Beauty for Ashes Isaiah 61:3

What bittersweet emotions I have today. I'm sorry that this is a sad time for some that I care about so much. I'm sad that horrible things have happened and are causing pain and grief for so many. That "side of the coin" is more than I can wrap my mind around and I find myself starting to shut down to try and avoid it. The conversations I've seen today have really reminded me how sweet it can be to walk through these times together and literally bear one another's burdens. I MUST stay engaged and lift these people up in prayer. That is my privilege and my responsibility.

That "side of the coin" is the sweet of the bittersweet. This is another instance of Fitopia being about MORE. In the last week, we've been able to pray for one member going through a personal struggle. Now we can come together for a friend that's hurting. Another needs prayer for her family. This is relationship. This is community. This is walking out the real stuff.

I was in the shower the other day and I was asking God what my next step was. What was the next thing towards becoming the "best me I can be"? He was. I should have started with that, but I was a little slow on the  uptake. I'm going to take this newly found discipline and apply it toward my daily walk with him. Last week, I knew that as part of that, I should pray for each of you everyday. I was lazy about it, but I'm putting it out there now. I have a list of your names by my desk at work and I'm going to do it!

I love you, Precious Friends!

T Love

What FITOPIA means to me...

When I joined FITOPIA, my goal was this: encourage my friends, and help them reach their goals. Anybody who knows me knows that my passion is to help people, with whatever they have going on. So when I signed up, that was what I signed up to do.  I honestly didn't even expect results. This probably sounds strange, considering I gave money towards the jackpot like everybody else, but winning has never been a goal for me. 


I have been on a journey for close to 4 years now. I have tried almost everything to lose weight, from killing myself with different workout programs, to going to doctors to find out what is wrong with me (I did have some issues), to trying different healthy food. I was consistent and did everything I could find that was the right thing to do. I was finely to the point where I was pretty burned out and considered giving up. It took me 3 years to lose 30 pounds, and over the last year I had gained about 10 back. I hated what I saw in the mirror, but I felt helpless to do anything about it. What I needed was motivation to get back on track, and through FITOPIA I have found that. 


It started with joining MyFitnessPal. I had this app on my phone for the last year but never used it. When I heard somebody mention that she was using it I thought, what the heck I'll try it too. I love it. I used to track my calories but not like this. I love that not only does it track my calories but it also keeps track of my workouts. I love seeing the calories burned number go up throughout the day. It has been the best tool to keep me on track, and it's easy to do. 


The next step was beginning a workout regimen again. We all know how hard it is to get going, and even though I love working out the first couple days were torture. What helped motivate me was the thought of all of these women who were in the same place I was in. I wanted to be able to encourage them, and how could I do that if I wasn't doing it myself? I got myself a new program and started doing it 3-5 days per week. I have a new outlook on my workouts. I continue to push myself, but I am not killing myself like before. I have down sized the weight that I lift and I am seeing results like I never saw with the heavier weights. I am finally seeing the muscle definition that I have wanted for so long. I have fallen in love with working out all over again, and I am more determined that ever to reach my goals. My results have not been extreme, but I am finely seeing some. Every pound lost is a victory.


The final step was to show up to our weekly workouts. ZUMBA is awesome, but the fellowship is why I want to be there. I want to grow relationships with these women that I have known for years. It is also another opportunity to encourage them. A friend of mine once told me that I am their motivation. I can't motivate them if I am not a part of their life. 


Ladies of FITOPIA, I love you. Your friendships have helped me get back on track. As I said, my goal was to encourage. The one thing I did not expect was to be so encouraged. So thank you, FITOPIA, my friends, from the bottom of my heart.


Much love to you all, Brandi

"A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself." 

~Anonymous

20~Fitopia Gurlz ~12

Am I Ever Jazzed This Morning!...

I had a neat thought the other day. I shared it with one friend, but I'm still pretty excited about it, so I'll share with the rest of you. I have already made all the changes I need to make in order to be a healthy, fit woman! I eat like a healthy, fit woman...I exercise like a healthy, fit woman...I drink water like a healthy, fit woman...I don't smoke like a healthy, fit woman. So, all my pieces are in place, I just need to keep on keepin' on! That's gets me going, man. CHANGE is the hard part! Having said that, if any one of you beauties see me fallin' off the wagon, you'd better jack me up and fast. Like I told Becky, make me cry if you have to!! I have no plans to fail, and I honestly feel more resolved than ever, but we all know how human nature is!

Right now though, I am kickin' tail!!! I ran again last night. W1D2 is in the books! I wasn't sure how it would be. My quads were still screaming from the last time. I decided that I would go out no matter what and if I could only run 30 seconds instead of 60 then so be it, but I was going to move! I ran it all, baby. It was actually easier that the first time. I understand that's how the program works, but seriously if you could have seen me hobbling around yesterday...!

The part about yesterday that meant the most to me was that Camille came running with me. I was making dinner after we got back, and it just hit me. I got all choked up. If you had told me that I would ever take my daughter jogging (According to Camille, who said about 10 seconds in..."You call that running?", what I do is jog, not run!) I wouldn't have thought it possible. Now, I just need to keep at it so I can lap that little booger!

Love you all! Have a great day! See you tonight so we can get our groove on!

T Love

A Couple of Becky's Favorite Recipes

Here are a couple of recipes that I absolutely LOVE!!!! I am definitely lacking when it comes to whipping up meals in the kitchen. I HATE to cook. I do it out of necessity and loathe every minute of it. So theses recipes are 1) EASY 2) FAST 3) DELICIOUS! I wish that I could say that they originated from my genius, but alas, they did not! So, I thought I would share the links with everyone so you can check them out for yourself. Plus, the genius' behind these wonderful recipes that I have come to LOVE will get the credit they so deserve. ENJOY!!!

"The Best Broccoli Of You Life" That's the name it was given and I am here to tell you, I stand behind that claim :0)

http://www.amateurgourmet.com/2008/11/the_best_brocco.html

"Turnip Fries" I am a French Fry FANATIC!!! I desperately needed to find a lower carb alternative. I came across these beauties and they seem to do the trick when I am craving my beloved french fries. Do they taste just like regular potato french fries? Of course not! Turnips are stronger in flavor but they are pretty tasty in their own right. They hit the spot every time and my craving for the "real deal" completely dissipates and I have stuck to working within my low carb choices. Its a win, win!

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=391014
I hope you check these out and ENJOY them as much as I have!

Happy Losing,
Becky

Greatful!

Fitopia Gurlz!

I am so happy to be a part of something so extraordinary and life changing with so many like-minded women!

When the new year rolled around I had this feeling bubbling deep inside that screamed out to all that I know..... "Now is the time!!! This is your year for change! Success is yours, this time you will succeed!" Knowing full well that this "change" would be a struggle some days and smooth sailing others, that there would be moments I needed encouragement and moments that I would be able to encourage others and that this "change" would take time.

I say again I am so thankful to be a part of such a great support group of like-minded women who really care about each other's success! So I stand in faith with all of you that "Now is the time, this is OUR year for change & SUCCESS"!!!

I would like to also share with you one of my very favorite veggie juices!
(Note: I like to make it in my vita-mix/blender so I keep all the fiber as well) It is packed with great nutrients & delicious!

*** GREEN JUICE ***
2 Stalks Celery
2 Small or 1 reg. green apple
Raw ginger (how much depends on your taste)
1/3 of a Cucumber
1 cup chopped Kale leaves
1 cup Water
1 cup Ice
Lemon juice - to taste (I use a couple of TBLS)

Blend till smooth
Drink and ENJOY!!

Fitopia Gurlz-

When we began this journey together my expectations were this:

      Lose weight
      Encourage others to lose weight
      See results

Gurlz we have surpassed any and all of these expectations. What I am seeing now is this:

      Belief in one another
      Self-less encouragement toward others goals
      Change in mind, body, and soul
      Weight loss goals becoming real life accomplishments..seeing results
      Dreams and desires becoming goals and reality
      Bodies transforming before our eyes
      Kicking butt and taking names

I have never been a part of something that has become such a unifying, belief in one another, and encouraging sphere of influence as this group of GURLZ!!! I Love IT!

It is very encouraging to know that 16 women are rooting me on whether they are seeing results or not (which you ALL are). Many of you have made me feel special and I love that this is not a COMPETITION....it is a lifestyle change we are ALL in together!  We each are on our own journey, with our own challenges, and we are conquering them together.

This is the best me yet.....I am enjoying getting to know the best you!

Love,

E

Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin "cookies"

1/2 Cup unsweetend Applesuce
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C stevia or sugar substitute
1 C canned or pureed pumpkin
2 eggs 
1 tsp vanilla 
2 Cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 cups rolled oats

Heat oven 350 

Mix applesauce and sugars. add pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla: beat.
mix in flours, baking soda, spices and then stir in oats. Drop spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet (parchment works too) then press cookie with flat side of spoon. bake 10-12 min. about 50 calories per cookie and 1 gram fat.
these are moist cake like cookies and everyone loves them! 
ENJOY!

I made it through the night!

OH...MY...GOODNESS! Running is super hard! I did it though. W1D1 (That's "week one day one", code from this running site I go on! hehehe!) is complete. I did a 5 min warm up walk at a brisk pace and the alternately jogged for 60 sec and walked for 90 sec for the next 20 min. Finished up with a ten min cool down walk. I'll do that twice more this week and then the intervals will increase weekly.

What a sense of accomplishment. I don't think I've jogged that much in my life! I felt like it went really well. I was pleasantly surprised with how I felt cardiovascularly. The hardest part was just keeping all this awesomeness moving in the right direction.

Then I went home. I absolutely crashed. I ate something and sat on my couch. I made it for about 15 min before I had to lay down. Jason asked me what I was doing and I said "I'm pretty sure I'm dying! I'd be positive, but I've never done it before..." I felt so weird. I had this ache in my midsection that was crazy. I think stuff moved deep inside me that never has before. Layers of muscle that have been lying dormant for the last 30 years were rudely awakened yesterday and let me tell you...they protested.

I feel pretty good this morning. I'm kind of flying high from the "I DID IT" feelings!

For anyone keeping track...my laundry is done, my legs are shaved, I'm eating healthy, AND I ran...all on the same day! WHHAAAT????

Love you all bunches. Thanks for the encouragement. You make all the difference in the world to me!

T Love

Birds of a feather flock together!

As I'm sitting at my desk this afternoon, eating my healthy :0) lunch, I can't help but think about my journey and involvement with Fitopia Gurlz. We started this part of our journey together only 6 weeks ago. The majority of us have been friends for awhile now. We have shared lots of laughs and lots of meals together. Part of this group use to participate in a book club. We would joke that we were an "eating club with a book problem". We would meet together once a month to discuss the book of choice and to sit down to an AMAZING meal. There is something to be said of "breaking bread" with others.  There is an intimacy that is shared through conversation around a dinner table. 

There was a corporate giddiness over the meal planning as we tried to tie together the menu we prepared with the book we were reading. We read "Memoirs of a Geisha" so our meal for the evening had an Asian flair. We read the "The Secret Life of Bees" which takes place in the south... so peach cobbler was on the menu for dessert (you get the idea). With each book we read, we created culinary feasts. We planned our book club dinners with gusto and passion. Recipes were traded and the conversation whether about the book or not stuck to our ribs and filled our hearts just like food we shared. Good times!

What does book club and Fitopia Gurlz have in common with each other? For me, it's the friendship, fun, laughter, family, a feeling of connectedness, a place to belong where those that surround you understand where you are at, encouragement and last but not least... recipes! There is also this knowing of what food had come to mean to most us in our little group of Fitopia Gurlz through the years and the type of relationship we have had with it. We all know that food is not the enemy but what we use it for can make it seem like it is. For me, it has never been about my love of food except maybe french fries ( I love me some french fries). It really comes down to... "this is really about that." (A quote I like from one of Rob Bells books) Understanding that statement when it comes to my own relationship with food has been pivotal for the life change I am now experiencing. It has been through candid conversations with some of the Gurlz through the years that has brought me to the understanding I have today. Those conversations have given me the opportunity to take an honest look at myself and to seek out understanding of what I was seeing.

As I mentioned before some of the ladies that are now a part of Fitopia Gurlz use to belong to the book club. I see that same passion ignited as we face this new journey together. But now, the recipes are healthy and instead of sitting around discussing books (which we all still LOVE to read), we get together to work out. We are quick with a word of encouragement or celebration as a personal goal has been met.  The best part is we went from building friendships and waistlines in a small book club of about 7-8 ladies to 16 women with the common goal of becoming the very best version of themselves. Not only that we have begun to see healthy changes in spouses and families. I'm telling you, this group is a force to be reckoned with. I see the same gusto and passion being applied to these new life choices throughout the group. "They" say that "birds of a feather flock together." If that's the case, watch us take flight!

I am thankful for each one of my Fitopia Gurlz and what they bring to the table (no pun intended). They have made all the difference in the success I am seeing in myself, through the encouragement I have received, candid conversations, and the quality time "working on our fitness". Life is meant to be shared and celebrated. Thank you for making this a party!

Love you all bunches,
Beck (only God and my best friends call me that! ;0)

*If you are looking to make some big changes in your life, find some friends to walk or run with you. They can make all the difference!

Who'd Have Ever Thought...

I actually got a bit emotional when I read the "Welcome to Fitopia"! I love it! I am not exaggerating at all when I say that this is literally changing my life! Having said that...BIG announcement time.

I almost didn't say anything at all, because I thought, "What if I can't do it?" Then I started to think about all the changes we've made so far and how much your support and encouragement has meant in the past month. Sooo...I'm putting it out there.

I am going to begin training and I have every intention of running the 5K at the end of April!

I found a site that says if you follow the steps, they can take you "couch potato to 5k" in two months. I then googled "Can a really overweight person safely run?" and found out that I am good to go!

I'm going on Friday night and buying a pair of running shoes, some sports bras, and something called a compression shirt and starting on Monday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where is the girl that said she'd run if Satan was chasing her or her kids were in danger!?!? I don't know, but I'm starting to like this new chick!

Love, T

Here is the link if you are interested... From "couch Potato to 5K".
www.coolrunning.com

Welcome to Fitopia Gurlz!

Welcome to Fitopia Gurlz,
What is Fitopia Gurlz? Fitopia Gurlz is comprised of 16 women who have chosen to walk, um, I mean run, well, eventually run... set their life in motion. Together, we have taken on the challenge to Celebrate Life, by getting healthy and active!  We have chosen to leave our butt indented couches for working out, hanging out and laughing as much as possible. This is our Journey...

The majority of us will be chiming in on this blog from time to time. You will see very quickly that this group is made up of an AMAZING cast of characters.  You will get to "hear" each of our voices as we share our journey with you. Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.


Fitopia Gurlz