tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47822287270517195702024-03-15T18:09:59.911-07:00Let's Move It Momma'sMarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.comBlogger705125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-72102085345945552842016-09-12T17:58:00.001-07:002016-09-12T17:58:11.638-07:00Life. Feels GOOD to have finally figured out what was up with my blog! I'm baaaack!<br /><br />Life?<br />It's GOOD.<br />Our workouts pushed on through the TX summer heat. It was tough but what isn't?? <br />As for me, am I still Movin It?! Heck yes.<br />That balancing act is a work in progress...always will be but as I always say, it's not about perfection. The "perfection" thing just doesn't work for me- always ends with failure so instead I find BALANCE, both good & bad. I'm human! Yep, we all are ;) <br /><br />What about my Mommas!?<br />Ohhh they're GOOD!<br />We just celebrated THREE YEARS as a workout group! Crazy, just crazy!<br />These ladies mean a LOT to me...<br />NEVER in my life have I been able to stick to something, keep my weight off and not get bored or tired of it! THEY changed me...entirely! <br />I look forward to exercise, look forward to new goals & adventures & I look forward to where these winding roads of life will take us! <br /><br /><br />I DO BECAUSE I CAN...YOU CAN TOO! <br /><br /><br />- sooooo <br />If you missed me as much as I missed you- let's continue working hard & kicking butt TOGETHER!<br />"Like" The Move It Momma Facebook page for frequent updates...and motivation, of course ;) <br />Instagram: @moveitmarissa<br />Twitter: @TheMoveItMomma<br />Snapchat: move it marissa <br /><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-24551579006737428862016-04-04T12:42:00.000-07:002016-04-04T12:42:38.073-07:00day by day...<b>When it comes to being healthy, I take things day by day...</b><br />
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<b>You should too.</b><br />
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<b>Don't look for perfection but instead, look for BALANCE.</b><br />
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<b>The way I see it, maintaining good health is HARD WORK but being unhealthy would be more work. It is painful, stressful, depressing and exhausting. Your mood would be forever changing, your mind would have given up a long time ago so it would be only natural for your body to do the same...soon after. Well unless you'd rather be totally dependent on medication (by choice) which carry side effects that can be just as weakening and destructive as poor health. Agree?</b><br />
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<b>Maybe you listen to those that have overcome bad eating habits, they've lost weight, they practice BALANCE and it seems so far out of reach that it's easier to NOT TRY? </b><br />
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<b>Either way in order to find long term success, you must TRY.</b><br />
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<b>You must take things DAY BY DAY.</b><br />
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<b>WANTING is never enough...</b><br />
<b>don't settle for WANTING.</b><br />
<b>It's a lonely road that leads to nowhere.</b><br />
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<b>Settle for TRYING.</b><br />
<b>For PUSHING.</b><br />
<b>For EXCEEDING.</b><br />
<b>For STRENGTH...</b><br />
<b>Those are things we should "settle" for...</b><br />
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<b>I have been so busy lately that my blogging has fallen behind BUT NOT MY HEALTH.</b><br />
<b>I'm still going strong and taking things one day at a time.</b><br />
<b>I exercise and balance my eating. Our local Move It Mommas are steadily reaching and exceeding goals they've set for themselves...</b><br />
<b>If you follow me on Facebook.com/TheMoveItMomma you'll see updated pictures, motivation, etc! Check it out and "like" our page for exciting things coming YOUR WAY!!!</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-45873866094753862352016-02-29T13:03:00.005-08:002016-02-29T13:03:50.173-08:00THAT won't workSeems like the story is always the same...BUT the common factor?<br />
"Oh I tried that diet years ago..."<br />
"I did that too...and it worked for a while but..."<br />
"I used to have time for that but..."<br />
"My metabolism stopped at 40 but I used to look and feel good..."<br />
"I've been fat my whole life...guess it is what it is"<br />
"I have horrible knees...I ran track in high school and now they're toast"<br />
"I had surgery on....so exercise can't happen for me anymore."<br />
"I looked great before I had kids...that life is over now"<br />
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So what if we find a different perspective?</div>
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A different path than what OTHERS do?</div>
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Does your NOT BEST have to be ENOUGH??</div>
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It shouldn't be.</div>
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Some argue that it's better and easier for me because I look, feel and am healthier than I ever was...</div>
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I went from unhealthy to healthy, so that's EASIER?? Really? Not quite. The only positive thing about being unhealthy for most of your life is that you knew your rock bottom, felt your worst and lost all hope in changing the way things were. THAT feeling and experience helps carry me far beyond my expectations. But for those that knew healthy and fit yet lost touch with that lifestyle for some reason, they have THAT feeling to push toward. They know what good felt like and now compare it to that blah feeling that has become day to day life. THEY can push toward the way they used to feel. So both have pros and cons. </div>
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Truth is, nobody's journey is more or less important than your own. </div>
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Yours is YOURS. Simple as that.</div>
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Stop comparing "apples to oranges". Not to magazines, models, people younger or older than you, taller, shorter...you get the idea. I am not you and you are not me. YOU ARE YOU so focus on being the best YOU that YOU can be :) nothing more...</div>
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STOP surrounding yourself with the WRONG types of people.</div>
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It may come as a shock to you, but sometimes people hang around those at the bottom to feel better about themselves...as soon as you become MORE, you are seen as a threat and they move on. </div>
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This journey is no different than any other obstacle in life. If we want something, we work for it....and if you're one of those that want and it magically appears, please sign me up!! I'd love that and so would everyone else! Ha! </div>
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Lately when life seems not so perfect, I find that staying true to my exercise routine and healthy eating habits makes all the difference in the world!</div>
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Try it. It works.</div>
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It can be your normal when everything else seems less than normal. </div>
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It helps that I have an extraordinary support system. You should have one too. Find it.</div>
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I have my husband, my boys, a strong family-they have believed in me all along, great friends that are TRUE friends...this matters more than anything. We don't want or need fake people in our lives that always NEED something from us. We should surround ourselves with REAL friends, ones that can relate to us, be there for us when life gets hard and ones we can lean on when it seems everyone is out for us to fail. THIS FACTOR IS SO IMPORTANT. Watch this one carefully because many times those that want us to fail or that aren't there for the RIGHT reasons will only show their true colors once in a while...pay attention. </div>
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Being healthy means ALL aspects of your life so communicate your feelings, don't be afraid to speak up for what you want or what you need. Find a workout that inspires YOU. Is it running, biking, group fitness, dance classes, hiking or swimming? Find it and make it happen as often as possible!!</div>
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DO NOT TRY TO BE PERFECT! It's not about perfection, it's about BALANCE. Trying your best to move often, to fuel properly most of the time, to drink plenty of water and less sugary soft drinks, more whole foods and less processed junk!!! BALANCE.</div>
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Willing to give these things a try?? Then you're ready for success...</div>
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LETS DO IT!!! Promise you one thing...you'll NEVER regret it! </div>
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-32622499897155272322016-02-01T06:57:00.003-08:002016-02-01T07:06:46.528-08:00makeover your mind FIRST<b>This is Mishell. </b><br />
<b>She's been a local Move It Momma since August 2015. </b><br />
<b>She has lost over 41inches and 30lbs since the start of her journey!</b><br />
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<b>The first day that we met, she was a different person than she is today.</b><br />
<b>She felt broken and weak but to see her strength and determination today it is nothing short of inspirational. </b><br />
<b>What's changed? EVERYTHING.</b><br />
<b>Her body, the scale, her blood pressure has decreased and so have her medications, her endurance, her muscles, but above all else...HER MIND.</b><br />
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<b>The picture below is a comparison of her changes since November!!!!</b><br />
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<b>She shows up every day willing to work hard for what she wants.</b><br />
<b>She comes when she doesn't feel great, when it's hot, cold, wet or windy. She modifies when she needs to and helps others in the process. She owns who she is and where she's at on this journey. She pushes hard. We all do. We push hard because we can. We are able. That's a gift...a precious gift that many take for granted and that saddens me so much. WHY if we have these bodies, these minds and and this life would we CHOOSE to enable it? Makes no sense, does it? But we do it...I did it and so many others do it as well. Do we hate ourselves THAT much? Do we think we deserve to be in pain, miserable and unhealthy? I'd like to say no for all of us, but sadly I think some prefer to live in that self-pity. Those that choose to rise above show they strength, their heart and their determination. THAT is true strength of character and it will shine to all that meet them! Their children will see it, spouse, friends, family...EVERYONE. It helps inspire others to take that first step. Inspires others to finally believe, well if she can maybe I can too??! THAT IS A GIFT. A gift I'll cherish EVERY DAY! </b><br />
<b>A gift I hope Mishell treasures as well, even if she's unaware of all of the lives she's inspiring each day! It's incredible.</b><br />
<b>Some days I even feel I don't deserve to be put in this position. Almost like it should be someone so much greater than myself. I'm just a girl that's lived in Texas her entire life...nothing too exciting but I do have the passion and desire to help women be healthy and for them to feel good and I'm starting to think that's ENOUGH! We are all enough! </b><br />
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<b>What amazes me the most is how she keeps referring to the biggest makeover was of her mind. </b><br />
<b>It's true.</b><br />
<b>She's taught me that about myself as well. </b><br />
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<b>When I'd set out to "start" my journey I'd allow what others said dictate my failure or success. We both struggled with having people in our lives say we were "bigger, fatter, slower...etc" and WE CHOSE to let that define us. </b><br />
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<b>NOT anymore.</b><br />
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<b>THAT'S what changes the most.</b><br />
<b>A different attitude that says, I'm taking my life back.</b><br />
<b>I'm in control.</b><br />
<b>I want to be better because I CAN. </b><br />
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<b>It may sound cheesy and a bit over the top but it's what we need day to day to keep us going It's repeating to that little voice in our head that wants us to stop because we were used to stopping and quitting for SO LONG...we just talk that voice off the ledge over and over again until it goes away or it becomes more faint. That voice of doubt will always be there, but we've learned to push it further back in our minds! YOU CAN TOO. </b></div>
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<b>You have to want it with every inch of your body and mind and until you're ready to FULLY accept that mind-changing step, you just aren't ready. </b></div>
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<b>My hope is that you don't wait so long that your "ready" never comes. </b></div>
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<b>It's NEVER too late to beat your best but if your health declines further and further, you are just making that mountain harder and harder to climb...NEVER IMPOSSIBLE, just bigger. Bigger is okay too. Bigger is what makes you stronger. I believe that I faced my challenges with weight for most of my life to help change others and beat my best every day! It was for a purpose and while it was hard and is hard every day, it is still far better than how I used to live, trapped in my mind that failed me time and time again. </b></div>
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<b>Do me a favor. </b></div>
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<b>Set a goal to see what it feels like when you BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN do something! </b></div>
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<b>Anything.</b></div>
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<b>Run a 5K.</b></div>
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<b>Run a mile without walking.</b></div>
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<b>Walk a mile without stopping.</b></div>
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<b>March in place for 1 min without stopping.</b></div>
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<b>Sign up for a race.</b></div>
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<b>Join a workout group.</b></div>
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<b>Join a gym.</b></div>
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<b>Set a goal to walk as a family 3-4 days a week.</b></div>
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<b>Ride a bike.</b></div>
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<b>Possibilities are endless....so what's your goal??</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Aim high and remember, it's YOU against YOU...nobody else. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">One step at a time and remember if your mind quits, you quit. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Train your mind to be on your side, no longer against YOU. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">It's what will get you over that, "I wish I could" mountain and onto the "I know I can" mountain. While both are tough to climb, they ARE POSSIBLE if you believe that you can! </span></b></div>
Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-44370972924259698062016-01-19T17:00:00.001-08:002016-01-19T17:00:27.789-08:00THAT day...<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What does THAT day look like to you? </b></div>
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<b>It may look different in our minds...</b></div>
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<b>THAT day.</b></div>
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<b>It is full of the unknown...which can be the most rewarding part.</b></div>
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<b>When we start our journey, we are unaware of where the journey will lead us.</b></div>
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<b>Of course we should imagine success but if we focus SO much on the "end result", the "total we'd like to lose", "bathing suits we'd like to wear" etc, then the journey will be less meaningful and we'll miss out on those small, life-changing moments that matter SO much. Those little moments are what change us and make us better, stronger and more dedicated. We learn from those moments...and they matter. Every moment, every step MATTERS.</b></div>
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<b>The moments, experiences, people we meet along the way are what change us!</b></div>
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<b>If I focus on the "end" then that would mean my way of life doesn't change so instead I focus on EVERY MOMENT! Big and Small. They all count. </b></div>
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<b>When I first met Mishell, I could feel her strength. I knew she had "tried" and "failed" too many times to count, just as I did. She told me, "this time felt different" and man, was she right! She's had MANY MOMENTS on her journey and it's only the beginning. </b></div>
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<b>Weight loss, inches lost, dropped sizes, decreased medication dosage, improved her blood pressure, inspired others AND she completed her first 5K on Saturday! Oh what a feeling...</b></div>
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<b>Those life-changing moments? Yea, we had a BIG one on Saturday and we weren't alone, we were TOGETHER! </b></div>
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<b>She was anxious and feared the unknown but didn't let that stop her. We met at the race, hugged and laughed, took too many pictures and then we started...</b></div>
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<b>She had mentioned to only a few not to leave her throughout the race, but what amazed me was that we ALL stayed with her, EVERY-SINGLE-STEP OF THE RACE!</b></div>
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<b>It was beautiful.</b></div>
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<b>Nobody was out to set the world on fire, beat a record or win first place.</b></div>
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<b>We were there to finish...TOGETHER. And we did. </b></div>
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<b>We all had tears in our eyes as they announced her name and accomplishment as we crossed that finish line, side by side. A moment that cannot be put into words but it was one of those life-changing moments you never see coming. You can imagine what your journey will be like but you'll NEVER fully understand until you feel it and are in it. </b></div>
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<b>What a moment. </b></div>
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<b>But our moments were far from over after Saturday's 5K because now it was Sunday, time for the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Half Marathon!! Yep! </b></div>
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<b>Go big or go home, right?!</b></div>
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<b>Again, we were not there to win first place but we were there to FINISH</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPUtwtQ1nG0iX2yLGRIvNKIy1NvGU88NLHbjQsmAk0KjaJcXcH2FSKLuOeWX8tSn3ASmZBqecSHLXgZpRuG3g7rpR7RpUyidYELoBsG53f5YL_VB0cfP5awBcn1TBfP4UHT9wDmXOp3O6/s640/blogger-image-997267143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPUtwtQ1nG0iX2yLGRIvNKIy1NvGU88NLHbjQsmAk0KjaJcXcH2FSKLuOeWX8tSn3ASmZBqecSHLXgZpRuG3g7rpR7RpUyidYELoBsG53f5YL_VB0cfP5awBcn1TBfP4UHT9wDmXOp3O6/s640/blogger-image-997267143.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>WE DID IT! 13.1 miles...and one of us complete her first MARATHON- 26.2!!! WOW! </b></div>
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<b>I DID IT!</b></div>
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<b>I crossed the finish line limping alongside my husband, who had severe knee pain but we did it! We did not give up, although we wanted to when our injuries worsened at mile 11 but we kept going...one foot in front of the other, not worrying about the end outcome, but only focusing on one foot in front of the other...simple as that!</b></div>
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<b>I finished my 11th half marathon, my 4th time running this Aramco half marathon!</b></div>
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<b>If you would have asked me years ago to "Imagine THAT day", I would have NEVER imagined all these medals...MY MEDALS hanging in my bedroom. I did that?! </b></div>
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<b>THAT day looked much different in my mind and it was so hard to imagine because I had NEVER been there before. I hated running, dreaded exercise and sweating, did not like healthy foods, rarely ate vegetables unless they were covered in butter and lived for fast food....Yep, that was ME. THAT day did not involve half marathons, leading workout groups, graduating with a degree in Exercise Physiology and Health, getting a teacher certification in PE and Health, working in cardiac rehab helping heart patients improve their health...WHAT??!!! </b></div>
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<b>Yep, that's why THAT day cannot be imagined, it must be PURSUED. THAT day must be CHASED. </b></div>
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<b>Sometimes it's tough to imagine how the HEALTHY YOU will look, feel, act, what that version of YOU will accomplish, people the HEALTHY YOU will meet, inspire or motivate but if you START, then that HEALTHY YOU is just around the corner and those little life-changing moments along the way make it an even better journey! </b></div>
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<b>Start now and stop waiting for THAT day.</b></div>
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<b>Chase THAT day, EVERY DAY. </b></div>
Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-81083227589000251802015-12-30T12:26:00.001-08:002015-12-30T12:26:59.891-08:00Reflections. <div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What did you set as "resolutions" for 2015?</b></div>
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<b>Did you meet those goals?</b></div>
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<b>Exceed those goals?</b></div>
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<b>In the blink of an eye another year has passed...2016 is on its way.</b></div>
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<b>Do you have different goals this time?</b></div>
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<b>Are they the same goals you set for 2013, 2014 and 2015? </b></div>
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<b>I hope not.</b></div>
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<b>But if they are the same and they seem unattainable, </b></div>
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<b>it's time to find a way to make them your reality once and for all...</b></div>
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<b>I had the goal of "losing weight" for 10+ years when New Years would roll around...</b></div>
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<b>I was on fire, my mind was set and there was no turning back but soon that flame fizzled out, no more non-stop commercials on TV about getting fit, my friends stopped doing the workout videos with me and I would't dare do it by myself. The newness and excitement of a new way of life was like an old gift...the shine slowly wore off and here I was, breaking promises to myself for another year. I didn't care necessarily about being healthy or getting fit, I simply wanted t to stop being "fat" and wake up "skinny" a few weeks later??? That's possible right?</b></div>
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<b>I learned the hard way that if it seems too good to be true, it is TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE.</b></div>
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<b>The quick fit does just that...gives you results that are not long term. They will fade quickly and if you don't fix what's going on on the inside, the outside will only be temporary. </b></div>
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<b>We've ALL seen it or done it ourselves. It's the new fad diet of the New Year and it seems SO fantastic and EASY!!! We see the commercials, we hear the testimonials, a friend of a friend of a friend lost 20lbs in 2 weeks so it's gotta work for me!!! Right?</b></div>
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<b>So we begin...the first day of 2016 is off with a bang!!! Wahoooo. </b></div>
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<b>We starve ourselves, get moody, angry, short tempered because we are "depriving" ourselves of everything we want but if we can just stick it out for a week or two more, then we can get skinny and go back to the way it used to be- macaroni and cheese & pizza will be waiting for us as soon as we finish!! Ahhhh...I can taste it already :)</b></div>
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<b>Ughhhh, NOOOOOOO.</b></div>
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<b>WRONG</b></div>
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<b>WRONG</b></div>
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<b>WRONG!!!!!!</b></div>
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<b>Mistake #1? Making it about an image. Getting "skinny" rather than being healthy. Healthy and fit comes in different shapes and sizes and while it's great to have a "goal" of what we want from our bodies, it's not fair to compare to any person but ourselves when it comes to goals for our body, physically. NOT FAIR so don't do it to yourself. I pictured every year on day one of the New Year that I'd look like Cindy Crawford in a month if I'd stick to it...reality? Cindy isn't me. I'm a TOTALLY different built and I'm okay with that because I'm the healthiest version of MARISSA that I can be. I feel good, I feel strong and I look like I take care of myself physically and mentally...it always SHOWS! </b></div>
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<b>Mistake #2? Unrealistic expectations! Don't set a goal that you KNOW is unattainable because if so, you'll make it easier to fail and give up on yourself! Don't make that an option so instead, set a lot of smaller goals that are attainable over time...keep climbing the mountain, one obstacle at a time and before you know it, you'll be moving mountains and becoming the person you'll always imagined you'd become except THIS TIME YOU DID IT RATHER THAN IMAGINED IT!!! Amazing right? </b></div>
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<b>For me, I'm setting new goals constantly. It keeps me in check. Keeps my body guessing and keeps me striving to stay healthy. If I go through a period of time where I don't have a goal in mind, I'll find it easier to back off from the workouts a bit and start eating a little less structured. Notice I said STRUCTURED not DEPRIVED!!! </b></div>
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<b>HUGGGGE difference between the two. </b></div>
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<b>I practice balance with my workouts and my foods every day, keeping myself structured and try to plan as often as possible but of course I have bad days and that's okay...I'm human and it works for me. </b></div>
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<b>Deprivation is what caused me to yo-yo/gain-lose weight as often as the seasons changed...ugh! NO way to live. </b></div>
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<b>When I say the words, "I can't eat that" or "I have to exercise", I make it work. I make it a chore instead of a privilege. It IS A PRIVILEGE to take care of your body and mind! </b></div>
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<b>NEVER A CHORE!!!! </b></div>
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<b>Change your mind and the rest will follow. Let the guilt go. Let the frustrations from failed attempts in the past go. Let go of that fear of failure because so many times you fell short. Let go of those that drag you down and find the ones that lift you up. Let go of the ones that don't think you can do it-just add them to the desire to "watch and see what you do!"</b></div>
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<b>I meet women all of the time that say, "well I lost the weight once before and gained it all back and then some after ____ ."....Okay, what this tells me is that you're ready to fail again rather than succeed once and for all, right? WRONG! Instead, let go of "that time you lost 100lbs." Or "that time you fit into a size 4 for a friends wedding" and instead focus on "I can't wait to get healthy. I can't wait to feel good and I can't wait to LIVE the life I've always dreamed of but have been too afraid to fight for!"....ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING! EVERYTHING! Never forget that!!! </b></div>
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<b>Get it? Good! Glad we had this pep talk before the start of 2016! </b></div>
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<b>What are you waiting for??? Lets DO THIS! </b></div>
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-8288849289461956262015-12-22T11:08:00.002-08:002015-12-22T11:08:46.427-08:00helpless.<br />
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<b>When Biggest Loser season comes along, I find myself overly inspired...if that's even possible?</b></div>
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<b>I have my favorite contestants, the ones I relate to and feel like I know "in real life" but Jay Jacob's and his beautiful family have really touched my heart over the years and after reading his Instagram post today, it inspired a post of reflection on what helpless meant to me...</b></div>
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<b>Jillian's words spoke to me in his post...</b><br />
<b>What strong words.</b><br />
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<b>As I reflect on these words personally, it makes so much sense. </b><br />
<b>While I wanted to blame others for my emotional attachment to food, it was my choice. I allowed others to have control over me by letting their words, actions and opinions affect my poor eating decisions. That choice was MINE. I had to stop giving food power, stop giving the "haters" power, stop allowing others to hurt me in a way that I'd let their words or actions make me helpless...by choice. </b><br />
<b>It's ALWAYS a choice. Remember that. </b><br />
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<b>For me I spent so much time MAKING myself helpless. Trapped. Powerless.</b><br />
<b>I voluntarily gave up my control slowly until it vanished before I even realized it.</b><br />
<b>I'd allow others to set my moods, triggering me to give up control and although I had a choice, I'd tell myself I had no choice and continue down the path of self-destructing my health. So I became a different woman while feeling like I had no choice in the matter...almost as if I was who I was and I couldn't change it even if I tried. How unfortunate. I had the choice all along and I CHOSE to keep falling deeper into that hole that I HAD CREATED. The pity, the doubt, frustrations, tears, sadness, helplessness...ALL MY CHOICE but because I gave up that power "drip by drip", I resented the person I had become. I was angry and the only way I knew to fix it was to keep making the same "choices" I had made all along. </b><br />
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<b>It's a vicious cycle that won't break until we </b><br />
<b>MAKE THE CHOICE TO CHANGE IT! </b><br />
<b>Simple as that...ha, if only simple was easy? </b><br />
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<b>When I'm approached to help women change their lives, the first thing I listen to is their story. Their words. I must truly listen to them and HEAR them and I'll know almost immediately if they have given up control...</b><br />
<b>It's amazing after living without control for so long, I pick up on it rather quickly. </b><br />
<b>While I thought I was a closed off person on the inside, that nobody could see my dark (unhealthy) secrets, I was wrong- they could see right through me. My helplessness and insecurities showed for those that listened. It was easy to see I had given up power to choose how I wanted to live and with giving up that power, I gave up on me completely. I had given up trying. I had given up on being better. I had allowed fear, sadness and failure consume me until those words described me and all that I represented. UNTIL I CHANGED BY CHOICE!</b><br />
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<b>I did it. </b><br />
<b>Me.</b><br />
<b>I didn't use some magic wand-while that would've been nice, it took work.</b><br />
<b>But the work was part of my journey. My discovery to gaining my voice again. My ability to choose my own way and choose the life I wanted to live...I took my control back. I am no longer helpless and that is what this journey is about. Very little is about losing weight...it's more about discovering who we are when we start LIVING instead of HIDING. It feels so good. I want all women to make that discovery and rip away that weighed down feeling of regret. It will lay on top of us and crush us IF we allow it. That choice is up to us. Don't wait until January 1st because others say that's what you do. Do something different. Do something that frightens people. Do something that leaves people guessing...even yourself. Once you get a taste of what it feels like to make positive choices and commit to giving yourself the life you've always wanted, you'll NEVER want to go back. Ever. </b><br />
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<b>Did Jillian's words speak to you?</b><br />
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<b>My hope is to one day leave words that give women that "ah ha" moment we all deserve just as she did and does every day. She is changing lives around the world and while I'm hopefully impacting lives right here in my town, I hope to one day change the world alongside her and have that platform to share my story, successes and setbacks with the world! Thank you Jillian for doing what you do...it's contagious and that is so powerful and life-changing :) </b><br />
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-18916274935649404832015-12-14T06:38:00.000-08:002015-12-14T06:38:19.943-08:00'Tis the season of TEMPTATION!<b>Merry Christmas!</b><br />
<b>A season of love, giving, happiness, celebration, thankfulness, joy, hope and SUGAR...</b><br />
<b>LOTS OF SUGAR...and TEMPTATION! </b><br />
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<b>Our "temptations" began with my sons gingerbread making party! So much fun and a 1st grade tradition at their school. I love this time of year through a child's eyes. Such beauty and pure innocence and happiness. We had FUN! </b><br />
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<b>By the time he finished decorating, there was SUGAR everywhere and he was so excited to come home and eat it! I LOVE pretzels so it was very tempting for me to devour that "roof" BUT I refrained after much convincing of my own. </b><br />
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<b>Keep in mind, it's OKAY to give into temptation but choose wisely. I do not suggest banning any food from your body because when you say NO, your mind wants it THAT much more. That's is the way I'd sabotage myself over and over again in past attempts at getting healthy. I say make it worth it and indulge with things that you CAN control. There are many "temptations" that once I start munching, my brain shuts off and I cannot STOP...I lose total control and by the time I check back in that bag-box-container-"roof" is GONE :( uh oh!!! </b><br />
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<b>My Italian background taught me that baking cookies with LOVE is a great way to spread the Merry of Christmas!! </b><br />
<b>So after much hesitation, I decided I'd spend my Sunday baking goodies for the people we love most :) </b><br />
<b>It started by grabbing a few "messy" looking cookies and by the time I realized it, I had taken out about 6 cookies!!! Eeeek. Now 6 is the grand scheme of things isn't too shabby but it could have gotten MUCH, MUCH worse! I checked back in and stopped myself before things got out of hand and continued baking. </b><br />
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<b>and baking...</b><br />
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<b>...AND BAKING!!! </b><br />
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<b>ANDDDDD BAKING!!!!! </b><br />
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<b>I have learned to make the RIGHT amount of cookies that leaves little for temptations. After packing up the goodies for teachers, family and friends, I had just enough for the boys and hubby to have a few "taste testers" and with their approval, we sealed them up! Ahhhh....</b></div>
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<b>So while the parties, celebrations and memories are being made, it does NOT mean that your healthy way of life has to be thrown directly out of the nearest window! Control yourself and constantly remind yourself of how great you feel at your best and how low you feel at your worst! It's a reality check for your brain and TUMMY. </b></div>
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<b>We are human. We make mistakes and we indulge too much, we have good days and bad, sometimes we hate to wake up and exercise and we hate preparing our healthy meals BUT we hated being unhealthy much more. I know I did. I hated that feeling of guilt and sickness when I'd eat so much I could barf. THAT IS NO WAY TO LIVE. So when you are faced with Holiday goodies at home, work, school, or at your child's Christmas party -remind yourself that YOU are in control and YOU decide how you want to feel and live EVERY DAY! </b></div>
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<b>With that, learn to balance the good and bad. It's the ONLY way to find long term success. I'd say I'm about 85%-90% on the healthy bandwagon but contrary to what you might think, I do have moments where I'm not "perfect" and the temptations get the best of me but what I do NOT do is allow that 10% to become 100%! That's what I used to do for soooo long. I'd make one bad choice and that would ruin my entire day of eating and lack of exercise...I'd quit EACH and EVERY time I was faced with a challenge or temptation. Ugh, what a terrible way to live...it actually isn't living very much at all. Been there? Don't stay there...get OUT! It's never too late and the Holiday season is a PERFECT time to test your will power, strength and determination!!!! </b></div>
Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-54924216928873242272015-12-08T06:41:00.002-08:002015-12-08T06:41:35.432-08:00the butterfly<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Last week in boot camp, I had some ladies voice their frustrations on visits with family over Thanksgiving regarding their new, healthy way of life. Finding it hurtful that some family members or friends seemed to tease or discourage their successes. </b></div>
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<b>I immediately asked the group to raise their hand if someone has ever made them feel bad about the positive changes they are making or have already made? </b></div>
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<b>Honestly I expected about half of the group to raise their hand but to my surprise EVERY, SINGLE woman raised their hand. We looked around in silence. Wow.</b></div>
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<b>So when I thought I was alone all of these years feeling hurt by words spoke by people I loved most, people I looked up to and wanted their "approval"....I was NOT alone after all.</b></div>
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<b>Sadly we all stood there, looking around and thinking Wow, we really are NOT alone anymore. You see women are strong but sometimes it's okay to admit our frustrations or sadness. Keeping it inside and leading people to believe we have it all figured out may hurt us more than help us. Sometimes it's greater to voice it, shout it out loud and grow from it, learn from it and allow it to make us stronger rather than defeat us! </b></div>
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<b>My advice on the "haters" is to learn to take those hurtful words and actions as compliments!</b></div>
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<b>It may sound crazy but if someone is "bothered" by our new way of life then it means our changes have made that person feel vulnerable and sadly, human nature is to wait for us to fail. </b></div>
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<b>It's okay for them to doubt us because if you are anything like I was, it took MANY failed attempts before I got it right...and I'm still just taking one day at a time, trying to keep getting it right! That takes GUTS, STRENGTH and DETERMINATION! Some days I have a lot of it and some days I have none...but it's those great days that carry me through the really tough ones. It's a balancing act and I've learned to accept that things won't be perfect, every day won't be a great day, I will be tired, achy and want to give up but I DON'T...simple as that!</b></div>
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<b>Where I stayed most of my life was easy. I was just me and by never trying new things and being unhealthy, it was what it was. As I started to slowly transform, I noticed people treated me differently, not bad just different. My friends stopped asking me to go to dinner, my family would say things like, "I would never be able to eat like that, don't you ever just want a juicy cheeseburger?" and so on. Some favorites are, "Why would you run a half marathon? That is so bad for your joints!", "Oh don't judge, we all know YOU won't eat what we're eating!", or "Marissa, you didn't use quinoa or flaxseed to make this dish, right?!" followed by giggles...</b></div>
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<b>"I could eat like you if I liked the taste of cardboard!", "You were so much fun when you were chubby.", "I tried doing what you do and I burned out because you can't maintain it, just wait til you hit my age...it'll catch up!", "Must be nice to not have bad knees like I do, consider yourself lucky because I can't exercise"...uhhh WHAT??! </b></div>
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<b> "Every time I see your workout selfies, I am usually stuffing my face so obviously your healthy way of life hasn't rubbed off on me"....and you get the idea! </b></div>
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<b>So while you read those and think, "Wow, how rude", I take them ALL as compliments. Compliments because I'm doing something they never saw me doing!! That's awesome!</b></div>
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<b>I stuck to something and I haven't given up or quit. That wasn't the old me...the old me would quit at the drop of a hat...that's the ME that was like the caterpillar every one knew so well. </b></div>
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<b>The butterfly in me sees things differently and takes them as compliments!!!</b></div>
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<b>When I was the "caterpillar", I was so hurt by the "Should you be eating that much food?", "Don't eat fast food or you'll end up like Marissa.", "You should consider trying ____ diet, it really works", "You just had lunch, you're going to eat again?"...</b></div>
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<b>THOSE words hurt because they hit me where it hurt most. They had exposed my most vulnerable part of me....my health and my weight. I KNEW it was terrible to do what I was doing but I did NOT want to be called out or told that. I thought I was hiding my dirty, little secret of my uncontrollable food intake but these comments exposed all of that...or so I thought. It was MY secret and these comments meant they ALL knew it?!!</b></div>
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<b>NOT ANYMORE!</b></div>
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<b>I'm a butterfly, an open book...</b></div>
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<b>I LOVE sharing my successes, my frustrations, my fears and my triumphant moments! I deserve to share that...all of it! And you do too!!!</b></div>
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<b>That caterpillar that I used to be held it ALL in. I ate to coat the pain. The food medicated ALL of my emotions that I would NOT share. It was toxic. I've learned that what works for me is the SHARE, to voice when I feel angry, sad, happy or defeated...rather than stuffing my face with a bag of family size Doritos! Eeek! </b></div>
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<b>MY POINT:</b></div>
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<b>NEVER let anyone make you feel bad about trying a new, healthier way of life! EVER!</b></div>
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<b>Your health matters SO much, it will affect every aspect of your life and the lives of your family members. You are giving your children a better mother, your husband is getting a better wife and so on. That is NEVER something to be ashamed of! Remember that. </b></div>
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<b>And if someone has something to say about it, simply say THANK YOU...I guarantee it'll catch them off guard hahaha!</b></div>
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<b>It doesn't mean PUSH your healthy way of life onto them either. They MUST want it for themselves, you can NEVER want it enough for them. Sad truth. Best thing you can do is model the healthy lifestyle and they'll eventually come around...hopefully! Just let them SEE that butterfly that emerges from your hard work and determination....THAT gift you give yourself and those around you! I have high hopes that if we ALL carry that healthy glow with us everywhere we go, it'll become contagious and all will want to be a part of it, they'll want to feel good, be active and healthy!</b></div>
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<b>Yes this is my perfect world dream, but so what...</b></div>
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<b>Big dreams are Good dreams!!!! Go for it and let NOTHING hold you back!!!!</b></div>
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-40273615327922275622015-11-30T16:56:00.001-08:002015-11-30T16:56:30.373-08:00Did you "come back"? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Biggest mistake I made more than a few times was "coming back." </b></div>
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<b>"Coming back" after a Holiday, life-changing moments and milestones, sickness, vacation...</b></div>
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<b>If it slightly took me off of the routine, it seems like I was gone forever, or so it felt. </b></div>
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<b>I had waited a long time to find the "perfect" moment to make a change and as soon as those ideal situations would pass, I'd have an excuse to quit once again. </b></div>
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<b>I was really good at justifying it as well...If my excuse was a headache, mine was the worst headache in the entire world, if it was a swollen ankle, mine was THE worst swollen ankle EVER...and if it was as simple as a doctor's appointment, whew then that excuse was EASY...</b></div>
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<b>you get the idea! </b></div>
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<b>At my heaviest I felt lousy and out of control most days. </b></div>
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<b>But when I first started losing weight, exercising and eating BETTER (not great!) I noticed an emotional change almost immediately. I wasn't my tired, lazy self and I was finally understanding what it was like to feel good. Wow. Should have been easy for me to "come back" after marriage, kids, full time jobs...but instead it was a way to make another excuse.</b></div>
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<b>The moment something pulled me away from that strict routine, I'd fall off and found it so difficult to "come back" EVEN THOUGH I knew I felt better when I treated myself right, it still wasn't enough to keep me motivated and on the right track...crazy, isn't it?</b></div>
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<b>Even when I first became a Mom, you'd think that was enough to motivate me for life but sadly, it wasn't. Seems like I allowed it to hold me back even more...</b></div>
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<b>I was "too busy" and "too focused" on everyone else that I let myself slip back into my old ways very quickly. </b></div>
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<b>When I'd eat crappy, I felt awful. When I ate right and balanced, I felt on top of the World!</b></div>
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<b>What kept me from "coming back"? I still don't know. </b></div>
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<b>Guess it was just easier to make excuses and keep things the way that they were. I mean, it's not like my weight was altering my every day life, it was what covered me up from people seeing the real me. The weight comforted me and kept me safe so maybe I wanted that more than I wanted to be healthy? Who knows. </b></div>
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<b>Change is NEVER easy. </b></div>
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<b>And honestly I liked easy. Easy was what I did best. Easy was what I knew. If something was difficult, I'd quit. If I felt threatened, I'd quit. If I was afraid, I'd run. So maybe I feared letting go of the EASY life I had grown to love. But that fear was now getting in the way of my health and day to day living...THAT is a problem. </b></div>
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<b>My body was trying to tell me but I ignored it for a long time. I urge you to listen when your body is talking to you. Take care of yourself no matter what. </b></div>
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<b>Don't let fear or intimidation keep you from achieving what you want. </b></div>
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<b>I was powerless as long as I gave myself no power. Powerless as long as I didn't truly believe I could. Powerless because I hadn't made up my mind to BE BETTER and DO BETTER!!! </b></div>
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<b>Seems like the Holidays were ALWAYS so tough. Food, family and friends everywhere, a celebration every weekend and lots of cookies, carbs and mindless eating!</b></div>
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<b>That disgusted feeling, the bloat, the burping and bowel issues would all follow those horrible meals yet hours later I'd find myself repeating those SAME habits knowing I wasn't even HUNGRY!!!! Oh it angers me that I'd do that so often. EVEN if I had done better in months past, I'd quickly relapse by simply seeing that junk food, the power and control it had on me. So the "coming back" was much worse...</b></div>
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<b>I'd try to jump back on the wagon, get outside and go for a jog but I felt so sick to my stomach and so incredibly tired and bloated, I wouldn't get very far and would come home and "reward" myself with more food...ugh!</b></div>
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<b>The craziest is how alone I felt when I'd binge.</b></div>
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<b>I was SUCH a social person...always have been and always will be. I love being around people! I've always been the "more the merrier" kind of person and I love that about me. </b></div>
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<b>I get along with most people because I'm easy going, I like to have fun and I love meeting and making new friends! It makes me happy just as my family makes me SO incredibly happy so how it is that I felt so alone when I'd eat? Tough question and I'm not sure I have a solid answer. Maybe because when I'd eat, I was weak and that was a part of me I never wanted anyone to see? I'd lose all control and the food would control my mind and that made me feel ashamed. I'm an open book, I love being honest with family and friends because honesty matters. I don't hide behind life or insecurities and that has made me stronger. Honesty makes some vulnerable because they don't want others to see "behind closed doors" or the "real person" but I'm the opposite, always have been so maybe my dirty little secret with food made me feel inferior because it was something I was embarrassed to share or discuss? I'm still not sure and I'm not sure if I'll ever truly know. </b></div>
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<b>But I do know that being honest with myself about my emotional attachment to food is what helps me get through each day on my journey to my healthiest self...it makes it easier to "come back" each and every day! </b></div>
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<b>"COMING BACK" means something totally different these days.</b></div>
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<b> </b></div>
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<b>I never leave, therefore it's never an option to have to COME BACK.</b></div>
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<b>I make up my mind that if I have a poor meal or one that's not so balanced, then I step it up with the meals that follow, I make sure I get lots of movement, drink plenty of water and do better the rest of the time! I balance my healthy choices with my not so healthy choices...</b></div>
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<b>I would not survive the Holidays or any time of year on chicken and lettuce...TRUST ME! </b></div>
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<b>I'm Cajun and Italian, it's simply not possible...hahaha! </b></div>
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<b>What keeps me focused? </b></div>
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<b>That awful feeling I'd feel after eating poorly and trying to exercise. </b></div>
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<b>The feeling I'd get after eating more than one "bad" meal...the achy, the bloat, the tiredness, the doubt and the pity. It's just NOT worth it to me any longer...simple as that! </b></div>
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<b>Knowing that those poor choices started reflecting on my health rather quickly and it was scary. Knowing I was in my early 20's and having health issues most deal with in their 60's was frightening. Scary enough that it helped me find the strength and determination to </b></div>
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<b>CHANGE THE PATH OF MY LIFE! </b></div>
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<b>I guess you could say there's no need to "come back" anymore because I was "gone" long enough! I was SICK AND TIRED of living a life of </b></div>
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<b>"Oh I wish..." and </b></div>
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<b>"If I was healthy..." and </b></div>
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<b>"One day when I lose weight..."</b></div>
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<b>So if Thanksgiving was not only filled with memories and happy moments but lots of poor food choices and little exercise...it's not too late to "COME BACK!" </b></div>
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<b>Sure the first workout will be tough, but after that it gets easier and you get better...</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Then when you find balance with food AND exercise-you really start to feel better, </b></div>
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<b>so much better! </b></div>
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<b>It's okay to hit a bump in the road, as long as you keep "COMING BACK" and never give up!</b></div>
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-70009405294743678882015-11-17T19:43:00.002-08:002015-11-17T19:43:25.391-08:00What do I see?<b>It's tough to understand if you've never spent countless days and nights wishing you could lose weight, look better and feel good but taking so long to finally find the courage to do something about it! It was always much easier to think about it and feel pity about it so I would lay awake and DREAM about what it would feel like. What it would be like to go shopping and the clothes in regular stores would fit. I'd imagine trying on the outfits on display and they'd look just as good on me as they did on the store mannequin. When it was time for school dances, I'd go with friends to pick their dresses wishing I looked more like they did and feeling sick when it was my turn, knowing nothing would fit. Summer time would arrive and bathing suits were the FURTHEST thing from my mind- the more I was covered up, the better I felt but I'd look around at my friends and admire their suits and their confidence, unable to find enough of my own to change the path of my life...</b><br />
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<b>Sure I was overweight but I wasn't repulsive...</b></div>
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<b>so why did I constantly think about the way that I looked?</b></div>
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<b><b>BODY IMAGE.</b></b></div>
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<b>It's powerful. It can push us forward or hold us back for a lifetime. </b></div>
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<b>It's pushed onto girls at an early age and that's disappointing.</b></div>
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<b>Teaching intermediate students, I'd often hear the word "fat" being thrown around all too often and once that word is used to refer to someone, it never goes away in their heart. </b></div>
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<b>So here I am today, over a 100lbs lost. </b><br />
<b>I've changed my way of thinking, the way I feel and the way that I look. I'm HEALTHY. </b><br />
<b>But have I let go of my "image" issues? </b><br />
<b>Do I see what others see when they look at me? </b><br />
<b>Hmmm...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Well I feel 110% better, that's a given! </b><br />
<b>I'm healthier, no more high blood pressure and high cholesterol. </b><br />
<b>My weight is "normal" and I'm no longer considered "obese". </b><br />
<b>THAT IS WHAT MATTERS. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>But today as I was Christmas shopping with my husband, I was chilly and we were in the boys' section. I grabbed this hoodie pictured below and quickly noticed it was a Youth XL...I giggled and threw it on, thinking it would NEVER fit but to my surprise it DID fit and I loved it...haha! Beside the point!</b><br />
<b>Point is, I wore an Adult XXL or men's XL in jackets/hoodies when I was at my heaviest. </b><br />
<b>THIS is a Youth XL. </b><br />
<b>Am I still struggling with that image factor after all these years? </b><br />
<b>That's an extreme size difference from the beginning of my journey to now yet I still don't SEE it. </b><br />
<b>I know that I've lost weight, I know that I'm in smaller clothes and so on...</b><br />
<b>But that self-doubt and lack of confidence when it comes to clothing seems like it sticks around a lot longer than the actual weight. </b><br />
<b>I've shed SO much of the old me throughout this journey and that makes me proud but when will that "image" I have of myself? I want to feel confident and beautiful. My husband and our boys tell me that I'm beautiful but that's different...I want to feel it inside. </b><br />
<b>But is it maybe because my "image" of beauty was instilled in me from a young age through Pop culture, TV, magazines and so on that I just can't picture myself like "that"? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Now wait, I'm not writing this post for you to tell me I'm beautiful. It's to help women like me understand that when on this journey, we must know that it's about nothing else but getting healthy! Nothing else matters and we MUST want it for all the right reasons rather than the wrong, skin deep reasons or we'll go nowhere fast. We have to feel good about ourselves throughout the journey and if we struggle with that, as I do, then we must work on that every day. It's just as important as being healthy. As always, I'm a work in progress and I love that...always changing and growing! I'll take it! </b><br />
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<b>One huge thing I've learned is to stress the importance of </b></div>
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<b>FEELING HEALTHY.</b></div>
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<b>It shouldn't be about a certain size, number on a scale, wanting to look like someone else or losing weight or getting healthy to "fit in". </b></div>
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<b>We can't get caught up with the magazines, the models, Hollywood superstars...</b></div>
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<b>It's about being real. The day to day ups and downs. The good and the bad.</b></div>
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<b>We have to find a way to balance all of that while also being healthy. And if it were easy, all would do it but the truth is, they don't. </b></div>
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<b>It's a select few that can dig deep enough to seek the kind of change that lasts a lifetime!! </b></div>
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<b>Lets be THAT select few...what do ya say?? </b></div>
<b><br /></b>
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<b>I don't exercise and eat right to add days to my life</b></div>
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<b>but rather to add quality of my life to those days!!</b></div>
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<b>So I'll wear my Youth hoodie with pride knowing I've drastically changed my body from one extreme to another from old fashioned hard work, dedication, focus and determination! It's the ONLY way to achieve long-term success! I didn't find it right away, it took a LONG time but I learned a little each time I took two steps back and those moments of learning helped steer me in the direction to help other women do the same and I can hopefully help some of them not repeat my mistakes that I made time and time again...that is my hope and wish! </b></div>
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<b>And I will continue to help women and girls understand that they are enough and they are beautiful. I want them to see their beauty from the start and not compare their flaws and imperfections to those superficial standards that girls and women are held to. </b></div>
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<b>Talking with one of my Mommas today after class, her and I spoke about hurtful things that loved ones said to us before our journey's began. She spoke about her father saying hurtful words and I about my grandfather saying something similar. We agreed that those words don't just go away. It's hurts and will always hurt but it's how we choose to grow from those moments. They love us and didn't mean to hurt us but we both said, our weight issues were SO personal that it dug deep and will never go away. PAY ATTENTION to how you speak to loved ones when it comes to wanting to help them be healthy. Choose words wisely because chances are, they already know they need to change and need help but they MUST be ready without you pushing them to want it. These days I take those hurtful words that used to hold me back and they now push me forward because I realize he chose poor words but was only worried about me and where I was headed if my health didn't improve. Women and little girls internalize A LOT so when you speak to them about appearance, their weight, their size, height...be careful with your wording. You do NOT want a young girl feeling like she isn't enough....they'll get enough of those comparisons through TV, social media, etc. We need to be their role model and guide. We want her to say, "Hey, my Momma works out, eats healthy and takes care of herself...look how beautiful she is...I wanna be just like her when I grow up!" </b></div>
Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-91329253725200415452015-11-14T18:04:00.002-08:002015-11-14T18:17:12.226-08:00and we meet again...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<b>The night before race day has arrived...</b></div>
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<b>A HUGE milestone for us and another half marathon to complete.</b></div>
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<b>This series that includes 3 Texas Bridges will be complete after tomorrow morning! </b></div>
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<b>It's a BIG goal with many TOUGH obstacles but we haven't let it stop us yet.</b></div>
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<b>Race #1 was the Kemah Toughest 10K over the bridge not twice but FOUR times...it was TOUGH but we all finished!!! And would you look at those smiles??! </b></div>
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<b>Race #2, Toughest 10K Galveston! This one was surprisingly easier than Kemah but still VERY TOUGH! But we did it...and we had some new faces too :) </b></div>
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<b>And here he is, Fred.</b><br />
<b>He's a BEAST isn't he?</b><br />
<b>Uh Oh. </b><br />
<b>He's the 3rd bridge in this series but instead of a 10K, it's a half marathon!! OVER it twice!</b><br />
<b>Yikes.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Fred and I have a history...</b><br />
<b>I ran this half marathon two years ago and swore to myself I'd NEVER run this bridge again...</b><br />
<b>Why?</b><br />
<b>Because it defines TOUGH. It defines pushed beyond limits. It defines strong. </b><br />
<b>I pushed with ALL that I had to complete this race in the past and while I did it, I hurt afterward. It took EVERYTHING that I had...</b><br />
<b>I was sore, achy and exhausted so you're probably wondering why I'd come back to conquer this bridge AGAIN???</b><br />
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<b>I'm not running it alone.</b><br />
<b>I will have my Move It Mommas right there, as they have been in both bridge races for this series...and they are nervous, as am I but we're going to do this. </b><br />
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<b>Three miles EACH way, six miles total ON THAT BRIDGE...</b><br />
<b>So why?</b><br />
<b>Well since changing my life, </b><br />
<b>I have this giddy excitement when I complete things that seem out of my reach. </b><br />
<b>I get thrilled about doing things that were UNTHINKABLE to the "old me". </b><br />
<b>Crazy, isn't it? </b><br />
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<b>There's always a point in these races where I am exhausted, hurting and feel it has defeated me...all of a sudden my mind and body find a way to DIG DEEPER and to KEEP PUSHING to that finish line and in that moment, nothing else matters. </b><br />
<b>It's me and the pavement. </b><br />
<b>One foot in front of the other. </b><br />
<b>My body, my breathing. </b><br />
<b>It's quiet and I'm full of fear yet fearless at the same time. </b><br />
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<b>THAT is why I keep coming back for more...</b><br />
<b>Because I CAN.</b><br />
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<b>In that same moment of fear, I feel so alive. </b><br />
<b>It's amazing. </b><br />
<b>I cross the finish line and I see the smiling faces of the strong women around me. We gather, give sweaty hugs and snap pictures because while we were so nervous, we doubted IF we could do it and we were so fearful of the unknown...</b><br />
<b>WE DID IT! </b><br />
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<b>And why must we keep proving that we can? I guess because WE CAN! And we don't need to prove anything really, but we do because WE CAN! </b><br />
<b>And we enjoy knowing that we CAN because we work hard to be healthy. </b><br />
<b>We work hard to be strong and we want to FEEL alive more than we want to feel defeated. </b><br />
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<b>Races are a place of inspiration. </b><br />
<b>The people. The hugs. The nerves. The like-minded friends beside you. </b><br />
<b>Runners young and old, tall and short...we all come together to achieve the SAME goal...</b><br />
<b>CROSS THAT FINISH LINE.</b><br />
<b>13.1 miles is a looooong way and tougher when you have six miles over that big, nasty bridge BUT that's what makes it even greater...a bigger challenge. A bigger fight. We will fight every one of those 13 miles and then keep pushing for that .1!!!! </b><br />
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<b>So one more why?</b><br />
<b>These crazy races represent my life before getting healthy and losing weight and that finish line represents my life the way it is today! </b><br />
<b>I fought HARD for years.</b><br />
<b>I still fight hard to avoid temptations.</b><br />
<b>I fight hard to wake up with enough motivation to get out move and exercise! It's not easy.</b><br />
<b>So that start line is how I felt for years.</b><br />
<b>I was nervous about change. I was afraid to seek change. I was fearful to work SO hard for something only to fall short before "finishing"...</b><br />
<b>So in my past, </b><br />
<b>3...2....1...GO! and I'd stop. Why?</b><br />
<b>Because I let fear paralyze me. The first step was too scary so I'd give up by making excuses.</b><br />
<b>Sometimes I'd START but when things got hard, my breathe became weak and my legs were tired, I'd quit...</b><br />
<b>I mean if I quit my legs would not be tired, my breathe would go back to normal right? But had I made any changes or was I still sunk in that deep hole I buried myself in? Yep.</b><br />
<b>The start line is a glimpse. It's the way things COULD be if we had the guts to keep going...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>As we near the finish line, we start to feel ALIVE. We feel emotions we haven't felt in a long time. We feel pride for ourselves...not anybody else in that moment, just us. And that's important. We deserve that.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>There's the FINISH LINE.</b><br />
<b>Here we go....</b><br />
<b>WE DID IT!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>So once I'd reach that finish line, I figured I was done but now I realize if I'm comparing these races to my road to healthy living, </b><br />
<b>the finish line is NOT the end...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Instead it is the beginning! </b><br />
<b>The beginning of feeling THIS way more often...almost always. </b><br />
<b>That feeling we get from being exhausted from exceeding our limits is better than never pushing our limits AT ALL, isn't it? YES.</b><br />
<b>Our body was meant to be pushed. Meant to be tested and meant to be challenged...</b><br />
<b>And tomorrow when I cross another 13.1 mile finish line, I will get THAT feeling once again. And while I'm nervous, anxious, feel like it MIGHT defeat me, </b><br />
<b>I will keep fighting and placing one foot in front of the other because I CAN. </b><br />
<b>Because I am able. </b><br />
<b>I will do it for the old me that NEVER thought she could. </b><br />
<b>I will do it for all those that cannot do it for themselves. </b><br />
<b>I will do it because I CAN! </b><br />
<b>And my Mommas? They can TOO!</b><br />
<b>Cannot wait to conquer this huge milestone on my journey and share the beautiful moments as they do the same!!! What a beautiful "job" I have. These women and I are able to share moments at these finish lines that can NEVER be replaced and I'm forever grateful for that! </b><br />
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<b>And as if that wasn't enough action for this weekend! I co-hosted the 5K FUN RUN-COLOR RUN at my sons school this morning! I MC'd the race, we pulled it off with A LOT of hard work and was able to watch my boys cross the finish line!!! </b><br />
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<b>Then I rushed home, showered and got dressed for a best friends baby shower to host! Came home from that to spend some quality time with my three boys that I love most and then its up EARLY for my meeting with Fred! </b></div>
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<b>LETS DO THIS!!!! </b></div>
Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-69793928593112711082015-11-06T09:02:00.003-08:002015-11-06T09:10:34.252-08:00Is your DIET showing?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>How true that statement can be!</b></div>
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<b>For me it was the truth for a long time. </b></div>
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<b>In 2001 I was my heaviest and unhealthiest for two, main reasons:</b></div>
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<b>I ate terribly and I never exercised. </b></div>
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<b>As I started to eat somewhat healthy and exercise frequently, the weight started to come off SLOWLY. Before I knew it I had lost 75lbs.</b></div>
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<b>As years passed, my life took twists and turns but thankfully I never allowed my weight or health to get THAT FAR out of control again, </b><br />
<b>however to say I was 100% committed to healthy living would be a LIE.</b><br />
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<b>I enjoyed healthy foods but I didn't know my limitations. </b></div>
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<b>Once I started munching on a healthy snack, I wanted more and more so I now exchanged my bad habit with fast food to a fixation on overeating healthy foods! </b></div>
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<b>It's important to remember that if we find our healthy balance our weight, mind, quality of life then our body will ALL reflect these positive behaviors! </b><br />
<b>It's how our body says THANK YOU for treating it so well and the way it should have been treating all along! </b><br />
<b>It's a fact so when someone tells me, "something is wrong with my body, I'm doing EVERYTHING right and not losing weight and my body is not changing AT ALL." </b><br />
<b>I have a tough time believing that. </b></div>
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<b>Clearly my diet was SHOWING whether I wanted to believe it or not. There it was. I was still heavy, carrying too much weight than my body was designed to carry. </b><br />
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<b>In this picture below I was a running machine.</b></div>
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<b> I ran 6 days a week, practiced intervals, long distance runs, ran 5 and 10 K races, etc! I was more active than I had EVER been in my life but I struggled with balance in my diet and it showed. </b></div>
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<b>This picture below was taken at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon in 2012. I was around 200lbs, working out 6 days a week YET my diet was a mess. I ate "healthy" until my boys would have that leftover mac and cheese staring at me in the pot and I'd quietly stick my spoon in, take a bite...and another, you get the idea :( </b><br />
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<b>My "excuses?" I had quite a few- Life was my husband and kids (It still is these days but it's a balance of taking care of myself, my husband AND our boys!) I stayed busy 24/7, teaching Physical Education so eating on the go, munching on crackers and cheese and then Mexican food for dinner was just the way it was. Trouble is, I wasn't taking care of me. </b><br />
<b>It is NOT healthy to consume empty calories throughout the day only to overeat in the evenings before bedtime. I'd run in the evenings to justify that dinner I was about to consume or had already eaten...it was a race I was NEVER going to win. </b><br />
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<b>My body could never catch up and I was the reason it wasn't going to win...ME. I was in control of what I did and didn't do to help it and here I was again, enabling it from what it was designed to do CLEARLY having the knowledge and personal experience this time around but it didn't matter :(</b></div>
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<b>Good news is that a few years ago, I found that balance and I haven't looked back since!</b></div>
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<b>And you know what, IT SHOWS! </b></div>
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<b>My diet and exercise finally reflect on the outside! I take care of myself physically and mentally and NOTHING FEELS BETTER!</b></div>
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<b>It's different for each of us but it's important to know that if you're honest with yourself, if you put in the work with your DIET and incorporate movement and exercise, YOUR BODY WILL THANK YOU FOR IT IN A VERY BIG WAY! Trust it! It has never let you down, but rather you've probably let it down a time or two. </b></div>
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<b>Sure there are obstacles we may face along the way whether it is a issue with metabolism, hormones, medications, allergies BUT it does not mean that you start to abuse your body and punish it for these obstacles, but rather you start treating it EVEN better knowing it has to work really, really hard to do certain things. Why make that process more difficult. We don't enjoy working harder than we have to, so our body feels the same! Take care of yourself EVERY DAY, IT WILL SHOW ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE!!!! </b></div>
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-62850127179316689452015-11-04T12:33:00.002-08:002015-11-04T12:41:17.921-08:00Do you feel GOOD? <div style="text-align: center;">
<b>My mom has been dealing with some health issues lately and as we go to doctors appointments to get answers, I find myself discouraged with "THE WAY THINGS ARE" once again.</b></div>
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<b>I'll start by saying 3/4th's of my life I did NOT feel good. At all.</b></div>
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<b>I ate terribly, was always tired, cranky, bloated, achy...THAT was all I knew.</b></div>
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<b>That was MY fault, nobody else. </b></div>
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<b>I didn't exercise, I didn't eat right and I suffered consequences from that.</b></div>
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<b>You know I saw a science project the other day that I re-posted to my Facebook page, The Move It Momma and was so disturbed by its findings. It was DQ, McDonalds, Burger King, Sonic and Whataburger hamburgers being tested to see how quickly they would mold by sitting out on a counter, in its original bag/wrap. It was 38 days in and NONE of the bread or the patties MOLDED...NONE! They were placed next to a homemade, lean beef burger and it molded within 2 days!!!!! How scary is that? So if sitting out on a counter can't break it down, what do we think these things are doing inside our bodies????! I cringe knowing that I voluntarily put this into my body AT LEAST once a day, if not more!!! SCARY.</b></div>
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<b>Who's fault? MINE.</b></div>
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<b>One of the many reasons I dealt with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as had a sick gallbladder because it could not process all of that CRAP. And yes, that's exactly what it is. Saddest part? I ENJOYED EATING IT. EVERY BITE. That bothers me so much.</b></div>
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<b>My body craved THAT food. The food that caused my body such harm, my mind wanted it and wanted so much of it that I'd only stop when I was physically sick. </b></div>
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<b>THAT was my feeling good. I didn't know any better.</b></div>
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<b>Back to my rant, </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>3/4th's of my life I DIDN'T FEEL GOOD.</b></div>
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<b>My mom is having intestinal issues but she exercises and eats right most of the time.</b></div>
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<b>She's otherwise a healthy woman and takes good care of herself. </b></div>
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<b>So her frustration comes from the question, "Why do I feel so bad?"</b></div>
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<b>I explained...</b><br />
<b>I believe she knows what feeling good feels like so the small amount of time that she feels bad, </b><br />
<b>it shows...she feels it. </b><br />
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<b>The difference is that MANY people do not know what feeling GOOD feels like at all.</b></div>
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<b>Wouldn't you agree?</b><br />
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<b>I'm certain I NEVER knew what it felt like until I changed it, stopped filling it with crap and exercising to get the blood pumping and my muscles working!!! </b><br />
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<b>Now that I'm in tune with feeling GOOD, I sure know what its like to feel BAD. Others sadly, may not know the difference. They may wake up each morning thinking THIS is how it will be forever...</b></div>
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<b>IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY!!!!!!! </b></div>
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<b>It gets better, it can be better if we appreciate our bodies enough and work hard to feel it!! </b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Think about it...do you know what feeling good feels like??? Be honest with yourself. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If not, then your body is having to work overtime, 24/7 to TRY and feel that feeling but sadly, it's a battle it can't win with you stacking the chips against it...literally! </span> </b></div>
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<b>I can't be with these women ALL DAY LONG but for this hour I can focus on helping them feel GOOD.</b></div>
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<b>If they leave me and make poor choices that feeling GOOD will be VERY temporary but at least their body gets a small sense of what it's like to feel that way. </b><br />
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<b>Exercise gives our body a little vacation from having to work SO hard. How great is that?</b><br />
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<b>Want to know what's even BETTER??</b></div>
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<b>When they leave me and they continue to feel GOOD by fueling their body properly and by helping their families do the same! Ahhhh what a wonderful world!</b></div>
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<b>It's that PERFECT world I dream about at night. No more, "I feel like crap EVERY DAY"...</b></div>
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<b>We know what it's like to push hard, work hard and be busy going 90 miles an hour throughout the day...we get TIRED. Don't we?</b><br />
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<b>How do we think the body feels when we stack the weight of the world on it and say, </b></div>
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<b>"Okay, work your magic"...It was NOT designed to do that!!!</b><br />
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<b>It was designed to be used NOT abused and sadly, I abused my body for YEARS </b><br />
<b>and it let me see that through never feeling GOOD. It showed me by getting sick often, feeling achy and tired, feeling lazy and depressed...IT was trying to teach me but I wouldn't listen.</b></div>
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<b>What is your body telling YOU??? </b></div>
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<b>Let's make it a goal to all FEEL GOOD, day after day, week after week...and while we'll have bad days too, we can focus on knowing we'll feel good again SOON! </b></div>
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<b>It's never too late to show your body the appreciation it deserves!!!! </b></div>
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-39370622730399011732015-10-29T13:47:00.003-07:002015-10-29T13:47:50.234-07:00Being that 1%<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>As much as it pains me to say it, being healthy is not popular. </b></div>
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<b>Quick fixes and that "fad" diet, yeah that's pretty popular and trending but the good 'ol fashioned exercise and healthy eating is NOT. </b></div>
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<b>To do it the right way and to feel good, we must do what others won't and unfortunately that can be intimidating to us all. It definitely was for me for a very long time. </b></div>
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<b>That 1% was lonely at times. It was tough to break away and do the RIGHT thing for my body and its needs. I had many times where I felt isolated but this was all in my mind- I did it to myself because I wanted pity for "having to be healthy"...so I'd set myself up for a disaster as soon as my motivation would leave my "in the moment" superficial goals and it was almost always for the wrong reasons-all about my image. I was tired of being "fat" so I wanted to starve myself for "skinny" but that thankfully only lasted a day or two and then it was back to my overeating ways...so I felt isolated because I struggled alone with my weight and unhealthy habits over and over again! These days I LOVE standing out for making healthy choices and for choosing to put exercise as a priority in my life and the lives of my family members! Nothing feels better than that. It feels GOOD. </b></div>
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<b>Being in the 1% has its moments of doubt and frustrations but it also has the moments that I had NEVER felt until I became part of this crowd! Sadly for over 20 years I never felt good. Of course I had great moments in life, wonderful memories with fabulous family and friends but I still felt trapped in a mindset that I created. I believed "fat people eat, skinny people starve"...simple as that. It was all I knew and from the yo-yo diets I had experienced it was the way that it was. If I wanted to be "skinny" (while it should have been about being HEALTHY), I had to starve and if I preferred to stay "fat", I'd just do what I do best...EAT. So while I ate, </b><b>I carried this chip on my shoulder that others lived a life I would never experience because I was fat- ya know, as if it were an illness. I'd accept it because it was what 99% of the crowd was doing...I was fitting in. Never mind the fact that my cholesterol was high, I had gallstones from unhealthy habits, I had high blood pressure and was gestational diabetic with BOTH pregnancies...but unhealthy habits was the "norm" so I'd suffer through eating Mexican food until my eyes almost popped out of my head, suffer through those late night runs for an ice cream or 99 cent tacos! Yea I did what I had to do...haha, to fit in! And while I'm kidding about taking one for the team, it is tough to break away from the fattening foods thrown in our face on commercials, billboards, parties, family gatherings, restaurants, Holidays, and so on. In the beginning and still today I catch grief but I take it as a form of flattery :) "Oh Marissa won't eat that." or "Don't eat that in front of Marissa." as if I'd judge and I would NEVER. My issues are my own. Nobody else's. I had a different relationship with food than most so as the norm can eat out and indulge without taking it to extremes, I could not and that is my own. That is nobody's issue but my own and it is MY responsibility to improve my life in the way I know how and should. That is my DUTY to myself and how I want to live. </b></div>
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<b>Breaking away into that 1% wasn't easy...it's STILL not easy but it's worth it. </b></div>
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<b>Seems like my boys have an easier time loving that 1%. </b></div>
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<b>They ENJOY exercise and don't seem to have the same "relationships" with food so hopefully I'm doing something right! They enjoy being active, eating right and they FEEL GOOD! They NEVER run of of energy so it would be nice if they'd share some of that with their Momma! </b></div>
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<b>After creating our group over 2 years ago, I now see that it is their 1%. They will not and should not go at it alone so here they are the 99.9%!! All the same focus and dedication. Here they are not alone or teased for making healthy choices or putting their health as a priority. We come together rather than rip one another apart and that is PRICELESS. </b></div>
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<b>They can feel safe here and when they want to give up, I remind them that being the 1% in every day life is hard but for this ONE HOUR, we have enormous support and encouragement. That is something not easily found in this world pressured by "quick fixes", "fad diets", and the "lose 40+ pounds in 10 days without eating right OR exercising!!!!"....uhhhhh </b></div>
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<b>They receive no false hope from me or those around them. They don't get pity for not showing up because they have a headache...rather they receive a, "come on, we've got this-get dressed and see you in a few!" and that is POWERFUL!!! It is a HUGE part of their success and I'm only a small portion of this equation and without EVERY piece, we'd fall apart. </b></div>
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<b>Find your 1% as you travel on this journey of life. It's SO important to FEEL GOOD and BE HEALTHY! Stop making it about "fat or skinny" it's about "being healthy or unhealthy"...we all know the difference. </b></div>
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-82317622871545525912015-10-14T12:12:00.001-07:002015-10-14T12:32:41.231-07:00first thing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Often when I meet someone for the first time, and them knowing I've lost a lot of weight, changed my life and help other women do the same, I hear...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"I used to be super fit in college."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"I was in great shape before I had kids."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"I worked out a lot before I hurt my ____"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"At one point in my life, I weighed 120."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"I used to run marathons until I gained all of my weight back."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">....you get the idea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The list could go on and on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And I'm not judging or upset with these people, but I have a point...</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-y9R8RK_NPCSjpZfWzg93toWO_tkkMI_a8Jrwk1kqzJJ6djywiaZZ6wmfOgONQBknRwG_qcae1oCcjfXE-pZaQBH1ARvS_CQlK-UCdX8DV_P_ZurDykTpU_l2bKZ9PWv-IUNpN5bRXeQ/s640/blogger-image-1576703915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-y9R8RK_NPCSjpZfWzg93toWO_tkkMI_a8Jrwk1kqzJJ6djywiaZZ6wmfOgONQBknRwG_qcae1oCcjfXE-pZaQBH1ARvS_CQlK-UCdX8DV_P_ZurDykTpU_l2bKZ9PWv-IUNpN5bRXeQ/s640/blogger-image-1576703915.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>You ONLY fail when you quit for good, right? Not when you have a bump in the road, that road leads you down a path you've never taken with twists, turns and road blocks, right? RIGHT! You fail when you give up once and for all. So what you used to be _____. <div>GET OVER IT! </div><div>It's what's in front of you that matters NOW, isn't it? </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2MOIdxEEbXwBxwmIz3tIgJXKO9q1YVxdFHlHLwXurpZh8PSVu5vcRAWOPVyNascxrkFBCBNP6AZIlAozeIfLHPx4ZbXen_T-fk12Zv978QKOTwoATUd8RO1yz6YnAsGuoXP0V8lkWm_8/s640/blogger-image--236951243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2MOIdxEEbXwBxwmIz3tIgJXKO9q1YVxdFHlHLwXurpZh8PSVu5vcRAWOPVyNascxrkFBCBNP6AZIlAozeIfLHPx4ZbXen_T-fk12Zv978QKOTwoATUd8RO1yz6YnAsGuoXP0V8lkWm_8/s640/blogger-image--236951243.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>I used to be FAT, UNHEALTHY, WAS ADDICTED TO FAST FOOD, A SMOKER, PARTIED WAY TOO MUCH...that could define me but instead it shaped me into who I am today. </div><div>I don't dwell on it, I learned and grew from it. Just as I grew and learned from those times I lost weight, got a bit healthy and STILL gave up on myself for reasons I'll never know but one that I do know is that I didn't believe I could, so I never did. </div><div><br></div><div>If you USED to be an athlete, healthy, a model and life changed, STOP DWELLING ON THE USED TO BE and focus on what WILL BE!!!! </div><div>How will you change tomorrow instead of, "this was me but isn't anymore because of _______." Am I right?</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYxNX-Wd1o3qlzQUqjJFAtc9NJ-RQUbgBNsalusB7Znbh2w81bCmXW0M8jmSoV-tK5OFNJF5XhvY7qiI3kzoJKF5g_v6iizpba8PqtBmmv-Z_WhmGTum99NwZZ1RxRKU1uGlv_k-BXCRL/s640/blogger-image-301469756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYxNX-Wd1o3qlzQUqjJFAtc9NJ-RQUbgBNsalusB7Znbh2w81bCmXW0M8jmSoV-tK5OFNJF5XhvY7qiI3kzoJKF5g_v6iizpba8PqtBmmv-Z_WhmGTum99NwZZ1RxRKU1uGlv_k-BXCRL/s640/blogger-image-301469756.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We all have a "used to" and whether that used to was better than you are today or not, you have changed...we all have. And if we want the road ahead to be bright, happy and healthy then we must cut the path! It won't move forward on its own so if you choose to sit in "what I used to be" land, stay there by yourself...don't take others with you. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoF-A4yrST5__oTjE_9fZ5pjC6wpWi4_oXCtj8s-7x7yGDADGnJn5UOBNYoV-HGoSmquK8mOa7Vzc_5j3eD9v4fjGbosJkOwD9HTnmpEz8g0YQrr3diWvzM9y9y3_hNpx2PvXy37jVLcIF/s640/blogger-image-301437166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoF-A4yrST5__oTjE_9fZ5pjC6wpWi4_oXCtj8s-7x7yGDADGnJn5UOBNYoV-HGoSmquK8mOa7Vzc_5j3eD9v4fjGbosJkOwD9HTnmpEz8g0YQrr3diWvzM9y9y3_hNpx2PvXy37jVLcIF/s640/blogger-image-301437166.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We make our future. We write our story. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What do you want YOUR story to be? Did you learn and grow or dwell on what USED to be? </div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-60891652202253676252015-10-05T14:28:00.003-07:002015-10-05T14:28:56.539-07:00a sneak peak into my eats! <b>Many wonder how a girl who was overweight and was an emotional eater as I was has learned to balance her life and remain focused through good days and bad? </b><br />
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<b>I post MANY of my daily eats on Instagram: @moveitmarissa </b><br />
<b>and my Facebook page: facebook.com/TheMoveItMomma </b><br />
<b>and this is not only to help all of you with meal ideas but it is there to hold ME accountable! </b><br />
<b>YES, I still struggle and have days where I am not feeling the "healthy living" lifestyle...Shocking right? You probably think I have it all figured out but I am human and struggle like every one else so accountability and setting goals OFTEN is what keeps me on track. </b><br />
<b>Wanting to change is great but if you don't believe that you can change, then the "want" is a big waste of time. You can't depend on someone else to carry you to that finish line, to the next and so on. Sure it's necessary to have support and guidance but dependence is an entirely different thing. </b><br />
<b>People could have told me until they were blue in the face that I was unhealthy. Loved ones could have told me they loved me, that I was overweight and that I needed help. I could have been called "fat" or "the big girl" a million times but all of this only left only surface damage. I KNEW all of these things, I mean I wasn't blind. I used food to cope, which caused me to gain weight so I'd get heavier and use food to cope even more...see the cycle? </b><br />
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<b>SO while I wanted change in a big way, I didn't believe that I could change so I stayed stuck and that held me back from living life. FEAR held me back, lack of confidence and doubt held me back...I let THAT win. I let those feelings take over my life until I was just numb to everything else. Something even more upsetting? I'm now in a place to help others NOT make my mistakes yet I see it happen so often and there's absolutely NOTHING I can do about it. </b><br />
<b>So they "want to be healthy"</b><br />
<b>Great, but do they believe that they can be healthy? </b><br />
<b>Even when I believe in them, it's not enough to carry them through those tough days...</b><br />
<b>This explains why I'd start a "diet", do so well and hang in there for quite a bit. I'd see big improvements but ONE, itty bitty setback and I was finished...threw in the towel and it was the nearest drive thru I could find! Grrrr! </b><br />
<b>But why you ask?</b><br />
<b>Well the second doubt would roll in or I became fearful or doubted what I was doing, I'd give up. I'd give in because I didn't believe in myself AT ALL.</b><br />
<b>If I did believe, then those tough situations would come and go but I would not let those moments define or defeat me because I deserved this and believed I could do it! THAT'S WHAT FINALLY CLICKED and I wish I could cook up some magic potion and sell it nationwide but know that the "want" only carries you so far...the "belief" is what carries you through life's mountains and valleys...the good times and bad! It's the ONLY way to find long-term success with your health, I promise! I've tried everything else...</b><br />
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<b>The key to finding healthy options and not getting bored from repetition is to change things up OFTEN! Be creative and once you find some favorite combos, keep creating healthy alternatives to your all-time favorite junk foods...YES, it's possible!!! </b><br />
<b>My Move It Mommas just finished up a 7 day challenge where they were given a meal plan created by me and were asked to follow it as well as increase water intake and have no other drink options other than lowfat milk/Almond milk. THEY DID IT! </b><br />
<b>Most lost a minimum of 3lbs with some losing as much as 6lbs! Wow!! I was blown away and so inspired by their dedication to this process. </b><br />
<b>The key was reducing the amount of processed junk, increasing water intake and limiting sugars as the day wrapped up. They ate 5 meals, all balanced and portions were single servings only-as it should be! </b><br />
<b>The bombshell that I dropped on them today as the challenge wrapped up?</b><br />
<b>THIS is how we should be eating YEAR ROUND! Many took this challenge as a jumping off point and now there's no stopping them! They didn't even hesitate when I asked if they were in for another 7 days! They went grocery shopping and are ready to conquer new goals! Why is this so successful? I believe that giving them short-term goals to reach each week helps them get through each day, even each hour of the week! </b><br />
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<b>THE BEST feedback I received from them? THE BLOATING AND FATIGUE WAS GONE!</b><br />
<b>Yes. It's the part that feels so great when going from eating so poorly to eating so healthy...the bloating and tired feeling goes away almost immediately. So how about that for proof that diet plays a HUGE factor with your health and quality of life!! </b><br />
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<b>My results: I lost 3.5 pounds! Wooohoooooo! </b><br />
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<b>I want to share some options I shared with them this past week but there are plenty more on The Move It Momma Facebook page :) </b><br />
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<b>PLEASE feel free to comment with questions or concerns, meal ideas or questions regarding our 7 day challenge, I am HERE TO HELP!!! </b></div>
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<b>"Like" my Facebook page and message me there as well! I LOVE helping, so please never feel like it's a burden! </b></div>
Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-30195913641395849352015-09-29T11:02:00.000-07:002015-09-29T11:02:08.197-07:00Paying It Forward!<br />
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<b>What good is a passion if you are unable to share it?</b></div>
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<b>What good is overcoming obstacles if you can't learn from them and help others not make those same mistakes and poor choices?</b></div>
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<b>Once I made the decision to change my college major, I had lost a bit o weight with minimal effort and I loved learning about it so I thought, why not try something different? </b></div>
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<b>I remember sitting in my college courses soaking up all there was to know about health, the body, the mind and movement. I LOVED IT! </b></div>
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<b>I could write papers and ace a test on nutrition but wouldn't follow my own advice. I could exercise for HOURS yet throw it all away on one, bad meal. And sure, I had lost weight at that point on my journey but I wasn't healthy...nowhere near it!!! </b></div>
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<b>So I first had to learn that I was worth taking even better care of myself. </b></div>
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<b>Then I had to learn to STOP making excuses for why I knew this information but didn't apply it to my own life. </b></div>
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<b>Next, I had to make up my mind once and for all and DO IT...</b></div>
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<b>so I did. </b></div>
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<b>And I still do it every day. It's a choice. </b></div>
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<b>I wake up every day with that same determination and focus. </b></div>
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<b>And on the days where nothing is going my way and I'm ready to give up?</b></div>
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<b>I think about how far I've come, how lousy I felt at the bottom and </b></div>
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<b>how great I feel each day that I rise to the top! </b></div>
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<b>My journey is forever changing and evolving with new goals and things that I want for myself...but what good was this journey if I couldn't share it to help and inspire others??! </b></div>
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<b>These women count on me...</b></div>
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<b>What they may not know is that I count on them just as much. </b></div>
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<b>Sure I have days where I don't want to exercise or eat healthy...my gosh, who wouldn't?</b></div>
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<b>BUT their energy, their determination and their fight keeps me coming back for more within myself and each of them! </b></div>
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<b>But wait, what about the children?</b></div>
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<b>I love working with the Mommas but our children cannot be left behind to figure it out alone. We must encourage and push our children to WANT to be healthy! Healthy is the MAIN goal for children and if they see YOU pushing your health aside, chances are they'll do the same. </b></div>
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<b>Do you want that for them?? </b></div>
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<b>But on the other side of that, if they see you STRONG and making an effort, they'll be your biggest fan and be right by your side, learning and growing into a healthy adult like their Momma! And what a feeling!! </b></div>
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<b>I'm the coach of a running club at my boys' school. Oh how they LOVE this club. </b></div>
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<b>I'm inspired by these kids...</b></div>
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<b>They showed up ready and EAGER to exercise! Crazy isn't it? </b></div>
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<b>They are PROUD of what they do on that track and they should be. </b></div>
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<b>MY journey is so much bigger than me these days and I LOVE THAT!</b></div>
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<b>What good is a dream if we don't go out and make a difference. My challenges with my health growing up led me to helping people...all people, young and old! It is my main focus to help ALL people find joy in taking care of their bodies, joy in proper nutrition, and joy in living life to the fullest because you can! And we all appreciate it MUCH more when we have to work for it. If it came easy, then we wouldn't respect the journey and the journey is what changes the paths of our lives...pretty cool, isn't it? </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBhgxYIFwjAIFLE-y9Z7tfbWj_S0L0dvQ9fbecW3wHQFjWsDTNwRAzAltHDPqi9WEaTaWNTxLL-DWlThZOB_TrkrzXyZsJh2NVXMLms7LUjp9pMnpR51wF2NDmr91iZ9cQXWuaF8k9GQj/s640/blogger-image-1779336370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBhgxYIFwjAIFLE-y9Z7tfbWj_S0L0dvQ9fbecW3wHQFjWsDTNwRAzAltHDPqi9WEaTaWNTxLL-DWlThZOB_TrkrzXyZsJh2NVXMLms7LUjp9pMnpR51wF2NDmr91iZ9cQXWuaF8k9GQj/s640/blogger-image-1779336370.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>If you meet people that knew me growing up, their jaws would probably drop WIDE OPEN if you told them that I was in charge of a local workout group, a healthy living blog, a former PE and health teacher, a fitness/health Ambassador for the state of TX and a school Running Club/Fun and Fit program!!! Yea, just mention ANY of those and they'd fall on the floor because I was the FURTHEST thing from athletic, healthy, or fit...FURTHEST!! </b></div>
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<b>But I trusted the path of my life and my journey...</b></div>
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<b>it has introduced fantastic people into my life. It has inspired my children, my family and friends...and hopefully it is only the beginning! </b></div>
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<b>I will not rest until our nation is full of fit, strong and healthy women of ALL AGES!!!! </b></div>
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<b>That is how I'll PAY IT FORWARD!!!!! </b></div>
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-48233018111601783692015-09-19T10:27:00.001-07:002015-09-19T10:27:43.634-07:00Toughest 10K recap!<b>My muscles are achy and I have little energy but I'm inspired...</b><br />
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<b>This picture of myself was sent to me the other day and it created some added inspiration going into this mornings race. </b><br />
<b>This was me, 21 year old college student</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6ZDsS1Nwh5I-n__pRVU9md6gtIlhgNJ-PaINuSYneBTJ8ZV7V0vSAtWNqXPNYv0HQfsRaJlJZZqLy-PXl977OEy9a2ofi3yZSIAr4T4Waj7H6ZJi2EftQt_1ZkaVZkPDC6Ra_JEEg9ro/s640/blogger-image-1910145260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6ZDsS1Nwh5I-n__pRVU9md6gtIlhgNJ-PaINuSYneBTJ8ZV7V0vSAtWNqXPNYv0HQfsRaJlJZZqLy-PXl977OEy9a2ofi3yZSIAr4T4Waj7H6ZJi2EftQt_1ZkaVZkPDC6Ra_JEEg9ro/s640/blogger-image-1910145260.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>I DO NOT remember being like this. </b><br />
<b>I remember feeling like that but not looking that way. </b><br />
<b>This was the day I got my brand new Honda Civic in college! I was SO excited! </b><br />
<b>I couldn't wait to take my friends for a ride! It even had a sunroof...woohoo! </b><br />
<b>I believe I left the dealership, drove through McDonald's for food and then the convenient store for a pack of cigarettes...no lie. The sad truth about my life at that point. </b><br />
<b>My life consisted of partying and eating...and a little bit of college classes mixed in!</b><br />
<b>My diet was TERRIBLE. </b><br />
<b>I suffered from IBS due to my poor diet.</b><br />
<b>I had body aches and pains, high cholesterol and blood pressure.</b><br />
<b>I had swelling in my hands and feet.</b><br />
<b>Not sure I know many people that self-sabotaged themselves with fast food the way I could, I was the best at it. </b><br />
<b>Bad day = Bad food...that bad day didn't feel so bad as I ate, but I felt worse after each meal YET never changed...why is that?</b><br />
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<b>I THANK GOD every, single day for helping me find the courage to CHANGE MY LIFE!!! </b><br />
<b>I thank myself for getting so sick and tired of that life. I had ENOUGH and it showed. </b><br />
<b>Oh what a feeling!! I am reborn, I am strong and I do not go down without a fight! </b><br />
<b>I LOVE THAT ABOUT THE NEW ME!!!! </b><br />
<b>The old me never knew what it was like to feel ALIVE! </b><br />
<b>These days I try to find that feeling every chance I get! </b><br />
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<b>Let's move on...</b><br />
<b>Today's race recap! </b><br />
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<b>That's my ninth medal! 9th!!! Wowza!</b><br />
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<b>We arrived early to take plenty of pictures!!! Our favorite part of racing :) </b><br />
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<b>Along the course I heard people shouting, "NEVER QUIT" and I'd smile. Instead of only worrying about myself, I was worried about my ladies. Wanting to make sure they were all okay and hydrating due to the insane heat. We ALL checked on one another...it was so neat! </b><br />
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<b>They all say I've created this group but they make it what it is, not me. I'm just a small part of the inspiration...they bring the hard work, the dedication, the stories of success and defeat, the victories, high fives and hugs! </b><br />
<b>That's NOT ME! </b><br />
<b>That's US. </b><br />
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<b>It was HOT and HUMID!</b><br />
<b>We were greeted by Bay Area Health and Wellness magazine wanting to feature us in the magazine AGAIN!!! Yea baby! </b><br />
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<b>Among the group, I saw families waiting for pictures, children cheering for their Mom's, husband's proud of their wives and most importantly, I saw beauty...lots of beauty. </b><br />
<b>I know that a woman all dressed up with makeup and high heels is beautiful but I'm talking about a different kind of beauty. </b><br />
<b>These women are STRONG. They are beautiful not only on the outside but within their hearts and souls. They are GOOD PEOPLE. They care and they are fighters. Like me, they know what it feels like to quit...no matter the goal, but now that we have found one each other, that's no longer an option!!! </b><br />
<b>That's true BEAUTY. </b><br />
<b>Being negative and ugly on the inside would show through in TOUGH times or obstacles, but when these ladies are presented with a challenge like this race or any other, that beauty reveals itself. We are ALL different ages, shapes and sizes but we are truly beautiful especially in moments like these...and I'm blessed to be a part of it EVERY time! </b><br />
<b>It's the beauty not all women get to experience but they should...it's uplifting and so inspiring...it's indescribable. </b><br />
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<b>The race was TOUGH and BRUTAL! FOUR TIMES over that big a*# bridge! That's what I get for not reading the fine print...I thought it was twice but go ahead and double that...YIKES! Calling it the TOUGHEST 10K was a smart idea, race organizers!!! It was MORE THAN TOUGH! It was INSANE! Many points along the course I wanted to quit...I'll be honest. My foot was hurting, I felt dehydrated and weak but no doubt somewhere along the course I'd see one of US. I'd see that "Move It Momma, NEVER QUIT" and the feeling came from deep within the keep going. I was exhausted and thinking my next step would be my last but as I felt my body giving out, my heart took over...as I passed my Mommas and the crowd cheering, I pushed harder and further. </b><br />
<b>A group of us could see the finish line and we decided TOGETHER that we'd run and we did! That finish line never felt so good! </b><br />
<b>We crossed, received our well-deserved medals but rather than walking off to greet our families, we all STAYED. We found a shaded area and we cheered...waiting for EVERY Momma to cross that finish line! </b><br />
<b>THAT is what makes races so special to me these days. We are a family. </b><br />
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<b>There's nothing like knowing YOU did something so difficult and exhausting, only to find women that truly care about you finishing and conquering another race!! It is beautiful EVERY time!!! I get goosebumps and tears! It's AMAZING! It's addicting and what keeps me signing up for more! </b><br />
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<b>And at some point, one of the four times climbing this enormous bridge that pictures cannot justify, I found myself turning off my headphones, listening to my breathing and the pavement, seeing the sun, clouds and water...it was peaceful. </b><br />
<b>While EVERY muscle in my body was aching, while I was drenched in sweat and feared I wouldn't finish, this view and the calmness of the water made me realize that life IS beautiful and incredible. </b><br />
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<b>I was unable to feel all of these things in my unhealthy life...the life I lead centered around shame, guilt and bitterness because things weren't fair because I had to "work harder than others"</b><br />
<b>When I took that chip off my shoulder and embraced who I was, I began to see that I was and am SO much more than I ever imagined...and that's a feeling that brings me so much joy and it fuels my passion EVERY day to help women and children do amazing things. It fuels my passion to help children want to exercise and eat right and it fuels my passion to help all women find the confidence and strength that they have within! </b><br />
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<b>THAT'S HOW YOU CONQUER THE TOUGHEST 10K! WAY TO GO MOMMAS!!!! I LOVE YOU ALL MORE THAN YOU KNOW!!!! </b><br />
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-91183604039339098352015-09-17T12:50:00.001-07:002015-09-17T12:50:48.692-07:00a walk down memory lane...<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>As I was going through old pictures, I came across my yearbook and it took me back...</b></div>
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<b>My senior year of high school I was voted "Most Unforgettable" by my fellow classmates, here's my picture:</b></div>
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<b>Most of you know I was BIG AL, the alligator mascot for my high school senior year so this photo was right next to my "acceptance speech" HA!! aka: advice and what I'd like to do after high school which read, "Marissa plans to attend SFA University to and major in communications/journalism then pursue a career in advertising. Her advice is to do well in school, but always have FUN because these are some of the greatest times of your life."</b></div>
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<b>Fast forward a bit to college graduation...</b></div>
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<b>Things went a little differently than I thought. Graduated from SHSU with a BS degree in Exercise Physiology/Health Education and BA in Journalism. </b></div>
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<b>Back track to when I was about 70lbs. heavier (70lbs lighter in this pic!)-weight I had put on in the college years, which were some of the best years of my life, full of memories and great times but also where I was the UNhealthiest I had ever been. When you look at the picture below, you'll notice my weight loss journey had started but was FAR from over...</b></div>
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<b>Wow...things have changed since high school with my dreams of a career in advertising. I'm married to the man of my dreams and my best friend, who has also lost almost 100lbs, we have two, gorgeous boys and well, my life is NOTHING like I imagined...</b></div>
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<b>I'm 100lbs lighter, fitter, healthier and smarter! I've lived a life full of joy, pain, happiness and defeats, I have completely transformed from the girl I once was into the strong woman I am today...and those dreams of working in advertising? Well they were pushed aside when I decided to work on helping women and families BE HEALTHY! Those dreams came to me after living years of yo-yo dieting, feeling awkward and chubby, hating exercise yet loving life so I finally figured out how to love life AND be healthy...and all of a sudden, my life took a completely different turn. What's strange is that I had the knowledge of healthy living before I took my own advice, as you can clearly see in my college graduation picture...eeek! </b></div>
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<b>My husband and I are no longer that unhealthy couple that centered things around food but rather we are that couple that centers life around living, loving and RUNNING! Look at all those bibs and medals!!! WE did that together and it's proof that life takes unexpected turns and bumps but ALL of those bumps and curves lead you to where you are meant to be! </b></div>
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<b>I'm living proof of that...</b></div>
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<b>The joy and fulfillment I get from sharing MY story and OUR journey together with these woman far exceeds all hopes and dreams I had for myself and my career as I was growing up...I'm amazed that I have been led to these women and that I am able to HELP people as my career...although I won't get rich from it, it gives me more happiness than any money ever could. And these days I want to be "Most Unforgettable" to these women for helping change the path of their lives...our lives, together!!! </b></div>
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-29439886178256064862015-09-09T14:44:00.000-07:002015-09-09T14:44:18.108-07:00"...that version of me." <b>As I post weekly, you must know that a lot of my motivation and inspiration comes from personal experiences throughout the week...</b><br />
<b>Last night was EWL with Chris and Heidi Powell, so I'm extra inspired today! Ha!</b><br />
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<b>Toward the end of her beautiful and amazing transformation, she said something that spoke directly to me, as she reflected on the previous year. </b><br />
<b>"My children will never know that version of me"</b><br />
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<b>MY children will never know that version of me either. Wow. A HUGE reason why I wake up and do what I do each and every day. It is what fuels my body and mind. It is what keeps me focused on helping EVERY mother and child be healthy. It is what drives me to keep spreading my passion to all that will listen. </b><br />
<b>While I never regret my past, I am so very thankful that my boys will NEVER know my former self. She went along to say, "One day I'll get to tell my kids, look what Mommy did for YOU...that's how much I love you."...YES.</b><br />
<b>The picture above is me with my oldest son at the zoo. It was a fun day but it was HOT outside. That shirt is an XXL. I hear all of the time, well give yourself a break you had just had a baby...Okay. </b><br />
<b>That excuse will work temporarily but sadly, my kids kept aging and I stayed the same physically. I had started running shortly after this picture was taken and sadly, my figure didn't change much at all. </b><br />
<b>I mean, my endurance improved but it is true</b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">we CANNOT out-exercise a bad diet! </span></b><br />
<b>Oh how true that is!!! </b><br />
<b>I lived it. </b><br />
<b>I was trapped in it. </b><br />
<b>I knew it all too well. </b><br />
<b>It's just IMPOSSIBLE. </b><br />
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<b>I feel like today I have given myself and my family the greatest gift by becoming healthy and strong! They know an entirely different woman than the one I used to be. They see strength, determination and fight! They no longer see excuses, blaming, sadness and laziness...that is history! There's NO greater motivator than feeling good AND being a positive role model for my kids. </b><br />
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<b>The contestant said, "her addiction affected every person in her life and they constantly worried about her...her health" When she said it I thought, wow that's thinking of it like a drug addiction but for those that have lived it, it is. In a VERY different way and I'd never use the term addiction and try to compare one with food to ANY other form...that wouldn't be fair and I only know food and I'm not a doctor. My experience dealing with a dependency on food, it did affect all members of my family because it caused me to be hateful, dishonest, bitter, sad and resentful to those around me that didn't struggle the way that I did. I mean, mine was out for the world to see because I was visibly unhealthy. If they did share a similar struggle, I'd never know because my addiction was OUT THERE. They'd know it as soon as I walked through a door...she's fat, she's unhealthy ...I wonder if she's aware of it?? </b><br />
<b>I'd pretend to be thick-skinned at times but as soon as someone I cared for mentioned my weight, I'd crumble. </b><br />
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<b>So when a workout seems tough or choosing to pass on the birthday cake and ice cream, I think about who I used to be and how hard it was to be that version of myself and how it held me back from SO MUCH, then all of a sudden that workout doesn't seem so tough and that cake doesn't look all that appetizing! Ha! </b><br />
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<b>I have and will continue to use my struggles and honesty to stop the cycle of obesity in women and children...in everyone. </b><br />
<b>My favorite thing my sons have said when looking at pictures of my former self, "That's when mom was unhealthy, now she's healthy and helps us be healthy too!"...YES! </b><br />
<b>Every day is a teachable moment for me to help educate them when it comes to exercise and nutrition. </b><br />
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<b>I posted these on Instagram to show my progress and when I look, it makes me proud! MY ARMS...oh my arms. An area of my body I dislike almost as much as my tummy. But with being patient, persistent and never giving up, I'm seeing progress in those arms I disliked so much. They are becoming leaner and defined. Wahoo! THAT is just the icing on the cake to FEELING GOOD but not gonna lie, seeing some progress physically feels pretty darn great too!</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Just keep in mind that the ups and downs are all part of it...</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">That journey that is never ending...</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">It's always worth the fight to become a better version of YOU!</span></b></div>
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-91546446166191470692015-09-07T18:33:00.002-07:002015-09-07T18:41:50.053-07:00standing still. <br />
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<b>Stumbled upon this quote and I said...</b></div>
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<b>That's it!</b></div>
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<b>Feeling trapped in our body over choices we've made?</b></div>
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<b>That's no way to live, is it?</b></div>
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<b>It is scary to move forward.</b></div>
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<b>The fear of the unknown. Will you be last as you finish the race? Will you stand out because you can barely get through the workouts? Or will people judge you because you didn't eat the french fries and dessert at the party? Will you be able to keep up? If you lose 20lbs, will anybody even notice because you have so much more to lose? Are those "fit people" staring as you climb onto the treadmill or pick up those weights at the gym? </b></div>
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<b>All scary feelings but as you think about those situations that might make you vulnerable, I bet I can help you understand what would be far worse than all of these scenarios...</b></div>
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<b>What about STANDING STILL? </b></div>
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<b>IF you allow your body to be comfortable in the unhealthy place it has been living then soon it can no longer do the things it was designed to do because we, by choice, decided to not nourish it and treat it properly...</b></div>
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<b>And if we get those brave moments where we start to make changes and are no longer standing still, if we go through periods of "Oh I'm too busy right now to exercise and eat right" then how quickly the body will forget how it felt at the top and it'll slowly fall back into its <i>normal</i>. </b></div>
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<b>Just in the years that I neglected myself and my body, I was already feeling the effects and I only know that because I am no longer "STANDING STILL". </b></div>
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<b>You see before it felt like <i>my normal</i> but it was far from normal. </b></div>
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<b>I had high cholesterol that I blamed on genetics.</b></div>
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<b>I had slightly high blood pressure, definitely not great especially for my 20's.</b></div>
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<b>I had gallstones...which almost caused my gallbladder to rupture and when they removed it, they found MANY stones. </b></div>
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<b>I had severe IBS and issues with the restroom, which may not sound like a big deal but it is.</b></div>
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<b>I had blemishes/pimples all over my face.</b></div>
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<b>I was LAZY. I had no energy and wanted to rest as often as possible.</b></div>
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<b>I hated being "active" because for days following, I'd have to recover. Yes in my 20's my knees were achy, my calves would cramp, my muscles would be tense and I felt exhausted.</b></div>
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<b>Now imagine someone that has lived unhealthy for many years, throughout their 20's and BEYOND. What is their <i>normal</i>? What is YOUR <i>normal</i>? </b></div>
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<b>When I say it's about FEELING healthy, I mean it.</b></div>
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<b>To me it is far more important to feel healthy than to look a certain way, right?</b></div>
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<b>Feeling good affects ALL aspects of our lives!! </b></div>
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<b>I am happy to report that I have NONE of the symptoms/issues that were part of the old me. Our bodies are strong and the choices we make can change things...it's never too late!</b></div>
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<b>THANK GOODNESS!</b></div>
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<b>I remember the after workout feeling and it pushes me to exercise. I remember the feeling when I eat right and have so much energy and feel so good and it pushes me to continue making healthy choices! Sounds simple but it's TOUGH and I'd never tell you otherwise but it is always worth it! ALWAYS. </b></div>
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<b>We have a group race coming up in a few weeks and in most races I often listen to my body and feel proud knowing that I used to fear movement and now instead, I fear STANDING STILL.</b></div>
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<b>Guess that proves it...change is always possible!</b></div>
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<b>No matter how slow the change happens, it's always worth it because each day you are becoming better, healthier and there's nothing greater than that!</b></div>
Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-72520191261040200322015-09-02T17:08:00.001-07:002015-09-02T17:08:10.934-07:00It's been TWO YEARS!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Two years ago today I wanted to find friends that would workout with me. Simple as that.</b></div>
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<b>Those friends would become my Move It Mommas and the rest is history. </b></div>
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<b>We've lost weight and inches, crossed finish lines, cried, laughed, danced, sang, celebrated and held one another when we needed it most...</b></div>
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<b>THAT'S what is so amazing. </b></div>
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<b>I wanted a group of women to workout alongside, hold one another accountable but NEVER dreamed of what it has become...two years already and we haven't even scratched the surface of what we'll accomplish in the future :) Happy Anniversary to US! </b></div>
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<b>Even those of you that read this and somehow find inspiration through my words and my personal story...YOU are just as much a part of this, so give yourself a hand! </b></div>
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<b>We are changing the world, together! </b></div>
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<b>I have written in previous posts about portion control and changing the mindset. It's no secret and I'd never want it to be...I'm an emotional eater. I have to separate the mind from the stomach EVERY time I put food into my body. It's challenging but I find that I can simplify things just by moving temptation out of my way. For example, the old me could devour an entire box of Triscuits in 5 minutes...it was miraculous and disturbing how quickly the box would be empty :( so MOST of the time I just don't buy them. I'm a savory/salty lover and could pass up sweets any day but salty, crunchy snacks...ahhhh.</b></div>
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<b>SO I had a box left in the pantry, decided I'd create a little snack with one serving Triscuits-I portion out my crackers and then seal up the box immediately. I served it with some plain nonfat Greek yogurt and some fresh blueberries. I start by eating the blueberries (when the old me would go straight for the carb/starch) then work my way around to dipping the Triscuits in the yogurt. NOW I understand you must be saying ewwww but I was always a chip/dip girl and if THIS somehow gives me that same satisfaction without the guilt, bloat and horrible feeling afterward then WHY NOT?! </b></div>
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<b>I have to make up my mind EACH time I'm around food. I tell myself, it's ONLY food...it has no control over me and instead I am in control of myself and how I want to treat my body...boom! It works! Then I do a reality-check and think about how great I'll feel by making positive choices and then I do a quick flashback on how AWFUL I felt when I made poor decisions. Then that choice becomes MUCH simpler because I choose the healthy ME! I am satisfied after this snack because it's BALANCED. My old ways, I'd grab the box and go sit on the couch, mindlessly eat until only crumbs remained and since there was NO balance, I'd hit the pantry yet again for that same indulgence that had little to no nutritional value. No part of that was good for me. It was like an emotional roller coaster every time I was around food. MY GOODNESS, FOOD IS FOOD. It should have NO control over who I am. </b></div>
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<b>For many, the struggle is about self-image rather than FOOD. That can be just as self-damaging as what I did with food. If we can't like what we see in the mirror, that can create emotions that cause us to feel inadequate, resentful and depressed. NO matter what that person does/doesn't do, they have to find a way to love what they see in order to improve it and they should train their mind to focus on their strength, health and how they FEEL rather than picking out imperfections every chance they get. I think we forget that being healthy means feeling good, not looking good. Of course looking great has perks but it has NOTHING to do with how we feel. If someone "looks great" to us, we may not see that they have more insecurities than a person who is 100lbs overweight. Crazy how powerful the mind can truly be and that goes for negative aspects as well. </b></div>
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<b>It's like what I did with food. I ALWAYS saw food as that escape when life threw punches.</b></div>
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<b>They will always see the BAD when they look into a mirror, see a picture </b></div>
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<b>or are standing in a crowd. </b></div>
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<b>NO MATTER the struggle, we as women must be honest with how we feel in order to deal with it and improve it. We have to stop hiding behind the "not so perfect" things about us.</b></div>
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<b>Being healthy and feeling good is a whole new world for me, a world I didn't know until recently. The feeling good has helped me see my strengths rather than only seeing my weaknesses. I know I'm capable of so many things and I now know I deserve those things because I work hard to be HEALTHY. </b></div>
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<b>We take the good with the bad when it comes to friendships, family, neighbors and co-workers. NOBODY is perfect. It's our imperfections that make us who we are. We always pull out qualities we like in others rather than what we dislike so why would we not do the same for ourselves? We ALL have those qualities but it's about how we reach in and grab them! Hold onto them and let those qualities carry you to new heights. </b></div>
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<b>Know that you're valuable enough to deserve to FEEL GOOD and FEEL HEALTHY! </b></div>
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<b>HAPPY TWO YEARS TO MY MOMMAS! </b></div>
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<b>Getting stronger and healthier EVERY day! </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYTIm1ZG8yzL-7TTi_3siAm2KrZf2VAQHCHicDh-mCVc6I4ALVAYdwtgkxNBvnkfCDPMgtW4iUhxIX_A_J-bha2-2YjcvxP6C_NHbn2ew6d4MHniFbV3EqOVp2wsRV77sqB1On7wCTLEt/s640/blogger-image--1664759371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYTIm1ZG8yzL-7TTi_3siAm2KrZf2VAQHCHicDh-mCVc6I4ALVAYdwtgkxNBvnkfCDPMgtW4iUhxIX_A_J-bha2-2YjcvxP6C_NHbn2ew6d4MHniFbV3EqOVp2wsRV77sqB1On7wCTLEt/s640/blogger-image--1664759371.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>LOVE that! It is about upgrading ourselves. Not to be like anyone else but to be our best. </b></div>
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<b>Every day I wake up I want to be MY BEST and you should want to be yours. Giving my all in an intense workout helps me become better and feel better. That is MINE that no person or thing can take away from me. I'd rather work hard to simply improve rather than not try at all and stay in that place I was STUCK in for so long. </b></div>
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<b>When I speak to women that feel STUCK, it breaks my heart because I knew that feeling yet know what it will take to help them climb out but something inside holds them back...if I could force it I would but unfortunately it's the toughest part about what I do. We can only help those that want it with 110% of their hearts. If they aren't ready to UPGRADE their health, their body, their minds then there's nothing I can say or do to change that...and that is so frustrating, disappointing and heart-breaking. </b></div>
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<b>As I celebrate two years of my dreams becoming reality, my mind stays fixed on those women that have slipped away from me for various reasons. I wish I could scoop them up and never let go...BUT as I've said before, if I am helping change lives and I'm here when those that I've lost are ready, then I'm doing what I've set out to do </b></div>
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<b>and I can ask nothing more of myself than that! </b></div>
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<b>And in closing, my cute TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY outfit!!! </b></div>
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-79810474100434669222015-09-01T10:15:00.001-07:002015-09-01T10:15:57.969-07:00What you're served VS. Portion sizes <b>I'm asked about this often and yes, we enjoy eating out as a family but we are aware and cautious of portions and try our best to practice balance, although sometimes the temptations are overwhelming...</b><br />
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<b>Restaurants offer many extras like breads or chips, which offer extra calories, sodium and fat while offering little to no nutritional benefits. Be aware! </b><br />
<b>Some of their portions tend to be 2-3 times a serving which cause overeating by most children and adults. </b><br />
<b>Convenient stores also offer larger portions at a reduced price while offering convenience so they are packaged in larger sizes to sell more and offer that, more for your money, feeling to the consumer. </b><br />
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<b>Let's find the difference between the two:</b><br />
<b>Portion- is how much food you choose to eat at one time. The choice on portion is OURS!</b><br />
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<b>Serving Size- is the amount of food listed on a product label. All the values you see on the label are what that manufacturer suggests in regards to that product. </b><br />
<b>Examples: </b><br />
<b>Grains- 1 slice of whole wheat bread, 1 oz. dry cereal, 1/2 c cooked rice, pasta, oats (about the size of a baseball)</b><br />
<b>Veggies- 1 c raw, leafy veggies (Small fist), 1/2 c cooked veggies </b><br />
<b>Fruits- 1 med fruit (baseball-sized), 1/4 c dried fruit, 1/2 c fresh fruit</b><br />
<b>Protein/Meats- 3-4 oz cooked meat (size of computer mouse), 3-4oz grilled fish (size of a checkbook)</b><br />
<b>Fats/Oils- 1tsp oil or margarine, 1 tbsp low fat salad dressing, clear in color is best.</b><br />
<b>Nuts/Seeds- 1/3 c nuts, 2tbsp PB, 1/2 dry beans</b><br />
<b>Sweets/Sugars in moderation!!! </b><br />
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<b>What are some ways you can help yourself and your family consumer smaller portions with each meal?</b><br />
<b>If you cook at home- Serve single serving to all members of your family then package up the leftovers and put it away! Helps prevent overeating and going back for more from the less nutritional items which tend to cause compulsive eating.</b><br />
<b>When at a restaurant- Stay away from the "extras" such as chips and bread...instead, order a large salad for the family to share before the meal, then portion out your entree and split with another family member or simply package it up early to avoid overeating!</b><br />
<b>Make the living room a NO FOOD ZONE! When you eat while watching TV, reading or on social media, you'll tend to eat more because you aren't thinking about what/how much you're consuming. Keep the food in the kitchen and it will help with those temptations all together! If you must munch through the movie, split it as a family and lighten it up by using air popped popcorn and choose salt free toppings or none at all!</b><br />
<b>SNACKING- Portion it out by serving size and then put it away before eating! NEVER eat from the box, container or bag! It's almost guaranteed that you'll eat too much when it's ALL there for you to grab! It's harder for the brain to shut it down when your hand is dipping in over and over again! We make the choice so CHOOSE WISELY!!! </b><br />
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<b>*A size of cheese is about the size of a domino so think about that when grabbing some cheese/crackers for a "snack", it's less than you think so pay attention!!!</b><br />
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<b>I was the QUEEN of overeating! I could eat an entire bag of Doritos with a sandwich, if I was caught "hungry" so stay aware, don't skip meals-you'll set yourself up for overeating once you do eat, so why not fuel properly and frequently rather than overeating all at once? The body can't work THAT hard to break down the bulk amount of food you consume. It's about moderation and balance for the body to perform at its best. We don't add TOO much fuel to our vehicles or they won't run properly...same with our bodies, fuel it right and properly and it'll run just as it should! </b><br />
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<b>Obesity and Childhood Obesity rates are rising when they should be falling...</b><br />
<b>We must come together to educate ourselves and our families so we understand our bodies, proper nutrition and how to be healthy. It takes ALL of us working together! </b><br />
<b>Unhealthy foods can be the "easier" option when life gets hectic. Take a moment, STOP and think about your body and what it needs vs. what's "easy"...then you should be able to make the healthy choice! Make good decisions when it comes to the foods you eat. You cannot out-exercise a poor diet, trust me I TRIED and I failed over and over again! It's the unfortunate truth. It's about calories in vs. calories out! Find that happy balance and you'll feel like a completely different person and those effects will trickle down to all members of your family! Keep at it and understand your body. </b><br />
<b>If you feel bad when you eat bad, then STOP EATING BAD!!! Hello???! Seems easy, right?! </b><br />
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<b>Keep introducing new foods and exercises to your children and family...never give up! Our taste buds evolve IF we expose them to new things. If we add salt to EVERY thing we eat, our taste buds only know salt, same goes for sugary sweets...we crave what we know. Find new, healthy things for the body to crave! It works, I promise. If the girl that was addicted to fast food, ate it at least once a day, some days 2-3...then anybody can change! I wouldn't write it if I didn't mean it! Make the changes today! It's NEVER too late! Small changes make a big difference so don't give up after weeks of trying...it might take months, maybe years but isn't it better to push toward a better life than to sink into an unhealthy one? YES!!!!! </b>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4782228727051719570.post-60235009731577330072015-08-31T16:06:00.002-07:002015-08-31T16:06:38.325-07:00EVERY day<div>
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<b>We must make up our minds to be better than we were yesterday...</b></div>
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<b>Not all women lived 80-100lbs overweight like me, not all women struggled with compulsive eating/emotional eating like me, but no matter the obstacles we face </b><br />
<b>we must fight back EVERY day...</b></div>
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(this is one of my "listen to me" moments that was captured at boot camp last week! I look angry but really I'm just sharing my honesty and probably telling them something life-changing...OR I was telling them the next song on the playlist was gonna be a good one!!! Ha!!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5yhhyWmKN1aVdN9q4c7v4bX3ZeMcLhAK5pnGWAX7SJHT8OBA86RaJo4h8BEs4z4X-3fL1PZa5gNE1kckkDuD_08i08fcPFhcmpZjqAyS3ajdvRIYvqKbucv7Ed0LRZG_uNFHVk1ZpZGW/s640/blogger-image--212475461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5yhhyWmKN1aVdN9q4c7v4bX3ZeMcLhAK5pnGWAX7SJHT8OBA86RaJo4h8BEs4z4X-3fL1PZa5gNE1kckkDuD_08i08fcPFhcmpZjqAyS3ajdvRIYvqKbucv7Ed0LRZG_uNFHVk1ZpZGW/s640/blogger-image--212475461.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>The girl I used to be plays a huge role in the woman and health advocate I've become. The day I stop trying is the day I've quit on myself and every woman I've reached. Where's the girl I used to be? Oh she's there, in the shadows with every woman or child that I meet, watching out for me and the choices I make EVERY day. SHE is that reminder I need...the one that keeps me moving forward rather than slipping behind. </b></div>
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<b>EVERY day and EVERY new person that I meet gives me ONE opportunity to make a difference in their life so I must choose wisely. I strive to put myself out there almost immediately after meeting someone because I want them to see ME! </b></div>
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<b>Believe it or not, it matters so much. Exposing who I am and what I stand for is important so they can see that I'm not a threat but far the opposite!! I'm going to fight beside them, in their corner and will be there until they need me no more!</b></div>
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<b>I'm not one to hide behind an image...that's just never been and will never be who I am. What you see IS what you get and I think that's where people find me approachable. I don't cover up the fact that I've been in that deep, dark place and I know what it felt like to fail time and time again even after THINKING I wanted something so terribly bad. Only to fall short and beat myself up until I was lower than I was before...and it was a cycle I couldn't break for SO many years. I thought I was destined to fail at EVERY thing I tried...</b></div>
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<b>but it was never because I wasn't good enough. </b></div>
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<b>I was ALWAYS good enough, I just doubted myself so much that I never gave myself a chance to succeed...</b></div>
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<b>Yep, the mind is THAT powerful...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PiqQnECcUXKXz0B2T5s2oNwUh2F0KUUbokTE0j0ry-8JvIEMm5Cyfrm0EBZee0OH3y-h55dnl7vtv2Z5tiMPbtdjx8QfGCvV4xsr72Bgh163hz7FsNNWgjyNskZPMsGmv3oOYyGQ2ueV/s640/blogger-image-25146523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PiqQnECcUXKXz0B2T5s2oNwUh2F0KUUbokTE0j0ry-8JvIEMm5Cyfrm0EBZee0OH3y-h55dnl7vtv2Z5tiMPbtdjx8QfGCvV4xsr72Bgh163hz7FsNNWgjyNskZPMsGmv3oOYyGQ2ueV/s640/blogger-image-25146523.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>EVERY day we have a choice. </b></div>
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<b>Do we eat right? </b></div>
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<b>Do we make time for exercise and movement? </b></div>
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<b>Do we take EVERY opportunity to let the people that we love most, know we love them? </b></div>
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<b>Do we spend special moments with our families that will stay in their hearts for a lifetime? </b></div>
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<b>Do we quit on ourselves because quitting is simply easier? </b></div>
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<b>Do we push people away for fear that they may see the real person behind the "picture" that we paint? </b></div>
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<b><b>These are ALL choices we make...</b></b></div>
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<b>it's up to us to make the RIGHT CHOICE, whatever that may be?! </b></div>
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<b>I don't hide the girl I used to be because SHE matters and always will. </b><br />
<b>She helps me push further EVERY day.</b><br />
<b>She helps me relate to others that may share similar struggles and fears.</b><br />
<b>She helps fuel the fire to help children and women of ALL ages change their lives and make healthy choices ONE DAY AT A TIME.</b><br />
<b>She helps me keep my passion alive every day with the women I inspire.</b><br />
<b>She's beside me as I cross the finish line of every race. </b><br />
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<b>The woman I've become is different, stronger, more powerful and inspirational to ME.</b><br />
<b>She helps me change my life, EVERY day.</b><br />
<b>She pushes me beyond my limits and has me reaching and exceeding goals I never imagined.</b><br />
<b>She knows my heart and she knows my soul.</b><br />
<b>She LOVES to live life, be adventurous and challenge herself.</b><br />
<b>She puts her health and happiness as a priority.</b><br />
<b>She NEVER QUITS!</b><br />
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<b>Time to ask yourself if you are willing to try EVERY day to be better, stronger and healthier?</b></div>
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<b>If the answer is NO then you just aren't ready for the change and determination needed to make life-changing things happen...but have no fear, it'll come </b></div>
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<b>but not until YOU are ready to step up, stop making excuses and start giving yourself the life you deserve and the one you've dreamed of but have never had the guts to fight for!!!! </b></div>
Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00935155587978160137noreply@blogger.com0