My Ah Ha moment...or was it really "HOLY CRAP!"

UPDATE:
Today's Lunch was HEAVENLY! Romaine lettuce wraps w/ shrimp, peppers, onions, cucumbers and tomotoes sauteed in EVOO and squeeze of lemon w/ Italian Grinders and a little sea salt:) Less than 300 cals. for 3 wraps and totally filling.


I've been reading Self magazine for years. I take a few tips here and there, try out a new workout or two, and love reading the inspirational stories. But truth be told they they end of in a pile after a quick read and I don't usually think anything else about them. I do not stick with it is my problem. For the last year (after baby number 5) my weight has fluctuated all over the place. Down 30 lbs. back up 10...when will the yo-yo stop? Part of my problem is I love to work out, but I also love to eat. Ice cream, pizza, burgers...you know the deal. The problem is no matter how much I work out those foods keep calling my name and seem to take up shop on various parts of my body. Well today my friends it comes to an end. The time to get healthy and stay that way begins today!

This weekend as I was reading Self I came across several blogs about people losing weight. Many of these sites are women who have lost over 100 lbs...some are 20 -40 lbs...but if people can lose 100lbs. I can definitely get my life back together and lose 25 right? Right!

I hear from so many people all the time "You look great for having 5 kids." Well truth be told I want to look great because I look great, work hard, and eat right...w/o the added "for having 5 kids."

Now for my "Holy Crap" moment - Well after doing measurements and weighing in this weekend I learned that I am actually in the overweight category. What? I've never really viewed myself as "overweight"...I need to tone up and lose a pounds of baby weight yes...but really seeing the words "overweight" really struck a cord. I want to not only look good, but more importantly be healthy! After all I do have 5 kids. I am their example, the person they need most to be healthy, and to show the the way of how they will be healthy.

Being a mom comes with a few down falls and I've learned time to myself is extremely hard to come by. But I have to make time b/c it only makes me a better mother and wife. So this is for me. Something I need, and something I actually enjoy.

This morning I had planned to get up at 5:15 to get my workout started....well stuffy nose and cough kept me from that plan. So I've already called hubby and let him know I will be leaving for the gym as soon as work is over and will be taking Zumba which I totally love. My other goal is to get 30 minutes of yoga in today during nap to re energize my mind and loosen me up:) I did Zumba on Saturday and walked for an hour yesterday so I've started the week off right.

This morning I ate my yummy breakfast cookie (recipe found over at Fitnessista.com at 270 cals.) and had a cup of coffee with Stevia.
I'm now enjoying my morning snack smoothie - 1/2 cup Low-Fat Vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup frozen berries, 1/2 banana, whey protein powder, and ice (a little water added for easier drink ability) total of 145 cals.

And I've already had 4 glasses of water. Lunch time already in the works - Shrimp on romaine lettuce wraps w/ peppers and onions...Can't wait!

I'm also going to be adding a few of my favorite weight loss blogs to the right if you are interested.

Wish me luck! Today is the beginning of my new life:)