Help Yourself & Someone Else: Compton Adoption

Sometimes something is speaking you so so loudly it's all you can think about...

I've been helping others (& myself) get healthy for over a year now, but was recently called to help others in a different way.  A coach in my organization encouraged us to commit to a charity or cause, something that spoke to us. No sooner did she encourage this and everywhere I turned there were stories of babies: pregnancy, loss of pregnancy, foster placement, and adoption. The joy, sadness, heartache and bravery overwhelmed me. As I look into my three year old's eyes I can't imagine my life without him and the joy he brings us. Being a parent,whether it be by birth or by adoption, is TRULY a blessing, but sadly the journey to parenthood can be a rocky one. 

In college I met the sweetest young lady, Abi, who would become my sorority sister. She is one of those people that have a heart of gold, and would do anything to help anyone who needed it. Without a doubt in my mind I imagined Abi, and her now husband Matt, living a beautiful life post-college, getting jobs, getting married, buying a home and having children. As you will read in Abi's Blog , most of these have come true. When I first heard Abi & Matt's story I knew right away this was my cause. These two AMAZING people are destined to be the most incredible parents to whomever God chooses to bless them with. They have received the support of many, who feel the same way about them as I do, in efforts to help them raise the needed funds for adoption and I'm excited to do the same.

During the last week of October, the 26th-31st, I will be making a donation to The Compton's Adoption Fund for every purchase made through my site, giving you the opportunity to help yourself & help a family (& a baby) who deserve this blessing.  Not sure what program/product is best for you email me at Project30years@gmail.com. 

*All program purchases will include an invitation to my challenge group for support and motivation along with 1:1 coach support to help you achieve your fitness goals. 

How to order:
Visit www.beachbodycoach.com/mrsaclong
Click Join to set up your free account (Your coach will be listed as MrsACLong)
Shop the products
Check out
Email me at Project30years@gmail.com to notify me of your purchase so we can get you set in for success!

Seven Weeks of Summer: Week 6

This post is going to be different. This last week has caused a lot of reflection on how I got to where I am today. I've come so incredibly far and my eyes have really been open to that this week. I'm going to share with you more of what brought me to today. Many of these things most of you have never seen or heard and I'm having to fight the fear inside of me that says don't share...but here goes nothing.

 This was me, or at least who I used to be, back in 2005. This wasn't my heaviest point. I didn't take pictures then, or if I did I didn't save them. I hated them and didn't like myself. My self-esteem was at an all time low, I didn't take care of myself or respect myself. I was hundreds of miles away from home trying to escape the pain my family was going through as my parents' marriage was ending and while I was surrounded by people, I didn't really have any friends. It was no fault of their's I was just angry, unhappy and unkind and who would want to be friends with someone like that? Not me.

At the time I was preparing myself for a career in teaching. I spent time in the local schools with kids and realized I couldn't be the teacher I wanted to be when I had no energy, not excitement, and a lot of extra weight to carry around. At one point I had some students ask me if I was having a baby..which I certainly wasn't, but apparently looked like it. The feeling this gave me was heart wrenching. It was an all too familiar feeling I felt in 5th grade when one of my classmates and neighbors teased me constantly about my weight. I took control back then, at just 10 so at 20 I knew I had to and could do it again.

I began counting calories, running to the gym, working out, and running back home. I saw 65 pounds melt off in the course of 9 months and by the time I began my student teaching I was down to 135 pounds, not much more than I weighed in the 5th grade.

My life changed for the better at this point. I was happier and healthier, but I still had an addiction for food. As I began my career and got busy I also began neglecting myself again. This up and down weight battle continued until March of this year. In March I was, yet again, asked if I was pregnant, which I certainly again was not. I was so hurt, angry and upset. I worked hard to get in shape last summer and blew it completely, by not taking care of myself.

In March I set a goal that was greater than me, more about others than myself. I've let myself down so many times, but I hate letting others down. I decided two things: I wanted to be the healthy example my son deserves and that I wanted to be fit enough (not skinny enough) to keep up with him. I want him to be proud of me, not embarrassed by me. I want to show him that anything you set your mind to is possible, and you don't give it your all just when it's convenient but you give your all ever single day.

This summer has been a whirlwind. I've truly found a love for health and fitness and never want to return to the place I was at in 2005, or any other year for that fact. I have found some much joy in inspiring others. From texts, to fb messages to face-to-face conversations every person who tells me I inspire or motivate them to make a change has been so incredibly heart-warming for me. I'm finally proud of who I've become and the control I have over my fitness and health journey. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to help others now as a fitness coach. This is just one more step in the right direction, and I'll keep moving forward every single day!

Seven Weeks of Summer: Week 5

7/15 Overall inches: waist, hips, arms, legs- 162.5"

I could be discouraged by lack of change in inches, but I'm not. I could be upset and give up when I make a mistake, but I won't. I may wake up some mornings craving cake, but I know what cake tastes like and how failure feels. I want something new, something I've never felt or tasted before way more than I want want cake. I'm determined to make this time different. This will be the time I don't go back to my old ways. I will finally reach my goals and feel success.

Wednesday: How to stay on track when out for Mom's Night.
Step 1: workout before, because then you won't want to screw up your hard work
Step 2: bring your own food..yes, really, no one will judge you :)
Step 3: drink lots of water
Step 4: pack healthy snacks so you don't eat popcorn and candy

I really wanted candy, but....see paragraph one.

Thursday: Summer's great for getting your steps in. Lots of fun places to take kids with lots and lots of walking, or tripping and falling up the stairs...I wouldn't recommend that second part. OUCH! I hit the gym that morning for some strength training. 

Then we headed to the zoo, or so we thought. I had NO idea it was dollar zoo day when I planned our visit. Thankfully we got a heads up on the way and decided to visit the aquarium instead.. Still lots of walking and calorie burning. :) After our visit to the aquarium I attempted to do Lower Fix Extreme with a friend, but it as a crazy idea considering I busted my knee on the stairs at the aquarium. 

Friday: Splash, dance, celebrate.
Seriously, could summer be anymore fun, or busy? I almost what to stay home year round....almost. We hosted "Splash Day" for our neighborhood preschoolers group. The sun and company, and chance to relax was good for my knee. 
Workout/s of the day: Cardio Fix Extreme & Hip Hop

Followed by a combined birthday celebration. Of course I brought my own food & successfully avoided all sweets and treats. 

Saturday: It's ok to eat out, occasionally.

Today's workouts included: Dirty 30 Extreme & leisurely swimming :)

We went out to On the Border with a friend. I planned my day out so that I would have two fats left, 1 starch left, 1 1/2 lean protein servings left,  and two veggie servings left and had fajitas with corn tortillas, pico but no cheese or sides. 

We went swimming with friends afterward. I brought my drink of choice, La Croix, as a switch up from plain or lemon water.

Sunday: Yoga & rest

This is the day I kinda recover, give my body a break, and slow down! We went the the community pool as a family and spent the evening with neighborhood friends. 

Monday: Doubles & Soccer

Home workout: Plyo Fix Extreme with 15 thousand interruptions. (a little exaggeration) 

Gym: Conditioning for my first 5K

I'm just starting the busy life of a boy mom, so I have no idea what craziness lies ahead. We had soccer camp at 7PM, you know right during dinner time, so I packed our dinner before the gym and swung by the house after the gym to pick up the food and Dad. Tripp and I ate in the car on the way there. I knew if I waited until after I'd be so hungry I'd lose my mind and binge on something I shouldn't have. 

Tuesday: STAY at home Day! 

What?! A day I actually don't get out and do something?? That's crazy. I'm a busy body, have to always be on the go doing something, but my car that I just got in January broke down on me and I didn't want to drive the jacked up Tahoe any great distance, so hot home we'll stay until we run to the grocery store just to get out of the house.

Workout: Upper Fix Extreme & Hip hop videos on Youtube (specifically Fitness Marshall and Dance Fitness with Jessica)

7/22 Overall inches: waist, hips, arms, legs- 162.5"
No overall change but clothes that have been tight as fitting better, so that's a win in my book!

Seven Weeks of Summer: Week 4

7/8 Overall inches: waist, hips, arms, legs- 162.5"


Wednesday: To keep yesterday's momentum up I got up early to complete Cardio Fix Extreme, drank my Shakeology and started looking for ways to better keep up with my life & nutrition.  I have a planner I carry around, almost everywhere, but it's falling apart. After many recommendations I decided to order the Life Planner from Erin Condren with the wellness journal. EEK, I was so excited! For lunch I made homemade nachos. I have a small circle biscuit cutter, I use the straight side to cut round "chips" from corn tortillas, spray with olive oil then bake them until crisp. I topped the "chips" with cheese, ground beef with 21 day fix Southwest seasoning, and pico. I used plain greek yogurt in place of sour cream.  I joined some of my neighborhood friends at Hip Hop. I absolutely love this class. It makes me super excited for CIZE, the new dance fitness program, to come out on the 20th. I also committed to my first 5K and my 2nd 5K!


Thursday: Pack & Run! We are preparing for our mini-vaction to Shreveport to see our Honeymoon friends. Yes, we made friends on our honeymoon and we still keep in touch. Crazy Right?! We try to see each other every year.  On top of being busy doing laundry and packing I starting researching IIFYM, because I was curious if I should shange my diet to meet my needs when I start running to prepare for my first 5K. I actually found that the 21 day fix is developed using 30% Carbs, 40% protein, and 30% Fat. I decided to see how close my actual intake is compared to these macros, using MyfitnessPal. My macros are closer to 40% carbs, 35% protein, and 25% fat. This puts my diet in the "high carb for bodybuilding" category. Based on my body type and goals, this could explain why I'm not currently losing more fat, but would be beneficial once I start running. In order to optimize my results I decided I needed to research lower carb fruits, veggies, grains and starchy vegetables to eat on days I don't run.
I tagged along with a neighborhood friend on her 2 mile run. I did much better then I expected with an average of 11 min/mile.  I'm excited to see how well I'l do when I run my first 5K in Septmeber.


Friday-Sunday: Vacation time, which unfortunately means I didn't stick to healthy choices and certainly regreted it later.


Monday: My new 21 day fit challenge group and round 5 for me began today, which means no more falling off the wagon! I have 8 challengers who have committed to making a healthy, life-style change, that I will support and guide through the process. I love sharing this program and helping others get healthy. I also love how much I get to eat on this program!
Here's a look at my meals for the day.
Breakfast: steel cut oats, whole peach, 6 raw almonds
Post workout Snack: Shakeology with almond butter
Lunch: Steak, sweet potato, & 6 raw almonds
Snack: apple with almond butter
Snack: steak & bell pepper
Dinner: Cod, broccoli, slivered almonds
Snack: 4 hard boiled egg whites
Macros: 34% carbs, 37% protein, 29% fat

That's a lot of food right??


I spent my workout on the elliptial & body pump




Tuesday: Morning workout at the gym to start some conditioning to prepare for my first run & Upper Fix Extreme. My macros were about the same as Monday, 36% carbs, 36% protein, 28% fat, which isn't bad considering I got in two workouts, but I need to work on decreasing my fat intake a little bit.


 My life planner arrived!! This thing is awesome! I am so excited to use my planner and wellness journal throughout my fitness journey.


7/15 Overall inches: waist, hips, arms, legs- 162.5"
no change

Seven Weeks of Summer: Week 3

7/1 Overall inches: waist, hips, arms, legs- 162.5"

This week was not my finest! I didn't stick to the plan, nor did I document well, but that doesn't mean I'm giving up. Autumn Calabrese says "If you're tired of starting over, quit giving up."  When things don't go the way you planned it doesn't mean you should throw in the towel. You just pick back up and keeping moving forward.
 
Wednesday: I got up and got my 30 minute workout in: Pilates Extreme. I had to work today, so I came prepared with my lunch and snacks packed. With non-healthy food choices just a short walk away I didn't want to set myself up for failure by not preparing my lunch. Unfortunately, I gave in to ice cream, but decided I'd get an extra workout in instead of beating myself up over it. I got some extra cardio in with the Hip Hop class at the local gym.

Thursday: Morning workout, healthy eating (packed lunch for our visit to the Perot Museum), evening workout class: done

And then we went camping & this is where I fell off the deep end:
 Friday: no workout, donuts, smores.....
Saturday: no workout, chips, smores....
Sunday: no workout, Whataburger, cake, ice cream


And then the scale was my worst enemy. I had to remind myself that a lifestyle change doesn't mean perfection, it means breaking old, bad habits and the old me would have cried, ate more cake, and quit working out, but I will get right back on track and remember to enjoy myself in moderation next time.

Monday: Workout done!

I decided to celebrate my birthday with lunch at The Lot with neighborhood friends and our kids. I decided to go with the grilled chicken street tacos. They were so yummy! While most of the time I struggle to find something "fix approved" when I go to a restaurant, but I was happily surprised there was some good food to choose from!

Tuesday: Back on track 100% 40 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of LES MILLS body pump at the gym & a walk around the local petting zoo
 Breakfast: Steel cut oats, fresh fruit
Snack: Grilled chicken, raw cauliflower
Lunch: Grilled chicken, accordian sweet potato cooked like this, but with coconut oil, paprika and Himalayan salt
Snack: Peach, chopped almonds
Snack: Shakeology: chocolate & peanut butter
Dinner: taco salad

7/8 Overall inches: waist, hips, arms, legs- 162.5"
despite my mistakes there was no change from the previous week

Find your reason, focus on it, and never ever give up...no matter what!!

Seven Weeks of Summer: Week 2

Week 2:
6/24
Overall inches: waist, hips, arms, legs- 163.5"

Wednesday: Going into this week I  was mentally prepared to stay focused on my goals even though we were going to be on vacation. I prepared fruits, raw veggies, grilled chicken, boiled eggs, nuts and enough almond milk for my shakes to take on our trip. I knew that I would be temped to eat less nutritious foods and the only way to ensure I made healthy choices was to be prepared and say a little prayer! :)

Following the hip hop class at the local gym I made grilled chicken and veggies. I used a little water and sodium free seasonings to cook the veggies instead of oils. I'm not against using olive oil or coconut oil, but I had already used my daily allotment.

 

Thursday: I got up early and got my workout in. (Lower fix extreme) We packed up and headed out shortly after.We stopped at The Salt Lick in Austin for lunch on the way. I ordered the turkey plate. The meat came with a little bbq sauce already on it, which I didn't know beforehand, and coleslaw, beans and potato salad. I ate the turkey and a bite of each of the sides, just to get a taste. :)

After arriving at our hotel we headed to the minor league baseball game. I brought some raw cauliflower with me so I wouldn't be tempted by ball park foods.

 

Between one of the innings they let little kids run the field. T really wanted to run, and because he's only 2 they required an adult go with him. I jumped on the chance to run, because I can't stand sitting too long! 

 

Obviously we're trailing behind!

Friday: I woke before the boys and hit the hotel gym for some interval training. I didn't bring the 21 day fix with me, so I walked/jogged a mile and did 2 sets of weights and one burst of cardio for 3 rounds, then some abs.

 

Before heading to Sea World we grabbed breakfast (my 2nd meal) at the hotel. They had lots of stomach churning foods to choose from, but instead I chose scrambled eggs, fruit and plain oatmeal. I packed some food to eat while we were out. 

 

Natural peanut butter and a small apple. 

After returning from Sea World and getting a little nap we headed to dinner at the famous Mi Tierra. I tried to make the best of my choices and order a chicken taco salad with salsa instead of ranch. Unfortunately it's hard to 100% control what you eat when you go out unless you don't eat at all. You cant always get meats with low sodium or vegetables not cooked in canola oil, but you make the best with what you have and not go overboard. :)

Saturday:I got up before the boys again to get my workout in. I've decided I want to run my first 5k so I spent 30 minutes on the treadmill before using the weight machines.

 

We headed to breakfast at the hotel, again. I decided to stick with the same thing I had Friday morning although the pancakes looked good. He even tried to share.

 

We spent the morning at the Dosuem, Children's Museum. I highly recommend going if you have small kids! After the Doseum we had lunch on the Riverwalk. I decided on the vegetable enchiladas. They were not as healthy as I had hoped, so I made a 2nd trip to the gym while the boys napped to burn off some extra calories.

 

That evening we went back to the Riverwalk to get some dessert. I decided to join the boys and get some ice cream, because when in San Antonio eat ice cream. That's how the saying goes, right?? Anyway, a lifestyle change doesn't mean you have to give up the foods you love 100% of the time, you just need to consume them in moderation if you chose to consume them at all.

 

Sunday: Again, I woke before the boys to get my workout in. After breakfast we headed back home to end out vacation. We decided to not stop for food on the way home and
instead we ate our portioned snacks. We decided to get hamburgers instead of cooking when we got home, which was a mistake because I felt terrible during and after dinner! It's amazing how bad things taste that you used to love before cleaning up your diet. 

Monday: I got up early to get my workout in. I felt sluggish from the trip, and probably the burger, but I pushed through my workout. I had some errands and a hair appointment so I brought some snacks with me. (cauliflower, eggs, and shakeology) That evening I had my (free) fitness assessment with the gym I joined. I was pleased to learn my body fat percentage is in the ideal range for my age. I shared my goals with the trainer, and as he sat, listened, and encouraged me to achieve my goals I was reminded why I love being a BeachBody coach & hope to be just as supportive to others.

Tuesday:Upper fix was not my friend this morning. I had to reduce my weights on some of the moves, which didn't thrill me!I pushed through the workout, though! That morning we headed to the water park. I, again, packed my food so I wouldn't be hungry and stuck with only unhealthy choices. I brought grilled chicken, bell pepper and fruit.  When we got home I made a chicken and g=veggie stir fry using liquid aminos instead of soy sauce.
 

For dinner we made home-made tostadas. Normally I try to get in my carbs before 4, but occasionally I'll eat them for dinner because the rest of the family loves them... and I do, too!

 

7/1 Overall inches: waist, hips, arms, legs- 162.5"

Lost 1/2'' in each leg.

Seven Weeks of Summer: Week 1

"Fitness is a journey, not a destination." This series will follow my 7 weeks of summer break, working each day to achieve my goals.

Before this Summer:
In March I decided it was time to get back on track, seriously. After working hard to lose weight last summer, I was upset with how far I'd let myself go. When we moved in October the new house became my priority, not my fitness. I knew then, and I know now, there has to be a better balance. One aspect of my life shouldn't run my entire life. So, in March I started another round of the 21 Day fix, followed by another round, then a round of Extreme. I lost 15lbs in this time and have seen my body shaping in ways Ive never seen before.

 I'm currently on my 4th round of the Fix, doing the 21 Day Fix Extreme. I wish I could say I follow the meal plan perfectly every day, but I don't. I screw up more often that I want to admit. I've always struggled with food and I'm working daily to to overcome that struggle. When I started this journey I had a scale number in mind that I was determined to achieve. As time has passed my goals have changed. I'm now focused on being healthy, being strong, and being proud of who I see in the mirror.

Week 1
I set out to work harder than I had in previous weeks; heavier weights, better nutrition, and more focus. I started by cutting my dairy. (yogurt & cheeses) and getting my fruits and grains in earlier in the day. (*I have no nutritional certification, this is based on advice from the program.) I also added in Ballet Beautiful Body Blast: Butt Series, to help combat my trouble areas.
I started off strong, nutrition on point, steel cut oats and fish became good friends of mine. I woke up when my husband left for work and hit play every morning. The added weights were just enough challenge to make (feel) a difference. I set aside time to portion out fruits, veggies, steel cut outs, and chicken. I knew we would be on the go and didn't want to make poor food choices while we were out. I took my food with me everywhere: the movies, the Perot Museum, the library, the lake..everywhere. Like I said, I was doing great... but had a slip up when I decided to stay up really late to catch up on The Bachelorette....Ugh! I have to stay out of the kitchen after 9pm, no good choices are made then! Instead of dwelling on it, I got right back on track Tuesday morning.

Day 1: Wednesday, June 17

Stats:
Overall inches: waist, hips, arms, legs- 166.5"

 Day 2:
We went to see a movie at the Studio Movie Grill. I brought food & ate in the car before, then ordered the kids grilled chicken tenders close to the end of the movie. After the movie we stopped by Trader Joe's to pick up some goodies. My two year old used this time to make his own snapchat story. :)

Sunny Sweeney in concert at our local amphitheater. I packed some raw veggies and sparkling water to keep myself away from the concession stand. 

 Day 3:
We packed our lunch for our visit at The Perot Museum. (grilled chicken, raw veggies & fruit)

 Friday night was Moms Night Out. We played Bunco and got massages from a friend of one of the moms.  I, again, packed my food and drinks.

Day 4:
We visited the local petting zoo. We ate before we left, so we wouldn't make unhealthy choices while we were out. 

That afternoon we headed to the lake with some friends. We brought chicken and veggies to grill. I brought my chocolate Shakeology with me for the morning.

Day 5: We grilled delicious steak and cooked asparagus using the 21 day fix Southwest seasoning. Yum!

Day 6: Starting Monday right!

 Brought food with me to eat before we went to the library and ran errands. (Chicken and mushrooms)

 We visited a local Peach Orchard and picked up some fresh foods.
I roasted a pound of okra using 2tsp coconut oil, himalayan salt, garlic powder and pepper. 450, 10 minutes-stir, 10 minutes-stir, 10 minutes-done.

 I portioned fruits to prepare for our vacation using portion control bags from Kroger.

Day 7: I tried on my "goal shorts" and found Im super close to being able to comfortably wear them! I decided to add HIIT 3 days a week. I joined the local gym today to have access to cardio machines and heavier weights. Also, several neighborhood friend a members, so I'll have lots of support and company!

Today:

6/24
Overall inches: waist, hips, arms, legs- 163.5"

Down 3" in one week! The biggest change was in my legs, where I lost 1" on each.