Challenge Results

So, I’ve been a little MIA since last week. So sorry!

Please forgive me.

I finished my AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge last Wednesday.

I lost 9.5 lbs and 6″ around my hips, waist, and thighs.

I’ll take it!

Check out my before & after pictures. Left is before, right is after.

Front view: not a huge change, although the pants in the picture are now TOO BIG!

 

Side view: I think the big difference here is the “back fat” and the booty. Notice, pants are getting baggy!

 

Back view: There’s definitely a difference in the hip area.

 

These pictures were taken the Thursday that I was done with my challenge. Since I had been such a good girl all throughout the Challenge, I allowed myself to feast on my husband’s crawfish pasta as a reward. He’s been dying to make it and I love anything and everything pasta. It was heavenly, yet sinful. I did take 2 Carb-Ease as a side dish. 🙂 While this meal was absolutely NOT challenge approved, I did not have a cheat day… I only had a cheat meal. There were no cookies, ice cream, or Coke. So proud of myself!

 

Since then, I’ve lost another 1.5 lbs for a total of 11 lbs! Very exciting 🙂

Once I reach 15, I’ll post some more pictures.

We’ve been busy lately. We finished our flower bed project! It was exhausting, yet rewarding. I am so glad that I have such an amazing hubby who had a huge part in making this possible. 

Remember the hibiscus tree? She bloomed and is absolutely gorgeous! Such a vibrant, rich color!

 

The flower bed on the side of my house took ALL DAY. At least it didn’t take 2 days like the one in the front of the house, but still. It was SO hot outside, it was almost miserable. 23 bags of mulch, 3 huge scoops of soil, lots of pretty petunias and salvia, and it’s complete! Now we wait for everything to grow and bloom!

 

My brother-in-law, Nick, recommended Petunias because he thought I would like them. And because they require full-sun, which this bed is. They’re also pretty low-maintenance. He knows me well – they’re beautiful!

 

This one was before we planted them, when they were sitting all together in the truck. So pretty! I can’t wait for them to look like this in the flower bed once they grow and spread out 🙂

 

 

And… my husband bought something. A huge BBQ pit.

He was so excited about it that he invited over EVERYBODY and their momma to come eat at the house that Sunday.

My lovely mother made “Crack Bread” which consists of lots of butter, cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning inside of bread. She’s evil. I did have a few pieces of that, but I did do fairly well by eating only the meat and vegetables. I also stayed away from the ice cream and homemade blackberry cobbler (which was easy, because I don’t like black berries). 

I’m doing great this week – I’m sticking to the Max phase meal plan and it’s working well! I find that it’s very easy to eat healthy for breakfast and lunch. It’s supper that’s hard because my husband likes to cook food that isn’t necessarily healthy. But still, I’ve been managing 🙂

Today we are leaving to go on a 2-day fishing trip down south with my in-laws. All of the food will be prepared by the cook at the camp, and from what I understand, she smothers everything in butter and serves very few fruits & veggies. God help me.

I’m bringing the meal replacement shakes, Spark, and healthy snacks with me. Wish me luck!

XOXO

Day 22

Home stretch!

Menu:

Breakfast – Meal Replacement Shake. Duh!

Snack – Grapes

Lunch – Brisket and Salad

Snack – Grapes & Almonds

Supper – Pan seared venison steaks w/ Green Beans + 1/2 Sweet Potato

 

My days are very routine now. I start the morning with SPARK — either Fruit Punch or Strawberry Mango, along with 3 Catalyst. Catalyst is an amino acid supplement that helps burn fat and retain muscle. 

About 30 minutes before my MRS, I take the first packet of MNS.

What is in the MNS packs? This section below is copied from the AdvoCare website:

MNS Max 3 Contents:
Before Breakfast Color Packet
Calcium Plus – 2 caplets
ActoTherm SR – 1 caplet
ProBiotic Restore ULTRA – 1 capsule
Before Lunch Color Packet
Calcium Plus – 2 caplets
BioTherm – 2 capsules
White Packet
CorePlex – 3 caplets
White Packet
OmegaPlex – 2 softgels
Amplify A.T. – 1 softgel

ActoTherm: Based on an exclusive blend of botanicals including cinnamon, gotu kola, ginger and peppermint, this time-honored AdvoCare original product has been reformulated. This new version features a sustained-release to aid in preventing a spike and drop-off of energy throughout the day.*

BioTherm: A unique weight-management aid developed by AdvoCare that combines oolong tea, effective botanicals and B vitamin, biotin, to support weight control.* BioTherm helps your body convert fat into energy.* Biotin is also used by the body to facilitate the conversion of food to energy. It acts as a coenzyme in several metabolic reactions that aid in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates and the conversion of amino acids from protein into energy.*

CorePlex®: An optimal formulation of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and trace elements needed by the body to promote and sustain long-term health and well being.* By combining this synergistic blend of 36 nutrients, CorePlex supports healthy bone structure and growth as well as provides optimum nutritional support for healthy muscle, connective tissue and skin.*

OmegaPlex®: A safe, convenient and easy way to get the omega-3 fatty acids that may be missing in your diet. OmegaPlex contains a concentrate of at least 500mg long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, 300mg EPA and 200mg DHA. Omega-3 fatty acids such as those present in OmegaPlex help support cardiovascular health in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.*

ProBiotic Restore™ ULTRA: Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that confer health benefits on the host. Our bodies must maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria to work at its best. The multi-strain probiotic complex in ProBiotic Restore ULTRA provides six high potency strains – three species of Lactobacillus and three species of Bifidobacterium. Two billion colony forming units (CFU) ensure full coverage of both the small and large intestines. ProBiotic Restore ULTRA helps replenish normal beneficial intestinal microflora to support healthy immune and intestinal function, while aiding good digestion and enhancing weight management programs.*

Calcium Plus:An incredibly effective way to ensure you receive enough calcium to keep bones and teeth strong and healthy.* Calcium Plus delivers two types of highly absorbable calcium, combined with other minerals, vitamins and botanicals.

Amplify A.T.: A revolutionary formula that combines two potent and unique natural ingredients that produce advanced nutritional benefits.* These two super-nutrients, astaxanthin and tocotrienols, are the real secret behind the power of Amplify A.T. For anyone who wants to fight the aging process, Amplify A.T. can help by strengthening the immune system, maintaining healthy blood pressure levels already in the normal range, and providing excellent nutrition for joint health and mobility.

 

I LOVE my blender bottles. If you ever want to buy me a little surprise, get me one of these. I don’t think you can have too many!

I blend my MRS with a full bottle of water in the blender bottle. Once completely mixed, I add in ice. 

 

At around 10:30, I had a handful of grapes. Are we completely sure that these are healthy? I mean, they kinda taste like candy to me.

About 30 minutes before I head out for lunch, I take the 2nd MNS pack.

Monday means Rotary day, so as usual, for lunch I was prepared to use my new super power: WILL POWER! At the end of each month, we meet in a meeting room at one of the local funeral homes (hey — it’s a big, nice room!) and have lunch brought in. I got lucky again today, and they had brisket, salad, rice dressing, and green bean casserole. I filled my plate with just the brisket and salad. I only used a small amount of Italian dressing. Since I’m being honest here, I did eat 4 green beans from the casserole. I mean… it looked so good! I had to just taste it.

I think my method of just “tasting” things that aren’t really good for you is actually helping me. I can taste it and not feel left out, but I don’t feel the need to heap a plate with it. Win, win!

Right after lunch, I took the 2 remaining MNS packs. 

I haven’t mentioned water intake in a while, so I thought I should just touch on this. I drink A LOT of water each day. I use about 12oz for my daily Spark, a full bottle of water for my MRS (16oz), I refill my 24oz mug 2-3 times per day, and I drink several glasses while at home.

I had the rest of my grapes for an afternoon snack while at work, and had a few almonds once I got home.

For supper, Zack made some thin “steaks” with the Axis deer that he pan seared. We had a side of seared green beans and I had 1/2 of a sweet potato. Delicious & filling!

After supper each night, I have 2 OmegaPlex. I’m not a big fan of this stuff because it makes me burp (weird!), but I try to take it every day. I have forgotten a few times, though

 

We finished our day by Zack watching the new movie “Ride Along” while I played on Pinterest. I’m researching landscaping and patio designs 🙂

 

BIG NEWS!

Today, I signed up to be an AdvoCare distributor under my lovely Sponsor and Sister-in-Law, Sunny! It costs $79 to sign up as an Independent Distributor, and with that sign-up cost you receive a box of free products. I can also now receive a 20% discount on the products I purchase for myself 🙂 So, that $79 will easily pay for itself!

After signing up to be a Distributor, I ordered some more Spark and Meal Replacement Shakes for myself. I ordered the Chocolate and Chocolate Mocha MRS and the canister of Strawberry mango Spark. I also ordered more Catalyst and the Carb-Ease. The Carb-Ease is something you take before you have a cheat meal of carbs.

So, if you’re interested in starting your OWN challenge or just AdvoCare products in general , let me know! I can be your sponsor! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Check out my brand new Distributor page: http://www.advocare.com/140545122
Or feel free to send me an email: aaustin123@gmail.com
Or just leave a comment below!

Once I finish my challenge on Wednesday, I’m going to have a cheat meal on Thursday! I already have it planned. I will eat a healthy, challenge-approved breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Zack has been wanting to make a crawfish fettuccine, so I’m going to finally allow him to do so for supper. haha! However, I will eat mine over whole grain pasta. I’m also planning to have a glass of wine 🙂

At some point this weekend, I MAY allow myself to have a daiquiri. But, only if I really, really want one to reward myself. Or maybe I’ll buy a pair of shoes instead? haha!

 

After this cheat meal, I’m going to stick to my challenge-approved meal path. Why? Because I have a vacation to a gorgeous all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana coming up in about 3 weeks!! I need to continue eating healthy so I can look my best in my swim suits! 

Also, all-inclusive means: all of the food and drinks your little heart could possibly desire. We learned this on our honeymoon last year, and let’s just say… that didn’t end well for me. I definitely gained weight on that trip and never lost it! 😡

I don’t want to ruin all of my hard work in a single week, so I’m hoping to make some healthy choices while I’m there. Such as: fresh fruit and scrambled eggs for breakfast, fresh salads for lunch, grilled chicken / fish with veggies for supper, etc. I mean, I’m still going to drink the yummy rum punches and eat pasta, pizza and desserts occasionally. BUT — I’m going to try to clean it up a little bit 🙂

 

Also once I finish the challenge, I will make a blog post with a complete overview with tips & tricks.

I haven’t shared my blog with ANYONE at this point. It’s sort of been a personal “diary” so to speak. But, once I finish my challenge, I’m going to share it with my Facebook and Pinterest friends. Hopefully, it will inspire someone!

I still have a lot to learn, so if you have any guidance on leading a healthy lifestyle, feel free to share 🙂

 

WEIGHT UPDATE:

-8.5 lbs!
I don’t think I really celebrated and told y’all how excited I was in my last post.. so I’ll do that now.

**** HAPPY DANCE!!!! ****
I met my very first goal! I still have a ways to go, but I am proud of the accomplishment I’ve made.

My next goal is another 10 lbs. It will be a challenge to meet this with vacation coming up, but I think I should be able to do it!

 

Day 21

Another busy day of gardening…

Menu:

Brunch – MRS

Snack – Almonds

Supper – Grilled Turkey Burger w/ Walden Farms BBQ Sauce

Snack – Greek Yogurt w/ PB2 & Honey

 

Slept late… again. We planned to get up earlier to finish the flower beds, but sleep is important!

Once we got up and got dressed, I fixed a meal replacement shake and we went to Wal-Mart. We needed mulch for the garden and groceries (I hadn’t been shopping in a while and was out of fruit!). Once we got that knocked out, we headed home and got ready to play in the dirt!

  

 

 

Left: Hibiscus by my back door.

Right: Dianthus & Holly Pencil Pine before mulching.

We spent majority of the day mulching our flower beds and trimming the 5 Azaleas, rose bushes, and other bushes. We hauled 6 truck loads of branches and leaves to our burn pile! 

I was so hot and sweaty and drinking so much water, I really didn’t want to eat anything. But, I did eat about 12 almonds for a snack.

 

Finished product! Doesn’t look like a whole lot because the flowers need to grow and bloom! Once the Dianthus grow, they will fill in the big piece on the sides of the step. Also, the gardenias are FULL of buds! They should bloom this week!

And, please don’t judge my front door. It’s our next project, along with the side flower bed next weekend 🙂

 

When we finished, the dogs needed baths. They “helped” us outside all day, so they were pretty dirty!

After we bathed the pups, I cooked a turkey burger and gobbled it down. I was hungry!

Then, I took a shower and put on my PJs. It was time to call it a day.

I enjoyed some greek yogurt w/ PB2 and honey for a dessert/ snack while we watched the recorded episode of Law & Order. Pretty good! 

T’was a lovely day at the St. Romain house!

 

Weight update:

I forgot to mention on the post from yesterday, but yesterday I was down to -7.5 and today I am down -8!!

Eating your snacks really does help… and I’m guessing the additional calories burned from yard work probably helped too.

Day 20

The challenge is almost over! Where did the time go?

Menu:

Brunch – MRS

Snack – Whole Grain Toast w/ PB

Snack – Banana

Supper – Grilled Fish w/ Crab, Salad, Steamed Veggies

 

Zack, the fur babies, and I all slept until 10:30! I guess we were all tired!

Once we got up and started moving around, Zack says, “Let’s tackle those flower beds today.”

The flower beds he was reffering to are the two in front of our house that haven’t been touched (at all) in two years. We bought our adorable little house from Zack’s brother last March. He stopped landscaping the year before that because he knew he was moving out and building a new home, so he didn’t want to pour any more money into it. Don’t blame him! Then, when we moved in last year, we were more concerned about furniture, rather than flowers. 

Today was the day.

I put the fur babies in the room with aunt Meg, who was still sleeping when we left. (I guess law school is probably pretty tiring!)

I fixed a Meal Replacement Shake – and out the door we were to buy flowers! Well, actually – we stopped at Sonic and Zack got a double bacon cheese burger with fries and a Coke. *gasp* And no, I did not get anything at Sonic!

We pulled up at Wal-Mart and looked around. We felt so overwhelmed! Neither one of us had ever done this before, so we didn’t know where to start. We called Zack’s uncle for guidance, and he started saying words that neither one of us had ever heard.

So… we drove to the nearest nursery to get help! The team at Carla’s in Moreauville, LA are so very helpful and knowledgeable! And they didn’t even make fun of us 😉 We loaded up the truck with scoops of rich soil, a gardenia to replace our one dead one, two trays of Dianthus, two Holly Pencil Pines, and one hot pink hibiscus tree for my big pot!

We spent majority of the day raking the leaves out of the flower bed. Once we got it spruced up, we added the soil and planted the Dianthus and Holly Pencil Pines. Trimming the Azaleas and mulching would have to wait until tomorrow!

I did take a break at one point to eat a slice of whole grain toast w/ all natural peanut butter.

And, big thanks to Megan for babysitting the pups while we flower shopped. We thanked her with lunch 🙂 She also got her hands dirty and helped us plant!

Today was also Mom’s birthday! To celebrate, Dad wanted to take her out to eat at Prejean’s in Lafayette. If you’ve never been there, stop what you’re doing and go. Right now! Everything is SO delicious!

My sister, Kate, and her boyfriend, Blake, met us at our house to ride with us there. On the way, Zack, Kate, and Blake stopped to get daiquiris. Needless to say, I was a little jealous. I was also kinda hungry, so I stopped and picked up a banana. 

The birthday dinner was a success and we all left happy and with full tummies! They ordered the seafood mushrooms for an appetizer. I did eat one of those… and it was SO worth it. While I looked at the crab au gratin very hard, I settled on the grilled catfish, topped with lump crab meat and a white wine sauce. (It wasn’t a creamy sauce.) I also had a side salad and steamed veggies. 

Overall, it was a great day of gardening and celebrating a very special lady’s birthday!

Happy birthday, Momma! ❤

 

Day 19

Happy Friday!

Menu:

Breakfast – MRS

Snack – Apple Cinnamon Chia Bar

Lunch – Chicken Taco Salad w/ Guacamole

Snack – Apple w/ PB

Supper – Leftover Chicken & Mushrooms from last night

 

The Apple Cinnamon Chia bar was a little treat that my sister-in-law, Sunny, gave me to try. She found it at Big Lots, and it’s all natural. It was actually very tasty!

Not an overly exciting day at work, but I did go to the Mexican place for lunch. Yum!

I’m normally a person that likes to mix things up, but I always get the shredded chicken taco salad. Now that I’m eating healthier, I don’t get the sour cream and cheese. Still very delicious!

When I got back that afternoon from running errands, there was birthday cake. It was yellow cake with chocolate icing, and it looked amazinggggg. But, I resisted. It was hard — but I did. Feeling like a rock star!

When I got home, my bestie, Megan, showed up at my house. She’s in law school and just finished her second day at her new job! She is currently living in Baton Rouge, but she came home for the weekend. I am so glad — I really missed her! We sat around and caught up all afternoon. Meanwhile, I snacked on an apple w/ peanut butter and she had hummus on pita chips. I also had one or two of those 🙂

That night, we went to a graduation party for our friend, Andrew! It was so much fun! We got to see so many of our friends 🙂

Going to parties while on the challenge is a bit of a challenge.
Why? No alcohol. I would have LOVED to have a beer or two. But, I stuck to my water and hoped nobody assumes that I’m pregnant. haha!

Also, it was a graduation party… so there was cake, chips & dip, oreo balls, cookies, fudge… etc. I am proud to say that I didn’t eat any of it! Although, at one point I picked up a Neiman Marcus bar and held it in my hand for a little bit… just to ponder whether or not I should eat it. Then, I walked up to Megan and showed it to her. I must have had a crazy look in my eyes, because she picked it up out of my hand and ate it for me. She then said, “Think of your swimsuit. It’s not worth it.” hahaha! That’s why girls have best friends.

We made it home at around 12:30. Around 2:30, Megan showed up at my house and needed a bed to crash in. 

That’s what friends are for 🙂

 

Weight update:

I am back at 7 lbs down!! Again, I’m not 100% sure why my weight fluctuated so much… but I think it’s because I wasn’t eating enough. When I increased my food intake, I dropped weight! 

Moral of the story… EAT!