Do they see Jesus in me - Joy Williams

Been away for a while and boy have I been busy

Sorry that I haven't written in a while, I have been a very busy lady. In April of 2012 I got married to my prince charming.  Then in June of 2013 we had our blessing a beautiful baby Boy! Noah James.

So needless to say life took over and my weight loss took a back seat for a while. But I am happy to say that I am back on track now and taking care of me. I started on metabolic again and to date of lost just over 30 pounds. It's been a bit of a slow going this time around. But it's coming off.

So if it's ok with all of you I will continue to share my jouney, it's ups and downs. And this time I think we'll share some recipes, lots photos and insights of being a mom, and wife.

So let's share this journey called life together.

Blessings,

Cheryl

Refocus and moving torward my goals

Sorry for being a little lax in not writing lately. Been a bit busy in the fact that being in a relationship haven't had a lot of free time. Which is why I got a little off track on my fitness journey and ended up gaining about 6 pounds. But last wednesday I want back and weighed in at Metabolic and started their Meta boost program which is a thirty day program that is helping me to refocus and keep moving torward my goal.

It's great because in 4 days I have lost 4.5 pounds and so that puts me at exactly 46 pounds left to reach my goal weight. And that is so attainable. It shows me that just by getting back on track even when a little weight gain happens, it is possible to regain control. And not let it get out of hand. This really is about making total lifestyle changes. And if you choose to go off plan don't beat yourself up about it, just start again and keep moving in the right direction.

So over the next 3 weeks I am going to really try to focus my efforts to reach the next mini goal of another 15-16 pounds because they feel its possible to lose about 20 pounds in 4 weeks. So lets see where I am by then, because after that I think that will leave only about 26 to go to final goal. Think I can do it? I know I can!

Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are [Official Video]

A new year and more new beginnings

This past year and especially the past 8 months has been such an amazing journey for me. I never could have imagined that I would finally get it and make the lifestyle changes needed to take control of my weight once and for all. But I have. By changing to a much cleaner and healtier eating plan and getting regular exercise I have lost almost 65 pounds. And am well on my way to losing the rest of the weight that I have let myself get burdened with over a large part of my adult life.

I am excited for the new year because I have been able to accomplish so much already and there are so many things to look forward to. One of them being that on new years eve I am going on my first real date in almost 2 years. And it is with a really incredible man who is so sweet and kind and caring. I am excited and nervous and giddy all at the same time. And I think that the most amazing part is that even with knowing my weight struggles and how I had battled MS. This person doesn't care about those things, he wants to know me for who I am inside, He wants to know and find out more about what is in my heart. Nothing else matters to him. God brings people into are lives for specfic reasons and I feel so deeply blessed to be starting another new beginning in life. And I look forward to seeing where the new year will take us all.

Another new thing I am looking forward to is that I have been asked to help teach some motivational classes at Metabolic Research center to help share my weight loss journey and hopefully help to inspire others to live the best life possible themselves. So it's goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011 and an amazing new chapter of what is a truly amazing journey already.

New Adventures....

As I had mentioned before I have been looking for new ways to step up my fitness plan. For the past seven months most of my exercise has consisted mainly of walking either at the gym or doing charity fitness walks.

I am always looking for new and different ways to step things up and give variety to my health and fitness efforts.   Now I have found something new that seems to work for me. I have started running. Never thought in a million years that I would become a runner. But I am. Although I am still new at this and starting out. I find that I am able to run about 4 days a week. And now I have found a plan that I think can help to step things up and keep my weight loss moving in a right direction. I will run at least 4-5 days a week and then incoporate weights and strength training into it on my off days from running. 

After my weigh in today I am getting even more motivated to keep on my plan and keep working hard to reach my goal weight and just keep living the healthiest, fittest life possible. And this also fuels my desire to help and motivate others to change their health and reach their goals for health and fitness. So looking foward to the coming new year and seeing where things go with my healthy lifestyle and seeing if I can achieve my goals of running a 5k and later a 10k and then see where this new adventure in running takes me.   I can't wait to see what life has in store for me. I'll keep you posted.

Progress that feels truly amazing to me....

This journey has been one that a year ago I never would have imagined possible. And it feels truly amazing to me. To be at a point in my life where serious health issues are no longer hanging over my head. I have been able to overcome the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and to even turn things so completely around to where the multiple sclerosis is no longer an issue, and it may never be an issue again. If there is anything that keeps my motivation to lose the weight and live the healthiest life possible. Its just that! To never have problems with MS.

Looking back now, I realize that even though I was managing the MS as best as I possibly could and was trying so hard to not let it take control of my life. That it had. It was controlling me by not letting me live life to the fullest. And once I realized that I had to take control of my health and my life. It was no longer an issue.

As I have been on my weight loss journey so far this year. I have been able to do things that in that past I never thought would be possible. And it is because I have chosen to step outside of my comfort zone and do things that I hadn't tried before. And that is a really incredible feeling.

I am running now! That is something I never thought I would do. And you know the really amazing thing for me has been the incredible feeling I get from running. And that I have had no pain, no muscle spasms. A little achiness but  you get that when you know you have had a good workout. I have really enjoyed this new part of my fitness journey. And it just drives my passion and desire to live the best life possible. Besides it just makes me want to continue to step things up and drive my weightloss efforts even more. I am going to get to my next goal and drive even more to reach my goal weight. Which isn't all that far away now.

I am really excited to see what the new year will bring. Because life is now truly amazing and just keeps getting better.

Can't believe that I really did it!

Just got back from weigh in at Metabolic and I can't believe that I really did it! I have officially lost a total of 60 pounds as of this morning!!!!!!!!

The past month I had been struggling and now because I buckled down and re-focused I made it. And it feels pretty darn amazing. I am just more determined and even more focused on making it to the next mini goal of losing 12-15 pounds by the end of the month. Means lots of gym time and lots of water. And staying on plan. I can and will do it. Why would I want to stop now?

You see I finally have gotten to the point in my life where I no longer feel constantly sick. I no longer have serious health issues hanging over my head. And life is pretty amazing now. And this all was possible because I finally realized that the only person that could change things around and take charge of my health was me. And I am doing it. And that it's self is also something that feels truly wonderful. Now I truly look forward to the coming year. And cannot wait to see what God's plan is for me.

Getting excited, things are moving in the right direction

Weighed in this morning and things are getting back on track. Lost 4.5 pounds since my last weigh in. WOOHOO!!! Giggles

So doing meta-quick did help me to refocus and get back on track. Plus, I am getting back in the gym more regularly. So I am sure that is helping too. I am only 1.5 pounds away from reaching a total weight loss of 60 pounds. And then that leaves only 10-15 to my next mini goal. Which I should hopefully reach by the end of the month. So just going to keep focusing on attaining that next goal. Because then I will only have about another 36 to go after that.

Never imagined that I would be able to get to the point where I look forward to working out. And now I am even running and I have no pain in my legs or knees. In fact my legs are stronger than they have been in many years. And there is absolutely no sign or symptoms of the MS at all. I am beginning to think my Neurologist is right. The Multiple Sclerosis may never be an issue for me again. And to think that it was a matter of staying on the therapy and changing my diet and having regular exercise that could make it possible. This is why my motivation and passion remain strong. I have been able to reverse the effects of very serious health issues and no longer need to depend on heavy medications or Dr's to maintain quality of life.  For the first time in many years I feel as though I was never sick. My heart is healthy and so much stronger. My MS is pretty much non existent. And I have eliminated the risk of developing Diabetes, which is very prevalent in my family. So all of this is what gives me the drive and the passion to finally win the battle that I have had with my weight. And to do something that I now truly enjoy as my career. And so becoming a certified personal fitness trainer will give me the ability to combine my passions. To help inspire and motivate others to live the best, healthiest lifestyle possible, and that is is possible to overcome any obstacles that they are facing. Because if I can do it. Anyone Can!

Getting back on track

Well thanksgiving is behind us. And you know this year I was pretty good. Made sure that I used portion control and drank plenty of water, and used my High Nutrient supplements and was even able to get in a 2 mile run/walk at the gym that morning. When I went to weigh in I was up 4 pounds. And no I did not gain that all in one day. I had been struggling over the couple of weeks leading up to the holiday. Was under a lot of stress at work and had not been able to workout as often as I wanted to. And then on top of everything ended up breaking my hand. So those 4 pounds actually were over a 2 week period.

So now I am getting back on track. I decided to get back on the Meta quick plan which is pretty strict. So that I can push past this plateau. Time to get really serious and get back on track to losing the rest of the weight that I want to lose. And now I have my game plan to make it through Christmas. My plan is that I will work out at least 3-5 days per week. Making sure to stay within the 200 minutes per week that Metabolic advises for optimum weight loss. Will also make sure that I am getting in at least 100 oz of water everyday. Will go to weigh in at least 2 days a week. As a friend said don't settle for anything less than progress. And that is what I am doing. Focussing, or should I say refocussing on my plan and working towards my goals. By the time that I finish my weight loss and finish school I will be a totally different person. One who will be able to do anything I want. Will be able to keep striving for my dreams and who will hopefully be able to  help and inspire others to change their lifestyles and live the best, healthiest life possible. If I can change my lifestyle and be able to overcome the many serious health issues that I faced anyone can do it.

You know if you had asked me last thanksgiving what I was most thankful for and what i was looking forward to in the coming year, I wouldn't have been able to tell you. Because at that point I was still dealing with so many health issues. But in this past year I have been able to reverse the effects of high blood pressure and hypertension. I have been able to reverse the effects of the multiple sclerosis to the point that I no longer have signs or symptoms of it. And now I have been able to fight the effects of obesity. And am going to break past the point where I will no longer be considered obese. And I am changing my life to the point where by going to school to be a certified fitness trainer I will be able to do something that I am truly passionate about and will be able to do what I love and that is to help and hopefully inspire others. So I have so much to be truly and deeply thankful for this year. And the blessings that God keeps giving me just make looking to the future even more exciting. Can't wait to see what the coming year holds.

I passed....

I haven't written for a few days but I have been pretty busy studying....And I just did my first 3 part quiz and I passed!!!!! YEAH! Now its on to studying the next section which is Kinesiology and Biometrics. Gonna be a big one. But you know I don't mind cause I am really enjoying my classes and it is making so much more sense how the muscles and nerves work and how what we put in our mouths really does effect the body and how the body breaks it down or not. So for me this is just proving that my decision to lose weight and change my lifestyle to a much cleaner, healthier, fit one was the best decision I could ever make.

And now with starting this part of my journey to become a certified Fitness Trainer, I want to share my passion for health and fitness with others so that I can better help them to live the best life they can. And I want to continue to inspire others through my journey because if I can overcome the many health issues and obstacles that I have anyone can.

The benefits of Exercise

Most people know that they should exercise, but sometimes they lose sight of why it's so important. The Surgeon General reports that physical activity can have several positive benefits for women:

•Reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and of developing high blood pressure, colon cancer and diabetes.

•Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints.

•Helps control weight, build lean muscle and reduce body fat.

•Helps control joint swelling and pain associated with arthritis.

•May enhance the effect of estrogen replacement therapy in decreasing bone loss after menopause.

•Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and fosters improvements in mood and feelings of well-being.

•Can help reduce blood pressure in some women with hypertension.

Life is just getting better.....

Just got back from my weigh in. And I am really happy to say that I have lost 3 pounds since my last weigh in. And that means that I have only 2 pounds left to reach 60 pounds. Never thought I was going to reach this point already. But I am almost there.

And life is just getting better and better. As I am losing weight, my health just keeps improving and I feel like I haven't felt in over 20 years. And now it just fuels my passion to keep growing and changing as a person. That is why I am so excited about going to school now to get my Personal Fitness Trainer certification. Because I want to be able to help and inspire others on a more personal level to take control of their health and live the best, most fit and healthy lifestyle that they possibly can.

I think most of us don't really think about the fact that the food that we eat really does effect our bodies in such a way as it can be a help or a hinderance. As I have began my first course I find that it really is something that makes a huge impact on whether a person can be healthy or not. As I go through this part of my health and fitness journey I will share what I am learning and then when I graduate in June. I will be able to help even more to motivate and encourage you to live the best life possible. We are all in this together!

8 Steps to a Healthy Heart | Active.com

8 Steps to a Healthy Heart Active.com

This is an awesome article that I found from the Couch to 5k program that I have been following recently. Makes you really stop and think....

Doing a little happy Dance...

I'm a Happy Girl! Just got back from my weigh in at MRC and I have lost another pound. But why I am so happy is I have now lost a total of 81 inches. That is a lot of inches baby!!! giggling.

You know when you make a committment to follow program its amazing how easily things fall into place. My focus this weekend is to get all of my water in. To get a good run in every other day. And to start getting some strength training in too. I'm also going to give Meta-Quick another go, and see how much I can lose before my next weigh in on Monday. My goal is that by this time next week I want to be at the 60 pound mark. And who knows maybe even blow past it.

I am excited because I am getting closer to my goals and I am loving my life. And I am going to be able to start school soon too. So life if pretty awesome right now. Hugs Everyone!

Having a blast...

Tonight I decided to hit the gym to blow off some steam and to kinda challenge myself again to see what I could accomplish. Well I am happy and excited to report that I was able to do a 20 minute run. I have been trying to increase my overall pace and endurance so that I could give running a try again. After having to back off on running for a few months because of a muscle injury, I have been slowly working at getting my endurance and strength back up. And I am so happy that I could do the 20 minutes.

So who knows maybe I really will be able to make my goal of being able to actually run a 5k in the next few months. More than anything its a blast to be able to keep changing things up and finding more and different ways to be a more fit and active person. So we'll see what kind of progress I can make in the coming weeks and months. It would be so cool if I can run one of the ORRC events in the coming months. I think joining the Oregon Road Runners club was a great idea because it is helping me to keep my motivation strong to keep on this new journey of a healthier, leaner, more fit lifestyle.

Going to bed now a peaceful , centered and happy lady.....giggles

Growing and changing

"God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go."

 

As I have been on this journey of weight loss, and growth as a person. I realize that God has give me so much. He has brought people into my life that have challenged me to see that my journey is still on going. And that I am a much stronger person than I had imagined. God is showing me that since I have chosen to take care of myself and that by loving myself and my accomplishments that I can begin to allow another person to see whats in my heart and share my passion for Christ with others as well as my passion for life. That is what is leading me to pursue the idea of becoming a personal trainer. I have always loved helping others. And since my passion for health and fitness is continuing to grow and deepen what better way than to be an Certified Fitness trainer and health and nutrition specialist.

 

I don't have to have other people's approval in what I have chosen to do. There is only 2 people that I am accountable to. 1st is to God and second is to myself. I know that God has special plans for my life and I am just going to let Him continue to be my guide.

 

I will continue to share my adventures with you. Because I want to continue to hopefully help inspire others to live the best life possible. If I can do this anyone can.

Continuing my fitness adventure.....

Yesterday I had another new adventure on this fitness journey. And it was a lot of fun! Recently I decided to join the Oregon Road Runners club as a way of continuing to be as active as possible. Because throughout the entire year they often have fitness running and walking events to promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

So yesterday I participated in the 36th annual Blue Lake Run/Walk. I did it to try to challenge myself and see if I could be in the top 6 female walkers. And to see how quickly I could do the 5k. I was 6th. And I finished at just 44 minutes. Not too bad! Especially considering that I was fighting a bad cold too.

It was a gorgious course. And we got so lucky the sun came out and it was dry, a little cold at the start but it was a truly gorgeous day. And it was a lot of fun because a new friend that I had met, Chris came to hang out with me and cheer and support me at the race and then after, we got to visit the Vista House and then went to have a really nice lunch and just spend time chatting. Chris has been very supportive of my journey and that feels really nice to know someone that has been going through the same things too. So we were motivating to each other I think....giggles.

This new part of my life, living the healthiest, fittest life possible has really got me thinking what more can I do to help and support and encourage others? And Chris gave me a great idea. I am going to look into being a Personal Trainer, focusing on fitness and nutrition. I think that it will be a great way to help others who have struggled with weight and also have had health issues related to weight to show that it really is possible to change their lifestyle and reverse the health effects and live the best healthiest life possible. So in the next few months I am going to look into starting the process and going to school to be a trainer. Because I really want to help others, and what better way then to help teach what I have learned so that everyone can live the best life possible. If I can change my life around like I have over the past several months anyone can.

Heading in the right direction again

Just got back from my weigh in at MRC. And I am pretty happy. I lost 2.5 pounds so that means that I am back at 54 pounds total lost to date. So that leaves only 6 pounds to reach the 60 pound mark. I cannot wait!!!

So it shows that even with the little set back just getting back on plan and refocused did help to drop what I had gained from being on the pain meds. Now time to focus and get ready for the 5k walk on Saturday. I am excited, for a couple of reasons. One, I am going to try to challenge myself and see if I can be in the top 6 finishers. And second my friend Chris is going to come with me to cheer me on and then we are going to go have lunch. So it will be a great weekend. And I will post pictures from the race. Have a happy and blessed day everyone. :-)

A spoonful of Sugar

Got some great information from MRC the other day that I just wanted to share.  I don't think that we really realize it but Sugar is not the best thing for you especially from the aspect of trying to live a healthier lifestyle.

Did you know.....

• Sugar can suppress the immune system.
• Sugar can upset the body's mineral balance
• Sugar can contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, and concentration difficulties.
• Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
• Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity
• Sugar can reduce helpful high density cholesterol (HDLs) while elevating harmful cholesterol (LDLs)
• Sugar can cause hypoglycemia
• Sugar contributes to a weakened defense against bacterial infection
• Sugar can cause kidney damage
• Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease
• Sugar can promote tooth decay
• Sugar can produce an acidic stomach
• Sugar can raise adrenaline levels in children
• Sugar can lead to periodontal disease
• Sugar can speed the again process, causing wrinkles and grey hair
• Sugar can increase the risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Sugar can contribute to diabetes
• Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis
• Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity
• Sugar leads to decreased glucose tolerance
• Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease
• Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure
• Sugar causes food allergies
• Sugar can cause free radical formation in the bloodstream
• Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy
• Sugar can contribute to eczema in children
• Sugar can overstress the pancreas
• Sugar can increase the amount of fat in the liver
• Sugar can increase kidney size and can produce pathological changes in the kidney
• Sugar can increase the body's fluid retention
• Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance
• Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines
• Sugar can increase blood platelet adhesiveness which increases the risk of blood clots and strokes

So as you can see Sugar has effects that are not the best for being able to live the healthiest lifestyle and lose the weight that we are trying to lose. So hopefully this gives you some food for thought.