Week One - Down

Well, we made it through the first week.  I have to say, knowing that you're all doing this too, has really kept me motivated.  As you came to weigh in last night, I heard it over and over again that you feel the same way.  I'm so glad we're in this together.

Today I thought I'd share a simple, very yummy dinner we like at the Hamilton home.  We call it Kathy Shmack after my sister Kathy. 

Kathy Shmack

1 cup brown rice

2 cups water

1 cup chunky salsa

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed

3 Tbs taco seasoning or 1 pkg taco seasoning

Put all ingredients in a pot.  Simmer for 40-50 min until rice is cooked and all the liquid is gone.  We like the uncooked tortillas, they cook up quick, they're not full of preservatives and they're delicious.  Top with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa and lime.  Enjoy!

A Little Morning Inspiration

Thank you Patti for sharing this with us!

This is a great motivational video by Nike. I showed it to the kids today... But as I watched it with them I realized it is true for me too. I'm not running track, I'm not a world class athlete, but I am in a race... A race to get healthy. A Race to find the body God intended me to possess. One that is strong, energetic, and healthy. So today I committed to find my greatness. To see how far I can take this body of mine. And to not look back.

When my alarm goes off I will be greater than my doubts. I will persevere.

Feel free to share with anyone in the group that needs some motivation today!

http://youtu.be/OmkNKEHC8Pg

patti

Naturally Flavored Water

Have you ever tried naturally flavored water?  

It's yummy!  Here's all you do...

Get some fruit/herbs and put in a glass jar.

Fill the rest of the way with ice.

Add 2-3 drops essential oil.

Fill to the top with water and put lid on.

Let it sit for a few hours in the refrigerator to infuse with flavor.

For a list of fruit and herb ideas go here....

http://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/fruit-infused-waters#.dezmK8Zw8

Michelle Y. emailed me this morning and said she woke up today thinking about the next 12 weeks and became overwhelmed and really excited about the future, all at the same time.  Her thought was....

"One day better than yesterday".  

I feel stronger and more in control than I felt a few days ago.  I hope you are having similar feelings. Michelle, thank you for reminding us that making a change takes baby steps.  

Ok here we go, our weight loss challenge is under way!  Last night was a blast having you all over to weigh in.  One thing is for sure, people hate seeing how much they weigh.  

So this is the deal...if you have a favorite 

healthy meal 

snack idea 

exercise 

or any other weight loss tip that you love and want to share with the group, email me at krissyhamilton72@gmail.com and I'll post it here (with props to you) for all to see.  YES, we're competing against each other but we're also a team, here to support and encourage each other.   

Tip of the day...Drink Water!  You'll feel better, have more energy, and the pounds will drop off easier.  Read this article on WebMD to find out how much water you should be drinking.  http://www.webmd.com/diet/water-for-weight-loss-diet?page=2
Try.....
1. Bringing water with you every time you get in the car.
2. Put lemon essential oil in your water it tastes delicious (ask me about essential oils)
3. Drink water with your meals.  Cut out calories by not drinking milk, juice or soda.
4. Use an App like Waterlogged or Water Your Body.
If you have any tips to add, please let me know and I'll be sure to post them.  

I'm needing a little inspiration tonight.  Tomorrow some of my friends and I are starting a Slim and Sassy/Healthy Lifestyle change.  You get to join the group for just $35.  The money will go into a prize pot for the top winners.  

The plan is to weigh in on Monday afternoon/evening each week.  We'll judge it based on % of weight lost.  dōTERRA has developed some exciting new Slim and Sassy products just in time for our challenge.  One product will be available April 1 and they other on April 15th.  More information will definitely be coming soon!

I guess you could say it all started with In-N-Out.  In-N-Out #2 in Covina, California to be exact.  My dad started flipping burgers and making fries at In-N-Out when he was 16 years old.  A few years passed and he was movin' on up!  To manager.  He met my mom when she walked up to the counter to placed her order.  She and a friend had both noticed how handsome my dad was and decided one of them had to get his attention.  So they both laid on the flirt and guess who won?  Lets face it, she was a bombshell!  117 lbs, in a 5 foot 10, long legged body.  She was a hairdresser with bright red hair, and fake eyelashes. He couldn't resist. They got married and started on their journey together.  

Growing up in town my dad always had dreams of being a farmer.  He wanted to drive a tractor, collect eggs and eat tomatoes off the vine.  So they bought a little plot of land in southern california and built a house on it.  He finally had his chickens and tomatoes.  Along came a few kids, me being the first. After a few years they got a wild hair and decided they needed to pack up and move their little family up north.  

They found their dream in a small town in central California.  We moved into a little farm house on 12 acres, with LOTS of chickens.  We raised chickens that eventually became someones dinner.  About 90,000 chickens at a time, (nope that's not a typo, it was really 90,000).  We had steers, horses, dogs, a milk cow named Daisy, and lots of kids.  I'm the oldest of eight children, 4 boys and 4 girls.  We had a fun, happy childhood all crammed in that tiny house with one bathroom.  I quickly became the doctor of all those kids because my mom didn't like blood.  So when ever there was a cut, scrape or burn, I took over.  I loved being the one who took care of everyone.  

Jump forward a few years......I married my childhood pal and sweetheart, and we started our own forever family that I could take care of.  I love taking care of everyone's hurties.   So when my poor hubby started getting migraines, I'd give him the only thing I new to give him,  acetaminophen.  Over the years his migraines got worse and worse.  The medicine I gave him didn't work anymore.  We tried everything we could think of.  The medicine the doctors gave him didn't work.  We felt like we were up a creek without a paddle, going no where.  It was a helpless feeling.

This is when our lives changed.  We were introduced to dōTERRA Essential Oils.  The first time we used them we were floored with the results we got.  I applied the oils 3 times over about a 30 min period and his migraine went away.  What did we use?  Frankincense, Wintergreen, Peppermint and Deep Blue.  We just rubbed a few drops of each oil on his head where it hurt.  We felt so blessed to be given this beautiful gift.  We have been changed forever.  We don't look at healthcare the same anymore.  I'm a natural mama and love it.   Our kids haven't taken a lick of medicine in over 3 years. The end story is...... we live, breathe, and eat dōTERRA Essential Oils!  I am empowered!