Lollipop Guild, flu bug and Kristen! What a day?

I got the ear worm of the Lollipop Guild in my head when I woke up this morning.  I love the end of that song when the guys are backing up and victory shaking at Dorothy.  The song has been in my head ALL DAY. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_CAs3q7G48

Once I rolled myself out of bed, I had a very lazy day.  No exercise, just lounging.  My tummy and body felt horrible.  Here's hoping that my day of rest will help me shake this bug.

On a positive note, I was able to get caught up on laundry.  It's the little thing?

I am so proud of my friend Kristen Foley!  She has lost 10 pounds during the Cleanse Phase (the first 10 days) of her first Advocare 24 Day Challenge.  Kristen is an avid runner and an inspiration!  I am so proud of her!  Like me, Kristen has made health a central focus of her life.  Through running and great choices, she has maintained an incredible weight loss and completely overhauled her life.  I am constantly inspired.  Check out her awesome story in Shape Magazine:

http://www.shape.com/weight-loss/success-stories/how-shape-reader-kristen-foley-lost-104-pounds

Hartley High School is a SUPER STAR maker.  =D

I am going to bed early and meeting my Dad for Water Aerobics in the morning.

Spark Baby~

Did I have no friends? Goggle glasses in the house.

I know I was heavy, but nobody was honest with me about my glasses or hairdo?  I looked 50 and I was 35.  OY to the VEY!

Day 30 - I am officially 1/2 the person I used to be! 141 pounds gone!

At my heaviest, I weighed 282 pounds.  I am 5'3".  I was built like the letter O.  I was miserable.

On August 31, 2008, I had roux en y (gastric bypass surgery).  I needed to save my life.  At the time, my Mom was on a ventilator and recovering from almost dying.  I did not want to follow in her steps and knew that getting my insurance approval meant I had to be selfish and have the surgery.  I only spent 1 night in the hospital because Mom was so sick.  I traveled to Barix Clinics in Michigan.  Had surgery and drove back the next day.  I was deathly allergic to the liquid pain medication so went without any pain meds, after having my guts completely re-arranged.  I spent my days in recovery, sitting by my Moms side at Mount Carmel West. During the early days of my surgery recovery, a code blue was called on my Mom.  She almost died again.  I tried to truck forward and celebrated none of my weight loss success.

Fast forward to Saint Patrick's Day weekend 2013.   My fiance's daughter Amber and her boyfriend introduced Clay and I to Advocare.  We wanted to help the kids out and wth?  I only had some weight to lose.  What a difference a month and 1/2 makes?  Since starting the 24 day Advocare Challenge, I have lost 16 pounds!! 16!!

I am officially 1/2 the person I was here:

This 16 pound weight loss dwarfs my previous 125 weight loss in size but surpasses any and all weight-loss success I have ever achieved. I feel amazing.  And better...I am proud of me.  I am enjoying my success.

Everyday, I thank God for the Advocare program.  It has not been a diet for me.  It has been a complete life overhaul.  Physically. AND MENTALLY.  My health and nutrition are my number 1 priorities.

So, what does the future look like?

I am planning to run in my first 5K on May 19, 2013
I am going to Kings Island to ride EVERY ride on May 5, 2013

This song, embodies my attitude:
Ain't nothing gonna break my stride!

Day 28: Dream a little Dream.

I learned that a dream has four phases: Dream, Distress, Development and Destination. I have learned that I cannot allow myself to live in the distress phase.  While I know it is inevevitable on the journey, I need to move myself from distress to development to continue growing.  Read a book, get on-line, learn from others.

 All I can share is that I have felt distress but know that My Destination of Health and Wellness are more important than any setback.

Today is a non-running day for my 5K.  Not sure what I am doing, but it will be focused and fun.

Continuing to live my life inspired.

Love, Kris

Day 26 - Down another pound - finally!

Day 26: Yes, I am stalking my scale(I weigh myself every morning). I am down another pound. I would like to thank Audra Miller-Schaar and Leo Radel for my day of Boot Camp and Water Aerobics yesterday.

I also found out that I have an interview next week for two jobs!  I am so excited as one is my dream job!  I am praying and trying to do the right things.

Today, I am delivering a few cleanses, meeting with clients and training for my 5K.

What a difference a month makes?

Love and Spark!

Kris

Day 24: Feeling Great!

Day 24 of my first 24 Day Challenge: Cannot believe I have had nothing but water to drink for almost a month? Feeling great. Now, time to continue my healthy eating, supplements and training for my first 5K. Li/oving life!! Happy Day friends.

I just finished my couch to 5K training for today.  I am on week 4, day 2.  I still do not love it and am ever in search of the elusive runners high.  Maybe when I can run further?

Today, I look forward to living life to the fullest.  Seeing some old friends and spending some time with my Mom.

Today is also, we are celebrating beware of Doug day.  My cousin Doug was taken too early.  We are trying to remember his gentle spirit and kind smile in the following way:

 

REMINDER: Tomorrow is 1st Annual Beware of Doug Day. All that means is that we are spreading kindness to the world in little thoughtful ways as a way to celebrate Doug's beautiful life. Please share your experiences tomorrow to all.

I have attached the couch to 5K training below.  If I can do it...you can do it. This is possible, friends:

Week	Workout 1	Workout 2	Workout 3
1	Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.	Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.	Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.
2	Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.	Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.	Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes.
3	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following: Jog 200 yards (or 90 seconds) Walk 200 yards (or 90 seconds) Jog 400 yards (or 3 minutes) Walk 400 yards (or three minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following: Jog 200 yards (or 90 seconds) Walk 200 yards (or 90 seconds) Jog 400 yards (or 3 minutes) Walk 400 yards (or three minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then do two repetitions of the following: Jog 200 yards (or 90 seconds) Walk 200 yards (or 90 seconds) Jog 400 yards (or 3 minutes) Walk 400 yards (or three minutes)
4	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 2-1/2 minutes) Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 2-1/2 minutes) Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 2-1/2 minutes) Jog 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Walk 1/8 mile (or 90 seconds) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)
5	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes) Walk 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog two miles (or 20 minutes) with no walking.
6	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Jog 3/4 mile (or 8 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then: Jog 1 mile (or 10 minutes) Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes) Jog 1 mile (or 10 minutes)	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2-1/4 miles (or 22 minutes) with no walking.
7	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes).	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes).	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.5 miles (or 25 minutes).
8	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes).	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes).	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 2.75 miles (or 28 minutes).
9	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes).	Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes).	The final workout! Congratulations! Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 3 miles (or 30 minutes).

Day 23: Healthy Dinner with Brown Spanish Rice - Clay was not a fan.

Day 22: Why wait for Summer?

Clay and I have lost a combined 35.5 pounds so far and are on Day 22 of our first 24 Day Challenge. Who wants to join us for challenge #2, starting April 22?

Getting group B together for a start date.

Aldi - Food Porn

I had the opportunity to research the German Grocery Chain Aldi a few years ago.  I had no idea that it was family owned, huge, revolutionary in developing a new grocery experience and the owner of Trader Joe's.  After my research paper, I became an Aldi disciple.  Through this 24 day challenge, I have found that I can buy EVERYTHING I need at Aldi.  There is no shame in my game.  Inexpensive, quality food?  DONE.

Here was my Aldi Grocery List:

Oven roasted Almonds (the bomb)
Natural Peanut Butter
Brown Caramel Rice Cakes (my favorite)
Eggs
Turkey Breast for Roasting
Veggies including: Cukes, Tomatoes, Squash, Peppers, Onions, Asparagus
Fruit including: Apples, Grapes, Lemons, Strawberries, Kiwi(on sale now), Bananas
Ground Turkey
Hamburger
Pork Loin
Brown Rice
Wheat Pasta
Marinara Sauce
Hummus
Salsa
Turkey Meatballs
Asian Veggies with the Soy Pack - I make unfried rice by adding a couple of eggs and a little bit of brown rice
Flavored Waters - The Black Cherry is the bomb

I spend on average 50-60 dollars a week for our family of 3.  To me, this is cheapy McCheaperton from Cheaptown.  It makes it easier for me to justify my Advocare Supplement Expenses.  I no longer drink coffee, cream or pop.  The challenge has paid for itself for our family!

Happy Shopping!  Oh, and if you are looking to try the challenge, find out more information below or give me a call or text at 740-438-2769!!!

Here is a link the Advocare 24 day Challenge:

https://www.advocare.com/130331960/24DayChallenge/Default.aspx

To our success!  Love, Kris

Wedding Dress Shopping?

Day 20:  Sipping my Spark and excited about my day.  I am down a dress size and possibly 2~  Methinks this is a good day to try on wedding dresses! 

Why is this such a big deal for me?  Well, my first wedding dress shopping experience was a nightmare.  I scheduled an appointment at David's Bridal in 2001.  While I was not at my heaviest, I was at least at 240 pounds.  I was a size 18W and feeling very self-conscience.  My sister and mom went with me.  It was horrific!  The lady that helped us only had two dresses for me to try on. AT DAVIDS BRIDAL.  I wore a size 22 or 24 in wedding dresses, which made me feel even fatter.

The dresses that I did try on were UGLY and not me at all.  Because of this embarrassing experience, I ended up ordering my dress on-line.  My friend took it in for me and I never loved it.  =(

I am hoping to change this.  While weight is not everything, the world treats you differently when you are not fat.  Horrific but true. 

Here is a picture of me at my heaviest...I never want to forget this girl.  That smile was a front for unhappiness and misery. 

I chose to live every day to the fullest.  I cannot wait to try on dresses!!

Bacon is meat candy t-shirt? = making my 5k training somehow...worth it!

Day 18! Crockpot Love.

Day 18 of our initial 24 Day Challenge: made healthy stuffed peppers in the worlds oldest slow cooker. Will try not to gloat about the smell when we get home, later...Happy Day, friends.

Pinterest-obsession. Check out my Advocare Pins - Lots of Great Ideas

http://pinterest.com/krisradel/advocare-24-day-challenge-ideas/

Cleanse - Infused Water Ideas!

Great ideas for sprucing up your water!

SPRING CLEANSE ~ YOUR BODY ~ Yes another post abut water lol. But if you really want to cleanse then DRINK, DRINK, DRINK. Here are 8 home made vitamin water recipes to help you keep the water flowing!

As a rule, you should try to avoid as much as possible industrial food and beverages

1) The classical : lemon/cucumber:
Mix in a pitcher: 10 cups of water + 1 cucumber and a lemon, thinly sliced + 1/4 cup fresh finely chopped basil leaf + 1/3 of finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

2) The granite : Strawberry/Lime or Raspberry/Lime
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 6 strawberries / 0r Raspberries and one thinly sliced lime + 12 finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

3) The digestive : Fennel/citrus
First: infuse 1 to 3 grams of dried and crushed fennel in 150 ml of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Allow to cool.
Mix in a pitcher: 10 cups of water + lemon juice (put the leftover lemon in the mix) + a small thinly sliced orange + 12 fresh chopped mint leaves + the infusion of fennel seeds. Leave in refrigerator overnight before serving.

4) The antiOX : Blackberry/Sage
Note that a part from the berries, sage leafs is the herb that has the highest antioxidant content.
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of blackberries that have been very slightly crushed + 3-4 sage leaves. Leave in refrigerator overnight before serving.

5) WATERmelon : watermelon/Rosemary
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of watermelon cut into cubes + 2 rosemary stems. Leave in refrigerator overnight before serving.

6) The exotic : Pineapple/Mint
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of pineapple cut into cubes + 12 fresh mint leaves finely chopped. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

7) The traditional : Apple/cinnamon
Mix in a pitcher : 10 cups of water + 1 cup of apple cut into cubes + 2 cinnamon sticks + 2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

8.) The zingibir : Ginger/tea
In advance: heat 1 teaspoon of ginger in two cups of tea, let it cool down.

Mix in a pitcher: 10 cups of water with two cups of the ginger tea + 4-5 pieces of fresh ginger cut into cubes. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Day 16. So proud of Clay! Down 22 pounds~

So proud of Clay Monsour! We are on day 16 of our 24 day challenge and he is down 22 pounds. Hubba Hubba. @@

Down 22lbs now..... this AdvoCare 24 day challenge is unstoppable!

Day 15! Feeling Great!

My Spark and I are headed to Mari Morse Radel to clean her crib! Day 15: No coffee or Pop. Spark baby~

I do not even recognize me.

Going through some old pictures. This was me at my heaviest (almost 3 Bills). This is right after my Mom got so sick the first time. Wow - unhappy and scary times - I can honestly say that I was eating my emotions away~ I barely recognize this girl. I was only 34. As Dolly says, "you can't have a rainbow, without the rain." 

Coffee No More - Expense and the Cream is not worth it!

This was interesting. While I have given up coffee for the time being, I never really realized the extra calories I was consuming by pouring in cream. I would drink 3-5 large cups a day which meant an extra 200-300 calories a day. Think about the bacon I could have consumed? Opportunity Cost realized. @@.

Are Your Bad Habits As Bad As You Think? | Yahoo! Health

1/2 way point on the Advocare Challenge.

Us on Day 1 and Day 12 of our 24 Day Challenge. Clay Monsour is down 16 and I am down 10.5. We are also still completely off of Coffee and Pop! Half way baby~

Day 3 and 4 - AWESOME!

Well, instead of an exhaustive post about what we ate all day.  From breakfast until lunch on both days, I had about the same.  I really changed it up with dinner, though.

Day 3 Dinner:  We had Tilapia and healthy fried rice.  For the Tilapia, we cut fresh lemons and added salt and pepper.  For the friend rice, I got a frozen pack of asian veggies from Aldi.  We added some cooked rice and a few eggs.  YUM-O.

Day 4 Dinner:  We went to an Advocare Mixer and had a late dinner.  We had Chipotle.  In my bowl I had: A wee bit of brown rice, green peppers and onions, 2 scoops of mild and one scoop of green salsa.  Who said you can't have a great dinner while on a cleanse?  NOT ME.

Also, BIG NEWS.  Clay and I have decided to really focus on Advocare for extra income.  We would like to share our positive experience on purpose.  We are making the commitment in the morning and hopefully making a difference.  We are so excited to share our love of these products.

Until tomorrow,

Peace, love and CHIPOTLE.

Kris and Clay