And the 30 Day Challenge is DONE!

Well girls, it's been 30 days. The famous 30 Day Challenge is over. I can't believe how quickly it went by! I feel like just yesterday I decided to start this little challenge...and now it's already over. And I can't say that I've hated it--I won't lie. 

Okay, okay--the moment of truth...did it make a difference?! Drumroll, please.......

The before and during pictures that I've already posted:

And the after:
(Sorry--tried to combine the pictures for a whole collage but I'm not that computer savvy. AND I didn't have my photographer last night, so sorry for the MySpace pics!!)

Day 0//Day 30 for a whole challenge comparison:

I've lost a total of 11.75 lbs.

4 inches lost off waist.
5.5 inches lost off hips.

Down a size (sometimes two in some brands.)

My schedule over the past two weeks or so has been something like this: Cardio every morning (either treadmill with incline or elliptical with intervals, sometimes both if I feel like a little variety.) At least 4 days a week, I added in the 30 Day Shred. And over the past week or so, I've added 2 or 3 circuits of Jillian's No More Trouble Zones DVD. I really like that DVD--too long, in my opinion, for one workout (like 55 minutes) but you have the option of selecting one circuit specifically, so I'll mix it up with those! BTW--any questions you may have, send them my way! I'll be glad to answer anything and everything!

I swear, I HATE the gym every morning. EVERY single morning, I dread getting there. But the feeling afterwards is so worth it. I've finally gotten into a groove of a workout schedule and I really like the feeling of that. I can tell all of my hard work is paying off, and that in itself is enough motivation for me! I actually went to the pool yesterday, wore a bikini, and was comfortable in it around other people...that's a HUGE deal for me.

I only skipped one day of working out in the 2nd half of the challenge, which I'm really proud of. That day was a super busy day, so I didn't feel too guilty in not fitting in a workout. I barely fit in a shower that day, so life goes on, right?

In trying to avoid lean cuisines and the likes, I've been experimenting with lots of different recipes lately. Some have been total flops (like the Skinny Monkey Cookies--wayyy too bitter...may try to make them with Splenda next time!) but most have been really delish. All of my sweet, "skinny" recipes tend to not be so great...any suggestions on some that you've tried and liked? My sweet tooth is aching!

Here are two of the recipes I've made and LOVED...I'll do a whole post on a few others in the next few days! 

Skinny Slow Cooker Pulled Pork--super easy. I love anything with a crock pot. And it was really, seriously delicious...melt in your mouth yummy. Put the meat on a whole wheat bun, grilled some veggies for the side, and even had some homemade bleu cheese slaw! Healthy and yummy!

                                                                                                                  Source: skinnytaste.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken--took about 5 minutes to make. I'm all into quick, easy meals. This is pretty much the perfect recipe for lunch. I sautéed some extra spinach for my side...that makes for a happy girl.

                                                                                      Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Rachel on Pinterest

And I think my favorite snack lately is Greek yogurt mixed with about 1/3 of a packet of Ranch seasoning. I can't.get.enough.of.it. I think I've upped my vegetable intake by like 50% just because I have a little something to dip it in. If I make a batch of this on a Monday, I'll eat on it for 3 or 4 days. SO good! I even added a splash of skim milk to some today and made the perfect ranch dressing...and only about 100 calories for an entire container! 

I'm seriously signing a team up for the Color Run in Memphis in October, so if you live around here, or are up for a little vacay, let me know! The more the merrier...I'm hoping to get a few hotel rooms, too! I'm hoping that will give me something to look forward to in my slacking running career! So holla at your girl if you want in on all the fun!!!


When I first started this, I honestly thought that I'd do the challenge, be proud of the results, and then just go back to life as usual. But I really think that I've made a change in my routine...a change that is going to stick. I may not keep working out 7 days a week, but I now know without a doubt of what my body is capable of...so why not push myself that hard every week? It's so worth it. It's worth every struggle, every bead of sweat, every early morning at the gym, every tear when it feels like I'm getting nowhere. I CAN and AM making a big change in my body and I am so proud of that. 


Thank you, thank you, thank you for going on this journey with me. I love each of you and am more thankful for your motivation and encouragement than words can even say!


You may not see the changes that I see, but I see a huge difference...and that was all done in 30 days. Less than a whole month. And if I can do it, you can do it. I have to tell myself this every morning--don't make excuses, just get out there and do it. 


And on that note...
Happy Friday, girls. Have the best weekend!