Friday, August 31, 2012

Friends and Family 24 Day Challenge Day 5

Today has been a pretty lazy day for me -- not sure why I have been a little tired all day?  Oh well, day 5 is over, and I am ready for day 6!  Today I did read a book that my sister introduced me to, called Practical Paleo (a customized approach to health and a whole-foods lifestyle) by Diane Sanfilippo.  It is a pretty interesting read, and it has some very simple recipes, meal plans, and guides.  I will say if you are planning on practicing a paleo lifestyle, it is worth the $40.

Looking forward to day 6!  Not only am I feeling really good about everything happening in my life, I also have a job interview tomorrow.  So off to bed for me. 

Balanced Bites - PRACTICAL PALEO - here is a web site that tells you about the book mentioned above.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Friends and Family 24 Day Challenge Day 4

This morning, while getting dressed for the day, I felt like the scale in our bathroom was staring at me -- almost doing a little dance to get my attention.  I was not planning on weighing myself until the 1/2 way mark of this challenge because I did not want to be disappointed or discouraged -- however I got on the scale this morning, and I have lost 5lbs already!  Needless to say, I feel even more motivated to make sure I am taking my supplements and eating paleo.

Since January, I have lost around 20lbs or so -- but 5lbs in 4 days?  You may question if this is safe -- all I can say is that I eat all day (just eating REAL food), and I feel better than ever!  Other things I am noticing is that my skin and nails are looking healthier.  I am a nail biter, and always have been.  My nails are pretty week and seem to crack, so then I just bite it off.  But there is no cracking, and they seem to be stronger. 

Today was also a very special day, Rob and I were able to go to San Antonio this morning to celebrate his cousin's retirement from the Air Force.  It was great to be a part of the celebration.  Thank you Master Sergeant Larry Bracken Hays, for serving our country for the past 20+ years.  We are honored to know you and to have been a part of your very special day!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Friends and Family 24 Day Challenge Day 3

The best part about today was COFFEE!!!!  I have not been drinking coffee because I like sweetener and creamer -- yesterday we found coconut sugar and coconut creamer!  Today was completely different -- it was actually really great.  I guess I can honestly say that I have an addiction to coffee drinks!  Oh well, day 3 is over, and I am looking forward to day 4.  Things change when I wake up tomorrow - first thing, there is NO fiber drink - THANK YOU JESUS!!!!  

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Friends and Family 24 Day Challenge Day 2

Day 2 is coming to a close of the 24 Day Challenge.  All in all it has been a good day -- other than that fiber drink, everything seems to be going good.  All I am feeling right now is a little tired.  I have decided it is because I have not been having my daily coffee drinks, and as much as the SPARKS are suppose to give me that extra boost of energy -- it is no fancy coffee drink.  So while my body continues to adjust, I will keep moving forward.  I have also realized that all I have eaten in the last two days have been salads.  But I am trying to put some fun into all of them -- make them all a little different.  Tonight for dinner -- I made a salad with spring mix, chicken, blueberries, and sauteed brussel sprouts (sauteed in bacon grease with diced Applegate Capicola Ham) -- it was DELISH!!!!!! I am very excited that tomorrow is the last time I have to take my fiber for a few days -- that should lift my spirits!


Monday, August 27, 2012

Friends and Family 24 Day Challenge Day 1

I want to start this post out, saying that I went a little over board yesterday on my eating.  It was fun -- but I am so excited to do this 10 day cleanse after it.  I started off having some French Toast at the Whip In for Brunch, I had a fish taco, a chicken enchilada, and some pecan sandie cake at Guerro's for a late lunch, and I had the Terralingua Burger (frito pie burger), french fries, and a caramel/sea salt milkshake from HopDoddy for dinner.  Needless to say, I have not eaten this many carbs in months -- especially not in one day!  The only thing I can say, is after eating all of that -- I am not going to want to eat any carbs for the next 24 days!  It was all very delicious!

But today is a new day!  And it is also the first day of our Friends and Family AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge.  We have a group of 22 people doing this challenge with us -- and I am lucky to have 3 of my best friends doing the challenge with me here in Austin -- this is so much easier to do with people around who are going through the same thing -- it holds us all accountable, and we are all here to support each other.  You may be asking what this challenge is, so I want to break it down and explain it the best I can:

From the AdvoCare website
Days 1-10 Cleanse Phase
The first ten days are about cleansing your body of toxins and preparing for optimal nutrient absorption, and you may enjoy weight loss as well!*
  • Herbal Cleanse-Citrus: helps to cleanse and detoxify your body.*
  • OmegaPlex®: essential fatty acids for increased overall wellness.*
  • AdvoCare Spark®: nutritionally-advanced energy*
Days 11-24 Max Phase
Give your body the best tools you need to achieve your next weight management goal during days 11-24!*
  • Metabolic Nutrition System (MNS®): Max 3 - weight management, appetite control and overall wellness.*
  • Meal Replacement Shake - your choice of chocolate mocha, chocolate, vanilla, or berry: Complete nutrition in a great-tasting shake!
  • AdvoCare Spark®: nutritionally advanced energy
On top of the actual Advocare 24 Day bundle above, we are also practicing the paleo lifestyle through out this challenge. 

I got this info from the cookbook Make It Paleo:
The paleo diet (I do not like this word - so I am replacing it with lifestyle) is based upon the idea of eating the foods our bodies were designed for through thousands of years of evolution.  These foods were available to early people through hunting and gathering [meat and fish, nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables].  During modern times, advances in technology have made other forms of food available for consumption [grains, dairy, and processed foods], which are not as easy for our bodies to digest.  The foods recommended in the paleo diet generally provide our bodies with more efficient, long-lasting energy that also aid in burning fat.

So to make it easy here is the list of foods to eat:
Meats, Vegetables, Fruits, Nuts, Seeds, and Healthy Fats
Foods to avoid:
Grains, Legumes, Dairy, Processed Foods, Alcohol, and Starches

So the easiest way for me to describe it, is to just eat "real" food!

Today was the first day of the challenge.
My starting weight is 184.5lbs
Body Fat % is 35.79
Waist is 38"
Hips are 46"
Right Arm (Flexed) is 14"

In 24 days, I will post my after statistics, and my before and after pictures.  I am optimistic about this challenge and I know in 24 days I will look and feel like a new person.  This is just a jump start to a healthy and happy new me!

Day one so far has been an experience - as mentioned before, the first 10 days of the challenge is a cleanse.  First thing this morning was the fiber drink with a breakfast of a couple of servings of fruit.  I am not sure why there is not a warning on the fiber drink -- it had to be the worst thing I have ever drank.  It took a really long time to drink, and I had to keep adding water to it.  I am being very honest about this -- I am very glad that this is not something I have to do for all 24 days -- because I may have quit already.  But hopefully it gets better!  If anyone has any tips on the fiber drink, please leave a comment and let me know.  

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Austin Music That Makes Me Smile Pt. 2

"Music does bring people together.  It allows us to experience the same emotions.
People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit.  No matter what language we speak, what color we are,
the form of our politics or the expression of our love and our faith, music proves: We are the same."
~ John Denver ~

1) Bryce Clifford & Co

 

2)  White Ghost Shivers

 

3)  Possessed by Paul James 

 
 
 

Monday, August 20, 2012

Hello!  What a beautiful Monday!!!!  This may sound bizarre, but I feel a change in the air!  It is still August, and still going to get in the mid 90s today -- but that is only in the 90s! What this means?  My mornings are about to get cooler, and I am about to start walking my buns off - LITERALLY!!!

On to some different news - I have heard some great feedback from my very first post.  Most positive, some confused on why I needed to be so honest, and some negatives.  I want to thank everyone for any and all the feedback I am receiving, and I want to explain the reason for the brutal honesty about myself.  The plan I have set out for my life is about positive change.  What this means is that I also have to be very honest with myself and others on how I got to where I am now.  Since I swept my issues and problems under the rug for so long, now is the only time I have to start facing them head on.  If not now, how long will they be under that damn rug?  So that being said, it would not be fair to me, or you, if I was not brutally honest. 

To close this blog, I want to share an article that I read last week off of positivelypositive.com about why it doesn't matter what people think.  This article helped me realize that the people I want in my life will always be supportive, honest, and caring about all things me.  I am taking back control of my life, and it feels good!  This is one of my favorite websites, I read it every morning.  You should check it out! 

Why It Doesn’t Matter What People Think

One of the hardest aspects of making positive changes in your life is dealing with other people. Mainly your family, friends, and colleagues who believe that, because they’re in your life, they have a say in what you do and that their opinion should always be considered.
But when it comes to YOU and YOUR life, YOU are the only person whose opinion matters.
If you make the choice to create positive changes, FOR YOURSELF, that is all that matters. You don’t need anyone’s approval, validation, or support, and most of the time, you really should avoid it.

Top 3 Reasons Why You Are the Only One that Matters

1. Sometimes People Respond from a Place of Fear
Most people are uncomfortable with change, so when you mix things up, they’re not likely to be your biggest supporter. They’re not used to your new style, interests, or habits, and this is disruptive or uncomfortable to them. From this place of fear, they tend to nudge you back to THEIR comfort zone.
Maybe your friends are playfully pressuring you to eat crappy food or have a drink, despite the fact that you’ve decided to shift to a healthier lifestyle. Maybe your significant other doesn’t like that fact that you joined a book club because he or she is insecure about you meeting new people. Maybe your family gives you a hard time about the job you took in another state because it means that they have to learn to deal with distance in your relationship.
It’s selfish and does not have your best interests in mind. Be cautious of fear-based input.
2. Sometimes People just Don’t Get It, and They Don’t Get You
If you’ve made the decision to make positive shifts and someone in your life is not supportive or is totally against the idea, they likely aren’t someone who cares about YOUR needs or really gets you.
When people in your life get you, they’ll be able to see your side, support you, and will also cheer you on! These are the people that check in with you on your progress, find ways to motivate you, and care if you reach your goals.
People that aren’t supportive and don’t get you don’t get to have a say in what you do. Ever.
3. This Is your Life
Your body, your career, your time, and your happiness are at stake. It’s important to be considerate of other people in your life, but it comes down to what you want and what you need to be happy and healthy. The best way you can serve other people is to take care of yourself first.
When it comes to choices and change, always do a gut check. What do YOU want to do? What would make YOU feel joy, passion, healthy, or on the right path? Do that. No other opinions needed.

TAKE ACTION NOW!

 


 

Friday, August 17, 2012

Austin Music That Makes Me Smile Pt 1

Plato said it best - "Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination
and life to everything.”
 
  
 1)  Slowtrain
 
2)  The Preservation

 3) What Made Milwaukee Famous

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Music Reccomendation

Langhorne Slim and the Law - Song for Sid

Since I live in "The Live Music Capitol of the World" - I get to see a lot of great music.  Ever so often, something really special comes through town.  This is how I feel about Langhorne Slim.  I have been a fan for years now.  Last night me and some friends were able to catch his show at the Parish.  It was a beautiful way to spend a Tuesday evening.  Hopefully you have discovered this band before, but if not I am very glad that I am the one who is able to share them with you!
 http://www.langhorneslim.com/

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Hello - This is Me!

This is my first post, and I am a little nervous!  I am not a writer or a blogger , but I have wanted to start something to share my experience and to keep myself accountable for my own life.  Through this blog, I will watch my own life flourish -- and hopefully help some other people along the way.  I also live in Austin, TX and love it!  I will be sure to share some of my favorite things about this city as well.   This post is going to be a little long, but I need to get up to date on everything.  I promise not every post will be long!

A little about me:
My name is Robyn Foxworth.   I have had a pretty great life and have always appreciated everything that has come my way.  I have always been a pretty confident and out going person.  I am one of those people who is always trying to help or "save" people from something or someone.  I am 35 years old, and I am just now realizing that it is time to do something great for myself.

I lost my job in December of 2010.  I had worked for the company for over 6 years, and had made work my life.  In this time I gained a lot of weight, gave up on my dreams of having my own business, and pretty much just gave up on myself -- and for what?  Security, living pay check to pay check, being unhappy with myself and my life?  After I lost my job,  I spent a year feeling sorry for myself, and ignoring how I got to the place that I was at.  I put all of my energy into my friends issues and problems, and ignored my own issues, so not to have to deal with them.  Needless to say I lost my way, and was in a rut that I was not sure I was going to be able to get out of.

On January 3 of this year, a couple of friends and I joined in on "The Mayor's Resolution Walk/Run".  On this walk, one of my girlfriends and I decided we had to make a change!  So we started a walking group.  We started off walking 3 miles at least 3 times a week.  That went on for a month or so, then we added another mile.  Within 21/2 months we were walking 5 miles at least 3 times a week.  Instead of trying to continue adding more miles, we then decided to just start walking these 5 miles faster (our goal was to get them below 15 minutes per mile).  I started to find myself waking up everyday and going for my 5 mile walk -- needless to say I was doing this more than three times a week, and finding myself going at it alone!  It was great to start my day walking along Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake) by myself.  This was my own time to spend reflecting on my life, my relationships, my health, my dreams, and my goals.  I finally stopped feeling sorry for myself, and started realizing that I am in control of my own life.  Honestly, it is the only thing I have control over.  Walking became part of my daily routine for 6 months -- then the Austin, TX summer began, and IT IS HOT!!!!!  The walking became slower, shorter, to not happening at all!  Luckily I live in a city that has natural spring pools -- so I started swimming!!!!  I am not swimming every day, but I am trying to spend at least an hour at Barton Springs pool or Deep Eddy pool 3-4 times a week.  As much as I love this time in the pool, I can not wait for next month when it starts to cool down and I can start walking again!  But my goal is to turn my walking into jogging before winter.

This summer I also made another HUGE change in this journey to living the life I imagine:  EATING "REAL" FOOD!  That is right -- I have taken all processed foods out of my life!  I also do not eat any type of grains.  I get all of my carbs from fruits and vegetables -- and I eat MEAT!  This is big because I was vegetarian for years.  I have more energy and am fitting into clothes that I have not been able to wear in a while.

This brings me to my weight.  I have no idea how much I weigh -- scales scare me.  I completely go by how I feel and by how my clothes fit.  But all of this is about to change.  My sister is a crossfit trainer, health nut, and an AdvoCare Advisor (you can check out her blog at http://stronghealthyfit.blogspot.com/).  She is getting the family together to do the AdvoCare 24 Day Weight Management Challenge.  This is the first time I have ever done anything like this, and I am really looking forward to it.  But I am going to have to get on a scale, take my measurements, and my body fat percentage.  SCARY!!!!!  But I am willing to do it, share it, and take photos -- which will all be posted on this blog!  This challenge starts at the end of the month, and I will be updating my progress here.

Here is to LIVING THE LIFE I IMAGINE!