{Scaling Back}

I weigh in once every few weeks at my local Weight Watchers.  Since I'm a Lifetime Member now, it's just a routine check-up to ensure I'm maintaining my weight loss.  I went in today on my lunch break as usual and stepped on the scale.  A lady working the counter behind me chimed in and said, "Girl, it doesn't matter what that scale says, because you look awesome!" 

She made my day. 

What a great reminder.  It's not all about a certain number on the scale.  It's about being healthy, happy and strong.  It's about loving yourself and what you see in the mirror, even if you aren't "there" yet.

I love that I can say I am no longer a slave to the scale.  I embrace who I am and celebrate how far I've come.  I'm not perfect, far from it.  I make mistakes daily and am constantly learning.  But my mistakes don't stop me or discourage me from keeping on my path of a healthy life. 

I walked out of my weigh-in today with a smile on my face not because of the number on the scale, but because of the fresh perspective I was given by a complete stranger.

 

 

Xox,

Mrs. Munana

{Throwback Thursday #TBT}

I'm inspired daily on social media by people who have made amazing body and life transformations.  I love seeing the hard work people put into losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Some celebrate together online by showing before and after pictures and tagging #throwbackthursday or #tbt.  Knowing myself the hard work that goes into losing any amount of weight, I feel a sense of connection and community with these souls on social media.  My husband and I have both worked very hard and maintained our weight loss and continued our healthy lifestyle, so it's amazing when you see that happening for others. 

In spirit of #throwbackthursday, I decided to showcase and celebrate our hard work and dedication through a series of before/after pictures.  I'll admit that I sometimes become discouraged when I don't see results week-to-week, but when I look back at old pictures and compare to now, I am instantly inspired again. 

Before - 142 lbs / After - 117 lbs

We've lost a combined total of over 65 lbs together!

This whole "Throwback Thursday" concept really got me thinking about how much of a transformation my husband and I have experienced since we decided to make a healthy life change.  When I "throwback" to my old lifestyle, I remember feeling miserable, and I had no self confidence.  I remember mindlessly eating and on a given Friday night I could easily down a couple bottles of wine with Stephen.  On a certain level it's embarrassing to admit that I lived that way, but at the same time, I can also see how far I've come.  Emotionally I am a whole new me.  I have realized I can push myself to try new things and I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to.  I've realized there's more to life than living it in a "mindless" way.  I'm conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth now and know that the positive decisions I'm making for my body today will pay off in the future. 

I'm so thankful that I can look back at our "Throwback Thursday" pictures and be proud of how far we've come together. 

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{One Year Anniversary}

April 4th marks a very special date for me, an anniversary date worth celebrating.  On this day one year ago today I walked in the Weight Watchers office and signed up for my weight loss journey! 

Happy "Weight Loss Journey Anniversary" to me! 

Before & After Picture

I remember that day so vividly, as I was nervous as heck to fail again.  As I stepped onto that scale and heard my weight aloud, "142 pounds", I almost puked.  I was totally disgusted and ashamed of myself, but at the same time I knew I needed to hear my weight spoken aloud and documented for me to see in my little booklet.  It was a number I never wanted to see again.  And that's how it all began for me: changing bad habits, living a healthier lifestyle, and challenging myself physically and mentally. 

What a year it has been on my journey! 

Never would I have expected my success to have happened so quickly.  I've not only met my weight loss goal, but I've also lost more than my goal and maintained my weight!  There has been a dramatic change physically and emotionally for me.  I've realized my worth and what I want for myself and my life with my husband. 

I want to take this opportunity to say a special thanks to all the wonderful people who have supported me the past year.

 First and foremost to Stephen, my husband.  Without him, this whole journey would not have been as successful.  I know I mention him a lot in my blogs, but it's because he is my biggest supporter and my best friend.  Our lifestyle has changed so much in the past year, and we've bettered ourselves by living a healthier lifestyle together.  He was there for me during the good and the bad, and he is always willing to try a new healthy recipe that I've created or motivate me to want to workout even when I am not in the mood. 

Secondly, I want to thank my family, who always celebrated with me in my successful moments and noticed when I began dropping the pounds.  Their kind words motivated me to keep going.  Especially my mom, she was the first person I called each week after my weigh-in at Weight Watchers.  The first thing she would ask, "So, how much did you lose this week?!"  Knowing she was waiting to hear the good news each week was another great motivator for me. 

 

Last but certainly not least, my loyal blog followers.  Each person who has sent me a thoughtful text message or contacted me via social media has shown me that my successful journey can bring hope and inspiration to others who may need a boost to want to change their lives too.  I love hearing stories of those who have tried my recipes and loved them or having them tell me that my story has inspired them to make a positive change in their lives.

Here's to another amazing year!

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Enduring the Move}

The past month has been absolute chaos for my hubby and me.  Our little family has been dealing with selling a home, packing up the contents of that home, and moving into a new place.  I've never been through the whole "selling a home" process, since my husband owned the home before we met.  It's a very difficult process I've learned.  In the last few days before closing, we were without a washer, dryer and our fridge.  That makes it very hard for a wife to keep up with things, and I felt so distraught not keeping our "schedule" of going to the gym every night then cooking our meals.  We caught ourselves going to eat somewhere quick, then being so stressed out and having no time, we skipped our workout.  Luckily, I didn't end up gaining any weight during this stressful process; however, I could tell it was taking a toll on my body.  I hated the way I was feeling during that chaotic month, but thank goodness the whole ordeal is finally over! 

This past month has really shown me how our bodies and minds react during those "stressful" moments.  I can see now how stressful times can result in sinking into bad habits again and the feeling of being overwhelmed can be physically exhausting.  I've realized the importance of keeping your mind sharp and your body well.  Looking back I now realize that during those weeks before closing, I wasn't drinking hardly any water during the day.  That alone affected me more than I realized.  Also, I was more exhausted than ever, and if I had just made time for a 30 minute workout at least, I know I would have felt better and it would have relieved some of that stress I was experiencing.  Ultimately, I lost focus of myself and let the outside world consume me, but now that I am reflecting back, I can learn from this and try to do better with future experiences.

We are now moved and settled on the 3rd floor of a new apartment complex, our home sweet home.  We strategically picked the third floor for a reason: leg workout each day going up and down the stairs.  Plus, if you saw our view from the third floor overlooking a huge pond and the Battlecreek golf course, you'd understand our other reasoning.  Last night was our first opportunity to explore our new surroundings on an evening walk.  The weather was too gorgeous to pass up.  It was exciting to check out the exquisite homes surrounding us, feeling the warm sun, and simply enjoy each others company.  It is by far one of my favorite activities to do with my husband.  A free date night together!

We all deal with imperfections and weaknesses, especially when the going gets tough.  I hope today's blog post helps to encourage and strengthen you in those moments when you feel weak.  We all have those moments, and it's okay.  We can learn and be bettered by them.

Home is where I am with you...

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Better Boozing}

I'm a girl who likes an occasional drink, whether it be a glass of wine, beer, or a yummy margarita at a Mexican joint.  On the Weight Watchers program, liquor can quickly drain your daily points allowance, so I learned to cut back....a lot.  I noticed that my weight loss was significantly boosted once I cut back on my liquor intake.  One trick that worked pretty well for me was telling myself that alcohol is off limits during the week.  Mentally knowing I could treat myself on the weekend really helped me stay on track.  To give you a visual, below is a list of some popular alcoholic beverages and the Weight Watchers points value they carry. 

Margarita {4 fl oz} = 9 WW Pts

Jack and Coke {6 fl oz} = 4 WW Pts

White Russian {4 fl oz} = 10 WW Pts

Pina Colada {9 fl oz} = 12 WW Pts

Long Island Ice Tea {8 fl oz} = 15 WW Pts

Mojito {6 fl oz} = 5 WW Pts

Beer, Regular {1 can/bottle} = 5 WW Pts

Beer, Light {1 can/bottle} = 4 WW Pts

Wine {5 fl oz} = 4 WW Pts

Champagne {5 fl oz} = 4 WW Pts

Vodka {1 fl oz} = 2 WW Pts

Tequila {1 fl oz} = 3 WW Pts



Gotta love a good ol' marg!

Weight Watcher's definition of a serving of wine wasn't what I thought a serving of wine should be.  In my world, a "glass of wine" is poured almost to the brim.  I was wrong. Very very wrong.  I challenge you to grab your measuring cups at home and pour 4 fluid ounces; it will give a visual guide for a TRUE serving size.  It's pretty shocking, or at least it was to me. 

Be mindful of your serving sizes and limit yourself when you drink.  You will shed those pounds fast!

Cheers to better boozing!

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

{Support System}

I've got to brag just a little bit: my husband is absolutely amazing, and I am one blessed girl to have found him.  We've been together almost two years, married almost two months, and he is my world.  When I started my weight loss journey, he was my biggest supporter.  He encouraged me every day and celebrated each weight loss goal I achieved.  He even started eating what I cooked which made it that much easier for me to stay on track {turned out to be a good thing for him, he ended up losing weight with me}.  My weight loss journey became "our" weight loss journey.  Each pound lost made our relationship stronger, and we created a new healthy lifestyle together.  I know I wouldn't have been successful without him by my side every step of the way. 

One story that really sticks out to me is the day I realized I had to buy a whole new wardrobe.  Every article of clothing I owned was too big for me.  One day, I sat in my closet, crying.  Stephen came in the closet and asked me what was wrong.  I sobbed, "None of my clothes fit me anymore."  He asked me why I was sad about it and said that I should be happy, it was a great thing!  Truth was, I wasn't comfortable in my new skin yet and the thought of having to start completely over with my wardrobe was overwhelming.  I wasn't expecting to have to do it so soon.  With his encouragement, patience (lots of patience I might add) and support, I was able to gradually rebuild my wardrobe.  It was a challenge for me at first to get used to shopping and looking for a smaller size, but Stephen was by my side for each shopping trip.  I mean, honestly, how many guys out there go shopping with their girl?!  He's quite the trooper.  

I'm very blessed to have such a great guy in my life.

Bragging aside, this story has a purpose.  I am a firm believer that having a support system is a huge part of any weight loss goal.  Whether your support be your significant other, best friend, or a family member, find that someone who you can confide in and trust...that person you can lean on and who will hold you accountable when you need it.  Having that support is an essential key of your journey.

I love you, Stephen.  Each day you make me a better person.

Xox,
Mrs. Munana

“You can’t do it all yourself. Don’t be afraid to rely on others to help you accomplish your goals.” ~Oprah Winfrey

Before & After



Before & After



{Dress of my Dreams}

One major boost for me to stay on track with the Weight Watchers program was shortly after I began my weight loss journey, Stephen proposed to me.  I knew it was time to really kick my butt into high gear so I could look amazing in my dream wedding dress.  I had a little less than 8 months to accomplish my weight loss goal, but I knew I could.  Of course, no girl can wait 5 or 6 months to go dress shopping, so immediately I went with one of my best friends {love ya, Courtney!}.  At that point, I had lost only about 8 lbs, but I was feeling pretty great about it and figured why not just "look".  Go figure I'd fall in LOVE with the very first dress I tried on.  But, I was hesitant.  If I had this much luck right off, then maybe there was an even better one out there?  Or maybe not.  What if this dress was gone by the time I made up my mind?  After going to several other dress shops with the help of my family and Stephen's family, we all agreed the first dress was "the one".  Then, I got the surprise of my life... Stephen's sister, Steph, paid for my dress!  What a sweet moment. 

So there was my dress, hanging in the closet waiting for our December wedding.  Seeing that purple garment bag in the closet every day was a constant reminder of what I was working towards.  I refused to look back on my wedding day photos and regret the way I looked.  As a bride, I wanted to feel beautiful on the inside and out.

8 months later and 25 pounds lost, along with having my dress altered IN, it was the moment I've waited for...our wedding day.  The dress fit perfectly, and in that moment all my hard work and perseverance had paid off.  It was a magical day filled with loving vows, tears, and a new beginning together as husband and wife.  It was all worth it. 

I hope my wedding dress story inspires you to create a goal for yourself...some sort of motivation to work towards.  Whether it be a special occasion or swimsuit season, doesn't matter.  Save that special date in your calendar or put an item of clothing in your closet where you can see it every day.  Remind yourself on a daily basis what you're going to accomplish and why it's important to you.  You can do it!

Xox, Mrs. Munana