I used to be "Skinny"...How to feel comfortable in your own skin

Happy Saturday friends! 

So here I am 2 full weeks into my journey, and still keeping it going.  I am still enjoying Cize, and making progress!  It was such a tough week, for me.  I took a rest day on Sunday because I had a late Saturday night and the time change got me all disoriented.  I didn't make it to my 2 pound goal, but losing 1.6 pounds the healthy way is just fine with me!  My clothes are fitting better, and even though there was more than one day I really did not want to get out of bed to work out, I did it anyway!  Slow progress is progress!! 

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So last night when I was out with some friends, I don't remember the exactly conversation we were having, but I remember saying something about when I used to be "Skinny", I don't remember exactly what she said, but my friend Eva said something like "Don't feel bad or down about how you used to look" and that it's something I'm working on.  All week, I've been trying to think about what I was going to write about this week, and that conversation sparked it.  

How do I feel comfortable in my own skin? 

While, I am striving to become a happier healthier me, I need to remind myself that throughout this journey I must be comfortable simply being me.  But how does one do that?  Let's start from the very beginning (A very good place to start).  When we were kids, most of us were completely comfortable in our own skin.  Ignorance was truly bliss to us because we weren't aware of the world's ideals of what we should or should not be, or do, or look like.  As adults, we see the world in a new light.  We understand the realities of the world and how it wants us to be a certain way.  I can accept this and just be what the world wants me to be.  Or, I can understand the world, and create my own.  I can create my own one of a kind self in this world.  Am I saying you always have to go by the beat of your own drum? No, but I'm saying if you want to you should and be proud of it.  

#TBT. About 3 years ago... Reminder that I did it once, I can do it again! #motivation #throwback #reboot #lifestyle #fitness #healthyme #happy #myjourney #myjourneytofit #myfitnessjourney

A photo posted by Mandie (@motivatemandz) on Mar 10, 2016 at 3:26pm PST

During the previously mentioned conversation with my friends, I showed them a side by side picture of how fit I was and a dress I bought in 2012 and said "I want to look like that again".  While, yes, one of my goals is to fit into this dress again I don't want to go back to that part of my life.  Though it seemed like it was all fun and care free, it all came with a price.  I was working retail, stressed out, probably lost all the weight from being on my feet non-stop 12 hours a day and living on Starbucks, Auntie Anne's pretzels and Vodka Redbulls.  I was in and out of an unhealthy relationship and unhappy.  I probably said I wanted to lose weight to be healthy, but I really wanted to lose weight because I wanted to fit into clothes and be "more attractive to guys".  Even last year when I was striving for healthy living, let's be real, I just wanted to look good in my wedding dress. 

If you read my post 2 weeks ago, you know I'm not calling this a DIET.  I want this journey to be focused on living a healthy lifestyle.  It started with working on being physically healthy, but we cannot forget to be mentally healthy too.   Last week I talked about non-scale victories.  These victories are something that motivate me and help keep me positive and on my way to feeling comfortable in my own skin, but I wanted to think of more ways that would help me feel comfortable in my own skin, both physically and mentally.  So, here is my list of  5 Ways to Feel Comfortable in Your Own Skin:

5.  Stop trying to impress others -- When you are too busy trying to impress others, you will never find the time to get to know yourself and what makes you truly happy

4.  Accept imperfection:  I love the saying "Strive for progress not perfection".  In the same sense, we should revel in our imperfections.   Some of the most confident people are those who embrace their unique look, talents and lifestyle.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it -- work it!

3.  Recognize the harm of being your own worst critic and find a healthy balance: Pushing yourself to do and be your best is a great quality to have, but criticizing  and putting yourself down when you've already done your best can hurt you.  It's important to recognize the difference and find that balance to keep you driven toward success.

2. Work that body – Regardless of your size or frame you will feel better about your body if you use it! I know I do!  Take a walk, dance, ride your bike, jump rope, or swim. The more you move it, the more you’ll love it.

1. Remember that each day is an opportunity to grow and evolve:  Maybe I wasn't feeling myself one day... It's okay, I'm human.  Tomorrow is another day.  Make the most of it!

Until next time....Strive for your goals and enjoy the rest of your week!!

xoxo Mandie

Your weight is just a number on a scale -- The importance of "Non-Scale Victories"

Hey Friends! 

Well I had a great week, and I hope all of you did too! I have successfully pushed through 9 days straight doing Cize and have stayed consistent with logging my food into MyFitnessPal as well.  While it might seem like a pain in the butt to log what I consume everyday, it really helps keep me accountable.  I have used MyFitnessPal in the past, and it really helped me last year when I was trying to get in shape for the wedding.  Sometimes it's so surprising the little things we waste our calories on.  On the other hand, it's also amazing when you realize there are so many good things you can eat and eat a lot of.  I never feel deprived or hungry!  I still eat all the foods I love.  This week I ate brownies, pizza, pasta, steak... and I STILL made progress! Of course, the key is to control your portions and make sure the rest of your diet is well balanced.  After all, they do say that abs are made in the kitchen!

Anyway, let's talk a little bit about my first week of 'Cizing it up'!  It was a bit of an adjustment getting up and working out in the morning!  I cannot reiterate reiterate this enough... I am not a morning person!! Again, it all came down to knowing myself.  I knew that I would make up excuses when I came home from work and I would not exercise, so I had to make the change and move workouts to the morning.  What's an hour working out in the morning? 4% of your day! THAT'S IT!  Don't get me wrong, I was still struggling to leave the warm confines of my comforter, and sleepily drug my feet down the stairs several mornings.  I scowled through the first few minutes of many workouts, but once Shaun T said that is was time for the cool down I felt energized and accomplished!  Which brings me to the main topic of today's post...Non-Scale Victories.  

Wait, first I'll start by saying my goal right now is to lose at least 2 pounds a week.  When I stepped on the scale Thursday morning for my one week weigh in, I'll admit, I was terrified.  So many thoughts ran through my head.  "What if I didn't lose any weight?" "What if I GAINED weight?" Alas, I peeked down at the number on the scale.  SUCCESS!  3.6 pounds down.  3.6 pounds closer to my goal weight.  That's nearly double my weekly goal, and I could not be happier about it.  If you want to SEE my progress check out my Instagram here -- MotivateMandz

Seeing the number on the scale go down is great and all, but something else I want to focus on is not obsessing over that number and acknowledge accomplishments OFF the scale.  When I tried the 21 Day Fix, something we used to discuss in our challenge group was "Non-Scale Victories".  It is SO important to celebrate Non-scale victories!  Remember when I was worrying to myself about not losing weight in my first week?  This is when we need to recognize these victories.  Let's pretend I didn't lose the 3.6 pounds... What DID I accomplish?  Waking up every morning to work out has seemed to boost my energy.  I'm sure eating right has also helped.  I haven't been feeling that 3 pm slump that I usually feel at work.  In fact, I feel happier!  I'm sure many people know that exercising produces endorphins.  If you don't know what endorphins are, they are chemicals your body produces that can help reduce pain and also trigger positive feelings.  They basically make you feel good and are like your body's natural pain killers.  Another victory was just making it through the whole week working out every single day and not giving up!  Being able to see all that I've accomplished in just one week has given me the motivation to stay positive and keep going!  I think that feeling of motivation is another victory in itself.  So you see, even when you feel like you might be failing, there are ALWAYS Non-Scale Victories to celebrate! 

What have been your non-scale victories? I'd love to hear them!

One last thing I want to celebrate is my re-discovery of nopales aka cactus!  Cactus salad has to be my favorite thing that I ate this week-- It's my recipe of the week.  It sounds intimidating but is so easy!  I hope you try it.  It is a delicious and refreshing salad that can be eaten on it's own, but I think Tony and I are going to use it as filling for Cactus Tacos as our Meatless Monday meal.  See below for the recipe.

Until next time, my loves!  Remember, it's not a diet... It's a lifestyle.

xoxo
Mandie

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Ensalada De Nopales - Cactus Salad

Shoutout to Magali (Hey boo!), it was her Purty 30 birthday on Monday and of course everyone brought yummy (and dangerous) food to celebrate.  She encouraged me to try a cactus salad that another co-worker of ours brought in, and I fell in love with it.  Yes, cactus.  No, it's not prickly.  Yes, it is delicious!  Cactus has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, and according to my google research, it's beginning to gain popularity in the US due to its health benefiting properties.  Cactus is a low calorie vegetable and is a rich source of dietary fiber that actually helps control cholesterol, blood sugar and aids digestion.  One cup of this salad is 85 calories and quite filling!  Aside from being full of other vitamins and minerals it is also said that cactus helps boost your immune system.  All that being said, I didn't even know it was so good for you, but I loved it so much I decided I had to make it that night.  So with Magali and Nora's basic instructions, a trip to the grocery store and some courage I made my version of Ensalada de Nopales (Cactus Salad).

Ingredients are gathered and ready --  It's not so much cooking but prepping and mixing in a bowl.

I poured the jar out in a colander and removed some of the peppers and onions that accompanied the nopales.  I guess you could leave them in there if you like more heat.

Rinse and rinse the nopales with water until they didn't feel slimy anymore

Dice up your nopales, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro (Whoops forgot to take a picture of the nopales & cilantro!) *I used yellow cherry tomatoes instead of romas because they were on sale and I was also using them for a salad later in the week*

Juice your limes!

Crumble your queso fresco!

Mix it all together, and you're done!  It's that easy! 

printable recipe

Ensalada De Nopales (Cactus Salad)

Ingredients 1 jar nopalitos (I used the Dona Maria brand) 1 small onion diced 2 roma tomatoes diced 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped 2 limes, juiced 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (Can substitute crumbled feta) salt & pepper to taste Instructions Pour the contents of your jar of cactus into a colander.  Remove onions and peppers if desired.   Rinse cactus thoroughly under cold water swishing with your hand.  You want to keep rinsing the cactus until the slimy feeling goes away.   Drain cactus thoroughly and transfer onto a cutting board.   Dice cactus into 1/2"-1" pieces, or larger if preferred.   Dice onions and tomatoes Finely chop cilantro leaves  Juice both limes and set aside. In a large bowl combine cactus, onion, tomato, cilantro and lime juice.  Mix well.   Crumble queso fresco and add to mixture.   Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.   Notes: Queso fresco is salty, you may not need additional salt.  Taste first before adding! This salad is best eaten fresh but will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days or the texture changes and becomes unappealing.

Changing your mentality: Diet vs. Lifestyle

Hey Friends!

I know, it has been a while, almost 9 months since my last post!  Did I fall off the wagon?  Oh I sure did.  In my last post, I had joined a challenge group for 21 day fix.  That didn't work.  We tried going to the gym.  That didn't work.... A lot of things didn't work, and a lot of excuses happened.  We went to Mexico for our Honeymoon in October, then it was Thanksgiving, and then Christmas, then New Years, then my birthday... And here I am once again feeling sad and guilty and not very happy about my weight and uncomfortable in my own skin.  A lot of my friends might say "But you seem so happy and confident?".  I try my hardest to not let things get me down, I really do, but this is my struggle.  

A trip to the doctor at the end of January sparked a little bit of this reboot revelation.  Now, while I was not diagnosed with diabetes or told that I have a dysfunctional liver, I was told that I should err on the side of caution and watch my sugar and carbohydrate intake.  She also told me to be aware of my alcohol intake and try to avoid taking too much ibuprofen (Neither of which I thought I did a lot of anyway).  So I bought some whole grain bread and called it a day.  Then I started thinking of other things... Things that have always been in the back of my mind.  Tony and I want to have kids soon, and obviously to get pregnant you need to be healthy.  After pregnancy, the baby will get older and start walking and running and I will have to chase the peanut around the house.  I get tired now chasing the dog around the house.. so... I need to get in shape to be able to chase a dog AND a toddler.  Toddlers get older and follow the example their parent's set for them.  Do I want my kid thinking it's okay to eat out all the time and that it's okay to make unhealthy choices?  Of course not.  Furthermore, do I want my kid seeing me struggling with my weight and confidence, or battle issues like diabetes, or heart diesase, or even worse not be around because I had a heart attack and died?  Alright, that's morbid and extreme, but really... do I?  Nope.  

Fast forward to my "Revelation moment".  Honestly, it happened really early just this past Thursday morning.  Tony had just returned around 5am from driving my brother in law to the airport (Hi Thomas, you probably won't read this), and while he went back to sleep I was awake and started to scroll through social media.  I landed on the Instagram page of GraciesJourney.  She looked familiar, and when I was eventually linked to her YouTube page and I vaguely remembered watching her "Transformation" story months earlier.  After seeing that she started at over 200 lbs and lost over 90 pounds over the last two years, I asked myself "Why can't that be me?" This was a familiar question I asked myself whenever I see people's before and after posts.  Then, I really asked myself..."Why CAN'T that be ME?!"  The one thing that Gracie said that really got to me was that she'd tried over and over and things would never stick.  She'd go two weeks and then get lazy and give up.  As, I watch her I'm thinking "YES, that is totally me!"  She said that sometimes something just needs to click in you.  She said that what people need to understand is that you cant just go on a diet, you have to make it a lifestyle.  That inspired me.   30 minutes later, I rolled out of bed and got into my workout gear.  I ripped open the Cize DVD set I had just purchased the week before that I was supposed to start on Monday but was too "busy" to do, and got to it!

 I am hoping that was my "Click" moment.  As I am writing, I am wrapping up Day 2 of my rebooted journey.  I started a new Instagram account MotivateMandz devoted to my journey. Please feel free to follow me and help me stay motivated!  Someone told me once that there is something about sharing your progress that can help to motivate you (Thanks Bill!).  I know that some people think it's annoying and don't get it, but I fully believe you should do what works for you.  Forget the haters and keep on keeping on!

Right now, my routine consists of working out in the morning, even though I am not a morning person!  I just know me, and by the time I get home from work the last thing I want to do is work out.  I am currently doing Shaun T's Cize Dance Workout and trying to utilize MyFitnessPal again to help me keep track of my calories.  I am not cutting out any foods out of my diet completely because I know that depriving myself will likely cause me to relapse.  Instead, I am trying to find substitutes in recipes to cubs my cravings and keep me satisfied!!  See below for the delicious flourless brownies we made tonight--  Until next time...

xoxo Mandie

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Garbanzo Bean Brownies -- Gluten Free!! 

As we were eating dinner tonight, I was pushing the black beans around in my salad and told Tony that I heard you can make brownies with black beans.  He made a face and said that it sounded gross.  I told him that I heard they were really good and fudgy, and challenged me to make them.  Well, we didn't have another can of black beans in the pantry, but we did have Garbanzo beans so I went on Pinterest and searched "Garbanzo Bean Brownies".  I stumbled about this post from The Roasted Root, made sure I had all the ingredients and preheated my oven.

These brownies are absolutely delicious! As expected, they are rich, moist and fudgy, and totally don't taste like garbanzo beans!  At 83 calories a brownie, I can have 2 with a glass of almond milk and not feel an ounce of guilt!  

Here we are all ready to go

I've got my pan all lined and ready

 

Melt that chocolate!

Blend it all up!

Add in that chocolate and blend it into a thick batter

Get in the pan

It's getting hot in herre

Impatiently wait for them to cool

Enjoy!

printable recipe

Garbanzo Bean Brownies

Ingredients 1-¼ cups dark chocolate chips 1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained 2 eggs ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 tablespoon coconut oil 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ½ cup packed light brown sugar ½ teaspoon of baking powder ½ teaspoon salt Instructions Add your chocolate chips to a small sauce pan and heat over medium low. When the chips begin to melt on the bottom, slowly stir with a spoon until chips are completely melted.  You can also do this in the microwave, but I would check on it and stir 30 seconds at a time to make sure the chocolate does not burn. Set melted chocolate aside. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Add the rest of the ingredients (not the chocolate) to a blender and blend until completely smooth. Add the melted chocolate and blend until combined. The batter will be very thick!! Line an 8” x 8” baking dish with parchment paper (or lightly oil). Pour the brownie batter into the parchment-lined dish and smooth with a knife. The batter will not change form very much (it won’t rise much or spread out), so make sure it appears the way you want it to. Bake brownies for 30 minutes.  If your oven runs hot, I would check them at 25 minutes and test the center with a toothpick to be check if they’re cooked all the way through. Allow brownies to cool a few minutes then pull the edges of the parchment paper to remove the whole brownie block and set it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut brownies into 20 squares (4x5) and garnish with powdered sugar if desired (This changes the calories!). Serve fresh out of the oven and refrigerate any leftovers Notes For a fluffier brownie, use 1 whole egg and 3 egg whites instead of 2 whole eggs. I originally found this recipe on: http://www.theroastedroot.net/garbanzo-bean-brownies/ This recipe is adapted from I’m So Hungree http://imsohungree.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/gluten-free-chickpea-brownies.html?showComment=1353452348925

The Comeback: Wedding pictures, Starting over, 21 Day Fix Challenge, and Pita Pizza

Hey Friends!

So I've been a little MIA since before the wedding.  :)  I'm sure everyone out there knows and understands the month before a wedding is probably the most stressful time.  Now, I wasn't a bridezilla, but I was definitely running around like a mad woman!  All our hard work paid off and we had an absolutely perfect wedding day! We just got our pictures back yesterday, and they are amazing!! A special shout out and thank you to April Days Photography!  April and her assistant did such an incredible job on our wedding photos.  She is not your run of the mill photographer.  She has a keen eye for detail, she makes your wedding photos a completely personal experience and she takes her time when editing your photos one by one so they look like absolute perfection.  I could not have asked for better! Here's a few of our favorites:

Now, life is finally getting back to normal!  Lately we have been working on reorganizing and redecorating the house.  It is getting there, slowly but surely.  

I have gained a happy 8 pounds since the wedding! Not something I am proud of, but that means it is back to business!! 

I have decided to join a challenge group!  This opportunity came about when I saw a post on the Facebook group for my sorority on May 16th.  A sister from another chapter was inviting girls to join her 30 day challenge.  My Challenge Coach, Christiana, is such a ray of sunshine!  After talking to her briefly on Facebook about life, the program, the challenges and the triumphs I was convinced that this was a step I HAD to take for myself.  Now that life isn't about fitting in a wedding dress anymore, it's really about being strong, happy and healthy.  I do have a goal to fit in a great swimsuit in October for our honeymoon in Mexico, but this time it is beyond that.  

Eventually we will have babies and I want to be able to run around with them and be there as they grow up.  I want to feel good about myself and not be frustrated when things don’t fit or having to change a million times because my outfit doesn’t look right or feel comfortable.  That is why I have joined the 30 day challenge using the Beach Body - 21 Day Fix Program.  I know it sounds like a plug, but really…It’s 21 days! It’s a doable challenge that will also teach me that it’s not about dieting, it’s about a lifestyle! I can do this!  Oh, and even better, one of my friends Jen (Hi Jen!) also happened to sign up for a different challenge group, but we are doing it at the same time, which means even MORE support!

This first week, in my challenge group, it has been all prep.  Mental prep, household prep and food prep.  All I can say is it’s been amazing to be part of a group where you all have the same struggles but also the same goals.  You guys should really check Christiana out. Her posts on Instagram have been of great inspiration and motivation to me.  Follow her at fitnessprincessxtiana!  She is truly positive proof that you can see results and goals can be achieved!  Who knows maybe one of you will join us on the next challenge!

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Finally, as the last part of my “Comeback” post I am going to share a new recipe!  I posted a picture of our dinner last night, and lots of people have asked me for the recipe, so without further ado….

Grilled Eggplant and Asparagus Pita Pizza

Ingredients are ready to go!

I am using on of our wonder fill wedding presents the T-Fal Opti Grill

Eggplant on deck

I love a nice char on my asparagus

Eggplant's turn

Garlic Olive Oil

Polo is hoping I drop some food

Say Cheese!

Not much cheese on this, but you don't need it!

Grilled to percetion

Pita assemble!

Hot and fresh out of the oven

The balsamic drizzle is clutch!

Recipe

Ingredients

Pizza:

2 Large or 4 small Pitas (I used large Lebanese pitas)

2 Garlic cloves, minced

2 medium sized tomatoes sliced into ½ inch rounds

¼ Red Onion sliced thinly

1 Medium sized eggplant sliced into ½ inch rounds

8 asparagus spears

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

½ cup EVOO

Bunch of basil leaves

Salt & Pepper

Balsamic Reduction:

½ cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon of honey

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit

1.       Lay out your asparagus spears and eggplant rounds and brush lightly with olive oil, making sure it is coated.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Grill eggplant until tender and asparagus to your liking and set aside on a plate to cool. 

2.       Add minced garlic to your remaining olive oil.  Place pitas on a sheet pan (I used 2 separate pans so they would fit).  Brush liberally with garlic olive oil. 

3.      Sprinkle ½ of the shredded mozzarella cheese over your pitas. 

4.      Evenly place the tomatoes on your pita, then continue to top with grilled vegetables and red onion slices. 

5.      Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of veggies and place basil leaves on top evenly.

6.      Bake for approximately 15 minutes, checking to see if your pita has become crispy, or until preferred doneness. 

7.      While pizza is baking, combine balsamic and honey in a small saucepan.  Heat until boiling, then turn down to a simmer and reduce the liquid by half.  Transfer to a small bowl to cool.

8.      Once pizza is done, cut into desired slices and drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving

Enjoy!!

Well that’s all I have for you beautiful people today! I realized that doing a daily blog is just too much for me to handle so I will try my best to keep up with a weekly blog update.  I can’t wait to share my life updates, progress and more recipes with you guys!!!

As always QotD: Any fun plans this summer?? 

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! 

xoxo Mandie | ohmandieblogs@gmail.com