My 6 Month Beachbody 'Anniversary'

Sunday marks six months since the beginning of my journey with Beachbody and Shakeology.  And I'll tell you what.  Looking back?  I am blown away by the changes that I have seen in my life.  Is everything perfect?  No... of course not... but if you read some of my posts from before starting the Beachbody exercise and nutrition programs, there were several things that were pretty obvious.

Before making the changes:

1. I was constantly battling depression.
2. I felt out of control of my life.
3. I was consistently falling off the wagon and going on food benders.

I still don't eat perfectly (And I occasionally still go on a food bender!), but through participating in challenge groups, and from the support of my new friends and challengers, I've made some pretty awesome changes.

After making changes:

1. It has become easier to regulate my diet and make healthier food choices.  
2. Exercise has become a part of my daily routine, whether it's through one of my exercise programs, chopping wood, or shoveling 24"of snow!
3. I've been blessed with the opportunity to help encourage others who are on the same path.
4. I've made new friends!

This Monday, I started the P90X program and am extremely excited about this new challenge!  It's been a bit of a rough week, as I've been incredibly sore from the chin-ups and weight lifting.  I admit... I fell off the wagon twice this week... had wine one day hanging out with my girlfriend, and the next in celebration of the new Pope. (1.  Yes!  I'm Catholic!    2.  If you know about the iPad challenge I'm doing... these were both 'sanctioned' by the judge.  LOL)  And no... I'm not always going to be giving up my glasses of wine or cocktails or chocolate bars, but it's nice to know that I can give them up for specific time periods!

If you've been thinking about making a change, but have been nervous about the commitment, just do it.  Make the decision to commit, and then make it happen.  I was afraid to start P90X, because I know it comes with a pretty good time commitment and a certain amount of pain.

Just take it one day at a time.  Focus on the present day... the present moment.  It's not about being perfect... it's about improving on your current routine.  And when you start becoming the person you really desire to be... you'll see the sacrifice and hard work were worth every bit!

Confessions of a gluttonous weekend...

Okay... you may have seen me post on Facebook about it, but, let me tell ya... this weekend, hubby gave me a little bit of a break from my 90 day iPad challenge, and BOY did I fall off the wagon!

As soon as he sanctioned it, the "Girl with the curl" was on the prowl.  I was out the door ready to take my little girl to her Irish dance performance at a local pub.  "Hey Brigette... you hungry?"  "Um... yeah."  Yup!  That's all it took.  First stop was our local hamburger joint.  Juicy burgers made from meat bought at the local butcher's shop.

Ahhhh... I swear I dream of the Double Bacon Cavern Burger with Cheese!  In fact, my mouth is watering as we speak, and my adrenaline levels are heightened.  YES, my friends.  It is THAT good!

So... I was actually not as bad as I could have been :)  I DIDN'T get the double cavern burger.  And I DIDN'T order bacon.  Well... at least not on the first one... that is.  (*sigh*)  I ordered the Cavern Burger, but I only ate half the fries.  However... true confession... I did drink the full 24oz coke all by myself! 

If that was all I did, then the weekend wouldn't have been so bad.  BUT, I enjoyed a chocolate martini that evening, and then after Brig and I got home, hubby and I were off to an after-party for our local "Womenless Beauty Pagaent".  Of course... there was artichoke dip and meatballs and... and... for the sake of everyone involved, I'll stop there!  Oh... and I had a couple of beers too.  (Ooops!)

I have to admit.  This is VERY embarrassing to say in public... but I've been a pretty good girl lately, so I haven't had as much to post!  So, I feel compelled to give my full confession, just so I can keep it real and remember, that even though I'm really improving... I'm STILL prone to really falling off the wagon.

Sunday didn't start off much better.  I started the day off with some friend therapy and another Cavern Burger... only this time... I ordered the bacon!  (Yes... I have denied myself for so long, I couldn't resist it one more time!)  We made homemade gluten-free pizza for dinner (of course I had to have a beer with that...).  We finished off the gluttonous weekend with a banana split!  And yes... it had ALL the toppings... hot fudge, strawberries, nuts and plenty of whipped cream.  (Oh yum!)

So, when I say that I was SO ready for Monday... TGIM... I wasn't kidding.  I'm junked out and in need of getting back to the healthy eating I've been so good at lately.

So... thank you, hubby, for the break without having to give up the chance for a new iPad... but it is TIME to get back on the wagon!  I got a fresh start this morning with a workout and some insane house cleaning.

Yup!  I'm BACK and it feels so GOOD!  THANK GOD :)