Breaking the Plateau (FINALLY.)

     Hello everyone! As I said in a post a little while ago, I've been stuck on somewhat of a plateau, and I was getting quite frustrated with it. I was doing everything I could, but it just wouldn't come off! Well, after sticking with it and trying to be patient as I did what I could to be healthy, I finally overcame this bump in the road. And I am SO happy. Now I'm hoping that I just don't get stuck again for a while!
     As I said before, changing your lifestyle and achieving your bigger dreams in life is not easy. Anything worth having isn't. But you've got to keep trying and pushing yourself to stay out of your 'comfort zone' and strive everyday to be better. You're going to have your mistakes and your hardships. There are going to be days that you are going to be discouraged. That's okay; life has it's ups and downs. Everyone has their own trials. Be happy and accept yourself for who you are today, and work to be better tomorrow. Have a positive outlook. Count your blessings. It gets better, and it eventually gets easier as well. Don't give up.
     So... since I mentioned breaking my plateau, here's an update:

• Pounds lost: 47.2
• Inches lost: 71
• When I started, my body fat percentage was at 60%. Now it's at 31%. You know what that means? I've lost nearly half of my fat. I'm almost to the range I need to be, which is about 14%-25%.
• Starting out, my BMI was 42.8. It is now 37.1. Although I don't really understand the points exactly, I know I'm getting closer to where I'm supposed to be, which is between 18.5 and 24.9.

In my opinion, here's the best part. Starting out, I hated how I looked.

Now I sometimes can't stop looking... I'm having a hard time believing it's me!

Seeing Results and Conquering Goals

     Good morning! This is going to be short, but for my post today, I have a couple of exciting things to share... so here we go!

• I completed my first 5K!!! I'm so proud! I walked most of it, but I still did it. My time was 55:51, and I'm really happy that I not only finished it in under an hour, but I also didn't come in last! To think that at the beginning of the year, a 5K is something I thought I would never be able to do (which, in all fairness and with the shape I was in at the time, I couldn't have done) and now I have done it and still had energy to do more!
• I also got some new clothes this past week... and went down at least 1 or 2 sizes in everything! And you know what else? I can fit in medium-sized clothing now. I don't ever remember being able to fit into a medium anything, ever. And to have it actually be flattering, and just a little bit loose? HA.

Don't let your life pass you by. Challenge yourself each and every day to be better. It takes time, so be patient with yourself. If you stick to it, you will see a difference in the person you've become, whether it be physical or not. You are worth it.

Getting yourself out there can help you meet new people that will inspire 

you to be better and will cheer you on as you go. I had the opportunity

to meet a new friend who walked with me the entire time and cheered for 

me as I ran across the finish line at my first 5K this morning.

New Adventures Ahead (Aside from the mission, of course)!

     Hello, everyone! I haven't posted in a while because I've hit a plateau and I can't seem to get more off... GRRR. However, I'm not putting it back on, so that's a good thing! Because of this, I've decided to up-the-anti a little more--this includes not slacking on my workouts (which I have been doing lately), and trying something new. So I signed up for my first ever 5K. I never thought I would ever be excited to sign up for a 5K. Goes to show that the phrase "never say never" really does have something to it. :)
     The other day, someone asked me why I don't just stop where I am--I'm where I need to be to go on a mission, so why try for more, right? Wrong. And this is why:

1. Yes, I may have reached what I needed to in order to go on my mission, but if I start slacking now, who's to say I won't gain it back and delay my mission before I go?
2. I'm really happy that I've lost 41.6 lbs. That is a lot, and I'm a lot more healthy than I was before. But even after I've hit 50 lbs lost, I still have about 57 lbs to go before I hit my personal goal weight. And seeing how much healthier I have become already just makes me want to continue.
3. I've come so far already; why stop now? Why prevent myself from being the healthiest, happiest person I can be? I don't see why I should stop!

I guess what I'm saying is that I'm not going to allow this plateau to discourage me. I may have stopped progress, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to continue allowing my obesity to take over my life. I've got what it takes, and I am going to fight every moment for the wonderful gift of life and a physical body that I've been given.

My Progress:
Pounds lost: 41.6
Inches lost: 69.5

YES!!!!

     Exciting news for this post! I finally received my mission call! It's been a lot of hard work to get to this point, but I am more than happy that I was determined enough to get here. I have been called to serve in Eugene, Oregon, English speaking. I report to the MTC on the 11th of September! Here's a picture!

     As far as weight loss goes, I've hit a little bit of a plateau, but I think that's mainly because I kept forgetting to eat breakfast (It really is important!) and with my hours this week at work, I have been forced to eat my dinner after 6:30 (I can only do so much!). But it's okay, because I know that still overcome it. Now my goal is to have 60 lbs lost before my mission.
     That's all for now... I can't really think of much else to write at the moment. Just remember that if you would like any tips or advice, feel free to ask!

A New Tried-And-True Recipe

     Hello! A while ago when I was looking for recipes on pinterest, I found a recipe for a Zucchini Black Bean and Rice skillet that looked really good, so I saved it for later use. Tonight, I finally got a chance to try it out and made it for dinner for my parents and I. Instead of rice I used quinoa (I figured it needed some protein so it was more filling, and quinoa is a good rice substitute), and I didn't have green bell peppers to put in it, but it tasted amazing. And the best part? It's super easy to make. Since it's a dish that is healthy and great for those looking for healthier options, I thought I would share it. Here it is:

Zucchini Black Bean and Rice Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon Pure Wesson Canola Oil
• 1 1/2 cups quartered (lengthwise) sliced zucchini
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) Rosarita Premium Whole Black Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Hunt's Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes with garlic
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 cup instant white rice, uncooked (quinoa is great too!)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and monterey jack cheese blend

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini and bell pepper. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans, undrained tomatoes, and water. Increase heat and bring to a boil.
2. Add rice, stir well. Cover; remove from heat and let stand 7 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Information:

Servings: 4 (1 1/4 cups serving size)

Calories: 276

     Well, I hope you enjoy this one! I am definitely making it again. My parents didn't really think they would like it, and after dinner they were thinking of different ways you could cook it or other things that we could put in it! We all wished I had made more for later... maybe next time.

My Progress:

Pounds lost: 41.6 (YES!)

Inches lost: 68