Avocado Chocolate Pudding

Sweet Tooth

I have a major sweet tooth! That is one thing I could never give up, is desserts and candies. 

I love finding ways to make eating desserts healthy, it's like a challenge. 

Chocolate is probably my most favorite, chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. It's the best! 

So when I found this recipe for Chocolate Avocado Pudding I had to give it a try, with only 5 ingredients it's simple to make. 

I was a little skeptical since it's all avocado, I thought it was going to taste funny. But how wrong I was! It taste just like chocolate pudding.

Work up the nerve and take a big spoonful because your taste buds are going to be shocked!

Ingredients

- 2 ripe avocados

- 1/3 Cup Cocoa powder (I use special dark)

- 1/2 Cup Milk ( I use Almond Milk)

-1/4 Cup Honey (or sweetener of choice could use Agave) 

-1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla extract

Directions

- Peel and chop the avocado and put into a food processor, blender, or use a hand held mixer.

- Add all the other ingredients

-Blend till smooth

Eat immediately or chill first.

I like mine cold!

That's it, so delicious and you can stay on track.

I've already been thinking of ways to use it, like dipping graham crackers in it, mixing it in my oatmeal, dipping a banana in it, so many options. 

Try it, and tell me what you think.

Funfetti Oreo Birthday Cake

This cake is simply amazing! From the Birthday Cake Oreos to the Cheesecake Frosting and it takes no time to whip up. The hardest part is waiting for the cakes to cool before you frost them. A tip for cooling cakes after they come out of the oven leave them in the pans for 5 minutes then wrap two layers of plastic wrap around them and put in the fridge for an hour, then you're ready to frost.

Okay let's get baking!!

CAKE INGREDIENTS
- 1 Box Funfetti Cake Mix
- 1 Package Birthday Cake Oreos
-Butter
- Milk
- 2 Extra eggs then what the cake mix calls for.
-2 Cups Sprinkles

FROSTING INGREDIENTS
- 1 Tub Cheesecake Filling (by the cream cheese)
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla
- 7 Birthday Cake Oreos

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare two cake pans either with baking spray or layer bottom with parchment paper and butter sides.
2. Prepare the cake mix, you can follow the box instructions or do it my way which makes a very moist cake. Instead of oil use butter, instead of water use milk and add 2 extra eggs to the mix. Leave batter in the bowl.
3. Crush 6 Oreos and fold into cake batter.
4. Divide batter between two cake pans.
5. Bake for 34-38 min. Until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool before frosting!!!

FROSTING DIRECTIONS
1. Put 1 Cup powdered sugar in bowl, put 1/2 the tub Cheesecake filling then put the other cup powdered sugar and then the rest of the cheesecake filling.
2. Add the vanilla.
3. Mix until smooth.
4. Put 1/3 of the batter in a separate bowl for the cake filling. Crush 7 Oreos and add to the 1/3 batter.
5. Spread the 1/3 batter over one cake and place the other cake on top.
6. Use remaining frosting to cover the cake. Decorate with sprinkles and remaining Oreos.

I was afraid this cake wouldn't be very good by my Co-workers ate it up. It smells amazing and it's so colorful and fun.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

     So many are still confused about HFCS and if it's good for you, or if it's bad for you.  

I've done my research and I hope I can help you decided if it's something you want to be eating.  

     High Fructose Corn Syrup comes from corn, as you could've guessed by the name. It is used in products because it's much cheaper than white sugar. This allows for the cost of those foods to stay cheap. What are the side effects of HFCS? Unfortunately it hasn't been around long enough for all the studies to be done, there are still many unknowns about HFCS. They do know that it's empty calories, it serves no purpose to the human body. When the body gets glucose (another common form of sugar) it goes to the liver and then the liver has several options it can either use the glucose as energy, turn it into triglycerides or store it as fat. 

     HFCCS is always stored as fat. Unlike glucose which is metabolized in a number of ways by the body, fructose only goes to the liver and then is stored as fat. Fructose also doesn't stimulate production of insulin, leptin, or ghrelin, all which play a part in telling the body how much it needs to eat. This will lead to over eating. 

     HFCS is nearly in everything including jelly, juice, sodas, whole-grain breads, cereals, ketchup, crackers, yogurt, sweet pickles, applesauce, salad dressing, ice cream, cough syrup, and loads more. Next time you're at the grocery store start reading food labels (even though you should be already) but you'll be amazed at the foods that have HFCS in them, it's not just sweet stuff. That PB&J sandwich, all three ingredients contain HFCS unless you're buying smart. 

     I'm  not saying that regular sugar is GREAT for you but at least your body knows what to do with it. You should always limit your intake of sugars, unless from fruits. Espically if you're trying to lose weight. 

     Ready your labels and know your food.

The Grocery Store

We all have to go grocery shopping, it's part of life. It's a huge part of life for fitness and health. Remember that saying abs are made in the kitchen, fitness is 20% Exercise and 70% Diet. Well it's true, what we put in out bodies makes all the difference in how we feel and yes how we look. I know it can be hard, you get to the grocery store and you just wanna get out (or if you're like me I love the grocery store) but either way you need to take your time and think about what you're buying. This will not only help you stay on track but it will also help you save money.

This post is all about what to buy at the grocery store and how to save a little money doing it.

Rule #1 Always make a list and bring it with you, don't stray from the list! Plan your meals out ahead of time and have written down the ingredients your going to need to buy.

Rule #2 Use a calculator, this will help you stay within budget once you see that number go over budget think about something you could put back or something you can substitute. I always round up too when using a calculator that way there is no surprise at the register and I'm usually always under. 

Rule #3 Don't go hungry and go when it's slow. NEVER go grocery shopping when you're hungry, this will only end in you buying food you don't need. Also going when it's slow you can take your time and really read labels and look at what you're buying.  

Rule #4 This is probably the most important, you HAVE TO READ LABELS! Not just for the calories and the fat blah, blah, blah but read the ingredients. That's what I always read first, if I can say it and know where it comes from then I next read the calories, fat, protein, fiber, and sodium. Stay away from GMO products, any processed foods, and anything with chemicals in them. 

TIP: Try to do most of your grocery shopping on the outer walls of the store, all the produce and things kept fresh, this less likely to be GMO and over processed and filled with chemicals, do as little shopping in the actual aisle as you can. Dierbergs is usually where I go if I don't feel like making the drive the Trader Joe's or Whole Food's,  because it is close and they have and organic/all natural aisle so I do all my shopping on the outer walls then hit up that one aisle and I'm done.

TIP: Another HUGE tip try Aldi's, they now carry a wide variety of organic foods, from cereal, fruit preserves, pasta sauce, honey, granola bars, Greek yogurt, dinners, beef, and produce. You can score a lot of great deals here before you hit up the big chain grocery store.

WHEN TO BUY FOOD ITEMS

If you plan correctly you can save money by buying things in bulk. Or just by buying things you know you'll only use once a week so they will last longer. Here is a list of things you can buy monthly, every 2 weeks and weekly. 

MONTHLY

Frozen fruits & veggies

Fruit preserves

Flax & Chia seeds

Rice & Quinoa 

Peanut Butter 

Honey

Meat (buy more and freeze some)

Protein powder

EVERY 2 WEEKS

Dipping's for your fruits and veggies

Greek yogurt

Granola

Cereal

Eggs

Snack

Oatmeal

Almond milk

EVERY WEEK

Fruits

Veggies

Kale

Spinach

BUYING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

I'm sorry but this is an absoulte MUST for me, buying organic is the only way to go with fruits and vegetables. They're healthier for you and you get way more health benefits from them. You know how the skin on cucumbers taste really weird? That's the chemical that was sprayed on them. Guess what organic cucumbers don't taste like that, you can eat the skin! The skin is where all the nutrients are too. These chemicals haven't been around long enough for them to know the long term effects, I don't know about you but I'm not willing to risk my health.

BUT... I also understand it can be expensive, you know what else is expensive? Doctor and hospital bills from when you get sick.  

And still I get it we all can't buy everything organic, I mean I do buy some things that aren't organic, like my peanut butter, it's all natural but it's not organic. But I'm super picky about my peanut butter and JIF has my heart. 

So to help you out here is a list of fruits and veggies to buy organic and one's that if you must you can buy non-organic.

BUY ORGANIC

- Apples     - Celery     -Strawberries     -Peaches     -Grapes

-Spinach     -Kale     -Peppers     -Nectarines     -Cucumbers     -Tomatoes     -Snap peas

- Potatoes      -Blueberries      -Raspberries

NON-ORGANIC(if you must)

-Onions     -Avocado     -Sweet corn     -Pineapple     -Mango     -Asparagus

- Kiwi     -Cabbage     -Eggplant     -Papaya     -Watermelon     -Broccoli     -Bananas

-Oranges

TIP: If you have to eat the skin buy organic but if it is protected by the skin and you eat the inside it's a safe bet you can buy non-organic since you'll peel that off and throw it away. 

BUT STILL ALWAYS WASH YOUR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES EVEN IF YOU THROW THE SKIN AWAY

STICKERS

Lastly I want talk about the stickers you see on the fruits and vegetables. If those numbers confuse you, I'm going to help you out. 

* If the sticker has 4 numbers the produce was grown conventionally or "traditionally" with pesticides. The number is just labeling the food it is, like bananas are all 4011.

*If there are 5 numbers and it starts with a "8" it's a GMO, DON"T BUY IT!

* If there are 5 numbers and it starts with a "9" it's organic! 

So 9 good 8 bad.

Don't get overwhelmed and take your time. Buying the right food makes all the difference.

Pumpkin Oatmeal

It just wouldn't be a perfect Fall morning without some pumpkin oatmeal. As we all know I'm not a big pumpking person, so for me to actually really like this oatmeal says a lot! It's SUPER good, but I'm not gonna lie the peanut butter in it makes all the difference. 

Now if you're a big pumpkin lover, you can opt to leave the peanut butter out. Try it without first you can always put the peanut butter in if you change your mind. 

Let's get eating!

Ingredients

- 1/3 Cup Quick Cooking Rolled Oats

- 2/3 Cup Water

- 1/4 Cup Pumpkin Pure (I use Libby's)

- 1/4 Tsp Ground Cinnamon

- 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter

-1 Tsp Honey

- 1 Tbsp Flax seed

Directions

- In microwave safe bowl, stir the oats and water together.

- Microwave for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes.

- Stir in the pumpkin and cinnamon.

- Top with the honey, peanut butter, and flax seeds.

Now your read to eat!

Super simple and super delicious, and full of fiber! 

100 Calorie Blast. No Equipment Needed.

     Here is a quick 100 calorie blast, for those time you just don't know what to do or need something quick. A short workout is better than no workout. You can do this workout anywhere anytime, because you don't need any equipment. Just you and your own body weight making yourself sweat.

     First I'll list the workout and following I'll show pictures and also a list of modifications.

     

      -THE WORKOUT-

   * 60 Mountain Climbers  

   * 40 Back Jacks

   * 10 Push Ups

   * 20 Jump Squats

   * 10 Burpees

   * 1 Min Plank

        REPEAT

REPEAT 4 TIMES FOR A FULL BODY WORKOUT

   - THE MOVES-

MOUTAIN CLIMBERS

- Start in plank position hand right under the shoulders, feet hip width apart. Bring one knee in and then switch and bring the next. Go as fast as you can, don't dip your back and keep your butt tucked. When you bring your knee in don't let it touch the ground.

- Modification, don't go so fast and when you bring your knee in let your foot tap the ground.

   -BACK JACKS-

- Just like a jumping jack, but instead of arms starting at your sides and then going up above your head. Arms start straight out in front of you and then you pull them backwards. Go as fast as you can and keep your back tight and pull your shoulders back.

- Modification, just do regular jumping jacks.

-PUSH UPS-

- Start out in plank, move hands just a little bit outside shoulder width, keep abs tight and back straight. Don't dip the back or raise the butt up. Go down until your arms break a 90 degree angle then back up. To make it harder bring hands in a little and keep elbows close to the body.

- Modification, go down on your knees. But don't do the push up on your knees that's bad for them, do them more on your thighs. Lay down, bend your legs up (but don't cross your feet thats bad for the hips) and start your push ups.

- JUMP SQUATS-

- One of my personal favorites! Start with feet hip width apart, squat down keeping your butt back, don't let your knees go over your big toes. Put all the pressure in your heels. Try to go as low as you can without breaking form and then jump up and when you come down don't slam your joints land with bent kneeds right back into squat form.

- Modification, take out the jump. You can squat then stand up squat then stand up. Or just hold a squat for 1 min.

- BURPEES-

- Another one of my personal favorites, start in standing position hands up, tuck down and touch the ground, jump back into a plank (it's important to keep your abs tight and not to let your back drop down) then jump back into a little ball and jump up and immediately fall back down into your ball and jump back into plank. Don't jump land stop then go back down. 

- Modification, take the jump out just stand at the top. Also you can step back into plank instead of jumping back. 

-PLANK-

- Plank the last move, keep arms right under your shoulders, legs straight, no back dipping and keep your abs tight. Lean a little forward to get into position so your right over your shoulders. 

- Modification, go down onto your knees. You can alternate between being on your knees and being in plank till you can hold a full plank for 1 min. 

You have now got in a great little workout or a great full body workout and your ready to take on your day. You can feel great knowing you did a little something today for you. 

 

Pumpkin Energy Balls. No Bake

It's Fall which as we all know means pumpkin everything! Now I'm not a BIG pumpkin fan, I do like baked pumpkin foods. Like cookies, breads, and pies, but I dislike pumpkin in my dinners, coffees and dips. I love all the hype about pumpkin though, it has amazing health benefits.

Pumpkin is loaded with Vitamin A, also has B-complex in it and is a rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. It's filled with fiber which as we all know is amazing for you. 

Did you know 100g of pumpkin provided 30g of protein! It's also a great anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic for tapeworms and other parasites (ew yes, but true). Basically what I'm telling you is that pumpkin is a super food! Now you can't eat a whole loaf of pumpkin bread and think WOW that was so healthy for me, you have to pair pumpkin with other healthy ingredients. That's why I came up with these healthy pumpkin energy balls. I promise I'll have more healthy pumpkin recipes for you too as well.

So Let's Get Baking

Ingredients 

- 1 Cup canned pumpkin

- 1 1/2 Cups old fashioned oats

-1/2 Cup flax seed

- 1/2 Cup unsalted almonds

- 1/4 Cup dried plums

- 1 Tablespoon honey

- 1 Teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

- 2 Squares of dark chocolate for drizzling

Directions

- In a food processor combine all the ingredients and process until a paste is formed.

- Using a cookie dough scoop or melon ball scoop form balls and place them on parchment paper.

- Melt chocolate in microwave, start at 1 min stir chocolate then do 15 secs the two pieces should be done.

- Using a spoon drizzle the chocolate over the pumpkin balls.

-Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

- To store keep in Tupperware in the fridge. 

That's it, now you have a delicious little energy ball for an afternoon snack or a pre-workout snack.

9 Weight Loss Tips

Some tips on how to loss those pounds, and keep them off. Because as you know this is a lifestyle change, it's not a destination. Set goals and reach them, and then set new goals. It's all about making yourself better and strong!

9 Tips To Help You Loss Weight

1. Stick With Water

     Sports drinks, juices, and fruit smoothies all contain at least 100 calories most likely more than that. Those calories don't satisfy you like food calories do either.  These along with sodas and other drinks are high in sodium and carbohydrates. Which trick your body into retaining water, in which case will make you puff out. 

     Try to only drink water, black coffee, and green tea. If you MUST add something to your coffee or tea try an organic all natural sugar, and try to put in as little as possible, or you can add some honey. For the water there are so many options I personally love adding lemon, plus it adds as a detox for your body. You can also add mint leaves or fruit. 

2. Bye, Bye White Bread & Pasta

     Cut out ALL white rice, pasta, and sandwich breads and rolls. This will slim you quick, white breads and pastas are made with simple carbohydrates, which cause bloating. Simple carbs digest quickly, leaving you hungry and more likely to over eat. Stick with whole grain, and I mean it needs to say 100% whole grain. There is so much more health benefits in whole grain breads and tons more fiber.

     Go a step fruther and try no bread. Instead of having bread with a meal swap it for something healthier, so instead of a chicken sandwich throw some veggies in and have a chicken salad. Turn chips 'n' dip into carrotts 'n' dip. Veggies are made up of complex carbs which digest slower and keep you fuller longer, and they also help to flush out toxins from the body. 

3. Get Active For At Least 30 Minutes

     Any workout that gets the heart rate up burns calories. Try a spinning class, kickboxing class, or try a boot camp. Chances are if you pay for it then you'll be more likely to show up. Just doing 30 minutes of exercise burns 200-300 calories, just think of how much you can burn in an hour. HIIT workouts are also great choices they not only burn calories, you can do them in 30 minutes and they tone the whole body.

     Weight lifting is also great to get into, I promise it won't make you big! It not only will help you "tone" up. But the more muslce you have the more calories your going to burn. Also after a weight lifting session your body will continue to burn calories for up to an hour longer than a cardio workout. How awesome is that.

4. Make One Food Sacrifice

     Cutting out just one indulgence a week such as those chips your have with lunch or that dessert your eat after dinner, will subtract hundreds of calories from your diet, which means less flab. Pretty soon you won't even be craving those treats anymore. It takes 21 days to break a habit, so instead of those chips grab some cucumbers, and instead of that sweet treat after dinner try some greek yogurt. 

5. Have A Ball

     I have a stability ball that I sit on while I'm at work, since I do have a desk job like most Americans. I knew that sitting in those office chairs wasn't good for not only my back but my posture. Sitting on a stability ball forces you to use your core, you have to clench your abs to keep yourself from rolling around and sitting up right. So this not only is good for you core but it'll also burn calories while your working! 

6. Eat 8 Fruits & Veggies A Day

     This may sound like a hard task, but if your listening and your going to throw those chips and sweets out, then this should be no problem! Start with breakfast have a banana or apple with your oatmeal. For a snack before lunch have some cucumbers or an oranges. At lunch (which is where I like to pack a ton of veggies in) make a plate up of your favorite veggies and dip them in hummus. For your afternoon snack grab a bowl of blueberries and strawberries, and then at dinner time finish off with some more veggies.

     I know it sounds like a lot, but it's really not hard and once you start doing it, your body starts to crave those fruits and veggies. Plus you'll feel more energized and you'll be getting all your vitamins and keeping your body happy. 

7.  Eat More Fiber

     Fiber not only is great for keeping you fuller longer, we also know it normalizes bowel movements, it lowers cholesterol levels, helps control blood sugar levels, and guess what it adds in achieving healthy weight. 

     You can add it to just about anything, pick up some Flax Seed and throw it in your oatmeal in the morning or into a dinner dish. It's also good in greek yogurt and in granola. It'll help wittle away that belly fat. 

8. Plan Your Meals

     Monday night is my meal prep night, but most people choose Sunday. Make sure your stocked up on food storage bins. Prepping your meals for the week will help you to stay on track you won't have any excuess to not eat right. 

     When I get home from the grocery store I wash and cut up all my fruits and put them in big bowels on the top shelf in the fridge, that way they are right there and ready to go when I want some, less hassle  means your more likely to eat it when you want something quick. I also wash and get all my veggies ready too. I cook all my chicken and turkey along with any veggies or quinoa that I'm going to eat with it. Most the time I like to make actual meals, like zucchini lasagna that'll last me about 3 days. I also buy cans of tuna so I can grab one when I'm in a rush. Buy smart and cook smart, this is what'll make the difference in lossing weight. What you're eating is the most important thing when it comes to being healthy and fit. 

9. Stick To It

    You did it you hit your goal weight, you're so happy with yourself. You ate all the right foods and did all the workouts. But now what? You stick with it, like I said this is a lifestyle it's not something you ever stop. Once you get to that place, you keep going. There is always room for improvement. Don't go back to eating those chips and fast food. No you stay on track. 

    This doesn't mean you can never have another cookie or hamburger, sure you can. It's just not an everyday occurrence. You eat these "bad" foods in moderation. I like to choose one meal a week that I can eat whatever I want (most the time it's something sweet) but that one meal will help to keep you on track. Instead of dragging through and thinking that you're missing out, save it for the "cheat meal". Try to keep it on the same day too, that way it's only once a week. Sometimes you won't even want to take it or you'll actually want something healthy, once you start seeing results you get addicted and want to see more. And remember one bad meal won't make you unhealthy just like one good meal won't make you healthy. 

Remember You've Always Been Beautiful. Now You're Just Deciding To Be Healthier, Fitter, Faster & Stronger. Remember that.

Adios Summer

Another summer come and gone. I don't know about you guys but this was by far one of my best Summer's I've ever had!

Mostly because I got to go on my first vacation with my boyfriend. We've been dating for 5 years so it was about time.  We went to Panama City Beach, we did so many new things and had such an adventure. My little fisherman boy got hooked on fishing in the deep sea off the pier, and I fell in love with running on the beach. I'd move there in a heart beat!

But Autumn is now here and Summer is gone, BUT! that doesn't mean it's time to let the workouts slip, and stop eating healthy. 

It means you have 271 more days until Summer 2015!

It's time to push towards those goals even harder and it's time to make those dreams come true. 

Try new things if your not happy with the results your getting, change up your diet.

I know I plan on doing LOTS of new things and smashing some new goals and even some old goals. 

Let's do this together, let's motivate each other. Because together we can do anything!

New recipes and New workouts are coming to the blog so keep your eyes open.

Go into next Summer feeling strong, powerful and of course beautiful.   

3 Ingredient Banana Pancakes

What's better on Sunday morning than some pancakes! Well pancakes are good any day, but Sundays are my only days I have time in the morning to make them. I wanted a simple quick pancake recipe that didn't involve a lot of ingredients and that was still healthy.

Now these can be a little tricky to make, it took me a few try's before I finally got down the technique on how to make them. I'm hoping my helpful hints here will help you to avoid the mistakes I made, and you won't have to throw away food. 

So lets begin!

INGREDIENTS

- 2 large eggs 

- 1 large banana

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

-Plus what ever toppings you like, I use flax seed and a half tablespoon of honey. 

(Yep that's it, that is all you will need) 

DIRECTIONS

- Put the baking powder in a bowl, cut up the banana and put it in the bowl. Mash it up with a fork until there are no clumps left. 

- Add the two eggs to the banana, wisk all together for about 2 minutes until well combined. 

- Turn the burner on to medium heat, I like to spary my pan with canola oil spray. But you may use butter if you like. Put the pan on the burner so it can warm up. 

- After it's warm (flick water on it and if it sizzles it's ready) I use a 1/4 measuring cup to poor my batter in the pan. I found this much batter works best, too little batter and the pancakes burn quick, and too much batter it just doesn't cook right. 

- Once it's poured on, WATCH closely do NOT walk away. They cook fast, once it starts to bubble (about 30 seconds) it needs to be flipped. I like to use two spatulas, I start with one and slid it under a bit and then come in with the other one and slid it all the way under then flip. They are a little flimsy and can be difficult to flip but DON'T wait too long or it will burn.    

- Once it's flipped cook the other side for only about 15 seconds then it's done. 

- You should get about 8 small pancakes, and they are so yummy!! It defiantly chases away my pancake craving.   

- Be sure to re-spray the pan before you do the next pancake it helps to keep them from burning. 

HELPFUL HINTS: It does get smokey but it's okay just open a window, you can also add cinnamon to the batter or even 1/4 cup of oats to make them a little thicker, if you do add oats you'll want to add 1/3 cup apple sauce too. 

Most of the pancakes will be really dark, don't throw them away they still taste fine. Take a nibble first and if you don't like it then throw it away, and try again! 

Please leave a comment if you try this recipe, or if you have also done this recipe before and wanna share some more helpful hints. I would love some more variations to these pancakes! 

Welcome To Peanut Butter Fitness

Hello everyone, my name is Brittany and this blog is about my fitness journey and my love for peanut butter.

I will be sharing what keeps me motivated to stay fit, and what foods I eat to stay on track. I'll talk about people who motivate me, to not only be healthy and fit, but to be a better person too. Life is all about living it to the fullest. 

My first post I'd like to share with you a little about me and how I've gotten to where I am today. I've always been a big tom-boy I didn't actually wear my hair down till Sophomore year in high school, and I was 13 when I finally decided to get my ears pierced. So it was never a problem for me to be fit, I was always outside running around playing sports and just being a crazy kid. Which also involved me eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted, but I would just burn it off. 

After my Senior year, I noticed that I would try to wear more loose fitting shirts because I did't like how the tight shirts fit me, now I still was not overweight but I just wasn't happy with the "softness" that my body was getting. I had started to notice in pictures I didn't like how my stomach looked or my arms, and that my face was becoming more round. 

So naturally I thought "I'll just start working out and my body will change" no need to change my diet or stop drinking soda. Guess what, nothing happened. I literally would workout in my room then go down stairs and eat dinner, as in fast food or some high carb, high fat meal. 

Goodbye soda, that was the first thing I stopped. I'm 24 now and haven't had soda in 5 years. I strictly only drink water, green or black tea and black coffee. Guess what after I quite drinking soda I dropped 15 pounds in about a year and half. I was 5'8 138 pounds so I now was 5'8 123.

I was still not happy though, now mind you this was in the start of my fitness journey 5 years ago. Like most girls I wanted to "skinny" I wanted a itty bitty waist and small arms, and small legs. I cranked out cardio workouts like no other, I ran, I ate mostly veggies and low fat, fat free, low sodium, foods. I never thought once about adding weights to my workout routine. Now I still had cheat meals, more like binge meals. On the weekend I would eat whatever I wanted. Then come Monday back to my awful diet.

It worked I got down to 115 pounds, I was "skinny" I had a little waist, I wore a 00 in pants, XS shirts. Was I happy, sure I was happy that I was "skinny" but I was tired a lot I had no energy and I hated the food I was eating, and yes I looked sick. 

Luckly this didn't last long, I started doing research about foods and what kind of foods you should eat. I was terrified at what I found out, what was in the food I was eating, just simply made me sick to my stomach, all the chemicals and fake ingredients I was putting into my body. So start my journey on eating organic whole foods. Now yes I still eat the "bad food" too because that's life and you only live once, plus I love cake! But it's in moderation, and I do it very little. I do have my major no,no's just things I simply cann't even imagine eating anymore like, fast food, chemical filled drinks, anything with High Fructose Corn Syrup, and most frozen meals. 

My next step was upping my fitness game, I started to add weights, I took a variety of workout classes. The muscle started building. After I changed all my ways I never weighed myself anymore, it was never about the number on the scale, more about what I looked like in the mirror.   

Just this past year I started lifting heavy weight, and my goodness the change in my body just amazes me, ladies don't be afraid of the weights. I feel so much stronger and have so much more energy. As for my weight for those who are wondering, I weigh 128 pounds. Which I could careless what that number says, it doesn't define you. Workout and be healthy to make yourself happy and to live a happier life. 

That's what this blog is about, I want to help other people to find that happy place, to know the feeling of completely exhausting yourself, the feeling of your arms shaking, and legs shaking. I want them to know how it feels to be strong and beautiful. 

Thanks for listening to my story, and for visiting my blog.

Believe me the hardwork pays off!