Skinny Jeans!!! H2O Problem & Week 3 of T25 Update!

So I am pretty sure I can speak for all females when I say that fitting into a smaller size of jeans is probably one of the biggest self confidence boosters, point blank! With that being said, I have officially dropped 4 sizes since beginning my weight loss journey 14 months ago - doesn't seem like a lot - but to me, it's hours upon hours sweating at the gym, clean eating and the amongst all the biggest factors - dedication and accountability!! It took me a good 2 months to feel comfortable in the smaller pair of jeans but when I tried them on the other day and there was no sucking it in, no jumping up and down and no muffin top - I was probably jumping around like a goof ball with so much excitement!!☺️ Sooo excited about this as I haven't been able to wear this size in jeans since my freshman year of highschool (as far as I can remember) so that's been about 12 years ago... crazy that I am in the best shape of my life now, and feeling more comfortable in my own skin! That is it's own topic that is always going to be a work in progress for me!!

I've learned over the last several months that you get out what you put in. So if you give 100% every single day - chances are you will reach your goals very quickly. But honestly, who can give 100% every single day without cheating... it's a huge struggle for me because of recent stress, wedding planning and other crazy things going on - but recently I've been doing so much better with my diet (even making weekly menus that are FIANCÉ friendly), and the cutting out of unnecessary drinks/foods that I thought were good for me but was causing boating and discomfort. Keeping an eye on the food label is HUGE and I definitely have been looking at that before I buy something now. 

Another big issue for me is h2o!!! I can't drink just plain water on a regular daily basis unless I'm working out or I'm out at a restaurant and the glass is filled to the brim with ice - so it's extremely hard for me to do but I'm trying my hardest to change that. As a matter of fact, in March my challenge is to try to drink at least 60 ounces of regular water everyday! I use to drink Propel Kiwi-Strawberry until a friends mother told me they were loaded with sodium! I was so upset because I didn't realize that at first - then after putting two and two together, I stopped drinking Propel then finally my fingers didn't swell up as much and my hands didn't feel as dry as they did when I was drinking Propel AND I was drinking about 3-4 bottles daily. Then after that going cold turkey with that - I went to Wal-Mart and got the Clear American carbonated Kiwi-Strawberry flavored water and was drinking 2-2.5 bottles a day. My coworker came by my desk one day and mentioned that she and her family use to drink them all the time, and she had to stop drinking this brand because they hurt her stomach. Here she asked to read the label and noticed it had Phenylalanine in it. This is actually similar to aspartame and I didn't know that. So I was so bummed because my flavored water brands I use to drink ALL DAY EVERYDAY have all completely failed me... so what to do now, drink plain WATER. But I want to see the results that I know I can get, and feel better with the foods/drinks I have so reading the food label is a must now for me.

Now on to give you an update of my most recent workout program: 

T25 Update for Week 3.... I can't believe I have already completed 3 weeks of the Alpha Phase! It's been totally awesome to step out of my comfort zone and actually work out at home, FOR TWENTY-FIVE MINUTES a day!!! Although, I am quite impatient and not seeing the results I want like yesterday - I have found that my endurance to do these workouts has been increasing each and every workout! Going into my last two weeks I am going to be super anxious because I want to be able to share with you my awesome results! Week 5 of the Alpha Phase will end March 10th -- only 16 days left!!! Can't wait to share with you the results - but you'll have to stick around for that!!😉

Photo: (Left) March 2013 (Right) February 2014

But that's all kids, time to call it a night! Got a busy day tomorrow with birthday parties, bowling and spending time with my bubs on my rest day! Enjoy your night/day!! 

Also, if you would like to check out my site to find out more information about the Beachbody programs and products - go to teambeachbody.com/stephclemmer 

T25 Update!

So I'm not the one that likes to workout at home, I'd rather be the girl pumping iron at the gym and getting in those miles on the treadmill... but since the beginning of February, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and finally gave T25 a shot!! I am now working on Week 3! I can't believe I've stuck with it this far, and I could not be any more excited with the results I've been seeing!

Since starting T25 and Shakeology, I am down 2 inches overall, and down .8 lbs! Although, I am sure I could have been down a little bit more in weight - I did splurge a little this past weekend because of Valentine's Day, our anniversary and the bake sale we had at work to raise money for the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. But I am human and enjoy the not so healthy snacks here and there, but I immediately jumped right back on track Saturday and have not missed a workout since starting the program!!

Although, I do still go the the gym to run/train for the half marathon, I feel feel that I am seeing a little more definition in my arms/shoulders but obviously I look/see my body everyday so I think once others start seeing the results it'll make a bit happier.... but I am not giving up!! I've come too far now :)

I am so excited to keep seeing changes and getting in even better shape for my wedding! Stay tune for week 5 workout results coming in early March! :-)

Valentine's Day Recap & T25 Update!

Hi all my lovies.. it's been a little while since I last posted on here, but things have been oober crazy and stressful. But I'M BACK :)

So yes, February 14th - is of course the one day a year a girl should get showered with big teddy bears, boxes of chocolates, and some pretty flowers! For me, it's not just a hallmark holiday, but it's the day my wonderful fiancé and I started dating! (Yep... Totally cliche) Three years for us... and we're 85 days out from the wedding! I can't believe it's been three years already... time sure does fly when you're having fun!! Craig and I decided to celebrate our Valentine's Day at the Outback Steakhouse Thursday night, instead of having to deal with the long waits and tons of people out and about. It's my favorite place to get a yummy steak & it was nice to have an evening out and about with him since it's been a while! We also exchanged gifts we got each other! He surprised me with a beautiful pandora bracelet that included a 13.1 charm for completing the half marathon last year, a cute decorative charm, and a limited edition Valentine's Day 2014 charm that opens up as a locket to hold our pictures in it! :) I have been asking for one for the longest time, and I am so excited to have it finally!! He also bought me a digital picture frame and a giant hand made Valentine's Day card that surprised me saying we are going to have a beautiful Dove Release for our wedding ceremony!!! I am so excited because we called the lady this morning at When Doves Fly, she was really excited and when she sent the contract over to us she mentioned that the couple that was chosen for the 50% off any package for attending the Wedding Expo last month didn't accept the offer so she offered it to us, how sweet right!!! I feel so relieved that everything is coming into place.

Also, today... I finished the double workout day for T25! Other than splurging a little yesterday for the bake sale we had at work to help raise money to donate to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation - I would say it's been a good week for me. Cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and a bunch of yummy treats... it got the best of me! But I live a normal life, and I eat some things I don't have on a daily basis so it's ok to have a "sugary" snack every once in a while. And today I woke up and got right back on track with my Shakeology!!! 

I actually looked forward to T25 this week and I am so excited to have completed week 2 of the Alpha Phase... only 3 more weeks left then onto the Beta Phase!!! :) Hoping for some awesome results. I want to be able to lose these last stubborn six pounds before I have to go get my first dress fitting in the middle of March! GOALS GOALS GOALS.

But ok guys & gals... it's about time to call it a night! Here's until next time... have a great evening everyone!!

Another goal crushed, start of T25 and finalizing some wedding plans!!

Happy Hump Day!!

Does anyone else feel like these weeks are getting longer and longer? I don't know about you but I think they should make work weeks 2 days and weekends 5 days, haha!! This winter has been insane, and I think it's draining me... every other day, it seems like I have to spend 20 minutes cleaning off my car and scrapping the windshields. Yes I live in Pittsburgh, but this winter has been brutal!!! Can we fast forward to summer now!!!☀️

So typically Wednesdays are my weigh in days, and well this morning I was a little iffy about getting on the scale... but needless to say .... when I stepped on the scale I felt like one of those women in the Special K commercials jumping for joy, haha! So as you know I've always struggled with my weight, but this morning was amazing... I am officially back in the 130s!!!!! I haven't been this weight since highschool, 8.5 years ago!! Creeping up in the single digits to my goal weight!!☺️

#throwback

February 4th marked the first day of my T25 challenge!! I'm trying my best to stick with it because I always give up on stuff, but I've made it through day 2 today! I love that it's only 25 minutes!! Wake up between 5:30-6am, get 25 minutes of T25 done and I'm set for the day. Who doesn't have 25 minutes to BETTER themselves! I've heard that this program as well as Insanity has helped others run better which is exactly what I need since I'm also training for the half marathon! That takes place May 4th! I've been crushing my running skills though, Monday, I was able to get in 6.5 miles in just an hour and eight minutes!!! For me... that's amazing!! Goals are achievable if you just put forth a little bit of dedication and hardwork. Like I said above, 25 minutes a day is all you need.

So, we are finally getting things finalized with this wedding! I feel so relieved. We will be having our ceremony right on the beach near one of the beautiful piers!! Finalized the menu for the caterer, and all that fun stuff! Don't get me wrong, I love planning my own wedding - BUT, I would have loved to hire a wedding planner had it fit in our budget! Also, thoughts on a day of wedding coordinator to make sure the day runs smoothly? All suggestions are welcome!!

Well I think that's enough for today... Hope everyone has a happy Thursday and a great rest of the week!☺️

Off Day & Super Bowl Sunday... Let's Go Steelers, haha!!!

It's Sunday already! These weekends just go by way too fast... thinking about having to go back to work on Monday is so depressing :( ugh! But definitely got caught up on a good bit of sleep and getting the apartment cleaned up and laundry done!! Productive weekends are better than just hanging out like a couch potato, for sure!!

But ok it is Sunday and this week it is my off day from the gym and running and I'm about to lose my mind! What do you all do for your off days? I feel very unproductive when I don't work out but think there has to be something to keep active on my off days. I also have a Fitbit Force and my daily goal for steps is 10,000 and with my off day I find it very hard for me to get there! :( any suggestions are greatly appreciated! 

Super Bowl Sunday .... has kind of a sentimental meaning to it for me!! The Steelers are not playing in it so it's kind of a whatever game for me, but 3 years ago on Super Bowl Sunday .. I met my future hubby! I can't believe it's already been that long! Feels like a lifetime ago.. crazy how somethings work out!! So, who's your pick in the Super Bowl? Im going to go with the Broncos... they play like Champions and I think Peyton deserves it, but I'm not much of a sports enthusiast so I can't really give my "expert" opinion, haha! GO STEELERS!!! So what kind of healthy snacks are you having for your Super Bowl get together? We're having cheese and crackers, and some healthy chicken nuggets I found on the Fitness Barbie's blog! :) check her out she's pretty awesome! Her fitness and health story is so inspiring!

But hope you all have a great night with your friends and family if you have parties to attend, have fun and don't pig out too much!!! 

Contest WINNER. 100 Days til the Wedding & Beachbody Coach!!

Good morning everyone and Happy Saturday!!

Best news ever today... woke up from an amazing nights sleep (OMG I was so exhausted last night) and had a text from Craig's Dad saying we WON the contest for a FREE CEREMONY SET UP!!!!!! I am absolutely ecstatic because this is a $400 set up that we don't have to add into our budget now, whew!! Here is the photo that was entered into the contest...

This was all Craig's idea, haha! I love his expression and it was all in all a great time! Funny thing was, the only reason we found out about the contest was because while inside Jeanette's Pier for the Wedding Expo, Tony Joseph (owner of I Do OBX Chairs) walked past us while we were taking a picture. He told us we should go down to the beach and enter their contest! Wow, am I so glad we did!!! Thank you I Do OBX Chairs for this great prize!! 

And with that being said.... we're about to fall into the double digits! Today marks 100 DAYS until the wedding!!☺️☺️I cannot believe how quickly it is approaching! For those of you who don't know ... Craig and I decided to get married in the beautiful Outer Banks (the outer islands/"outerbanks" right off of North Carolina. Absolutely beautiful place! This was our very first vacation as a couple. We went with his family in May 2012 and it was so quiet and absolutely beautiful - very family oriented vacation spot!! We will be getting married right on the beach, so a note to all the guests: be prepared to dig your toes in the sand & grab your shades so you aren't blinded by our love! ;) haha! #cheesystatus

So, now let's talk fitness! I have been working my butt off the last 13 months eating better, and working out! I have officially lost 26.2 lbs and feel so much better! Here is a photo of my beginning weight (September 2012) to current weight (January 2014)!! Amazing right... I didn't think I would stick to it, but definitely so glad I did!!! -if I can do it, ANYONE can!

I have always struggled with my weight since I was in high school and I definitely believe what changed my outlook on fitness and getting healthy was actually getting engaged! I knew that I would have to find a dress and wear it all day, so I wanted to make sure I looked great in it! While down this fitness/health journey I tried so many different diet pills, crash diets, "magic" shakes, and home workouts and they all helped a little bit but what helped me the most was a consistent workout and "clean" meal plan! Recently I got approached about becoming a BeachBody coach because of my passion for health and fitness and dedication, and I kind of didn't think I'd be that good with it because I'm not in any way shape or form.. a good "sales" person! But then I looked at it as this... If I am using Shakeology and the different workout programs they have and making awesome progress, than that itself will tell other individuals that these programs and products actually work.. Since we are all "Products of their Products"! I am extremely excited to see where this journey takes me, and I think it will be good for me!! :-) if you have any questions regarding Beachbody... Please feel free to contact me!!

http://www.teambeachbody.com/stephclemmer

http://www.shakeology.com/stephclemmer

Alright kids... Until next time! Have a fantastic Saturday!! I may be getting a long distance run in today since it's going to be 47 degrees out... Bring On The Heat Wave!!!☀️