Motivation!

Motivation in weight loss is a lot like location in real estate. It's a must. It's easy to say "I'm going to lose weight!" Who out there reading this has never said those words? I have said those and many other similar words. What do those words mean? Do they mean anything? Yes and no. I have said those words with lots of gusto and belief, I have also said them to placate others. My wife, my doctor, my family, friends, employers and strangers on the street. Many times I spoke those words I believed that what I was saying was true. Then when I hit that magic number in December of 2014 a realization hit me like a Mack truck doing 80...I had never meant those words. It wasn't until I got to the point that I wanted or needed to do something did I ever say those words and mean them.

I am not here to brag or say this is how it will work for everyone. this is just me being me and saying what works for me. I don't know what works for you, what will work for you. I just hope that maybe something I write will be something that strikes a note in you, something you can hear and understand and realize you are not alone. I have come a long way in a short time. I hit a milestone just a couple days ago and am now down 160 pounds from where I started in 2014. It was a number that is music to my ears. Was it 160 pounds lost or was it 345 on the scale, i don't know. What I do know is I am now lighter than I have been in my daughters life. When my oldest girl was born I weighed 350 pounds. She is now 16, which means I am the lowest weight I have been in at least 16 years. All those years living bad, for what reason?

I can answer that easily...I LOVE FOOD! Simply put, I would rather eat then just about anything. Food is my pitfall. I love all types of food, but, my true downfall is carbohydrates, carbs made me the man I was just a short year ago.Pasta, bread and anything gluten filled. I really don't know what gluten is, but, I know it tastes delicious. Why do I tell you this? This is a blog about losing weight and a healthy lifestyle right? Again, I tell you this in the hopes that you understand that this is doable, if you take the time and get that motivation then you can do this the same way I have.

Am I perfect? No, I am still a horrible person when it comes to food. If I let myself, I will gravitate to all those foods that I love so much. Pizza versus a salad? I like salad, but, I love pizza. Lasagna versus 8 oz of lean chicken? Again, I want the lasagna. I know you all feel the same way, but, we have the ability to take control. Will you be perfect all the time? Nope, nobody is. Will you stumble and fall? Yup, I do everyday. The point is to not get down on yourself, realize the mistake you made and try to do better. Will you stumble and fall again? You will, I do. I just keep forging forward.

Remember, you don't lose weight, get in shape for anyone except yourself. If you do it for someone else, you might as well pick up a chocolate bar and enjoy. All doing it for someone else does is make you resent them for wanting you to be different. "Why can't they love me for who I am?" Because for them to love you for who you are, you have to love you for who you are.

Which brings me back around to motivation. You can't buy it, you can't borrow it. It's there in you, you just have to unlock it. I know you can.

Until next time gentle reader.

Jaxion Rebel

Happy Trees

Anyone old enough to get that reference out there?  If not, a long time ago there was a happy little painter on the happy little TV's, who loved to paint happy little trees.  See where I'm going with this? Anyone? Anyone?

HAPPINESS!  And not the kind you can get in a bottle that turns to regret the next day. I'm talking about you and a positive outlook on life. Don't get me wrong. I know we all have bad days. Sometimes it's bad weeks, months, or even years.  Now I'm by no means a trained psychiatrist (though I've seen my fair share <laugh>) but I do know that deep down we all want to be happy. And happy isn't always what you think it is. It doesn't have to be a knock your socks off/I've won the lottery feeling all the time. Sometimes it's just sitting on the couch watching your kids smile the first time the cat lets them pet it.

Now why am I going on about happiness? Because how you look at things can effect how you feel. How so? Ever think "Gee I don't want to workout today. XXX is wrong in my life I think I'll just go back to bed". We've all been there. Don't fall into that trap. You see yourself shirking something you need to do, them by golly you tell yourself to get moving! Turn "I don't want to" into "What adventures will doing this bring?" (Ok, doesn't flow off the tongue, but you get the idea.) Sometimes you have to fake it until you make it; with being positive being right up there on that list. And being positive feels good!  If you feel good, you want more good. It's a circle of success people! 

So, take that positivity and bring it to your workout. Don't think, "Ugh! Leg day!". Turn that frown upside down and try something like "You see these legs? They might not like me tomorrow, but the next day I'm taking myself, my friend, and my little doggy all the way to OZ!" (Ok, probably just up the local hiking trail, but remember: Everyday is an Adventure!)

Ok, my positive little peacocks; time to go forth and strut your stuff. Amaze your friends and family with your own version of living with the mentality of "Happy Little Trees".

Your Positivity Guru for the Day,

UltimateJinx007

Hiya!

Hello my fellow followers! (You know who you are!)  Heck, hi to those visiting for the first time and those who casually check in once in a while. Great to see you too!

So, I promised I wouldn't be "that person". You know, the one who blogs about EVERYTHING! I was just going to blog on Fridays. But I couldn't do it this week. I really missed you guys!

This weekend started with me utterly failing to work out as I had planned. Friday workout? Saw a movie instead. (Deadpool. If you haven't seen it go. Go now! Best movie of the year!!!) Saturday? No one is home, I think I'll just do an anime marathon. Sunday? Oh crap! Everyone is coming home today. I have to clean the house!

While no exercise got done, there was an examination of conscious. The conclusion was mainly, wow am I lazy! I knew that already, really I did. But this time I was aware I was making the decision not to exercise. And I didn't like it. So, I got right back on that horse and headed out to my first training session at the gym I joined. That was a huge disappointment. The guy said go do this (which I had already been doing) and go work in this area (which I already told him I had tried and not liked). All in the space of about 10 minutes when there was an entire hour to fill. No showing what he meant or showing how to use the workout machines. Since there was an older woman who had never worked on the weight machines before in my poorly executed group session, I ended up showing her the ropes. (Hmmm....wonder if I can get paid for that?) Yeah, felt a bit low and uninspired after that.

But hope was on the horizon! Yesterday I was approached by a co-worker who had seen me at the gym on Monday. She graciously has volunteered to show me how to use the equipment I actually want to use! Plus yesterday I met a fellow member of the Rebellion online! (Nerd Fitness. Such an awesome website. Nerds, geeks, fantasy enthusiasts, anyone who wants to get in shape, go to their website!!!) This person is going to go to the same Spartan Sprint as I am. And this will not be their first race either. I have a mentor!!! Granted on-line and probably mostly cheerleading, but I have a mentor!!!

Hmm...what a lot of writing. Sorry to go on like that. I'll try to make Friday's blog a little shorter. I've been attention starved this week. (Love me!) <laugh>

For now, I want you to start thinking about your workout habits. Might just be an eye opener! 

Later!

UltimateJinx007

Hello Boys and Girls!

Hello there boys and girls!

My name is UltimateJinx007 and I will be your host today. Since I feel like I already know you, please feel free to call me Jinx. All my friends do. And you're my friend right? Wait, you want to know a bit more about me before making that decision?! Probably a wise choice. <grin> Well, here you go!

While I may seem like an ultra-cool jet setter while writing these posts, I am in reality a married mom with a passel of kids ranging from 17 down to 2. You would think that would mean I'd be running around so much I'd be a stick figure version of Kate Moss. Unfortunately not. At this point in my life I am at my heaviest and most unhealthiest (is that a word?) that I have been at any point in my life. Sad I know. Even sadder was the number on the scale this morning. <whispers> 190! Don't tell!

So, it's time to (wait for it), Nut Up or Shut Up. Now, I've been trying to lose weight for years. Usually resulting in dangerous weight loss and gain. Especially heavy on that gain part. (Aren't I punny?) Now I'm staring down the big 4-0 and my kids are running circles around me. My goal, besides trying to survive my children's rough and tumble love, is to finish a Spartan Sprint this summer. Look it up; it looks frightfully fun. I've reached a point where I don't care about that number on the scale anymore. Well, maybe a little. What I do want is a body that will do what I want when I want it to. Whether that is carrying my sleepy little munchkins up to bed without getting winded or crawling up a muddy hill under barbed wire screaming "Bring it on!".

So, now that you've gotten to know me (friend!), I hope you continue to follow our newly created blog of those who are ready to NUT UP or SHUT UP!

Be talking to you again real soon,

UltimateJinx007

Nut Up or Shut Up! - Why we are here.

There are a few of us on a road to better health. Some were there once and have lost the way. Some were never there and are just following a new trail. Some have been on this journey for a while now. No matter what the reason or why your here, the first step has been made, you are here.

As we progress we will all tell you our stories. I will be known as Jaxion Rebel here, not because I don't want to tell you my name, but, because Jaxion Rebel sounds really cool. A quick background on me. I have always (since the onset of puberty) have been heavy. I have all kinds of excuses, it runs in the family, I like myself this way, if they can't handle the elephant in the room...it's their problem. Truth is, I like to eat. I like to eat everything that is bad for me. I like to eat a lot of it.

Almost a year ago, I decided to do something about it. I always said I didn't know what the number on the scale was that would kick me into action, but, I found out in December of 2014. That number was 505 pounds. I was determined to lose weight no matter what it too. I started on my own and then on March 11, 2015, I started a program that has changed my life. I had lost 12 pounds prior to that date. Then I started the Ideal Protein Diet. It is a Canadian based program (I am not Canadian, but, American). It is a doctor supervised program that uses special food packets and is a strict no carb, no sugar, no fat diet. You eat mostly vegetables and meat and your daily packets. It's not the easiest thing I have ever done, but, as of today (February 17, 2016) I am down 140.9 pounds on the program and 153 pounds overall. Means I weighed in at 352 pounds this morning. I have a ways to go. My ultimate weight goal is 225 pounds, the same I weighed on my wedding day. I looked good.

It's a good place to start. If you have questions or suggestions don't hesitate to put them out there. We are not medical professionals and will not suggest anyone do anything. We may talk about what we do, but, would never suggest you do the same without first consulting your doctor.

#NUoSU
nutuporshutupblog@gmail.com

For Now,
Jaxion Rebel