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