Cheers... Here's to YOU!!!

Hi Everyone!

I hope your holiday season has been filled with friends, family and wonderful memories made!

Incase you missed it... here's the link to Sandras blog about our BeautyFit beauties team making soup for local charities with the Soup Sisters organization!
http://beautyfit.com/blog4/2011/12/21/chicken-soup-for-the-soul-at-christmas/

Such a great time for an amazing community based project! What a way to feel the true spirit of the holidays!

There are many articles, blogs etc. devoted to the issue of how to stay on track with your diet during the Christmas/holidays. This is not one of those blogs lol.

In the words of my BeautyFit mentors (Sandra and Jimmy) "You know what NOT to eat" :P Does that mean I refrained from all Christmas goodies? HECK NO! I enjoyed a great dinner with family (2 dinners actually) complete with a couple of sweet treats! What I didn't do is completely go nuts and gorge... I felt bloated enough with the little extra I did have! Ugh... thank goodness for peppermint tea!!!
When you look at things, like the holidays, with a realistic view... it's so much easier to deal with and get through.
As a matter of fact... the glass of wine pictured below was a prescription direct from Sandra (Sam). Two days out from Christmas I hadn't reached the goal I had in my head. I was stressing and not looking forward to the idea of Christmas meals. Sams response... "chill, enjoy a glass of wine and relax! You'll get there... just don't go nuts."
Well, I always follow Sams orders lol. I did indeed have that glass of wine (which was funny enough since I'm not a big drinker :P) and also enjoyed my family dinners. More importantly, I felt empowered knowing that I was in control of what I ate and I knew my limitations!

Like I've said before in the past... when I do eat something that's "off" my regular diet plan, I know that I need to ramp it up at the gym to get back on track. That's what this week has been about. Refocusing, re evaluating and setting new goals for the new year! With that being said...

You may be wondering about that goal I was stressing about... well I'm working on that for my next blog post! lol So you'll have to keep your eyes peeled for the next one!!! ;)

In the meantime... take this time to evaluate whats important to YOU! What do you want? and what are you willing to do to achieve those goals? I promise it's worth the effort!

Til next time!

Happy New Year Hugs... Crystal :) xo

Feel the fear... and do it anyway!!!

Hi Everyone!

Many of you may know that besides being a blogger for BeautyFit Inc. my full time profession is as a makeup artist.

In my industry I work in so many different realms with all types of people from brides to actors, models to fitness competitors. But no matter the client or job, one thing is always the same... I'm BEHIND the scenes! lol

So when the opportunity arises for me to be in front of the camera or a large group of people, my first reaction is to avoid and shy away from the experience!
This was especially true when I was at my heaviest... oh the chances and experiences I missed out on because I was so worried about how I looked and what others may think of me.

I am still very apprehensive of being in front of the camera lol (the fact that 2 of my closest friends are photographers makes this especially difficult!!!)
So you can imagine my thought process when confronted with the reality of going onstage to present awards at the OPA London Championships... as one of their major sponsors... YIKES!!!

BUT... as the title says and I'm learning very quickly about SO many things... it's OK to be afraid!!! Feel the fear, embrace it, and DO IT ANYWAY!!!
I know, for me, I'm done passing up opportunities because of fear!

Here we are with the Overall Figure winner!

And here is the presentation to the Overall Bikini winner (oohhhh... recognize BeautyFit Inc' s very own Sandra Compton ;)

And here we are... having a photo op at the booth!

(from left...)

Nancy Barbosa Alaimo, Lauren Fazio, Katie Lesperance, Sandra Compton and Me :)

What did I learn from all this? Well, I went up onstage and didn't get laughed off! lol I didn't feel out of place AND I had FUN!!! Who knew?!?! lol

Til next time... 

Feeling free Hugs... Crystal :) xo

 

Failing and quitting... there's a difference!

Hi All!

Here's a great quote to get us started...

"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually, it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever" ~ Lance Armstrong

The "universe" works in amazing ways... I love it when I come across exactly the right motivation when I'm most needing it. 

With all victory, there comes defeat and with all success, there is some level of failure.

It is what you do with the defeats and failures that ultimately determine whether you reach your goals.

I remember vividly my first attempt at a military push up... hahaha It was BAD! I could barely hold myself up, let alone go through the full range of motion! I thought to myself, is this EVER going to be possible for me? 

Well, after attempting one... and face planting lol, I figured it couldn't be that bad again :P Even if I did one push up and wiped out on the second... at least I did ONE! lol 

Eventually, one turned into 10 and then to 30. The point is, after the face plant I could've said f#*k it and not ever tried again. What would be the point in that though?!

 So here I am... doing military push ups! Wow, that's a bad angle!!! hahaha Oh well! Point IS that I'm doing them! :D

I know I've thought about quitting, the days when I'm sore or tired or when I have guilt over all the time I'm putting into making ME better. In the end its what you can and can't live with. I choose not to stop where others would be comfortable. That's my choice.

Its not just about being "not fat" anymore, its about being the best Me I can be. Exactly the way I see myself in my head, but was always afraid to hope to become.

For me, once I got a taste of a healthier body and mind, having anything less is now unacceptable.

I don't want to be stick thin. I am, and will always be curvy. I love the look of hips and booty... and boobs lol

I do however, want to reach the goals I've set for myself. Regardless of how many people tell me that I look "good" now and I don't need to continue. I'm not "there" yet. ;)

So here I am with Sam on back/shoulders day, that was a push to failure workout! lol

Each day we all have the choice to either push til our body fails OR to try a little and then quit before we ever see our full potential OR not even try at all... which do you choose today?

Remember, no matter how slow your pace... you're still out running the people on the couch! (I take no credit for that quote but I love it! lol).

Til next time...

"You can do it" Hugs... Crystal :) xo

I am Beauty Strong!

Hi Everyone!

If you all haven't heard the news... BeautyStrong is now available in Canada!!! 

What is Beauty Strong?! Well it's a pre workout drink that helps me dig deep, zone in and maximize my workouts with no jitters!!! 

The first time I used BeautyStrong, I felt the difference. My training was more intense because I could push myself beyond what I was doing normally!

As I always say, if you want to know all the scientific info about the product... head to www.beautyfit.com!

 I love that BeautyStrong is pre measured and it comes in Fruit Punch and Grape!!! Mmmmm!!!

At this point in my weight loss, the loss of pounds is slower than it was in the beginning. This I know is normal, I am in the "home stretch" of my weight loss goal.
Every day at the gym or cross training outside means one step closer to where I need to be. So why not maximize my potential and time there?!?!
Having said that, I am setting new goals and thinking about the "fine tuning" of how I want my body to look and what is important to me.
I want a strong, toned body. Not just a shell that is 100lbs lighter.
With this goal comes a whole new set of challenges, changes and, I'm sure... struggles! lol

I know what I'm gearing up for.... actually I'm looking forward to it! Why?!
Cause I'm BeautySTRONG!!! ; )

Til next time...
BeautyStrong Hugs... Crystal : ) xo

Common sense is apparently not so common!

Hi Everyone! :)

I am going to apologize in advance to any that I may offend... lol

The one question that I'm asked most often about my weight loss is.... you guessed it, "How did you do it?".
Well since you read my blog, you already know the answer! For those who ask, my new standard answer has become... "the two things no one wants to hear... diet and exercise!".
Sad but true. When I'm asked how achieved a 90+ lbs weight loss, people literally glaze over as soon as I mention the words diet and exercise.

Don't misunderstand, I was one of those people for the majority of my life. There must be an easier way, some soup, bar or shake that will make me thin and therefore make me happy! Yaaaaa.... NOPE! lol

You really can't blame people though, the result of millions of marketing dollars are all around us! Drink this and be thin, eat only watermelon and cabbage and have a killer body... (if thats all I ate there would be a whole lot of dead bodies around me, I'd be a raving b#*ch) hahaha.
I'm quite sure that if I drank the majority of my meals, ate only one type of food or just plain didn't eat at all, I would lose weight...probably lots of weight.... until I stopped. Then, what do you think happens? It comes back plus extra!
Worse still is the notion that companies promoting a healthy weight/lifestyle actually frown upon exercise or tell you its not needed?!?! Really?!

This is where the idea of common sense and balance comes into play. My entire weightloss has been geared around making sustainable lifestyle changes. Clean eating (its called clean eating cause I get to actually chew my meals, not drink them all) exercise (including cardio and weight training) and high quality supplements (supplements enhance results, they don't do the work for you) are the foundation of my success.
I was also blessed to find a trainer and coach that didn't buy into BS and truly believes anything worth having is worth working damn hard for!!!

Here I go... I went and said it lol HARD WORK.... it is NOT easy!!! If it was, there would be a whole lot of marketing people out of work lol.

So, if all of this is such hard work... why do it?!?! Because it's so friggin worth it!!!
The first time I made it through a full hour training, the first time I did a military pushup, the first time I did sprints on the treadmill, chest pressed 25's, did 15 reps on the captains chair, ran 5k.... the list is much longer... every sweaty day was well worth the knowledge that I can... and I did!

It really is not complicated... we just make it that way. Get up, move, eat well, repeat.... you'll be floored by the results ;)

Common sense hugs... Crystal :) xo

Baby got... BACK!!! ; )

Hi Everyone!

So once again, time has gotten the best of me! lol

Even though I haven't been blogging weekly, that doesn't mean I haven't been in the gym doing what I need to do.

I realized that I haven't updated my weight for you all so...... here it is!
As of this past Saturday, I broke the 150lb mark and am sitting at 149.7 (hey I didn't say I broke it by much! lol) still, I'll take it!!! YAY Me!

I thought it would be nice to give you all another peek into what my training looks like... this time (as the title says) I'm training BACK!!! lol (and you all thought this was going to be a post all about BOOTY!).


Lucky for me I had a partner in crime to take photos for me :P Thanks Nancy!

So first off on "back day" is the assisted pull up machine (3sets of 12reps).
Can I just say that this thing scared the crap outta me the first time I saw it... it"s one of my faves now!

Next are seated rows (4sets of 15reps) this exercise really makes me focus on my "muscle/mind" connection (I can hear Sams' voice every time I say that lol). I really have to concentrate on the muscle group I'm working to make sure I'm doing this right! I also like that the majority of the exercises I do involve primary and secondary muscle groups. This means, basically, that I'm killing lots of birds with one stone! lol

Alternating dumbell rows (3sets of 15reps) and Lat pull downs (3sets of 15reps) are next... the pics were too blurry! lol I'd like to think it's cause I'm such a ninja when I train :P ... ya lets go with that! :)

Last in my back work out are back extensions (3sets of 20reps). As you can tell in this photo... I'm working VERY hard to hold this position as to ensure a clear photo! lol Btw... that's a 25lb plate I'm hanging onto for dear life!!!
I have always liked back extensions, I have always been "large" chested and have always had lower back pain. This exercise really helps to strengthen muscles that would otherwise be ignored.

Why train your back? It may not sound as sexy as training glutes, abs or legs but without a strong back what's going to help hold the "girls" up?!?! lol Nothing is worse than bad posture!



In weight training, as in life, it's all about balance!

Until next time...

Sexy back hugs... Crystal :) xo

What would I do without it?

Hi Everyone!

Do you ever feel like you stop to "smell the roses" only to find that almost 2 weeks have passed?! CRAZY! lol That's how I'm feeling right now.

Don't get me wrong, I'm loving life...The good, bad and everything in between!

We all have our day to day stresses with work, family etc. but I've found that I rely more on the new habits than on my old ones (thank goodness!) Lol
I was definitely an emotional eater, a bored eater... lets face it, I was just and eater in general! It's how we as a society interact. Celebrate = Cake, Sad = Ice cream... food, food and more food! Don't get me wrong here... I still LOVE food.

The new ways that I deal with things now though, are not based around eating ALL the time. When I'm feeling overwhelmed, stressed or just needing clarity, nothing helps more than kicking my own ass on the treadmill (someone who knows me just dropped on the floor in disbelief right now hahaha) OR putting the hand wraps on and punching the bag BeautyFit boot camp style!

It's a long cry from sitting down with chips or whatever else, to munch away aimlessly. I like this new "multi tasking" lifestyle. It's getting mental and physical therapy all done at once!

I'm also the type of person whose brain doesn't stop... this is especially frustrating when trying to sleep. When I can't sleep I feel like munching.... not a good combo!!!

Because BeautyFit is a line made for women... they know what we (I lol) need.
I've used BeautyBurn PM since it came onto the market and it has always been phenomenal. Having said that, in the last couple of weeks with my brain going into overdrive and finding myself getting the urge to snack out of old habits... My BeautyBurn PM has really been saving my ass! Literally!!! hehehe

Like I've said before, I am not a scientist. What I do know is that this product does away with my need to munch on crap food at night and when I finally get to bed... I'm relaxed and ready to actually sleep, not toss and turn. Ahhhhh sweet Bliss!!! ; )

Til next time...

Well rested and munchie free hugs... Crystal :) xo

On to a New Phase... Online Training!

Hi Everyone!

We're into September and even though I'm not headed back to school, this time of year brings on the feelings of a fresh start and new beginnings!
With this in mind, I have been reflecting a lot lately... about where I started (with my weight loss), all of the speed bumps along the way, the BeautyFit12 week transformation and where I am now... venturing out to train on my own... with the help of my online training with Sandra. Like any good Momma bird, she needs to kick my a$$ outta the nest... with love of course! lol

Many people have asked how having a trainer online could work? There isn't anyone there to "kick ass" or keep you on track.
Well, while having an online trainer isn't for everyone, there comes a time when you have to take responsibility for getting your s#@t done! :) After all, even if you have a trainer beside you, they don't control what you do the other 23 hours of the day. Having an online program consists of nutrition and a complete breakdown of what I'm training each day. The invaluable bonus to this program is that even though I'm training by myself, I'm never alone! Sam (Sandra) is still there for me whether via email, skype, text or just a call away!

I have been with Sandra for a year now, part of her training with me has always been to help me build confidence. I need to be able to train on my own... period.

So now I have knowledge... and knowledge is power lol. Pair that with my new program and I'm ready to bring it!!! BOOM (in the words of Coach Compton ;)
With each of my days outlined, I enter the gym solo. I've got my folded paper in hand... my roadmap to success... my job is to execute!!!

Stay tuned for exciting (and probably comical) updates on how things are going...

Flying solo hugs... Crystal :) xo

Getting Back Upstairs

Hi Everyone! :)

I must say it's been too long since my last post... almost 2 weeks :(
With the 12 week challenge over, and summer vacation still going strong, I've taken the last 12 days to spend some extra time with my family and doing some much needed purging! WOW, does it feel great!!!

I have been on a mission as of late, going through every room, drawer, closet etc. and sorting, donating and throwing away all those things that are not needed in our home.
It constantly surprises me how changing my outlook on my health has affected so many other facets of my life. It means so much more to me to enjoy the simple things, time with family and friends and my new project... re vamping my house!
It hit me pretty hard one day when I looked around my house and saw the sadness of the person I was staring back at me... so, like I did about a year ago, I am taking one step at a time to make my house (which I love) reflect who I am now. Step one is the cleansing purge that is underway :).

With all the focus my family and I have been putting on the house, I have not been spending as much time at the gym. Don't take that the wrong way lol... I've still been getting cardio in 3x's a week and BeautyFit boot camp 2x's per week. Nothing to scoff at, BUT not the same level that I have been used to.
I am fully aware that now, more than ever, people are following my updates to see what I'm upto. Sandra (BeautyFit) once told me that what I do AFTER my 12 weeks is what will determine my success.

With that in mind, I headed upstairs (the weight training area) at the gym for the first time since my 12 weeks ended. Thank goodness that boot camp has lots of weight bering exercise! lol
Man!!! Did it feel good!!! :)
Once again, Sandra was right by my side, making sure I felt confident and helping me find my bearings again :)
So with a new plan and all of the amazing knowledge I have been given by Sandra (BeautyFit) and Lisa (my 12 week trainer), I begin the next stage of my journey... training solo!!! :)

I am very sure that I will have many stories etc. for you all about my journeies upstairs.... stay tuned ;)
Today was leg day... I'm going to hurt tomorrow, mind you stronger legs will definitely help with moving all those boxes and bags out of my house!!! :P

Lift with the legs Hugs... Crystal :) xo

My "Happy List"... so far!

Hi Everyone! :)

It's been a long while since I put any thought into my "list". You know the one... all things you'd like to experience in your lifetime.

It seems natural, when a big change occurs, to re evaluate and think about all those things you've always wanted to do but haven't yet.

So I say... lets stop thinking and get down to doing!!! :)

You'll notice that most of the things I want to do are very non threatening and all of them are definitely based on things I love :)

Let"s start with my #1, most dangerous and possibly insane thing that I will be doing...

Shark cage diving w/ Great Whites!!! :D

Ever since I can remember, I have been intrigued with sharks... many would say that's not enough reason to get into the water with them lol. I say... there's a cage, I'll be fine! ;)

Seriously, how cool would this be?!?! Not to mention that JAWS is one of my FAVE movies and Captain Quint reminds me of my Uncle Lewis from Newfoundland! :)

Next and definitely not scary is...

The Paris Opera House

Pretty tame in comparison lol

I can't even fathom how beautiful it would be in person.

Again, based on another fave movie (and musical) of mine... I'll probably break into tears standing in front of it. And if I'm going to be in Paris... I might as well got to Italy and Portugal!

The Mayan Ruins

No real reason, I'm just drawn to it... might be the ancient love of chocolate! ;)

"Hogwarts" Castle

Yep, I'm a big Harry Potter fan lol

Castles in general are amazing and a tour would be right up my ally!!!

Since I'm touring castles... bring on Scotland!!! Why? Well it looks beautiful and......
They have kilted men there!!! ;) Love me some men in kilts!!! LOL GRrrrrr.....

Last but absolutely not least...

Al Capones' home in Cuba

I did a project on Al Capone in high school... he was pretty fascinating! I'd like to see what his tax evasion money built! lol

Cuba is, from what I hear, beautiful and a bunch of fun. I'm not much of a drinker so the idea of the all exclusive vacay doesn't sway me at all.

What does float my boat is cuban music, dancing, all things latin and of course......

My favourite Cuban... Pitbull ;) GRrrrrrrrr..... (yes, my hubby is fully aware of my crush and he just rolls his eyes ;)

So, now that I've shared some of my "list" with you... I want to know... What's on your list? Don't have one? Now's a good time to start!!!

Until next time... Enjoy some Pitbull (make sure to dance... I am!!! :D)

Salsa dancing Hugs... Crystal :) xo

My Favorite Little Powerhouse!!!

Hi Everyone!

While, I would like to think, I'm great at keeping secrets (especially for really important things OR surprises!!! lol) there are just some things that should be shared and NOT kept to yourself.

BeautySlender is one of those things!

As I go on with my day to day, I receive messages from women asking about my weightloss and what I would recommend to others just getting started or looking to boost their results.

The truth is, as I've said many times, I am not a professional. I know what has worked for me and that is diet, exercise and BeautyFit.

I've written about how much I love BeautyFuel and BeautyBum, but (no pun intended ;) I need to rave about BeautySlender!!!

BeautySlender is my "Power House". It takes all of the guess work out of choosing a supplement to maximize my weight loss while helping to maintain my lean muscle mass ( I know!!! I never thought I'd ever have "lean muscle mass" and now that I do, I'm protecting and maintaining it! lol).

Again, I'm not a scientist, so I'll leave it to the geniuses at BeautyFit R&D to explain all the benefits...

https://www.beautyfit.com/beautyslender.html

What I do know is that this product makes me feel... slim! lol My skin and hair are benefitting from it as are my joints.

Like with BeautyBum, BeautySlender targets fattier areas that we women long to tone, but this time from the inside!!! Hips, butt and thighs are showing vast improvement thanks to my little Slender friend! :) Oh! and PMS cravings are totally manageable now! Ya, I said it!!! :P Regulated hormones not only metabolize (sp?) fat BUT also help to suppress sugar cravings.... Yay!!!!! Bonus!

I am so fortunate to have found a company that is completely dedicated to creating products and supplements for WOMEN! All women, not just athletes or fitness competitors!

I have struggled with weight for too long. Let too many opportunities pass and wasted too much time... no more. I wish this struggle on NO ONE!

If I can point anyone in the right direction to help them create a healthy lifestyle for themselves, it's the very least I can do :)

Check out www.beautyfit.com

Read up on the products and the testimonials... I have met meny of those women, they are all real!

Make the decision to do something for YOU!

Slender and hormone regulated hugs... Crystal :) xo

Family Road Trip :)

Hi All!

You guessed it! We ended up @ Whole Foods Market again lol
I really don't get sick of going here... there are so many great "new" things that I didn't notice the previous visit!!! On top of it all, we like the drive and downtown Oakville is really pretty!

I thought this purple cauliflower was so pretty! If you have a fussy eater on your hands, try something fun like this to entice them ;)

Sidney decided to grind her own almond butter while there... awesome way to get your kids (big or small lol) involved in healthy choices!

We couldn't resist the chance to stop in @ Lulu Lemon... this is Sidney sporting a scuba hoodie... that's a bunch of allowance she needs to save! lol ;)

I hope this little adventure shows that having a family day doesn't have to be expensive, well planned or revolve around fatty foods :)

Purple veggie Hugs... Crystal :) xo

Celebration!!! Gotta Burn to Earn ;)

Hi Everyone!

With the 12 week BeautyFit challenge over, it was clear from our results that we earned the chance to partake in some "contra banned" lol ;) Yes, I said earned... this is an essential lesson I have learned in the past year and definitely in the last 12 weeks!
Some may read this and scoff at the idea of "earning" a "cheat" or "special meal"... that's ok! I choose to live this way because I did a BUNCH of living (ie. eating whatever, whenever) to get to 239lbs. The amount of work I have done to get to where I am now, is not going to be undone just because I want some chocolate or sushi.
My "cheat" meals will be planned, enjoyed and followed by a couple days of extra cardio and water. Some may say this takes all the "fun" out of eating what I want... I say it makes the special food taste all that much better!!! After all, if Christmas was everyday, would it be special?!

So with our weigh in and measurements complete, the BeautyFit blog team (including Coach Sandra) went out for a great girls night!
There was no "girls gone wild" or even "girls gone moderately sassy" lol. It was a wonderful night out with dinner, drinks (one actually lol), the above mentioned contra ban and awesome conversation... that's MY kinda girls night :)

So here I am, getting ready to "dig in" to my mile high chocolate cake, chocolate cheesecake, chocolate mousse mountain of wonderful-ness (aka. contra ban)... I didn't get even halfway through it!!! lol
A year ago I could've polished it off no problem... instead, I brought the rest home for my family :)

For those wondering, my eating has not really changed at all from the 12 week challenge. I stick to my staples because they work for me. I'm in such a routine with my food, why mess with a good thing?!

Until next time...

Heavenly chocolate Hugs... Crystal :) xo

Changes... keep 'em coming!!!

Hello All :)

Told you I wasn't done blogging ;) lol

So in the spirit of transformations... (not to mention a full blown campain from Sam and Jenna ;) I took the gigantic leap and...... CUT MY HAIR!!!! Aaaahhhhhhh!!!! ;)

Here is me... faded colour :( and long, thin, lifeless hair that has lived in a ponytail for much of the last 12 weeks!



And now.... PA POWWWW!!!!!!



This seriously had me freaked out! hehehe But, one of my Bff's Vicki (www.teeze.ca) always has my back! Love my fresh colour and the cut is awesome!!! ( I totally got an "I told you so" from Jenna lol, Sam was just proud that I took the leap, with a small nudge!)

Change is always scary... but for me, at this point, it's just another step towards finding out who I am. Without change, we all stay the same. That's cool for some... but not for me... anymore ;)

New "do" hugs... Crystal :) xo

12 week final results! :)

Hi All :)

It truly is amazing how time flies...I really can't believe that 12 weeks have passed already!

I'd like to first tell you all that have messaged me with supportive words and kindness...thank you all so very much!!! I'd also like to let you all know that this is not the end of my blog! You can't get rid of me that easily! lol I am nowhere finished with my transformation!

With that being said... here we go!

It's one thing to just show up at the gym for my weigh in and measurements, it's another kind of torture to do an entire training session with Lisa first! lol
You will see (once I can get the photo to load properly) just how awesome I look after an hour with Lisa :P

So without making you wait any longer... here are the results of 12 weeks of hard work and listening to my coaches :)

(I will be adding pics asap, unfortunately they would only load upside down lol please refer to my "Shopping with Sam 101" post for my most recent photo!)

Ok, ok.... here they are.... the numbers!!!


Start 186lbs Now 165.2lbs Total -20.8lbs

BF% Start 40.6 Now 36.6% Total -4%

chest 44" 41.5" -3.5"
waist 37" 33.5" -3.5"
hips 45" 39" -6" (holy jeebus!)
mid thigh 26" 25" -1"
mid calf 17" 16" -1"
bicep 14" 13" -1"

For a grand total of 16" lost overall :)

I'm not going to lie, I was a total mess after my weigh in. Not because I was unhappy with my results, the opposite actually! The past 12 weeks have been a huge challenge not only physically but mentally also! I have pushed, pulled, sweat, cried, laughed and celebrated with the most amazing group of women! From Sam and Lisa with my training, Jenna as my partner in crime, Amanda and the countless boot camp ladies that always have time for motivating words and of course my closest friends and family... I have been completely blessed!
The idea that this particular chapter has ended is bitter sweet. My training with Lisa is finished (for now, I'll be back though lol)and now all my choices are mine alone.

I still have BeautyFit boot camp (thank goodness) and the information and tools I have been given over the last 3 months. I am now completely in charge of what happens next... I smell a whole new challenge happening! lol
What I do from this point on really is the true test to what I have learned and actually implemented.

Sam asked me later that day what I ate after I left the gym, not cause she wanted to scold me or anything, she was curious. I replied, the same things I always eat!
I though about the idea that "all bets were off" and "I have no restrictions anymore" and then I felt like that person would be a quitter... what would that say about me if the first thing I did after weigh in was to go eat junk?! That's not why I did all this!

Am I going to have a "cheat" meal... of course! lol (stay tuned for the blog) I still love food, but I love me more :)

165.2lb hugs... Crystal :) xo

Shopping with Sam 101 :)

Shopping!!! The mere thought of it puts a smile on the face of millions of women... not this one lol Unless it's shoes, purses or something that doesn't discriminate with size ;).

Clothes shopping is still a huge issue with me, most of it boils down to fear. Will things fit? Will I look stupid? What the hell do I even like? and What size am I?!
Ugh! lol
So what happens when a particular thing causes me fear and anxiety? I get called out on it and face it head on! lol

So with fear of the unknown, I venture out to stores I've only been in for friends...
Good thing Sam is with me :P

First on the list GUESS... no, don't guess! The store GUESS! lol



One of my besties is a big Guess fan, I always told her that I wanted to be small enough to fit into a Lg Tshirt there.... well..... after going straight to the shoe section out of habit, then being piled up with clothes (Sam was having WAY too much fun lol) and heading into the dressing room, not only did a lg Tshirt fit but so did jeans!!! WTH?! Needless to say Sam and I ended up in tears in the change room :P Never would I imagined that I could walk into Guess, pick up a shirt or heaven forbid, pants of all things, and actually have them FIT!!! There is a serious disturbance in the force! lmao Who is this person? Is it really me? Holy Crap!

So off to the next place (I bought the Tshirt btw)... LeChateau...
Dresses proved to be a little more challenging... to my utter surprise, a lg fit there too, however, being large chested has its own set of problems lol.
Trying to find the right "cut" or fit for a dress can be pretty tricky. Yes I have lost a large amount of weight, I have done weight training, cardio and much more... the reality is that some areas,coming from such a large size, are going to take a little longer to "respond" lets say. I'm good with it... I've made my peace with this ongoing battle and it will not get me down! lol

In the meantime, A-line dresses are the cut for me :)
Once again, a huge pile of dresses accumulated and one after another, I tried them on! The a-line was the most flattering for me and I really like the style.
Sam and I talked about something I never had thought of before, building a wardrobe!
I was used to getting a pair of dress pants and two shirts that were "ok" and switching back and forth for work. When choices are limited and you don't feel like yourself in the things you can fit into... this is the best I could do.
Now, with a brighter insight, I can shop around with much more choice and find "pieces" that I like and make a statement about who I am.... this will take some time for me but I feel so much better prepared and for once, optimistic about clothes shopping!



This dress was my (and Sams') favorite... she put this "before and after" together for me to remind me how far I've come :) We all need a little reminder now and then!
I didn't end up buying it, I might go back for it lol but with so many choices.... a girl has to keep her options open ;) lol

Guess T-Shirt hugs... Crystal :) xo

Training... it's not supposed to be pretty :P

Hi All :)

So I've been putting off doing this blog... why? Cause I'm silly! lol

It's about time you all see what it looks like when I train :P I warn you, it is NOT pretty... it isn't supposed to be! I make the most bizzare faces and am generally a sweaty mess. This is what 100% looks like...
BTW... thanks Lisa (my trainer @ World Gym Kitchener) for taking these pics on a Fun Friday no less lol... enjoy!!!






Jimmy once told me that if I ever popped a blood vessel from lifting weights then I would officially become part of "Team Mentis"... goes to show how sick I've become that it's now on my goal list AND I want a Team Mentis Tshirt!!! ;)



Notice how blurry some of the photos are? That's an action shot of my lightening quick ninja moves hehehe...



Seriously...Look at the size of those weights!!! If someone would've tried to tell me a year ago that I would be doing this stuff, I would have passed out laughing at them! :P



This roller thing made me feel like I was doing an infomercial lol Then I almost face planted (a couple times) and decided to focus!!! hehehe

Honestly, for those reading this, thinking "that can't be me, I could never do that" etc. It CAN be you!!! WHY NOT YOU?!?! You deserve it and are worth the effort and investment in yourself! That was one of the hardest things for me to come to grips with... it still is sometimes. But look at what can happen when you take just one step at a time! Baby steps work for a reason... keep taking them, then before you know it you're running 5K and actually liking the feeling of sweat in your eyes!... ok, I might have gone too far with the sweat in your eye thing ;) lol It stings like a B#*?@!!! lol

Till next time...

Pumping Iron hugs... Crystal :) xo

How's this for motivation?! ;)

Hi All :)

While there are many reasons to choose a healthy lifestyle, lose weight and get in shape... I thought I'd share with you some new reasons that you may not have thought of! :)

First, as an short obese person, I always had to use those HUGE bath towels after my shower... and there was not a bunch of extra left over either! Now I can easily wrap up in a regular towel! Seems like a small victory? Well $20 vs. $6 for each towel adds up to a new pair of shoes pretty darn quick!!! ;)

Next.... PANTIES!!!! Holy Moly thin people!!! You have been buying your skivvies for ridiculous deals like 10 for $25 WTHeck?!?! lol I'm gonna have gitch coming out my wazoo at prices like these!

And while I'm on the subject of clothing... REALLY?! Sales are everywhere! Tanktops 5 for $20, $15 jeans... no wonder all my friends have such huge wardrobes! lol

Groceries... while many will argue that buying fresh produce and veggies is expensive, I would counter with... try cutting out all prepackaged convenience food. It's difficult at first but like all difficult things, it's totally worth the effort. Your waistline, wallet and sodium levels will thank you! :)

Now on a bittersweet note ;) An unexpected side effect to losing weight for me is that most of my heels are too big.... meaning..... NEW SHOES!!!! lol

Hopefully this little list gives you some low cal food for thought ;) I'm sure I'll be adding more as the epiphanies come to me! lol

Cheap undies and little towel hugs... Crystal :) xo

Finally... a 5K!

Hi Everyone!

So as the title of my blog says... I FINALLY did a full 5K on the treadmill! WooooHoooo!!! :D
This was a pretty big challange for me, I've had a really big mental struggle with learning how to run and pushing (and finally pulling) myself through to finish it.

As you can see below, I made it in under 50min which was awesome. Totally stoked about that! :)
At one point I remember thinking, "I don't give a sh#% if you're tired, you're not getting off till you've done 5K" lol I think that what Jimmy means when he says I'll start pulling myself...hmmmm I may have just gotten "it".

And the whole experience would not be complete without a pic of how I looked afterwards lol
Just FYI, I was still seeing spots at this point :P hehehe My daughter asked if I put BeautyBum on my face by accident! lmao

While I know this was my challange to meet and conquor, there are many people that have helped me sooo much with just not giving up on myself. Obviously Sam and by fellow BeautyFit partner Jenna, my trainer Lisa and the beautiful and inspirational Sheryl from World Gym in Kitchener! Thank you guys so much for all your words of encouragement and knowing this was a tough one for me but kicking my ass to keep going! :)

Sweaty and Stoked hugs... Crystal :) xo

The Hardest Place to Eat Healthy!!!

Hi All! :)

I'm sure we've all been there... doing our very best to eat clean and healthy, staying focused and making the best choices possible in every situation.
Let me help you by warning you of one of the places you are just better off being prepared with your own snacks...

The Movie Theater!!! :( lol

My daughter and I (and some great girlfriends of mine) are all huge Harry Potter fans! So when we got the opportunity to be able to see ALL the Harry Potter movies on the big screen, we jumped at the chance :) Don't judge people... I love these characters and cry at the movies too lol ;)

So for 7 Mondays straight we have been seeing the entire series...



I had already begun my 12 week transformation when we started going so I was prepared to pack (and sneak in) my own snacks! lol
It wasn't until Sidney and I sat down to our first movie that I realized how horrible the movie theater food really is!!!
Even Sidney commented that there was a serious lack of healthy options lol



Poutine....really, someone sat in front of us with one and the smell nearly drove me mad! I'm not gonna lie... it smelled amazing but really look at it, it looks pretty damn gross! The smell of the salt was overwhelming and made me thirsty lol.



Popcorn with "butter", chocolate (I still love chocolate lol), candy, soda AND to make matters worse... nachos and cheese, greasy pizza and chili fries too! Your best possible hope is the fat free frozen yogurt....unless....



You're pro active and bring some goodies :)
Yep! This is what was stashed in my purse... not just my snacks, but Sidneys too... after all what kind of example is it to eat healthy but let your kids eat crap?! Don't get me wrong, treats in moderation are fine... but junk is junk! Her treat is the frozen yogurt:) We bring our own bottled water because $3/bottle is just ridiculous... and if the reason of health doesn't speak to you, think of your wallet lol. Imagine the cost of theater food... save yourself some cash AND calories... pack some goodies (I've even brought cottage cheese with berries and an ice pack lol).

If people are cool with eating poutine right beside me... they can deal with the crunch of my sugar snap peas! ;)

Expecto Patronum hugs.... Crystal :) xo (yep, told you... BIG Potter fan;) lol

Family Trip to Whole Foods :)

Hi All! :)

This past Sunday Ian (hubby), Sidney (kidlet) and I headed to Whole Foods Market in Oakville.
I was first introduced to Whole Foods by Sam when she brought me there in the spring as part of my "50lbs lost" Lulu Lemon reward road trip! (Still adore my scuba hoodie that I got that day... thought lately it's been a little warm for it ).

I was so excited to be heading there with my family because I knew they'd love it there too...



The first thing you notice when you walk in is how bright and colourful it is! Everything is so neatly stacked and arranged beautifully... it really is like edible art! :)
With all of these pre prepped foods, it's difficult to make an excuse about not being able to eat healthier, Whole Foods isn't the only place that makes healthy options like these readily available...:)



I'm a sucker for herbs and spices lol and they even have edible flowers which Sidney thought was pretty cool!



I couldn't resist taking this picture... the colours were so awesome and peppers are one of my faves!!!



This is the bath and body section, I knew Sidney would love this isle! She is obsessed with hand made soaps and scrubs lol She makes them for me all the time and is always looking for new inspiration! :)



Now on to the "main event" lol. I raved about the cafe area of the market and Ian and Sidney were both eager to check it out and get some lunch... oops I chopped Ian in half lol
The thing to remember about all this wonderful variety of food is that a)moderation is key AND b)they charge by the pound lmao Ian will never forget that now ;)



This is Sidney and her carb laden lunch! Btw... there's rice under her salad hahaha
I didn't even look at what Ian had in his container... it was just better that way! :P



This is my delicious, well balanced and portion controlled lunch ;) Mmmmmmmm.....



And finally, Sidney and I... I had to get in at least one pic ;) lol
I absolutely recommend a trip to Whole Foods market with the family... it's a great eye opener to the variety and possibilities that are out there. A healthier lifestyle doesn't have to be bland, boring and tasteless... Life is what YOU make it!!! :)




Until next time... check out the Whole Foods website www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Whole Foods Hugs... Crystal :)xo