Ashley Graham is Busting Barriers

Did you really think I wouldn't post about Ashley Graham and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue? The thing I really like about her is that she kicks butt and works hard for her body! I am so excited to see a plus size model on the cover of the famed issue because she truly is a great role model.

Congrats Ashley Graham and Sport Illustrated for breaking down the barriers and highlighting a plus sized woman who works hard to be a plus size model!

Truly speechless!!! This cover is for every woman who felt like she wasn't beautiful enough because of her size. You can do and achieve anything you put your mind to. Thank you so much to the entire @si_swimsuit team! I'm so excited to be a part of your family. I love you all!!! #siswim #beautybeyondsize

A photo posted by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on Feb 13, 2016 at 9:05pm PST

That moment you go into the ugly cry because you're shooting for Sports Illustrated… Watch the whole video on SI.com! @si_swimsuit @imgmodels #siswim #dreamcometrue

A video posted by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on Feb 11, 2016 at 5:56pm PST

Get your sweat on this weekend! Healthy comes in all shapes and sizes.. #beautybeyondsize #curvyfitclub 💪🏽with @christopher.kadima

A video posted by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on Jan 16, 2016 at 5:23am PST

What A 150-Pound Weight-Loss Looks Like

As you know I am on a constant struggle to stay active and healthy on a budget, which gets extremely hard. I like to keep my weight loss total at 100 just because I flaunt that line between pounds simply because the summer here in Charleston is hot and that allows less time during my lunch breaks to walk three miles, I burn, like wood on a fire, in the sun and my schedule has gotten extremely hectic.

I have told bits and pieces of my story multiple times on my blog but today I want to highlight someone else. I read this story via Fit Sugar and it is very inspirational! He highlights the importance of maintaining a successful lifestyle change and gives hope to all who struggle with their weight. Just from reading this article he has given me added hope even though my plateaus are too often now and I haven't seen huge drops in my weight in several months. I always like to live by this: "If you don't want to keep starting over, never stop. If you fall off routine just keep going because standing up after a complete fall is harder than standing up after a minor slip."

Please check out Tony Forte's fabulous story by clicking here.

Friday Favorite: Plus Size Running

This week's edition of Friday Favorite involves a blog/website I really enjoy reading. It is a blog geared towards "fat" women runners. The website encourages women that are still heavier/plus size to start jogging/running and become more physically fit!

For those who are new to my blog, I am very passionate about my lifestyle change in which I started in 2012. I have lost upwards of 100 pounds as a result and encourage health(ier) alternatives to my favorite foods and offer tips and tricks towards becoming healthier via this blog.

Once I saw this blog I knew I had to do a Friday Favorite post focused on it. I started walking/jogging 5Ks back in 2012 and haven't looked back. Luckily all of my 5K registrations have been free, which is perfect since I am on a budget.

Being a plus size woman, I definitely relate to this blog and can attest to some of the challenges that come with being a plus size jogger. I really do have a harder time finding cute, practical activewear for my size. I typically enjoy a loose fitting shirt and shorts, but to have some totally kick-butt apparel wouldn't hurt. Who doesn't like to look cute while beet red and sweaty?

Anyways, I think anyone who likes to jog, run, walk, is plus size, is not plus size, likes to read, or is just breathing should take a look at this blog. It is eye opening in that it shows not all runners look thin. A lot of people look at me and would never guess I walk/jog anywhere from 12-30 miles a week. I know that my journey has inspired others to start their lifestyle journey and this blog could help as well.

A lifestyle change is just that: a lifestyle change. What other commitments do we make for life besides marriage and religion? Committing to something for life is awesome yet intimidating and requires work. If you fall off the wagon; you get back on. That's one thing I have experienced with, not only this lifestyle change, but with attempts before my change. I knew this change was going to be THE change. I was getting ready to graduate college, begin "real" life and start making a name for myself. I wanted to be in the best shape I could be, meet people who would want to be the same way and start my young professional life.

My boyfriend has summed this matter up entirely by when he spoke to a thin, active young lady who had generalized bigger women. She didn't understand how men liked bigger women because they don't care about themselves or don't take care of themselves (not saying she was speaking about me purse, but just bigger women in general). He asked her why she jogged every day and she simply told him: because I want to find a man. He let her know real quick that more-often-than-not plus size women who exercise don't exercise to find a man, but to be healthier. He attested to me by saying that I workout for myself, not for him, or for anyone else and that I wanted to better myself. He mentioned how he has experienced a lot of people who workout for the opposite sex, but that I am not one of those people. My friends, he was absolutely right. I didn't start my change because of a man and I didn't keep doing it because of a man. I keep doing it in hopes of being healthier, happier and ensuring a longer, more fruitful life.

So, I leave you with two thoughts.
1. Just because we "fat" runners/joggers/walkers don't look like your "average" runners/joggers/walkers doesn't mean we are any unhealthier than you.
2. Don't start a change for anyone but yourself. Save yourself from falling off the wagon (because it will happen if you're not in it for you) and just do it the right way the first time!

*I do want to note that I do not like using the terms: fat, skinny, thin, obese because they seem so brash. I prefer using plus size for myself. It sounds flattering and I find myself and my curves to be flattering so I prefer it. 

Friday Favorite: Dress Like A Cow; Eat More Chicken

This week's edition of Friday Favorite takes a look back at three year's worth of FREE Chick-fil-A.

I usually don't like to eat fast food, not only because it is bad for you but it can be quite expensive and did I say it is bad for you? Yeah, so this is a love-hate post about Chick-fil-A's awesome yet terrible-for-you food as well.

Since 2012 I have participated in Cow Appreciation Day and it is pretty simple.
1. Dress like a cow
2. Get free food
3. Go over your caloric intake for the day
4. Be happy

On the weekends I tend to not count calories because I am so strict during the week, but recently I have been counting calories on Fridays. I knew this morning that I would be dressing like a cow and eating a delicious dinner so I prepared appropriately for my meal.

If you've not checked the calories of your favorite fast food meal this might be a shocker for you, but usually they're not that great! I walked 3.64 miles this afternoon, burned 680 calories and still didn't burn enough to compensate for my Chick-fil-A dinner.

*Spicy Chicken Sandwich - 490 calories
*Medium Waffle Fry- 323 calories

I will leave this post by saying I love Chick-fil-A's meals and I really appreciate the fact that they give you a free meal for simply dressing like a cow. I also leave you with this: have cheat days where you don't count calories or watch what you eat; it is healthy, but just be mindful if you're eating meals like this on a daily basis! 

Plus Size 4th of July Outfit

Hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July. I wanted to post a quick review of my patriotic outfits for the holiday! I had work on Thursday so I kept it business causal (for Charleston) with the first outfit. The second outfit is definitely casual and perfect for a breezy night by the water for fireworks.

By the way this was mine and Nick's first fireworks shows. Last year we forwent all the shows and headed back to Bama to meet my family for the first time so it was nice getting to relax all day with fun festivities.

Remember: you can look great in budget-friendly attire! 

Dress: Ross - under $18
Belt: JC Penney - $2.98
Heels: Cato's - $3
Headband - Dollar Tree - $1

Total Outfit: $25

Dress: Cato's - under $20 

Blouse: Ross - $8 

Shoes: KMart - $20 

Headband: Dollar Tree - $1 

Total Outfit: $49

I refuse to pay over $20 for a dress and $25 for shoes, but I still get compliments constantly on my outfits. You don't always have to gut your wallet for a cute outfit! 

Don't Cut The Carbs

Have you ever tried to cut carbs out of your diet and failed miserably? Maybe you failed because:
A) Your body was so used to carbs that it went into shock?
B) Could it have been that you just like the taste of bread and butter, pasta and garlic sticks?
C) Did you have headaches after axing the starches?

Maybe you remember this line: "You don't deserve them, you eat carbs for Christ's sake!"

Let's start here. Are you gluten intolerant? If yes then you might consider giving up carbs but if not then don't cut the carbs quite yet. Did you know carbs aren't created equal?

There are three types of carbs: simple starchy, complex starchy and complex fibrous.

What I would like for you to take away from this post is that you should stray from processed, sugary carbs (breads, white rice, white bread, white flour and opt for brown rice, whole wheat flour, green-leafy vegetables along with 100 percent whole wheat breads.

I know this is obvious and repetitive information, but there is a pattern to all of it. You must be reading it multiple times because it is solid information. I won't lie; I struggle with getting fresh fruits and veggies and whole wheat flour simply because I am on a tight budget, but when I have the opportunity I will snag unprocessed foods any day.

I challenge you to shed the processed foods and stick to an all-natural, unprocessed diet and see how different your body feels. If you're used to sugary drinks and carb-loaded meals you might feel anxious, fatigued and experience headaches, but that is your body ridding itself of the toxins and getting used to a more natural way of life. You'll eventually feel golden and actually start to see the weight slip off you.

Challenge Accepted: Can You Guess?

I have accepted a challenge for the next three days. Do you think you know what it is? If so comment below!

Hint: It has to do with weight loss. 

Tips For Your First 5K

So you're about to run/walk your first 5K and you're super nervous and have no idea what to expect?

Well, you're not alone! Color Me Rad has got you covered. Simply click here to check out their advice. They've got some tips that will have you confident in your choice to participate in that 5K!

In addition to some tips for your first 5K, I participated in my FOURTH free 5K last weekend. I logged my fastest time to date and couldn't have been happier with the result.

Whatever you do, don't give up!

Post by Green and Lean 5k.

Lane Bryant BOGO

On this week's edition of Friday Favorite I am featuring the BOGO items I would purchase at Lane Bryant's BOGO deal this Memorial Day! If you haven't heard already, Lane Bryant will have their entire store BOGO FREE this Memorial Day! The sale has already started online (I haven't made it in a store yet to confirm) but stores, online and outlets are participating in this sale! Don't miss the deals this weekend.

Peek below to see what I would like to buy this Memorial Day weekend! Comment below with what you'd buy!

Swim Suit Do's and Don'ts

Looking for ways to preserve your bathing suit instead of purchasing numerous suits throughout the course of a few summers? Well, I was reading some tips from Who What Wear and thought I would condense their suggestions down to put on my blog. If you would like to visit the original post click here.

...

Friday Fashion Favorite

I am starting the Friday Fashion Favorite portion of my blog this week and I am really excited about how I am kicking it off!

A couple of weeks ago I did a post regarding my Date Night Outfit. I posted it on my Twitter account and Lane Bryant picked it up and asked if they could use it in their FANtastic Fashion Album on Facebook. Of course I said YES and waited impatiently until the following Wednesday when they posted the album. I wanted to start my Friday Fashion Favorite portion by sharing this. It isn't a huge deal, but as a new blogger this was real exciting!

Check back each Friday as I post my Favorite Fashion!

Post by Lane Bryant.

What Does The Color Of Your Pee Mean?

Have you ever felt like you're dehydrated and not known for sure? Have you ever paid attention to your urine color?

I will be the first one to admit I have an obsession with water. I have always loved water. I always asked to go to the water fountain in elementary school (mainly to get out of class). I hoarded used water bottles in my car throughout high school because I would drink so much water I would have bottle-after-bottle until I cleared them out of my car. When I was in college I drank water a lot simply because it was free and healthy. Now that I am in an office 9-5 Monday thru Friday I drink 10-15 glasses a day. That might be over board, but I know that if I don't drink that much I will be dehydrated and I CANNOT stand to be dehydrated.

If you have a headache, drink some water.
If you feel sleepy, drink some water.
If you feel hungry, drink some water.
If water doesn't help cure some of those ailments then let me know! So, here is a chart I found on www.themetapicture.com

Weight Loss Tip Sheet

I have had some readers interested in a tip sheet on what I think is important to lose weight so I created this tip sheet. Within this document you'll receive tips on how to start and continue your weight loss journey.

Click here to download the document!

Plus Size Date Night Outfit

Nick and I had our date night and I felt like jazzing up a little more than normal so I decided to share what I wore and how much it didn't cost! Living on a budget at its best!

Blouse: $11 at Ross

Skirt: I got this black lace skirt several years ago at a Lane Bryant outlet store. I don't remember exactly how much I paid for it, but I know it was under $20. 

Shoes: I bought these shoes for $21 at Ross in August. 

*Prices are all rounded up. 

Basically, the only thing I bought for this outfit was the blouse and it was under $12. The rest of the outfit I already had. 

Change Your Life

I was reading an article from Greatist.com and found 89 Simple Swaps that could change your life! I thought I would share this wonderful article so that all my friends could reap the benefits also.

Thanks Greatist!

To view the article please click here!

Foodie Penpal Reveal

April 2014 Foodie Penpal Reveal Day

This was my first month to participate in The Lean Green Bean's Foodie Penpal program. I was really excited when I first read about it and couldn't wait to be paired with my match; my match was Molly from Pennsylvania! I didn't realize how hard it would be to convey what I like and what I didn't like until I needed to let her know. I gave her a very vague list and when I received the package it was like she had known exactly what I really wanted! She definitely did not disappoint! 

The card was very sweet and gave some personal insight as to why she chose what she did. Thanks, Molly, I appreciated such a sweet card! 

The first things to go:

1. That was gone within the first night. 

2. Eaten by the next day. 

7. Eaten for dinner the night I received the box!

8. We sprinkle this on most of our food. We tried it in eggs and it is actually quite delicious! 

4. Finished the jar off at work the following week. 

We are still working on eating all the goodies Molly sent my way! If you'd like to visit her blog please click here.

--> If you're interested in joining the Foodie Penpal program please click here!

I can't wait to get my match for next month! 

eShakti Dresses

I have really taken an interest in eShakti.com and I have compiled some of my favorite dresses below. I am, unfortunately, not able to buy any because most are out of my budget, but a girl can dream. Right?  As most of you know, I tend to buy dresses that are within my $20 budget. If you've never purchased anything before you can register and receive a $25 gift card on your first purchase. I wish my favorite dress was within my budget with that $25 gift card!

I will start with my favorite dress I wish I could purchase before Memorial Day. Definitely my favorite and it is too cute plus it can double as a 4th of July outfit also!

1. Black and white can never be horrendous together. 

2. Love the vintage style. 

3. The unique pattern on this dress along with the fact it is paired with a red belt = Jennifer

4. What a beautiful cocktail dress. 

5. Vintage inspired again; perfect for a day in the office. 

6. Great summer dress and very patriotic; which is what I tend to veer towards in the summer. 

eShakti has some wonderful options but I am still holding out until I can splurge on one of these gems. 

What Do Cravings Mean

Learn to kick the cravings you have most by these simple substitutions!

We all tend to crave things once in a while, but did you know the cravings are actually our body's way of telling us we are missing something? Well it is and here are some common cravings that can be kicked by substituting certain foods into our diet in place of the craved items.

Plus Size Swimsuits

As swimsuit season is upon us, in the South at least, I brushed off the two piece suit I bought last year. I only wore it two or three times (I really didn't utilize the beach like I should have). This year I've already worn it twice and it is only April! I have ALWAYS been in once piece bathing suits since I can remember but last year I wasn't going to pay $30-40 for a one piece when I found a two piece bathing suit that acted as a one piece and cost half the price! Below is the result.

I obviously didn't go out on a limb; I didn't splurge for fun designs because I am not really a pattern lover. So, I decided to go the traditional red and blue. It works for the 4th of July and Memorial Day. 

Top and Bottom came from Wal*Mart and the mix/match set cost me $24ish; I can't remember the exact total. 

Who says you have to buy a one-piece to look like you have a one-piece? 

Also, here are some swimsuits I find absolutely adorable and if I had the money and wore swimsuits everyday, I would probably splurge on. 

1. Lane Bryant (because it looks like a dress; enough said).
2. Always For Me (because who doesn't love polka dots and what a cute cut).
3. Torrid (one word: anchors)!

100 Pounds Lighter, Three 5Ks Later

Today marked my third 5K since December 2012. I set a goal for myself when I turned 25 that I would jog a 5K before I turn 26. Today was not that day, but I did jog more than I had anticipated on this 5K.

My coworker and I did the 5K together and we came in right under 50 minutes (my picture says 50.3 but that is because I forgot to turn it off when I crossed the finish line). This 5K wasn't as carefree as the other two I did. These runners were here for business, but it was definitely still a blast!

P.S. Every 5K I have done I've gotten for free!

I just want to end this post by saying that 100 pounds ago a 5K didn't seem possible, but never give up on a dream!