Monday, May 30, 2011

Protein

I have spent awhile looking through countless numbers of proteins. I really want to start taking a protein shake. As well as an Energy Supplement. [Maybe] I really do have a lack of energy. Yes, I know most of, if not all of the reason is because I am so overweight and lazy [I hate that word!] I think taking an energy supplement will help me a whole lot in getting my butt to the gym!!

The question is: Do I take pills or shakes? [for engery not protein] I really dont know anything about this stuff. This is why I am posting it on here so all of you can weigh in on your opinions.

Here is what I have come up with so far..Please if any of you reading have tried this or heard anything about this, let me know! I'm doing this based on things online not personal opinions. Also, if you've tried a different protein not listed, please share!

I was reading up on Things you should look for in protein. The biggest thing that caught my eye was the amount off protein & "fillers" in the product your buying. I dont know about you, but I want to get my moneys worth. Times are tough right now and I dont have money to waste. Obviously your going to want to get a powder that has the most protein in it if thats what your trying to get out of it, which in fact I am.

1. GNC WELLbeING® be-BUFF™ Protein & Fiber Complex Mix
[This has 59% protein in it. There are only 14 SERVINGS! Now I dont know about you, but I think that is crazy! Why would I spend $25 on something that only has 14 servings? That is $1.85/serving. Okay Okay! Give me a break, realistically if your going to go somewhere like Smoothie King or GNC and get a protein shake, it is going to cost much more! On another note..there are other proteins that i've seen that are only $0.86/serving! But also other factors, you get what you pay for! I saw this quote on a website I was on, I loved it! "Buying a protein is like buying a car: Different options for different price ranges" so so true!]

2. GNC Total Lean Shake
[This has 19% Protein in it. There are only 16 servings in this, which makes that $1.87/serving. Im go to say NO to this one, unless one of you have good things to say about it. There is not much in there, and why would I buy something with only 19% protein in it? What's the point of it in the first place?]

3.100% Casein Protein
[This has 74% Protein! Much of an improvement to the other two! For some reason it doesn't say how many servings are in it, not sure why. Its an online buy only. Casein is: The main protein present in milk and (in coagulated form) in cheese. It is used in processed foods and in adhesives and paints.
Umm, the last part makes me wonder what in the world Casein is doing in food!? Gross! I can't imagine it tasting very good! This does seem like a good buy because of the high amount of protein in this. I will have to do some deeper research as to how many servings there are in this. I will keep you updated. I will also be updating what I decide to buy. I might even take my camera along with me and vlog it. We shall see!]

I know there are lots of things to consider when choosing a protein and I am just trying to weigh all my options. Proteins are not cheap so I want to make sure I'm getting the best buy. I dont want to just walk into a vitamin store [i.e. Vitamin Shoppe/GNC] and say "I want a weightloss protein shake" and have them direct me to the most expensive thing because they want a big sale. I'm not into all that. I will do my research and read reviews and see what I come across. These three were the ones I came across online that seemed good to review.

Do you take protein? Do you take pre-workout drinks? Let me know! I'm very interested, specifically in what you women take before/after a workout! Comments are Welcome! :) Oh & speaking of comments..It will not let me comment back for some reason! I will try to get this figured out. It keeps saying I need to sign in, but I already am signed in. Ahhh So aggervating! So I am not ignoring you all, I do read your comments! :) You can always personally email me at mybigchange@yahoo.com

Get Fit!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Books, Juice & TV!

Heres A Bunch Of Randomness In A Blog! [Thoughts Just Kept Running Through My Head Of Things To Say!]

A friend of mine e-mailed me the other day recommending a book to me. It is a book called Naturally Thin by Bethenny Frankel, some of you may know her from the show, The Real Housewives Of New York City. I have known that she wrote a book, but never took any interest in it. I will definitely be purchasing this book on my next Amazon order :)

The other day, I was watching the show The Doctors. There was a guest on there by the name of Joe Cross. What he did fascinated me. He went on a fasting diet on JUICE! Yep, JUICE! Of course not the sugary naturally flavored junk. He would take all fresh veggies/fruit and juice them in a juicer and drink it! Now I'm not absolutely for sure on all of this, but I think that that's all he ate. [or drank!] He didn't go into complete depth of his story, but he does have a website where you can check out his story! He lost 100lbs in 60 days! Now, in my mind, that is not healthy! I am thinking about doing this. I will not trade it for meals, but maybe have a "juice" for a snack. A place I worked at made juices from fresh fruit/veggies. One thing I do know, Carrots & Beet Juice, completely delicious!! There are also recipes on the website of things he juiced. I do own a juicer..I own this juicer! I got it on sale for $70. Well worth the money!! I do not use it alot right now, but for people who are "all natural"  it is good for! Ive made Apple Juice/Orange Juice. It is yummy but you must remember, there is going to be the pulp in it! After all, it is natural! I think people have gotten away from eating natural foods. I was never brought up with natural foods and healthy foods. I always ate fast food [because of it's convenience] I was just reading a magazine last night and there was a picture of a celebrity [I dont remember who] that was picking their own lettuce!!! I thought that was the coolest thing! I've never seen such a thing!..But I do remember going Apple Picking when I was a younger kid ;) That was alot of fun! I will definitely be experimenting different juices and giving you all recipes! One thing I would recommend if you are going to make say Apple Juice or Orange Juice, I personally have found that putting them in the refrigerator helps. If they are just sitting on the counter, the juice is going to be warm. I also find it is easier to just make the serving your going to be drinking right then. It isn't to good to save. But it's all personal preference :)

One more thing for today, on a completely different note! I wanted to give you all a tip on something that helps me workout. THE TELEVISION! Such a great invention :) As soon as I get home I will pick a show that I want to watch while working out. I will go to the gym on my workout days when that show is on! Where I workout there is a TV on every machine! Such a great thing! There is also an Ipod plug-in where you can charge your ipod! [Too bad, I would always use that as an excuse! No Music, No Workout!] Yeahhhh Rigghhhtt! No More! So if you all like a certain show, and you can get to the gym when it is on, it might help you complete a workout! I know that if I'm into the show, i'm going to want to stay on the machine until my show is over! Whether it's 30min/60min it doesnt matter :) Just something I wanted to share!

Good Night <3
Hope you all had a great day!!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Bigelow Tea

I came across this tea the other day. It's so so yummy! Since I am trying to drink way less coffee, I figured this tea/gree tea would be a great alternative & it's caffeine free!. You can click here to go to their website.

I have so far tried the Vanilla Chai and Perfect Peach. I really enjoyed both. Since I am so used to drinking coffee with tons or sugar, and cream, it's a big change to drink tea with nothing in it. I know I could add Honey but if I have the taste with only alittle honey, I wont like it, So I just leave it out. Surprisingly it's not bad just plain. No sugar, No honey, Nothing. I will probably get to the point where I dont drink any coffee, and just stick with tea's. So I will definitely be updating you all on good tea's that I find along the way.

Do any of you have tea that you enjoy? Please share! You can either comment for other's to see or you can email me: mybigchange@yahoo.com

There's just something about drinking tea that makes me feel refreshed. When I drink coffee, I get a stomach ache, and it just doesnt make me feel good. Tea makes me feel better. :) Do any of you feel the same?

Thanks for reading. Short and Sweet <3
Night!

My Starting Weight

My Starting Weight: 246.6

This kills me to type. I am OVER 100 lbs over weight.

I cannot sit here and dwell over this number. If I do, this number will keep creeping up and up. If I EVER go over 250 lbs I will be so disappointed in myself. Don't get me wrong, I already am extremely disappointed in myself. I can't believe I have let myelf get so off track. I will just start from here and get this weight off. Heres are my "mini" goals..

First, I want to go down by 10's. So my first goal will be to hit the 30's, then 20's, and so on.
Second, I want to hit the 100's. Once I hit 199 that will be a very very happy day. I havent seen that in about 5 years. Its going to take probably 6 months but you better bet your butt that I will make it :)
Third, My ultimate goal will be to lose 100 lbs. So be right around 150lbs. I dont have any exact weight right now. I will just have to see when I get there. I really am not even worried about the "number" but the size. Ok no, that came out wrong. I am worried about the number, because thats what all the DR's are worried about a yada yada. But I want to be down to a size 10ish. Right now I am an 18/20. I actually dont know what size I am for sure. I wear maternity jeans/jean shorts. I cant remember the last time I wore an "actual" pair of jeans. They are not comfortable to me. I dont like the buttons and zippers and the maternity's dont have that. Same with shorts. They are just so much more comfortable. For me right now, comfort is all that matters. I have a pair of 15's that are normal jeans. That will be my first goal for clothes to be able to fit in them. I think I wore those about 3 years ago. I remember the first time I couldnt fit into them. We were getting ready to go to dinner for my Fiance's Birthday. I was running late and just decided to throw on a pair of jeans. That is when I discovered they did not fit anymore, and since that day, I have not worn them.

On a different note. There is a show premiering on Monday, May 30 called Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition. I dont know about you guys, but when I watch shows like this, it inspires me to lose weight and workout. Just like, I Used To Be Fat. I really loved that show and I hope they do another season of it!

Please email me if you have any questions, mybigchange@yahoo.com

Thanks for reading!



Friday, May 27, 2011

Hello & Welcome To My BIG Change:)

Hello To Whomever Is Reading,

Thank you for coming along with me on the journey that will be changing my life forever. Weight Loss. I am proud to start this blog and share with the world the struggles I have gone through and the choices I have made in my life that have gotten me where I am today. I know this is going to be a very challenging journey.

I have been saying for years and years that I am going to lose weight. It has never happened. I dont think I really ever wanted it for "ME". You have to want something for yourself to be able to succeed. I have tried buying smaller clothes to hang on the wall to see everyday, that didn't work. I tried buying a bikini to hang on the wall, that didn't work. It will not work if you dont work hard at it and TRY. That is my problem, I wasn't trying. I will be the first person to admit, I am soo soo lazy! I will try to avoid doing the smallest things. Examples: Have someone get a drink for me, when I can get up and get it myself. Have someone else let my dog's out because I am to lazy to get up and do it myself. All of this nonsense has to stop! There is absolutely no excuse for me to be that way. None. What.So.Ever.

I have gotten to the point where I am disgusted to look at myself in the mirror. I don't want to wear anything except for leggings/sweats and a big baggy t-shirt.

I have come up with some things that I will accomplish. I have no set an exact time on when these things will be done by but these are goals of mine that I want to start. Here they are:

1. Workout atleast 30 min a day [for the first 30 days] Then bump it up for 60 min.
2. Walk the dogs atleast twice a day.
3. No fried foods!
4. Try atleast 1 workout class this summer.
5. Wear an outfit out of my comfort zone.
6. Drink WATER WATER WATER.
7. Drink only one cup of coffee a day [this is a huge one for me! I drink probably 3-4 cups a day and put lots of sugar in it!]
8. Drink more hot tea [EX: Green Tea]
9. Make a food journal
10. Stop putting myself down and having negative thoughts.

These are just some of my personal goals that I would like to accomplish. And I want you all to know, I am saying e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g on here. This is going to be like my journal that I come to when I need to let something out or anything. I think that will help me succeed. There might be 1 post a day, there might be 4 or 5. It depends on the day and how I am feeling.

I am doing this blog because I want to share my story with people. If I can atleast influence one person to do this with me, or lose weight I will feel like I have done my job. Even if there is only one person reading this..That's OK! So long as I inspire ONE person! I think me putting everything out there, will help people, of all ages! BTW, I am 20 years old. I will be 21 in 2 months.

This is my thought process on weight loss..I am 20 years old. I have lived 20 years of my life overweight. It has never been to this extreme, but I have always been overweight. Middle School I was a size 12. [which I would kill to be at right now!] In my Freshman year of High school I was a size 14. After I met my now, Fiance, through out 5 1/2 years I have gained 80 pounds. I am now 240lbs, my heaviest. I am not going to lie and say "Im only 200lbs!" because I am not and that would not help me with my weight loss process. So my starting weight is 240lbs give or take a couple lbs. I will give you EXACT weight in my next posting. [i will weight myself in the morning] Anyway, getting back to what I was saying..I am only 20 years old. I havent even lived half my life. Why would I waste anymore time being miserable, and uncomfortable in my body. I was at the gym one time and a lady that worked there came up and said to me "So are you trying to lose weight?" I said Yes. She said "Treat your body good, your the one who has to live in it the rest of your life" I will never forget that. It is so true. I was just thinking the other day, A year has now passed since I have done personal training..I could've stuck with it and lost my 80lbs I wanted to lose. It makes me extremely disappointed in myself. If I keep putting it off like I have been, I will be an old woman and it will be to late. I am young, I need to do it now while it is easier. Once I hit my 30's I have a feeling it wont be very easy. One year or even two years of my life, isnt that long when I think about it, and how it will change the rest of my life.

I get very discouraged when I am working out and get so out of breath I cant breathe. I feel light headed, and just need to sit down. I have chest pains that I have had for alittle over a year now. I am on meds for it. [Opposite side of my heart,thank goodness] I dont know what it is, but it does get aggervated when I workout, so I have to be careful. I do not have patients when it comes to "being patient to see results" I want to see them right then and there! LOL, I know that isnt going to happen!

This workout plan, and all my goals are going to start June 10th-ish. I am currently on vacation and will be ready to go when I get home. I will be posting everyday. I'm not sure if I will be posting my journal entries for my food, unless you all want me too. Please let me know. If anyone reading this has any requests of postings, or questions, I made a specific email just for that. It is mybigchange@yahoo.com I will check it everyday. I will also be posting pictures so I can see my progress along the way.

Please, If you are reading this and want to hate, and call me fat and anything else, Just leave. I do not need to hear that. I've heard that word way to many times in my lifetime and that is why I am putting myself out there for everyone so I can change myself, so I can be happier. So don't hate. This is for people trying to change their life just like me!

I want to thank my friends who are always there for me, and will listen to all my complaints that I have. The three people that mean the most to me in all this is: Blake, My Fiance,Jamie, My Best friend & Tara, My Best Friend<3 thank you guys so much for being there for me always and supporting me!