Non-Scale Victory!

Well, I got a little excited and shared my NSV for this week on Tuesday but I am sharing it again because I am excited!

This sweater used to fit me (meaning I used to fill it out) and now it is my big baggy comfy around the house sweater! And, those jeans were my goal jeans, the ones I have been waiting to fit into. Well not only do they fit but they are already getting saggy in the butt! Time to buy a new pair of goal jeans I think!

Also, check out my progress pics from yesterday and my 30 day Insanity Review . It has been a busy week around these parts!

What are your NSVs this week?

Progress Pics!

So, I actually weighed in yesterday when I did my 30 Day Insanity Review but I will re-cap real quick! I am of course linking up with Heather, and Ash for Weigh-In Wednesday!

This week I weighed in at an even 196. That is exactly 5 pounds from getting out of the obese BMI which I am pretty excited about (even though I don't consider myself obese anymore, just overweight)! That is also a loss of 1.2 pounds for the week. I have the rest of my 30 Day and weekly stats on yesterdays post.

So, that brings me to the fun part of today! The progress pics! I had a lot of fun putting these together last night (which explains why there are three of them). I am having a hard time believing just how far I have come! Thank you all for being on this journey with me!

Insanity 30 Day Review

Well today is officially day 30 of Insanity (somehow in my head day 30 was Sunday but clearly I was wrong) so this morning I weighed myself and took my measurements and I am here to share with you my Month One results!

I guess I will start with my pros and cons!

Pros:

1. It pushes me right on past any limits I thought I had. I am amazed at what my body can do today that it couldn't do 66 pounds ago!
2. Shaun T makes you want to work for it. He makes want to keep pushing!
3. At the same time Shaun T also tells you that when your heart rate is too high you need to take a break and that is okay. It is nice to see these super fit people taking a short break to catch their breath and bring their heart rate down and then get right back into it. It makes you understand that we are all human and shouldn't push ourselves past the safe zone.
4. I love that they have the fit test every few weeks so you can really see your improvement (the next one isn't until next week I will share how far I have come in a month then!)
5. I love that the second month is all new workouts, I am excited to see what comes next.
6. Um SO much more, I could really go on and on here.

Cons:

1. This is definitely not a beginner program. I am SO glad we did Combat first and built up our strength and stamina before ever trying this one out. You don't have to be in great shape (I'm not) to do it but you also shouldn't be just starting out. It is more of a graduate program!
2. It is hard? Hahahaha, I think that is the point and not really a con!
3. I don't really have any other cons, I am sore a lot and I hurt my knee but I modified and am back and feeling great. It pushes you, as it should!

Okay, so there are your pros and cons so far! We will see if they change in month two! Now on to the measurements!

I am pretty excited to report 6.6 pounds and 4.5" gone in just 30 days! And, I heard that you see way better results in Month Two! Cannot wait to see where this will take me!

This is my weight chart from MFP for the last year! It is pretty cool to see how far I have come! I just wish I had started tracking earlier!

I will have the official 30 Day pictures for you tomorrow during weigh in Wednesday but I will leave you with this one!

My sweater that I used to fill is now serving as a BIG comfy weekend sweater! AND those jeans I have on...yeah those were my goal jeans! Not only do they fit but they are already getting a little saggy!

Beachbody has seriously changed my life and I am so beyond happy about the changes! I know I say it a lot but I would love to help anyone out there meet their goals! Just message me or comment below!

Tips and Tricks Tuesday #12

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.

Join us and share all of your amazing weight loss advice, or link up a topic you are looking to get some advice on from others.

<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 to all of you amazing people who shared last week! We had some great info linked up!

We had a huge group of most viewed links, so I'm going to share two of my favorites.

Strength and Sunshine shared, a yummy breakfast picture, smoothie recipe, and some great plank variations.

Made to Glow shared so many great Tips to Help Make Exercise Part of Your Routine.

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!

The Great Pumpkin Swap

I decided to participate in the 2nd Annual Great Pumpkin Swap with Kristin and Becky this year because I had so much fun doing it last year! I love the idea of getting to know another person through your blogs and emails and then sending them a gift! Plus you get one back so really it is win/win!

This year I was partnered with Deidre over at Raising Future Esthers. It was fun getting to know each other and realizing we shared a fondness for decorating for fall and the holidays as well as all things pumpkin and of course the fall staple, the scarf!

I'm not going to lie, I was pretty excited when I got home today and there was a package on the counter waiting for me! Deidre sent a lovely package complete with a lovely card, Halloween hand towels, a cute chalk board sign that she had written "Happy Fall" on, a pumpkin spice candle (yes it is already burning) and of course a scarf!

Opening the package!

My awesome gifts!

Can't wait for next year!

Weigh-In Wednesday

This will be a quick one today. I am tired and crazy busy!

I lost another 1.4 pounds this week which puts me at a total loss of 65 pounds! Gosh, that feels awesome! Sunday will be my official 30 day picture, measurement, weight check in for Insanity. It is hard to believe we are almost 30 days in already. At the end of this week month one is done and we are moving on to recover week and then month 2! Super excited and super scared! Month one was hard so I can't imagine what changes month 2 will bring! Bring it on Shaun T!

If you missed it, check out my post from Monday on my newest motivation. But really, this guy right down there is my real motivation. I am getting fit for him, I bringing clean eating into our home for him, I am starting this business for him! What is your motivation, or your why?

Linking up with Heather, and Ash for Weigh-In Wednesday!

Tips and Tricks Tuesday #11

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.

Join us and share all of your amazing weight loss advice, or link up a topic you are looking to get some advice on from others.

<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 to all of you amazing people who shared last week! We had some great info linked up!

Here are the top three most viewed links.

Seeing Less of Kristin shared her transformation pictures.

The Jenny Evolution shared her inspiration and motivation to lose weight in the post No Wedding Ring for Me Because I'm Fat.

Jens Journey shared some great info about Streaming vs. DVDs.

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!

Motivation Monday

I wasn't going to write a post today and then I saw these pictures and knew I had to.

This is why I joined the Beachbody family. These results are amazing and just a tiny percentage of the results people are seeing. It makes me proud to be a part of this organization and excited for my next progress pictures next weekend!

So, I am starting a fitness challenge, like a “Biggest Loser” type of challenge on October 28th! We’ll workout, eat clean, and keep each other ON TRACK through the holidays!! Together we will get our bodies "BEACH-READY" just in time for the NEW YEAR!

I'm SO excited to have a PLAN and stay FOCUSED starting this month right on through to the end of the year. Give yourself the GIFT of Health this Christmas, JOIN ME for the next 60 days and change your life. The only requirements are working out to a Beachbody program and/or drinking Shakeology!

We Can Do This Together!

I’m just going to accept 5-6 people in this group so reserve your space now! Want more details?? Email me or Comment below!

Oh, one more motivation for me this week! I got this in the mail on Friday! Love that they recognize us every step along the way! The button on the top right is actually a pin that I can wear with pride!

Linking up with these fabulous ladies today!


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

Weighing In

Pretty excited to report that I lost another pound this week! That puts me at 198.6! My newest goal is to be far enough into the 190s by the time I have my yearly on November 11th that they have to have the little scale thing on 150 instead of 200 or 250 as it has been in years past! I plan on saying nothing and letting them put it on the highest and having to move it down! Can't wait to see the change! That is also one day before my birthday so what a gift that will be! Linking up with Heather, Ash, and Bailey for Weigh-In Wednesday again this week!

Speaking of my birthday, for the last few years I have told my husband no gifts and he has grudgingly agreed. I decided this year I wanted something so I found a groupon for a 60 minute massage and asked him if I could get it for myself from him for my birthday! He said yes and it is purchased. I am going to try and take the Friday after my birthday off, sleep in, and get my massage! Cannot wait!

Insanity update! We did the day 15 fit test on Monday and I can already see improvements in a lot of the moves! It is still hard (as it should be) but I can do more and more reps of each move as each day passes! Also, I have lost over 2 inches since starting this just two weeks ago! That feels pretty awesome! Looking forward to day 30 and 60 pictures and measurements.

And last, did you see this pic I posted the other day? I am shocked at how far I have come and can't wait to keep going. I have a new challenge group starting at the end of the month to help you get through the holidays that much closer to your resolution before you ever have to make it! If you are interested comment below or shoot me an email! I would love to help you get to your goals!

Tips and Tricks Tuesday #10

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.

Join us and share all of your amazing weight loss advice, or link up a topic you are looking to get some advice on from others.

<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 to all of you amazing people who shared last week! We had some great info linked up!

Congrats to K May for winning the Bow variety pack from last week! Random.org chose your comment - check your email because I need your address!

Come follow me and I'll follow you right back!

Clean Eating 2 Bean Chili

I made this recipe earlier this week and loved it so much I knew I had to share it! The originial recipe is Clean Eating 4 Bean Chili but I didn't want to make 10 servings of something I had never had before so I cut it in half and made Clean Eating 2 Bean Chili with red bell pepper! Next time I will make the full recipe and freeze half because it was AWESOME and I will continue to add the bell pepper for sure. So here is the recipe as adapted by me!

Ingredients:
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15oz) can black beans, drained (I used low sodium on both cans of beans)
1 (15oz) can kidney beans, drained
1 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (again used low sodium)

Directions:
1. Saute the onions, garlic, and bell pepper in the olive oil, using a medium-sized soup pot.
2. Add all other ingredients and stir to combine.
3. Bring to a boil. Allow to boil for approximately 10 minutes and remove from heat.
4. Allow to cool (I let it sit for about 5 minutes) and serve.

I did serve mine with a tablespoon of sour cream and 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese. It was to die for!

What is your favorite fall soup/chili recipe?

LOVE Transformation Pictures

Yes, I know that it is NSV day and not Transformation Day but I am doing both because I am so excited about this...

So exciting! I have obviously lost more than that all together but almost 50 pounds in less than a year and almost 30 in 3 months? AWESOME!!!!

Okay, NSV time! First, not one single pair of my work pants fit me anymore. Two of them are so big on me that one tiny tug from my son and down they come! So, I will probably need to be thrifting it up this weekend for some interim work pants while I work toward my goal! Also, last week I put on a bracelet that I never wear because it has always been way too small and it fit and had room to spare! I was SUPER excited!!!! AND...I have a necklace that my husband bought for me years ago that has a tiny silver chain and a little silver cross that I have always loved but when I gained all the weight I couldn't wear it anymore around my big fat neck. Well...it fits again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited to be able to wear it, I would do it every day if I could!

What are your NSVs for the week?

I am so excited I have no witty title!

Okay, why don't we just jump right into this! I am linking up with Heather, Ash, and Bailey for Weigh-In Wednesday (which I sadly missed last week for who knows what reason). This morning I looked at my scale and it said this...

Yep! That's right I am in ONDERLAND!!!!!!!!!!!! Not very far in but who cares I am there and am just going to keep on going down! I seriously almost cried when I got on the scale this morning! I don't honestly remember the last time I saw that number on the scale. I am REALLY looking forward to my annual female appointment in November so I can shock the heck out of my doctor and her nurse!

This also means I get my next reward which is SHOES! Oh, how I love shoes. I don't think I have ever conveyed to you all just how much I love shoes, I think my husband was a little surprised that all of my rewards weren't shoes! So, I do believe on Monday I should have some lovely new shoes to show off!

Another, great victory this week is that not one pair of my work pants fits me anymore. I have a couple that I have been waiting to fit in to that I will try this weekend but I think I am going to need to thrift it up and find some pants to fill in while I keep trucking toward my goal weight! I now have 49.6 pounds to go before I hit my final goal weight!

I am on week 2 of Insanity and loving it so far. It kicks my rear for sure but man do I feel like I really accomplished something! We did Pure Cardio last night and at the beginning he says, "I don't know about you but I'm nervous about what is coming up." Really gives you some confidence right? NOT! I love that guy though he motivates you to keep pushing!

Hope you all had a great week!

Foods That Fight PMS?

So, I was on Lupron for six months and that means no period for me. I am forcing my body back on schedule this month and found this article interesting! I suffer from endometriosis so "that time of the month" is miserable for me and everyone around me. I will be giving some of these pointers a try!

http://www.teambeachbody.com/about/newsletters/-/nli/294#315810302 (The article I am referencing is over half way down the newsletter).

So according to this article there are more natural ways of dealing with pain, bloating, and fatigue.

Pain: Generally I have to take prescription pain pills to get through these days - they suggest Omega-3s, Vitamin E (avocados), and Vitamin D (yay for mushrooms!)

Crankiness - They suggest bananas or cherries! I am all about that!

Bloating - Skip the salt silly! It will be interesting to see if my new clean eating routine will help here since we don't eat a ton of salt anymore and avoid a lot of foods high in sodium.

I will check back in next month and let you all know how it goes! Do you have any natural remedies?