Slightly Inappropriate

Holy cow it's hard to blog EVERYDAY!!! Really.... I hope the people that do get paid big bucks for it..... (and if you do and you are reading this..... teach me how please!!!) 

So this is for Monday (yesterday) and Today =) that way I am all caught up... deal?? 

WARNING: You MAY find one of my Tuesday food choices post entertaining or a little disturbing. If it offends you I am apologizing right now... and if it does honestly offend you then you and I are probably not very good friends and wouldn't get along well in real life... but I still love you anyways no worries. 

If you are new to me..... Check out this blog that explains my 21 day (almost) no processed sugar free diet I am doing for myself.... if you just want to jump into my blog...welcome to my crazy life and enjoy the ride.....(good luck) 

Monday 

I DID get up and run 15 hills this day.... be proud! And yes I thought I was going to die.... I'm super out of "shape" meaning I haven't worked out for a while and physically cannot do what i used to... yet. 

Breakfast:

What you are looking at is my breakfast.... Pretty isn't it?

This would be left over ground beef and a sweet potato.... yum! You should try it sometime!

*In case you couldn't tell.... I am not a good picture taker of food.... or of anything else for that matter... I'm just learning how to take selfies as well so bear with me please....

Lunch... honestly I don't remember.... My guess is this coffee since I took a picture of it

 Coffee with almond milk & sugar free chocolate syrup.

I'm pretty sure I ate some Natural Peanut butter on top of a Matzo as well again today like the other day.

Munched on some carrots and celery...

Oh and then my dog got sick.... sad isn't it???? He was coughing all day and throwing up.... It was like a sick child!! Took him into the vet and they think he has Kennel Cough... weird since he isn't around other dogs much... but hopefully that's it and it will go away with antibiotics.

look at my poor baby at the vet

Then when i got home I was starving!!!!

I may have ate half a bag of corn chips, cheese and salsa... my very own Nachos! (half the bag was a bad idea right??)

I should get an award for the ugliest food pictures. 

We REALLY do have pretty bowls and plates i promise... i just don't like to use them unless we have company.... I can't be the only one like that can I?

While i was eating my "Hangry" away (that's a slang word for REALLY hungry FYI) my son wanted me to play the game memory. He set it all up and was so excited for me to play with him...of course I was all for it.... then we started playing... he knew where EVERY match was so i didn't even get a turn.... such a turd! I asked him how come you know where they all are... Did you cheat?

He looks at me and says.... "Mama, I NEVER cheat! I just always win because I set them up...."
I like his style. And his moves... Check it:

see how big his pile is? so not fair

Now onto Tuesday (today):

Breakfast was (GASP) White bread and scrambled eggs... why white bread?... it has not even one gram of sugar in the brand I found so it's game for this challenge (go ahead cuss me out in your head right here)... I don't over eat it so it's not something that affects me much...it was delicious and I don't regret it. Of course I also had my Coffee.... I may be slightly addicted.

Zuek was feeling a little better but still not himself all day... so sad!

Wyatt's favorite buddy

Lunch:
I was so cold and just wanted soup so I had canned healthy choice (1g sugar) and crunch master crackers.

Do you like my soup bowl??

I was still crazy hungry and wanted something sweet... or bad for you... Our chocolate chips were out of the question and so was the last ice cream bar in our freezer (don't tell my husband about it it's mine in 13 days)

I decided to be a good girl and follow though with her challenge. I came upon peanut butter and a banana... usually i will put honey on it as it's SOO good!!! Really... probably one of my foods, so much so that it would be part of my last meal if I had a choice.

I went to take a few selfies of this for you guys then realized my mouth on a banana may not look like the most appropriate pictures to be putting on the Internet.. especially in my glasses (I can imagine the headlines right now)..... so I settled with this one to share.

I REALLY need to get more creative with my pictures.....

I did a super quick workout in my basement... can i just say I miss it SO much?? Working out brings me so much joy, happiness, and drive in life! I came up with some awesome workouts anyone can do especially if they haven't worked out in a while... Pray I get enough courage to do a video soon.... (I'm intimidated by doing videos... who would have thought right?) Maybe if i get enough encouragement I will start doing some and get more comfortable.... so speak up if you want me to!!

And finally I had a business meeting tonight with a girl I basically forced to be my friend because I LOVED who she is and what she is about! Afterwards we went to Perkins... and guess what... I had decaf coffee with 2 shots of half and half (imagining it was Baileys Creamer) Did you know there isn't any sugar in half and half?  (for real. google it.)

I feel such a major relief getting all caught up and not having to mess up my morning work load getting a blog from the previous day out. And remember... IF you know how to make a living just blogging... let me know as long as it is appropriate and doesn't involve anything shaped like a banana, I'm in!

Whew, it's late I'm tired.... Catch ya tomorrow night! Only 12 days left until I get to eat processed sugar! I think I will have cheesecake, brownie, apple pie, pumpkin pie, chocolate chip cookie, lemon bar, ... OH! I know!!! a cinnamon roll from Wheatfields.... YEEES!

On a side note I totally feel like I am not as puffy and feel as gross since I've removed (most) processed sugar for 8 days as of now... even after eating half a bag of corn chips. =)

Keep yourself Healthy Fit and Fabulous with small changes one by one!

Love you ALL (even the haters I love you too)!!!!

XoXo,
*Lallenia*

The struggle is real.....

I'm SO sorry this is late!!! I meant to post it last night but got home late from the movies with my son and little brother Travis. I started writing and realized I wasn't making any sense at all (worse than normal) so I figured I'd finish in the morning ;-)

**If you are NEW to me... Welcome!! My name is Lallenia and I am on day 5 of trying to  not eat processed sugar for 21 days. I am blogging about this each day ... so really welcome to my diary (read at your own risk). If you'd like to start from day one you can here. 

Let's dive in!

Wait.. first I have to say WHOA! I'm slightly in shock of the number of people who read my last blog! Creepers.....

j/k  But honestly I really didn't expect that kind of feedback or readership.... I hope this means that more people are crazy like me. And go get help without feeling bad about it or think it will make others perceive them as "not stable". Especially knowing almost every single person who reaches their fullest potential do it.

NOW let's dive in!!

For breakfast: 
I had coffee (duh), rolled oats, sugar free syrup, cinnamon, blueberries and coconut milk... I love it.

check out that SWEET hunny bunny coffee cup ;-) 

I kind of had to rush out of the house this morning as I had my Dr. appointment for my shoulder.

On the way out I noticed my hubby and I were wearing our matching Big Birge shoes....

awwwwww HOW CUUUTTEE!!!!!!

Well... I guess they really don't match all that much... but still it entertained me. (I get easily amused if you can't tell) And if finding out I was crazy yesterday (in this post) wasn't already enough, Brad was confused at why I needed to take pictures of our shoes and then take 3 more because the first 2 made it look like my feet were bigger than his.... I didn't want you guys to think I have huge feet!

Speaking of crazy.... I had my Dr. appointment today for my shoulder (If you don't know already from previous blogs I've had a few shoulder surgeries on my right shoulder from a dislocation and it's not getting better). Basically in a nice way he said I'm crazy because i have the strength & stability he's looking for so I will need a second opinion to see why it's not getting better. I looked at him and said point blank, "Dr.----, Are you firing me as your patient?"

It was super amusing as I'm sure he doesn't get asked that too often. He kind of looked at me not sure what to say.... Isn't is funny how when people are asked things directly and to the point it takes them by surprise.... I let him sweat for a few seconds than laughed and said I'm just kidding but you are aren't you?

I need a second opinion because my bicep is still in a lot of pain and the anterior part of my shoulder is really tender where the long head bicep inserts into the shoulder. This has been going on since after my FIRST surgery (Jan 2011)! I figured the second one would fix it.... nope the pain and irritation and scare it's going to come out again it STILL there. =(

He thinks they may need to go in and release my bicep muscle (another surgery) If I ever want to swim or do push ups again... so I need to see another specialist to see if they also think that's the right route or can come up with another solution.

While I was there for almost TWO hours (waiting my life away...) I was reading my book of the week which is "Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.  (AWESOME read!)

I came across this:

Made this XL for you to read ^^^

This was rather motivating for my challenge. I totally agree that if you are successful but in bad health mentally, physically, emotionally, or sexually you will not be able to fully enjoy your success of any kind (not just money). If you look at these you will notice these are all things YOU can control and master if you choose to.

If you feel like you're stuck in a rut read down that list and figure out what "ill health" you are suffering from and get help!.... dig into this issue either with a therapist, a trusted friend or family member, journal, hire a personal trainer, research and learn on your own, or hey... even start a blog.... you'd be surprised at how much happier you will feel just by releasing yourself and being vulnerable as needed. Make it a priority in your life to develop you.

I'll go first!!! (OH!! pick me! pick me!)

From that list I need to work on:

A. Over indulgence in food not conductive to health... this is why I am (doing my best) to remove processed sugar for 21 days... I love my sweets and seriously will eat WAY more than you can imagine... this makes me feel and look horrible.

B. Wrong habits of thoughts, giving expression to the negative-I AM a positive person really but I find that sometimes I feel like I'm not good enough or deserve success in my life. I know this stems from allowing my thoughts to take me there so I am learning to redirect my thinking. (this is a constant battle and why I hired a therapist to work with me on these issues)

C. Wrong use of & over, indulgence of sex; Like I'm really going to talk to you about my sex life.... maybe when I can have a glass of wine again and am writing my blog we will dive into that (bow chica wow wow)

D. Lack of proper Physical Exercise- Believe it or not... I think I have more sense of balance with this now more than ever. I'm not working out near as much because of medical issues but I don't feel guilty if I miss a day. Yes i want to workout more intense and miss that part but I understand this is just a stage in my life at the same time.

E. Adequate supply of fresh air due to Improper breathing... I want to learn how to truly breathe in and feel the oxygen in me.... sounds crazy but I know people do this and find it very helpful... (maybe my next challenge who knows!?)

After finally leaving the Doctor office I had to run a few other errands so ate this delicious snack.

yuum! Quest bars to the RESUCE! 

For a snack I had tuna, cucumber and crackers... this is my go to snack... easy and good for you! Plus i love the  crunch of these crackers!! (no added sugar!)

After that Wyatt and I went with Uncle Travis to get sushi & see Big Hero 6.

We split 4 rolls so I didn't over do it even though I could totally eat that whole plate easily to myself! ....my son LOVES it! See! (yes i am bragging that my son is a great eater and is 4... because I set that foundation when he was young)

 

Uncle Travis an Wyatt... how cute!!!!!

If you get a chance you HAVE to go see Big Hero 6! OMG...I LOVED it!! So adorbable!!!  I will admit there were a few times i cried (some happy, some sad).... of course I am a huge baby in the movies which is why I prefer Disney movies because they always have a feel good ending (and I don't have nightmares.)

no worries we took this at the end when people were leaving. I'm not that rude! 

Can i just tell you HOW HARD it was to not eat the Reese's Pieces with the popcorn.... that is one of my ALL TIME favorite cheats is popcorn mixed with Reese's Pieces.....SO GOOD!!! I didn't even eat ONE! That's INSANE. I'm hoping this will carry on after this challenge to where I don't really crave sugar so when I can eat it I don't want to or only eat a little bit and feel satisfied.

I know several people who are able to have one bite of cake (one that taste good) and that's all they need... can I just say I hate you. If I have a taste of something that I just LOVE.... I want to eat all of it and have a hard time to controlling that. It's embarrassing admitting this but it's true. My husband said I'm like a little girl when I get to eat a candy or dessert I love. This is why I choose not to have it in the house. Lots of people say but thats why when you can't control it.... you want to eat all of it because you don't allow yourself to be around it.....

First of all thank you for your opinion BUT I'd be 1000lbs if I even tried to allow it in my house. It doesn't work that way with me.

I HAVE tried having things I that are my "triggers" in my house before like Nutella and  then only eating a few tablespoons... it's gone in a day. MAYBE Two if I forget about it for an hour.

I've tried having ice cream bars in my freezer.... 3 days tops....

I've even tried only eating half a pint of B&J Ice Cream.... before i know it the whole thing is gone....

I'm really not making jokes people.... the struggle is REAL. Sugar is super addictive and probably should be considered a drug as it kills more people than we probably even realize through underlying issues. Check it:

It's something I have to constantly battle and have since I was younger. Sharing with you this struggle, and doing this challenge has helped tremendously. I"m sure a lot of it is the accountability knowing I promise to tell you everything I ate that day and the fact people actually read this. If it was in my own personal diary.... I wouldn't get the same results. So thank you for helping by reading this and either relating and/or encouraging me.

I know so many people look at me and have a hard time thinking I struggle with this as I don't look like the "typical" over indulger.... that goes to show you can't judge a book by it's cover can you?

I know I tell you this ALL the time but you all are the bomb.com! I really hope you find value in this and I can in some way help others who struggle with the things I do. I believe God is showing me my passion is being authentic about my life and my story. I'm learning so many others need to hear it and can relate in more ways than i probably realize.

Alrighty, I am about to take the little dude to the gym with me to have a sweat session since i missed yesterday!

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit and Fabulous even if it's a struggle... don't give up trying to become the best you possible!

XoXo,
Lallenia

It's official....

(Oh hey.. are you new to me? My name is Lallenia and I am doing a 21 day challenge of no processed sugar in my diet... want to learn more about this challenge of mine? read this blog first)


Ever have those days where you have everything planned out and then nothing goes as planned?

Welcome. to. my. LIFE.

After taking that Midol PM last night... I could barely get out of bed this morning so missed that workout. I had intentions of going.... but of course the intention will only get you so far right?

**Side Note: I'm beginning to realize this blog is more or less my diary....
(you've been warned!! read at your own risk)


Breakfast: This was amazing!!!
2 eggs, left over meat from last night, 1/4 sweet potato... all mixed up! YUM!

oh yeah... and cheese on top!

I had planned after that to take Wyatt to his eye doctor appointment then go to my BNI meeting where I was going to eat lunch which would've been salmon, veggies and a salad.....

As it turns out.... Wyatt's appointment took a little longer than I anticipated. they had to dilate him and get his prescription figured out for..... glasses!!!! (ahhhhhhhhh)

Am I a bad mom to say I am slightly freaked out by this? I mean I know lots of little kids have glasses but no one in his class at preschool has them. And I hate thinking anything may be wrong with him.

Yes... I know.... Its great we find out now because if not he will have problems later in life and blah blah blah... right now I am just expressing my feelings that it's a little upsetting. Yes! thank goodness that's all that is wrong as some kids have it worse... I get it. Please don't send me some long email telling me its all going to be OK... I know it will be and he is healthy, that's all that matter. He may even grow out of them.

Now that's off my chest... he does look kind of cute with them on right??

Actually it's my fault he even has to wear them if it's a genetic thing which is why I probably feel so bad. I am supposed to be wearing glasses as well... and I do... when I'm working. I forget most of the time unless I'm at my desktop computer....

this selfie only took about 3 times =)

You'll probably learn something new about me everyday from this little challenge of mine huh? (Lucky ducks you!)

Anyways it was lunch time when we got done so I asked Wyatt what he wanted for lunch as he could barely see & I didn't want to take him back to school right away. He said sushi... totally my child!

We pull in to the sushi parking lot and he sees this place that he had his baby cousins birthday party at not too long ago... it happens to have Cotton Candy... yep he remembered.

So he talked me into going to this place called SALT.

How can I resist that face??? (glasses don't come for another week or so)

This menu is fairly pricey and I knew he wouldn't eat everything himself. So we shared.... it was his choice as this was a special mommy and me lunch...and i was still feeling guilty about the glasses.

He wanted avocado egg rolls and pizza.....

No worries I only ate 3/4 of the egg rolls and two slices of pizza.... It was THIN crusted.... I didn't touch the cotton candy... just licked his lips for the taste. (maybe a few times...hey it was banana flavored! Who has banana flavored cotton candy?)

I really didn't plan that.... I could've should've gotten a salad and let him eat the pizza... what fun would that be? I'm not training for a fitness show or anything and I didn't binge... (whoop)

There was probably added sugar to something here... it was funny as I did ask and of course the waiter said "oh no. sugar isn't added to our food unless it's a dessert".... (*sigh* pretty sure there is sugar added to dough... but maybe not... I'm going to go with not)

After this I dropped Wyatt off just in time for nap time... he was super excited... he loves his naps!! (who doesn't??)

Then I went to.....................................




I'm sitting here debating if I should tell you or not... no it's not food choices..... it's a little personal.

I suppose it won't hurt if you knew.

You are totally curious aren't you??

(Who are we kidding?? you know I will tell you.)


Then I went to my first......... counseling/therapist appointment since I've been an official "adult". (that can be argued)

Why??? You are wondering.... For what?

I mean can't you tell my life is so perfect..... (total sarcasm)

I have been doing a lot of self development lately. If you know me you know i am in LOVE with self development (aka Self HELP) books, podcasts, movies, blogs,... I love it all.

 I am a big believer that everyone can keep learning and getting better. Plus self help has helped me through a lot of rough times growing up.

I have a hard time reading fiction books or watching mindless TV.... I like to keep my mind busy and growing.... (OR I have ADD and haven't been given meds yet)

One thing I have noticed about these people that I admire and look up too... ALL of them talk about going to therapy.... yes! As in a therapist you sit there and tell all your issues too.

 I did some research with help from (Chalene Johnson) and found that EMDR therapy is a great type for people to use if they want to make it to different level in life or get passed barriers.

Many people let their past selves hold them back or other people... Many people play the victim in life blaming everything on everyone else and having a chip on their shoulder.

I don't want to be like everyone else. I don't want a life that's "normal". I want to perform at higher levels and reach my fullest potential in all areas of my life. (Again this is more of a diary today so forgive me.) I know the only way for me to do that is to figure out what exactly is holding me back from doing the things I have written for my goals in life....

I'm not just talking about making money... yes that's part of it because that takes a lot of stress off but I want to feel like I'm truly living the life God sent me here to live. (I'm sorry I'm getting all mushy on you)

My handsome hubby and I got into a "disagreement" last weekend (coincidentally right before my "friend" arrived for the month). We sat down and said let's fix ourselves so we don't end up having issues like many other people later in life and so we can have a deeper connection and even stronger relationship.

Our first therapist appointment was today. I can and probably will write another blog about this experience as a couple but can I just say.... I am SO blessed to have this man in my life....

I never want to lose this.

If you happen to be a married man/woman reading this.... one of the best things I think you can do is, if your spouse feels like you're not connecting or you want to connect on a deeper level get an outside perspective from a professional. Even if its just you... you will benefit.

Brad and I have a great relationship. I truly believe we are soul mates... our story of how we met proves it. But that doesn't mean we cannot connect on a deeper level and learn how to work better with each other. I am blessed that he is so willing to do this stuff with me and as manly as he appears (and IS) he's still very humble. And lets face it.. the marriages that last the longest all take work. You can't expect to marry someone then life is perfect... you have to work at understanding and growing together.

I think people are scared to admit they may need therapy .. I was AM! Yes it brings up uncomfortable feelings, yes it is kind of weird and Yes it costs money.... but imagine the money and progress you will make when you feel better about yourself and are able to get past your mental barriers!??

In a nut shell.... I have more issues than he does (does that REALLY shock you??) so I will be needing more sessions than he will but I am actually pretty freaking excited to see what this does to help me grow along with some other courses I am taking! I will keep you posted about the experience if you want!

This made me LOL!!

So now that we all know OFFICIALLY I'M CRAZY.... and it's confirmed by a professional.... lets move on to how my day went with my 21 day no processed sugar is going...

After I picked up my little man we went to pick up dog food and came across these beef sticks...

"Fatmans" lol...

They were yummy! no sugar added (bonus!)

Then yes I finally went to the gym and worked out my legs... it felt SO good. I really had to talk myself into it though!!! (i actually wrote this part <<-- before i went.... so I HAD no choice but to go)

Came home and ate left overs from yesterday and a pomegranate...  Have i told how much I love this fruit yet?? YUM!

I just have to tell you... I wasn't sure how this blog would be perceived... and as always I get a little nervous to just share my stories with the world as people perceive things so differently depending on what walk of life they come from....
 WOW!!

You all are awesome!!  I'm enjoying the emails & messages I've been receiving and support from you.

This does take time to write just as it takes time to read. I am so blessed to have such an awesome tribe that believes in me and I am hoping that by me sharing bits and pieces of my story & journey it is helping you, inspiring you. and adding value to your life in some way! If you have questions or something you want to know don't be afraid to ask... if you can't tell... I'm an open book (ta da!)

I really believe there will be a lot more coming from me so stay tuned even after I am done with these 21 days.... you all are MY inspiration!

Love you!

Keep yourself Healthy, Fit and Fabulous!! (and go schedule an appointment with a therapist so I don't feel like the only crazy one ;-))

XoXo,
Lallenia

PS Wish me luck as I have a Dr appt for my shoulder/bicep tomorrow.... I'm nervous!

near death experience

It's so late!! But I promised I would do this every day for 21 days so here I am!
(if you're lost start with this blog HERE first and hi!!!!! (this is a big SMILE & wave from me to you))

My husband and I do this Smart Success course together Tuesday evenings so that came first. =)

 DAY 2 of the no processed sugar in the books... well except for my husband telling me to try this new coffee flavor.... he put Baileys in it.... I was so mad at him! Not only because that is probably one of, if not my very favorite drink but also because it's only day 2 and he goes and does that! Alcohol has so much sugar!

But don't worry as soon as i sipped it I stopped and punched him in the stomach making it spill all over him.... true story.

I also had a near death experience this morning here is what I wrote spoke to my phone as soon as I came home while I was shaking like crazy and trying to catch my breath:

I think I might die right now. I can barely breathe my heart is ponding so hard.
I just ran a half a mile then 10 hill sprints.

WHY you ask.... 

I asked my son what workout I should do this morning out of squats, hills or go run 4 miles. 

He said, "well mommy you "WILLY" need to run the hills like a million times."

Me, "but Wyatt that's an awful lot of times! I don't know if mommy can do that."

"Well ok mommy, how about a hundred?"

I just looked at him with an evil glare. 

Then he held up his hands and said,"ok . fine.....than THIS many!" (10)

"Deal!"

Man I'm out of shape! (<--- Did you totally picture Olaf when you read that? If not then clearly I've seen that movie WAY too many times!)

 I can't even tell you how exhausted I felt from that workout... however... I loved it secretly even if I really thought I was about to die... like really die.... it was that hard for me. 

I hope your morning was better than mine ;-)

Breakfast: Was in a rush after almost dying that I didn't have time to eat my eggs before a business meeting so instead I ate a Quest bar and coffee on the go!

I can't believe these bars only have 1g sugar in them! (YAY!!!)

Lunch: I ate my eggs with a sweet potato... I really need to learn how to take food pictures because well.... just look this was my lunch... its looks like vomit but it's seriously awesome!

yeah....it looks nasty.... sorry about that. 

Snack: Big handful of Almonds (raw) and blueberries

Dinner: These awesome crackers from Costco & tuna w/ mayo & mustard

again with the horrible food pics.... 

Then my beautiful cousin talks me into going to take a spin class with her tonight... my old one I used to teach.... I did it. 

I miss teaching spin SOOO bad!! 

Anyways I was burping up tuna the whole time... possibly not the best pre workout meal.... yuck! (TMI??) 

Dinner #2- Tyson Panko Chicken tenders, broccoli & baby carrots... yes I know the chicken is processed BUT remember I said if its has 2g or less of sugar then it's not off limits just yet.... well this had only 1g and it was yummy!!

Except... I was so sad....BBQ Sauce was not happening! Sweet Baby Rays, That stuff has 16g sugar in a serving! No thank you! Pass the mustard please!

I only ate 2 tenders

I finished the night with a half pomegranate.... I seriously wonder if anyone loves this fruit as much as I do... I love love love it!!!

I am falling asleep writing this so please excuse the misspelled words and run on sentences.

All in all a pretty solid day sticking to this..... 19 days left!! (whoop!)

Oh about those measurements... I forgot!

However i DID take the body pictures... I don't think those will make an appearance just yet... I may be a little bit nervous to show those babies to you... Maybe tomorrow....

Ok bedtime!
love you all and your support!!! Remember it's never to late to turn your life into a healthy fit and fabulous life... if you take it one small step at a time,

XoXo,
Lallenia

Back again with a challenge =)

Hi.... It's me! Lallenia!

I am back here...

Why?

Well... 1st of all several people asked me about my Plumbers Wife blog.
2nd I want to talk about my little challenge I am doing for the next 21 days.

If you are new to my blog welcome!! I am sorry if some of this may confuse you but you'll catch on or go read other posts because you're so confused....

To answer the questions about A Plumbers Wife:
 I know in my last blog I said I was going to be blogging at aplumberswife.com and YES! I am soon... the reason it is taking me a little bit is because I am going through a learning curve. I was totally in the mindset when I wrote that blog I would be able to just dive in and everything would be so perfect and easy... false.

I didn't want to put up just an "OK" blog or site. I know many people will say but just START or you won't get anywhere.... behind the scenes I have. I invested in a few amazing courses from a few people I absolutely admire and they all say the same thing.... if you're going to put something out into the world make sure it's your best effort and adds value to people life and doesn't waste their time.

Going through these courses I have realized I needed to push back my vision for A Plumbers Wife and dig a little bit deeper into what I want to do with it. I will keep you posted!

I do have a quick question before I get into my blog today:
Which logo do you like more? A or B? I like them both in their own way. I'm curious to get some feedback.

A.  B. 

The reason I am back to my healthy, fit fabulous... and have a 21 day challenge is....

I feel GROSS!!!!!! Like really gross. 

I see all these awesome blogs, instagram accounts, facebook posts, twitter, (and whatever other platforms I'm missing here) with all these cute fun fitness models showing off their rock hard abs, bootylicious booty, poppin muscles, crazy workouts and super clean meals. 

These people are all talking about how awesome they are, how hard they work in the gym, how easy it is for them to keep their bodies in tip top shape all year round, telling us don't eat this, don't eat that, don't go running or you'll get fat... (haha that totally rhymed!) I'm easily amused =) 

Anyways don't get me wrong or sit there and call me a hater... I think they are awesome too!!! 

(and I may be slightly jealous)

What I DON'T see is their struggles.... until AFTER they figured out how to fix it or after they already have that six pack and went though the transformation. Not the REAL live struggle of what it takes to get there or if they've ever struggled at all to get healthy and fit. 

I get it. Some that DID struggle were self conscious and didn't want to talk to people until they felt confident in themselves and felt like they have been there done that "now I can talk about it and tell people what to do." 

I am sure there are many blogs, and social media accounts where people do share their struggle (and i am sure many people will be emailing me to let me know) but it's no one I follow or know of that does. I figured I would step out of the box like I did with my fitness competition journey and share my struggles from the start of my new challenge. 

As you know, if you know me I LOVE to workout... yes I REALLY LOVE it!!! Weird right? 

Many people don't... but I do. It's my relief, therapy, strength, it's kind of my guilty pleasure if I may. 

I had my 2nd shoulder surgery on my right side in February of 2014. This one REALLY knocked me down. For a long time. 

I actually am still am having issues so have quit doing any kind of strength training that may cause more damage to it. I could keep going on about how much this has affected me in more ways than just my body but I know you are busy so I will just tell you this SUCKS bad and I'm not myself.

After realizing seeing all these posts and blogs it made me think... ok... so what about someone like me? I know I have a fitness background and all but right now I cannot do a push up because of my shoulder injury (as in physically can't... and boy do i despise the word can't)... I LOVE PUSH UPS!! Really I do. I am very limited right now as to what my body will let me do without pain or strain so lifting weights even body weight has me limited. Yes there are things i CAN do... it's just not the same. I do go to cycle and run... will also train legs 1-2times a week.... but it's hard for me to get into it knowing I have to be careful and knowing what i used to do.

I also DREAD eating salads & vegetables right now.... no joke. Like, I have been avoiding them at ALL costs...super weird for me because I used to be obsessed with vegetables!

Basically I am just a complete fitness failure right now... I'd get an F- on my report card. (and DETENTION!) 

I'm just not on top of my fitness game. I can give you a million other excuses OR... I can do something about it. 

This weekend I asked myself....

Lallenia, what is it that you are REALLY struggling with that is making you feel so gross physically? 

Is it the fact you can't push yourself at the gym and feel strong? (why yes.. yes it is)

Is it the fact that you sit more because of the transition from working on your feet all day to running the office work of a business? (urgh gag me!)

Is it your food choices? (sooo... ice cream bars before bed is a bad thing??)

BINGO! 

It's TOTALLY my food choices... I am eating a lot of .. (brace yourself) SUGAR! (gasp)

After doing some deep digging (into the B&J's Americone Dream container)... I came to realize.... I feel gross because I am not fueling my tank with the appropriate nutrition my body needs to excel in life. I may not be able to push myself like I want at the gym but if I was eating to fuel my brain & body I wouldn't be so negative and feel so gross about myself. 

*Side note: If you follow me you know I also struggle with PCOS and insulin resistance so nutrition is even more vital for me to be on top of to feel good...

Today I am starting a 21 day (processed) sugar free diet. (but what about all of Wyatt's Halloween candy??)

No I didn't buy a program or anything. I am going to try to do it on my own. Picking foods I want just knowing what to look for and what is realistic for me. 

 I will blog every day for 21 days and let you know the outcome as far as how mentally, physically and emotionally. (This is your fair warning right now)

I am not going to limit my fruit intake or carbs, or any of that stuff that many diets want you to when starting a detox or diet. I am going to eliminate processed sugar.  I will read the labels and if there is processed sugar higher than 1-2g on there it's out. 

The reason why I say 1-2g is ok because that's hardly any and I know a few foods might have a trace. Again I am being realistic and starting small. (so you people that are perfectionist... go eat a gluten free sugar free cocoa nib paleo cookie and leave me alone)

Haven't we all gone all out on a diet only for it to fail 90% of the time?? It makes it so hard to turn it into a lifestyle change because we have this all or nothing thinking. I think it takes trial and error... and it's ok to fail or find what does and doesn't work for you as long as you don't give up trying. 

That's why this is by my rules, not a shake challenge, whole 30 challenge, or some kind of 0 carb challenge.  I am the only one that knows my body and I want to make this transition and painless as possible. 

OK I am not dragging this on anymore..... Here's what I ate today: 

Breakfast: 1 cup berries, 2 eggs, 1 cup broccoli (it's SOOO good with eggs! at least I tell myself that) and some coffee

Lunch: Pomegranate ... yep ate the WHOLE dang thing! I tried not too but I couldn't stop! Someone once asked how I could eat the seeds just by themselves.... well.... here's the proof: 

SOOO good!!!! Except when they get stuck in your teeth.... that is rather annoying and the whole thing has a large amount of carbs.... whoops. But it's natural right? 

Then i had a cheese stick... ok maybe 2 but 0g sugar.

Snack: Baby carrots and my 4 & 3/4 year old son, Wyatt,  totally talked me into buying a few flavors of tea from the Teavana store at the mall this past weekend... true story... (Wyatt is a little weird but don't tell his parents i told you that =) ) 

.

I made it so I can put it in the fridge so I can have a few servings throughout the next few days for us.

Dinner: Salad w/ oil & vinegar, Crusted Tilapia, & sweet potato w/ butter. 

I DID IT!! I had my first BIG salad in like 5 months. Celebrating the small successes.

 (I will get a small dinner one sometimes but those don't count)

It wasn't too bad..... Maybe I will do this more. 

Then I had this tilapia stuff that has 1g sugar in a serving. This stuff is super yummy but also really processed.... look: 

I will take all my measurements tomorrow and probably post them.. possibly a picture if I get enough courage to venture in to that... Again I am not really going to track my portions, carb count or protein... I am just eliminating pretty much all processed sugar for 21 days to see if i feel a difference or look any different from this one change...again yes I will still eat some processed foods but will have to be VERY conscious of the sugar.1-2g MAX and I will do my best to avoid it. 

I hope this helps you by either giving you the courage to join me, giving you a few ideas for meals, and/or make you celebrate the SMALL successes in living to be a healthier you!

Ok i am going to go grab a cup of this totally delicious chocolate peppermint flavored tea Wyatt made me buy and watch the Black List... seriously this is one of the FEW shows i actually watch because my husband makes me... it's his love language.... cuddling on the couch and watching mindless TV. 

Talk to ya tomorrow! Feel free to join me on this 21 day challenge!!! Let me know if you do... if there is enough people we can start our own secret group and give each other support and whatever else they do in secret groups =) 

oh and Don't forget to subscribe if you want to not miss a blog from yours truly (and her evil side who is the sarcastic one that makes her eat bad food) =) 

Keep yourself healthy, fit and fabulous!!

-XoXo-

Lallenia