Finally 100 lbs+ Lost

So, I get on the scale this morning and to my surprise, I've lost 4.6 lbs this past week. Last week I was .3 lbs away from hitting the 100 lbs lost mark and was so surprised at the number this morning.

So I've lost a total of 104.3 lbs officially and that is starting from my heaviest weight I ever recorded which is 325 lbs. Most people would not want to share that number, and trust me, I didn't want to for a long time. Since I started really eating healthy and working out consistently, I've wanted to set an example for others.

I was always the fat kid, whether it be in class, in the family or in the building. It's been hard and I had tried everything in the past to loose weight except for diet and exercise. I always thought-- eh it'll never work. So, when I finally decided to make my lifestyle change, to my surprise, diet and exercise was really all I needed.

I've battled PCOS and metabolic syndrome, both which make it hard for me to loose weight and now, with the choices I've made, I am slowly reversing those diseases one pound at a time.

So, 325 lbs is my heaviest weight, and I can't really remember the exact date that was, but that number is burned into my memory. I don't ever want to weigh that or anywhere close to that number ever again. I remember how unhappy I was even though I pretended I wasn't.

Each pound that I shed is one step closer to where I want to be. My overall weight loss goal is 180 lbs. However, when I made the decision to change my lifestyle, I made a goal of reaching 200 lbs by the end of this year, which seems like something I might be able to accomplish.

So today, I officially weigh 220.7 lbs--- I can't even remember the last time I weighed that. It's been a great feeling to have been able to loose 100 lbs, and I am looking forward to loosing the last 45 - 50 lbs. I hope you continue to follow me on that journey.

No Magic, Tricks or Fairy Dust Here

I've been getting approached a lot more lately on how I've been loosing my weight. The usual is wow, you've lost a lot of weight what are you taking or drinking?

At first, I thank them for noticing my weight loss, and then in my head I say to myself, "I'm just eating real food and getting off my butt and exercising," but I hold my tongue and answer... "I'm not taking or drinking anything, I am simply just working out and eating healthy."

It's funny how once I say that, they have some confused look on their face like I'm totally lying to them. Why is it so hard for people to believe that weight loss can be achieved with just good ole diet and exercise?

I guess it's because of how society. Everything is based on convenience, and while fad diets, wraps, supplements etc. will help you get results, they aren't a permanent solution.

Once you embrace following a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise, you results will start showing and in the long run will help you keep off that weight you worked so hard to achieve. I have definitely not regretted my decision to make a lifestyle change and do not intend on going back to those old habits of mine.

Hopefully in the next few weeks, I will have officially lost 100 lbs. It's been a crazy ride to get to this point, but I've definitely learned a lot and enjoyed the ride so far. So, stay tuned my post when I hit that awesome milestone!

Guest Blog Post: Against All Grain: Strawberry Short Cake Cupcakes

A really good friend of mine had a birthday last week and asked me to bake her something healthy, and after some research, I came across the Strawberry Short Cake Cupcakes on Against All Grain.

You should definitely check her out. She has some wonderful recipes! Here is the pic of the cupcakes I made:

They we freaking delicious, and everyone at the party loved them! Here is the link to the actual recipe: http://www.againstallgrain.com/2012/08/27/strawberry-shortcake-cupcakes/

Enjoy!

Stuffed Pork Tender Loin

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Paleo | Soy- Free | Grain- Free | Gluten Free

This was definitely an easy and delicious dish to make!

Ingredients:

- 3 to 4 lb Pork Tenderloin (Boneless)

- 1 TBSP Finely Chopped Garlic

- 1/4 of Yellow Mustard

- 5 Strips of Bacon

- 3 Cups Fresh Spinach

- 1 Medium Apple of your Choice ( I used Fiji)

- 2 TBSP of Olive Oil (For Outside of Tenderloin)

- 1/2 TBSP of Fresh Rosemary, Salt and Pepper (For outside of Tenderloin)

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees

2. Butterfly the Pork Loin (about 1/2 inch thick-- you can YouTube it if you don't know how)

3. Spread the mustard in the inside of the pork loin, you can sprinkle 1 TSP of rosemary if desired

4. Cook Bacon in a pan till crispy, and keep bacon grease, once bacon is cooled break apart into small pieces and sprinkle on top of mustard

5. Cut and core your apple and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

6. Cook the garlic and the apples in the bacon grease

7. Once the apples brown a little, throw in the spinach and cook until it wilts, once that happens turn off heat

8. Spread the apple, garlic and spinach over the bacon and mustard

9. Now here's the fun part, roll the tenderloin and tie with butchers twine (If you don't know how to do this, you can find videos on YouTube

10. Once the tenderloin is rolled and tied, spread oil over the outside and sprinkle with salt, pepper and rosemary

11. Put tenderloin in over and cook for an hour or until your thermometer reads 145 degrees

12. Once it's done, let tenderloin cool for about 10 mins then it's ready to cut into and served with your choice of sides.

Enjoy!

Raspberry Shredded Coconut Muffins

Raspberry Shredded Coconut Muffins

Paleo | Grain- Free | Gluten- Free | Dairy Free

Dry Ingredients:

1 Cup of unsweetened shredded coconut

1 tsp of baking powder

1/4 cup milled flax seed

1/2 tsp of sea salt

1/2 cup of coconut flour (you can sift it if you want)

Wet Ingredients:

5 eggs brought to room temperature (you can leave them out for about 30 mins or put them in a bowl of hot tap water for about 15 mins)

1/4 tsp liquid stevia (you can use liquid vanilla stevia if you want)

1/4 cup of melted coconut oil

3/4 cup of applesauce (get the one with no sugar added or natural- they are the same thing)

1/4 cup of raw organic honey

You will need 1 and a 1/2 cups of Raspberries (or whatever nuts or fruit you want to put in- I used raspberries this time because they were on sale) leave aside to be folded in later on

Makes 12 muffins

Directions:

1. Set over to 350 degrees

2. Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a large bowl

3. Mix all of the wet ingredients in a separate bowl

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined (I used a hand mixer)

5. Once the wet and dry ingredients are well combined, quickly add in the raspberries (batter thickens quite fast so, don't take your time to add in the raspberries

6. Use an ice cream scoop to scoop the batter into 12 muffin cups (you can dip the scoop into some coconut oil to coat it so the batter doesn't stick or use a scoop that as a lever

7. Bake for approximately 30 mins (you can use a toothpick to check to see if they are cooked through)

Let cool and enjoy!

One Month of Progress

So last month, around this time, I posted a transformation pic of me when I was heavier. I thought I'd post a month to month transformation picture this time. So, in one month, I've lost a total of 14.3 lbs and a total of 11 inches all over my body.

I can't believe how much I've changed in a matter of a month. If I can keep at this pace, I will for sure reach my goal by the end of this year, which means, I will then start studying to become a personal trainer. I've been super passionate about changing my lifestyle and fitness, and to be able to help people do the same will be something that I would enjoy doing for the rest of my life.

It maybe a slow process and it may be a long process, but I know that I will reach my goals!

I will be posting an amazing transformation picture of myself on Tuesday on my Instagram, so if you want to see it, he sure to follow me: www.instagram.com/ohitzlilia

Plain Old Diet & Exercise will do the Trick

So, I've had a lot of people recently walk up to me at the gym and ask what I'm doing to loose weight. Most of them assume that I'm taking some sort of supplement, and you know what, it's a great feeling to tell them, "NO, I'm just exercising and eating paleo." You should see some of the shocked looks that I get. It's really that simple when it comes to loosing weight.

I've been able to educate people on paleo, and I totally swear by it. I've been heavy all my life, and trust me, I've tried everything, and in the end, the one thing that I thought would never work, (diet and exercise) totally did. Yes, it takes time, yes you have to be dedicated, but if you want results, you have to do what you have to do.

Luckily, I have had an opportunity to really dedicate myself to go to the gym, but working out is only 20% of what you need to do to loose weight, the other 80% starts in the kitchen!

The hard part isn't getting off your butt and getting to the gym, the hard part is being conscious of what you are putting into your body. Don't think of food as something to just fill you up, think of it as fuel you need to keep going. The more natural and clean you eat, the better your body will feel in the long run. Yes, it takes getting use to, yes there will be temptations but, you can do it. If I can, you totally can.

I am by no means saying that paleo should be the way to go for you. Just try out a few different diets, and see which one you can maintain. Paleo was definitely a big decision for me, I loved eating Greek yogurt. It was my total go to after working out snack, but I wanted more results, so I decided to go hardcore paleo, and it has worked for me so far. I know how hard it can be to loose weight, and when any new weight loss fad comes around, I use to jump on the bandwagon no matter how crazy sounding it was.

I finally realized, I needed to change my lifestyle, not go on a diet. The reason is when you go on a diet, its short term. Once you are off that diet, more than likely, you will gain weight back if not more than what you lost. So, getting in the mindset of changing my lifestyle has really helped me in changing my eating habits.

Meal prep, yes or no?

So, I think one of the main reasons why I have been so successful in my weight loss so far is because I do meal prep once a week for the whole week. Yes, it's time consuming, but in the end it's totally worth it. Why do I do it? Well, let me tell you.

Reason #1 why I meal prep: I know what's going into my food. I know exactly how my food is being cooked, and this is important when you are on something that has restrictions like paleo. Not to say that eating out is bad, I have gone out to eat a few times since I've started paleo, I just make sure if where I am going has options for me. If not, I suggest a place to my friends that does.

Reason #2 why I meal prep: It saves money. Who doesn't need to save money these days? What I usually do is before I grocery shop for the week, I look at the weekly circulars that come in the mail and see what's on sale. Based on that, will be my deciding factor of what my meals for the week will be. By doing this, you aren't bored with the same food since the stuff that is on sale varies weekly.

Reason #3 why I meal prep: It keeps me from giving into temptation. It's so much easier to just grab something fast to eat when you've had a long day and the last thing you want to do is cook. However, if you sacrifice a few hours out of Saturday or Sunday to cook your meals for the week, you will already have food waiting for you and won't be tempted to eat out.

There are a lot of options these days online for recipes. It even helps when you can get a friend on board with you and you guys can cook together. My cousin and I have been doing this on and off since I've started paleo, and not only do we get to make healthy delicious food, we get to spend quality time together.

If you are worried about cooking, don't be. It's definitely a creative outlet for me. I'm one of those cooks who cook without recipes. I have the luck of just being able to throw some stuff together and it come out good. But, if you aren't like that, no worries, just look up some recipes online. If you can read, you can cook! Plus once you get the hang of cooking, it gets easier.

Paleo Pot Roast

Here is the recipe to the pot roast I made in a crock pot:

Paleo Pot Roast

Ingredients:

- 1 cup low sodium chicken stock (you can use beef stock if you want)

-  2-3 lb. beef roast (chuck or shoulder works best)

- Sea salt and ground black pepper (I would use both liberally)

- 5 medium carrots, peeled and chopped in half (You also use 1 lb of baby carrots)

- 1/2 medium onion, sliced

- 3 garlic cloves, chopped (this is for the outside) 

- Optional- you can cut slits into the roast and put cloves of garlic all over (This gives it more flavor)

Directions:

1. Season the roast generously with sea salt and ground black pepper.

2. Place the carrots in the bottom of the crock pot, pour in the broth, place the roast on top of the carrots and then place the sliced onions and the chopped cloves on top of the roast. Allow the roast to cook on low for 6-8 hours. 

3. Once the roast has cooked for the allotted time, remove the roast from the crock pot onto a platter. You can surround the roast with the carrots and onions from the crock pot. You can pour some of the remaining liquid over the meat and serve.

Officially on Paleo for 2 months

So, I can't believe that it's been two months since I've started paleo, and I can't be any happier, and I am never going back to the way I use to eat. I've seen some great results and I have not gotten bored at all so far. When I first started paleo, I was sure with all diets that I've been on in the past that I would hate it, get bored fast and want to cheat.

Coming up on two months it's been the total opposite and I am going strong. I totally don't feel like I am depriving myself at all. There are so many different paleo friendly recipes, that you can't get bored, and I have yet to WANT a cheat meal or snack. A lot of my friends can vouch for me that my will power to saying no to temptation is amazing.

I've been to a few parties over these past two months and there have been lots of foods there that I would usually over-indulge in but was able to just say no and move on. It's totally a great feeling. I'm pretty proud of myself for having such great will power.

I've also been approached at the gym a few times recently with people asking me what I am doing to loose weight. My answer, good ole exercise and paleo. Of course, a lot of them have never heard of it, so I tell them the basics. In case you are wondering what it's all about, here is a link to my Pinterest Board on Paleo: http://pinterest.com/ohitzlilia/paleo-101/. I've pinned some great info on there.

I am going to start posting recipes that are amazing that I've come across thus far. Some of my faves, have been almond meal and coconut crusted chicken, paleo spaghetti, chick pot pie (it was amazing!), paleo pumpkin bread, paleo chocolate chip cookies, and lots more. :)

So, if you have hit a plateau in loosing weight, want to change your eating habits, want to detox your body from all those nasty processed foods, I totally recommend paleo!

Transforamtion Tuesday: -70.6 lbs and Counting

So, I am finally going to post a transformation pic! I've been off and on loosing weight for the past 2 years, and it hasn't been until this past February where I really committed. I changed my eating habits, I made working out a priority and the results have been amazing! If my self today told my self a few years ago that all I had to do was make a few easy changes, that getting healthy and loosing weight would be attainable.

With that being said, I have lost a total of 70.6 lbs from my heaviest which most girls don't want to admit their weight, but hey, I am doing this blog to inspire, so why the hell not, it was 325 lbs. I can't believe that I let myself get that heavy, and I am never ever going to see that number again, or be anywhere near it!

So, from this past Sunday, 8/25 I currently weigh 254.4 lbs. I can't remember the lat time I weighed that to be quite honest. And I am so happy to keep on chipping away at that number! So, here is a pic from when I was super heavy, and where I am currently.

The best part about this weight loss journey so far is being able to push my body to the limits. Yes, there are days when I don't want to workout or I want to give into temptation and eat something bad, but I've learned to overcome all that. The more workouts I do, to closer I am to getting the body I want. Every time I say no to temptation, those are calories I don't put into my body. 

It's not easy, but I know in the end when I reach my goals, all this will have been totally worth it. 

Results

So, I use to be one of those girls who thought oh, if I lift weights, I'm going to look bulky like a dude! Totally glad I got over that myth. Did you know that the more muscle mass you have, the easier it is to burn fat? So, for the past 6 weeks, I've been working with a trainer 3X a week for 30 mins each session, lifting 3X a week for at least and hour and a half to 2 hours, and doing cardio for 95 mins 3X a week.

The results I've seen so far? Amazing! I am starting to get some muscle definition in my arms and legs, which I am so happy about!

So, if you've hit a plateau, just doing cardio or afraid of the myth about looking like a dude from lifting weights, the only advice I can give you is, try it out. Do it for like 2 weeks and see if it makes a difference. I'm pretty sure it will. I'm definitely glad I decided to, and now, I don't think I can live without lifting. :)

Hopefully, my next post will be a transformation pic of where I use to be (at my heaviest) and where I am now. So, stay tuned! :)

Can't Make it to the gym? What now?

So, I know some people can't afford to pay for a gym membership or for a personal trainer. So, what should they do? My advice is to start walking around your neighborhood, find a nice park with a walking trail, or start looking up workouts on the Internet. It's amazing how many great workouts you can find these days.

Well, I don't have time, or weights, or etc., to get a good workout. Honestly, you don't need much. There are a lot of great body weight workouts you can find that will have you sweating your butt off after 30 mins. And 30 mins, that's all you need really if you want to start making a change to your life.

Here is a link to an awesome infographic on a 30 minute, no gym body weight workout: http://greatist.com/fitness/no-gym-bodyweight-workout-infographic

I know there are a lot of gyms that are pretty expensive these days, however, there are some great ones that charge a monthly membership of only $10. The one I go to is Planet Fitness. They are super clean, lots of machines so, you aren't waiting for stuff you want to use and the staff is pretty friendly. They also provide you with a personal trainer, which even though it's a group class (max 5 people) it's a pretty darn good deal for only $10 a month. I couldn't pass that deal up. They also have a $20 membership which includes the gym, personal trainer, unlimited tanning and use of massage chairs as well.

So, just make some time. 30 mins is not that much time out of your day to work in a little workout and start making a change to better your life. I'm now working with a personal trainer 3 days a week, working out at Planet Fitness on my own lifting and doing cardio 6 days a week and walking/jogging with a friend at a local park 2 -3 times a week. All you have to do is make the choice to change.

It will be hard at first, but trust me, the end result will be worth all your hard work. I have noticed a big difference in my life already and even though I still have a ways to go, I am not going to let anything stop me!

Paleo Pulled Pork

So I recently posted a picture of some paleo pulled pork and several people have asked me how it was made. Well, the problem is, when I cook, I do not use recipes. I am one of those people who just throw some ingredients together and usually, the turnout is pretty darn good. So, after some thought, I can only post the ingredients I used and not exact measurements. Better than nothing I suppose.

Before Smoking

So, here is the list of ingredients that were used:

• Chili Powder
• Cloves of Garlic- I actually cut slits into the meat and shoved the garlic into the meat
• Cumin
• Fresh Oregano
• Fresh Rosemary
• Smoked Paprika
• Salt
• Fresh Ground White Pepper
• Cayenne Pepper

Oh, and I used a Boston Pork Butt. It was about 8 pounds. Once you get all the ingredients on there, it's time to fire up the smoker. I used an electric one.

Preheat your smoker to 219 degrees F. You are going to cook the butt in the smoker for approximately 10 to 12 hours and you want to maintain the temperature at 210. I used hickory wood chips. 

To check if the butt is ready, use a fork. When the meat easily falls apart, it's time to take it out. Let is sit for about an hour and then you can pull the meat apart. 

Finished Product

And there you have it. I paired it with a paleo BBQ sauce made with:

• Tomato Paste
• Vinegar
• Raw Honey
• Onion
• Salt
• Pepper
• Liquid Smoke

Yes, I use my Wii

So, I weigh myself once a week. I totally do not recommend any more that that because then you'll drive yourself nuts and become obsessed with the number on that scale. I've never really been a fan of weighing myself but since I've been working out and eating healthy, I thought it was time to start doing it, so, that I'd have some way of documenting my progress.

And so, today I got on my Wii. Yes, I use my Wii. It's pretty accurate and it keeps track of my progress, so that I don't have to write it down. I have to say this week was a little up in the air for me. I didn't get to train with my trainer once this week, however I trained hard myself at the gym to make up for it. I stuck to my paleo diet but still was nervous to step onto my Wii balance board.

Even though I don't really want to put this up, I'm going to do it any way. This is why I decided to blog about my weight loss journey in the first place. So this was what the screen said:

So to my surprise and delight, I managed to loose 5.7 lbs! Yes, I still have a ways to go, but I am totally chipping away at it one week at a time. If you take becoming healthy or loosing weight one day at a time, and set short term goals, it makes your ultimate goal a lot more easier to obtain. Just keep working hard and don't let anything negative define how far you've come already!

140 minutes of Cardio.. Oh my!

Well, today was definitely a record for me. I managed to do 140 minutes of cardio. I usually only do an hour and a half of cardio but I wanted to start jogging this week so, I added in more. A friend and I will be walking/jogging at a local park 3 times a week and hopefully it'll be around 45 minutes each time.

After my workout at the park, I hit up my gym Planet Fitness and I got on the elliptical for 65 minutes averaging about 6 mph. Then I got on the treadmill and walked at a 3 on an incline at 8, 9 and 10 at 10 minutes each incline.

So, I've survived. Even though I am a bit tired, I am feeling wonderful none the less... The way I get through such a long cardio workout is great music! If you can put a great playlist together, your cardio will fly by because your jammin. :)

You can follow me on my social media channels

So, if you want to follow me on some of my social media channels, below are the links. I occasionally post some selfies, my pets, a workout meme here and there, but I mostly post the food I eat.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lil_lam

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/llam

Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/ohitzlilia

30 day Paleo diet complete

About 3 months ago, I finally made a permanent change in my life to take control and become the person that I've always known and wanted to be. I've always been a been over weight and even though I was OK with that, I realized, that OK is just not how I want to live my life, so I decided to make a lifestyle change to better myself.

Since I started on the journey 3 months ago, I was working out 5 days a week and pretty much eating clean. Then I decided to up my game and started working out 6 days a week (Sunday through Friday) for 1.5 to 2 hours each day alternating lifting days and cardio days. Now, I am still working out 6 days a week (Monday - Friday) for 1.5 to 2 hours each day, but I want to start running, so I might work that into my cardio soon.

Then last month, I decided I wanted to really commit and decided to try out paleo or "the caveman diet." Today marks my first month of being on paleo, and I have to admit, it's the best choice I could have ever made. While I have tried so many diets in the past, this time, I don't feel like I'm on a diet. This time it feels different from all the other times I've tried to loose weight and I think it's a good thing. 

So I decided I should probably start documenting my journey to my healthy lifestyle. Why not right? If you are friends with me on facebook, or follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you know I've done some documenting so far. From all my gym check-ins to all of my food photos, I am changing my lifestyle day by day and using social media to keep me accountable. 

So, I hope with this blog and all of my documenting, this can inspire others to make a change to live a healthier lifestyle. It can be done, because I am doing it. You just have to be willing to try!