Monday, April 4, 2011

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   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' . 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.
Pin It

10 comments:

  1. Good luck to you today! Congrats on losing the weight. :) I'm doing the MILI challenge but didn't really lose weight from the week before :( but I'm not giving up. I haven't tried the kale chips yet but may end up doing it.

    http://homemom3.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. We love kale chips too! So yummy!

    I'm so proud of you for putting yourself out there and for your willingness to WORK HARD to get where you need to be.

    Great job on the loss this week! Good luck tonight! Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. "I tend to avoid strenuous activities because I don't feel comfortable and end up disappointed in myself." Wow, I could have typed that. Thanks for the eye opening.
    Good luck tonight!!!!! No matter what, you're kicking azz and taking names in this weight loss and getting healthy thing. GO YOU!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Stopped to wish you good luck.
    I understand - have weight issues also.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good luck, girl! LOVE the smile in your pic. I've got my fingers crossed for you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am so inspired by you baring your soul like this...I, too, am trying desperately to lose weight, and I find it very hard to talk about my weight issues. I am a recovering (hopefully) bulimic, and I have always had a horrible body image. Seeing your story and desire to adopt a healthier lifestyle is giving me hope that maybe I can finally ditch destructive habits that plague me and try to do this in a HEALTHY way. My kids deserve it!THANK YOU!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good luck to you. Hope you shred those pounds in no time. I find I loose weight faster when I stop eating after eight every night. I make sure I eat my dinner before eight and after that would only take a few glasses of water or sometime some fruits after eight and off to bed, no more supper.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congrats to you for being a Mamavation mom!! I look forward to watching your success and hearing about the journey. You are already doing awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congratulations on becoming a Mamavation Mom. I look forward to following your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  10. CONGRATS on the additional pound LOST! :) I'm so proud of you, sweetie. And let me just say, you look great - I know personally it's more about how you FEEL than how others say you LOOK, but you have a cute shape as you are and I'm happy for you that you are making strides toward looking and feeling the way that makes you comfortable. I posted a sentence from one of my blog posts to my status on Facebook yesterday that said something like, "The only difference between being at a standstill and being unstoppable is gathering the faith to start." I commend you for having the faith to start your journey toward a healthier, happier YOU!

    --
    Kat @ iHeartSeven.com

    ReplyDelete

I always love reading your comments and questions. Let me know what you thought about my recipe or post. Comments are currently being moderated due to spam-tastic recent postings. I'll have your comment up shortly. Thanks!