Eating Healthy on a Budget

So, when we first started eating clean I really struggled with our grocery bill. I went from spending $300 every two weeks to $300 EVERY WEEK! There was no way we could do that forever. Slowly but surely I learned little tricks. For one thing, I shop weekly things go bad too fast and get thrown away if I don't. I plan every meal we eat during the week (and we eat 5 times a day) so that I am not buying anything extra. I buy in bulk and on sale when possible. I buy from farmers markets and bountiful basket when I can. And most importantly I replaced one meal a day with Shakeology! I went from spending $5 a day on coffee plus the cost of oatmeal or cereal for breakfast to just $4 a day for something that is good for me! Those are just some tips! here are some more from Debbie Siebers creator of Slim in 6.



What do you do to eat clean and/or healthy on a budget?

Tips and Tricks Tuesday #8

Hey all!

It's Tuesday again! Time to share our healthy living / fitness tips and tricks or to look for support, guidance, or inspiration from others to make this journey a little smoother.

<div align="center"> <br /> <a href="http://exploringdomesticity.blogspot.com"><img border="0" alt="exploring Domesticity" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwQDd4WGOR6qtgfD8JO_620tz16zEZ__5e9H-0hLqM_Qt2K5Dlh0_1ujuwXDbOYzkbwVkThxE-1wjDLdG2iHUw53yWWStoa0raYK5gK9Xj4nLiKFGu3pXtYp7DaoyuNX8EJwSNpKVMT-4/s640/blogger-image-658041669.jpg"/></a></center> <br />

Thanks for everyone who shared last week! Here are the top two most viewed links.

I love this lady! She is super supportive, and not afraid to be honest about things, like; sometimes a workout does not make you feel all wonderful and accomplished. Sometimes you struggle through it, it sucks, but you can feel proud that you pushed through. Tiffany from The Fit Train shared The Other Side of Running.

A (Future!) Weight Loss Success Story shared some great Weight Loss Inspiration.

I usually share the top three but we had a three-way tie for the next spot and I'm running a bit behind tonight. Be sure to go back and check out the other amazing posts last week!
If you were featured be sure to grab a button and link up some more amazing posts!

<div align="center"> <br /> <a href="http://exploringdomesticity.blogspot.com"><img border="0" alt="exploring Domesticity" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ_BOK3f_vklJPZzgtTSxgl-cYM40taTX9TdxOWDGmY2m6bprZ6_OiIo2pGZz56zMZvHywdzHmQqUaGBL-nux-JRKfYXXDGp7OyTjuMCdzTwFKSGpuMi3ab1q8scuiuRebU5ILEYiv_Nj/s640/blogger-image--1184246179.jpg"/></a></center> <br />




So, here's the deal:

• Link up any past posts you have that you think may benefit others in any way - advice, recipes, reviews, workouts, motivation, inspiration, etc...


• Link up any past posts in which you are searching out advice from others - help staying on track, products, workouts, food, motivation, etc...


• Make sure to include the topic of your post in your title (I've noticed putting "Kristin @ Like a 2-year-old" in the title spot is a total weight loss blog trend - we're looking for the subject so people know what they're clicking on.)


• Follow your lovely hosts, Kristin and Kristin - let us know and we will gladly follow you back!  Hey, we're all here for the same support, right?


• Place our button somewhere on your blog or link back in your posts - let's gather as much advice from as many people as we can!


• Last, visit as many links as you can - help answer questions from those looking for help and let the others know how much you appreciate them sharing their own tips and tricks.


• Each week we will try to feature the most clicked link, as well as others that seem particularly helpful and deserve a little more recognition.

Now on with the show!

Weigh-In Wednesday

This will be fairly short and sweet today because I am a busy girl! Plus, I have posted a ton already this week!

60 Day Combat Review and Results
Combat Pictures

This morning I weighed in at 204.2, oh onederland how close you are! That means a loss of 1.8 pounds from last week! I will take that! Linking up with Heather, Ash, and Bailey for Weigh-In Wednesday as usual!


One quick update I think our next program is going to be Insanity. We have tried both it and TurboFire and while I think TurboFire would be a great next program Justin is having some trouble keeping up with some of the more dancey type moves! We are trying one more Insanity track tonight and then we will decide before I head to Denver tomorrow!


Oh yeah, did I mention I am going to Denver to see my very best most awesome friend who left me all those months ago? I'm sure I did! I am SO excited. It is my goal over this weekend to allow myself the room to have fun without going overboard on food and drinks. I want to eat healthy and as clean as possible so that I can have a few drinks without feeling like I am cheating on myself! Thank goodness I have some packs of Shakeology to take with me so I know I will be on track there!

And, one more thing...so maybe this isn't as short as I had hoped for. I have a challenge group starting up very soon  and I am offering a $25 gift card to the first two people that sign up for a challenge pack through me! You can check out the packs here or message me with any questions!


Okay, that is it! Hope you all had a great week!

Tips and Tricks #7

Hey all!

It's Tuesday again! Time to share our healthy living / fitness tips and tricks or to look for support, guidance, or inspiration from others to make this journey a little smoother.

<div align="center"> <br /> <a href="http://exploringdomesticity.blogspot.com"><img border="0" alt="exploring Domesticity" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwQDd4WGOR6qtgfD8JO_620tz16zEZ__5e9H-0hLqM_Qt2K5Dlh0_1ujuwXDbOYzkbwVkThxE-1wjDLdG2iHUw53yWWStoa0raYK5gK9Xj4nLiKFGu3pXtYp7DaoyuNX8EJwSNpKVMT-4/s640/blogger-image-658041669.jpg"/></a></center> <br />

Thanks for everyone who shared last week! Here are the top three most viewed links.

Calm Healthy Sexy shared 10 Real Food Mini Projects for Busy People.

I've made these and I LOVE them! I am so glad Top Notch Mom shared No Bake Energy Bites.

I love Gwen's blog - Sky n Surf - she shared her amazing insights about Diet vs. Lifestyle,and Deprivation .

Be sure to go back and check out the other amazing posts last week! If you were featured be sure to grab a button and link up some more amazing posts!

<div align="center"> <br /> <a href="http://exploringdomesticity.blogspot.com"><img border="0" alt="exploring Domesticity" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ_BOK3f_vklJPZzgtTSxgl-cYM40taTX9TdxOWDGmY2m6bprZ6_OiIo2pGZz56zMZvHywdzHmQqUaGBL-nux-JRKfYXXDGp7OyTjuMCdzTwFKSGpuMi3ab1q8scuiuRebU5ILEYiv_Nj/s640/blogger-image--1184246179.jpg"/></a></center> <br />


So, here's the deal:

• Link up any past posts you have that you think may benefit others in any way - advice, recipes, reviews, workouts, motivation, inspiration, etc...


• Link up any past posts in which you are searching out advice from others - help staying on track, products, workouts, food, motivation, etc...


• Make sure to include the topic of your post in your title (I've noticed putting "Kristin @ Like a 2-year-old" in the title spot is a total weight loss blog trend - we're looking for the subject so people know what they're clicking on.)


• Follow your lovely hosts, Kristin and Kristin - let us know and we will gladly follow you back!  Hey, we're all here for the same support, right?


• Place our button somewhere on your blog or link back in your posts - let's gather as much advice from as many people as we can!


• Last, visit as many links as you can - help answer questions from those looking for help and let the others know how much you appreciate them sharing their own tips and tricks.


• Each week we will try to feature the most clicked link, as well as others that seem particularly helpful and deserve a little more recognition.

Now on with the show!

Combat Challenge Final Pictures!

As promised, here are my results pictures! You can check out my review here! Okay, I am not ready to share my sports bra pictures yet but here are my workout clothes pictures! The change I see is amazing! I am so proud of myself for sticking this out! I tried TurboFire yesterday and will be doing either that or Insanity tonight! We only have until next Monday to pick our next workout! If anyone is interested in seeing the "other" pictures I might consider sharing them. We will see!

I still have a ways to go but I am so proud of how far both my husband and I have come so far! He just passed his first weight loss goal and decided to lower it a bit more before he focuses on building muscle!

Linking up for Motivation Monday!

Wendy @ Daily Dose of Del Signore Veronica @ V Watts' Thoughts Morgan @ Fat to Fit Confessions Tiff @ The Fit Train Katie @ The Carb Monster Alisha @ Coily Locks

Combat Review

Okay, so I don't have my pictures yet (taking them tonight) but I wanted to get you guys my 60 Day Combat Review before the weekend! I will save the pictures for a nice Monday morning surprise! Of course they will probably show up on Facebook before then so feel free to like me there!

If you would like to see my 30 Day Review it is here! Now on with the 60 Day Review.

Pros:

1. After 60 Days I can still honestly say I LOVE this program! It was a little bittersweet last night knowing we were done with Combat for now but being excited that we accomplished so much.
2. I am leaner, stronger, and more confident than I was 60 days ago. I can do push-ups, burpees, jumping knees and kicks. I can jab for over a minute straight. I mean last night I was doing Shock Plyo and thinking back to the first time we did it and how I could barely get through the full 30 minutes with modifications and now I can do it without modifications!
3. Dan's jokes are still funny even after 60 days of them! 
4. I mean seriously I could go on and on about this program. If you are doubting yourself, your abilities, your strength, whether you can lose weight, get stronger, etc this program will instill in you a sense of confidence you never thought possible.

Cons:

1. The only one I have is that we didn't buy the whole package to begin with and ended up paying more in the long run! You will want ALL of the discs because you will love it that much that you need more Dan and Rach!

Complete!

Final workout complete!

Okay, on to the measurements!

Measurements:

• Weight:
• Day One: 226.8
• Day 30: 215
• Day 60: 205.6
• Total Loss: 21.2

• Hips:
• Day One: 46"
• Day 30: 43.5"
• Day 60: 41"
• Total Loss: 5"

• Waist:
• Day One: 40.75"
• Day 30: 39"
• Day 60:  35.5"
• Total Loss: 5.25"

•  Chest:
• Day One: 44"
• Day 30: 43.5"
• Day 60: 41"
• Total Loss: 3"

• Arm:
• Day One: 13.25" left and right
• Day 30: 12.75" left and 12.5" right
• Day 60: 12.75" left and 12.5" right
• Total Loss: .5" left and .75" right

• Thigh:
• Day One: 22.25" left and 22" right
• Day 30: 21" left and 21.25" right
• Day 60: 20" left and 20.5" right
• Total Loss: 2.25" left and 1.5" right

• Left Calf:
• Day One: 17.25"
• Day 30:16"
• Day 60: 16"
• Total Loss: 1.25"

So that is a total loss  of 21.2 pounds and 19.5" in just 60 days! Not too shabby if I do say so myself!

What comes next? We will be trying out TurboFire and Insanity over the next week or so and on September 30th we will start one of them! I am voting for TurboFire and I am pretty sure Justin is voting for Insanity. We will see who wins this one!

Speaking of September 30th we are starting a new Challenge Group that day so if you would like in or like more information leave a comment below or email me and I will get you the information. It will change the way you look at fitness, or at least I know it did for me!

One last thing...new haircut to celebrate our accomplishment!

HMMMM...What's That? A new record!

Good afternoon everyone! I hope you all are having a great week because I know I am! So, no need wasting time here I will just jump right in to it! I not only hit the half way mark this week I also passed it! This morning I weighed 206 even and half way was 206.1 (for the record that is a 2.6 pound loss)! WOOT WOOT!!!!!!! So excited! I know I say this all the time but seriously I never imagined I would get this far! And even at that I have never had the desire to KEEP pushing once I had made it part way toward my goal. All of that has changed. I will see my goal, I can do this, I am doing this!

I NEVER would have seen this goal without the following things in my life:

1. A supportive husband who is in this with me
2. A supportive family
3. Ummm, all of YOU
4. My Beachbody Coach
5. My Challenge Group
6. My desire and will
7. My most awesome little man

If any of you ever want to talk one on one about the changes I have made I would love to do that!!!

In other news I only have today and tomorrow left before we finish Combat so be looking for a wrap-up Friday or Monday with final weights and measurements and all of that good stuff!

And last, but certainly not least I am linking up with Heather, Ash, and Bailey for Weigh-In Wednesday!

Tips and Tricks Tuesday #6

Hey all!

It's Tuesday again! Time to share our healthy living / fitness tips and tricks or to look for support, guidance, or inspiration from others to make this journey a little smoother.

<div align="center"> <br /> <a href="http://exploringdomesticity.blogspot.com"><img border="0" alt="exploring Domesticity" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwQDd4WGOR6qtgfD8JO_620tz16zEZ__5e9H-0hLqM_Qt2K5Dlh0_1ujuwXDbOYzkbwVkThxE-1wjDLdG2iHUw53yWWStoa0raYK5gK9Xj4nLiKFGu3pXtYp7DaoyuNX8EJwSNpKVMT-4/s640/blogger-image-658041669.jpg"/></a></center> <br />

Thanks for everyone who shared last week! Here are the top three most viewed links.

Calm Healthy Sexy shared 4 Strategies for Getting Fit This Fall.

Seeing Less of Kristin shared How and Why You Should Take Progress Pictures.

Be sure to go back and check out the other amazing posts last week! If you were featured be sure to grab a button and link up some more amazing posts!

<div align="center"> <br /> <a href="http://exploringdomesticity.blogspot.com"><img border="0" alt="exploring Domesticity" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ_BOK3f_vklJPZzgtTSxgl-cYM40taTX9TdxOWDGmY2m6bprZ6_OiIo2pGZz56zMZvHywdzHmQqUaGBL-nux-JRKfYXXDGp7OyTjuMCdzTwFKSGpuMi3ab1q8scuiuRebU5ILEYiv_Nj/s640/blogger-image--1184246179.jpg"/></a></center> <br />




So, here's the deal:

• Link up any past posts you have that you think may benefit others in any way - advice, recipes, reviews, workouts, motivation, inspiration, etc...


• Link up any past posts in which you are searching out advice from others - help staying on track, products, workouts, food, motivation, etc...


• Make sure to include the topic of your post in your title (I've noticed putting "Kristin @ Like a 2-year-old" in the title spot is a total weight loss blog trend - we're looking for the subject so people know what they're clicking on.)


• Follow your lovely hosts, Kristin and Kristin - let us know and we will gladly follow you back!  Hey, we're all here for the same support, right?


• Place our button somewhere on your blog or link back in your posts - let's gather as much advice from as many people as we can!


• Last, visit as many links as you can - help answer questions from those looking for help and let the others know how much you appreciate them sharing their own tips and tricks.


• Each week we will try to feature the most clicked link, as well as others that seem particularly helpful and deserve a little more recognition.

Now on with the show!

Childhood Obesity and a Sneak Peek!

Good morning all! I have a couple things for you today! First, a sneak peek at my 60 day results. Thursday is our last Combat workout (I know crazy right!) and we took our sweaty pic for our challenge group last week like normal and I decided to compare it to the first one we took back on July 1st. Boy was I surprised!

Crazy right!?!? Who are those people back on July 1st?

Also, I came across this article this week and I must admit it scared me a little bit as a Mother and Step-Mother.

http://news.health.com/2013/09/10/5-percent-of-u-s-kids-severely-obese-experts-warn/

5% of kids in the US are severely obese? The part of the article that gave me some hope is at the very end when the doctor talks about how if parents step in now they can make a difference. He is so right. We are their first role models, we are the first people they look to when making decisions. How would Mom handle this? What would Dad do? If we aren't setting a good example for our kids who will? I look at my step-daughter and I can clearly see that up to this point we have been bad examples for her. She is not obese by any means but she is heading toward overweight and we are we were part of the problem. Now we want to be part of the solution. Here is my idea...

Shaun T (the trainer from Insanity) has a program for kids called Shaun Ts Fit Kids Club. Here is a description: 

Shaun T’s got a new workout FOR KIDS ONLY! Get down and get fit with Shaun T's Fit Kids Club workouts for kids ages 7 and up! It's all about sweat, strength, and FUN with mad awesome dance moves that keep you healthy and energized! It doesn't matter what your size or shape is—or even if you can't dance. Shaun T will teach you cool, new steps with rad music so you'll be rockin' out in no time! These workouts are so much fun, you won't even feel like they're exercise!

What I want to do is get a group of parents and kids together in a private Facebook group and we will all workout to this program together and share how it is going! How fun would that be? Working out with your kids and sharing in the journey with them? If this is something you would be interested let me know and I can help you purchase the program and get you into the group! Together we can do this!

Linking up for Motivation Monday!

I can see the finish line!

Ummmm, do you all realize that next Thursday (as in a week from tomorrow) will be my last day of the Les Mills Combat 60 Day Challenge? Is that really possible? Where in the world did those 60 days go? Not to fear I am working on a wrap up post to share my thoughts and results after these 60 days. Now it is just a matter of figuring out what to do next! Originally we were going to do the hardest Combat Challenge Calendar next (we started with the easiest) but now that we are Beachbody Coaches we also have two other programs we can choose from. So currently it is between Combat Ultimate Warrior, Insanity, and TurboFire. My preference is TurboFire and I am pretty sure my husband wants to do Insanity. We will see who wins!

Okay, now for the business end of the things. The weigh-in! I am, of course, linking up with Heather, Ash, and Bailey for this wonderful weekly link-up! If you haven't checked them out you really should! So, this morning I weighed in at 208.6! Yep, you read that right there is a zero in there and not at the end but in the middle! I have broken into a new decade and onederland is just right around the corner! Only 2.5 more pounds and I am half way there! I quite honestly cannot remember the last time I weighed less than 210, that is how long it has been! I am just feeling SO great about this journey!

I hope you all had a great week too!

How and Why You Should Take Progress Pictures

So the topic of this blog is very similar to my post from last week on taking your measurements. But this time the topic is pictures. Anyone who has taken a before picture knows it isn't fun but as someone who did it I can tell you I am VERY glad I did. I just wish I would have seen this video before taking my pictures because I would have done them a bit differently. The point is though no matter how you took your pictures you will be happy you have them as you start to see changes. And if it really is too painful to look at them have someone else take them and then save them in a folder on your computer and don't open it up until you are ready to see some change!

Just like with your measurements you should NOT be taking your picture weekly. I used to do that and then would get mad/discouraged/sad when there wasn't a change from week to week. When I switched to every 30 days I was SHOCKED at the change! I have shared my transformation pictures on here before and you can find them on my Comparison Photos tab. Whenever I am feeling down about my journey, like I'm not losing fast enough, like I will never see a change in the scale/stamina/ability I go back and look at these photos and am constantly amazed at just far I have really come! I can't wait to take my Combat 60 day photos next week and see all the changes!!!

Here is a little video on taking your before and after photos! When I start my next program I will definitely be doing all 12 poses!





 

Tips and Tricks Tuesday!!!

Hey all!

It's Tuesday!!  Time to share your healthy living tips and tricks, or to seek the wisdom of others to make this journey a little smoother.

<div align="center"> <a href="http://likea2-year-old"><img border="0" alt="Like a 2-Year-Old" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5vgvQItVa9RsKK-n-IN3AX-lNQeyZcmsvOg_VBp-qfF11JNhDG2QoW3xOm0617dnOnkO3hNttO8DoRgngoyzhtuOm-KFnt3Ds8MT3TvZY_iGhtJc9PnIIYAe4hHiRgQx6KxeMvpQm_Q/s640/blogger-image--1974888572.jpg"/></a></center>

Thanks for everyone who shared last week!  Here are the top three most viewed links.

Healthy and Fit Homeschool Mom shared a fantastic workout.

Like a 2-Year-Old shared her questions about her upcoming first 5K and looked for advice from you!

Seeing Less of Kristin shared why it's important to Track Your Measurements.

('

Challenge Groups and NSV

In 5 months I lost 30 pounds, I gained a TON of confidence (hello I am in shorts up there people), I feel stronger, healthier, just all around better. I can honestly say that a lot of this change is thanks to the challenge group I joined in July. They gave me the support, motivation, encouragement, and extra push I needed to keep pushing play when I didn't want to. When I wanted to eat everything in front of me at a party, they were there to help me through. When I wanted to "just skip that one workout", I knew I would have to admit that to me group and that gave me the courage to do it anyway. When I have doubted myself, they have showed me how far I have come. When I have felt alone, they have reminded me that I am not. When I have been proud of myself (like I am today) they have been my biggest cheerleaders!

So, with all that said I am getting ready to start my first challenge group in the coming weeks and only have a few spots available. If you want more information let me know!

Now for my NSV for the week. Um...see above! I wore shorts and looked good in them! Very exciting moment! I also found THREE more pairs of jeans in my closet that fit me. AND I found my next goal pants in the closet. I can zip them up now but they are not comfortable. I hope to fit in them comfortably by the end of September!

How about you? What are your NSV's this week?