Calling all baby mamas! Did you recently have a baby or have you carried the weight all through their high school days because you never took the time to make you a priority??
Is this summer the time for you?? Last June I made a commitment to getting myself healthy so that I could be the best wife and mom for my guys. I loved being home and making them a priority, but I totally put myself on the back burner for too long. I'm so thankful I made the choice to build a better me- everyone is benefiting!
Maybe you have always had a goal of
-eating healthy
-doing a 5K
-learning how to cook simple quick family friendly meals that taste good
-saving money and time with grocery shopping
-cutting out the fast food
-getting more active with your family
If so, we would love to invite you to walk along this journey of discovering a new you using the FAVAO 12 Week Program and our Ready...Set...LIVE Accountability Group! Please contact us today to see how
Well it's been a long while since blogging about my FAVAO journey and it's not because it ended, but out of pure forgetfulness and the busyness of life!
So let me update you since August. September - December myself and another bunch of ladies completed a second Ready...Set...LIVE Challenge together. Many lives were changed and hope was initiated for those ladies to see that losing weight is a lifestyle and not just a 12 week program! I lost another 10lbs and 8.5" bringing me to a total of 38lbs and 27". The group as a whole lost 201lbs!!!!!!!! What a way to live life and start your holiday season! The FAVAO Lifestyle allowed me to enjoy the holidays in a way I never have before. I typically left each celebration (we have 6 of them!) feeling guilty, heavy, depressed and annoyed that I had just eaten that much food in a couple of hour time block- but not this year!!! I left feeling satisfied and proud that I made wise choices, healthy portion sizes and balanced my meals as much as possible. I will admit, I snuck some treats, enjoyed them and got back to the meal plan at the next meal. No waiting til Monday to start over, I started at the next meal!
We started Ready...Set...LIVE Challenge 3 on January 28th with 26 challengers to start! We are at the end of Week 4, a third of the way through. I'm as always inspired by the commitment that this group has to take charge of their life. It is a beautiful, encouraging, fun and engaging group of ladies. The sense of community that FAVAO and the Ready...Set..LIVE Challenge has created is amazing. To know that you ALWAYS have someone to lean on is a blessing. To have friends say- "you can do this" "you are strong" "you are worth it" is what keeps me going. If you don't have a circle of friends like this, I encourage you to start friend shopping!!;)
Here are some of the goals that I have achieved since starting FAVAO in June 2012...
JUNE 2012 What is My Outcome?: -25 lbs in 12 weeks CHECK -No thighs rubbing together CHECK -My arms smaller than Dan's CHECK -Get rid of the 3 rolls on my back CHECK -No more baby belly (belly flatter than boobs) I THINK WE ARE ALMOST THERE! -Feel more energy FOR SURE -Use the body God gave me and appreciate it- treat it like the temple it is I'M LEARNING -To have my wedding ring fit ALL the time YES- IT'S TOO BIG NOW! -Not be sore playing on the floor with the kids- MY BONES NO LONGER ACHE! -Feel empowered as a woman- I DO, I CONTROL MY THOUGHTS MUCH BETTER -Speak from experience to women who are struggling- I HOPE TO INSPIRE MORE!
What is My Purpose: -Show my kids and family how to be healthy & active -Show women that they are amazing and unique -Have fun with my kids and husband -Be confident for my husband -Be active & have fun instead of worrying how I look
What is My Strategy: -Follow the meal plan -Be active daily -Cardio 3x's/Resistance 3x's - Week -Take supplements to give my body what it needs -Read affirmations daily -Stay connected with accountability partner -Attend events
WOW How's 12 weeks flown by- now 23 pounds gone, along with 20"! I can't hardly believe it myself. Thank you for following my journey and am excited because it has only just begun. Thank you for your encouragement and support along the way- I totally thrive on that and it keeps me motivated to keep moving forward. I will continue to update this blog with my thoughts as I move on to my next 12 week commitment with Favao starting September 17th.
I think the best way to wrap up this 12 weeks is to share with you the answers I put down to the questions that I answered as I entered the Favao Reset Challenge.
We want you to experience this with us when we start Week 1 on September 17th. Please read through the website, visit www.favao.com and "CONTACT US" for more details on how we can help you sign up for the challenge and participate in our accountability groups!
Why did you start Favao? I started FAVAO for several reasons. Of course, I wanted to lose weight and feel better about my body. I also wanted to get my food habits right, so my weight does not yo-yo for the rest of my life. I watched my mom go up & down after having 5 children and it's not a battle I wanted to deal with in my life. My mom ended up passing away at the age of 51 from a blod clot after a routine gall bladder surgery. She was at her heaviest weight at the time. She was an amazing women and I watched her confidence and love for herself go up and down with her weight. I was well on my way down this path myself and knew that I was the only one who could help me and make that change. There was no one else to blame, with that said it was time for me to RESET my habits and move towards a more comfortable weight and a more confident wife, mom, leader & woman! I also want my kids to have a healthy active lifestyle so that this isn't a struggle or burden that they carry with them into their futures. I want them to see an active, healthy & happy mom that has confidence and energy to play and teach them. The last reason is so that I could give other women some hope that struggle with the same thoughts that cause their yo-yo weight issues. I know that better women make a better world, but if we are not in our ideal bodies with a natural weight, we tend to lose sight of our greatness!
What was the most rewarding aspect? I would say that the most rewarding aspect has been seeing the other women who did it with me reset their food habits and walk through a discovery process. It's so encouraging to see that because of Favao women are on a journey to discovering just how amazing they really are and that it is ok to put yourself first and take care of yourself, so that they can serve others fully. What was the most difficult for you to overcome? SUGAR, portions & negative self talk or justifying why I would eat something. I often told myself "I deserve it", when in reality my body did not deserve the way I was treating it. I made a habit of reading affirmations during this time so that my thoughts were positive and focused on what I CAN accomplish and not on what I can't. I have very little sugar cravings, which was a daily battle for me prior to starting Favao. I have been pregnant or nursing since Oct 2009 and also would use that as a reason to "eat more" I look back and wish I'd follow this meal plan then (Maybe my babies wouldn't have been 9lbs!!) but now I know how I can nourish both my body and theirs with the nutritious food we are eating. I’m so surprised at how big the meal sizes with Favao are, that there are 6/day and how satisfied I am with the meals! I am still working on saying NO when something sweet is offered, but know that I will get there soon, there are a lot of old habits to break in the months to come. There’s always room for growth!
How do you feel about yourself now? Oh my, I think if I could describe it in one word, it would be empowered! When I wrote down my 10 phrases at the beginning they were: chunky, tired, want to hide, self conscious, not healthy, unsexy, full of rolls, too busy for me, lack of confidence, fear filled and uncomfortable. My phrases that describe how I wanted to feel were: energetic, comfortable, confident, sexy, courageous, vibrant, cheerful, using my body right, active and nourished. I really feel like I have improved in all of those areas and am working towards those last 10 phrases. I have already taken on some of the tasks I have been putting off due to a lack of energy or lack of confidence in myself to do it. I feel like I am on my way to greatness and leaving a legacy and know that it is about the journey and not a destination. I am honored that I get to be a great source of hope for other women, especially new moms that are feeling lost or hopeless. Favao is a great starting point and a great way to RESET your food habits, your activity and your thoughts! We are all meant to live a life of significance and when we get our body and thoughts right, there will be nothing stopping us!
What advice would you give others? The first thing that I would say to them is that Favao will be a journey of discovering what has kept you from being at an ideal weight, not just about losing weight. I would recommend the complete system for the full 12 weeks along with at least one accountability partner if not a group to do it with. Our group was so encouraging and motivating. I would also always plan ahead and know that even if it takes an extra 5 minutes to pack a lunch or snack it is worth it- it saves you money, pounds & stress! Read your book, follow the system and know that you are worth it. Your body, mind, significant other, kids and employers/employees will be blessed because of it!
Often times when we are on a weight loss journey or a wellness reset, I think we have a hard time coming up with great ideas to reward ourselves other than going out to dinner to celebrate! Treating yourself with chocolate every time you lose a few pounds is crazy... let's discuss a few ways to say hooray without food!
When it comes to weight loss all of rewards and celebrations along the way should help you get to your ultimate goals, not work against it. AND YES it's okay to spend money on yourself without feeling guilty!
Take a healthy cooking class
Celebrate all your feet do for you- walk, run, bike, hike- get a pedicure
Schedule a photo shoot or family pictures
Splurge for something sparkly
Sign you & a friend up for personal training, yoga or pilates
Enjoy a little spa time
Keep a collection ($5/lb) to go on a shopping spree for your new bod
Buy yourself new workout shoes
Schedule an appointment with your hair stylist for a new do
For each pound lost, a new song for your iPod
A new piece of workout equipment or outfit
A new book that you've been wanting (read it on your treadmill!)
Trip to the beach
Subscription to a fitness magazine
How following the FAVAO Program is rewarding in itself: I'm saving a bunch of money on groceries and food out Clothes are fitting comfortably and some are falling down I have built relationships with other ladies that I wouldn't have otherwise I have lost 20lbs & 20" I have learned to have a healthy relationship with food I now know what portion sizes are right for me and how to prepare a BALANCED meal I fuel my body every 2-3 hours in regards to what I will be doing I feel more confident in public & in front of a room I finally scheduled myself a massage:) My hubby sees me in a better mood more often
Well friends, I am wrapping up week 8 of my FAVAO Challenge. I am down 18lbs & over 16"! I have officially registered for the FAVAO Reset Challenge for the opportunity to win a prize package worth over $3,000 during my upcoming trip to Las Vegas in September. I'm praying, whether or not I win this package, this journey helps many women across the nation realize that they are beautiful, important, uniquely made, and in control of their own destiny in life. We are all meant to live lives of significance and so many times the image of ourselves is what keeps us from reaching everything that we want to be in life.
During this 8 weeks, I have made it a point to keep a gratitude journal beside my bed and write in it every night. I have really learned a new meaning of appreciation in these areas: *My Body- WOW, what an amazing gift that we have in the fact that we have over 200 bones and around 700 muscles. How do we work all of this together everyday and not be thankful for all that it does. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
*My Food- Eating food is NOT a recreational sport!! Hmmmm, how long have I treated it as that? Food is for fueling my 200 bones & 700 muscles so that I can accomplish all that I have to do each day. It is NOT for making me feel better when I am sad, angry or overwhelmed, it is NOT for giving me something to do when I am bored, it is NOT for entertaining my friends & family. It is simply used to fuel my body!
*My Finances- I have SAVED SOOOOO MUCH MONEY since using FAVAO! All I get is what is on my grocery list! I have been so much more responsible with my cash and actually have cash left at the end of the week!
*My Business- I am flabergasted at the way that XanGo & the FAVAO experts did not miss anything on this program. I appreciate that as I am sharing my story with others, our family continues to have me home with them and not away at work during the day. Sometimes I forget how blessed I am in my partnership with XanGo.
*My Time/Thoughts- My whole day now does not revolve around "what is next to eat?!" I know what I am eating and when, so it frees up my time and my thoughts for activities of much more importance like playing outside with my boys!
*The Women in the Challenge- I have to say I really wasn't prepared for the amazing way we have become so connected as a group. I don't think my success would be the same if I didn't have this group of women to depend on. They are full of strength, creativity, support, comfort and courage to RESET their lives to one of health & wellness. I love these ladies, they all have a very special place in my heart!
As part of this program, it is important to set goals, but also to know where you are currently, so you can celebrate your successes! Here is one of my before pictures and some things I have set out to accomplish during this 12 weeks! (ITS NOT LETTING ME ADD MY PIC- CHECK BACK I WILL KEEP TRYING!) 10 PHRASES HOW I FEEL IN THIS PICTURE: Chunky-Tired-Want to Hide-Self Conscious- Not Healthy- Unsexy- Full of Rolls- Too Busy for Me- Lack of Confidence- Fear Filled- Uncomfortable
What is My Outcome?: -25 lbs in 12 weeks -No thighs rubbing together -My arms smaller than Dan's -Get rid of the 3 rolls on my back -No more baby belly (belly flatter than boobs) -Feel more energy -Use the body God gave me and appreciate it- treat it like the temple it is -To have my wedding ring fit ALL the time -Not be sore playing on the floor with the kids -Feel empowered as a woman -Speak from experience to women who are struggling
What is My Purpose: -Show my kids and family how to be healthy & active -Show women that they are amazing and unique -Have fun with my kids and husband -Be confident for my husband -Be active & have fun instead of worrying how I look
What is My Strategy: -Follow the meal plan -Be active daily -Cardio 3x's/Resistance 3x's - Week -Take supplements to give my body what it needs -Read affirmations daily -Stay connected with accountability partner -Attend events
END OF 6 WEEKS (1/2 way through the program!)
I have attended all of the events, been in contact with my great friend Jen for accountability, following the plan each week, starting some of the exercise plan, taking my supplements and really learning how to plan ahead.
Here are my results so far:
LOST 14lbs
LOST 15.75"
Got my wedding ring back on!
Been active every day!
Feel more comfortable in my current size clothes & feel some starting to fall down!
Gained an appreciation for food and how I use it to fuel my body- not just recreation.
Gained confidence in sharing the FAVAO Products & Program with others who are struggling.
10 PHRASES HOW I WILL FEEL IN MY AFTER PICTURE: Energetic- Comfortable- Confident- Sexy- Courageous-Vibrant- Cheerful- Using my Body Right- Active- Nourished
Ok Friends- how many of you just let go of all control of your food intake in the summer? With graduation parties, birthdays, cook outs, camping, weddings and so much more keeping us so busy all summer- it's hard to keep up with our healthy eating habits.
Now how many of you have also used food as a reward for something you've accomplished? Or to show off at a party that you can make the best dessert? Or to be serving to others as you are entertaining them at your home? Or ate 4 brownies in a day but would never let your child do so? Or finish a meal and start thinking what am I going to eat next? Or as a way to comfort you when feeling overwhelmed, tired, stressed or depressed?? (by the way if you are tired, stressed or depressed- try Eleviv www.eleviv.com)
I can say that I have done all of the above- I literally let food or thoughts of food control the majority of my day. If I drove to Stevens Point- where they have many more restaurants than Plainfield, all I could think on my way there is "where can I treat myself to today?" WHAT? It's not like I was on vacation in Hawaii!! I'm driving 30 minutes away to run errands. I have to admit- I have this fear that I will be without food for some reason and my thoughts would be something like this...- what if I don't make it home?... When will I have food again?... I'm not really hungry, but I love Culvers so I think I will stop quick....I've had a rough day, I deserve some ice cream.... Dan will never know if I have this now and then eat again when I get home....WOW- I can tell you, I was not controlling my thoughts or my actions when it came to eating. I totally took it for granted and did not make wise or healthy choices. DOES THIS RING A BELL WITH YOU?
We are blessed to live in a country with an over abundance of food and unfortunately we take it for granted and don't use it wisely. Have you ever thought that the only reason we really have food is to nourish our bodies and to give it the fuel it needs to get through one day?
This is one part of the FAVAO program that I am following in love with. I eat every 2-3 hours and it's just enough to keep me fueled for my day. The food is clean and healthful. I never put anything in my mouth that won't be used by my body- nothing processed, no preservatives, no harmful chemicals or dyes. One of my goals in this journey was to be a good example to my boys and my extended family and friends. I want people to see that healthy eating can be enjoyable and delicious! Thus far at the end of 4 weeks, I have never been more convinced that this is a lifestyle for not only this 12 weeks, but for a lifetime.
Addressing some of the above, this is how I have handled those old habits so far...
* I have found other ways to "reward" myself other than food- such as buying a new shirt for my new found curves:)
*My desserts consist of FAVAO friendly recipes like grape salad & fruit and yogurt parfait (and the are still the best at the party!!)
*While people have been in my home- I offer a healthier choice for snacks or dinner. I used to convince myself that people would grumble if everything was healthy- but they DON'T!
*I'm always excited to see what's next on my menu- but I now realize that I'm not thinking of it for that full 3 hours. I don't have to be constantly thinking about it. It's all planned out!
*I pack snacks and a little lunch bag every time we leave the house, so I'm not thinking about stopping for a snack.
*I have resorted to chewing gum in stressful situations rather than going to the cupboard for comfort.
This is just the beginning for me, I can say I have had a few weak moments and have given into chocolate a couple of times, but nothing like eating 4 brownies! I have 2 amazing accountability partners with my husband Dan and good friend, Jen that I am so thankful for on this journey. That is key to success with any new journey in health & wellness.
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step". Martin Luther King
**A QUICK NOTE ABOUT MY PICTURE: I had a blast with team members filling meals for Feed My Starving Children! If you want to know more about feeding starving children in other countries visit: www.mpactproject.net
I'm not exaggerating when I say the US has an over abundance of food. We are on a mission to make sure that food is distributed to where it is needed most through XanGo Goodness Mealpacks!
ABOUT THE PROGRAM: FAVAO is fantastic for any busy lady(or man)! I love the simplicity and bursting flavor of all the meals. I have to admit, I'm a bit picky when it comes to food (which I am getting much better with) and when I saw a couple of the recipes I thought it sounded like a funky combo- with that said- every single time I sat down to eat, I was delighted with the flavor and never got up hungry. In fact a few times, I've had to make myself eat the next meal on time, because I wasn't hungry yet. We have really enjoyed sitting down together as a family for the meals and talking about how good everything has been and how great we feel eating better for our health & our family!
Other quick thoughts on the program: The meals are quick & easy. The exercise can be done is less than 30 minutes (and you feel it!) The team is supportive and hold you accountable to your goals. There isn't anything that XanGo has missed in this FAVAO program. www.xango.com ABOUT ME: Here is my discovery that I would like to share with you this week about me: I fooled myself into thinking exercise had to be time consuming! For about 2 years now, I have talked myself out of exercise for various reasons- it takes too long, I don't want to sweat because I have to be somewhere and don't want to shower again, I don't want to get up early, I'm exhausted the majority of the time, I don't have a plan to follow, I'm not that disciplined- I need to go to a class or have someone to keep me accountable and on and on and on! DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR FRIENDS?!?! EXCUSES EXCUSES EXCUSES! WELL- I am turning over a new leaf! I have exercised at least every other day (by myself most days!) since starting the FAVAO program. This journey has really opened my eyes to a new perspective of ACTIVITY! I have decided not to call it exercise anymore- but just simply being active. I do follow the guidelines in the program for resistance training and do that as a fun activity with the boys on the floor in the morning. Caleb has so much fun with me, even though push ups aren't as easy with an extra 25lbs hanging on you:) Zachary loves watching us move around! For cardio, I just do what fits in our day. Sometimes we walk, sometimes we go to the park, sometimes we go shopping or rummaging. As you can see my picture this week- I was sliding with Caleb at the park and we had so much fun. In the past I would have just sat at the bottom of the slide and watched- out of pure laziness- not out of inability! I just feel so good that I am showing the boys that exercise can be a part of our day together!
Ladies - my encouragement to you this week is just to GET ACTIVE!
Here are 10 Ideas to Have Fun Actively with Your Kids this Summer:
1) Do a scavenger hunt
2) Walk a dog at the Humane Society (Or your own!)
3) Fly a kite
4) Hit the beach & play in the water
5) Visit a new park each week
6) Go to the batting cages or mini golf
7) Have a jump rope or hoola hoop contest
8) Play red light green light
9) Set up a relay race together & challenge the whole family in it
10) Run through the sprinkler or slide on the slip & slide (yes you!)
Today I'm honored to start a journey of health with 25 other beautiful women. As I think ahead and mentally create what life will look like at the end of this 12 week journey, I have to admit that I have fears and doubts that most women do. I fear sugar cravings that I may give into, I fear that I won't make time for my meals and give in to convenience foods, I fear that my emotions may lead me to an unhealthy choice and more. WITH THAT SAID.... I know that this SIMPLE and easy to follow FAVAO system will guide me to success that most women never see. With the 6 small meals in place, the exercise set up for me, the powerful supplements to give me what my body needs for healthy weight loss, and an amazing team of women along side of me- there is no way I can fail. I'm excited to RESET on how I think about food, I'm excited to make healthy changes for my whole family, I'm excited to get active & enjoy life and I'm most excited to walk side by side with other women, fulfilling my passion of serving others and encouraging them to see that they are capable of living a life of significance! Please feel free to comment and encourage me and our team of winners along the way....
My Passions: Mothering & Encouraging Moms, Improving & Embracing Marriage, Families Growing Together Spiritually to Enhance God’s KingdomMY MISSION: Provides Purpose answering WHY Do I Exist? To live a Christ-Centered life by serving others, loving thy neighbor and having a teachable spirit. I will be my authentic self, be a wise steward and strive to live life on purpose everyday so that I can impact my generation & generations to come to expand the Kingdom.
I am a busy wife, mom of 2 boys (Caleb 2, Zachary 5 months), friend, MOPS Coordinator, Junior Woman Club member, Social Entrepreneur, connector & more! I am passionate about helping women discovering their authentic self through health & wellness, marriage, parenting and many of the other roles we play as women.