I hope all the Mommies out there had a LOVELY weekend and a special shout out to my Mom who is the best Mom ever and to my Monster, I mean Mother-in-Law that is also a super special Mama! Of course all my friends and relatives that have little ones too! Kev and I spent the weekend at home, we decided not to travel. EVERY day is Mother’s Day! One day when I have kids I don’t want a big deal made, I think everyone should do nice things ALL the time not just when Hallmark says so!

Anyway, I didn’t want to talk too much about my workout challenge in case I fell off the bank wagon…but I am now 30 days after and ready to post my progress.  Just a little background, one of my friends from High School is a Team Beachbody Coach and does a “Challenge” every so often. I’m sure everyone is aware of the P90X and Insanity amoung SO many more all of the sudden. I only own Insanity and Brazil Butt Lift so it was always difficult for me to participate in the challenge without spending $$$ on the DVDs. I was able to finally participate in April 14 for the 30-day Brazil Butt Lift Challenge! I will admit, I DID miss a couple days but I almost ALWAYS tried to supplement with some kind of workout. I enjoyed most of the workouts, but there were some I would just DREAD and it got boring to me after a while which is clearly why I cannot workout at home. Videos are BOOOORING!!

This weekend wrapped up the 30 days and also marks the time when we need to take (and post) our after pictures. I don’t mind taking pictures, I think it’s much more beneficial than using the scale. I have never been the girl to care what the scale said. I was always a foot taller than anyone in my class and naturally weighed more so I took that in stride and just wanted to always be athletic, fit and healthy – but I am NOT a healthy freak. I eat fruits and veggies because I like them….I don’t eat cake and cookies because I have never been the sweets lover. We like to indulge, but we also really try to stay focused on a healthier lifestyle with food that’s good for us. (yeah, I totally ate a huge piece of chocolate cake today and I don’t even care).

This is really happening! AHH!! Here are my Before, During and After photos.

Day 1. Day 15 and Day 30.

I can definitely see the difference and am happy with where I am. I could have been more strict overall but that’s not me, I want working out to be fun and motivating and not make myself feel bogged down and dread it! I would rather be at the gym than in front of my TV. Clearly my front is more appealing than my backside, but abs have always been my “thing” that came easily.

I hope this helps motivate you to get up and off the couch and get some exercise! I’ve also been trying to cut alcohol out of my diet which can sometimes be difficult! I choose sparkling water over soda, it’s the carbonation I crave but without the unhealthy stuff. I decide the calories and sugars in beer and wine are not necessary and I’d rather just have water with lemon. Feel free to comment with what works for you!

And lastly, tonight’s dinner because it was SOOO easy and super tasty!

So happy to finally be into May, Spring, Flowers and our Anniversary month! Kevin and I celebrated our fourth Anniversary this week! It’s unbelievable how quickly time flies. We enjoyed a lovely (needed) evening out with drinks and dinner at a new Vegetarian restaurant we have been wanting to try! It couldn’t have been better….well besides the fact our cat was missing when we got home. But we won’t go there.

Here’s this weeks shopping trip, changing things up and hitting Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods!

We’re doing a lot of cooking from our freezer this week, so the loot was less than normal!

Breakfast this week with alternate between: Blue Hill Yogurt (check out their Beet flavor), Egg Whites and Beans and Ezekiel Bread with mashed Avocado!

Lunch: Tried last week and I am OBSESSED, Ground turkey topped with homemade salsa (with corn and edamame) and mashed avocado.

Dinners: Monday (pasta with cheakpea meatballs), Tuesday (healthy sweet and sour chicken), Wednesday (spicy chicken with naan), Thursday (chicken with orzo and artichokes), Friday (leftovers or dinner out!)

*there are some other items above most of which we use for snacks. We eat breakfast at home every morning, my first snack happens around 1030/11 which consists of Cottage Cheese and Almonds with a second snack around 1230/1 of an Apple and Cheese. Yes. I eat a lot. YUM.

Happy First-full-week of May!