What the Heck Happened?

Yikes! What happened to me yesterday?  Well, I'm wondering the same thing.  I came home from work around 7:00pm, made a quick high protein dinner, ate, and decided to sit down on the couch to read a book and let a little digestive action take place before my scheduled run.  I don't think I got two pages in the book before I passed out. I slept so hard that I didn't awake until midnight...very confused....as you can imagine.  The 5am thing must have sucked the life out of me!  Or maybe it was just the week in general.  So, yesterday I missed my workout....ahh!! I'm shucking this one to "Life Happens". 

On my very empty stomach, I went to my chiropractor this morning and did a bio analysis.  The last one I did was in November 2010.  I was expecting to see a drastic difference in the results from who I was then to who I am now.  In all honesty, I expected to be able to flush this whole self-proclaimed skinny fat description right down the you know what.  That unfortunately wasn't the case...not by any stretch. 

The test started with my weight;  I weighed in at 121 - making that a total loss of 6lbs. As I internally celebrated the weight loss news, the test results printed off.  This is where it takes a turn...the analysis revealed a LARGE percentage of body fat among other startling news.  UGH!  More to come on this in the very near future including his proposed solution...a challenge that I will fully embrace as of November 1, 2011.

I am eager, and willing to take those drastic measures to feel my ultimate best. As great as I feel the majority of the time, and as much strength as I have gained in these last almost 5 months, I'm still on a journey to being truly healthy, fit, and having that crazy amount of  energy that make headlines.  I'm okay with this not being "easy" - only because I know that I am on the right track.  Each rock I overturn, the more I am able to connect the dots and gain a deeper understanding of me. Of my body.  After all, if I don't take care of it, where else will I live?


Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

High Five to Me - Healthy, Happy & FIT!

It gives me great pleasure to give myself a "High Five" for finally gaining control of maintaining a challenging, and constantly changing, fitness regimen. This is, after all, a big portion of what this blog is about.  As I had noted in my posts early on, staying committed to my workouts has always been a struggle for me.  While I was four years into the clean eating lifestyle, I could not seem to get a handle on getting fit...leaving me to be as I describe skinny fat. 

During this time running was in the mix, but as I learned over the years just running doesn't mold the body to perfection (defined by me of course).  Yes, I ran several half marathons but it's not like I was speed training, or breaking new records...and I was surely not consistent.  I'd go two weeks on, one month off; one week on, one week off; one month on, three months off...so as you can imagine - gains in my quest to be fit was nearly impossible. 

In my desperation to tone my body, I joined several group fitness classes, the gym, a yoga studio, etc.  While all taught me new things about myself - especially yoga - it just wasn't a sustainable lifestyle of me.  In other words, I failed - at every single one of them.  First I missed one class here and there, then a whole week, and then I was too embarrassed to even come back.  I know that I shouldn't have felt ashamed for letting my life take over and not sticking to the commitment as I had promised myself I would...but I did. It was easier to not face the crowd and be out the money - in each instance - so I was left to start over time and time again. 

In June of 2011, in other words just four short months ago, I made what I can easily call now the best decision ever as it relates to reaching my fitness goals. Via a Google search, I discovered Cari's OneonOne Fitness Training.  I immediately clicked "How to Get Started" and after reading through the content, I was sold.  In addition to her words, Cari's overall fitness appearance had me rest assured that she didn't just talk the talk.  I knew without even speaking to her that she was capable of molding me - that is of course if I was ready to commit to the challenge. 

Picture above - Fit Girl Cari Draft, Personal Fitness Trainer,
& Owner of EcoTrek Fitness (outdoor group workouts)

Pulled from Cari's website she so eloquently says it just right...

"As a personal trainer who designs custom-made workouts for clients, I always get fired up when the peeps seem motivated to get in shape... but three months later, several of them have just “run out of time”, “run out of money” or simply lost their desire to get fit and healthy for whatever reason.  There are several stages a person goes through when they come to me for help. Stage one would be thinking about making a change; then there’s deciding to change, making preparations to change, and finally, initiating actual changes! Sometimes when clients contact me too early in their process, they are doomed to fail.  The most successful fitness clients I have are the ones who have linked regular physical activity to the things that are important to them. Everyone needs to see, at some point, that regular exercise is essential and has to be a priority; once you find yourself in the stage where you are ready to initiate actual changes, THAT is the time to contact me!"
 

It was as if her words were meant for my eyes only.  I was ready. I quickly filled out the required questionnaire, submitted it via email, and Cari reached out to me within hours. We chatted shortly about my goals and set up our first meeting at local park.  During that first workout together, I was quickly aware just how out of shape I was. As I told Cari, looks are deceiving - I may be "small" but darn it all I huffed and puffed my way through it.  She was encouraging and made it known that resilience and discipline was going to be key in my success. 

One of the first things I told Cari was,
"I need you to help me get arms like yours!"

I have since met with Cari a total of four more times.  Each time, I get a brand new strength training workout that I commit to doing twice a week at home (I do them right in my backyard), along with running four times a week.  I've gone from the girl who hated ab work to loving it, to dreading pushups to thinking I'm pretty fantastic at them.  While we only meet once a month, Cari keeps a pulse on my progress. I love bragging to her - she was the first person I told when I bought my size 2 shorts, and the first person I told when I bought my first size 0 dress.  Each and every time with every mini goal under my belt I asked her, "Is this for real?"  My waist has went from a 30.75'' (across the belly) to 27.75''.  I haven't quite reached all of my fitness goals, but I LOVE that I am finally on the right track.  I'm closer now than ever before to being truly skinny and FIT.  Skipping workouts is not an option.  I'm as committed to them as I am to clean eating and that right there is worth a whole lot of high fives!  

This is the Before Clean Eating ME...

This is the After Embracing Clean Eating & 3 Months of
Personal Training with Cari Draft ME

Calls for a High Five or two, right?

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat

Smoothie with Substance!

Today's mid-day pick me up was tasty, nutritrious, and had a great grainy texture!

Ingrediants

1/2 Frozen Banana
1/2 Red Haven Peach
1/4 Cup Organic Wheat Flakes
1 Serving of Naturally Flavored Vanilla Protein

Equal Parts of Unsweetened Soy Milk & Water
3 Cubes of Ice

Blend well and enjoy!

Wheat Flakes are made from kernels of wheat that have been steamed to soften, then passed through steel rollers to flatten them into flakes.  They are firmer than oats, thus it gives the smoothie a nice, hearty bite! 

All blended using the Magic Bullet & Ready to Enjoy!

This photo does a great job at capturing the blended grains...so good!

Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride!
MSF

My Breakfast Staple: Glorified Oats & Egg Whites

It wasn't until recently that I connected the dots of how important it is to combine the complex carb with the lean protein (in this case, rolled oats and egg whites).  Mind you, I have read dozens of books and magazines that listed it as a bullet point time and time again -- but I think I just subconsciously ignored it because maybe it seemed like "more work" to me to not only think about clean foods but also combining the right foods.  

I use to just eat the oatmeal or just the eggs for breakfast but never together...that is until the dots finally connected. It was my chiropractor (you never know who is going to inspire you!) who finally drilled it in my brain when he asked me how much protein I was getting a day.  I didn't have a clue how to answer.  Then he said, "You are already doing the work...eating clean, working out - now you need to rely on science to take you to the next level.  What if you could double your success by just combining the right foods?"  It was a total "Ah HA" moment for me!  By combining lean protein and complex carbs at each meal, it helps you slow down the carb-to-fat conversion in your body - in other words, it keeps you feeling full and satisfied between meals.  But also for me, it helps ensure I am getting enough protein throughout the day when I am intentionally making it a part of every meal.   

Now I tend to rely on my oats and egg whites for breakfast the majority of the time.  What I love about both is - in my opinion - you can't mess them up!  I will make a large pot of oatmeal at the beginning of the week so it's ready to go each morning by simply heating it up (sometimes I even like it cold!).  I just take rolled oats (buy it in bulk at the health food store), add water (sometimes I will do half water and half soy milk), add some ground cinnamon, handful of organic raisins,  handful of slivered raw almonds, throw in the chia seeds and wheat germ, cook it on the stove top for 3 to 5  minutes depending on how much I am making and I am good to go for the week.  Sometimes instead of raisins I will do chopped apples...or  I might leave out the fruit while cooking and instead add it on top before serving - such as a handful of fresh berries or half of a peach.  I also now love the combination of the oats and egg whites mixed together...is that weird? 

Pot of Glorified Oatmeal Made & Ready for the Week

The Secret to Successful Clean Eating is Making Sure You Combine
Your Oatmeal (Complex Carb) with the Egg Whites (Lean Protein). 

Secret to Success: No Excuses!

In 2007, when I first changed my eating habits, I decided to go "Cold Turkey", as they say, for 6 months and fully adopted the vegan lifestyle.  During that time, I was so cautious of everything I ate ... and  most difficult - surprisingly - was that I completely gave up alcohol (this was hard for me because I loved enjoying a glass of wine with dinner, weekends, with my husband, etc!).  At my smallest, I weighed in at 115.  It's so odd reflecting on how I felt then because I felt soooo "skinny-fat" - I didn't work out so while yes, skinny (barely nothing), I was such a weakling. And everything felt so flabby. 

I then discovered clean eating - and I was awe-struck by its principles.  I felt like I had been handed a gift - everything just made so much sense! Eating real foods...- you know the ones that come from the earth - all the time - novel idea!  Over time (three years) I slowly started to incorporate foods back into my diet such as seafood, venison, quality eggs, and organic cheese (in moderation).  During this time, my passion truly ignited for clean eating and I can't seem to learn enough on this topic. 

Even though, I was very intentional and disciplined with my eating - I still was Skinny-Fat true and true.  I wasn't dedicated to a workout regimen.  On that front, I could seem to come up with every excuse under the sun as to why I wasn't going to workout.  Even though - when I did, it felt so good!  I love running (when I actually did it) - so I would run sometimes - even did several 1/2 marathons (ill prepared I should add), and then I decided to join aerobics (it lasted a couple weeks), I tried bootcamp - hmm it was okay, and then there was yoga...loved yoga but still...it only lasted a month.  With each of these down periods, I would constantly beat myself up.  Complaining always (mostly inside my head) about the way my clothes fit, or dreading getting in the bikini, dress shopping, etc.  I was a size 4 - weighing anywhere from 125 - 130 over this time  - abiding by clean eating principles 80% of the time (although socially drinking in moderation).  I say 80% because I was/am still learning - and sometimes was (who am I kidding - still am) tricked by flashy marketing on packaging... (more to come on this at a later time).  I am slowly learning that just because it's sold in a Health Food Store, does not make it Clean!

Finally, in June of 2011, I got a personal trainer.  Someone I aspired to be - she wasn't skinny fat but TRULY SKINNY & FIT.  She put together a workout regimen for me which only called for a band and a mat.  But to meet my goals, it required "No Excuses"  - no matter what.  The schedule calls for 4 days of running (anywhere from 3 to 5 miles), 2 days of strength training, and a rest day.  I am able to complete everything right at home (outside), and only see her every 3 weeks for a new strength training program.  It's been the best thing I have ever done for myself.  I have not allowed myself to miss a workout - even when it's the LAST thing I want to do - I force myself to tie up those laces and get it over with. Time after time, what I find, is about 5 minutes (often times less) into the workout, my whole attitude shifts...and I start feel, pardon my choice of words, like a badass.  Truly!  I journal my workouts and all over my calendar you'll see the words, "No EXCUSES" - and when I first started, I had a sticky notes every where to remind me that no matter how much I wanted to - I'm wasn't getting out it!

Since I have incorporated workouts into my clean eating lifestyle, I finally feel like I am on the path to ridding the fat and finding the fit....for good! I have lost 3 inches from around my waist and have lost 3lbs!  It's amazing - I get to eat all day long (5 to 6 small meals a day), and I'm in charge of molding my body to "perfection" -  and this so called perfection is defined by me.  Yep, just me.

It's a journey - and what I have learned is to be truly skinny and fit (in other words, healthy, happy & fit)- doesn't happen overnight. Adding muscle is a beautiful thing...but it's a process.  Quick fixes will only get you to be skinny fat - a place I have been far too long.

 

If you haven't already, commit to a No Excuses attitude - whether it's about eating changes or working out.  And remember,  change will happen but it's baby steps my friends! 

Mrs. Skinny Fit running a 1/2 marathon in Miami March 2011.
It was torture because I was so ill prepared!
Can't wait to get a race on the calendar now
that I have been so committed to a workout regimen! 

 

Mr. Miles - my new running partner. 
He's up for the challenge - never lets me down!

 

Mrs. Skinny Fat & Mr. Miles - These past few months, I have had the confidence to try "new" workout activities. Kayaking is one my favorite things to do!

Me. Healthy. Happy. Fit.

My name is Tonya aka Mrs. Skinny Fat. I’m a 28-year-old wife, young marketing/pr professional, and mom to three furry four legged friends (1 kitty, Pinot, and 2 pups, Wyatt & Miles). I’ve been what I consider “Skinny-Fat” all of my life. In other words, look “skinny” with clothes on to the average person but...reality underneath it all was much different. For as long as I can remember I have lacked the self-confidence to peal off the layers…and if I was in a situation that forced me to get in a bikini – well, let's just say I considered it torture. I’ve been on a quest to be healthy, happy, and fit for years now – but it wasn’t until recently that I really connected what that meant. The “stars have aligned” so to speak…and I have discovered that sharing my journey with friends truly feels like I am sharing a gift...inspiration and hard lessons learned for their own quest!

Why the Mrs. in Mrs. Skinny Fat?
My husband is truly my partner in all of this – and with that my role as a wife plays such a big part in my quest to be healthy, happy, and fit. I think of all of the times throughout years that my husband has - unfortunately - had to hear me rant about my gut, or my thunder thighs…or how fat my arms look in photos. Over and over again, he’s watched me start a diet regimen – make a little progress – binge – and fall flat on my face. Lack of confidence is such a turn-off for me and yet I USE to put him through it everyday. While I’m blessed to have a partner who loves me just the way I am…I (all of us for that matter) need to LOVE who we are just as much. It's such a good feeling that I'm finally making great strides up this mountain!!

A Look Back
It's important to note that since my husband and I met in 2004 - I have already put him through quite the ringer in my due diligence to figure out just who I am. It was a constant...diet - binge - fail - diet - binge - fail...over and over again! In 2007, I was actually "saved" by an illness in which I was forced to turn to food (eating the right things) to feel better. My doctor was adamant on cleaning up my diet so my body could process what I was taking in and although I fought this idea for quite some time I finally caved and went fully vegan...(during this time Skinny Bitch was my Bible) Man, did my diet do a 180. This was really hard for my husband to accept but he said he would give me a six month trial to embrace the vegan lifestyle and if it truly made me feel better than he would accept it. Well, as you might expect...my health climbed and I felt amazing.

Today, I still practice many Skinny Bitch habits but more importantly I focus on eating clean (Thank you Tosca Reno and Oxygen Mag). Not only did my husband accept my new way of cooking - and eating - and my new found love for the health food store, he took part in it - eating for the most part as I do and just splurging on his own terms. Due to this major lifestyle change, we both reaped the benefits and physically changed immensely - both losing ~20 lbs since 2007. Disclaimer: we certainly aren't perfect...but it was an extreme change in behavior from the girl he met: a farmer's daughter who shared in his love of steaks and Mcdonalds - neither of which I have touched since July 2007. But here I am, yes certainly healthier and a whole lot smarter in terms of food choices…

Throughout this journey I have become extremely passionate about eating clean – and I seem to discover something new every day. I’m excited to finally have an outlet to share everything I have learned and all the new things that come my way. This blogs for anyone who’s looking to make some small changes in their life – ones that could - no will - lead to huge results – mentally, physically, and emotionally.

I hope that you will find this blog insightful and inspiring. Please join me down this path to being healthy, happy, and fit. In other words, let’s rid the fat and find the fit -for good.

Mr. & Mrs. when we first met in 2004.  I am 5'4 and in this pic weighed 145lbs -
My lifestyle consisted of dieting...binging...failing...repeating! 
I tried everything including South Beach, Atkins, Grapefruit, Cabbage Soup...everything!! 

Mr. & Mrs. in 2007 - about 6 months after adopting "Vegan" lifestyle. 
Weighed 120lbs -  did not work out (just walks here and there)... "Skinny Fat" at its best!

Mr. & Mrs. in May of 2011 - Weigh 125 -  Living a clean eating
lifestyle of the most part - giving into life's indulgences in moderation
slowly getting on a workout regimen... 

Mr. & Mrs. July 2011 - Eating Clean and working hard on the fitness...
Feeling so much stronger and starting to finally build muscle and rid the fat!