2011 Is So Yesterday!

I think my motto for 2012 is going to be "Believe"!  Believe in God.  Believe in yourself.  Believe in your plan.  Believe you can accomplish your goals.  It all starts with believing, at least that's true for me.  I've been coasting for the past 6 weeks, but it's time to step it up.  I have to because I want to accomplish all of my goals, not just the first 30 pounds.

I'm going back to the basics, well sort of, by writing down a nutrition plan as well as an exercise plan.  That worked for me really well in the beginning.  I love coming up with the vision myself (I'm such a rebel) ;), working out the details, and using discipline to stick with it.  That's what it's all about with me! In the beginning I'd say, "I can stick with my plan today.  I can do this for one day."  Then I'd do it again the next day.

I'm facing some challenges in the next few months, but day by day I'll get there.  I'm confident of that.  Can you tell I'm exciting about the new year? I love new beginnings and thinking about today and the future.

Well it's really late here on the east coast, so I better not get too excited or I won't be able to sleep ;).  That would happen to me in the beginning, I would feel so passionate about all I was going to accomplish and what it would take to get there, I couldn't get to sleep until 3 or 4 am.  I love passion; life would be so dull without it, don't you think?

Tell me:  What's the top 1 or 2 things that have contributed to your weight loss success?

Well, goodnight everyone and Happy New Year.  I send my wishes for a happy, healthy new year, may all of your dreams come true!  

Have a great 1st.

Cat's Belly Fat Cure Facebook Page

My Secrets To Losing 30 Pounds This Year and 2012 Goal Setting

I'm really exciting to see what the new year brings for you and me.  I'm sure there will be challenges, but so much fun to experience it all! I'm ready to accomplish my goals. Are you?


Cat's Belly Fat Cure Facebook Page

Almost forgot about the par-tay! WIAW & the best oatmeal ever!

It's what I ate Wednesday. Love the party of at Jenn's!  with all of the cool eats & pics.  Who knows, you may even make a new friend or 2.




O.K. on with what I've been eating:
Breakfast:

(oats, Justin's Chocolate Almond Butter, pink lady apple, vanilla, stevia, coconut)  This oatmeal was SO good!
Lunch:

(left over fruit from Christmas brunch, raw red bell pepper, steamed green beans, and Dr. McDougall's Black Bean Soup)

my kid's creation, "colorful unicorn" (they wanted me to include it)

Christmas Brunch:

(included in WIAW because the berries are so pretty :)  My youngest ate mostly berries and nothing else. 
Dinner: Chick-fil-a char-grilled chicken salad with honey mustard dressing
and
Too Much Snacking:
on this

 Dear Chocolate Almond Butter,I love you and our time spent together.  It was some of the happiest times of my life, but I think I need to see other nut butters.  Can we still be friends?
Love,Cat
O.K., all kidding aside, I do think I need to abstain from nut butter for a while.  I have not used great self control and moderation, so I'd rather just not have them because they're hindering my progress.  

Not the greatest picture, a little fuzzy, but it captures the emotion and pride of accomplishing something difficult and worth achieving.  Before I started this journey I was a size 16-18 or 1X in a shirt, yes a plus size.  When I first tried this shirt on in the store, I tried on a large and it hung well below my bra.  I just couldn't believe it because there was no way I was a medium! I haven't seen a medium for a decade, but I tried it on and it fit.  I actually loved it so much, I ended up buying 3 satin blouses, all in a medium!  I think I'll stay away from the mall for a while too ;).  
My point is that giving up nut butter for a while to regain control is so worth the feeling in this picture.  Giving up something so small and insignificant is so worth receiving something so much greater in return.  I mean increased self confidence and a sexy blouse is so worth it!
Just think when those around you are indulging in something sinfully delicious and you're not, just think of all you will receive in return for just forgoing a few delicious bites.  
"Don't trade what you want for what you want right now."- Scot Ferrell
(I think I need to post this in my kitchen ;)
Tell me:
Do you have quotes posted in your living area to keep your focus on living a healthy lifestyle?  If so, what are they? Please share.  
Thanks for listening this evening.  "Talking" with you really helps me stay in this healthy journey for the long haul.  Sometimes I think I could revert back in an instant to my old ways, but I know I never will because I've gained so much from this lifestyle that I'll never go back.  It's not just about looking better, it's about feeling better, increased self confidence, a better role model for my children and so much more.  I just  want to improve myself everyday and help others do the same.  It really feels amazing!
Take care,
Cat's Belly Fat Cure Facebook Page

Fascinating!

Fascinating video on calorie density!  I definitely could stand to get some foods that are calorically dense out of my diet! Hey, maybe my weight loss would speed up again? Hmm...I think an experiment is in order.  This guy makes so much sense.  Take a listen and tell me what you think. (And he's funny too ;) This kind of stuff really excites me and it could apply to any diet really.

I can't wait to try it out!  I love experimenting.  How exciting!

Can you tell I love this stuff?

Thanks for listening.  Talk to you soon.

Cat's Belly Fat Cure Facebook Page

BIG News!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!  It was a nice quiet Christmas at home this year, well as quiet as it can be with 2 young kids. ;)

I have some really BIG news!!! in addition to the classes I'm starting at eCornell in a few weeks, I've embarked on another learning opportunity as well.  I've decided to get certified as a personal trainer through the National Academy Of Sports Medicine!  At the same time I'll pursue the coursework and the exam to become a Fitness Nutrition Specialist.  I'm definitely going to be busy, but it's what I love, fitness and nutrition!  Really.  On our family vacations it was the norm for me to carry books on nutrition to read just for fun, AND usually more than one book!   It's gonna be a fun ride!

On the weight loss front, my weight has stayed about the same.  I've been working out, but my nutrition has not been stellar.  It's time to cut out the junk and get more serious about healthy living, at least 95% of the time.  I did go to the gym tonight for Cardio and BODYFLOW.  BODYFLOW is a mix of Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates, and I found it to be both challenging and relaxing.  Once a week I'm trying to incorporate a balance and flexibility class, and this one definitely hit the mark.  Tomorrow morning is my training session with Dane, very challenging, but not relaxing. ;)

This quote really spoke to me today when I saw it.  Fear was holding me back for a long time, imprisoning me.  Until I made the decision to face my fear, it always controlled me, making me unaware of my true potential. Now I'm free, free to pursue my dreams.  Walt Disney was right!

Tell me:


After conquering fear, what goal or action did you achieve?  


Sometimes fear still takes hold of me and tries to exert it's control.  Each time I face fear and move past it, it's teaching me to have more faith in God and more confidence in my own abilities.  My fear usually involves something I think is too hard or requires too much effort, or talent that I seem to think I don't possess.  But then God shows me it's not too hard, I can put forth the effort, and I am talented enough.  It's amazing how things fall into place once fear is conquered!

I just want to encourage you to face your fear.  Amazing accomplishments will follow.

Thanks for stopping by my cyber corner of the world.  I hope you have an awesome Tuesday.

Take care,

Cat's Belly Fat Cure Facebook Page

What's Happening? I'm Going Back To School? What?

Wow, it's been too long since my last post.  I've been working, working out, getting ready for Christmas, going to a Carolina game, and doing a video interview.  Yes, a video interview, that was the special thing on Monday; it was so much fun!  I think I could get used to being in front of the camera ;).

Some pics from Monday:

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the day.  It was a blast!

I'll let you know when the interview goes live.  

I'm still trying to keep up working out amidst the festivities.  Last night I went to the group fitness class, Body Pump and Body Combat.  I thought I had lost my mind doing 2 challenging classes back to back, but several others did as well, so I thought if they could do it so could I.  I lost steam about 1.5 hours through, but powered through to the finish.  It definitely challenged me in a good way!  Today I'm going to Body Pump again, not sure if it's a good thing since I just went last night...hmm, but I want to take the class from a friend of mine.  Can't wait to take her class!

Last night after my workout I made this super yumm-o super food smoothie:

Strawberries, banana, chia, Sambazon azai puree, spinach, stevia

Doesn't look like the most appetizing drink, but it was SO DELICIOUS.  My 4 year old loved it & had 2 servings, even wanting more.  She said it was so good!  If you have trouble getting kids to eat greens, put them in a smoothie & they'll love it! Really.

I've also enrolled in Cornell University, eCornell to obtain a Certificate in Plant Based Nutrition.  I've been interested in this program for quite some time.  I love studying nutrition and how food effects my body; food as medicine is awesome and amazing!  If you've seen the documentary Forks Over Knives (just click the link for the website), it reports the life saving benefits of a plant based diet.  If you haven't seen the documentary make sure to watch it, and it's on Netflix now.  It will change your life.

Well a busy day ahead, working out, cleaning house, shopping, grocery shopping, and taking care of all of those last minute details before Christmas, so I best get moving!  It was great talking with y'all through my blog.

Thanks for stopping by checking out my little corner of the world.  If I don't talk to you before, have a Merry Christmas!

Take care,

Cat's Belly Fat Cure Facebook Page

It Was So Worth It!

After working this morning in the hardware store and driving back to the city, I decided to go to the mall.  Yes the mall, on this busy weekend before Christmas.

This was me sitting at a standstill in the parking deck.  It took about 30 minutes to find a parking space!  Was it worth it battling the crowds today to get an awesome pair of shoes?  Yes.  Yes it was!

I have something special I'm doing on Monday and wanted to make sure I look my best.  My motto has always been to dress for the job you aspire to, not necessarily for the one you're currently working.  I did that right after college when I started working as a teller in a financial institution.  Instead of dressing in the normal khakis and knit shirt, I dressed like our manager: suits, dresses, dress pants, blouses.  You get the idea.  It didn't take long, less than a year actually, until I was part of the management team.  It took more than dressing the part, but I think it got upper management's attention and was definitely part of the reason for the promotion.

Now for the exciting part, YEA!  I think this is what I'm going to wear on Monday:  red seamed shift dress from Loft.  This dress looks a lot more fitted on me, not sure if that's a good or bad thing. Also looks much longer on me, than on the 6 foot model.  Now I can't decide what shoes to wear.  What do you think?

Tell me:


Should I wear these?

I had to go down 1/2 size!  I guess my feet have lost weight too!  I thought these made more of a statement paired with the red dress, very uptown and cool!

Or these?

On a fashion level I like the animal print, but I think the black Mary Jane's are more sexy and cut low enough to allow some of your toes to peep out.  Is that called toe cleavage? I'm kind of leaning towards the Mary Jane's.  Especially with such a classic dress, a classic shoe just nails it.  I'd like to know your thoughts though. What do you think?  For all of you men out there I know which ones you'll pick!

I have several options for jewelry.  Notice how nothing matches exactly.  I like it that way.

This:

Or this:

O.K. I think the second set wins hands down.  It just pops against the red.  You can NEVER go wrong with bling! ;)

While I was shopping today, if I saw something that caught my eye, I tried it on.  One thing in particular just made my day!  It made me reflect on this weight loss journey (shocking, I know!).  The one thing was this shirt:

It made me feel pretty, feminine, curvy, and sexy.  Before this journey I didn't feel like any of those things and now I do!  Feeling this way is FAR more valuable and gratifying and worth whatever sacrifice it took to get here.  The sacrifice is SO WORTH IT!  And the workouts are fun! 

After shopping it was easy to stick with eating a healthy meal because these feelings motivated me to eat healthy, so I can continue to feel pretty, feminine, curvy, and sexy!  I love this lifestyle.  It's not deprivation, not all, it's a life of abundance!

Are you living a life of abundance?  If not, you can too.  Just make the decision to change to a healthy balanced lifestyle and DON'T look back.  Your life will never be the same!

Goodnight everyone.  Thanks for stopping by.

Cat's Belly Fat Cure Facebook Page

My Very First Video Post and WIAW!

Instead of writing a blog post, today I spoke it.....

....so after watching that, it's no way to hide which part of the country I'm from, ha-ha!

Now for the party, over at Peas & Crayons, WIAW!


.... a sample of food from the week:

I LOVED the chocolate dessert above AND SO HEALTHY! It's a win, win!

What I Didn't Eat, but man did they look good:

My FAVorite recipe from the week!

Pollo al Limone (for all of us non-French speaking folks, lemon chicken)

ingredients:

1 chicken, about 3 1/2 pounds cut into 8 serving pieces (I used leg quarters, because they were on sale at Whole Foods)

1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 Tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

• Place chicken pieces, skin sides down, in a baking dish.  In a bowl whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.  Pour over the chicken.  Let marinate for at least 1 hour.  (I marinated mine overnight).
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Roast the chicken for 30 minutes.  Turn the pieces skin sides up and continue to rest until browned and the juices run clear when a thigh is pierced, 30-45 minutes.
• Transfer the chicken to a platter, cover loosely with foil, and keep warm.  Pour the pan juices through a sieve into a bowl and skim off the fat.  Pour the juices over the chicken and serve.  (Don't skip this last step, the sauce is yummy!)

Let me know if you try this recipe!  My youngest daughter said, "this is the best chicken ever."  Let me know if you agree.  

Notice I don't have a picture of the final product, oops, bad food blogger. 

............

Well I started by saying, I was vlogging tonight instead of blogging, but I did both! :)  

I never went to the gym because I've been working on this post all night.  Oh well, tomorrow is another day.  I'll pack my workout clothes and take them to work with me.  No excuses, right.

Tell me:     Recently was there an activity in your life that seemed difficult enough to cause anxiety or fear, but afterwards seemed relatively easy?

Thanks for listening and have a great evening.

Take care,

Cat

Make sure to check out my Facebook page: Cat's Belly Fat Cure Facebook Page

Should I wear it?

So excited this shirt came in the mail today! On the front of the shirt, the foil says, "SAYiWON'T".  On the back of the shirt it states exactly what the poster does above.  Now I am a girlie girl and love to dress up in satin, jewelry, and heels, but I love this shirt, AND the statement it makes!  My dilemma is that I'm training with a tough trainer tomorrow and I'm a little concerned he'll look at my shirt, and take it as his personal mission to tell me what I can't do and push me to my limit.  You know what?  He's going to do that anyway, so I might as well wear the shirt, right?

Last week I worked out with this trainer, I'll call him Dane, which may or may not be his name and we only trained for 30 minutes.  Before the workout he said, "we'll take it easy."  O.K. it was intense in my opinion, and my body's, seeing how I was sore for 5 days.  But it was so insanely awesome!  I like being pushed and he's a great trainer.  Shh! Don't tell him I said so, might go to his head. ;)  However this week the training session will probably last an hour!  Hopefully I'll live to tell you what happens!  Just kidding ;) I'm sure I'll live! Ha-ha.

Tonight I tried another Les Mills class, RPM!  It was tough, but I knew it would be hard.  I felt so empowered when I was done! I'm glad I didn't throw up...that's always a good thing. :)  I would love to do this class about 2 - 3 times per week.  Paul, you were awesome!

So Tell Me:

Should I wear the shirt or not?  

What was the last thing you did to really push yourself outside of your comfort zone?

Today's Inspiration:

Thanks for listening and supporting me!  

Have a healthy Tuesday.

Take care,

Cat's Belly Fat Cure Facebook Page

Busy, Busy, and Loving It

My life has been so crazy busy!!!! I love to be busy, so it's all good!  I had to go to Warrenton today for a private sale, fun, fun.  Actually it was fun, I love meeting and talking with people!  Now it's par-tay time, over at Peas and Crayons, otherwise known as What I Ate Wednesday.




Let the party begin....
Breakfast:  Oatmeal (gluten free oats, Justin's Maple Almond Butter, chia, maple syrup, bananas) and turkey bacon (nitrate free)

Lunch:  Smithfield's Brunswick stew

Our snacks today:  my daughter packed these.  Good to know I've raised her right ;)

Dinner:  Taco Soup chili (recipe below) and romaine with Italian dressing

Taco Soup Chili Recipe
-Brown 1 pound of hamburger (may use ground turkey or chicken) and drain grease.-Add:1 can corn (partially drained)2 cans pinto beans1 can tomato sauce1 can of diced tomatoes1 package of taco seasoning (look for one with no MSG. I used about 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning found in the spice section of the grocery store.)1 tablespoon chili powder-Heat thoroughly 
optional:  (I haven't been adding these things to make it healthier, but they are very tasty)Top with grated cheese, sour cream, onions, olives, brown sugar, etc. and serve with corn bread or corn chips. 
Let me know what you think of the recipe.  My family thinks it's super yummy!
Goodnight.  See ya tomorrow.


Cat's Belly Fat Cure Facebook Page