Max Phase Eve Eve

AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge: Day 9 - Perfection!


Katie has already worked out today.


We have just finished our dinner: Chicken Fajita Lime Salad with peas and corn and some vinaigrette dressing. Just a couple black olives for flavor. 


Only one more day of the Cleanse Phase!  This means that so far, we've chosen 9 days in a row, to do what we said we would do!


Last night, I drove to the rec center and got in a great workout!  A solid 10 minutes warm up below my heart rate zone and 35 minutes in my heart rate zone.  In the high end, but not max.  I was wearing a white t-shirt.  I sweat so much last night that you could see a face in my belly sweat marks!  I would've taken a picture, but it was just me there.  That'd be awkward asking the highschool kid at the front desk to take my picture... So, you'll just have to imagine it.


Today, Katie and I have already started discussing the change coming up.  The Max Phase is days 11-24 of the 24 Day Challenge.  The workouts will be the same, alternating days.  But overall, after having done so well...ahem... let me rephrase: But overall, after being Perfect, we are ready for the next Phase!


Really, I say perfection out of pride.  But really, I should give credit where some credit is due. It is a pretty simple plan to follow.  In all honestly, you just take your vitamins.  It tells you what time of day to take them (during your eating schedule). From whenever you wake up, to eating breakfast, or snacks.  If you work nights, then you'd base it off of what your day's schedule is like.  But seriously, I am completely confident to say it's fail safe! 


Yeah sure there are things that smell good: pizza, cheese, milk, sodas, coffee, etc... But if you know what you want.  If you know what your goal is.  If you've committed 100%, then there is not the least bit of temptation!  You know what?  You might get a little emotional over it, really.  Not like sobbing and crying tears, but a twinge of disappointment maybe?  Yeah, it might taste good for 5 minutes. It might taste great! But then the taste of guilt will stick with you.  The saturated fat, excessive sugar, the artificially made food will stick around a lot longer than the 5 minutes of this so called pleasure.


If you're on track, or have built a fitness/health savings, then sure, take a meal, or a day out of the week.  Even if you're not a fitness freak, you could do this.  If you have a record of making good choices and can be trusted (by yourself), then do what you want.  Eat that piece of fried chicken.  Drink that beer.  Eat them chips. Or birthday cake. Whatever.


Let me make my point.  I've watched a few minutes of some motivational speakers in the last few years. Hey, we all like to feel good.  But something that I heard has stuck with me.  Take a look and read this: When you break promises you've made to yourself, or keep failing to follow through, it erodes your confidence.


I will give you a hint, from what we've learned so far during our challenge: Preparation is Key!


Each of us have our roles.  We both know that I'm the "cook" in this 24 Day Challenge. Notice how I didn't say "Chef."  (That is way to close to Chiefs, as in Kansas City.... If you know anything about me, my team is Denver!)  ;)


But with preparation, we are both involved.  Katie and I both prepare the menu a day out, or two days out.  We discuss what we're getting tired of or what we'd like to try differently.  We each take on the role of watching over the kids, so that the other can get an uninterrupted workout in. When we go shopping for grocery shopping, we keep in mind that we're not there to "eat right now!"  Instead, we're planning our food for the next week.


So, if you can take anything from all of this: Be Prepared. Be Ready. Be Committed. Be Perfect To Yourself.


This is the best day of my life!


I love you Katie.  I love you Tate and Cece.  No quitting!


www.AdvoCare.com/14044214

Weighing In

Before I go work out... that's right, I still haven't worked out.  And I put up a 352.6 lbs on the scale!!!
I started Day 1 at 467.7 lbs. 


Can you count??? That's 15 pounds folks!  In 8 days!  Not even a full 8 day.  It won't be a full 8 days until another 12 hours!  I still have to go work out, which, if done correctly, will burn calories, yes; but more importantly, I'll be burning FAT! Do you know how to burn fat but not lean muscle?  Look here: www.lose12inches.com


My mentor/trainer/coach and fellow Montanan (emigrated to Colorado), Cowboy Ryan Ehmann.  That is his website, above.  You can see for yourself, the success stories of the people that have turned their health around.  You can see people that feel good.  Really folks, you can have a trainer yelling at you in the face, or over text (haha), but still, YOU are the one that needs to step up and do the training.  You do the foods.  You do the planning.  You make the time.  You find what works for you!


This Is the Best Day Of My Life!!!


Off to work out! Gonna sweat some more calories away and listen to them little b-words scream as they fall off of me!


And you know what?  I'm going to make it count!  Tomorrow, if I'm granted another day, I'll choose again, to support Katie and she'll support me and we'll add another day of Being Perfect!


If we can do it, anyone can.  You. Can. Do. It. You. Can!


Be good to yourself!


www.AdvoCare.com/14044212
Shop for the 24 Day Challenge!  Or sign up for a membership and receive more benefits and discounts! 


I love you Katie!  Cecelia and Tate, I hope you're proud of your daddy.  He is proud of himself!

One Week Measurements! Drum Roll........

A quick one tonight!


Katie lost in 7 days of the 24 Day Challenge: 12inches!!!
Myself, I lost: 10 inches!!!


Katie got in 4 workouts.
I got in 3 workouts.


Total weight lost in 7 days for Katie: 6.5 pounds!!!
I lost: at least 10 pounds!!! (I'll check by the doc's office tomorrow or Tuesday)


Where else can you see these kind of results in this amount of time?

I have to give credit to???.... Katie and I!!!  But since I'm nice, I won't name everyone because I don't want to snub anyone.


The next blog, I'll tell you a story, maybe from my childhood.  SO, you have to return!


I have a request. Ask yourself, do you want better for yourself?


Really, this last week has changed our life.  I'm certain of it.  But we still gotta wake up every day and continue to choose to fight the battle.  Continue to feed the good feelings.  I seriously love my life.  There were days where I'd thought I'd never have the love that I have, from Katie.  Or that I'd have the children that I have.  Or have the brotherhood that I have.  Or the friends I have.  So really my life is great.  But deep down, I knew that I could be happier if I attacked my weaknesses.  One of them happened to be my health.


Katie and I still have work to do!  Period.  No changing that.  But you know what is cool?  We don't have to sit here and wonder, "Where would we be if we'd started a week ago?"  Now we know!  We have a week of Perfect Practice under our belt.  Maybe on some weeks we'll get more work outs in?  Just maybe.  But for this week, we ARE Perfect!


We want better for ourselves. For our family.  So, we choose to keep on keepin on. 


What is your choice?


I am happy to announce that I have heard from 3 different friends that they would like to be part of a support team between Katie, myself and them.  We keep them accountable.  They keep us accountable.  Anyone interested? 


Take that first step!  Even if just for a split second: say something good about YOU.


Today is the best day of my life!  I love you Katie, I am extremely proud of you!  Tate and Cecelia, daddy loves you so very much.  Thank you for helping me find the passion in life!  Your mother and I have waited a very long time for each of you.  No quitting!


I seriously never thought I'd be this proud of myself! I can not believe the energy that I have. Loving it!


www.AdvoCare.com/14044214
www.lose12inches.com

Day 6 of 24 Day Challenge: Birthday temptations

So naturally, you'd think you'd be surrounded by temptations on such a grand day, as today.  After all, it is my birthday.  I should be allowed to cheat, whenever the hell I want.  It's MY birthday!  I've been working hard, with my wife, at staying on track!


You know what? I have a choice. Every single day.  Today, I chose to continue the streak of perfection.


What is perfection?  Is it drinking an exact amount of ounces of water. Perfection is not eating an exact menu that is exactly the same, every single day. 


Perfection is giving it your best effort.  Every single day.  Perfection is setting expectations of yourself.  YOu can have a different menu every other day.  Or on every other meal.  Explore.  Don't make it difficult on yourself!  If you defeat yourself in your mind, you'll set yourself up for failure.  You won't set realistic expectations.  You'll focus on everything you don't like!  Then guess what happens.  Yep.  You'll cave.  Whether it's binging one day, or giving in all together and saying that it's not worth it.  You will sabotage any chance of success.  Is it worth it? 


I'm not a sweets guy.  Katie is sweet enough! (haha) :)  But seriously, I'd rather have a ribeye steak with a roll, with a side of beer.  I do like some birthday cakes.  I do like some select candy bars.  I do like some energy drinks.  I do like some diet sodas.  I'm just not a candy and cupcakes kind of dude.  I will try some stuff, but typically, sweets are not my bag. 


So on my birthday, I choose to be perfect.  I will go up and work out with 100% perfect effort.  Will I stay in my heart rate zone (www.lose12inches.com)? Who knows.  But any movement is good movement.  But if I know how to work out in my zone, then why not?  Make it count, right?


Just FYI, if you're struggling with menu ideas, here is what we ate for Breakfast and Lunch:


Catylist - 30 min prior to eating
Scrambled eggs with tomatoes (this helps if you're struggling eating veggies all day, or just cramming them in for lunch or dinner).
During the Cleanse phase, days 1,2 & 3, you can add your Fiber Drink (we use peaches and cream) to 8 oz hot (drinkable) water and add your oatmeal. (We did not do this today, as we are on day 6 and don't drink the fiber again until day 8)
Today we had: 1/2 cup Oatmeal (not instant) - added a chopped up 1/4 apple and 1 tsp cinnamon (this gave the oatmeal some flavor, but also gave me my fruit)  Cinnamon helps speed up metabolism.  (FYI, so do jalepenos.  But I don't suggest it with oatmeal) ;)


Catylist - 30min prior to eating
George Foreman Grilled chicken breast
Romaine lettuce
Balsamic Vinigerette Dressing
Roma Tomatoes
Steamed Edamame (this is a good veggie because it is protein too, but counts as a veggie)
Dill Pickles


This was quick and easy. 


Today is the best day of my life! 

Middle of Cleanse

Today is Day 5 of the 24 Day Challenge. It also marks the middle of our first of two phases of the Challenge.  The first phase is a cleanse phase that is 10 of the 24 days.


As I listen to Katie busting her booty on the treadmill upstairs, I think back at today.


Why is today so special? Well, if you have a minute, check out my favorite song that I'm loving right now.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y66j_BUCBMY
American Authors: Best Day of My Life


Have you ever caught yourself thinking things like:
-Today sucks
-Work sucks
-Good stuff never happens to me
-I'll never get this, or that, etc...
-I'm a piece of crap
-I'm never going to do anything
-Nobody cares if I'm here or not
-etc...


Guess what!?  YOU can change what you're telling yourself!  If some jerk says something about you, or your family, or you buddies/girls?  Oh @!#$~ well!  Let them talk!  Don't let people who mean so little to you, control so much of how you feel.  How you feel about your day. Most importantly, how you feel about yourself!  Don't compare yourself to others. Really, it's a waste of time.


If you want to do something to change something about you, then GOOD!  Do it.  Be good to yourself.  But if you're doing it to try and match some dipshit's voiced "status-quo," then you're not doing anything for your happiness.  You're only encouraging someone else's behavior, instead of working on you.  I can tell that if you want change but don't want to work for it, 2 things will happen:
1) You'll quit
2) If you are successful at achieving your happiness through someone else's "wishes"... I bet you will still not be as happy as you thought you would be.
Unless you worked your ass off for it, FOR YOU.  Be good to yourself.


There is a story that I heard once, kind of related to Native American beliefs.  I'll probably misquote it, but here it goes.  It still delivers a powerful message (if you're in a spot in your mind, to accept such a message):         An Indian Chief explains to a young eager warrior that every person has two wolves inside them, fighting a daily battle.  The first wolf is everything negative that you have to say about yourself.  In some ways, everything about this first wolf, is represented by anything superficial, shallow, lack of effort, jealousy, anger, etc...  The second wolf is as pure as crystal clean water flowing over rocks in a creek.  It is peaceful, kind, passionate and joy.  When the Chief is done explaining, the young warrior asks, "Which one wins?" 


Confidently the Chief stated, "Which ever one you feed."




Today was not a typical day for us.  We got a text at 5:00 a.m. that our daycare/babysitter's youngest son was vomiting all throughout the night!  Poor kid! But, we don't have any other alternative for child care.  We have one car.  We live about 30 miles from work.  The commute can be anywhere from 30 -60 min in either a.m./p.m. rush hour. Financially, we are working hard to have enough in the next 12 months to seriously consider buying our first home.  Working on clearing and building up our credit.  We ourselves have been sick/ill/ailing for the last 3 months!  Sinus infections, viruses, ear infections, pink eye, etc... You know... it's called LIFE!


So how'd the day go?  We packed breakfast and snack. We woke the kids up.  We drove Katie to work.  She worked as well, looked for help from others, to get my hours covered. I came home with the kiddos, made them breakfast.  Gave them all of their antibiotics. Cooked lunch and packed it up. Then we drove back in to make sure Katie had a lunch, so that we could stay on schedule for our 24 Day Challenge.  Then the kids and I drove back to a park for a mere 30 min, so I could turn around and go back in so that I could work my hours that were not covered.  Katie then clocked out to get a ride home with her sister (thank you Melissa), with our kiddos.  She came home to cook dinner and feed our kiddos.  We like to be done eating early in the evening.  Tonight, I came home to everything I needed to finish my food for the day.  While I ate, Katie walked her butt upstairs, after a very long, challenging day. She blasted her music, which is done now.


She did what WE said we wanted to do: she changed.  We changed.  We didn't like where we were mentally.  We were presented an opportunity. We had two choices.


We each write our own individual story.  Together, them two stories are in the same book.  That book is an example and reflection of who we are. To our kids. To our family. To our friends.


Maybe not everyone, but people do reach low points in their life.  It's just like walking.  Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep going. I am seriously grateful for the people that like us enough to keep encouraging us.  As well, for those that think of us and want us healthy.  I am grateful that I want to be healthy.


You know what I'm going to say next?  Today, on day 5: We were PERFECT!


Happy Birthday to me tomorrow!  Katie printed and bound a booklet of 52 reasons why she loves me.
She sure does have a good sense of humor.  But I love her for her big heart, even more!  Such a unique and thoughtful gift.


Everyday I wake up, is a great day!  We are not guaranteed tomorrow. So why not tell myself, when I wake up.  Today is the best day of my life!


Than sure sounds a lot better and feels a lot better than the bullshit that I've said to myself before.


www.AdvoCare.com14044214

Another Day We Chose

AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge: Day 4 is winding down.

Today, was my day to work out. By the time we're through, Katie and I will have worked out at least 12 times each. But instead of the treadmill, I decided to get my butt outside! We picked up the kiddos from daycare. Then we drove to a park that has a pretty good sized hill. Not a mountain, but instead, picture something that would be the perfect size for sledding down. But steep! At the bottom of that hill, you've got about 50 yards of grass.



So, Tate and I, went from top to bottom, jogged the back and forth 50 yards, then climbed the hill. We did this 4 times. Then Tate showed me up and did it again. It was cute, even little Cece jogged with me for about 30 yards. Her little legs just a workin away. The hill and jogging we're awesome for the Heart Rate Training. I also walked around the park once, I did 3 sets of 10 jumping jacks and 3 sets of 10 bench crunches, as well, about 5 hill climbs on the smaller hill.



You ever hear the phrase, "Make It Count!"?



Well, we are clean all day. Smacked on schedule. Took our supplements when we should've. None of that stuff will matter if we don't stay committed the whole day! I didn't reward myself with a snack, or a little cheat. Instead, although the workout was simple, it was an effective reward, towards what I want! We made the day count! You know something else? Our kiddos saw us supporting each other, even participated much more than I ever expected!



That's the reward!



Woke up at 4:30 a.m. Just settling down, but not "in" bed, at 9:45 p.m.. How about this energy y'all? At my size, I should be tuckered out, saying, "Uffda!"  (Pronounced: "oof-dah"). that's for you Iverson!



I always say how proud I am of people, my wife, my buddies, my siblings. But today, I am very proud of Nick. And that feels good!



Tomorrow, we have another choice to make it count, or not. But the eyes are set in the whole path, not just a segment. Although, I know I'm excited to check our weight and inches this coming Monday!!!


To anyone reading this: first of all, thank you very much for your time.  Secondly, I urge you to step out of your comfort zone.  Think about this: If nothing changes; then nothing changes.  You might be aksing, "HUH???!!!"  Well, if what you've been doing has not been working, no mater what it is, your workout, your food, maybe you're not doing anything!?  So if that is the case, then why are you still doing it?  Wouldn't it be logical to try something different?  Maybe shock your body? Try a new routine for working out? Try a newer structured eating program?  A new cleanse?


Do you get my drift?  If nothing changes; nothing changes.  Make a change!  If you're lazy, all it takes is that first step! Why not feel good about yourself?  Then maybe you can help someone else, after you see what you can do.



www.AdvoCare.com/14044214 ---this is a link if you want to see more about your own 24 Day Challenge, or see what other stuff they have.  I see they have some performance stuff on there too for Muscle Gain and what not.  Cheaper than any place like GNC, or at least comparable.  But don't forget, BEFORE you try to purchase anything; take a look at the Membership option.  Why?  Because if/when you choose to do a membership (like $79-ish), then it is similar to have a Costco/Sam's Club Membership, where you get to buy all of your stuff at 20% off.  Even your first 24 Day Challenge. 


www.Lose12inches.com ---check this place out as it has a link directly to my blog, but as well, you can ask them how to figure out what your maximum fat burning heart rate zone is, so that you can Make It Count!


Shout out and Congrats are in irder for my brother and his wife on their newest addition to the family! Mama and baby are healthy! It's time for a baby boy Jeff!!! One more try! Make it count! Hahahaha!



I love you Katie!! ;) How YOU doin?

Dead Straight Perfect

24 Day Challenge by AdvoCare - Day 3 coming to a close.


Big news today!  This morning, Katie stepped on the scale.  Since we started the 24 Day Challenge on a morning, this is when she will weigh in.  Any guesses???


4.5 pounds!  In just about 48 hours of participating!  How awesome is that?  You know what?  I can see a difference in her.  I see a difference in her mindset.  I hear a difference in how she is approaching the challenge.  I tell you what, her support, of me, is amazing!


As for me, I went to my doctor's today.  Turns out it was closed.  I think he may be on vacation or something. But I worked some charm into the staff at the front desk.  The gal even let me use her badge to get past the door!  So  I get in to the dark office area.  I step on the scale, shoes on.


BOOM!  457!!! That is TEN POUNDS lost. Gone.  Not gonna miss ya! 


So for Team Braaten 220 (named by the Cowboy): 14.5 pounds!


You guys, this is works.  We are the one prepping.  We are the ones cooking.  We are the ones working out.  But really, to have this kind of energy?  This kind of success immediately?  Where else do you see that?  Folks, anyone could do this.  Even you!


I only share my success and passion because maybe, just maybe, somebody reading this will take that first step in changing their life!  Heck, they may even get addicted and want to help another person change their life!  People, this is life changing!


If you want to do it, I'll set you up.  I'll answer your questions, if you decide to start the 24 Day Challenge.  I'll even give you menu ideas. 


Today, for lunch, Katie and I enjoyed fajita flavored chicken breast with mushrooms in a whole wheat tortilla. Plus a salad. We had enough to eat. Met our protein goal.  Met our vegetable goal. We even got in a complex carbohydrate, which you're allowed, even during the Cleansing Phase.  We were full, definitely.


Here is the link to the movie for the 24 Day Challenge by AdvoCare:
https://www.advocare.com/14044214/Mobile/24DayChallenge/Default.aspx


Here is the link to a website to look at their products:
www.AdvoCare.com/14044214


Seriously, such a good way to get a jumpstart!  Look what it's done already, for me and my family.

AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge - Day 1

Well here it is. We've been waiting for this day. It is upon us and almost even over. Heck, it's almost Day 2 of our challenge! Where does the time go?

On this first day of unknowns I can tell you this: WE were perfect! Katie and I killed it! I was nervous, but soon found out that her and I, we prepared really well for this. There was even a point where we were leaving work and I suggested we leave Katie's 1 gallon water jug there, to limit what we are going to have to carry in, in the a.m. But no! Katie wanted to bring it with us so that she could see her success of finishing her gallon of water. You know what? There was no argument from me! I know that many of you that know me and my smart-ass style, you probably find that extremely hard to believe. But, really, we are here to support each other. A win is a win! If it means that much for a small victory, then so be it!

We came home and immediately started planning our meals and snacks for the next few days. I started cooking dinner, Katie went upstairs and jammed out to music while she was able to use her mother's treadmill. She even admitted to frustration of getting in her Heart Rate Training zone. But she did the best she could and did her time. It's hot upstairs too!

So we will work out a minimum of 12 times each, during this challenge. My turn tomorrow. We were able to find our unique Fat Burning Heart Rate Zone on www.lose12inches.com.

We'll keep sharing our successes, pounds lost, as well as dropping inches! Look for us on Facebook!
I meat with ABC4 Utah News again this Wednesday, to share the start of this 24 Day Challenge!

Meanwhile, take a looksie at the challenge for yourself: https://www.advocare.com/14044214/Mobile/24DayChallenge/Default.aspx

I can tell you, this Challenge had just better look out! It's gonna get its butt whooped!
All I can think of is, Celebrate today! We were perfect! I believe we just set the tone for the next 23 days! This feels incredible! A few things came up today where we would've totally fell into our pattern and said, "We'll start over tomorrow." But we didn't. But still, always remember, today was perfect. Tomorrow is not promised and it will still be a choice. Every. Single. Day.

Good night all!

Risen

Happy Easter Weekend to all!


I will keep this short, as I don't know many of you that will be surfing a gnarly internet wave, since likely, the weather is getting nicer.  You've got that spring itch.  Daylight is lasting longer and longer. 


Whether you celebrate Easter or not, or believe in Christ or not, practice what you preach, or not:  you know the meaning of Easter.  Now I am not one that attends any church regularly. My beliefs are my beliefs.  I'll keep them at that.


Ask yourself: have you given up?  Are you finding yourself more and more depressed, feeling like there is no light at the end of the tunnel?  Would you rather help someone else, than helping yourself?


Maybe it's financial.  Maybe it's a relationship with a sister or brother that you've written off because of something that happened years ago.  Maybe it's you're lonely because your last relationship/marriage hit the fan?


What are you going to do?  Do you want to sit her and boob around in self pity?


You have a choice. Stay dead.  Or Rise!


Mine and Katie's supplements came for our 24 Day Challenge from AdvoCare!  We will celebrate Easter Sunday with church and a holiday dinner with our family.  We have already started preparing our menu and a list for the grocery store.  Even as low or high as we have been with our health and finances; we know we have a choice.  What is your choice?


https://www.advocare.com/14044214/Mobile/24DayChallenge/Default.aspx

What Can I do?

What's with that title?  Well, I'll tell ya.  Have you ever wondered "What if?"  Not like, "What if the world ended, what would you do?"  But more like, "What if... I had stuck to the Ideal Protein Diet?" 


What if... in the 9th grade, what if my dad didn't have to pick up a 3rd job, so I picked up a paper route and quit football... would have I been able to play and keep up in High School, with grades.  Would it have lead to college playing? Would that have left me obese? Or more active where I slimmed down after college?  Heck, I love my Denver Broncos.  I love the University of Montana Grizzlies football and how big they have built their brand since the late 1980's.  But would I have loved it enough to let it take me places?  To let it pay for college? Who the heck knows? 


But I wouldn't change it.  Honestly. For anything.  Even playing in the pros.  I love my life.  I just don't love being out of shape. Unfit. Having a large belly.  I really don't love wanting to roll a ball from one side of a gymnasium floor, wanting to see it reach the other side... but I walk next to it and pick it up, before it reaches its destination. Not ever knowing if I had the perfect roll


Let me explain.  When we celebrated our honeymoon, Katie and I went to Disneyland.  We ate what we wanted, when we wanted.  Keep in mind, we got married and I was weighing in at 329 lbs.  Smaller by 10 lbs, from my freshman year in High School.  I fit on the rides!  I really was like a kid.  I would giggle on any of the rides we rode.  Especially the rollercoaster "California Screamin" at the California Adventure Park.  Seriously, giggling.  I love to have fun! After Disneyland, we came back to Utah and worked 4 days, then I took her back to Montana to meet the rest of the fam.  The big fam. 


For the holidays, it's become a tradition to rent out a community center in one of the small towns.  Sting together 8-10 long banquet tables.  Everyone brings something.  It was great!  Again, we ate what we wanted, when we wanted.  After a Montana Christmas, we came back to Utah.  I was set to start up again on Ideal Protein, since I'd done so well the first go around.  But I didn't finish, so I wanted to get to my goal, 240 lbs. So I picked up, after I'd gained back some of my loss, I was back to 355 lbs by the time I got around to starting back on the plan. I had a great first week!  Killed it.  I lost 17 lbs!!! Bam!


Then I lost all motivation.  Gained even more weight back. We had our first child.  Welcome Tate.  I gained even more weight. Had our second child. Welcome Cece.  This was as big as I've ever been, to my knowledge.  I'd never step on a scale because I was afraid of what it would read.  Then it got to the point where I knew most scales didn't hold more that 400 lbs.  This is where I started my blog, because at 460 lbs is when I emailed the Cowboy I'd just watched on Shark Tank.


Bringing it altogether; I've never seen what I can do.  Now I get to ask myself, "What if...?"


Nick. What if you do great?  What if you reach your goal?  What if you inspire one person to not ever give up?  What if your kids and wife pick up the example that you want to be?  What if you kill this 24 Day Challenge from AdvoCare?  Just because you don't picture yourself thin, does not mean you can't be a bulky 240 and be healthy!


So, I will put it all out there, again.  After everyone that has seen my blog, last year and watched me simply just lose the desire, I've contacted ABC4 News in Salt Lake City, UT.  They are going to follow my 24 Day Challenge from AdvoCare.  I will be posting my measurements or weights on here as well as Facebook.  Again, I will give this a shot.  I do understand it will not come overnight.  I understand that it could take years to get where I want to be, physically.  But the mental changes I want to make, well heck, that just takes conditioning.  Going to bed and saying ONE single positive thing about yourself, every night... that'll wear on you.  In a good way.  I've read that in some of Shaun T's stuff.


Here are a couple of links for you to look at as well, you can watch one, with Cowboy Ryan interviewing his clients that have and are doing the 24 Day Challenge with AdvoCare:


https://www.advocare.com/14044214/Mobile/24DayChallenge/Default.aspx


http://lose-12-inches.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/lose-5-10-lbs-in-the-first-7-days-of-24-day-challenge


I'd like to see where this freight train is going!!
Anyone care to join me?

Preparing My Mind

     Hello everyone! First of all, please, accept my gratitude for setting aside a little bit of your time, to once again (if you're a return reader), read a little bit about me and this Journey.  For those of you that may be new, Welcome!  If you like this, please continue following and please share.


     Anyhow, as the title says, I am preparing my mind, for the challenge ahead.  Sure, some of you have seen my posts on Facebook, regarding a new 24 day challenge that will be monitored by my Training Coach and Fitness Mentor, Cowboy Ryan Ehmann, as seen on ABC's Shark Tank.  He did the challenge himself.  His wife has done one round already, started on her 2nd round.  My buddy that I met at the Montana Fitness Ranch in Sula, Montana, hosted by Cowboy Ryan.  He has rounded up a few members of his family and friends.  They, along with him, will be doing the challenge in the next few days.  As for me, I've got my strength, my wife along for the ride, doing the challenge with me.  So far, I have had one of my family members that extended interest in starting the 24 day challenge, when Katie and I start it.


     So what is it "Preparing My Mind" all about?  I'll explain.  Last time, when I first contacted Ryan, I had no idea who he was, or what he was about.  Nor, did he know what to expect from me.  Again, bringing you current, preparation: when I was all gung ho last time, I really wasn't ready.  Don't get me wrong, I did great, a couple times. More than I expected that I'd do.  But in saying that, I can tell you, being able to admit to it, I know I was not mentally prepared.  Yeah, I studied the stuff that I downloaded from Ryan's website, to learn about how he did it. To learn about how he studied it. You know what?  I did learn it.  I did apply it.  I did hit a road block, or two.  I stalled. Then out of left field, I lost interest.  I felt like applying myself, when I felt it necessary.  Once I started seeing results, I felt it was good enough for now.  Instead, looking back, I should've capitalized on it.  I should have built a fitness savings account. Like I've said, a streak always starts with one.  One day, can make a big difference; good or bad.


     Preparing my mind that I need to find the inner support, in myself; to keep pushing.  Keep digging.  Keep going.  Keep trying.  It's not all about the numbers on the scale.  It is about my life. Do I want to be victim to food?  To poor choices? Do I want to be a prisoner in my own body?  I look in the mirror and I do not like what I see.  But that is not who I am.  Who I am is on the inside.  Yeah, I have fat.  But that does not define me.  Heck, that would be like saying I have finger nails, so therefore, that makes me finger nails.  No, I have fat and it's manageable. Diet and exercise can help you manage your fat/fitness.  But so does your mind.  I have to be in a mindset that I'm ready to accept what I've done in the past as well, commit to being the best that I can to myself and to my family. To my kids, my wife and my siblings, as well to my extended family.  I am an example.  It is up to me to decide what kind of example I want to be.


     My hope is that, in the 24 day challenge, we find little successes.  We can have little victories, that will Jumpstart us to the path of a huge victory.  But I must be confident that I am prepared for the Journey.  Just because I might get down to 245 lbs, which would be around 100 lbs smaller than I got this last time, that it does not stop there.  Choices with food and activity will be there every stinking day of my entire life.  Really quick, before I sign off (you gotta leave them wanting more)... when I emailed Ryan, after watching Shark Tank, I weighed in at 460 lbs.  I was down from 535 lbs.  When I got back from the Montana Fitness Ranch, I weighed in at 433 lbs.  I weighed in at the doc's office last week at 467 lbs.  On this 24 day challenge, people are losing around 5-10 lbs in the first week.  I'm not sure how my body will react to it, but I am really not that concerned with the first week.  I am more concerned with the end of the 24 day challenge.  I want to do it, with no cheating.  I want to give this Jumpstart every single opportunity to help me change the path and pattern of my life; of my family's life. 


     If I can inspire one single person, along the Journey, then it's worth it.  Maybe that person being inspired, will be me?


     As for the next blog, stay tuned.  I'll give you a little insight on what went on at the Montana Fitness Ranch!  It was a lot of fun!  Even when we were working out. :)

What if I told you...

What if I told you, I'm back?


What if I told you, I'm here, to try again?


What if I told you, I am not a quitter?


What if I told you, I've gained  back everything I worked so hard at losing?  My weight, inches, bad habits, all of it.


What if I told you that I am here to kick some ass?




Nobody can tell me what I need to do. I need to be the one that wants change.


I am the one.


Stand by for more regular blogs from me, for you to enjoy. :)


I've got everything to lose.