And... We're Back!

     Hello everyone! After a 3 1/2 week plateau, I'm happy to report that I've finally passed it on Friday and am starting to lose again. I'm so glad I didn't give up! Even though I was really discouraged, I wasn't willing to give up what I had already accomplished. This goes to show that having patience with yourself is key, and that it will definitely pay off! I'm losing more slowly before and little by little, but after being stuck for so long, even a tenth of a pound is exciting. :)
     Over the past few weeks, I've also learned that your attitude really does affect your outcome. The phrase "mind over matter" is not some crazy theory that doesn't actually work. It is truth. As I was getting discouraged and started to believe that I might not be able to lose any more, the harder it was to break. On the other hand, the second I took a good look and told myself that I could and would, I did! If you truly believe in yourself and tell yourself you can accomplish something, there will be nothing that can stop you. Be strong. Be determined. Remember when you started and what motivated you to make that decision. DON'T GIVE UP ON YOUR FUTURE HAPPINESS BECAUSE IT IS HARD RIGHT NOW. Try to see the big picture, and ask for help. Pray for guidance and strength. Your body is a temple, and temples are sacred. Take care of it, and it will take care of you.

My Progress:

Pounds lost: 53.4

Inches lost: 95.25

YUM.

     Hello! I just wanted to say that I found an amazingly delicious protein bar recipe that's super easy! I thought it would be good to share the recipe, so here you go.

Do-It-Yourself Protein Bars

• INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups peanut butter
• 1 3/4 cups honey
• 2 1/4 cups protein powder (I used Muscle Milk. I don't know how the other flavors would taste, but chocolate is really good)
• 3 cups dry oats or granola
• INSTRUCTIONS:
• Place peanut butter and honey in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 70-90 seconds. Mix in protein powder and oats or granola (it will be thick!). Press into a 9x13" pan and place in the refrigerator to cool. Cut into bars and serve. Keep leftovers in the fridge so that they keep their shape easily.

My Progress:

Pounds lost: 53

Inches lost: 79.25

Taking Time to "Catch Up"

     Hello! I know it's been a long time since I've posted more weight loss updates... and that's because I've been stuck on a plateau. And it's getting really frustrating, and a little bit discouraging. But it's okay. You know why? Although I haven't been losing, I haven't been gaining either, and that's a really good thing. I've noticed lately that I'm starting to have a lot of extra loose skin. When I was talking to my dad the other day and venting my frustrations, he reminded me of something. I've lost 53 lbs in 5 months. That is super fast. I should have hit my plateau a long time ago, and since I hadn't, my body needs some time to catch up and recover. My skin needs some time to tighten up a bit and adjust so I can loose more weight.
     My main message for this post is to tell you all that you shouldn't be discouraged or give up because you've stopped losing for a while. Keep up the work, and have some patience with your body. Let your body have time to adjust, and don't think you are a failure just because you can't lose anymore. Just know that the closer you get to your ideal weight, the harder it's going to be to get those pounds off; but they'll still come off.
     I also discovered a couple more new nutrition facts the past little while, and I thought I'd share. Here they are:

1. Taking your Omega-3's (Fish oil is a great supplement for this specifically) is actually more important than you might think. Other than being great for your heart health, did you know that it can reduce your stress levels (physically, not mentally... I think)? There was a study done in which a ton of people took their Omega-3's (or fish oil) consistently for 15 days, and their stress levels dropped 20%. 20%. That's huge.
2. One cup of black beans has 15 grams of fiber, which can help curb your appetite throughout the day and promote fullness.
3. The compound in peppers that give them their fiery kick actually boost your calorie burning, as well as curbing your appetite. Spicy foods are really good for your heart! (I like this news!)
4. Chicken and quinoa together are a really excellent source to help you recover. The amino acids in chicken help rebuild broken down muscle tissue, and the carbs in quinoa help to "refuel your gas tank". Here's a recipe for chicken and quinoa soup. It's like a different version of chicken noodle soup, the ultimate "get feeling better" meal.

• Simmer This: Heat 2 teaspoons canola oil in a pot; cook 1 diced onion and 2 sliced carrots for 6 minutes. Add 1 pound thinly sliced boneless raw chicken thighs, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 2 sliced celery stalks, and 2 minced garlic cloves; cook 5 minutes. Add 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup water, 3/4 cup quinoa, 4 sprigs thyme, and salt and pepper. Boil, reduce heat, and simmer about 15 minutes, till quinoa is tender. Top with parsley and hot sauce.

1. Do you want to know how to calculate your body fat percentage and don't know how? Here's a link to a great body fat calculator I found: http://www.active.com/fitness/calculators/bodyfat.htm?force_a2=y
2. Do you need a source of information that can tell you exactly where you need to be health-wise, and can show you  your progress and keep track for you? Go to anytimehealth.com. Anyone can make an account and the stuff is personalized specifically for you.

So that's all I have for now. Remember to keep working hard and never give up. It's hard to have patience sometimes, but it will be worth it and you' will so much better later.

My Progress:

Pounds lost: 53

Inches lost: 77.75

A Little Bit of Insight

     Hello, everyone! This isn't going to be like my regular posts. Today I felt the need to write a letter to the girl I once was, and I felt like one of you would need to see it. I don't know who needs it, or if anyone will really be helped by it. If you are helped by it and you are willing to share, please let me know and why. Mainly because I'm curious, but partly because I feel like it can help me to. My email is saxophonebabe1@gmail.com if you would rather message me privately instead of commenting publicly. So, here we go.

Dear Former Krysta,

     I'm so sorry that you are going through what you are. I know that life is so hard and complicated, and you just want to curl up in a corner. I know that most days, you look at yourself most days and wonder if anyone will ever look at you and believe you are beautiful. And every once in a while, you do hear it from someone, but you don't believe it because "there's no way anyone could like someone like me". I know that you hate getting your picture taken, because you feel ugly and fat, and you definitely don't want to save that forever in a picture. I know that you hate the fact that you always feel hungry, and no matter what you do, you can never seem to get even a small amount of that annoying fat off. You are in so much pain; pain that you recognize, and pain you don't even know that you are suffering yet.

     But let me tell you something. You are beautiful, and you are amazing. Really, you are. You just don't know it yet. Keep trying and never give up or give in. There is so much that you are going to accomplish, and you are going to be so much happier! You are going to overcome this, and you are going to get a lot of help, love, and encouragement on the way. Just ask. There is a lot more love for you out there than you can comprehend. I still can't comprehend it now! And you are going to touch the lives of so many people because of what you do. And they are going to inspire and motivate you. And it's not going to be easy at first. You're going to have your ups and downs, and you are going to have days you just want to give up. But you have it in you to accomplish your goals and achieve your dreams.

     As you start your journey, never forget that this is for you. Not for family, not for friends, not for a mission. YOU. Because you deserve it and you are worth it. There is an incredible person deep inside of you that is just itching to come out of hiding, and only you can let her shine. And I know you do, because I am her. But I started with you. I am using your experiences now to make sure that I never let those things be a part of my life again. Please don't give up. I am counting on you. Stay strong. Anything is possible.

Sincerely,

Me

Another Goal Achieved!

     Hello! I know I haven't posted again in a while... but I do have exciting news! I beat another milestone in my weight loss and am now at 53 lbs lost! I haven't measured my inches recently, which I need to do, but last time I measured I was at 73.25 inches of fat gone. I am so happy! And there's 38 more days until my mission!!! The work has been so worth it; I am SO ready to get out on the mission field and serve the people in the Oregon Eugene mission. I also felt like posting a picture of one of my mission outfits today as it would also serve as my 50 lbs lost picture.