Category Archives: Seriously!!!

Aj’s Health Watch day 105- day 2 detox Soup’s ON!

  By A.J. Luck | 25 April, 2013 - 7:03 pm | Encouragement, Fast Food, Health, Life Lessons, Seriously!!!
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Soup's on!

Soup’s on!

Today is day two of my juice fast/ detox.

Not gonna lie. It’s not even 7p.m. and I am exhausted. I struggled today with focus and really just wanted to crawl back into bed.( According to Joe Cross he felt the same way during this time as well…Guess I am right on track.)

AND.. we had a client bring in a HUGE platter of home made chocolate chip cookies and brownies today. Don’t worry, I passed. But SERIOUSLY!

Then another co worker gave me a large bar of imported dark chocolate.

Sometimes I feel like the enemy of my soul is taunting me. Still, I remained focused and stayed on plan. NO CHEATING.

I hit a wall this afternoon, standing in the kitchen starring at the mason jar filled with green juice. I just couldn’t do it.

I left, went home and made me some SOUP. The picture above is what I mixed together.

Five fresh campari tomatoes, one fresh clove of garlic, one fresh leaf of cilantro, one fresh leaf of basil, one stalk of celery, one red pepper and one yellow pepper, then some oregano mixed with distilled water.

I pressed the “soup” setting on the blendtech and watched it pulverize the ingredients into a steamy hot yummy batch of comforting goodness.

It was the best “tomato” soup I’ve had in my life. I doubt I will ever eat canned tomato soup again. Truth.

It helped.

This morning’s blend was:

spinach, kale, carrots, pineapple, green apple, banana, fresh lemon slices with the peel, ice and water. I have to say it was pretty yummy. The lemon helped A LOT. IT made it very fresh tasting. (zippy too.) I will try this mix again.

Okay..so there you have it.

Being honest… heading to bed…. RIGHT. NOW.

Nighty Night!

Muah~!

Until next time,

See ya on the Random Side,

Aj Luck<3

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 update- day 61- The results are in.

  By A.J. Luck | 11 March, 2013 - 12:26 pm | Advocare, Encouragement, Fast Food, Health, Life Lessons, 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.

Sitting here this morning listening to Nine Lashes, (highly recommend by the way)

and thought I would post the official weight loss results this morning.

Ready??

Okay- Here are mine:

January 9th, 2013

First day- Official weigh in: 231

Shoulders- 47″

Chest- 50″

Abs/Waist- 46″

Hips- 53″

Thigh- 25″

Arm- 14″

Calf- 17″

RESULTS AS OF 3-3-13 (53 days later)

Weight 221 (lost 10 pounds)- FAT. NOT WATER.

Shoulders- 45″ (-2)

Chest-47″ (-3)

Abs/ Waist- 43″ (-3)

Hips- 50″ (-3)

Thigh- 24.5″ (-.5)

Arm- 13.5″ (.5)

Calf- 16″ (-1)

Total pounds lost: 10 pounds

Total inches lost 13″

During this time I am learning how to eat “clean”- building muscle and toning up.

Sure, I would like the numbers to be higher- but a loss is a loss. I’ll take it.

I have been slacking a bit on recording my daily updates so I will get back on the “wagon” starting tomorrow. Yes, I am still drinking my Advocare Spark and taking my vitamins everyday.

I’m not perfect. I never will be. This is a journey and a process. It is LITERALLY one step at a time.

At least I am stepping forward.

Won’t you join me?

p.s. hubby has lost a total of 20 pounds and 14.5 inches. HE is a rockstar and I am super proud of him!

Until next time,

See ya on the lighter side!

Aj Luck

 

Aj’s Health update: Day 50-53 Tires, sledgehammers and lunges- YEP!

  By A.J. Luck | 28 February, 2013 - 3:33 pm | Encouragement, Health, Life Lessons, Seriously!!!
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They say a picture is worth a thousand words…so…..

Okay- here was our night last night:

This was the workout that greeted us last night. So much for the grace period. It's over- time to get back to work!

This was the workout that greeted us last night. So much for the grace period. It’s over- time to get back to work!

 

and then this is what happened:

We had to hit the tire with sledgehammers- swinging the sledgehammers...yep. We totally feel it today!!

We had to hit the tire with sledgehammers- swinging the sledgehammers…yep. We totally feel it today!!

and then we had to do this:

We had to bend down in a squat and pick up this tire and flip it over up and down a hill, using only our legs and butt.... O U C H! (This is Tommy in the pic BTW)

We had to bend down in a squat and pick up this tire and flip it over up and down a hill, using only our legs and butt…. O U C H! (This is Tommy in the pic BTW)

and then this:

It may not look like a lot..but it's 50 pounds- doing squats and lifting..yes.. I am sore. Thanks for asking. But I DID IT!!

It may not look like a lot..but it’s 50 pounds- doing squats and lifting..yes.. I am sore. Thanks for asking. But I DID IT!!

We also had to do tricep dip and tummy sit ups and walking lunges. At the end of the workout- hubby made the declaration:

"I have battled and beat anorexia!" said hubby jokingly! Standing with our AMAZING TRAINERS- Shawn and Jenny Albrecht!! :)

“I have battled and beat anorexia!” said hubby jokingly! Standing with our AMAZING TRAINERS- Shawn and Jenny Albrecht!! :)

I just want you to know…we are still pressing through.. Tomorrow, check back- I am going to open my heart and tell you about my take of nutrition, Advocare and the changes it has made for me- already. (2 months in.)

Until next time!!

Love and hugs!! (but go easy eh.. I am sore!! You SAW the workout we did right??) Lol!!

Aj Luck<3

 

 

 

 

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 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 31- Pushing past the pain

  By A.J. Luck | 6 February, 2013 - 1:27 pm | Encouragement, Fast Food, Health, Life Lessons, Quirky, Seriously!!!
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Learning to listen

Learning to listen

Good afternoon.

Here we are at day 31 of my journey. I can hardly believe it. WOW.

Yesterday I wasn’t feeling so great. It felt like the tummy bug was trying to come back. I was also pretty sore in my legs. I don’t know if it was due to my workout or a mini fibromyalgia flare. Either way it was uncomfortable.

I looked at my bike and decided to push past the pain. I was able to pound out 3 miles- but it was a struggle. I kept it pretty low key for the rest of the day.

My eating has remained pretty good. I have become more of a creature of habit, and for now I am okay with that.

Well, maybe that is a little off. This morning hubby and I had a breakfast meeting with a record label. We were in a mad dash to get out of the door, drop off our son at school and get to the restaurant. I managed to drink my Spark, but completely forgot to take my morning Advocare vitamin packet.

The meeting was at First Watch. There was really NOTHING on the menu that I could order easily. SO- I became the nightmare customer.

“Hi. Could I please have the Greek omelet- with REAL eggs, no egg beaters, and NO cheese. And could you please add spinach, red peppers, black olives and tomatoes? No hash browns and no toast and a side of fresh fruit?”

Our waitress rocked. She got my order right. It was yummy- on my eating plan and I felt good eating it. NO GUILT.

A few hours later I got hungry. I had an apple, some almonds and a few raisins.

Later I went to make lunch and realized I hadn’t taken any of the scheduled vitamins.  I freaked! I took my “30 mins before breakfast packet” and started making lunch. Then I took my other two packets – “take with lunch or breakfast.” pills. I still have my “take 30 mins before lunch” packet. I will take that before “dinner” and have my meal replacement shake then.

We are scheduled to work out with our trainers tonight so I am sure I will come home craving protein.  I am pretty sure it will all work out. :)

As far as a quick reflection over this past month:

I have more energy.

I don’t crave sweets or soda. (And that is so weird to my brain!)

I don’t miss bread…and that makes my head spin! lol!

I am learning to eat BECAUSE I am hungry..and not to fill emotional needs.

(i.e.- stress, worry, fear, depression.)

I’m having less “illness”- fibro flare ups, migraines and sinus infections.

I am learning to TASTE the food..and it really is GOOD!

So, the journey continues. Official weigh in in less than a week! YIKES!

- Finally, starting to wonder what my next steps will be after the 24 day challenge. I plan on sticking with Advocare and CrossFit,  as it is working so well for me.

Until next time,

See ya on the Random Side,

Aj Luck