My Spiritual Battle!

The last months of 2014 and the start of 2015 has been a struggle for me. I have been hitting a lot of road blocks lately and I would give up and walk away. That’s not who I am! I shouldn’t let road blocks stop me from reaching my goals. My health journey has fallen to the back burner as well as many other things. I’m not writing this to have anyone feel sorry for me; I’m writing this to hold myself accountable for my actions.   I have been facing a struggle with my faith b/c I’m wondering if I did something to anger God. Why so many road blocks?  The struggle with my faith has me doubting God and I don’t want to doubt him. He has and continues to provide for my family and me.  I’m that person who is strong in front of others, but once I’m alone I break down.  There are so many emotions I’m feeling right now and I don’t want this letter to be all about my setbacks.  Over the last week, God has reminded me how much he truly does love me.  I saw this poem on a friend’s Facebook page and it was a great reminder. I’m weak and I need God more than ever and pushing him away will only make me weaker. I’m by far perfect and I have sinned, but he believes in me. When I stumble and push him to the side, he is always there to be my guide. I refuse to sit back and let me goals and my faith take a beating b/c something doesn’t go my way.

I saw another post on Facebook and it was another great reminder. He knows me more than I know myself. I’m going to keep my head up b/c he believes in me. I’m HIS STRONG CHRISTIAN SOLDIER!

My weight loss journey has hit more and more blocks, but I’m not going to stop trying to reach my goal. I have I gained weight yes but I’m going to work hard to get back on track. TODAY IS NEW DAY SO WHY AM I WAITING FOR TOMORROW!  He has made me for so much more and I’m not going to waste what he has given me.

THIS IS MY FIGHT SONG

I will not let Satan win!

I WILL NOT BE OR FEEL DEFEATED ANYMORE!

I HAVE TOO MUCH FIGHT IN ME TO JUST GIVE UP!

I’m sure I sound like a broken record, but I’m human and I mess up. I’m weak and I wanted to do it my way, but doing it my way isn’t working for me. I’m putting God back on the front line of this battle b/c I cant do it without him. I’m not going to fight him anymore, he will be first in my life. I get lost in the every day life’s ups and downs, but he always finds me. I’m going to wake up and give THANKS to him everyday. No more focusing on the negative, but more on the positive! I don’t know where I’m going but I have to step out on faith and trust God.

“Sometimes you have to stop worrying, wondering, and doubting. Have faith that things will work out, maybe not how you planned, but just how its meant to be”. unknown.

Yours Truly,

Amanda

24 Day Challenge!

Greetings Everyone!!

Sorry for being MIA on my blog, but I have hit a wall. When I went on vacation a couple of weeks ago, my motivation went too. Sadly when I had to go back into the real world after my vacation, my motivation didn’t come with me.  I know my motivation is out there somewhere and I hope she returns soon b/c I’m taking on another challenge. 

 

24 Day Challenge!

 

Yes another challenge.I’m not going to go into much detail about the challenge , but I will be doing weekly updates and if all goes well I will give you more information about what I’m doing.  I will be running and doing my 21 day fix workouts, but I’m renaming it and calling it the 24 Day fix.

I’m planning ahead and looking forward to the challenge. I have never done anything like this before, so this will be fun and interesting at the same time.

 

Wish me luck!!!

 

Reflection

In June my grandma moved in with me b/c her home was sold. I love having her here, but the last month or so has been struggle. I’m use to having a routine, I’m use to having a schedule each day I wake up. I don’t like change! When I have a plan and it unfolds b/c of things I have no control over, it frustrates me.  When I feel like I’m alone I go to want comforts me; FOOD. Even though I have so many wonderful people in my life I keep things inside. I take the issue or issues and put them away until I’m ready to deal with it. I guess I do this b/c it gives me some type of control.  Once everything inside me builds up, I explode and I become this ugly person.  

During this week being off on vacation and spending time with family, I reflected on my life, my behavior, and my relationship with God.  Satan sees me growing, so he throws rocks to block me from moving forward on my journey. I may stand there wondering why does this always happen. Every rock represents a struggle, a worry, a stress, and even my past mistakes. 

Satan thinks he has won the battle as I take one step backwards and turn around, but what he doesn’t know is that I’m not the same girl I use to be. I take few more steps back only to run toward those ROCKS and climb over.  ” Now the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you”. 1 Peter 5:10

I have never felt more alive knowing my Father. I battle each day, but I’m not alone. Some think that once you become a Christian your life is perfect, but there is no such thing as a perfect life. I’m a Christian, but I sin just like the next person. I’m not perfect, but there is a difference in who I was and who I am now. He personally restored, established, strengthen me.  

When  I’m scared and I don’t know how to stand, I need to look up and remember that he is there.   I don’t want to be someone who’s satisfied with occasional visits to church on Sunday morning. I need to build a relationship with God that grows stronger each day. My story isn’t over and is still being told and I want my love for God to show to everyone I meet. 

T25 is has been put on hold for now, but I will continue to workout each morning. I enjoy running, its crazy that I say that. I would have never thought I could run 2 miles without collapsing. The feeling I get from running is amazing. I feel strong and powerful when I run. I want other women no matter their size to know their worth!!! I was almost 260 pounds and I’m now 216. Anything is possible as long as you trust in the Father. I’m not running away from something, I’m running toward something. 

 

Summer Salad Ideas

One of my favorite salads that I have made is really simple.

1) One cooked chicken breast diced, you can switch it up and add steak. ( Calorie information would change)

2) 1 Cup of strawberries

3) 1/2 Cup of blueberries

4) 2 cups of butter lettuce

5) Ken’s Steak House Lite Strawberry Vinaigrette

Nutritional Information:

304 Calories

I have app on my phone called Fresh Express Salad Swap, check the app out b/c it gives you some more great ideas for salads.

Here are some great links to some awesome recipes for salads that I will be trying as well.

Spinach-Berry Salad

Berry Pineapple Salad

Kid’s Chef Salad

Chicken Rice & Black Bean Salad Bowl

Chicken & Roasted Summer Squash Salad with Mascarpone Dressing

These are just some salad recipes that I found online and will be making soon. I like to try new things, but making a salad is really fun b/c you can change it so you don’t get bored.

You can do

Steak, chicken, shrimp

Butter lettuce, iceberg lettuce, spinach, ( there are so many choices)

Apples, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pineapples, oranges.

Almonds, walnuts, and eggs

You can make your on vinaigrette or you can find some in the aisle of your grocery store.  Don’t put so much thought into making a salad, its a simple and healthy lunch or dinner. Throw things that you love on there and enjoy, but of course portion your food.

 

Enjoy!! If you have any Salad Ideas, please share

Easy and Healthy Crock-pot Meals

Easy & Healthy Crock-pot Meals

I thought I would take the time to share some crock-pot recipes that I love or will be trying.  I know some of you don’t have the time to research and look for recipes, so I’m going to do it for you.

I made  Slow-Cooker Fall-Off-The-Bone-Ribs and it was delicious and it would go great with a side salad or corn on the cob. Skinny mom has other recipes so go check out her site. 

Who doesn’t love Ham and to have it cook in a crock-pot, its so going to be so good. I haven’t tried this recipe, but its on my dinner to do list. This recipe comes from Skinnymom, she’s truly incredible. Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Spiral Ham

Slow Cooker Pepperoni and Chicken

Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Skinny Pork Tacos

Another favorite crock-pot dinner I have had in my home is a roast covered in A-1 Sauce, then cover it with aluminium foil and place potatoes on top (make sure the potatoes are wrapped in aluminium foil and cook for 8 hours. DELICIOUS!!!

Sparkpeople has a lot of information to help you on your journey, check them out.

Slow Cooker Lasagna

 Slow Cooker Meatloaf

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

Sticky Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

 Slow Cooker Healthy Potato Soup

Dinner at the Porterfields

Saturday morning I sent my sister a message to ask her if I can make dinner for her and her family. She was happy to say YES!!!  I enjoy cooking for people and I enjoy trying new things. I got this awesome recipe from Kelly at No Thanks to Cake. I also made some dessert for them too and Grilled Caramelized Pineapple on top of ICE CREAM, so delicious. 

 

Grilled Lime Chicken with Avocado-Corn Salsa with some grilled asparagus. 

 

Ingredients:

3 ½ Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 3 limes)

4 Tbsp. chopped cilantro

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp pepper

4 (6 oz) chicken breast halves

1 1/2 cup corn 

1 (8 oz) ripe avocado, peeled & diced

Instructions:

Combine the 2 Tbsp lime juice, 2 Tbsp of cilantro, 1/4 tsp of salt, and 1/8 tsp of pepper add to a ziplock bag and then add the chicken. Place the bag or you can use a bowl into the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. If you use a ziplock bag make sure you get all the air out.

To make the salsa combine the corn and the avocado with the remaining 1 1/2 Tbsp of lime juice and 2 Tbsp of cilantro, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp of pepper into a bowl. You can use corn in the can or fresh corn. I used Green Giant canned corn. I placed the salsa in the refrigerator until the chicken was cooked.

After 20 minutes take the chicken out on the grill and cook 10 to 12 minutes. Once the chicken is finished place 1/4 cup of salsa on each chicken breast and Enjoy.

Nutritional Information:

268 Calories for one Chicken Breast with 1/4 cup of Salsa. 

Dessert:

Grilled Pineapple on Vanilla Ice Cream:

Grab a bowl and add the following and mix well

1/4 Cup of Brown Sugar

1/4 cup of butter melted

1/2 tsp of cinnamon

1/2 tsp of vanilla extract

1 Tbsp of Honey

Dice the pineapple and place them in another  bowl. Pour the batter all over  the pineapples and place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.  Place the caramelized pineapples on aluminium foil and grill for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then place the yummy pineapples on some ice cream. 

Enjoy!!!

 

Weekly Weigh-in Report

Ending this week with a 2.4 weight loss!!!  A new week is starting tomorrow and I’m going to continue to run three to four times a week. This week I’m going to redo week 3 of my T25! Not giving up!!! My mind and my body are changing each day.

 

Currently: June

It’s that time of the month again! I can’t believe June is almost over, time goes way to fast. My son will be starting 3rd grade in Aug. Looking forward to going into July, I have so much planned.

Current Beauty Obsession: OLAY

I love Olay, its the only brand that works with my sensitive skin. I currently brought some Olay Body wash and I just love the smell. Fabulous!!! 

Current Music:

I’m getting back into my country music. I love all music, but its been along time since I owned a country Cd. I brought the new Rascal Flatts Cd and all the songs are so good. I highly recommend getting the Cd or get it off Itunes.  One of my favorite songs is Rewind

 

Current Favorite Shows:

I had to say shows b/c I’m addicted to a new show and my other two favorite shows are coming back on in July. My new favorite show has my man Taye Diggs in it, its called Murder in the First. Witches of East End is coming back on Lifetime for season 2. I swear not all my shows are dark and scary. My second favorite show that is coming back on is Cedar Cove, I just love this show.

Current Favorite Drink: 

As many of you know I love my Eboost and I have it at lunch almost everyday. I have a new drink that I’m totally loving besides water. It’s called Advocare I have been taking it before my runs and I love the boost it gives me. The taste is fabulous, loving the strawberry mango and the sour apple flavors. Ashley from Coffee Cake and Cardio is a distributor and she had some samples to try for $20.00.  Go out check out her blog, she fabulous!!

Current Guilty Pleasure: 

I’m on this Ice Cream kick, but not just Ice Cream in a bowl it has to be on a cone. I’m loving the New York Cheesecake from Edy’s, is sweet treat for only 160 calories.

Current Motivational Quote:

I’m really finding my passion for running! I love the way it makes me feel.

 

 

The 411 On My Journey!

I’m going to give you all the 411 on my journey, which means I’m going to share some fun things that have been helping me during my journey.

Apps:

Whoever created the smartphone is a genius and whoever created these awesome apps are AWESOME too.

The apps that have helping me through this journey are

1) Bible (love the devotionals in the morning)

2) RunKeeper

3) SparkRecipes

4) Zen Labs C25K

5) Skinnymom

6) Myfitnesspal

7) Sparkpeople Produce

Music:

I’m all over the place with my music. I mean one minute I can be jamming to Mercy Me then a 3 minutes later its Usher. My little Ipod has so much variety it makes me laugh to even think about. This morning when I was running Cyndi Lauper “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” came on. Yes I said it Cyndi, I just wanted to stop running and start dancing b/c I just love that song.  I’m just going to give you a glimpse into my iPod. I have so many songs and I will be here all day typing each one out.

What’s Playing on my Ipod? 

1) Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys

2) Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi

3) All this Time by Britt Nicole

4) Stand by Britt Nicole

5) Still that Girl and The Sun is Rising by Britt Nicole

6) Blown Away by Carrie Underwood

7) Army of Me by Christina Aguilera

8) Cease Fire by Christina Aguilera

9) I love Colton Dixon so his whole album in on my playlist

10) No Easy Way Out by Dj Fait

11) Poison by Groove Coverage

12) Brokenhearted and Hello by Karmin

13) Part of Me by Katy Perry

14) Mandisa her whole album is part of my playlist

15) Girls Just Want to Have Fun:  Cyndi Lauper

16) FootLoose by Kenny Longgins

17) Catch my Breath by Kelly Clarkson plus two other songs

18) Fighter by Christina Aguilera

19) Heart attack by Demi Lovato

20) Hall of Fame by the Script

A Peek into my Mornings:

Luckily I’m a morning person, but that doesn’t mean I like to wake up early on the weekends. I do cherish my sleep. I set my alarm every morning except for the weekends to 4:50 am. It’s hard and the reason I set my alarm to 4:50 in the morning is  b/c it gives me 10 minutes to fight with myself. Yes I fight with myself about getting up, I just want to stay in my cozy bed. I’m out of my bed at 5 am and I then my day starts.

I go to the bathroom before I do anything. Once that is completed I head into the kitchen.  Every morning I take Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer before I start my workout. The Vega Pre-Workout Energizer gives me a boost to kick my butt during my workout. Sometimes I sleep in my workout clothes and sometimes I don’t, it just truly depends on how I’m feeling before I go to bed. Once my workouts are completed I sometimes take Vega Sport Accelerator.  The Vega Accelerator helps with recovery.  I make myself breakfast and pack my lunch for the day. Hop in the shower, get ready for work, and then I’m out the door for work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motivation: 

There are mornings where I don’t want to get up each morning, but I get up. I was almost 260 pounds and now I’m at 221. Is exercising hard, yes I would be lying if I say no. My faith and seeing myself grow these past few months shows me that I can do anything I put my heart into.  Start out small and end your journey in a big way. I’m finding myself with morning energy and pushing myself to do new things. I have a race called Mudderella and Old Rag Mountain to do this fall.  Don’t Limit What YOU Can Do!!! Life is to precious to sit back do nothing. I want to LIVE and I’m Kicking Butt. I’m creating a NEW ME!!!

Weekly Weigh-in Report

I started T25 Alpha and added C25K into the mix. I run three days a week and I do T25 6 days.  My first week was a success and I lost 2.2 pounds.  I really love running in the mornings b/c its very peaceful and it’s just an amazing feeling. Looking forward to the second week!!!