Back in the groove

I've avoided the scale lately knowing I haven't been eating as well as I should. Finally, two days ago I decided to check it out, and my goodness. I set up the DVD player that night and worked out in the morning. I realized for a week straight I had said, "I'll just workout when Mark gets home." Mark gets home. We eat. We watch tv. We do not workout. I slowly gain more weight. 

Now I make sure to workout in the morning. If I start off my day working out, I don't have to worry about forgetting or being too exhausted to workout. I realized too that I have WAY more energy when I workout in the morning. I feel great, I am less hungry. 

I try to inspire others to be healthy and workout, and luckily I have friends who post about their struggles and personal thoughts about working out that keep me going as well. Sometimes I get so excited when someone's story comes at the right time, I go overboard and share way too much haha. It's nice to know I'm not the only person who struggles with weight - even after losing 20-30 pounds. I just get excited. 

I know I look and feel much better, but I have high standards for myself and know I haven't been doing all I can. If you think your story doesn't matter, you are wrong. You never know who needs your story!

3 Day Refresh - Honest Review

I completed day three of the 3-Day Refresh yesterday, and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised! It was the easiest "diet" I have ever completed. Here's a break down by day:

Day 1: Didn't notice too much change until the night (I won't elaborate haha - read the Refresh for more info on that ;) ). Each time I would think, "Okay, I am hungry now", it was time for the next step of the Refresh.

Day 2: Felt a little light-headed, but nothing concerning. I also felt calm like nothing could bother me. I didn't find myself hungry at all and actually tried to spread out my meals so it would go later into the day.

Day 3: I was a little grouchy, but I wasn't hungry today either. I went to a dinner at a restaurant held by BeachBody coaches, and I wasn't tempted at all to eat food or *most importantly* dessert. I'm not saying I didn't stare at the dessert longingly and may have tried to smell it, but I didn't take one bite! I was very proud of myself. And if you knew my sweet tooth and sugar addictions, you would be impressed too :P

The next day, I took my pics and ate a big breakfast lol. However, half way through the day, I am not hungry at all.

Can you see the difference?

I lost 4.3 pounds and 2 inches from my hips, 2 inches from my belly button, and 2 inches from my waist. If you are interested in trying the 3-Day Refresh, go to SaraRudin.com, click on Shop, and look for the 3-Day Refresh. The best deal is the Challenge Pack with a month supply of Shakeology. 

Don't forget to add me on Facebook! www.facebook.com/SaraSru

Starting and Sticking to the 21 Day Fix Meal Plan

I don't know about you, but I have started the 21 Day Fix meal plan at least 15 times. I have only successfully followed the meal plan (for the most part) the very first time I opened the box. I also completed one week two months later right before I went on vacation. It is so easy to go from one cheat day to completely obliterating the entire thing a week later, so here is what worked for me.

First, get a sheet of notebook paper. I write out the total number of containers I can have in a day. For example:


Green
Green
Green
Purple
Purple
Red
Red
Red
Red
Etc.

I usually make 2-3 similar sheets - one for Monday, one for Tuesday etc. considering most of my meal plans are going to be the same considering I don't have much time to get TOO creative :) Next to each color, I write the corresponding food I plan to eat that day.

MondayGreen: Broccoli
Green: Romaine Lettuce
Green: Carrots
Purple: Strawberries
Purple: Blueberries
Red: Shakeology
Red: Chicken
Red: Tuna
Red: Turkey
Etc.

If this is your first time, I don't recommend halving your container yet (meaning don't do half a green for carrots and the other half for broccoli). This is just my opinion, but I feel it's easier to keep everything on track.

After you create your meal plan, make a list of what you need from the grocery store. When you get home, measure out everything according to its container, and put it in a zip lock container or sandwich baggie. This way you can easily grab the food throughout the day and follow the plan perfectly. This also makes it easier to see what you will be eating throughout the day, and in my mind, it makes it easier to spread out perfectly. 

If you have any other advice on what has worked for you, leave a message in the comments!