365 to Skinny.

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Jenni Riley — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:35:03 +0000

So last Monday was my last day of work, which means that we are a homeless and unemployed couple until January. Kinda scary, but super exciting. Chase and I are both SO EXCITED about the coming months and what the future has in store for us. And although I already miss my BHC family and my little childrens that I worked with…

Here are some of the things I am looking forward to right now:

Family time- Today is the beginning of a two-week break with Chase! This is the first time we have been at home together with nothing to do in about 4 years. We are so thankful for the sweet family that has allowed us to stay in their guest house for a month while we are in transition. We are living on a beautiful ranch far from civilization! Ok…it’s not THAT far…but it’s pretty far. We actually say the words “going to town”! We plan on relaxing a lot, loving on our 2 favorite pups and maybe taking some “Neature Walks.” (Now…you gotta watch this video…I almost peed my pants.) We’re gonna “get the earth moving”. Chase is dying to go hog hunting, but every time we “go to town”, we forget to buy ammo.

Trips & Traveling- We are heading to the beautiful state of Colorado in a few weeks for Chase’s last…YES, LAST…clinical rotation. He is “unlucky” enough for it to be in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. ;) It is a 14 week rotation, and I am sure he is going to love every minute of it! I know I am going to love spending time up there. Those Rocky Mountains are good for the soul! I am also SUPER STOKED about a girlfriend trip to New York City in October. I’m a NYC virgin and I am beside myself excited about this trip! THEN…in December Chase and I are going to Mexico for a much earned (by him) vacation after his graduation. So…I’m pretty much going to be a nomad until December. At my parent’s house, friends’ houses, Steamboat, Denver… and your house if you’ll have me!
Paleo Cooking- I am loving using new foods and learning how to cook with them. (I bought an eggplant…and I’m terrified of it!) Chase and I have stayed on track (aside from some vacation time) since the end of our “Whole 30″ and I’m looking forward to learning and trying new recipes with him during our break. I am really thankful for his support in this area of my life for a number of reasons: I can count of him not to tempt me with crap food, he is just as dedicated to changing his eating habits as I am, and he is one FABULOUS COOK. Seriously…you have no idea!
Crossfit- I am refusing to even think about saying goodbye to Crossfit Benedictus in a few weeks, but I’m excited about continuing to Crossfit wherever I am, if it’s possible. I got a PR today. 3 RM Sumo Deadlift= 225 lb.
The “Big Move”- In December, Chase and I are making the move to Kerrville, after 7 great years in Abilene. Chase is going to be working in an outpatient clinic there. More on Kerrville when we know! As of now…we have a contract for Chase’s job. That’s it. No job for Jenni, no house, no friends. Somewhat scary…but mostly exciting! We have loved it there when we have visited, and everyone always has great things to say about the town. So I guess that’s enough for us!

Now…what I’m NOT looking forward to: living out of a suitcase for 4 months. :/

I have definitely written the word “excited” 100 times during this post (guess I need to sharpen up on my synonyms). I’m going to leave you with a tune that is going to be our “theme song” as we are homeless drifters for the next couple of months. This song just never gets old to me!

The end of a new beginning…

Jenni Riley — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:14:42 +0000

To sum it up:

So, as you may know, I have been doing the Whole 30 Challenge over the past month…and believe it or not…today is DAY 30. WHAT? How the crap did time fly so fast? Seriously….it FLEW by!!! I wanted to share with y’all some of the things I have struggled with, learned,and achieved over these past 30 days.

Now…I’ll be really honest…I have a lump in my throat as I try to put the words together to even describe these past 30 days, because they have completely changed my life! But don’t worry…I’m gonna try not to go all “emo” on you!!

As most of you know….because it’s mostly what I blog about…. I have struggled with my weight, food addiction and self-esteem for most of my life. I have TRIED to overcome this is numerous ways. You name it…I’ve probably been there, done that, and got the free t-shirt. Weight watchers…FAIL. Health Club…FAIL. HcG…MAJOR FAIL. Overeaters anonymous…FAIL. Adkins….FAIL. Calorie counting…mostly FAIL. The Shaker Weight..just kidding. But, with the history I have going with fad diets and failed attempts to “get healthy” I was terrified that the Whole 30 would be another one to add to my list. Another failure to feel ashamed about. Another reason to pity myself. Another diet that wasn’t for me. However….this one is different. After 30 days of no sugar, grain, legumes, alcohol, or processed food I can passionately say that paleo IS for me.Because I am a lister…and that’s how I roll…

MY TOP 30 THOUGHTS on the WHOLE 30:

For the first time since I can remember….I feel in control.
Cravings for sweets and carbs that sued to literally consume my thoughts…don’t anymore.
I feel better about myself than I have since I can remember.
Doing the Whole 30 Challenge has helped me learn how to cook and prepare meals. MIRACLE.
I could live on avocados and beef…forever.
The extra money that we spend eating clean is saved by not eating out.
Going to the farmer’s market with my hubby on Saturday mornings is way fun. Something we started this month.
I feel like I am coming so much closer to understanding the concept of “Eating to Live not Living to Eat.”
The guidelines and rules of the challenge were comforting and safe. The challenge being over is kinda sad to me for this reason.
This has been an emotional transformation for me just as much or more than a physical one.
I have realized that it can actually feel good to pass on something yummy. i.e. molten chocolate cake at Chili’s. I actually didn’t die as I watched my friends indulge.
When I walk through the grocery store now…the fruits and veggies excite me more than the candy and sweets. MIRACLE.
Chase and I spend so much more time together cooking and enjoying each others company.
My energy levels have improved significantly. I no longer experience the severe energy plummet in the late afternoons.
Recovery after a hard workout has improved.
I often find myself thinking about how my dedication to the Whole 30 is the beginning of a priceless gift I will someday give my children. A mom that is health conscious.
Being dedicated for 30 days, I have proven to myself that I have the strength and will power to overcome any craving or temptation that comes my way i.e. wedding, showers, birthday parties, ice cream socials at work, eating out with friends etc.
I love my some water now. Powerade Zero, sweet peach tea, diet coke…you are dead to me. Another MIRACLE.
I do miss me some cheese!!!!!
Chase and I packed our house and moved without getting off the plan. I can do this anytime, anywhere.
I am really thankful to my family and friends that have been so supportive.
I have found some really cool blogs that have great recipes and info about paleo. Check them out on my sidebar.
My skin blemishes haven’t improved much since I started. That I’m kinda bummed about. I guess I’ll try showering now.
Eating this way has become second nature.
I don’t feel like I am crossing a finish line now that I am at the end of the Whole 30. It was more like a warm-up lap.
Understanding more about why I eliminated the foods I did during the challenge helped me make the choices even more easily.
Talking with friends about my journey is awesome. I know that I am not the only woman in the world with these struggles!
The weight loss has been nice. I’m starting to fit into clothes I haven’t been able to wear in a while. So get up off me if I’m not necessarily dressing “in style”. And…don’t try to tell me you don’t have a pair of high school jeans you try on periodically.
Having an awesome support system in my Crossfit coach Kristin has made all the difference. I would have never done the challenge had she not introduced the idea to me. I would probably be eating McDonald’s this very moment if not for her. So thankful!
For me to turn back to old habits now would be the stupidest thing I could ever do. This is working for me. This feeling I have now is better than anything I could ever, have ever, or will ever put in my mouth. I’m not giving it up!

The Weight Loss Results:

In 30 days I lost….14.5 lbs

The Plan:

I plan to keep doing what I have been doing on the Whole 30. I know if I don’t set guidelines and rules for myself though that I probably cannot be trusted. At this point and I am planning on eating strict paleo Monday-Friday and if I chose to on Saturday and Sunday have 1 meal with something non-paleo. The funny thing is…I don’t even want to do that at this point. I remember thinking on day 5 or 6 how I was going to HOUSE a large pizza at the end of this. That’s not important to me anymore. Me and Chase did reward ourselves however with this bad baby….

That’s right. A box of Island Coconut Coffee is in the mail also. SO EXCITED!

Anywho…that pretty much sums it up for me and the Whole 30. No regrets. It changed my life. Now I’m a believer!

Too hot!

Jenni Riley — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:06:39 +0000

It’s way too hot not to get a snow cone. If I try really hard…I can image this tasting like a blue coconut one. Yuummmmmm.

Half-Way

Jenni Riley — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:57:07 +0000

Waaaahooo. I have successfully made it to day 15 of the Whole 30. I almost can’t believe it. It has flown by…and has been a great experience so far. Here are 15 things I have learned so far:

It is possible to attend events with delicious food…without partaking! (Seriously…wedding cake, shower treats, Bangkok Thai, McKay’s Bakery cookies, donuts, Oreos, tortilla chips)
I have more control over when and what I eat than I have ever given myself credit for.
I feel much better about myself…when I treat my body with respect.
I have experienced a lot fewer energy “plummets” in the late afternoons. (I used to want to lay down on my office floor at about 3:30-4:00) Ok…I actually did a few times!
The first 5 days…detoxing…sucked BAD!
It is empowering to learn about my body and how to treat it properly.
It is possible to not eat fast food. (This quite possibly could fall under the “miracle” category for me. I am was what people like to call a junk-food-junkie!
Having Chase on this journey with me makes it SO MUCH EASIER!
It’s fun to cook with new spices and foods.
My “saving grace” foods= eggs and avocados
My appetite is starting to work itself out. I haven’t figured it out yet…but at least it’s better than having an appetite the size of Texas. (Another “miracle”)
A few people think I am crazy.
My friends and family have been really great support. ESPECIALLY my CFB Coach Kristin, my lil’ bro and his GF (they started Paleo eating yesterday), and my co-workers.
I am actually to a point where I am not looking forward to housing a large pepperoni pizza on day 31.
I am strong enough to do this…and I’m gonna make it another 15 days without a single CHEAT!

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

I Corinthians 6:19-20

Just said NO

Jenni Riley — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 15:54:15 +0000

Just said NO:

These delicious goodies stared me in the face this week and I totally turned them down. No roll at Roadhouse…that’s most def a first for me. No birthday dessert…that’s another first.

Roadhouse Delicious Goodness

Fried ice cream...straight up.

Small victories! This has been a really tough week! I’m learning that I have more will power than I ever thought I did though!

Nightmares

Jenni Riley — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:33:13 +0000

Today is the day. I have prepared myself in all the ways I know how to. I am starting the Whole 30 Challenge today! Chase and I went shopping at Whole Foods in Dallas this weekend, cut up, pre-cooked, and planned meals to ready ourselves for this endeavor. I think that obsessing over it this weekend is what caused my nightmare last night. Here is how it went down:

Side-note: After researching and reading all weekend about the Whole 30, it is very evident that you CANNOT CHEAT. AT ALL.

This dream is very similar to the day before the first day of school ones….you know…the one where you go to school with no pants on, or everyone else’s school supplies are better than yours. What? You didn’t have that one? Well last night….I actually had a dream that I ate left over Chinese food from the refrigerator for lunch today and then realized what I had done. In my dream I bawled and cried. I remember thinking to myself, “what am I going to tell Chase?, How did I let myself do this?, What am I going to put on my blog?” Then…my alarm went off and I realized it was all just a crazy nightmare. I ended one nightmare to start another one. A real life nightmare….RUNNING. Ok…so I’m being dramatic, but it did SUCK!

I was the only one that showed up for today’s morning class, so Kristin gave me a workout to do that will be a good benchmark test for my eating challenge. We are going to do the same workout in 30 days and see how I feel. I’m hoping it is lots better than I did today!!

I’ll be logging my meals on the Whole 30 page of my blog and writing updates on how I’m doing, feeling, and OWNING this challenge. Say a prayer for me.

Mental Block

Jenni Riley — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 01:31:37 +0000

Have you ever had something that just gets in your head and freaks you out? Like…the one thing you feel like you can’t overcome, and if you honest with yourself, have no desire to. That’s BOX JUMPS for me. I think it may have had something to do with my shins looking something like this (but worse…honestly) after a mishap in high school doing box jumps.

This picture is of another Crossfitters leg, and she has a really cool testimony of how Crossfit has changed her life. Check it out here.

Anywho…the accident that I had in high school has been enough for me to avoid the dang boxes like the plague. I mean…it took enough courage to jump on a tire. So, with that said, today’s WOD had box jumps in them, and inconveniently enough…all of my comfortable tires had water in them from the rain over the past couple of days. AWESOME! My coach, Kristen, who is the BOMB, took this as an opportunity to help me face the music and give the dang boxes a whirl.

I really can’t explain how terrified I was to jump on the stupid box. I think after swinging my arms back and forth and taking a step to jump over 4 or 5 times, and then chickening out, Kristen finally said something along the lines of….”this is ridiculous. Just jump!” I kid you not people. It took me FOREVER to build up the courage to jump. I know it was obnoxious. I was getting on my own nerves. But eventually….JUMP I DID! And LAND IT, I DID! It felt amazing. Not only did I jump on the box 1 time, but 30 times total. I conquered that beast…and it felt SO GOOD! Here are a few pics of my UPS….(sorry they are so small)

Okay, so it was the smallest box in the BOX . Either way, I feel so empowered! I have to say…10,000,000 thanks to my Coach Kristen! I would have never, ever gotten over this fear without her! BEST COACH EVER!

What fears are in front of you that you need to “jump on”?

Running Update

Jenni Riley — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:51:17 +0000

Running Update:

I still hate it! Not even my new shoes could convince me that I like running @ this mornings workout. :/ That’s not good.

Also…Turns Out:

Adele has way more than just “Rolling In the Deep” going for her. I’m probably the last person in America to figure this out, but another one of her songs came on during workout yesterday and I was convinced I needed to own the whole CD. I’m a little addicted to it:

Another new page:

I added a Whole 30 tab to the blog. I put a link on there today if you are interested in the eating plan I am going to be switching to…hopefully for life! I’m starting with a 30 Day Challenge to see how it works out for me. Check it out if you have time. Pretty good stuff!

Sexy

Jenni Riley — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:39:06 +0000

Crossfit Sexy

You be the judge….and be honest….which is sexiest??

Sexy weight lifting gloves

OR

Sexy hand calluses

This is a problem. You don’t even really have to vote…because I know the cold hard facts are that they both suck. I was trying to decide if I wanted to get the rather “butchy” weight lifting gloves to prevent the hand calluses that are becoming more prevalent with each passing day, and decided to go ahead and get some over the weekend. I picked out the cheapest pair (duh)at Academy and snuck them onto my hands before lifting weights Monday morning. The result…feeling like a big SISSY.

Yeah…I think that the calluses are somewhat gross and unlady like…BUT they are a constant reminder to me of the work I am putting in everyday to change my body. Also…one of my coaches told me that Crossfitters don’t wear gloves!

So here is my conclusion to this “dilemma”: Crossfit IS changing my body. In some awesome and not so awesome ways. I have man hands, bruised legs, sore muscles, black knees and more acne than ever before. BUT I also have a smaller waist, more defined legs, more energy, and more confidence than I have in a really long time. So all things considered…even as I type with my “man hands”…I have to say that I haven’t felt this “sexy” in very long while! I’m Crossfit Sexy!

New Pages on My Blog

I got rid of my “Recipes” page (who was I kidding) and added a new one today. I’m going to be keeping up with my workouts on my blog…mostly as a way to keep track of progress, but also as a way to share with everyone else a LITTLE BIT about what Crossfit is like. (To get the full affect…you have to come check it out.)

I’m also thinking about starting the Paleo 30 Day Challenge and will be keeping up with my progress during the challenge on my blog.

One last thing. I found this quote while “stumbling” on stumbleupon.com (my favorite pass-time) and had to share it. It reminded me so much of times I become jealous of other women and their perfectly cute selves. I had an “ahh haa” moment when I read it and realized that having a healthy body isn’t about luck…it’s about taking care of the one you got!

“When the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, it may be that they take better care of it there. “

~Cecil Selig

On the pod.

Jenni Riley — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 02:16:45 +0000

Hey Friends. I know it’s been forever since I’ve shared what’s on my mind, but it’s not because there is nothing on my mind. PROMISE! Life has been pretty busy! I have been working hard @ Crossfit, furniture, my “real” job, and making moving plans. And of course squeezing in time with Chase!

Right now though…I’m putting together a playlist. I am reluctantly starting a Couch to 5k program with my sister tomorrow and I’m getting prepared. If there is one thing that I dread to see when I show up at 5:15 AM for my Crossfit workout…it’s RUNNING! If you are having 365 to Skinny deja vu…it’s because I have visited this disdain on my blog before. Yeah…it’s still there over a year later! I will lift weights, do pull-ups, kettle bell swings, GHD, tire flips, jump rope, even double unders (because I can do those now! I just hate to run. So of course I showed up at the BOX last friday morning to see the following workout on the board:

3 Rounds:

RUN 400m

15 Pull-ups

15 Dips

15 Box jumps

After complaining, dreading, whining, and finally running…while laying on the ground….near death….I decided that in order to advance my health and fitness…I’m gonna bite the bullet. I’m going to once again attempt to overcome my fear and disdain for running. I decided to make a pump-up playlist to help ease the pain and pass the time. Here is what’s on the pod.

Title: Make this Less Painful

1. Eye of the Tiger- Survivor (duh)

2. Beat the Clock- Sparks

3. Circuital- My Morning Jacket

4. Every Teardrop is a Waterfall- Coldplay

5. Rolling in the Deep- Adele

6. Give me Everything- Pitbull

7. The Cave- Mumford & Sons

8. Home- Edward and the Magnetic Zeros

9. This is the Stuff- Francesca Battistelli

10. More- Usher (had to)

11. Only Girl- Rihanna

12. The Thread- Cary Ann Hearst

13. Ecstacy- Darude (had to have techno)

14. Bad Romance- Lady Gaga

15. Break Your Heart- Taio Cruz

16. Funny the Way It Is- Dave Matthews Band

17. Gypsy- Fleetwood Mac

18. Three Little Birds- Bob Marley

19. Could You Be Loved- Bob Marley

20. Club Can’t Handle Me- Flo Rida

21. Don’t Stop Believing- Journey

I start in the AM. Pray for me around 5:15. Wait….sane people aren’t awake then! I have my phone app downloaded, playlist on the iPod, clothes laid out….ready or not!

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
- Bob Marley

(Let’s hope so anyway!)