Progress

Normally on Friday I would post about my weekly menu and also goals for the week.

This week, I am going to do something a little different. Still in the realm of giving you an update on my adventure towards a healthy life, though.

Last week we went to a baseball game to celebrate our 5th dating anniversary, and I wore a pair of pants I hadn't been able to get into since I bought them last summer!

This outfit made me feel something I hadn't in a long time... Skinny.

I was so excited with my progress and couldn't wait to keep going the rest of the week.

My body had other plans though.

I woke up super sick Wednesday morning.

I hadn't been this sick in a long time, and it was kind of out of nowhere so I really just laid in bed during the day so I could be okay to work in the evenings.

No working out for me.

One good thing about being ill though?

You definitely lose some pounds!!

When I took "before" photos June 30th, and was so embarrassed. I didn't recognize the body I saw. I honestly ever thought I'd share them.

But, I took photos again last Friday, the first day I really felt better. For the first time I could really see a difference, and decided to take a huge step personally.

I posted these photos on Instagram:

The response was incredible. I was smiling ear to ear reading the comments and taking in the likes.

You all are the most encouraging people, I am so blessed to have followers like you!

You are helping me to gain my confidence back, step by step and I have to say, it is the best gift anyone could ever receive.

Thank you again so much for the love and support.

Now that I am back to feeling like myself, I am super excited to make sure I have updates to share with y'all. It feels amazing to have your support and I honestly thrive with all of your love!

This journey is made easier because of each and every one of you!

Happy Friday, and I hope you have a wonderful, exciting, fitness filled weekend!

 

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On Mental Toughness

 

This quote is constantly running through my head these days as I am starting to work more and more fitness into my routine.

There are days where I feel like I didn't burn nearly enough calories, or didn't go far enough. Most days I feel like I quit way too soon.

I am also trying to accept the fact that I am starting from absolutely no fitness in my life, at all.

I am not going to be in the same shape after two long walks that I was when I was practicing for Cheerleading 40 hours a week.

There is a very good chance that I am going to be slow, or even not have the greatest workouts during these first few months.

A lot of times, especially if I try to run, my shins give out a lot sooner than the rest of my body. I've been quite impressed by the capacity my lungs still have after being a smoker for as long as I have, but I am also constantly frustrated with how little my ankle and shins seem to be able to handle.

But, as long as I am getting off the couch and doing something everyday, I am making progress towards my ultimate goal of a skinny me.

That is what I keep telling myself anyway.

And it is getting better and each day the workouts seem a little easier. Every day I feel a little bit stronger and I can go a little bit longer without pain.

And it is only going to help I have been and plan to continue working on mental toughness a lot this week.

There have been too many times in the last 30 days that I have ended a workout early because my shins are on fire or my ankle is rolling. But I am always so angry with myself as soon as I am home and the pain has faded. I always chastise myself, I could have gone longer, I could have gone farther...

I hate cliches, but the reason they are still around these days is because they are so true.
Pain is temporary but pride is forever.

Giving up is not in the plan this week. I want to be proud and happy after I finish a workout, not frustrated with myself.

Part of this journey is setting yourself up for success. I'm not going to run a marathon next week, just like I'm not going to reach my weight-loss goals in 30 days.

When I started to get really serious about this journey, I took a "before" picture. I took updated photos the other day, about 30 days later, and there is definitely a difference.

I'm not quite ready to share those photos with the world, but the few people who did see them, said they could see a difference too.

Baby steps, people.

Also, the winner of the Spark Giveaway has been chosen! I listed all of your entries as they came in and thanks to randomnumbergenerator.com we have a winner!

Congrats @KTAdams0422! Email me your address so I can get this to you ASAP!

Thanks everyone who entered! There will be another giveaway soon, I promise!

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Week 2: Menu & Goals

First off...

Details here!

But now, to the regular scheduled posting!

Week two of my goals and menus!

I ate basically oatmeal this week, pita bread and hummus and more oatmeal. (Payday is today so I can finally grocery shop!) so no menu really this week.

But, anyways... Here we go! I'm already on a roll just by writing this post, right? Ha!

Last weeks goals:

Fitness/Health

• Wean off of mountain dew completely. Success! I have not had more than a tiny sip of soda in over a week, and I'm feeling great!
• Outside physical activity every day, at least 30 minutes (walking the pups or running solo). The weather definitely did not help at all, but I did get a set of weights and sampled a few routines I found on Pinterest. I'm still looking for one I really like, and I'm definitely open to suggestions!
• No fast food! Another success!
• Drop back into the 130s. There was one day I hit 139... But now I'm back up in the 140s. It's a little frustrating, but I know I'm only really a week into the "big change" so while I'm a little bit discouraged I am not letting myself give up! I know I am losing inches and will continue to feel great as long as I keep up the hard work.
• Continue squat and plank challenges. Like I said, I got a set of weights and so I have been incorporating lungs and squats into those workouts.
• Bed by 1:30AM every night. Pfft. Oops.

House Goals:

• Walk LG every day! She definitely was walked everyday, MP has taken over that role because honestly she pulls me down when I try to take her. It's something I know we need to work on. We recently introduced clicker training so hopefully we will see progress soon in our walks.
• Dishes to be finished every evening before bed. I tried! I really did!
• Sweep every day, vacuum three times a week and steam mop once a week or as needed. I seriously failed at these challenges is week.
• Fold and put away laundry as soon as it is finished. No more leaving it in the basket until its so wrinkled it needs washed again. I plead the fifth.

This weeks goals:

Health/Fitness:

• Work cardio into my fitness routine on a more regular basis.
• Accept that I am going to be a walker and start to build endurance for longer walks.
• Look up a good walking routine that will be fun to stick with.
• Continue to tone and work on upper and lower body as well as core strengthening.
• Continue to be soda free and drink at least 100flozs of water a day and also continue to eat clean and healthy.

Home goals:

• See last week, ha.

What are your goals this week? Did you accomplish what you'd hoped to last week?

Have a great weekend!!

 

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Spark Giveaway!

If you follow me on Instagram you know of my new addiction: Spark!

My long lost soul-sister, Meggy over at New Last Name, New Body introduced me to it, and this girl is really the reason behind my sudden drive to be healthy.

If you ever need inspiration check her out on Instagram or her blog, you won't be disappointed!

The first time I ordered Spark, I chose the Watermelon pouches, rather than the full canister... I wanted to make sure I liked it before I spent $50 on the canister.

Well, I don't think I need to say it but I will.

I love Watermelon Spark!

Before I discovered Spark, I was a Mountain Dew addict.

I could consume (probably more than) 6 cans a day easily.

You don't even want to start the math for how many calories that ends up being. Trust me.

Ad yes, I did drink them because I liked them, but also because I liked the caffeine and sugar jolt tha would help with little house tasks from time to time.

Now that I drink Spark though?

I have three a day and have more energy than I ever have before.

I couldn't be happier without Mountain Dew.

I usually will have a Spark to get me going in the morning.

I drink one before and sometimes during work, depending on whether I needed one during the day.

The best part about Spark?

The mental focus power I seem to have after I drink one.

I was drinking Mountain Dew all day just to stay kind of focused.

Now though, even work is easier!

As soon as I realized how much Spark was likely to change my life, I started immediately looking for a way to share this amazing drink.

Yes! You read that right! I want to giveaway Spark to one lucky person!

How to win two pouches of Spark as well as a blender bottle:

1. Follow @LilMsPaws on Instagram and comment letting me know you followed! 

2. Follow my blog via google friend connect and comment letting me know you followed! (Link in profile) 

3. Share the photo above and use hashtag #MsPawsIsGettingSkinny 

Winner will be chosen Aug 5! 

Good luck!!!

This giveaway is funded solely by me. All opinions are my own. I am in no way affiliated with anyone but myself.

 

 

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What I ate this week

I wish I could say the salad above was my own genius, but, I'm not going to try to fool y'all. You would totally call me out anyway when I show you pictures of what I put together!

See? No color whatsoever. Simple tilapia with homemade low fat Mac and cheese.

The salad above though, is from my favorite restaraunt in Tampa. They call it their "Mediterranean Salad" and it's salmon, feta cheese, strawberries, mandarin oranges and light balsamic vinaigrette, and its absolutely delicious. Not only does the fruit go perfectly with the balsamic dressing, the salmon is also the best I've had since moving to Florida, everytime we go.

Also, they deliver! Even better! My big butt doesn't have to even leave the couch to enjoy something so wonderful!

I did take the picture, however, and used the amazing "A Beautiful Mess" app to design the extras. I am hoping, that along with my weekly menu and goal posts, this "What I ate this week" will become a regular over here at LL&P.

See that hash tag? The annoying one you will get sick of seeing if you follow me on Instagram? I mean it y'all! Ms. Paws is getting skinny, and I mean it this time!

I am really trying to make the right notices when it comes to meals, I have gone a full 24 hours without a Mountain Dew, yay Spark!

My favorite meal this week? A simple grilled chicken breast and plain steamed broccoli. It doesn't sound like much, and really it wasn't. What made it the best meal of my week? That I made the choice to have something simple and healthy, when I could have gone another way.

We went to MP's parents' house for dinner, and the family decided we'd order from Chilis.

I sat and stared at the menu for ever until I stumbled upon the kids menu. Not only was it super cheap, but it was also the perfectly healthy meal I was looking for.

It is all about baby steps, people. And this week I am absolutely headed in the direction of a skinny me!!

 

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