Mamavation Monday - Sometimes We Fall Down

Happy Monday! This is both an exciting and scary day for me. I don't usually wear my heart on my sleeve, so applying for a Mamavation campaign (twice!) was a big leap for me. I am usually behind the scenes, trying to hold everything together like the typical Mom. But no. I decided to publicly ask my friends and family for support as well as talk openly about my weight loss struggles. That is tough.

**There is still time to vote! A quick click for 'notimeMom' at http://bit.ly/ibBruC  will get me one vote closer. The contest ends and winners will be announced tonight (4/4) at  7pm PST (10 pm EST), so hurry! **

Yes, I have been here before. Last time I cringed at posting my "before" pic. It was not a picture that I wanted to see let alone post publicly on my blog. But, the "after" was nice to see. This time around? I am not going to say it easy, but it is easier. I can't deny that I need to lose weight and it hasn't magically disappeared yet.

This week, especially, Kris Allen's "Live Like We're Dying" has really spoken to me... I feel like many of the lyrics have really spoken to my weight loss journey. (In no particular order from the song)

...Sometimes we fall down, can't get back up

We're hiding behind skin that's too tough...

Yes, I fell... I fell all the way to not caring about myself and what I was doing to my body. Being over 200 pounds was not good for me. By ignoring the problem I hid. I didn't acknowledge what everyone around me knew, that I needed to make real life changes. Mamavation has taught me to ask for help and support from others. I am still learning and it is nice to have the encouragement from the Sistahood. I can't do it all alone.

...So if your life flashed before you, what would you wish you would've done?...

For me it would be not doing the things I wanted to... that 5k, that 100 mile ride, more rock climbing. I tend to avoid strenuous activities because I don't feel comfortable and end up disappointed in myself. I don't want to miss out on these years chasing and playing with my children. I don't want to have regrets.

...Gotta live like we're dying..

When my grandfather died I was in full carpe diem mode... I got married and didn't want to waste any time with my (now) husband. I took chances and tried new things. Somewhere I lost that thirst for living. I gave up on myself and blamed it on my weight. Well, I want to enjoy every moment I have. AND I want to do it in a body that I can use and that can carry me where my heart wants to go. 

To recap... I am a Mamavation Mom Finalist. Remember, if you are reading this before Monday night at 6:59 PST, please take a moment to vote for 'notimeMom' http://bit.ly/ibBruC . After I hope this time around it will be my chance to change my life and the lives of my family and friends.

To kick off the next 8 weeks, here is my "BEFORE" pics for the Move it and Lose it Challenge:

And my weekly scale shot - with my striped socks for good luck:

 - 1lb!!! Woo-hoo!

And my measurements 4/4 are:

bust - 40"

waist - 38 1/2" 

hips - 45.5 inches

thighs - 28 inches 

arms -  13 inches 

calves - 17 inches

I was pleasantly surprised by the scale having gone down this morning! This past week was so stressful, I didn't expect much. I was craving food, and even though I tried to snack smarter, I had some weak moments. I found a new favorite snack and want to share. Thank you to @gutimom and @Momma_oz for tempting me into trying kale chips. They have been a snacking life savor and new addiction.

This Week's Recipe Share: Kale Chips

you will need:

large bunch of kale

1 Tbsp olive oil

sea salt

These beauties are so delicious and simple to make. Even if kale is not normally your thing, don't pass on these babies. Baking them really gets rid of the bitter flavor kale has. The chip is crispy, and very tasty! My BIL even asked if they were fried.

Preheat the oven to 300. Wash and blot your kale with paper towels. Make sure you unfurl the leaves to find any hidden bits of mud. I cut my kale into 3-4 strips and then de-stemmed them. So I ended up with 6-8 small chips. Cut them however you want, just try to keep the chips similar sizes for even baking times. Toss the kale with a Tbsp of olive oil and toss to coat.

Put them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle them with a little sea salt. I also suggest trying cumin or garlic powder. Bake for 20 minutes till they are crisp and starting to brown around the edges. Let them cool .... if you can wait! Then devour. Store in an airtight container, but I would be surprised if you don't gobble them up quickly.

I did make these using swiss chard and didn't think they were as good as the kale. I still have a bunch of chard in my garden from last year and was looking for a way to use it. My DH thought they were fine, but the color isn't as pleasant as the kale when baked. Next I want to try collard greens and maybe spinach also.


Don't miss out on the Mamavation Campaign 8 Twitter Party -

Win fitness products & party w/ #Mamavation MONDAY from 8-10pm EST, sponsored by @EarthFootwear, http://bit.ly/hSdFXB

*Disclaimer- I am writing and posting pics to enter into Mamavation's MILI challenge. If I complete all 8 weeks I can get monetary compensation from Leah. All opinions are my own.