30 Day Challenge July!

Courtney:

Wellllllll just to recap, June was a pretty big bust for me. I attacked the gym whenever my schedule allowed, but it certainly wasn't 6 days a week. I didn't drink any more water than normal, but I'm a fish anyway, so that was no big thang. The no-sugar and the portion size is what killed me - like always. I lost a couple pounds, but anything I lost in June, I'm sure I gained it back over the past week while I was in Mexico for my brother's wedding. Mexican food = my weakness, so let's just say I'm not that excited to get on the scale tomorrow morning... But there's nothing I can do about what's done, so I'm starting a fresh clean slate tomorrow. Yes, on Wednesday. You don't have to start a new goal on in January or on a Monday, every day of the year is a new opportunity for change! So tomorrow I'm re-committing to my healthy lifestyle. ESPECIALLY because I'm doing a study abroad in the United Kingdom for the month of September, and I want to actually like my pictures and be able to show them off without hating how I look, so I'm going to try to lose at least 20 pounds before then, if not more! And in addition to eating healthy (I haven't decided how I want to do it yet) Jenny and I are starting these workout challenges (provided by my friend Amanda Laine! :)

So there's 31 days in July, and starting TODAY (July 2nd) means we'll still be able to finish! :) If anyone else wants to join us, please feel free! And let us know how you're doing with your health and fitness goals! :)

<3 Courtney

Jeni:

It's all my fault that this is going up a day late, but you have to forgive me because to today is my birthday! ;)

Friends, it's been one heck of a year in the Waahila home. From miscarriage to depression and now some new health concerns, it's been a year of trials, tears and testing. Luckily, there is hope in any hard time. I've lived through enough of them in my life to know that what follows tribulation is always glory (D&C 58:4) and that God truly loves those he tries.

With all of that being said, I'm happy to say that this challenge will be a welcome addition to the good lifestyle changes I've already made. I've decided because of June that sugar is like poison in my body and I think I've sworn it off for good. (Except days like today of course...who has a b-day without cake?!) I've slacked off with working out and drinking water lately, but I can only promise as of now that my water intake will increase and I will complete this months challenge.

Until I know more about my current health issues, that might be all I can do. My hope was to run a marathon at the end of the summer, and I still have hope for that, but I will let you know ASAP what I'm really able to do.

So here's to a new month with lots of promise. I love you all!

Stay happy and healthy!

xoxo Jenny

Just Do It June - Update #2

Courtney:

Well I've learned a couple of things about myself over the past few weeks, but the biggest one is this:

I'm not very consistent. Whether it comes to dieting or blogging or working out or whatever. I have a hard time sticking to a plan. And that's because I'm just very chill, very go with the flow - whatever happens, happens. I can make things happen too, but not on a schedule or a time frame. And sometimes that can be a good thing, but other times not so much. So I don't necessarily think it's something that I need to change, it just needs some fine tuning, to work more for my success, betterment and benefit.

My workouts have been very inconsistent because I get off work at a different time every day.
Hard as I try to plan meals ahead, I often fall off the bandwagon in the nanny home when it comes to sugar.
Drinking water and portion control have been a breeze. My problem isn't quantity, it's quality.

And I have made progress on the quality front, but I still don't have that will of steel to say NO every time.

Now I'm on vacay with my family, which has proved to be even more difficult. I miss working out and I hate travel food. I also have homework that is backing up as I type, but I'm going out of the country for the week, so I wanted to update this blog before I go off the grid.

Just whatever you're doing, don't give up! If you want to see results, then you have to quit quitting. And I know I need to take my own advice too. So cheers to your goals and progress and to much success!

<3 Courtney

Hello loves!

How has June been for you? Thus far in my life there have been birthdays, tests, medical issues, new jobs, more busyness and...*drumroll please* WEIGHT LOSS!

Here's the instagram pic :) 5lbs down!

It's been a crazy journey, but I finally saw the scale move after 4 months of working hard at these goals.

Here are my confessions about it all:

I haven't been using MFP this month...like at all. Not sure if it's the reason why I'm losing weight, but I think I was becoming a little too obsessed, so taking a break has been nice.
I mentioned that my calorie intake is generally low since we're cut sugars out, and I'd say that's mostly true still. I've had some pizza this month...that was great, but I knew that day was gonna be crazy.

As for straight up sugars and desserts, I'm happy to repost only one splurge since my last entry!! Ed asked me if I would eat a root beer float with him so he didn't have to have it alone. He's been so supportive about all of this that his sugar intake has gone down as well. It's awesome.

Other than that, I have been happy to eat fruits and such as my only sweets. It's not to say the temptations aren't all around me all the time...trust me, passing on the cinnamon rolls in my early morning class the other day was rough, and not eating a treat when it's been a long day and I'm hurried to get something in my tummy is no easy thing. I walked around the grocery store yesterday for an hour just to find something acceptable to snack on.

All of it is worth it when I think of the awesome feeling I get stepping on that scale. I've lost 5 lbs. total now and I feel awesome about it.

I have more energy, I'm sleeping better and I feel good about myseld, which is really the most important thing.
It helps that Ed has noticed the changes. I put on my bathing suit the other day so we could go down to the river and he couldn't keep his hands off of me...that alone was worth passing on the treats! :)

So yea, it's tough...reading every label, feel frustrated and deprived from time to time, but it's been worth it!

My exercise life has taken a dip due to some medical things I'm working out right now. I'll know more next week and let you all know what's going on and how I'm going to proceed, BUT I'm still going to my aerobics class twice a week and getting a good burn going those days.
I'm also walking more. All this energy means that I don't mind walking around for things and being quick about it. My pedometer app has helped me see how I've been improving and I'm happy that the numbers are going UP!

I need to do better about water, especially now that it's hot all the time, however, I am eating LOADS of watermelon these days and that's been helpful :)

Not sure what else to say and if I think too hard I won't finish...so I love you all! Have an awesome 4th of July and BE SAFE!

xoxo Jenny

Just Do It June - Update #1

Jenny:

I taught my mom to take some selfies ;)

Oh hello friends. Here's something awesome: My mom (and cousins) came to visit me from California! :D YAY!
Another awesome thing: we all went out to ice cream today and I didn't get any!

OK...so let's be honest, this has NOT been an easy challenge. But here's how I'm doing:

2/5 Days worked out.
Portions: GREAT (until tonight)
Water intake: Needs Improvement
Sugar: Average (scale of 1-10 I'm at 8)

Here's the dealio...I might be sharing TMI, but without my Fiber One Bars I get a little back up, if you know what I mean. I swear by them (as Courtney says), but they have chocolate in them :(

I tried going without them the first two days and it was NO BUENO, so I've had one each day since. Other than that, I can't say I've done too bad. I try to read EVERY label and "just say no" when things aren't meeting the criteria. I even said no to some sugar free popsicles because they used Splenda.

So I feel good.

Here's what I'm noticing:
I'm less and less hungry and crave sugar less and less with time.
I have more energy (go figure) and I'm not "crashing".
I don't eat as many calories because my food options are smaller and make me want to keep my portions small.

Overall, so far so good...except I need to exercise more, but with my mom in town, that was my excuse ;)

Also, my loving husband saw I was bummed to say goodbye to my mama, so he got me some Italian food and I ate WAY too much. Luckily, I felt it and stopped, but about 30 minutes later I got my watermelon out and went to town. I guess I was hungry today!

That's all for me. I hope you're all having a great day!

Be happy and healthy!

xoxo Jenny


Courtney:

I think the reason I'm not losing weight anymore is because I'm stressed. And I'm not sleeping enough. Not to make excuses for myself and word-dump on the blog, but seriously, I picked a heck of a time to start a new eating and workout regiment.

Just the motivation I needed!

Working 12+ hours per day, 2 online science classes that I don't understand and will determine when I graduate, temple rep over the YSA conference for the entire summer, random Sunday school teacher and RS teacher, also planning my brother's wedding reception for June and trying to spend time with my sister before she leaves to serve an 18 month mission for the LDS church in July. On top of all that, I have to plan healthy eating habits and spend 1 or 2 hours at the gym (plus showering afterwards). Needless to say, I'm a little bit frazzled these days. I get home from work or the gym completely exhausted, and have to stay up till all hours of the night doing homework, then get up early for work the next day. It's a never ending cycle, and it's going to be the death of me. I didn't realize I had taken on so much this summer till it was too late. Now I'm just going to have to suck it up till the fall. So if you could just pray that I don't fail these classes, cause that will be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

But I'd say I'm doing pretty good so far on the June challenge, considering... everything.

- I've worked out every day since Monday.
- The only portion I haven't been controlling is my salads, they are out of control and I love it! :)
- Water intake is strong and steady at 8+ glasses per day.
- The sugar thing is kicking my trash. I haven't been doing very well at avoiding it, or even taking the time to check if the things I'm eating have sugar  :/ *derp*

Example A - good day!

Example B - bad day

Though I have had a little breakthrough of my own, not directly in correlation with our monthly challenge. I've been counting calories for over a month now. And I love the MyFitnessPal app, if for no other reason that showing me what kind of crap I've been eating, and how I can eat everything better in moderation. I'm slowly learning what's best for me and my body. Here are some of the pie charts from the MFP app, and I just love seeing what has my ratio is every day. It makes me more cautious and aware, and I don't really count the calories so much anymore, as I do the nutrition of what I'm taking in. So I'm not stopping here, I'm definitely going to be staying on top of this challenge and finding the right ratio for me, but MFP/counting calories is not going to be me for the rest of eternity, it's just a means to an end, until I get to a point where I'm knowledgeable and in control enough to not use it as a crutch anymore. Somewhere in the future, down the road, I will get there! :)

If you're new to our blog, introduce yourself and share some of your stories, successes or secrets! We're excited to get to know all of our friends and followers here :) hope you all have a great weekend ahead!

<3 Courtney

June Challenge (We need name ideas!)

Courtney:

Okay, ladies and gents!

Jenny and I have been keeping this blog for roughly 3 months now, and though we haven't seen too many results on the way to our health and fitness dreams, we sure have had fun with these monthly challenges, and we've learned so much! About what we like and don't like, and about what works and doesn't work in our separate and different lifestyles. She's a student and a wife, I'm a nanny and a single lady, so our schedules and our daily requirements call for different things. But we're still willing to make the same commitments - determined to be fit and healthy, and make baby steps along the way!

Precautions from the website ;)

So for June, we're going to kinda incorporate a few of the challenges from the past few months. Jenny and I were debating about what kind of challenge to do for this month, and we had a few ideas, but after some pondering and cruising Pinterest, we decided that this would be the one. A huge challenge, but doable I think..

Here are the details: (http://skinnyms.com/4-step-weight-loss-challenge/)

1) Increased water intake (at least 8-9 cups per day)

2) Avoid all refined and artificial sweeteners (4 daily teaspoons of unrefined sweeteners is allotted, along with Stevia, because it's natural)

3) Portion control (using salad plates for meals, and measuring food with hand palm)

4) 30+ minutes of exercise per day, 6 days a week

So. We've tried a little bit of everything over the past few months, but now we're going to throw it all together. The only thing that intimidates me is the sugar. I've seen how some of my friends get when they haven't had sugar over the an extended period of time, and I don't want to go crazy like they did, hahaha! Another hold up I know I'm going to have is that I can't eat the food at my nanny house anymore, and I don't have a lot of time to plan meals beforehand, early in the morning before work, but I guess I just have no choice anymore. I'm gonna do my best and do nothing less! Wish us luck!

<3 Courtney


Jenny:

Doesn't Courtney have an amazing attitude?

In my last post I talked with you about depression and I've been curious as to some natural ways to help in my battle with it.

By no coincidence, we're learning a lot about nutrition in my Child Development and Psychology classes right now, so it was the perfect time to do some research and make some changes.

I agree with Court, that the hardest part of this months challenge will be really taking a good hard look at what sugars I'm putting in my mouth.

Ed and I went grocery shopping Saturday and read EVERY label. (He's so supportive!) We found out that some of the things I've thought were healthy are NOT and some of the things I thought weren't healthy, fit the parameters of this challenge. Go figure.

So we made some purchases and I've committed to this as if I were starting all over.

A few things I've already done:

I'm making my green shakes at night now, just before bed, so I can grab and go in the morning.

I bought agave nectar, and a few other ingredients to replace the things I already use that might have been more sugary.

I found bars, snacks and meals that include all whole foods and aren't as processed. There are a few exceptions, but I will tell you as I go.

I am doing some serious research about what the nutritional value of certain foods are AND comparing things. (Do a google search about honey vs. agave, for example...so informative!)

I am packing my gym clothes the night before in an effort to make that more seamless. I would sometimes skip the gym if my clothes weren't washed or if I couldn't find them...lame, right?

I'm still using MFP, and want to use it even MORE specifically so it can help me track my sugars and other things like fat and sodium.

I'm really excited about this challenge, especially in conjunction with my aerobics class, a marathon I'm running in September (more details later) and getting help for my depression. I know this "high" will have a low to go along with it, so please help me and Courtney by commenting on our Facebook page, Instagram, YouTube or here on the blog so we can push through the hard times.

I love you all so much and I'm so excited to see how June changes us for the better!

Be happy and healthy!

xoxo Jenny

A quick P.S. I decided to start this challenge tonight after I fasted for church and I had some greek yogurt with a dot of honey and a dot of agave (I was comparing flavor, etc.) and it was AMAZING...no clue why I haven't been eating that my whole life!

MFP May! Jenny

Oh hello there loves...
I can't tell you how sorry I am that I haven't been more diligent in writing for this blog.

I've been having a lot of fun trying to juggle college, church, marriage and friends lately and to top it off, I've had some very personal and emotional realizations.

I'm going to share...and I will try to be to the point.

As many of you know, that real kicker for starting this lifestyle change was when my husband and I lost our baby in January to a miscarriage. I felt responsible and unprepared for all that came with that tragedy. I wanted to make changes that were in my control and I knew my health was one of them.

Since Courtney and I started this blog, we've had nearly 3 months of amazing challenges that have made us stronger, wiser and more aware. There hasn't been any mind blowing weight loss, but I think we've both seen how much happier and stronger these changes have made us.

As most of you know, Courtney and I are very connected to our faith, so with this change has come much prayer and faith. We've wanted to include God in our journey, since He is the creator of our bodies and the one who gifted them to us. I also added my prayers in regards to starting a family and when my husband and I should do that. We wanted to be ready and we wanted to know that God felt we were ready. I know my husband has prayed twice as hard about this and has just as much excitement and hopefulness as I do when it comes to starting a family.

If you've ever received a "no" answer to your prayers, you know that frustration that we've been experiencing the last few months. Someone wise once told me that God never says "no," but that it's always "not now" or "I have something better in mind." For us, we know that the silence isn't a bad thing, it's a patience thing.

OK, so here's the honest truth: I've wet my pillow night after night wondering why I'm not losing weight or why something so righteous wouldn't be given to me when I'm working so hard for it.
I've tried hard not to get frustrated or sad when I pray and I certainly don't want to be frustrated with God, who I know is loving and all knowing.

Then Mother's Day happened, and a strong of events before and after Mother's Day left me feeling a second wave of depression over the miscarriage.

I struggled with depression the worst after my Father died, and then again after we lost Indie. I thought working out and focusing on my goals had really helped to regulate me again, but when this recent depression hit, it was below the belt.

It's been very hard and very confusing and I still don't have a lot of answers that I wish I did, but there is one HUGE insight that I got lately.

I have chronic depression. I meet with a new therapist sometime next week to start a new treatment plan.

That's so hard to admit, since most of my life I'd classify myself as optimistic and happy. But that is still true. My nature, my spirit is happy and I'm very aware of my blessings and how much I have to live for. The problem is that I often lose control over my own emotions and tend to become disabled by my own sadness. It gives me insomnia, it makes me feel achey, tired and unmotivated and that just isn't me. So I'm coming to terms with it slowly and trying to rely on God to give me the humility and strength to get through this rough patch.

The beautiful part of this whole thing is that I started out thinking that I was fat and that I needed to gain some physical health in order to have children, when in reality I needed mental and emotional health.

I'm grateful for a loving God who saw my efforts, knows my heart and gave me the answer, even though it's hard to swallow.

I don't want to be a sad mommy, or pass on any of my depression to my children (which CAN happen), so I'm going to do all I can to deal with this and make myself the best future Mother I can be.

There is a lot to look forward to. I'm still optimistic about it all, and I know that I am so very blessed!

--

Now onto the logistics of this challenge:

This lovely chart is an honest representation of this last month for me. Some days are a little off, since I didn't finish the entry, and a few days are obviously unaccounted for, but for the most part, I stayed near my goal and I feel good about that.

I have NO CLUE why 5/3 is so high, but can't take it back now. I try really hard not to be too hard on myself about this stuff, I hope you are all trying that too. It does no good to beat yourself up endlessly about something you already did. Just change it.

When I was first dating Ed, he gave me some advice about life that I've always loved, "If you don't like it, change it." Simple. Powerful. True. It's applied in a lot of areas in my life, but especially in terms of our bodies!

Anyhow, I'm not sure what else to say about this challenge. I was doing so much better with MFP back in March and April, but that doesn't matter now ;)

Gotta keep going and keep tracking. It's a powerful tool!

I love you all. Never quit trying. My loving husband encourages me by telling me he's glad I haven't quit even when it's been hard.

I wish you all happiness and health!

xo Jenny

MFP May! Courtney

Soooooo... hi :) Yeah, it's been a while, but I've never really been a very consistent blogger, so I apologize profusely. I have been working super hard on our goal for this month, to log our food intake and exercise on MyFitnessPal, I just haven't been blogging about it! :( so sorry about that. Jenny and I both are going to update before the end of the month, and we're going to have a great new challenge for the month of June :) Team No Days Off! Summer doesn't mean we quit trying to eat healthy and get fit, no sir.

This past month was definitely a learning experience. I have noticed that I have more energy, more strength and more endurance. I've gotten back into stretching, and I'm looking into taking a Pilates class, because that's supposed to be really good for your core muscles, and that's where I need to focus so that I can protect my lower back (where I've had troubles in the past) in order to take up running. I also noticed that I'm a huge carb eater, at every single part of the day, hahaha. And I know my diet needs to be healthier if my workouts are to be more effective, so here's to more eating right and getting fit!

Recap of the first week is as follows:

So as you can tell, I'm pretty steady and consistent. Working out every week day and getting below my calories, then blowing up all my progress on the weekend :P Bad habit, but hopefully I can nip it in the bud before it gets too late. Though I know I have made progress in my eating habits over the past few months, I know it's no where near where I need to be. And fitting it all in with a schedule that includes a full time job and homework... that's also proven to be a little tricky. Something always has to suffer, there's no happy medium in the life of a college student. I either have no sleep, or no social life. I'll just have to do some praying to get my life back into balance again. But the rest of the month was pretty much the same. I went up and down, but I've been seriously watching and making note of where I need to change and improve. Which I love doing now! MFP isn't something I hate, it's something I look forward to, because I like to see what my options are as the day goes on, and where I can improve (I'm a freak like that).

An inspiring pic from our instagram account ;)

Also, I don't know if we've acknowledged this on the blog yet, but we now have an Instagram account! :)

>> @bestieswithbreasties13  ( or link here: http://instagram.com/bestieswithbreasties13 )

I was super excited about it because there are SOOOO many other healthy accounts to uplift and inspire and remind me about my goals. #fitgirls_inspire is what gave me the idea, and #transformationtuesday too. Now I just have this amazing desire to be successful this time with my weight loss, and I want to be able to inspire other people - I want to prove to myself that this is doable, and then I want to show other people that they can do it too! A bunch of healthy and happy people all around! :) so if you have an instagram account, go follow us right now! I've already been super impressed with how many people are now following us, we have over 60! :)

As for you and your own goals, keep up the good work! Even if you haven't made a difference on the scale yet, but eating right and making time to work out, you WILL make a different on your body, and you don't need a scale to measure that success :) keep up the great work everyone!!

<3 Courtney

MFP May! Week 1 - Jenny

http://edwardandjeni.blogspot.com/

For whatever reason, it was a long hard week last week that ended with a bit of a breakdown.
Please read my Mother's Day blog entry for details.

I just want to say that I know what Courtney and I are doing is inspired. She is so strong right now, when I am weak and I know I was the stronger of us in the beginning. That's just how it goes, but it's all meant to be.

So here's to a NEW week and some efforts to move forward and gain control again.

I love you all so much!

Stay healthy and happy!

-Jenny

MFP May! Week 1 - Courtney

Courtney:

So I don't know about the rest of you, but MFP + gym everyday = SUPER MOTIVATED COURTNEY. I'm not even doing that great a job at either one of them, but I've already noticed a change in my body. #1, I can control myself more. I haven't had fast food in like a month, except for when I go out with my family. #2, I have more mobility and energy in with my body. #3, I'm just happier! Things that would normally get me down are easily brushed off. I feel like I have more control because I'm treating my body better, and it's being grateful :)

Anyway, if we're being accountable, this is how my week has been so far with MFP:

          

Now would you look at that?! My days just kept getting better and better! :) I'm learning a lot about what I like and don't like, in the kitchen and in the gym. And guess what? I weighed myself this morning, AND I'VE LOST 1 POUND!! :D I know it's probably nothing, because I know my weight fluctuates all the time, and it's going to be going back and forth as I lose weight and gain muscle. I really should take my body measurements before there are too many changes, because I know that's how I'm really going to be able to measure my success, instead of by a scale. But I'm excited to see the changes :)

Another side note, I'm addicted to Zumba. I had done a few videos before, but I've never actually been to a class. And the one day I randomly got off work early, I had enough time to go to a Zumba class at my gym. Let me just tell you, I've never sweat that much in my life. I was using muscles I had forgotten that I had! But it was fantastic, and I'm addicted now. I went Thursday and Friday, and so now anytime my work schedule allows it, I'll be there. Not only is it a fantastic calorie burner, it's just fun! I get to shake my bum to fantastic Latin music?! Yes please! :)

Also, I've found a bunch of inspirational and motivational places on instagram, of all places. They post either healthy recipes, or "before and after" pictures, and it's great to have those daily reminders in my feed!

JUST DO WHAT YOU GOTTA DO. Good luck to everyone with all your goals too! :)

<3 Courtney

MyFitnessPal MAY! Intro

Jenny:

Ok, so the name isn't exactly chosen, but I think you get the point so far.

For the new challenge in May, Courtney and I will be Meal Planning a little smarter, lowering portions and tracking all of our meals on MyFitnessPal.

Something I've heard a hundred times is "abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym" or the "80/20" rule about food effecting our weight more than working out.

Because working out has brought me great results, but no weight loss, I'm taking some of this to heart and deciding that I need to plan out when and how much I eat better.

I'm excited to get to work with this challenge and I will be posting my results right here each day.

Here's Monday, which was day 1 :)

I try to keep myself within 100 calories under or else I'm not eating ENOUGH calories. 1370 is what was assigned to me based on my age, weight, and how often I work out.

Obviously I try not to go over the calories either, but with exercise, I tend to always go over, like you see here. I want to get to the point where I'm not going over the allotted calories for eating, but still burning those calories working out. That way, the deficit is higher and I lose weight.

So here's to May! I'm excited and nervous, but I know it's gonna be good!

Love you all...
Be happy and healthy!

xoxo Jenny


Courtney:

Gotta make some changes in order to see results!

So I am in LOVE with this new challenge :) I wasn't at first, because I've counted calories before and I hated it, I though it was the most monotonous boring way to live EVER. Plus I like to eat whatever I want and not have to be accountable for it, but that's what got me here in the first place ;) so I downloaded the app on my iPhone, which I was never really impressed with before, though I did use it, since I rarely have my laptop on me these days. But Jenny told me the website is so much cooler - and it is! You can still track everything on your phone, but the website is much more user friendly. But since I've returned back to the gym, and I can see the calorie-in/calorie-out ratio, I know that I do need to watch more of what I eat. And this is a great way to do it!

As for my first day of the challenge and using the MyFitnessPal website, I'm actually surprised at how close I got to my calorie intake level for the day. I thought it was gonna be blown out of the water. But it's great to see what exactly I'm taking in, because they break everything down for you, and I now know that a majority of what I eat in a day is carbs, so that's what I need to cutback on, and replace it with other energizing foods. I know that this has probably had a great deal to do with why my weight has been so wonky. The scale has maintained a 10 pound range since we started these challenges, but it's never been consistent. Now that I'm paying more attention to the intake, and I'm more focused on the outgoing, I'm hoping there will be a consistent downhill motion on the scale. So not only am I accountable for WHAT I eat, but also HOW MUCH. Portion control is going to be a huge goal of mine this month. And I just keep thinking back to my mission and what I was doing there, and while I wasn't on a very strict diet, there was just a lot of movement every day. So I need to get back into the habit of doing that.

Another thing that I really love about this website is that you can also track your water intake! Which is great, because I know it's something that I've been needed to work on. Having grown up in Florida, I'm just naturally a fish, and water has always been my drink of choice. I rarely drink sodas, and I randomly enjoy a good lemonade, but seriously, I just always drink water. But when I lost my job, I also lost my water bottle (I'm assuming I left it there), so I stopped drinking water all the time. And I know that is really good for your body, and boosts your metabolism. But I finally got a new water bottle (come on, Courtney. It wasn't really that hard...) and it holds 32 oz, so I think it's safe to say if I'm repeatedly filling that thing up, I'm gonna have to pee all the time! :P But on the website, there is also a place for notes, which is where I'll keep my vitamin/illness records. They seriously thought of everything for this website! :)

So whatever goals you have this week or this month, I hope you stick to them! Kinda like Jenny said, she might not have seen the scale move, but she has noticed other great healthy attributes in her life, which has made the eating right and calorie burning parties at the gym all worth it :) So I hope that you all keep a positive attitude about your weight, your habits and your goals.  :) best of luck!

<3 Courtney

30 of 30 - Days 25-30

Courtney:
Monday - 1
Tuesday - 0
Wednesday - 1
Thursday - 1
Friday - 0
Saturday - 0
Total! - 14

So. 14 out of 30. Meh. I could have done better, MUCH better. But I learned a lot about myself over this challenge. What motivates me, and what doesn't. What I need to do so that I can eat healthy. Where my weaknesses lie and what I need to avoid. I think now that I got my gym membership back, I'm more excited about working out and moving my body, like Jenny has mentioned before. And I'm going to be much more serious about what I eat, because I've remembered how hard it is to work it off, and I'm seeing the math of calorie intake and calorie burning, and it's just not adding up. So I know where I need to work, and that's why I'm excited about our new challenge :) this motivational picture is one of my favorites because #1) I love fruit, but also #2) being fit/healthy AND losing weight are both important. That's what Jenny and I are aiming for! Healthy and happy bodies, which comes from eating right and treating our bodies right as well. And no matter how many months of challenges this takes, we will do it! :)

I know I wasn't all that involved or excited about this blog or the challenges in the beginning, but that's because my life had no direction or motivation, and I was having little success with anything. Then I found a job, I passed the math class that had been following me around since high school, and now I have some goals to work towards before the end of the year. Now that I have more control over my life, I know what I'm doing and where I'm going. And these goals are what's keeping me on track :) now I'm in this for real.

Besties with Breasties is back in action. Bring on the next challenge!! :)

PS - I'm pretty sure Jenny has this challenge in the bag, so just let me know what you would like for your prize, and I will get it in the mail ASAP! :) (I know you'd really just like to have ME show up on your doorstep and that would be prize enough, but you'll have to wait a little longer for that one ;)


Jenny:
25: 1
26: .5
27: 1
28: 1
29: 1
30: 0
TOTAL: 16

I also could have done a lot better this month, but I feel good that I made it over halfway. I also am proud of Courtney who was only two days short. That means we both made good progress in terms of moving at least twice as much as we did before.

I've learned a lot this month. Working out has become something I really enjoy and look forward to now. I've come to understand my body a bit more and appreciate all that it can do for me.

I think one of the most obvious and amazing things about consistently working out is how much it's curbed my depression.
I've lived with depression for years now, but it has times when it's stronger in my life. For example when Ed and I had the miscarriage in January, I felt some of those strong effects begin to manifest themselves.
After seeking professional help, I knew I had to be proactive and that's when I began this blog with Courtney.

It's been amazing to me that working out has kept me happy, strong and feeling accomplished, when nothing else has lately. I am grateful for the inspiration to do this, because it has already improved my life a lot.

I will talk about this more in our next post about the new challenge, but the scale still hasn't changed for me since February  I have a million thoughts as to why that might be, but ultimately, it could be a source of frustration and discouragement. Instead, with the help of Courtney, my husband and other good friends, I've seen that the changes have happened other places. My body does look better, I am stronger and more able now, and I feel better. More than that, these changes are becoming habits, and that's really what I wanted all along. Healthy habits.

So, here we are in May and we're gonna jump into another challenge. Read on for more of the wonderful adventures of health from the Besties with Breasties.

Love you all!
Stay healthy and happy!

-xoxo Jenny

30 for 30 - Days 23 & 24

Courtney
Friday: 1
Saturday: 1/2
Total: 11

Boom! I'm super excited about this whole gym thing. I've been tearing it up recently, and now I've got my brother and my sister signed up to start coming with me! :)

I know that my schedule over the next few weeks is going to be KILLER. Up at 5:30 for work, possibly squeezing in science homeworking during naptime (since that's all I'm taking this semester, then I'm done with my AA!), working out at the gym after nanny mom gets home between 5:30-6:30, then coming home for shower and dinner, and then all night doing more homework, which might also cut out my institute attendance. This leaves little room for a social life or book writing, but sacrifices must be made, as demonstrated in this little meme here. Decisions, decisions...

Regardless, this is only the short term schedule, because I am going to be saving up money for school in the fall, and that's when the real challenge will begin. So I'll bite the bullet for now, and just do this one day at a time. One more week till this challenge is over, and then Jenny and I will start something new! :) Best of luck to all of you and your goals!

Jenny: (uhm, I just sat here and struggled to type my name...)
23: 1
24: 0
Total: 11.5 (I think...have to check.)

Hey y'all. Guess what I did this weekend?
I drove to Utah and had lunch with my Grandmother who just turned 82! :)

It was so good and much needed weekend break from school, working out and Rexburg. Don't get me wrong, I love all of those things, but each of them in too much dosage has started to take a toll.

Since I was the primary driver today and we barely got home in time for church and taught our first week of primary and had company for dinner tonight, I'm pretty whooped. I might slobber on my arm before my homework is done tonight...mmm...visuals!

Seriously though, life is good. I'm feeling super blessed lately. I have a really full schedule and a lot to think about and do lately, but I can't complain on bit. I know I'm where I'm supposed to be, I am who I'm supposed to be with and I'm making every effort to be better.

As far as working out on Friday, I headed to my Aerobics class only to realize we don't meet Fridays. So I went to the gym for the hour instead. I think I'll do that every Friday since I already have that hour blocked out.

Ed and I got some workouts helping people move this weekend too. In return for our service, we got some free furniture, which we're really grateful for! We also bought a table and chairs which has made me a VERY happy wife.

Like I said, good things all around.
I hope you all had a good weekend and are also working towards your workout goals. We are rooting for you!

As a final thought, I realized all over again that I love myself regardless of the number on the scale.
There are a few reasons. First of all, I really believe God saved me from a world of pain when he made me chubby as a kid. I can't imagine going through some of the vulnerable and hard times in my life with adding relationships or guys chasing me, or even the thought of being promiscuous too early.
Secondly, I am grateful that I can help people feel comfortable around me. This might not seem like it's related to weight, but one fat joke, one crack about reality or food or just being different and I can usually diffuse differences and help people realize that I'm secure with myself and like to laugh at myself sometimes. I don't know if this one is making sense, but I promise I mean it in a good way ;)

Anyhow. I love you all.
Be happy and healthy!
-Jenny

30 for 30 - Days 21 & 22

Courtney:
Wed - 1
Thurs - 1
Total - 9 1/2

Moving up in the world :)

I've had some pretty productive days recently. I re-activated my account with LA Fitness - I had the membership while I lived in San Diego, but I put it on hold while I had been out of work. It felt good to finally getting back to working my body. Cause let's be real, walking has been the extent of my "workouts" the past few weeks. But now I'm back in the game :)

And this little lady explains the hardest part. Get out of your own way! Be productive! And happy TGIF to everyone :)

Jenny:
W: 1
Th: .5
Total: 11.5

Oh man...you guys...18 credits wasn't the best idea I ever had.
I just started my new job today as a personal assistant/caretaker and even though it doesn't require a lot physically (yet) it has drained me mentally.
It could be because of my course load too, but still...I'm tired.

Today was good though. I really love this job. I get to help a good friend of mine that I taught as a missionary in Portland. He is going to school here and needs someone to help him with time management, meal planning and taking meds, etc.
In my Child Development and Psychology classes I'm learning a lot about people with different disabilities and it's been neat to live what I'm learning.

In other news, I'm excited for my fitness class tomorrow since we're doing kickboxing! Wooohooo!!
My exercise Wed is from that class. I had to do a fitness assessment and I'll do another one midterm and as a final. I'm excited to see how I progress. I have a lot of body fat (we had it measured), but I am pretty flexible. I beat a lot of the "skinny" girls on the flexibility tests, but push ups and jump rope nearly killed me. I am determined to get better!
I'm giving myself a half point for today for walking around all of campus, running errands for our new apartment and helping a couple in our ward move...they live upstairs!! I definitely worked up a sweat a few times today!

If I'm struggling with anything lately it's hunger and calorie intake. Gotta keep myself in check before I become a garbage disposal. Ed and I are researching all sorts of protein and other things we need to do to help our workouts have more effect on our bodies. Should be good :)

Hope you laugh or smile today.
Be happy and healthy!
-Jenny

30 for 30 - Days 18 - 20

Jenny:

18: 0
19: 1
20: .5
Total: 10

Ok, so I will admit that I got kind of lazy and busy this weekend and didn't exercise. I probably could have, but I really wanted to get ready for a new semester Monday, so I didn't.

However, despite that little rain cloud, there is sunshine! I mentioned on the Facebook page today that I was accepted into an aerobics class! I am required to work out 4 times a week, keep a food and exercise log and I will even get to use a heart monitor as part of a project for class. I am excited to begin learning more about how to be healthy.

I went to the gym today and did the bicycle machine (is there a better name for it?) for just a few minutes before Ed was done with class. I also TREKED uphill for class this morning...and will have to do that every Mon, Wed and Fri mornings. I signed up for classes that are on opposite sides of campus! Duh! You see Child Development is my 7:45am class and is on the far North side of campus. Then I have Psychology on the Southern-most tip of campus. After that is this Aerobics class and that is on the far North-West side of campus. So needless to say, I either need to get in shape to do this, or doing this will force me to get in shape!

For my picture, I thought I'd go the inspirational route. I know there are moments I was chocolate more than the elliptical. There are days I long for laziness and relaxation rather than sweat and discomfort. I also know that not one day goes by that I don't see the effect of my weight on my quality of life. I often look at other women's bodies and wonder if I will ever look as wonderful or fit as they do. I also think a lot about Motherhood and the habits and traits I want to pass along to my kids. I want them to have a disciplined Mother, with healthy habits that bless their lives. I want to pass on a legacy of health and happiness and I cannot sacrifice that for the instant pleasures of the day.

Love you all. Keep moving forward!
xoxo Jenny

**Tuesday update: Today was SO CRAZY and I have to be up for my 7:45 am class tomorrow, so this will be quick. (It's past midnight now.)
I had I-Night tonight. It's a big carnival type thing for new and returning students to come to for games, challenges, hanging out and getting to know people. It also features some groups on campus, which included my comedy troupe.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE performing, but our first show was a total bust...barely any laughs and a lot of awkward silences or people saying, "awww" when someone made a funny jab at another character. Not the kind of energy we were expecting.
Luckily the second show of the night was MUCH better. It was rather emotional and exhausting, though, to give your all to something and have it feel like a failure.
I'm giving myself a half point today because Ed and I did a ton of walking this morning as we shopped for new semester items and some much needed furniture.
We are moving to the downstairs apartment in our house and we're stoked, but it's much bigger and we need to have legit furniture!
This was supposed to be short, right...sheesh.
Anyhow, if any of you have performed in any kind of theatre, it can be quite a workout. Me and the other girls on the cast had about 5 random dance parties, then we gave all we could to our characters. In one scene I throw myself on the ground and have a fit. Also, I went up and down the stairs by the theatre about a hundred times!
Anyhow...I promise to give you an update about my fitness class tomorrow :D
LOVE YOU ALL!
-Jenny



Courtney:
Sat - 0
Mon - 0
Tue - 0?
Total - Still 7 1/2

Note to self - don't ever start a new semester, a new full time job, and your period at the same time. These past few days have not been my finest. I have been an emotional and physical train-wreck since I got back from San Diego, and I'm just trying to work through it. I know that I need to be better, in a lot of aspects in my life, but I'm taking it one day at a time.

New full time nanny job includes running around after 2 toddlers, starting at 5:30 every morning. It's all I can do to stay awake during nap time to do homework, make necessary phone calls, or make little updates like this on my laptop. Once I get off work, I'm headed straight to the gym, to re-open my account at LA Fitness and then I'll hope and pray that I can wiggle the monthly dues down so that it will fit into my monthly budget. I plan on taking my nanny kids on a long walk, but that's going to be completely dependent on how freakishly bipolar the weather is feeling today. Which has also been part of my downfall, because of the 4 days of rain, I've been seriously lacking in my vitamin D / sunshine / happiness.

Also, I'm starting this new semester off with a bang, and it has been a hellish nightmare for the past 48 hours. Right now I'm an online student through BYU-Idaho, but I'm trying to change that so that I can bean on-campus student in the fall for my Bachelors (why am I trading in Florida for Idaho, you ask? Because I'm crazy, and only a certified lunatic would do what I'm doing). But I've hit about one brick wall after another trying to get everything set up in the fall, while I start the spring semester, and I haven't met one helpful person in the ten various offices that I've had to call. I would just give up now if I didn't know that it's where Heavenly Father wants me to go. So I've just got to suck it up and wait till He fixes everything, cause I've done my part.


Anyway, this isn't a blog for me to vent out my frustrations, it's for everyone to be motivated and healthy and happy! So since Jenny already provided you with some motivational encouragement, I will include some humor for your day. If you're struggling like me, just focus on what you can control, and we'll get through it eventually. There's gonna be a light at the end of the tunnel right?!

Keep your head in the game, people.

30 for 30 - Days...17 - Jeni

Today: 1
Yesterday: 1
Total: 8.5 (I finally went back and counted!)

Oh hello there...I know, we're practically strangers after all this time I haven't blogged. I'm so sorry. This week is my Spring Break and I think I just kind of "checked out" on a lot of things. Good thing the new semester starts next week and I will be back to a very structured schedule, which will include blogging and food and exercise recording.

In the meantime, here's the damage. After that cold that kicked my butt (and still likes to send me reminders in the morning that my throat is sore, etc.) I tried to jump back into the routine I was doing at the gym, but it was rough. I went with my husband to the gym on Monday and woke up feeling even more sick on Tuesday.

Wednesday was a fluke. I wanted to go to the gym, but somehow between babysitting and caring for my husband who had caught my cold, it just didn't happen.

However yesterday and tonight we went to the gym together and it's been so much fun. I am VERY motivated by him being there with me. I also feel like I can push through the hard parts of my workout a lot better than before! I'm getting stronger.

I really want to run a 5K in July, so I want to do the "couch to 5K" program sometime soon. I will post about it, promise. If I end up doing that I will need to structure my time at the gym a little differently.

Right now, I do 30 minutes of cardio (usually the elliptical, but I did the treadmill today and like that a lot too) and then focus on one part of my body to work on for another 10-20 minutes. Then I stretch and head home.

I really love the set up of the BYU-I gym and how many machines and how much variety they have. They have things I've never even seen as a 3 year member of 24 hour fitness. I am impressed and sometimes overwhelmed, but mostly just glad to have a place I can go where the dress code is modest and we all know the doctrine of the body :)

My picture today isn't funny, but man is it true! I needed this and many other affirmations I recently pinned. :) Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

That's all for now. I promise I will be better. Thanks for hanging in there. Love you all!

Be happy and healthy!
xoxo

30 for 30 - Days 13-17 - Courtney

Courtney:

Monday - 0

Tuesday - 1

Wednesday - 0
Thursday - 1/2
Friday - 0

Total - 7 1/2

One of my friends told me that San Diego brings me good luck. Not only did I get 3 different job offers for back home in Florida while I was vacationing in SoCal, I ALSO LOST 5 POUNDS.

Score for Courtney :) I haven't seen that scale so much as budge throughout all our healthy changes and challenges. And I wasn't moving my body any more than normal, and I would split a green smoothie with a girl friend almost every morning, which is nothing new. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I will take what I can get! It just doesn't make any sense. But what can I say? San Diego loves me :)

Right now (Wednesday) I'm running on like 2 short power naps, because I got ZERO sleep last night - flying red-eye without Dramamine is a setup for a pretty hellish night. I didn't get airsick at all, I just couldn't fall asleep. I have a bad habit of staying up late, regardless of what side of the country I'm on, and with all my recent time traveling, my body was probably in freak-out mode, trying to figure out what it should do. So my plane landed this morning, I took a shower and a short nap, and I went to a babysitting job. Came home and took another nap, and then went to a job interview. I then realized that I had started my period (sorry to any male readers) but that is just added stress to my already worn out body. So this blog entry might come out a little delusional, but I'm going to finish this update before I conk out for good.

Tuesday my workout included running up and down flights of stairs while helping a friend move out of his apartment, and literally running across the airport, after realizing that I was supposed to be checking in at United Airlines, not US Airways. #storyofmylife

Thursday I took my nanny kids on a walk to the park just down the street, and I was thriving in the humidity :) am I weird that I love it so much? The weather was so dry and cool while I was in Cali, so being back in sunshine and warmth was good for me.

Friday - The rest of the week has been me recovering from some serious jet lag, and jumping right back into working full time. I got my first paycheck today :) and I'm making some serious goals for myself next week. I'm determined to kick the rest of this month in the junk!

As for Jenny, I'm sure you'll be hearing about her weekly update soon enough.

Best of luck to the rest of you and your goals too! :)

30 for 30 - Days 11 & 12

Courtney:
Friday - 1/2
Saturday - 1/2
Total - 6!

That's only half, haha...

I need to step it up.

Life has been crazy the past few days, because I've just been running around helping with one of my friend's weddings in San Diego. But with all the heavy lifting and decorating and body moving activities, I can safely say that I get half a point for each day.

In other great news, I might have a job when I get back home! :D I've been invited to a couple interviews, but I know for sure there's this one nanny mom that needs some help the day that I get back. So I'll be getting paid, woo hoo!!! That also means that once I get a steady income again, I can go back to the GYM!!!! :D and then this challenge is going to be on like Donkey Kong. Keep that in mind, Jeni! ;)

Yesterday started out pretty rough, but I had a fantastic day at church, and I was taught many things by the Spirit, even from lessons that I had already heard before. I'm just so blessed, even in my trials - even on a Monday! ;) And I'm so grateful that the Lord is aware of me, and he wants me to be happy and successful, and he provides for me, even when I don't expect it, or deserve it.

Matthew 6:28 - "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:" <3


Jeni:

Last few days: 0
Today: 1
Total: Still don't know.

So, being sick is lame...as we all know, and I've seriously done nothing but sleep, eat, go to church and leave the house one other time.

It's been necessary, but really hurt my good streak of working out. Especially since I was working my way to more time and harder resistance.

In any case, today I'm feeling better, but Ed is super sick now :(

I'm also babysitting my neighbors newborn. So fun! Ed and I talked about working out later today, but if he's still sick, I doubt we'll go.

Being sick doesn't give me a very big appetite, so I haven't eaten a lot, but Ed has ensured that I'm getting at least some protien and starch in my dinners.

I am anxious to feel 100% and jump back into things.

My funny picture is a little jab at all of us who have used every excuse in the book to not take responsibility for our actions. Funny, but true.

I'm gonna get back to watching this precious baby take her nap :)

Be happy and healthy, loves!
xoxo

UPDATE: Just got back from the gym with Ed. He is stoked about getting back in shape too, so it will be nice to have multiple workout buddies :)

I have a couple of thoughts. First of all, a good playlist can make or break a work out session. Second of all, working out ALWAYS ends up being worth it and I'm always a lot happier and more satisfied when I go.

Lastly, I have a couple of exciting announcements for the upcoming months, but I'm finalizing a lot of things, so please keep praying and pulling for Courtney and I to be able to make our health a priority and be successful!

I can't end without a quick tidbit about the tragic bombing that happened in Boston today. There is evil in this world and there is good. There were tragedies that happened, including the little 8 year old girl who died, but there is always a lesson to be learned and a beautiful side to tragedy. I posted this picture earlier on FB from Mr. Rogers and I believe with my whole heart there is always good to be seen in moments of disaster. God lets bad things happen to good people, but He never leaves them alone.

My prayers are with you all <3

30 for 30 - Days 9 & 10

Jeni:

Today: 1
Yesterday: 0 :(((

So I got the days mixed up...and since we don't count Sunday, yesterday was actually day 9 and today is day 10.

I have a cold, so I'm sorry if this is short and scattered.

Yesterday I got into my work out clothes, drove to Rexburg to work out and then my husband basically said I couldn't workout because he was given some Elk meat from a friend that we needed to get home ASAP. Once we got home and ate dinner, his mission buddy came over to stay for a few nights...we all stayed up until about 2am chatting. So...blame my husband! ;) I feel lame about it, but I really feel like it was out of my control. I TOOK 3 FINALS THAT DAY! I accomplished something...right?

Ok, so today Ed wanted to hang out with some other buddies in town and so I spent all day on campus. I worked out HARD to make up for missing yesterday. Totally hit that point in cardio where I wanted so badly to stop, but then my favorite Imagine Dragons song came on and I finished! Felt so good. Then I focused on legs and upped my weight on all the machines. I did close to 50 reps on each machine. Either in increments of 10 or 15.

I had one other paper to write for a final and did that today too. I also ate really well and drank more water than I have been.

I posted a video about exercise on my personal facebook, but I will put it on the BwB facebook page as well.

Ok, funny picture was stolen from a lady I taught on my mission. It's sad, but true. I don't think I even want to be "smokin'," but I don't think I would be anyhow. Today I had another sad moment about the scale not changing, but I also had a really good moment when I watched that video and it said that it's still better for your health to exercise and be overweight than not to. That should be obvious, but when a doctor tells you on YouTube, that's when it's doctrine! ;)

Ok loves, I need some rest or I might be a sickling tomorrow! No bueno!

Love you all!
Be happy and healthy!
xoxo


Courtney:

Wednesday - 0
Thursday - 0
Total - still 5!

Being in San Diego, I'm finding it difficult to "work out" ... no, that's not entirely true. I'm just being pretty stinking lazy. Any free time is spent with my friends, or just relaxing. After all, this is technically my "spring break" so I'm trying to enjoy my vacation. Although I have pretty much incorporated healthy eating into my every day life, excepting the occasional dessert ;) and I even taught one of my friends here how to make green smoothies! Just spreading the natural love. Now I will bet that tomorrow and Saturday I will get a few half points because I will be part of the slave labor- er, I mean, setup and take down team, for my friend's wedding.

But in other news, I finished reading Divergent. And I have a problem - I don't have the sequel.

PS: Also, I watched Hunger Games the other night, and it made me miss Jeni <3