My one year journey complete...

Today I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported me on this remarkable journey. When I started Insanity exactly one year ago, I had no idea I would finish it… especially after the fit test, as I lay on the couch, red faced and sweaty, sobbing and hyperventilating. I remember it like it was yesterday. I felt so stupid. I felt like a failure and I hadn’t even started! “What was I thinking? I can’t do this! Why did I say I would do this!? I’m too fat for this. It’s just the way I am now.” I think the only reason I moved forward from that day was because I simply couldn’t stay where I was… the bottom.

Losing my father in law was hard, and caused stress on my family. Taking care of my husband and daughter through that difficult time took its toll on me. But losing our second baby at nearly six months along was devastating, and spun me into a depression I don’t think I ever thought I’d get out of.  I went through the motions and pretended to enjoy life, but each day was a struggle. I didn’t eat or sleep enough—and I took care of everyone but myself. When I finally decided to turn the corner, when I couldn’t get any lower, when I knew I needed to be a better mother for my daughter, a better wife to my husband, and finally take care of ME, I went all in.

Exactly one year ago, Elijah was only 4 weeks old. I was off and running. Since then I have completed Insanity, T25, P90x3, the 21 Day Fix, and PiYo. Yesterday I finished Insanity for the second time—taking it back to where it all started.  I have lost a total of 65 lbs. and 54.5 inches- all through proper nutrition, exercise, and with the support of my new Beachbody family, as well as my wonderful husband, siblings, parents, and all of you guys.

But more than what I have lost is what I have gained. Confidence. A belief in myself. A community of like-minded individuals who love to help others. The gift of being of service to others on their journeys as well. Being able to keep up with Olivia as she plays in the yard, and chase Elijah all over the house. Feeling confident in my clothes, feeling attractive with my spouse. Being successful. Not quitting.

There is nothing keeping you from becoming your best self. There is no reason why you can’t be on your OWN priority list. I know I deserved it, and my family is better for it. So thanks for everything, everyone. What an amazing year.

When You're in the Mood For a Different Kind of Salad...

I eat a lot of salad. I know, you're not surprised, right? But I didn't want some ordinary side salad today, or my go-to healthy Chef Salad. I wanted something different, amazing. I wanted something that would hit all my containers on the 21 Day Fix nutrition plan, but also be a little unusual. As you may have noticed, I love trying new foods- and this one is a doozy: it has jicama.

Jicama is a root vegetable, but it is sweet, and tastes a little like an asian pear. There are many benefits to this starchy tuber, the first being that it is very low in calories. It is extremely rich in vitamin C, and super high in fiber. Its a great way to add a little sweet to your salad (great for diabetics due to the fact that it doesn't spike blood sugar) while adding texture as well. Its also has minerals like iron and magnesium, and B-Complex vitamins like folates, which are great for your body's metabolism. Ok, enough about jicama.

So making this salad was pretty easy. First, I started with prepping all my ingredients. After all, it is a chopped salad. Wash and chop. I used: 

• 2 heads Romaine lettuce
•  Orange and red bell peppers (2 each)
• 1/2 red onion
• 1/2 large jicama
• 2 ears corn (see an easy way to cook fresh corn here)
• 29 ounces washed black beans
• One bunch cilantro, fresh
• Other add-in options are tomato and zucchini

Next, the dressing. I mixed in a glass:

• Juice of 2 limes, or approx. 1/4 cup
• 2 T local raw honey
• Himalayan sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• 4 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• Option: fresh minced garlic if desired

I hope you'll give this great salad a try. To up the protein, you can add a choice of seafood such as shrimp, or grilled chicken. I ate it for "work food" (I love things I can spread over multiple days in a row), and haven't gotten sick of it. In fact, I think I'll make more today!

What Do You Do When You Just Don't Want to Press Play?

Its so hard some days. Some days, rainy, bleak days like today, I just want to curl up on the couch, veg out, and eat something ridiculous, like Ramen.  I know that you may find this hard to believe, but I DON'T WAKE UP EVERY DAY IN BEAST MODE. Most mornings, I wake up nice and comfy in some snuggly yoga pants, a tank top, and a zip up hoodie. I brew a pot of coffee (yes, I drink coffee!), and get ready to start my day.

First, there are children. I know there are only two but some days I think I'm seeing double. They are everywhere! And if, heaven forbid, I manage to get them down for a nap then I might just want to sit and enjoy the silence. Smell the rain. Listen to... well, nothing.  It doesn't happen often, but I dream of it often! Haha! The true reality is that there is screaming, tugging, loud shrieks and giggles, all while I try and complete some other task- much like right now, even as I write this blog. Then there are the million other tasks- all of which I need to accomplish before I go to work and start the second half of my day.

There are two ways I combat this. One is to listen to some personal development on audio while I knock out a few household chores, such as dishes or folding laundry. Another is to just do it.

I know, I know. That sounds lame. But its the truth. If you are going to take accountability for your own actions and be responsible for yourself and where you are in this life, you have to be able to own your own actions. It is not necessarily the easiest thing in the world to complete a workout with children walking all over you, with chores waiting to be done. I'm afraid of stepping on little feet. I'm afraid of taking that time away from myself when I should be paying attention to them, right? WRONG.

What better way to show them, each day, that even if its rainy, even if its ugly, I get it done. Even if I don't feel like it. Even if they crab at me. Even if life gets in the way, things pop up, I will do my best. Because I said I would. And I am the only one who can be responsible for my actions.