Project Me Recap: Before and AFTER Picture and Stats

In January I started Project Me and set a Birthday Goal to rock a bikini on my birthday. I’m beyond thrilled that I stayed committed and entered my 40’s more fit than my 30’s … and even my 20’s.

Here are my pics and stats:

My Before picture – Yikes!

My BEFORE Stats, 1/1/2011
Height: 5’11
Weight: 195.5
Arm: 13 inches
Chest: 40 inches
Waist: 35 inches
Stomach: 39 & ½ inches
Hips: 44 inches
Thigh: 24 & ½ inches

My after picture – Yay!

My AFTER Stats, 4/28/2011
Height: 5’11
Weight: 170.5
Arm: 12 inches
Chest: 36 inches
Waist: 31 inches
Stomach: 35 inches
Hips: 40 inches
Thigh: 23 inches

I lost a total of 25 pounds; 19 inches; moved 3 notches on my belt and dropped 2 clothing sizes (I went from a 16 to a 12).

While I’m celebrating my accomplishments, I really shouldn't call this an "AFTER" picture because Project Me is not over. My body still has some work left to do. I feel another goal coming on. I’m motivated to continue my quest to be healthy and happy and there’s nothing like a looming deadline to keep your ass you moving.

Hmm, I think that bikini would look even better with a six-pack …

Winks & Smiles,

Happy Bikini Day to Me

At the beginning of the year I decided that I would CELEBRATE turning 40 - not dread it. It's a momentous birthday and I'm looking forward to all the wonderful things this next chapter of my life will bring.

I set a goal to be healthier and happier; and oh, yeah ... to rock a bikini.

I came. I saw. I conquered.

Winks & Smiles,

Two Weeks Until My Birthday Goal: What the Hell Was I Thinking?

In two weeks I'll be 40. I’m happy about that. Seriously. I feel good about my first 40 years and I’m excited about making the next 40 even better.

I’m so happy that 3 & ½ months ago I posted this picture on my blog and said I would rock a bikini on my birthday. Gasp! What the hell was I thinking?

Clearly, I was still drinking beer at that point. Ahem.

Actually, I can tell you what I was thinking. I was motivated to change my life; to reach a goal that I’ve always wanted to achieve but have yet to stay committed to. Husband suggested that I share it on my blog to hold myself accountable and to hopefully inspire someone else to go for their goals, too. I’d like to believe that both of those things are happening.

What am I thinking now?

That this was the dumbest thing I’ve ever done. Then I think I am going to crush this goal and be fabulous in a bikini. Then I switch back to what if it doesn’t happen. Then I normally end up thinking I feel great, I’m getting healthier and I absolutely can and will do this. I make sure to end my conversation with myself (What? You mean you don’t talk to yourself?) on a positive note, because if I don’t believe it can happen, it won’t.

So much of being successful relies on your thoughts. It’s OK to have doubts, everyone does, just don’t ever let them take over.

I'm off to go workout. I've got a goal I need to CRUSH ...

Winks & Smiles,

Plateaus Suck: Three Ways to Push Past Them

I’ve been battling the same plateau for the past few years. Yes, years. Whenever I would attempt to lose weight I could shave off 10 pounds and then I would find myself stuck. I’d keep it off for awhile, get frustrated, gain it back then start the whole vicious cycle over again. Well, I’m happy to say I stepped on the scale this weekend out of curiosity – my goal is not a number, well sort of, it’s a TWO piece bikini – and I was ecstatic to see that I plowed right through that plateau.

Getting stuck happens to the best of us, but armed with the right tools we can all get things moving again. Here are three ways I pushed past my plateau:

CHANGE Something Up. For me it was food. I THOUGHT I was already eating really healthy but once I made a commitment to eat clean for 28 days I discovered that extra unnecessary calories and processed foods were keeping me from reaching my goals. Examine your diet or workout and switch some things up; and see what a difference it can make.

Watch Out for the WEEKENDS. “Well, I ate clean all week, so a keg of beer and a large pepperoni pizza is fine right?” Um, NO! It’s easy to undo all of the hard work you put in during the week if you splurge all weekend. Those calories add up quickly so enjoy a treat but don’t over do it.

Keep Your Eyes on the PRIZE. Literally. I keep my goal in front of my face. My clean eating book stays on my kitchen counter right next to my Runner’s World and Oxygen magazines. Staying focused and determined will help you when times are tough and you don’t seem to be making any progress.

While I haven’t reached my birthday goal yet, pushing past this plateau has given me an extra boost of motivation and confidence to battle the next one. I bet YOU can do it, too.

Winks & Smiles,

I Won the Lottery ... to Run the Peachtree Road Race

I WON the lottery! Me and 60,000 other folks. I woke this morning to find this in my email inbox ...

I'm excited that I and 60,000 of my closets friends will be running down Peachtree Street on July 4, in one of the largest 10K's in the world. I'm even more excited that my sister, Nicole, and my father will be running it, too. 

Me and My Dad at last year's Peachtree Road Race

Although its crazy over packed a tad crowded this is one of my favorite races and will be the sixth time I've braved ran it. I'm a sucker for tradition. Anyone else have a race that they find themselves running year after year after year?

Oh, and on a side note, today is March 28 - ONE MONTH away from my birthday goal. I'm excited, determined, positive, motivated, a little freaked out scared and still want to know whose bright idea was this anyway?

Winks & Smiles,

Friday's Confession: I'm Officially Counting Down, 40 til 40

Friday's Confession ... I'm officially counting down, I'm 40 days away from my 40th birthday ... and a pretty hefty birthday goal.

While I'm feeling good about my progress, its officially time for me to move into failure-is-not-an-option mode. Um, once I get back from Disney. Ahem.

The WONDERFUL folks at Walt Disney World Resorts are spoiling us rotten at Disney's Social Media Moms Conference. Incredible speakers, sessions, networking, food, drinks, swag, parties, the parks ... did I mention the food and drinks? I've been traveling like crazy this month and I've managed to make healthy choices through most of it, but THIS trip I seem to have the food and drinks in my hand on my mind. Gasp!

40 til 40. That's what's going to get me through, folks. That and a little bit of pixie dust.

Winks & Smiles,

(Not So) Wordless Wednesday: Birthday Goal Motivation

(Not So) Wordless Wednesday ...

My current birthday goal motivation:

O.M.G. She's 43 and still training for yet another Olympics. I leave this magazine out on my kitchen counter where I need the most self control so I see it daily and don't mess up make healthy choices. Did I mention she's 43?

No excuses.

Winks & Smiles,

I've Got The Scoop

I've got the scoop ... and some cups, too.

My new best friends

I'm less than two months away from my Birthday Goal deadline so its time to take things to the next level. I've been doing well - I'm SO excited I survived traveling and didn't have a setback (I'll share some tips on how I did it soon) - but I'm ready to push myself a little harder.

I'm trying to create new, better eating habits - not rush to my goal and gain it all back afterwards. We're talking life-long changes here. In order to do that I have to know what and HOW MUCH food I'm putting in my body. For the next few weeks I'll be measuring everything I eat until its so routine I don't need my cute HOT red measuring tools anymore.

As I've shared before I suck at portion control, but I plan to CHANGE that. How about you? Am I the only one out there scooping and weighing? My new best friends and I would love to know.

Winks & Smiles,

Workout Wordless Wednesday

Workout Wordless Wednesday

My early morning view. 3 miles done.

The view outside my early morning view at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Fun begin.

Winks & Smiles,

Eight Days of Magic: Running and Dreaming at Disney

So, I’m headed to Disney on Saturday and will be there for EIGHT days. GASP! A wonderful, fun-filled eight days at one of my FAVORITE places. Yes, I’m a closet Disney lover.

First, I’ll be rockin’ my tutu (um, right, the one that I DON’T have yet) when I run in Disney’s Princess Half Marathon; then I’ll stay for Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine. I was honored to be one of the final judges who selected the 100 participants for this year’s event and can’t wait to meet some of the Dreamers.

While I plan on enjoying every minute I’m also a bit freaked out concerned about staying on track with my Project Me plan. It’s been almost two months since I started working on my Birthday Goal to rock a bikini and I feel good about where I am. I can feel and SEE positive changes in my body but I know the final two months are crucial in my reaching my goal.

There will be lots of wonderful distractions and temptations for me to stray from my workout and healthy eating while I’m there, but I’m determined to stay the course. Sure, I’ll indulge in a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar but I’m also going to make friends with the Fitness Center at my resort. I’m going to search out some of the healthier options the Mouse has to offer and put my traveling fitness skills to the test.

I’ll be tweeting, Facebooking and of course blogging and will look to you lovely folks for some support. Please do cheer me on when I stay on track and feel free to kick me in the butt when I don’t.

Now I’m off to work on that tutu. Today’s the day. I’m not the craftiest person in the world so y’all be nice when you see it.

Winks & Smiles,

Disclosure: Disney is providing my travel and accommodations. As always, my thoughts and opinions are all my own. 

Resisting Rest

Me after last year’s Princess Half Marathon. (Yes, I'm crushing poor Mickey.) That’s EXACTLY how I feel right now.

I’m tired. My body is tired. I have been running, strength training and playing tennis, sometimes doing all three in the same day, constantly since the beginning of the year. I’ve increased my workouts because I’m on a mission to bust out my birthday goal. I want it – bad.

Although I’ve schedule rest days I haven’t fully been taking them – gasp – even though I know better. Rest is just as crucial to the work you do. I know my body needs that recovery but sometimes I can’t help but resist it.

Today I’m going to rest. No running. No strength training. No tennis. My mind is mad at me for sitting still but my body will LOVE me for it.

Winks & Smiles,

The Day After

After four miles of running, 45 minutes of strength-training, five small pieces of dark chocolate, two glasses of red wine and one plate of steak, homemade mashed potatoes, and green beans; I survived Valentine’s Day without OVER indulging.

I actually followed my own advice (shh, don’t tell but that doesn’t always happen) and treated myself without over doing it. Husband and I went out on Saturday night to one of our favorite restaurants, Pozole, since we knew we’d been in the house on Valentine’s Day.

They make the best Raspberry Margarita EVER.

I was feeling a little romantic and domesticated last night, ahem, so I whipped up a nice dinner for us.

My mashed potatoes made with skim milk and no butter or margarine - the right seasoning is all you need. Check out the RED bowl … there’s still time to win your own set in my contest here.

My entire masterpiece. Husband loved it.

We sipped on this. Notice the name? Unfortunately we have no relation and receive no profits from the Robertson Winery. A girl can wish right?

I’m excited to get through Valentine’s Day without going overboard. Holiday’s are tough and usually riddled with excuses. I’m almost two months out from my birthday goal and I’m feeling more and more like I’m going to make it every day.

Winks & Smiles,

Four Ways to Avoid Valentine’s Day Candy Overload

I’m a chocolate ho lover. Really. It’s my absolute FAVORITE kind of food sweets. I’ve had to learn how to manage my love for chocolate as I could easily eat large quantities of it daily if it didn’t love to hang out on my stomach just as much. So, with Valentine’s Day here and chocolate EVERYWHERE I’ve come up with four ways to handle the candy temptation and stay on track with Project Me:

Go DARK. If you’re going to eat chocolate you might as well gets something out of it. Studies show that dark chocolate is high in antioxidants which are great for the immune system. Got to love those studies. Ahem. Go for 70 percent cocoa or higher to reap the best benefits.

Enjoy SOME. Don’t deprive yourself. If you don’t let yourself have a little bit you’re more likely to over indulge later. Allow yourself a reasonable amount and it eat it guilt FREE.

BAG it up. So your Valentine went crazy and bought you boxes of goodies, don’t leave it out just sitting there tempting you to eat it all, instead, divide it up into small serving sizes, put it in sandwich baggies, and put it in the pantry. Freezing some is also a good way to avoid over eating and you’ll have an appropriate portion size next time that craving hits.

Give some AWAY. Take it to work. Send it to school with the kids. Share it with your friends at tennis practice, at your church meeting, or wherever you may go. You could even re-gift it if it’s not open – gasp! Out of sight in this case means out of mouth.

Enjoy, but not too much, and Happy Candy Valentine’s Day.

Winks & Smiles,

Three Reasons I’m Diggin’ Uncle Sam

It’s no secret that I’m on a mission to be the healthiest that I can be; and a HUGE part of that includes food. I’m striving to eat healthy, clean food 80 percent of the time so when I do indulge in some not-so-right choices, ahem, my body can handle it.

I feel better when I eat better, it’s really that simple, so I’m always looking for great tasting, healthy foods to add to my choices.

Enter Attune Foods’ Uncle Sam cereal.

I was recently sent a box to try and can I just tell you it didn’t make it 10 minutes in my house before Husband poured himself a bowl. Clearly it was in hot demand, yes, he liked it, so I went ahead and poured myself a bowl before there wasn’t any left. I tried it three ways, plain, with bananas and with raisins; and they all passed my test.

Here are three reasons why I’m digging Uncle Sam cereal and why you should, too:

It TASTES good. Call me shallow, but I don’t care how good something is for me if I can’t stand the taste of it (oatmeal – GASP!) I’ll NEVER eat it. Husband had a plain bowl and liked it fine. I did, too, but pairing it up with some fruit really made it GREAT for me.

It has the right AMOUNT of “F’s”. Fiber and flaxseed are in full effect while the fat is definitely in check. (No, really I’m not a lyricist; it’s just a coincidence that rhymed. Right.) It’s made from whole grains, has little sugar, and I can pronounce all of the ingredients on the label. Score.

I don’t have to COOK it. I’m not lazy, but I am busy and I don’t always have time to cook several meals throughout the day. Uncle Sam’s is the perfect breakfast or mini-meal for anytime that I can grab quickly and know that I’m eating healthy, getting good energy and staying within my calorie count.

I can see Uncle Sam becoming a staple in my pantry although, I might need TWO boxes – a “his” and “hers.”

Winks & Smiles,

Disclaimer: I was sent a box of Uncle Sam cereal to try. As ALWAYS my thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Project Me: 1st Month Birthday Goal Update

It’s been about a month since I’ve started Project Me – my mission to becoming a healthier, happier me. Oh, and there’s also this little birthday goal I blurted out, too. Something about rocking a bikini on my 40th birthday – gasp! I’m happy to say that I am feeling great, working hard, and making good progress. I’ve decided not to report monthly stats – I don’t want to stalk the scale – but I can share this measurement.

It’s time for me to break up with these:

My FAVORITE and last size 16 jeans.

I can no longer wear them. While its bitter sweet – they were so comfortable – they are hanging off of my butt so far I don’t have to unbutton them to pull them on or off. I knew it was bad when I start hearing the song, “Pants on the Ground,” in my head every time I would go to put them on.

Eating well (I’m trying to eat clean 80 percent of the time), strength training, and of course running are all making a huge difference in my life. I’m 85 days away from my 40th birthday, but I’ve already decided this lifestyle won’t stop then once I reach my goal. It’s just the beginning ...

Winks & Smiles,

The SKINNY on Applebee’s Under 550 Calories Menu

Tuesday I was invited to a special tasting of Applebee’s Under 550 Calories menu. Making smart food choices is a priority to me right now as I’m training for my 4th half marathon and I’ve taken on a pretty lofty birthday goal. I recently shared my Restaurant Rules for eating out as there often aren’t many healthy, low calorie options; so when I got the invite I was curious to see how Applebee’s entrees measured up.

We tasted all six of the entrees.

Signature Sirloin with Garlic Herb Shrimp
Teriyaki Shrimp Pasta
Teriyaki Chicken Pasta
Grilled Shrimp and Island Rice
Grilled Dijon Chicken and Portobellos
Asiago Peppercorn Steak

They brought out a regular-size portion and explained the dish then brought each of us little sample plates to taste.

Teriyaki Shrimp Pasta – full portion.

Grilled Dijon Chicken and Portobellos – sample size

Me sampling. It’s such HARD work trying all this food. Ahem.

We also had the opportunity to sample their Skinny Bee drinks – all under 110 calories.

Skinny Bee Margarita
Skinny Bee Long Island Ice Tea
Skinny Bee Mojito

The Skinny Bee Margarita. Um, yes. I can vouch for this one.

The Upside:

Great portion sizes. They didn’t just give you less food. You’re definitely getting a full meal.

Good flavor. I like things spicy so a few of the dishes could’ve had a little more zing for my personal taste but overall they were pretty flavorful.

They’ll cook to order. They want to please and will make the dishes with adjustments to your liking. Keep in mind, though, that might change the nutritional information.

The Calorie Count. Definitely on the lower-side for most restaurant entrees.

The Not So Upside:

The sodium. Yup, it’s high, there’s no way around that, but I do think if its eaten in moderation – I don’t get out much – and you account for it in you daily totals it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker.

My favorites:

The Teriyaki Shrimp Pasta, the Asiago Peppercorn Steak and the Signature Sirloin with Garlic Herb Shrimp. Oh, and the Skinny Bee Margarita. Yum.

You can find out more about the menu and the nutritional information here. Applebee’s isn’t a health food restaurant and they’re not claiming to be, but they are making healthier options – options that could help keep me on track to reaching my goals.

Winks & Smiles,

Disclaimer: I'm not a nutritionist or food expert. My food and drinks were courtesy of Applebee’s, but as always my thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Dodging Raindrops

I’ve already paid my dues running in the rain this year so I’m dodging raindrops today by taking the dry route – in the garage.

Since I won’t get in my four miles today, I’ll add approximately 45 minutes of cardio to my workout to make up for it. In addition to working my legs and abs I’ll be using this …

I LOVE jumping rope if I can’t run. It gets me going and melts fat.

I’ll also use these …

Some of my favorite workout gear – my HOT pink boxing gloves.

To hit crap out of this …

Husband’s heavy bag is getting good use during Project Me.

And I’ll fuel it all with this …

Calnaturale’s Svelte French Vanilla Sustained Energy Protein Drink. Don’t you just love the packaging? The positive messaging rocks.

They were kind enough to send me several flavors to try – so far they’re yummy. I’ll do a review once I see and feel how they work.

I’m off to make it happen. What are you doing today? Let me know … I’d love to cheer you on.

Winks & Smiles,

Are You Doing EVERYTHING You Can to Be Your Best?

I’m nearing the end of the first month of Project Me. While I’m pretty pleased with the results, every week I still look back to see what I did; and then look forward to see what I can do BETTER next week.

I’ve challenged myself to be the best that I can be and that means taking things to a higher level. In the past I’ve found myself doing a good job and getting too comfortable with that. “Good” isn’t good enough to be the BEST.

I’m retraining my brain. When I find that I’m happy with my results instead of patting myself on the back and staying content; I’m patting myself on the back and searching for new ways to go farther. Sometimes it's hard, but it's always worth it.

How about you? Are you doing everything you can do to be your best? How do you stay motivated to move to the next level? I’d LOVE to know …

Winks & Smiles,

Restaurant Rules: Four Tips to Stay on Track When Eating Out

I’m a guest panelist at the Georgia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America’s monthly luncheon today. The topic – bloggers and PR, of course. The luncheon just happens to be at one of my FAVORITE restaurants – Maggiano’s. Have I ever mentioned I could eat Italian food everyday? Really.

While I’m looking forward to the luncheon, I’m not looking forward to the temptation. The food, at least what I WANT to eat, does not go with Project Me. I’ve decided I have to take a realistic and non-obsessive approach to eating out while I’m on my mission to a better me, and will try and follow these four rules:

Eat BEFORE I go out. Kind of defeats the purpose you say … not really. If I’m full with healthy food I’m less likely to fill up on the other “stuff.” Ahem.

Allow myself ONE splurge. I don’t eat out much so when I do I let myself enjoy the forbidden bread I don’t eat at home or a chocolate dessert I wouldn’t even dream of whipping up myself. A little treat helps ward of that dreaded deprived feeling.

DON’T clean my plate. Yes, I grew up ol’ school and had to sit at the kitchen table until I ate everything off of my plate. No more. The servings given at most restaurants are super-sized and I will have to display some serious portion control to stay on track.

Look at the menu AHEAD of time. Most restaurants have their menus online now. I like to search for a healthy option before I’m sitting at the table and risk making a rushed decision my waistline will regret later.

And, of course, the old “drink water” trick helps, too. Anyone else have any dining out tips they’d like to add to the rules? My stomach and I would love to know …

Winks & Smiles,

Snow Day 4: Staying Sane When You Can’t Get Your Run On

Its snow day number FOUR, y’all. FOUR. In Atlanta. Really?

I’m good with scheduled vacations ‘cause you can mentally prepare plan for those but who would’ve thought the kids would be home for a two-week winter break, go back to school for four days, then be home. Again. For days.

It’s enough to make you … go ... sit in the bathtub.

Huh?

Press play. I’ll explain.



What do you do when you can’t get your run on?

Winks & Smiles,