts and Guac.

Dinner Time- Tilapia with Brown Rice and Green Beans (I'm on a green beans kick, they're my favorite), Salad and  3 OmegaPlex

9:00ish- Go to bed, no more supplements to take

Workout: 

JM Kick Boxing Levels 1 and 2
Holy Moly was I up and at em and ready to roll this morning.
Even the cat was annoyed with me.

Daily Challenge:

I'm not going to lie, I'm feeling discouraged and unnecessarily so. I was thrilled with my measurements this morning but not my weight. I know that progress is more then just a number on a scale. I was just hoping for more of a loss.

With that said, I'm not going to let this get my down. I have come so far in just 10 short days. I am really pleased with myself. I have so much more energy, I'm not bloated, everything fits so much better and I'm seeing so many positive changes!

Daily Tip:

When in doubt, just keep swimming.

Notes from Yesterday:

*Yesterday during my conversation with my coach she mentioned that I might not want to wait the entire 30 minutes before eating after I take my first supplement packet. Sometimes they have a tendency to make people feel a little sick to their stomachs. I was fully anticipating this as I have been known to have a sensitive stomach when it comes to vitamins.

I am happy to report that I had no issues whatsoever this morning. Yay Advocare.


Secondly, the headache I have may be in part to a some medications I'm on. My dry eye started acting up after 5 years of being well under control. My eye doctor has me on steroid and antibiotic drops. The steroid drops have a tendency to cause headaches.

I'm also stuck with glasses for the next 2 weeks. Boo!

How Quickly They Grow

Today started off perfectly. I got up before my alarm, my workout was on par, it was the last day for the dreaded fiber drink, all of going well.

Ryan was up when I got upstairs to shower and get ready for work but he was happily chattering away in his crib without much of a problem. I was able to get ready for my day, throw in a load of laundry and pack up the car before I headed up the stairs to see the boy.

As I was standing in my kitchen getting ready to turn off the monitor and head upstairs I heard Ryan say "No MumMa (monkey, for those that don't speak toddler)! No MumMa No!

First of all, when did my child learn the word no?

Secondly, what the heck was the monkey doing to him?

By the time I got to him room, Ryan was chattering away about something else and throwing his blankets overboard.


He was sweet as sugar as we got dressed, giving me tons of hugs and kisses and snuggles.

We arrived at daycare and he went right over to play with his toys. As I was leaving I called out goodbye and said "Ryan, be good for Ms. Hallie."

He stopped what he was doing, dropping his toy and turning to look me directly in the eye.

"No!"


Ryan, I laughed, be nice today.


Mama, replied, NO!




Good Luck People of Ryan's Daycare!

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 10

Today is  Last Day of the Cleanse Portion of The Challenge. I am very much looking forward to moving onto the second phase, known formally as the Max Phase. This afternoon I will have a phone conversation with my coach about the Max Phase and tips for survival. Honestly, it doesn't appear to be much different from the Cleanse Phase. Just different supplements and no fiber drink.

Menu:
Wake Up- 3 Catalyst, Probiotic Restore and Water
After Workout- The Fiber Drink... I chugged it like a champ and almost lost it at the end... like every morning. However, today it didn't give me goose bumps. That's progress right?

6:45ish- 3/4 of a banana. (I share with Ryan)

7:00- Spark on my commute on the way into work

Mid Morning- Almonds and Apples

11:30amish- Catalyst (3)

30 Minutes following - Balsamic Glazed Pork, Sweet Potato and Green Beans- 3 Omega Plex

2:30pm- Spark

3:00ish- Carrotts and Guac.

5:30ish- Tilapia with Brown Rice and Green Beans (I'm on a green beans kick, they're my favorite), Salad and  3 OmegaPlex

9:00ish- Go to bed, no more supplements to take

Workout: 

JM Shed and Shred- Level 1
My butt is sufficiently kicked 

Daily Challenge:

Tonight I need to plan out what I'm taking South this weekend. I need to pack some food for Ryan and some snacks and "just in case" meals for me. Typically out visits south involve a lot of delicious and not so healthy food with lots of alcohol. I don't want to put anyone out so I'm bringing a couple of just in case meals to eat in the event healthier options are not available.

Daily Tip:

Yesterday I had an evening student tour of my office and shops. I always buy the kids pizza to enjoy before the tour starts. I love pizza. LOVE IT. However, I stayed strong and didn't have any.
Instead of telling myself that I couldn't have it. I told myself I was making the choice not to.
It was a total change in mind set. It wasn't deprivation, rather a better choice.

So.... say "I'm choosing not to have that" instead of "I can't have that" when it comes to avoiding unhealthy choices or unnecessary splurges. 

Notes from Yesterday:

Didn't eat pizza, had a bunch of fruits and veggies at every meal. Basically, I rocked it!

Advocare 24 Day Challenge: Day 9

Menu:
Wake Up- 3 Catalyst, Probiotic Restore and Water
After Workout- The Fiber Drink... murder in a mug
6:45ish- Spark
7:30ish- Ryan's left over banana.... isn't being a mom fun?
Mid Morning- Almonds and Strawberries
11:30amish- Catalyst (3)- Which I just realized I forgot to take... crap!
30 Minutes following - Balsamic Glazed Pork, Sweet Potato and Green Beans- 3 Omega Plex- again forgot!
2:30pm- Spark
3:00ish- Apple and Almonds
5:30ish- Sweet Potato Shepard's Pie and Salad- 3 Omega Plex
7:00ish- 1/2 a Banana (I buy the big ones so don't freak out) with 3 OmegaPlex (if I forget to take them with dinner, which I will)
9:00ish- Go to bed, no more supplements to take

Workout: 

JM Kick Boxing Levels 1 & 2.
One of these days, I might not look like an ass doing this. Until then, even the cat laughs at me.

Daily Challenge:

Today is going to be a very, very long day. Morning meetings, students tours in the evening, running across town. I am so not looking forward to it.

Daily Tip:

Be flexible. Not every day is going to do as planned.
Keep an extra snack stashed in your purse or brief case, just in case you find yourself hungry and capable of making bad decisions. 

Notes from Yesterday:

Ryan decided it would be fun to throw all of his food on the floor last night. Thus frustrating me to no end, but not for the reasons you would have thought. I wouldn't killed for hummus on pretzel chips.

Oh well, I'm sticking to my plan and sticking to it well :)