The Weight Comes Off June 6

When I first found out that I was expecting our third child, I was devastated.  My oldest of two was just turning 2, and I did not feel ready. On top of that, I had finally lost all my baby weight from my second pregnancy. And I was afraid I would lose all the progress I had made in my body and confidence. In April of 2011 I started working out on a regular basis, at first I would just walk for 30 mins every morning, then I began jogging and by the end of the month I was running 7 miles every morning.  But that wasn't the only change to my lifestyle. I also made just a few dietary changes.

I am a person who loves to cook and did not want to take away my favorite foods. So I added six simple foods/drinks to my diet and within the first week the pounds started falling off.

1) Kellogg's Special K Cereal

•      If I ever had a sweet tooth instead of reaching for candy or leftover dessert I had a bowl of Special K.  I measured out the exact serving, plus a cup of Almond Breeze Milk.  If I needed some chocolate, I'd add a handful of mini-semi sweet dark chocolate, chocolate chips. 

2) Peanut Butter

•  For breakfast every morning I had a strawberry/banana shake, no added sugars and toast.  But when I wanted something more solid I made just the toast, spread a teaspoon of peanut butter on it, and banana slices on top.  This breakfast was 130 calories, very filling and the peanut butter gave my metabolism the jump start I needed to burn calories on my walks. 

3) Almond Milk

• Instead of skim milk (which taste gross), I drank Almond Milk.  One serving is 60 calories and it taste amazing. My preferred brand is Blue Diamond.  I used it my cereals, with my snacks, and in my baking. I felt awesome and energetic. I loved that I could enjoy my favorite foods and cereals and be losing weight at the same time. 

4) Country Time on the Go Lemonade 

• When I was craving something more than just milk and water, I went for lemonade. I always have bottled water handy in my fridge and just one of these 35 calorie packets quenched my thirst. I found I drank less soda, Gatorade, and juices high in sugar, when I had at least 2 a day. 

5)  Celestial Seasonings Wellness Teas (Sleepytime Extra)

• I LOVE these caffeine free teas! As a busy wife and mother, you'd think I'd pass out as my head hit the pillow, but I always struggled relaxing.  I found that if I drank a hot cup of Sleepytime Extra ten minutes before bed, while listening to soft music I fell asleep faster and slept better at night.  It is almost impossible to lose weight, if your body isn't getting the rest it needs to do the work.  Once I started sleeping better I saw an extra to 2 pounds drop at the end of my week.

6) Benefiber 

• This FINAL step gave my body the final, gentle push (no pun intended), it needed to keep losing weight and keep it off.  The best part? It is ACTUALLY, TRULY tasteless :) Just 2 tablespoons is only 15 calories and I added it to EVERYTHING!!!! Water, juice, cereal, in my baking, in my pudding, and it help to clean my colon.  On average a person holds 4-6 pounds of fecal waste in their system. And due to our inconsistent, fatty American diets, we get backed up and lose precious energy needed to work our body.  I always had problems going # 2 and I didn't realize how much it actually affected my body until I used Benefiber.  I became more regular, had more energy and felt skinnier.  Adding this final step with the others and walking/running daily, I lost on average 10-12 lbs a month. 

I cannot wait until I have our little Jaymee, so I can begin this diet again. I have been able to keep up some of the aspects, and have only gained 23 lbs this pregnancy. There is nothing quite like being healthy, feeling clean, and having confidence.  It makes a person happier,  more pleasant to be around and raises your self worth. I'll have to take before and after pictures right after the baby comes and as I lose weight again, so I can show you all how well this system actually works :) 

xoxoxo Mrs Lee

A Dress, A Dream and some Draperies

So I am pretty darn excited! As some of you know, we are moving into our first "house" at the end of the month.  My parents are renting out the home they fixed up for my older sis Karalee (who is now engaged to be married).

  ps (I apologize for any typos, my children have attacked my 

key board and various keys are sticking or missing)

I have been busy busy dreaming up how I am going to decorate rooms and make it our home. Thus far I have gotten Abigail's room pretty much down pat :) Bronco's room is going to be a Boise State room.  I have this tall book case shaped like a boat from my mom.  I am going to paint it blue and orange, take out a shelf, put in a cushsion and lay it on the floor for a reading boat! I will post pics once I get that project started. 

I am a HUGE fan of consignment and resale stores. I get the majority of my children's clothes from my favorite local store Kidz Again. I always get quality, most the time new, clothes for amazing prices.  Anyway, I found the most adorable dress for Abigail there, and fell in love with the colors.  I decided I would do her room to match that dress. 

The Dress :)

The colors are adorable, this picture doesn't even begin to do it justice! And because Abby's room will house a desk for my office/writing space I had to find a chair to match...

The darling back! found on www.craigslist.com

I saw the chair and fell in love! It was amazing to see how well it matched (the above picture is a little saturated).

The desk to go in front of the sliding glass door :)

That's about all I can share with you until we're moved in and starting all the fun! I am going to take care of my little missy and work on more ideas! I am excited!