Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places

2007 - Lowest weight as an adult                2013 - Highest weight EVER

It wasn't until college that I started having issues with my weight. I've gained and lost the same 20 pounds over and over again. But since moving in with B, I've not only gained that 20 pounds back, I packed on another THIRTY-FIVE to go with it!! Holy crap. How did that happen??? Takeout. Lots of it. And wine. And cider. French Fries. Ice cream - the real kind. Gluten. Yes. I admit it. Ugh. If you've been a long time reader of this blog you know I've been trying (and failing) to lose weight for a while now. But I'm really in a crunch, I refuse to be unhappy with myself on my wedding day and I only have a few months left before I HAVE to start dress shopping. We both decided it's time to really buckle down and get healthy.

I've mentioned a couple of times that I've been doing DDP Yoga lately. I was excited to give it a try after I'd seen this incredible video about how it changed this war veteran's life. I've been trying to do it first thing in the morning before work every day. I haven't been successful at dragging my ass out of bed early every morning, but I'm getting better at it. The workouts are great, it's not just traditional yoga and is helping me get stronger. I kid you not, a month ago every time I walked up the stairs both of my knees would make this loud clicking/popping noise. I've had trouble with my knees for years! This week I've noticed that going up stairs I can't hear anything! I thought I noticed it the other day but today I really did. So far I've lost 7 lbs as well! I also joined Team DDP Yoga to help keep me motivated and found even more inspiration there. DDP talks a lot about taking charge of your life by understanding that 10% of it is stuff that happens to you and the other 90% is all about how you react. I love this and it's something that I've really needed to hear lately. And he's a huge supporter of the GF/DF lifestyle. I can't say enough about it, really.

In addition to the yoga I'm really focusing on cleaning up my diet again. I had let it slide down a very slippery slope. I'm feeling much better after a couple of weeks back on track. I plan to use this blog as a way to track my progress, post what I'm eating, how I'm feeling, etc. This blog has always been about my journey to health and this is just the next chapter. I'm excited to share it with all of you!

Yesterday was my first day back to work after my mini-vacation. Every other Thursday I'm supposed to work in a different office but I didn't even think of that as I drove to work. Of course the minute I pulled into a parking spot I realized I was not in the right place. I hadn't eaten yet since I was running late and planned to eat at the office, so I ran in, grabbed a quick breakfast of eggs and bacon, and headed off to the other office.

As soon as I arrived I was greeted by this:


They call them munchkins, which makes them sound cute, but really they are evil little bites of poison!

Every time we're in this other building, one of the other programmers brings in a box of munchkins from Dunkin Donuts. I will admit that I have indulged in the past, but now that I'm back on the wagon, I managed to steer clear of these all day. I didn't even look at the box until late in the afternoon just so I could take a picture for the blog. Obviously the rest of the group wasted no time taking care of these.

I had forgotten to pack my lunch in the morning so I decided that I would try out a local restaurant that I heard had a gluten free menu. I looked it up online and they had a ton of options. It was a tough choice but I ended up going with the pulled pork tacos.



When I arrived my order was ready but when I checked the container the tacos were smothered with cheese! I had specifically noted on my online order NO CHEESE or SOUR CREAM! But apparently that message didn't show up on the order at the restaurant? They were really nice about it and made me a fresh batch, no cheese, no sour cream.



The tacos were decent, not the best pulled pork I've ever had, the seemingly homemade salsa on the side was pretty delicious. I would definitely go back and try something else the next time I'm at that office and find myself without a packed lunch. We have cafeterias in all of our buildings, but GF options are sparse. There is a salad bar but it's kind of slim pickings. I'm trying to be better about packing a lunch from home so I know exactly what's going into it, and it's often healthier and better tasting anyway.

Since B's been traveling this week I've been trying to come up with easy dinners for one. Last night I stopped at the grocery store on my way home and wandered aimlessly trying to decide what to have. I walked past the meat cases and there were Aidell's sausages which reminded me of a Carrots N Cake recipe that I wanted to try. I grabbed a package of chicken and apple sausage, some fresh brussels sprouts and some goat cheese and was on my way. I subbed goat cheese for the laughing cow cheese since I seem to tolerate goat cheese pretty well. I added my own herbs and spices to get that garlic and herb flavor. Unfortunately, my pan was too hot and I didn't use enough oil so the dish didn't come out exactly as I'd hoped. But it wasn't bad. I might try this again tonight with less heat, more oil, and see how it goes.


Oops... super blurry, sorry!

After dinner I enjoyed a square of dark chocolate while watching Wife Swap. I don't know why I love that show so much.



And watched some inspiring DDP videos with my pup.



And then he started doing this in his sleep:



It's scary and hilarious at the same time.

B comes home tonight!! I can't wait! Happy Friday everyone!!

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with DDP Yoga in any way. All opinions posted here are completely my own. Having said that, I definitely recommend you check it out for yourself!