Day 28

 

We survived the Arbonne 28 Day Detox and couldn’t be better.  Mr. Miller and I have a new lease on life and are not stopping.  Here are the amazing totals for the 28 days:

I lost 20 pounds and 27.5 inches!

Mr. Miller lost 13 pounds and 22.5 inches!

Who would have thought that 28 days ago I would have been able to do this?  Not me for sure but I  was willing to give it a try.  I just had to begin.  Simply begin, make that change for you first.  That’s what I did.  I am grateful to my husband, Anna, Karolyn, Elizabeth, Kristen, Mandy and Melinda for supporting me through this journey and taking their own steps toward a healthier lifestyle.  I can’t wait for my friends, Rachel and Kelly, to continue their journey.  I am pulling for you girls!

Mr. Miller and I plan on keeping this lifestyle.  We truly have never felt better.  Plus I can’t say how good it feels to have jeans that you couldn’t get up over your hips be too big now.  That pretty much rocks my world.  I have a long way to go but know I am not alone on this journey.  If you want to make a change all you have to do is begin.  I am here for you.  Together we can move mountains, lose pounds, lose inches and just plain feel better.  WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?  Simply visit here and I will help you begin.

 

day 14 and still losing…

 

Drum roll please….

I lost another 11 pounds this week plus 9 inches.  That my friends is a total of 17 pounds and 19 inches.  Mr. Miller lost another 4 pounds and 4 inches. His total is 10 pounds and 14.5 inches.

We are rocking it here thanks to Arbonne.  Are you ready yet?  I can help you customize to budget and plan that suits best to you.

Head over to my Face Book Page and message me.  What are you waiting for?  What do you have to lose besides unwanted pounds and inches.  I promise you will thank me!

 

Here is our menu for the week:

Detox Week 3 Menu

Monday

Taco Salad

Tuesday

Salmon Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries, Brussels Sprouts

Wednesday

Tomato Basil Soup, Grilled Cheese (made with GF Bread and Cheese Sub.)

Thursday

Sweet Potato Hash, Eggs

Friday

Shrimp and Fried Rice, Salad

For Fried Rice: Sauté spinach, onions, broccoli, carrots in coconut oil.  Add 1/2c cooked brown rice.  Scramble 1 egg into side of frying pan.  Add some Earth Balance if you want.

Saturday

Dine Out

Sunday

Porcupine Balls, Green Beans and Salad

Day 8

 

 

Wow!  That is what I can say at the start of Day 8 and Week 2.  Mr. Miller and I cannot be more impressed by this Detox Boot Camp.  I am down 6 pounds and 10 inches overall and he is down 5 pounds and 10.5 inches.

We feel great and can’t be more excited to see what week 2 brings.  I will admit we had a few “rocky” moments.  You know irritability, hunger, frustration and all that comes with a Detox plan.  I have learned so much about my body this week and that I really shouldn’t have gluten in my life.  It is evil for me.  I don’t miss the sugar, I will admit that I do miss my wine and Diet Soda still but I know it will fade.  I have discovered my new love for sleepy time tea at night before bed.  Mr. Miller and I have our tea and actually a conversation.  NO TV!  Who would have thought it.  We are in bed before 10 and feeling good in the morning.  I am excited for this weeks menu plan.

DETOX WEEK 2 MENU

Monday: Salmon Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries, Salad

Tuesday:  Chicken Tortilla Soup, Spinach Salad

Wednesday:  Anaheim Turkey Wraps, Apples

Thursday:  Blackened Salmon, Rice, Asparagus

Friday:   Grilled Tomato Basil Sandwiches, veggies and hummus

Saturday:  Eat Out

Sunday:  Left overs

We have a few challenges this week such as Cameron’s 10th Birthday and Party, Family from out of town and all that comes with it.  I am going to remain strong and adapt as I can.  I know with prayer and willpower we will endure and overcome the cravings. 

If you are interested in learning more please visit my Facebook Page  and I will be glad to answer any questions and help you get started.   I can customize a plan for you and adapt to your budget as well.  While you are there give me a like.  Don’t forget the Green Acres Page while you are there

day 1 down, 27 to go…

 

 

Mr. Miller and I have embarked on a new journey in life. ..  The 28 Day Detox Boot Camp 2014. 

We started our Boot Camp yesterday and will continue for another 27 days, at least this go around.  I have a lot to loose so this is a true “Life’s Journey”.  Many of you know that I became a Independent Arbonne Consultant in September.  I am loving it.  This company follows all the product values and views on clean living that we believe in here at Green Acres.  Pure, Beneficial and Safe ~ how can you not love that?  I am so lucky that I have a few partners on this journey ~ Mr. Miller, Anna, Karolyn, Elizabeth, Kristen and Mandy.  We can do this!  I am remembering everyday Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.”

We are following a strict plan of NO Sugars, Gluten, Dairy, Alcohol or Caffeine.   Eating all natural and organic with replacing 1 –2 meals a day with our Arbonne Fit Essentials Protein Shakes.  These shakes are the best protein shakes I have ever had.  They have 20 grams of protein, Gluten and Soy Free, Dairy Free and Certified Vegan. Nothing artificial either.  We follow a simple plan.  Our menus and grocery lists are made and posted every Friday for us.  This couldn’t be easier.  Last night I made Chicken and Rice soup with Carrots from our own garden and a spinach salad.  The boys went to town on it.

 

 

Our dinners this week look like this:

Monday: Chicken and Rice Soup, Spinach Salad

Tuesday: Taco Salad (no cheese) with fresh Pico De Gallo

Wednesday:  Spaghetti with Rice Pasta, Mixed Greens and Lemon Garlic Dressing

Thursday:  Salmon over Rice with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Friday:  Veggie Wraps with Hummus and Vegetables

Saturday:  Turkey Chili and Spinach Salad

Sunday:  Left overs

Day one is over and in the books.  Did pretty well.  A little nauseous at times but I know that is part of the detox.  Did you know that Sugar/Aspartame withdrawals are  very similar to detoxing from Illegal Drugs?  Scary, isn't it.   Follow me on this journey.  Who knows you just might want to join me in November.  If you have any questions about the product let me know.

2 ingredient muffins

 

Yes, you read it right I did say 2 ingredient muffins.  They are so good and super simple.  This is an old favorite 2pt. weight watcher recipe that can be made several different ways, even gluten free.

Are you ready?

1 small can pumpkin

1 cake mix

Mix ingredients together.  Pre heat oven to 350.  Spray muffin tin, fill and bake 18-22 min. Makes 12.

That’s it!  I have used yellow, spice and chocolate cake mix.  Now sometimes I will admit I do add a few things to change it up, I know that defeats the 2 ingredient part, but it makes them extra good.  This week I added 2 shredded carrots and raisins to a yellow cake mix and some pumpkin pie spice. 

Go on make some you know you want to.

taken it off tuesday

 

Good progress this week…..down another 4 for a total of 18!  Wahoo!  I liked my scale this week.

It was a little hectic last Thursday and Friday.  Henry started vomiting Thursday and Cameron came down with it Friday.  2 of my 3 Sippy Cup Gang members had it on Friday too.  I was a little under the weather Sunday, but not near as bad as my boys.  Good news is we are back in full swing and it seems to only last 12 – 24 hours.  Phew!

Tried a new way to cook hamburgers and ground meat on the stove.  Instead of oil I put in 2 tbsp of water and cooked them in my cast iron skillet with the lid on.  It steamed them.  Very tasty and cut the fat down drastically.  I use either bison or turkey so we are already low fat.  These burgers turned out so juicy.  Try it!

The weather is so crazy here.  Mid 60’s on Friday then snow yesterday and today is sunny and in the 5o’s.  Got to love the midwest in the spring.  I am taking advantage of it though.  I have the last of the sick blankets in the wash and on the line.  Nothing like a good dose of spring cleaning to cleanse the house, mind and soul.

taken it off tuesday

 

The scale didn’t change this week and I am ok with that.  I was not the best behaved over the last week.  I know look forward because the past is no longer an option.  My Mom and I started following that piece of advice years ago and it still rings true.

I am getting anxious for spring and to plant the garden.  Mr. Miller and I are going to make a few changes in the garden and I am hoping that we can yield better results and in turn keep eating better and maybe trim the grocery bill.

I am vowing to start canning this year.  Yes, this is my S.O.S to all of you canners out there.  I will take any and all advice.  What is the best method?  What should I start with? HELP!

taken it off tuesdays

 

Well I am on a slow train here,  I am up to 14 lbs gone though!  I had a little set back over Henry’s birthday weekend.  Possibly the Mexican food on Friday night and the Pizza we served for the party but none the less I got back on track and it may be slow but it is at least headed in the right direction.

I am so ready for Spring.  I want to walk in the evenings as a family.  I think the fresh air is so important to us all plus getting out and getting moving.  I feel so sedentary in the winter months.

I have discovered raw almonds as my favorite mid morning  and afternoon snack. I will scoop out 1/4 cup which is the suggested serving.  Yes, I said suggested serving, trust me it does make a difference.   I eat around 5 small meals throughout the day.  I have started filling my favorite yellow pitcher with water the night before and setting it in the fridge.  This way my water is super cold and it stares me in the face every time I open the refrigerator and you know I actually tend to grab it instead of something else.  Who knew?

I hope these little tid bits might be of some inspiration, remember one day at a time or maybe I should say one bite at a time.

taken it off tuesdays

 

Good week!  Feel like I am beginning to make some progress, not only on the weight but my own inner being.

Cameron and I have been enjoying the Wii with all of his snow days.  The kid is a mean boxer!  Had fun bowling and even bowled a 23o game.  We discovered Netflix thru the Wii.  Lots of fun and $8 a month.  Thanks Amy and John for the heads up.

We downloaded Food, Inc., lets just say that I am now looking at my plate in a whole new way.  We have always tried to be as organic as possible.  Now it is just going to be a way of life.  I can’t believe what we have been doing to our children let alone ourselves.  We have started cutting out refined sugars and flours also, eating smaller more frequent meals and added more fresh veggies and fruit.  I will tell you that we feel better and have more energy.

If you get a chance check out this movie, you won’t be sorry.  By the way say bye bye to another 4 pounds!

taken it off tuesdays

 

A few weeks ago when I started this journey I feel it was more out of feeling sorry for myself.  As I go down this path I feel that it goes deeper and deeper.  I ask the questions, “why am I fat?”, “why can’t I take the weight off?”, “why can she eat anything and stay so thin?”. 

This week I have had a few “post it notes” and I know it is only Tuesday.  The first was the show “ heavy”, it premiered last night on A & E.  What an eye opener, here are everyday people that are so morbidly obese and they are desperate for help.  It goes so much further than the age old comment of “why don’t they just stop eating?”.  I really felt a connection to one of the people last night.  Then this morning my friend, Heather, posted a link that really made me think.  In this link Shauna talks about it being “enough”, of course her “enough” was dealing with trying to conceive.

As I read the piece the question kept creeping up “when is my enough?”, well it is here.  I am responsible for my future.  I am responsible for steering the direction I am choosing on this journey.  Yes, are there issues in my genetic make up that deter me from achieving my goals?  You bet there are!  But, it is my decision to fight them.   I can do this!

I have had a better week on the journey.  I finally got on the scale and saw a 5 lb achievement.  I found the time to make my Wii appointments.  I ran yesterday!  Did you hear that?  I ran.  No more of the excuse, “only run when being chased”.  It was a 5 minute run in place with the Wii but I did it.

So here is a thought I want to leave you with today.  This is what sticks in my mind from that piece.

“I want to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude, of groundedness, of enough, even while I’m longing for something more. The longing and the gratitude, both. I’m practicing believing that God knows more than I know, that he sees what I can’t, that he’s weaving a future I can’t even imagine from where I sit this morning.

Extraordinary, indeed. 

More than enough.” ~ Shauna Niequist

Take care and good luck on your journey this week.

taken it off tuesdays

 

Thank you for the overwhelming amount of support in emails, FB and comments.  It is so nice to know that you have the support from your peers and loved ones.

First week, well there were times that it was trying but overall I think it was successful.  I only got one of my workouts in but we are going for 3 this week.  I am a little afraid of the scale just yet so I am going to get to that maybe next week.

Found some great recipes this week and ate very well and was very satisfied and actually had a hard time getting all of my points used.

We had Bobby Deen's Lighter Blueberry muffins with some Potato Soup on Sunday.  The muffins are from Paula Deen’s website, and you know how I LOVE her, her son Bobby has done several lighter versions of her famous recipes.  These muffins were 4 points, not bad with the Potato Soup for 1 point.  I did add corn this time so it made the soup 2 points per serving.

I did find some frustrating moments but I had to tell myself this was worth it because I want to live a healthier lifestyle.  I know there will be weeks where I don’t lose or gain but that’s ok. It will take a while but that’s while it is called a journey.

Goals ~ I had someone ask me about goals.  Well I set a small one.  I decided I wasn’t going to set them in pounds rather set them at first by achievements.  Here is my first, I want to fit back into my corduroys.  I have 3 pairs of cords that I wore before I had Henry and I love them, they hang in my closet and just stare at me.  Well my little friends I will wear you again.  You can count on it!

Good luck on your journeys whatever they may be.

taken it off tuesdays

I have decided that I am going to start a new series here at Green Acres ~ taken it off tuesdays. We all make New Year’s Resolutions every year, right? So this year I am not making a resolution, I am just going to change my way of eating and working our or should I say change the issue that I don’t work out.

Here is our first photo in the series and once a month I will post a progress photo of us.

Sorry I don’t have a full length photo of myself, I have banned those in the past. Well like I said the past. Changes are everywhere!

Mimi gave me last year for Christmas everything I would need for Weight Watchers but of course I could find every reason in the world not to do it. Mr. Miller and I talked that we really need to do something. We have been blessed with these 2 amazing sons and they need their parents around for the long haul. We might be healthy in theory now but that could change if we don’t change our ways.

So here it is I am on day 2 and doing ok. I have written everything down that has gone in my mouth. Good or Bad. I am making myself accountable for my actions.

We have decided that we are going to have Wii dates in the evenings starting with 3 1/2 hour dates this week and work our way up to 5. This way we are going to get moving and make the most of our Christmas present from the Deacon and Pops that we received last year. Plus have some fun together.

I am going to report to you on the progress, good or bad, every Tuesday. Share recipes and thoughts too.

I would love to hear how some of you have been successful in this endeavor and maybe some of you would like to join us. Come on what do you have to lose except a few pounds and inches.

cheesy grits and meatballs

I have been back in the kitchen these days.  I did really well for about 15 months with the menu planning and then when tee ball started it kind of fell apart.  I could find every reason not to cook what was on the menu and either eat out or just eat whatever and we all know what that does to your budget, not to mention the waist line.  This week I got focused and we are back on plan.

Last night I made The Pioneer Woman’s Comfort Meatballs.  The recipe is not on her blog but in her cookbook, “The Pioneer Woman Cooks”.  If you have not added this to your cookbook collection what are you waiting for?  I was able to pick one up off of Amazon for around $12 and I must say worth every penny!

What do you think of my dish?  Mr. Miller found it for me on a Urban Treasure Hunt to the DAV a few weeks ago, not bad for .50 cents.  It isn’t Pyrex but Maid of Honor, I don’t know much about that line but if anyone does feel free to share.

We also had Cheesy Grits last night.  PW has a great recipe in her book also but I have a no fail that works for my hungry man.  Super simple and the kids eat it right up.

BAKED CHEESY GRITS

3/4 c. grits
3 c. water
1 c. grated Cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp. butter
1/4 tsp. salt (optional)

Bring water to boil and stir in grits and cook according to package directions. After cooked, pour into a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Mix in the butter, egg and cheese, stirring constantly until thoroughly mixed. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until top is set and lightly puffed. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serves 4 to 6.

Fix a quick veggie and you have an amazing dinner!

By the way the diet progress is slow but I finally hit 20lbs gone this last week.  I have had ups and downs and I have a long road ahead of me but I know I can do it!

Holiday Travel - 1 vs My Diet - 0

Well we all know how much good stuff there is to eat over the holidays. Let's just say I enjoyed myself a little too much. I had lost 8 pounds prior to our trip, well they found me in Georgia and hopped back on for the ride home. I am happy to say that I have shed 4 of them again. I will beat this.

The Deacon and Pops gave us a Wii game system with the Wii Fit accessories. We have been using it and I do believe it works. I will keep you posted. If nothing else the boxing is a great way to get out your frustrations. Plus watching Cameron box is hilarious.

Update!

Well I stepped on the dreaded scale this morning and much to my surprise I am down 4.5 more pounds. That's 5.5 total. Don't mind me if I do a little happy dance.

Thanks to everyone who supported me during Cans for Comments we raised 15 cans. We will be going tonight as a family to "Fill the Mayflower". This is a local event here in KC every year. Star 102 sponsors this at an area grocery store. This year we are going to the Price Chopper at 119Th and Metcalf. They will be there until 7p and then from 7a - noon tomorrow. Please take a moment and look in your pantry, I am sure there are some things that you could donate. Don't you think?

Have a great evening. I need to make some Chili Macaroni that I found on the Weight Watchers website. Gotta love 5 point main courses!

39

Well I made it! I made it that is to see 39, I am sure that my Mom and Dad never thought that I might see it more than a few times in my life. I have had a wonderful day so far and it is only 10am.

I woke up with my little fruitcake, Cameron, curled up next to me. I love our morning snuggles. He sang "Happy Birthday" to me, Daddy gave me birthday wishes and Henry gave me a big smile and shriek this morning. Pretty good gifts I should say.

I had a wonderful weekend with my Mom and Uncle. It was so nice to have Mom to myself. We laughed and rolled yarn into balls, talked, played with the kids and just relaxed.

I am going to put a roast in the crock pot for dinner and just plan a nice evening with my boys. I told Mr. Miller I have an abundance of gifts in our life and that is all I need.

I did give myself a gift, I decided that I have to do something about my weight. I know we all have our own issues, but this is one I have dealt with my whole life, and I know I have said I was going to do this before but somehow I feel differently this time. I have been trying to figure out what is missing in my life, and it is the fact that I know I have a smaller being inside of me. My husband loves me how I am and my boys know no different but I need to make this change for me! There I said it, this is for ME! I am going to follow the Weight Watchers Plan at home. It is going to take a while I know, but I am worth it. So starting on Tuesdays I will share tips and keep you posted on the progress here at Green Acres.

Here are my starting out pics, as you can see I am putting it all out there.

So Happy Birthday to me and here is to "one more trip around the sun" and a much smaller me at 40!