Category Archives: People Watching

Aj’s Health Update day 103 Birthday update- raise your glass!

  By A.J. Luck | 23 April, 2013 - 8:30 pm | Encouragement, Health, Life Lessons, People Watching, Seriously!!!
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Happy birthday to me!! The gift of health..keeps on giving back... :)

Happy birthday to me!! The gift of health..keeps on giving back… :)

Today is my birthday.

Today is the day I set over 100 days ago to try and achieve my first goal – to be under 200 pounds.

Did I achieve it?

Keep reading if you really want to know…. :0

A few nights ago my husband and I stumbled across a documentary called Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead by Joe Cross.

It was one of the most fascinating shows we had seen on the desire to get healthy. (Click on the link to read more about Joe’s journey. It will blow your mind.)

A few days before we saw the show I started praying and asking God to show me what to do to break this insane vicious cycle of eating horrible, wading in waist high (pun intended) guilt, then trying with all of MY strength to get back on program.

I felt like my answer was simply- going back to the basics. I needed to start over. I needed to detox again. Clean the slate and give my body a break. (A. From all the junk and B. From all the self induced stress ABOUT eating all of the junk.)

So here is where my journey will take yet ANOTHER twist.

Today I celebrated my birthday- STRESS FREE with family and friends.

Tomorrow I will begin a juice ONLY detoxing fast. I have a number of days in my head of how long I believe I will do this- yet I am not ready to truly commit the number to the page so to speak…just yet. At least not the FINAL number.

I will tell you I have committed (for all intents and purposes of this blog) to juice fast AT LEAST three days. This will give my body the rest it needs and time to re set.

I will log in tomorrow and tell you what I am drinking, how much and when. I will also let you know how I feel and the effects it’s having..or not having.

In my heart of hearts I believe this is the next step.

I will continue to workout with our trainers.

I will also continue to take my meds, Advocare vitamins and drink WATER only (in addition to the juices.)

**p.s.- the juices I am talking about will be a blend of raw, fresh produce. 80% veggie, 20% fruit. NOTHING processed or store bought. All thrown into my blendtech and poured over ice. :)

As far as did I make my first goal… No. My last weigh in was 212 on my home scale. My starting weight, on the home scale, was 238. Giving me a grand total of 26 pounds loss and 18 inches loss over the last 103 days.

Tonight, I ran across a picture that was taken of myself beside former American Idol contestant, Colton Dixon. This was taken in October 2012.

Colton Dixon and I - October 2012

Colton Dixon and I – October 2012

Now, this is a picture taken literally just before I typed out this post… of me now.

 

Me- 4/23/13

Me- 4/23/13

Do you see a difference? I still have such a long way to go…but I am still taking baby steps..each and every day!

Until next time,

See ya on the LIQUID (Juicing) Side,

Aj Luck <3

(I have decided the best gift I could give myself was the gift of health.)

 

 

Aj’s Health Watch days 46-47 Brutal honesty

  By A.J. Luck | 22 February, 2013 - 11:35 am | Encouragement, Health, Life Lessons, People Watching, Quirky, Seriously!!!
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The attacker and the attacked- all within one mind

The attacker and the attacked- all within one mind.

Good morning.

Sitting here this morning from a writing from a Nissan dealership (grateful they have free access to computers and wi fi.)

This post is just going to be bare bones honest. Brutally honest.

I have had a very hard week. I mentioned on my last post that I was struggling with some health issues and eluded to concerns about my depression.

With illness, at least for me, it leaves A LOT of time to think. TOO MUCH time if you ask me.

I am tired. I’m tired of being sick. I’m tired of being sick and tired. I want relief. I went three days on a certain antibiotic only to find out my body was having an adverse reaction. This is never a fun thing. :(

So, the meds got changed.

Some other things changed too.

My routine for one. I went grossly off routine- as I was sleeping most of the day. When I was awake. I wanted comfort. I went into some sort of auto pilot reverting back to my old “comforting habits.” I started waking up in the middle of the night searching the fridge and pantry for something to eat. (Whether it was in my “approved” food or not. )

I ate when I wasn’t hungry. I ate for emotional comfort. I ate tortilla chips. (Yes, the ones made from CORN- something I have tried desperately to avoid.)

I ate almost an entire bag of fig newtons. (don’t ask.)

I stood in the shower this morning, hating myself. Hating the way I have failed. Hating the way I had strayed so far away from my routine.

I realized I have not been eating my meal replacement shakes. I also realized as I was crying in the shower- I had been avoiding any kinds of protein. I was craving, and giving into my addictions to carbs.

I got out of the shower and starred at my reflection. My ugly stretched out, overweight reflection. Yes, my hips may be a little smaller but my stomach feels and looks as if it has grown verses shrank.

I haven’t worked out in almost 2 weeks. I feel miserable. Inside and out.

I went to go to the store yesterday only to find a sliced tire on my car. Now I am at the dealership spending money we absolutely do not have to buy a new one.

I am discouraged. Depressed and not having a good day.

Yes, I went to Arby’s. I ordered 2 jr. roast beef sandwhiches and a small curly fry. I also had a coke.

I hate myself even more.

I hate the battle of trying to get healthy, yet I know it is one I MUST continue to fight.

Just being honest- I mean isn’t what this entire blogging adventure is about… brutual honesty?

Until next time,

See ya on the Random Side,

Aj Luck

Aj’s Health Watch day 37- Learning to overcome mental roadblocks

  By A.J. Luck | 12 February, 2013 - 12:31 pm | Encouragement, Fast Food, Health, Life Lessons, People Watching, Quirky
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Yep! This workout is called, "Just let me die!" ;0

Yep! This workout is called, “Just let me die!” ;0

See that picture? Yep! That was our workout last night. O U C H!

Here’s the cool part- WE COMPLETED IT! It blows my mind what we are able to do exercise wise at this point in our journey. Seriously.

I have to be honest and brutally transparent. Yesterday I was a little down and discouraged. I looked at the measurements and weight loss numbers again. I found myself getting down because of the “pounds.” I wanted it to say more. I have been working so hard and “I didn’t think it was fair.”

Yes, I was having a pity party.

That is when I discovered the can of icing in my fridge.

Grabbing a spoon I dove in. I didn’t care. I had two spoonfuls. Honestly, it was gross. I felt bad about it, but it didn’t stop my destructive thought patterns. I found a hidden stash of tootsie rolls.

I ate them. ALL OF THEM. (maybe 6-7.)

I felt worse, but I didn’t care. I was mentally spiriling out of control.

Then it was time to go workout. GREAT.

I confessed my sins to my hubby and made him swear not to tell our trainers.

By the time we got into the gym, I didn’t care anymore. I saw the workout. I figured I was gonna

A) Regret my destructive choices

and B) Sweat my tail off.

I did both. I confessed my eating sins to my trainers. They took it well. It was what it was.

Time to move forward.

It’s all mind over matter.

When I saw the workout, I freaked. There was NO WAY I was going to be able to do ALL of it.

Mid way through my mind was SCREAMING at me- “stop this! You can’t do this! You are too weak! You are not doing it right, just give up.”

I finally whispered back to myself, “Get it together Luck, let’s go!” And I finished the workout.

I am starting to understand things a little better. This truly is a journey. I will have my up days and my down days. I will have to keep fighting this mental battle.

It was the mental battle that got me into the unhealthy situation in the first place.

I consistently gave into the lies and accusations of the enemy of my soul.

I didn’t believe I could change. I believed I was “meant” to stay fat and sick my entire life.

Satan is a jerk!

Here I am, I survived the workout. I woke up this morning- drank my Spark, took my vitamins, walked the 1.0 mile with my hubby to take our son to school. And I am still surviving.

In fact, I actually feel pretty good today. It’s a beautiful 80 degree day here. I hopped on my bike and pounded out 6 miles before my 11 a.m. conference call.

I am changing. I CAN DO THIS. God is helping me.

I am NOT meant to be unhealthy.

I am meant for so much more, that only God knows.

Be encouraged, you can change too! You don’t have to live a life of sickness and disease.

Come on, get moving!

We can do this together!!!

(((((BEAR HUG!!)))))

Remember- here is our Advocare site. Please feel to contact us with ANY questions!!
Until next time,

See ya on the Random Side,

Aj Luck

 

Aj’s Health Watch day 33- 36 It’s all about the measurements

  By A.J. Luck | 11 February, 2013 - 12:32 pm | Encouragement, Fast Food, Health, Life Lessons, People Watching, Quirky, Seriously!!!
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It's time to reveal the official tape measurement results!

It’s time to reveal the official tape measurement results!

Good morning!! :)

So, I am officially done with my 24 day challenge. :) YEAH!

I had a little hic cup. I was down for the count for apx. 48 hours due to a massive migraine. During that time, I did NOT take my Advocare vitamins or meal replacement shake.  There was no way I could keep anything down.

It all started friday night. Looking back I can tell you my body went into somewhat of a shock because I simply forgot to drink my water. (according to our trainers you should be drinking at LEAST half of your body weight in water EVERY DAY!) I had clocked in a mere 24 oz. of the day- not good!

The night ended with me getting very sick- VERY sick and crawling home into bed, miserable. I stayed there for the next 24 hours.

Our workouts got cancelled and my last day of my challenge kept getting delayed until I felt better.

Last night we finally made it over to our trainers home to pick up hubby’s second phase of his 24 day challenge. While we were there we were talked into stepping on the scale and getting our official 30 day measurements.

Earlier last week I stepped on my own scale and it reflected a 15 pound loss. I was ecstatic!! But then again, my trainers scale said 5. Either way a loss is a loss.

So we weighed.

Here are the results for me according to our trainers scale and measuring tape:

Starting weight: 231

Current weight: 225

Pounds lost: 6

Inches lost:

Shoulders: 3

Chest: 4

Abs/ waist: 2.5

Hips: 1.5

Thigh: 1.5

Calf: .75

Total inches lost: 13.25 inches

Overall, I am pretty impressed. I have officially gone down from a size 22 to a 20 comfortably. (and I like my clothes to be a little loose.)

I was a little discouraged about the pounds. I guess I had been misled over the aleged “15 pound loss”- however, I had just come out from a MAJOR DEHYDRATION issue. (and if you don’t drink water… it screws everything else up.) Besides, we have been doing a lot of muscle building, and muscle weighs more than fat. :)

We are scheduled to start our workouts again tonight. I am continuing the Advocare vitamins and meal replacement shakes for an additional 2 weeks. I just feel better on them.

Oh- p.s – hubby lost FIVE inches off of his waist and 12 pounds.. (and he is JUST NOW starting the 24 day challenge! I am soo uber proud of him!!!) Total inches he lost was 12.5

:)

If you know me AT ALL, then you know I am NOT an advocate or salesperson to try and “push” any products. HOWEVER, hubby and I have decided to invest in the Advocare company and will begin offering it to any that are interested.

I will post a link to our website at the end of this blog update. Again, for those of you who know us, then you know how long we have struggled with our weight. We truly believe in Advocare for not only the weight loss results we are seing but the HEALTH changes we are feeling!!

Our Advocare Website

Feel free to message us if you have any questions. :)

Until next time,

See ya on the “lighter” side!

Aj Luck

 

Aj’s Health Watch day 32 – The worst invention ever- THE JUMP ROPE!

  By A.J. Luck | 7 February, 2013 - 10:14 am | Encouragement, Fast Food, Health, Life Lessons, People Watching, Quirky, Seriously!!!
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Meet my kryptonite. :(THE JUMP ROPE!

Meet my kryptonite. :(
THE JUMP ROPE!

Good morning.

So, last night we met with our trainers and were once again welcomed with a “scary looking CrossFit workout schedule”! GAK!

There were “stations” set up. Including bench press, jumprope, hand weights, and more, PLUS running – well sprinting 50 meters and then going right into the stations without stopping. (Yes, yes I did run AGAIN!) Okay, so maybe I wasn’t able to sprint, but I ran the entire span and back EVERY TIME. :)

SO- hubby and I sweat through the warm up- THEN onto the workout. We sprint, we lift and then… I met my kryptonite. The JUMP ROPE.

Go ahead, laugh. I know – it’s funny. Seriously, we had to do each “station” for 30 seconds and then switch. It took me at least 20 to TRY and jump the rope ONCE.

How in the world could I do everything else but fumble JUMPING ROPE???

I was mortified. Ok so the last time I ACTUALLY jumped rope was in the ball park of 32 (or so) years ago. But still…isn’t it like riding a bike? Once you learn you never forget?

I was so embarrassed it was unreal. I look over at my blind husband who is KILLING IT! Jumping rope backwards- not missing a beat.

I wanted to crawl under the wheels of my car tires and beg someone to drive forward. :(

Finally we finished (in my opinion) an insanely tough workout- but we finished.

I can’t say that I finally got the hang of the whole jumping rope. I maybe jumped a grand total of 8times during the entire thing.

I am ashamed. I am ticked. I am determined to go- buy a stinkin’ jump rope and master it. For the love of Pete and Jane… A JUMP ROPE! :/ Who knew???

I am coming around the final curve of my 24 day challenge. Part of me is sad. I have really gotten into my routine and love the results I am seeing.

I talked to our trainers and will be continuing on with the Advocare vitamins and shakes for now. It just seems right, at least for me. My hubby started his cleanse today. He is doing great so far. He downed the fiber drink with no problems. I gagged just thinking about it. LOL!

I am six days away from the official weigh in- kind of excited. Also, I am scheduled to go to my doctor the end of the month for a follow up blood work appointment. She has no idea about the journey I have been on for the past month. Kind of excited to see how and if my blood work has changed. I am thinking my triglycerides will be down- at least!!

Until next time,

See ya on the “Random” Side,

Aj Luck

 

Aj’s Health Watch day 30- Giving Forest Gump a run for his $

  By A.J. Luck | 5 February, 2013 - 10:16 am | Encouragement, Fast Food, Health, Life Lessons, People Watching, Quirky, Seriously!!!
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"And I was run-ning!"- Forest Gump

“And I was run-ning!”- Forest Gump

Good morning.

Here we are, the last five days of my 24 day Advocare Challenge. So far- so good. Still going strong.

Starting to actually FEEL like I am losing weight. My clothes are getting much loser on me, and in my book- that can only be a positive.

Last night we worked out with our trainers again. I am not sure if I’ve ever clarified the style of working out we actually do. It’s called CrossFit. Basically this means we use our body weight as the resistance in the workout. We do use weights occasionally but not all of the time

Okay so anyway- last night when we got there I looked at the workout and saw “run 400 meters” listed 3 times. (In addition to chin ups, sit ups, step ups, squats and planks.) I knew we were in for a tough one.

I just wanted to get it over with. I hadn’t been there in a week. (Thanks to the stomach flu.) I guess this was my “official welcome back.”

Okay- so… happy to report hubby and I COMPLETED the workout. Yes, we did have to modify the “run 400 meters” as we did last time. HOWEVER, this time we actually RAN some. By the end of the work out I had managed to run a grand total of 1/4 of a mile.

This may not seem like much- but to me- IT’S HUGE! If you knew me at all 2 months ago- then you knew, due to my fibromyalgia there were MANY days where I couldn’t walk, hold a phone or drive. SO to be able to say that I ran- is a major milestone to me.

No. I didn’t run it all in one shot. I did it over the course of all three rounds. However I did run SOME each time. I didn’t run fast- but I did move forward. There were steps where the enemy of my soul was mentally mocking me. “Look at you, you call THIS running? You are pathetic. You can’t even finish one lap. You might as well give up. This is embarrassing!” I told him to shut up…and I kept moving forward.

I will get there. I will run. I will run fast and effecient. I will learn how to breathe properly. I will condition my body to do this. I will run a 5k. THIS YEAR.

Now that I have gotten a taste of me knowing I am ABLE.. I am willing.

God is my strength. Always.

(p.s. for the record, my hubby ran too!! I am sooo stinkin proud of him, words can not express it accurately enough. He is my hero. I am so honored he is right there beside me each step of the way- literally.)

Until next time,

See ya on the Random Side,

Aj Luck

Aj’s Health Watch day 29- Finding grace in the midst of a NO!

  By A.J. Luck | 4 February, 2013 - 10:33 am | Encouragement, Fast Food, Health, Life Lessons, People Watching, Quirky, Seriously!!!
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See God's grace in the midst of a NO!

Realizing God’s grace in the midst of a NO!

Good morning!

How about those Ravens eh? Did you watch the Super Bowl last night? WOW.

For me, last night was a big lesson in seeing God’s grace when I wanted to see my own way instead.

I will be honest- since my last post, I have gotten back on plan 100%. Today I am on day 18 of my 24 day challenge. (I can’t believe I have made it this far!!)

Earlier in the week there was talk of some of my friends having a Super Bowl party. We didn’t make the invite list. Curious- I reached out. I was told that it really wasn’t a big deal and that the husband was a die hard football fan and really only wanted “serious” football fans there.

Ok. True. Feelings were hurt. Sure, I am not really known for being a huge football fan. (I do like it, I do watch it- however, I don’t make it a priority) My hubby and I decided to make it a family night. We made homemade (trainer approved) pizza and picked out a family movie to watch with our son. I bought some almond chocolate milk for an added treat. (I never actually got to drink any- my son and hubby LOVED it! though.)

SO- there we were. Pizza made. Movie watched- then the game started. We turned it on. We all actually got into the game from the first play. By 7:30 my son passed out. We put him to bed. Then hubby and I stayed up watching the rest of the game. (and really bonded over it.) I snacked on a banana and a lot of water. Other than that I really wasn’t hungry. After the game, my hubby crashed. I stayed up and watched Downton Abbey.

As I headed to bed, I felt like God was showing me something about the whole day. Sure, my feelings were hurt about not being on the invite list. But there was so much more to it. If we would have gone, I KNOW me- I would have been extremely tempted by all the “game” food. I would have given in. THEN I would be sitting here writing a different post today. I would have been so riddled with guilt and condemnation I would’ve QUIT all together.

Because our family stayed at home, I was able to control my food choices and intake. I was able to build memories with my family and bond with my husband. AND on top of all that- I got to watch a REALLY GOOD GAME!

Confession: Yesterday, I snuck on my scale. I expected bad news- “unofficially, I have lost 11 pounds so far, since January 9th. My official weigh in is still slated for the 13th of this month. :)

So, the next time I get frustrated at a “NO”- I have decided to look further and find the grace in the situation.

God truly does direct our steps if we allow Him to.

Until next time,

See ya on the “Raven” – Oh, I mean… RANDOM side, ;)

Aj Luck

Aj’s Health Watch days 27-28 Time for a confession

  By A.J. Luck | 3 February, 2013 - 10:16 am | Encouragement, Fast Food, Health, Life Lessons, People Watching, Quirky, Seriously!!!
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mentally- upset with myself

mentally- upset with myself

So, this morning I am sitting here- not feeling so great.

The tummy flu thing seems to have calmed down and I am starting to feel more like myself.

Yesterday we took off and went to Seaworld as family. The Kratt brothers were there, (from the kids t.v. program The Wild Kratts and Zoombafoom) Our son was beyond excited. We decided to make a day of it. I knew there would be a lot of temptation so I packed up bottled water, oranges and almonds to snack on. I drank my morning Spark and had my meal replacement shake on the way so I would be nice and full.

We originally thought we would get into the first showing (at 11) and then be home by lunch time. (where it was safe for me to eat.) WRONG. The first show was already sold out. We had to wait until 2. I snacked throughout the morning. I still crashed. We found a place to eat lunch that seemed safe. I got a “burrito bowl”- with grilled chicken, steak, peppers, onions, fresh tomatoes, black beans, lettuce, and black olives. I passed on the rice, salsa, dressing and tortilla.

I split my lunch with my hubby. He got a coke to drink and rice on the side. The coke looked SOOOO good. I admit- I took a drink of it. It wasn’t a big drink- but nevertheless- a sip. My son got the chicken tenders and fries. I reached over and took seriously a tiny bite of the end of a french fry and that was it. It wasn’t a huge “break in protocol” yet- I cheated. I beat myself up pretty bad and knew I shouldn’t have done it. Like I said, it wasn’t huge, but still- I caved in.

We went on throughout the day walking, what seemed like a million miles. We ended up staying there for a grand total of 7 hours. THAT is a lot of walking! I drank a TON of water and continued snacking on my almonds throughout the day.

Once we got home we met up with some friends for dinner. I was really good about my choices. I had the salad bar again. Spinach, fresh tomatoes, green peppers, onions, cucumbers with black pepper and oil and vinegar. (I mixed the dressing myself- and was very light handed.) I had a fresh fruit cup and a few bites of veggie soup- minus the corn, and potatoes.

On the way home my son got 2 gumballs from the machine. He handed them to me to hold on the ride home. WITHOUT thinking I popped a gumball in my mouth and started chomping away for about 10 mins.  I realized what I had done- then spit it out. I was soooo mad at myself. I knew better. I felt like I had failed. I have been so strong on this program, yet in mere moments I gave in today. I hate it.

SO- this morning I am back on track. I woke up, took my vitamins, and drank my spark. I feel pretty disappointed with myself mentally- I want to succeed in this. I WILL SUCCEED. Just have to get up, dust off my guilt and move forward. RIGHT? RIGHT!

One final note- At this point in the program, I have noticed my appetite shrinking. I am not able to eat nearly as much as I used to. Yet I am eating more often. Make sense?

I weigh in again- in 10 days. :0

God help me.

Until next time,

See ya on the Random Side,

Aj Luck