There's Levels to this Ish...

Hey Everyone!!!!

So I completed my first week back on this fitness journey and it went great! My goals were to workout 5x during the week and to eat all of my pre-prepared meals. I succeeded and completed both! I got through all of my workouts and didnt buy any fast food until my cheat meal lol...This week my goal is to workout 5x during the week with one of the days being a "two-a-day", eat all of my pre-prepared meals and snacks, and drink lots of water! There is definitely "levels" to this fitness stuff! I'm like on Level 2, but thats ok! lol

Even with the rain, all of my workouts this week were outside and I loved it! There's something about working out in nature that is so peaceful. Plus it's way more fun then being on a treadmill! I was somewhat disappointed with how hardcore my workouts were (they seemed so weak compared to what I was doing before) but I plan to step it up little by little as I ease back into my regular workout routine.

This week I figured I would give you guys a look into my meal prep! Sunday is my grocery shopping and cooking day (it literally takes all day but it's worth it!) This week I decided to make lean ground beef meatloaf balls, squash, broccoli patties, and garlic baby potatoes.

The broccoli patties didn't turn out that great but everything else tastes super good! I tried to add as many veggies as possible (hence the broccoli in the meatloaf balls). 

Prepping my meals saves me time during the week and gives me the ability to eat healthy without grabbing something questionable last minute. It also gives me more time to get my workouts done! This week I will also be eating salad, steamed artichokes, and greens. Eating healthy doesnt mean you can't eat good! What are you're meals going to consist of this week? Take the time to plan or plan to fail! 

<3 BRI

Been on my Worst Behaviour....

But I'm back on my fitness so its OOOKKKK!! lol...I feel super proud of myself because I prepped my food on Sunday and have worked out everyday since! So I have a confession, my gym membership expired (I know I know) and I haven't renewed it yet. BUT I didn't let that stop me! I have been hitting up some of my favorite outdoors spots and have even found a few more new places. Being broke definitely makes you become creative lol...

I'm really excited because I feel like I've got my mojo back! I actually WANT to work out again. As you know I have been in a rut off and on for a few months. I feel energized and motivated to make more progress again. And I really appreciate those of you who have worked out with me or given me words of encouragement! You guys are AWESOME!

I'm trying to have abs by summer so you guys better get ready! lol...Lately I have been perusing IG for fitness inspiration; and there's alot out there! I love Angela Simmons because she is ALWAYS on her fitness, works out daily with a trainer and posts healthy meals. I definitely suggest using her for inspiration. But I have also found really awesome regular people who are on a journey to live a healthier lifestyle. Following fitness people on IG may seem like a small thing but for me it helps! I need CONSTANT reminders as to why I am on this journey. Because if I don't I will be at Roscoe's ordering a Jean Jones with a quickness, lol....I try to keep as much fitness stuff around me as possible and even started subscribing to SHAPE magazine! (Mostly so I can cut out inspirational pictures to post around my house)

You have to find what works for you but whatever you do stay committed. Looking back, if I had been consistent these past three months instead of falling off I may already have had my abs! But its ok, because getting fit is a lifestyle and not a race. Even if it takes me 6 months, I WILL REACH MY GOAL. What's your fitness goals right now????

<3 Bri

Somewhere Between I want it and I've Got It....

I started this blog to be transparent about my weightloss journey. So here it goes. I fell off the wagon. And then I got back on. And then I fell off the wagon again. And then I got back on. That's been the story of my life these past couple of months. It's hard to believe that it's been so long since I have posted.  Honestly, I feel like I have lost alot of the motivation that I had when I started this journey. Whenever I start to feel stressed, or upset the "emotional eating" begins. And I hate to say it, but satisfying a craving when you want something like chili fries can be the best feeling ever. Momentarily! And then once the meal is over the guilt sets in and vows of eating healthier and exercising to work off the extra calories I just consumed fill my head. Its the most unhealthy cycle ever. 

Now that's not to say that I haven't worked out. Because I have! Just not consistently. I was hard core working out 5 days a week and now it's more like once or twice a week. This coupled with my off again on again eating has caused me to hit a weight loss stale mate. Gain a little, lose a little. I would love to say that I have suddenly gained all of my motivation back and that I'm 100% recommitted. But since I'm being honest, I'm just not there yet. But I want to be. And the first step is this blog post! Which leads me to the post important part of all of this...I need your help! Yes you! My friends, family, fellow bloggers, and random people that read my ramblings! lol..I need to get my workout mojo back. So whether it be through inspirational texts, calls, workouts, meal suggestions, or whatever I am open to it! This journey is alot easier when you have the support of others! So let's get to work!

<3 Bri

Somewhere in America Bri is at the Gym Workin! (Or on a trail lol)

Hello Loves!
Well I finished out last week super strong and am proud of myself! I worked out 6 days! Each day I mixed it up and tried different workouts in different locations. I've learned that in order to keep myself from being bored I have to keep it fresh and new!

As you all know I LOVE being outdoors when I workout. I hit 24 Hour fitness twice this week but all of my other workouts were outside. Hiking, bike riding, jogging, I did it all! 

Taking several weeks off definitely affected my fitness level. This week I noticed that I am alot slower then I was before and have kind of gotten lazy again. Each workout I try to push myself a little more so that I can get back into the swing of things.

The area I struggled the most this week was food. I'm getting tired of eating the same stuff. Chicken breasts. BLAH. Broccoli. BLAH. I need new and exciting things like macaroni and cheese and cheesecake! Ok maybe not macaroni and cheese and cheesecake but you get my drift lol... I'm trying to switch up my food options but still keep them healthy. This has been somewhat challenging because the stuff that usually makes things tasty (butter, cheese, potatoes, etc) are all things I'm only minimally using. The search for yummy healthy foods continues!!

I'm just glad to be back on my fitness. Last week I was no where near as stressed as I was weeks previous. For anyone who says they are to busy to workout, push that aside and MAKE TIME! It's worth it! Once you schedule your workouts you will find that your less irritable, less stressed out, have more energy, and feel better about yourself. It's amazing what burning a few calories can do for you! 

What will you do this week to take your workouts to the next level??????


<3 Bri

GetFitWitMeYouKnowIGotIt

So first and foremost, I'm alive!!! Lol. I haven't stopped working out and I'm not done blogging!

 I guess you could say I went on a temporary hiatus from posting while I got some things in order. But no worries, your favorite wanna be fitness guru is back! Lol....

So even though I haven't stopped working out I have to be honest.....my workouts haven't been consistent at all. It seems like LIFE has taken over alot of the time I was previously using to get fit. This makes me disappointed in myself because I was hoping to have seen alot more progress by now. But I can't expect a bikini body if my workouts and diet are inconsistent! A healthy lifestyle without consistency is an OXYMORON. 

So instead of wallowing and sulking about my lack of progress I'm refocusing and highlighting the positives! 

Positives from my workout hiatus

1. I only gained 3lbs back so its not like I have to start again from ground zero

2. My body has gotten used to being lazy again lol. Soooooo when I hit my workouts extra hard its going to give me even better results

3. My hiatus reminded me of why I love working out! (The excess energy, better fitting clothes, and its an amazing stress reliever)

4. Recently several people have hit me up to see whats been going on with my workouts. Its nice to have that accountability! I have amazing friends and people in my corner that really care

5. I did it ONCE and I can do it AGAIN! 

So who's down to workout with me?? Let's get it!!!!!

#FAF4Fall #fitness #healthylifestyle #carbsdontkillmyvibe #blackgirlsworkout 

Carbs have been TOTALLY killing my vibe....

I started this blog as an honest way to follow my fitness journey and weight loss. I haven't blogged in a few weeks because honestly I was kinda ashamed. Fitness is a journey not a destination and I am totally learning that. The month of June has been pretty sub par in regards to reaching my fitness goals. I didn't completely fall off but my workouts ended up being 1 to 2 x a week instead of my initial goal of 5 to 6 x a week. My food preps have also been horrible. Not to make excuses, BUT my work schedule has been so crazy that I haven't had time to prepare my meals like I once was. An of course if you fail to plan you plan to fail. Without my precooked meals I turned to old faithful "fast food". Now it's not like I went for Mcdonalds or anything, I mostly stuck with subway and other semi healthy options but I definitely notice the difference in how I feel. So I'm writing all of this to say it's OK to fall off the wagon as long as you get back on! I was talking with one of my close friends and he reminded me that often when you go SUPER HARD working out and eating healthy its normal to start to get tired of it and fall off. BUT that doesn't mean you cant get back on it. I realized that I was able to go hard for 4 months without a major slip-up. That's pretty darn good! Now I need to get back on it by doing things that keep me interested and that fit into my schedule. So as much as I HATE it, it looks like I'm going to have to start working out early in the AM or late at night. Anyone that knows me knows that I am NOT a morning person. I'd rather get a paper cut then have to wake up before 8:00am. BUT I also detest the heat and now that its summer its OFFICIALLY hot! In order to avoid the heat I need to workout super early or super late. So to all of my friends that have been supporting me, don't worry,  I'm back! I prepped my food this evening (turkey burger patty, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, broccoli, grilled chicken, and grilled asparagus) as well as cut up and pre-packed all of my snacks (watermelon, carrots, grapes, apples, and kiwis). And I came up with my workout schedule for the week. Below are some of my workout pics from the past couple of weeks. Nothing amazing but I did hit Runyon Canyon, the Manhattan beach stairs, 24 hour fitness, and completed a few bikes rides! Good luck on your fitness journey this week everyone! Let's get it! 

Excited like U.O.E.N.O!

Why am I so excited you ask? Because I have some nifty new stuff I bought to improve my fitness journey!!! For those of you that know me know that I LOVE to buy clothes, but I am equally as excited about the items I scored! Losing 30lbs has been a major accomplishment but now I need to step it up a notch!  So lets get started!

1. Vitamineral Green
My first new buy is Vitamineral Green by HealthForce Superfoods. Recently I went into GNC looking for a liquid multi vitamin. While there I started talking with the guy behind the counter who actually knew a thing or two lol! (This is rare because the staff at GNC is usually clueless) He started telling me that the products carried by GNC basically all sucked but that he used an all natural, gluten free, 100% raw, vegan, green super food grown locally not sold in their stores. (BTW he is a body builder and was in amazing shape) He told me that he purchased it from Sprouts but that you could also find it online. After doing my research on the product and seeing great reviews I decided to check it out and purchased some from Sprouts. One container was $24.99.  Every morning I mix a teaspoon of the Vitamineral green with a little organic apple juice. It actually doesn't taste that bad. So far I love it! No more horse pill vitamins for me!

2. Dehydrator

My second new score is a Dehydrator my mom found for me at a local thrift store for $4.00! Yes, only $4.00! This thing is awesome. For those of you that don't know, a dehydrator is used to dry fruits, and veggies and to make beef jerky! I can't wait to try out the dehydrator and dry out my own fruit! I intend to make banana chips and apple chips for my first attempt. I'll do a post later this week on how they turn out. Wish me luck!

3. Ab Roller

So "operation flat stomach" is in full effect! I have heard alot about the ab roller and tried my friends out at the gym. I immediately felt it working out my core and knew I had to get one! My goal is to get in a good ab workout a few days a week and hopefully have killer abs by August!

4. Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor

My last and most favorite purchase is the red Polar FT7 Heart Rate monitor I bought on eBay! It retails for $120 but I found mine on eBay for $72. I have been reading about these alot and have been holding off on getting one but decided to take the plunge. I got tired of utilizing the gym machines and apps on my IPhone to calculate the calories burned during my exercises and wanted something more accurate. It hasn't come in the mail yet but I cannot wait to see how many calories I REALLY burn when I am running up the Santa Monica stairs! lol...I will definitely keep you posted on this purchase when it arrives!

I am hoping these items will help me jump start my weight loss! Time to make some major moves! I have a trip planned in August and I WILL be in a bikini lol...

Happy exercising #FitFam!

<3 Bri