Boobs... Boobies...... Breasts........

At first I hesitated to even make this post, but then realized it is a part of where I am at in my journey.

My boobs.... They were either nonexistent during my teenage years and grew in, in my early 20's and now as I sit here at 31 they are out of control. I hate them.

My breasts are becoming a joke that is quickly getting old. No offense to my friends but I hear the jokes and at one point they were funny.

That is kind of how it all started when I first got them. They were a joke for being so small. WE called them fried eggs. Cause that is what they looked like....

At 23 I started gaining weight and that is right where it went, to my boobs. At first it was a B cup then a C cup, and I was quite pleased with that, I felt they looked quite proportional to my body. And going from not having any to having some cleavage was AHMAZING!

Now this is where I am at today.

I am in between a D and a Double D. And I have become very self conscious with them. To put it bluntly they are too fucking big. I am aware when people are looking at them. And that is if I am wearing a shirt that shows some cleavage to just a regular shirt at the gym.

Frankly I am also uncomfortable, pain wise, you may not see the pain I am Physically in but I can tell you my back is constantly in pain. I also went to the doctor after these bumps started to form on the outside of them, turns out, that I had abused my body so much tiny little infections were growing because my skin couldn't keep up with the weight and how fast they grew.

Emotionally I have cried when I look in the mirror because of how they look. I feel disgusted.

Everyday is becoming a struggle for me mentally. I try to focus on the positives. And my hope is that some cardio and weightlifting will shrink them, if not then surgery will eventually happen.

What about you? Is there something like this that you struggle with? Leave me a comment or email me at: coacherin@erindowellfitness.com
And we can support each other.

Before No boobs....

After but still not where I am today.

Where has the time gone??

Happy New Year to everyone!

2015 was a struggle! But a beautiful one!


So what is up in the Dowell Land?

Well Brian in the past year changed jobs, and  left mine due to mental health issues. And in all that commotion we stopped taking good care of ourselves. As a result I have done damage to my back and body.

So what are we going to be up to in 2016?
Taking care of ourselves and our health. With doctor care I am able to do walks everyday. And as for nutrition? I re joined Weight Watchers.. This was a surprise to most people. So why did I sign up again? I have the workout part covered pretty well with my doctor but needed something to get my eating under control. And for me it just made since to go back to where I was successful in my eating habits. I'll have a blog up about Why weight watcher soon!! Hope Everyone reaches their dreams in 2016!!

Friday...... Mind Games

Well folks we just completed week one of our new workout. And I got to thinking about how this is all really a mind game. Losing weight.

I will get into the details of the workout on Wednesday. But this program is about constantly battling your mind. So in weight loss in general we are always fighting the urge of should I eat this or that and do I really want to workout.

I love the saying "losing weight is hard, being overweight is hard, maintaining is hard, so choose your hard"

For me the working out isn't the tough part it is the nutrition. I use food to cope. When I was a kid it started with a coke, anytime parents would fight or I would fight or feel sad I reached for it. Now as an adult I reach for any kind of food.

As many times as it clicks that I have the power not to eat or binge and that I want to be healthy and honor my mom, it seems like the mind and food wins.

But the cool thing is every minute is a chance to get it right and everyday when you wake up you get a clean slate. So here is to mind over matter today!!!

XOXO Erin

Thoughts on a Thursday!

We all have this great power within us to change our world and help others. But some people choose not to live up to its full potential. Well today I will make this blog short.

Don't settle for a DAMN thing in your life. Start living your dream right now where you are. Prosper where you are planted, and the rest will fall in to place. Today on my workout the trainer kept saying use the power within you and you can achieve your greatest potential.

For me I am digging deep on this. Marinating if you will. I have dreams about using my god given talent of not shutting up and speaking loudly. In high school I was in debate and I loved it! It gave me such a rush to be so passionate about my case. I never really thought about using that love in my life today. But I think it's time to use MY voice to change or inspire others!!!

But that raises the question of how do I do it?? Well my first goal is to be able to speak at an event for my business. I was invited to share my story on July 25. And I finally said yes. My job is to inspire people and what a better time than now!! After that I plan on running weekly fitness events to help spread good into my world!

   

Coconut Oil… Is It a Good Oil?

So as being on my health and fitness journey I love learning about new ways to improve my overall health and I read this article written by a friend of mine Mel Batterman and I thought I would SHARE it with you! What do You think of coconut oil? 

By Mel Batterman

It seems daily I have people contacting me about my thoughts on coconut oil… Is it a good oil?I am sure that you have seen coconut oil be more prominent in nutrition articles and other nutritional information. You may have also seen in be incorporated into nutritional shake recipes and specific nutritional plans.

Since I get questions often and there is so much information flooding all aspects of media, I thought I should set a few things straight by providing some proper information.

Coconut Oil…Is It a Good Oil?

Coconut oil is one of the only oils that could be classified under the “Superfood” Category. Coconut oil has a unique combination of fatty acids, which have been found to have positive effects on the body, brain function, and more.

In the past coconut oil has been classified as not being a nutritionally sound food because it is 90% saturated fat. Recently studies have changed this thought process because these saturated fatty acids are so different from the standard saturated fats found in red meat, cheeses, and other high saturated fat foods.

The saturated fats in coconut oil are actually MCT’s (Medium Chain Triglycerides). Since they are medium versus long, like most other saturated fats the body processes and metabolizes this fat differently. Which means that when digested they go directly to the liver to be used at energy versus being processed just as a fat that could potentially cause artery clogging issues.

Knowing that coconut oil metabolizes into energy and may potentially increase your overall energy expenditure by 5% over a 24 hour period makes this oil a cut above the rest. Research has also suggested that this overall heightened energy expenditure may help the body burn off more stored fats both in the adipose tissue (external fat), as well as the visceral fat (internal fat).

Another interesting feature that has been found with coconut oil is that is seems to have a hunger depressant quality to it. In a recent study done of men consuming a teaspoon of coconut oil at breakfast per day over a fourteen day period, found that on average their consumption of calories decreased by 256 calories per day.

Both of these studies can be very promising when many nutritional plans are starting to implement coconut oil into the overall plan.

The truth is coconut oil can really provide some extra advantages when added appropriately to your nutritional plan, and is clearly a much better oil choice overall for cooking and consumption.

 These reasons and more is why you may see coconut oil in some of our Beachbody nutrition programs that are associated with some of our top fitness programs. A couple of examples of programs that you will see coconut oil in the nutrition plan is the 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme. In the 3-Day shred portion of the 21 day fix, coconut oil is consumed 4-5 times per day. In the 21 Day Fix Extreme Count Down to Competition you will see coconut oil as a part of the program daily.

http://www.gettingfittogether.com/coconut-oil-is-it-a-good-oil/#!298

Thoughts on a Thursday: Quitting

I've quit my weight loss journey many times. Quitting seemed easier than my other options. I would always see how far I had to go and compared it to where I was. and in the end that made it so much worse.
Here are some simple steps I am making this time around to stop myself from Quitting.

1) Don't compare yourself to others. It is such a bad habit that we develop. My bod and your body will never look the same.
2) Don't get to far a head of yourself . Take it one step at a time. Focus on one thing to change once you have mastered that add one thing to become better at.
3) Don't compare where you are to where you want to be. That is my biggest struggle.

If you want and need some extra accountability and want help getting fit click here and start your  weight loss journey today!

Workout Wednesday: Choices and Actions

So as I am gearing up to start my new fitness program I am reminded that this whole weight loss journey was and IS a choice. That it is up to me if I am going to succeed. Because a choice is nothing but an empty promise, without action.

I used to play golf and my favorite way of looking at life is still through the lessons my coach taught me.

The first was that golf isn't about competition with others but with yourself. I love this rule!!! You are your own competition!

The second rule is it's all in the follow through. I.E. a choice is nothing without the action to back it up. So often we make a choice but never follow through. BUT if we keep our eye on the ball and follow through on our swing we can and will eventually go the distance we want! Thanks coach Pryor for those lessons!!!

If you are ready to make the choice of starting your own weight loss journey click here to sign up an learn more!!!

Tuesday Pinspiration

So like most ladies I LOVE Pinterest. I can look at the women's fashion section all day. But when it comes down to it I tell myself I couldn't wear that I am to big. Well that ends today! I want to give the people who are struggling with their bodies some inspiration! So for a few weeks I am sharing so outfit love with you!!! And I hope it inspires you on your journey to own where you are!!!

 Pants are from Modcloth
 Cardigan is NY and Co
 Necklace was my mom's

Mental Monday: Sore Subject Weight loss and MY Meds.

I have touched on this before but today is different. I have been working so hard, and after Abilify I am stuck. Not only is my left leg swelling from it, but my weight has gone up. Why?

The last time I was on Ablify my weight went up (30 pounds) but my mood was amazing. It is such a double edged sword with Bipolar medications. So what do we do??

First I recommend getting a physical. When I did some things became very clear. So this week here is what I am going to try.

1) lots of protein (chicken, turkey)
2) Increase my water consumption
3) no non natural sugar (fruits and veggies only)
4) Limit my carbs (bread)
5) 30 EXTRA minutes of activity. (going on a walk with my hubby)

That's it folks. I won't let the medications determine my physical health.

Hope you all have a wonderful Monday

                                 

Mental Monday: The Day I Found Out

Bipolar wasn't something that I ever thought I would have, nor did I want the stigma that came with mental illness. But that changed in December of 2008.

I always chucked my moods up to being normal, that I was taking after my father and his temper. Mental illness wasn't something that we ever talked about. In fact after my diagnosis I learned about my families history with it, on my mothers side.

When I was told that I had Bipolar, it sent me in to the deepest depression of my life. I felt like my world crashed down on me. My husband was no longer dating the person he fell in love with, at least that's how I felt. I was angry that this happened to me. At one point I checked in to a mental hospital, because my depression had me at rock bottom. At that point I wanted to end my life.

During my Hospitalization I quickly realized everyone who suffers from mental illness has problems. It was a wake up call for me. I had what the didn't a support system and suicide was not going to ever be an option for me.

After my stay at the hospital was when I became more open about my disorder. I told my bosses, and family. I sought help for it.

Today I am and always will be very open about it. I feel I have to be. Because my story may help someone. I am here to break the stigma that is placed on us that is created by a bias media. Lately I am seeing mental illness used as a scapegoat for people who commit crimes, and that saddens me. People who suffer from mental illness can be productive and leaders in our society, and I am here to do my part in that!!!

 

Quick Fixes: Results That Don't Last

I think everyone out there has an opinion about what they are doing to lose weight. But nothing beats hard work and eating the way you should be eating.

I dislike when people try to sell me on a cleanse for X amount of days, or wraps. again no offense if you sell and believe in these.

But that's not what I believe in. I believe in what I do for a living. I believe in the company I work for and what we stand for. It is the complete package. Nutrition, exercise, coaching, and developing life changes that stick!

I believe that helping others achieve their goals in health is what I have been called to do.

Do I drink A shake everyday? Yes. But it isn't something thrown together and sold in stores. It doesn't Contain chemicals. Is this the only thing I do? Hell no. I workout and get my butt kicked every morning. It isn't a QUICK fix. It is hard ass work. I get this objection a lot, that they want to do this the old fashioned way. Well that's what this is. And this is my career and I am sticking to it with the faith that others will join me. Or be inspired by my changes!

Focusing On Me

This journey I have been on has had so many ups and downs and curve balls. Each time I've told myself this is different a new start, and then I fail. I let the scale determine my success and failures.
When it got hard I just quit.

So what is going to change this time? Me. Plain and simple.

I am not using the scale except for this Friday and next Monday, to show my results from my cleanse. But after that it isn't a tool in my house to determine my worth.

Also this time I feel I owe it to myself to do it. I owe it to my mom and my health.

Loss is a tough pill to swallow and now I am choosing to move forward and no longer let the grief control me or my health. My mother wouldn't have wanted that.

So I am choosing to live again. To feel connected again. To let the bipolar disorder not dictate what my life is. I am choosing to become more spiritual, and not caring what that looks like to others, even the one's who know me and think it is out of character for me. I am finally choosing to find peace.

So how am I going to judge my health progress?

From now until my birth day (34 days) I am eating clean, working out EVERYDAY, and blogging about my progress/struggles. This wont be easy but I got this.

Also at the beginning of the month I will take a before photo and then an after at the end. I will use clothing that right now I need cooking spray or butter to fit into. (mmmm...)

So lets do this!

Workout Wednesday: Toxins

Ok so what do you do when you want to detoxify your body, maybe after a binge, or you want to kick start weight loss? First I am not a doctor! These are some simple things I do that help me!

1) Start by eliminating things that come from a box, or can, including pop!


2) Water. I try to drink a gallon a day. And I do most after waking up. It helps your organs to energize

3) I take a vitamin C every morning, along with drinking a healthy shake that comes loaded with dense nutrition.

4) Exercise. Sweat releases the toxins in your body!!!!!

5) I also when I feel low on energy and need to feel better do hydrotherapy with my shower.

Another thing myself And family are doing is a 3 day cleanse. If you are interested in that please let me know and I will gladly talk to you about it! So stay tuned for those results!!! Click here to learn more!!!

Email ~ dowellfitness2011@gmail.com

Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/DowellFitness2014

www.beachbodycoach.com/EDOWELL2011

Squat Like You Mean It! Workout Wed!

So I LOVE to squat. No for real. So I thought I would show you how I was taught to squat. (Shaun T style)

Start With you Feet hip width apart!

Lower yourself down. Weight in the heals. 

Tuck your booty under

When you come up lift through your heals and push your hips forward. You should also tighten your lower abs.

Back view so you can see that you should also squeeze your glutes at the bottom and the top!

Also here is my daily check in video

21 Day Fix Extreme Preview Erin dowell Review

This program is amazing! in 21 days you can change your life. Thank you for the detailed info!

Confession

This is ME.

I weigh 198.6 after a really bad week with my eating choices and not working out. I was out on a work thing. I am doing some small jobs nothing full time. And I was out of town. I was going to do a whole blog post on how I did what everyone say's they will do, workout when on a business trip or on vacation. But the truth is I wasn't part of that 2 % that does that. And this at first made me depressed, disappointed, angry at myself and all of those emotions, I have been fighting a depressive episode all week, and I gave into it. So what are my plans moving forward? 

My goal is 3 pounds this week. Which means sticking with my plan. No pop, which I had plenty of last week. The first in many months. Also sticking to my eating plan and my workout plan. Next Sunday I will have my week 1 results and photos to help keep me accountable. 

What i love about my career is that being human shows my ability to relate to others. If you too are struggling and looking for accountability please don't hesitate to give me a shot to help you. That is my job, my passion, to help others who struggle just like me. Email me at dowellfitnes2011@gmail.com or click this link below to learn more!

·        http://challenge.gettingfittogether.com/EDOWELL2011

Tasty Tuesday: The Vito

So the hubs and I are obsessed with the #5 at Jimmy John's. We love it. But one we need it to be slightly healthier but without losing the awesome. So I decided to make one myself. Here is how that went.

what you'll need
2 1/2 cups self rising flour
2 tbs of regular flour, more if dough is sticky
1 large container of plain Greek yogurt
Salamis
Shredded lettuce
pepperoni the big kind
sweet yellow Onion
A vinaigrette dressing
Mayo  1 tsp

1) combine yogurt and self-rising flour in mixer using a dough hook. mix until it forms a ball, ad regular flour if it is sticky.

2) Tear dough in to small little balls. and place them in a mini loaf pan and bake for 25 min.

3) once the are done and have been cooling just simply make your sandwich with the rest of your ingredients (side note: we sliced the onion thin and put some dressing on them instead of directly on the sandwich) Add 2 of each meat.

Hope you all have a blessed day!!!

xoxo Erin 

First day, New me

From a young age we are taught education, and the value of working. Forget your dreams is what society is telling us. But what if we didn't follow the norm here. What if we do follow our passions. Furthermore how do we find our passion. 

From darkness we can find light. Some just know what they want and what passion drives them. But not me. I just floated through life for my first 28 years. I was stuck. Then from the darkest part of my life BAM ! I saw my purpose. What I was supposed to learn from it and how to help others.

I love a quote from Robin Williams " You are only given one spark of madness, and you shouldn't waste it." 

Now that spark is a huge flame. 

Another quote I LOVE is "Sometimes taking a leap of faith, means building your wings on the way down." That is what I am doing, and believing that you don't need the safety net or a comfort zone.

Is it scary? HELL YES. But I have to keep faith. 

Having the desire to help others live, and I mean LIVE a healthy life, is my way of honoring my mother. I want my story the one of a now motherless daughter, to inspire someone to change, to tell diabetes to excuse my french, f-off , to suck it. To show them that they matter not only to their children but to themselves. 

So in my new life, what is my definition of success? One, is that even if I have helped one person, I have done my purpose. Two success means never giving up, and for many years I would quit, or give up. I would start that weight loss or that hobby and quit. But not now. This is my life and I am choosing to live it un-apologetically. I know this means that some things or people will grow apart from me, and that's okay.  

So if you want a change or want to LIVE a  life Un-apologetically and have freedom Click the tab bars above whichever on suits you. or click the links below

http://mylifeasadowell.blogspot.com/goals

http://mylifeasadowell.blogspot.com/p/building-self-confidence.html

http://mylifeasadowell.blogspot.com/p/join-the-dowell-fitness-team.html

Mental Monday: Finally I choose what was right for me

This past Thursday I made a decision with my husband. It was one that was ultimately my choice. I put in notice with my job that I was leaving.

February 14, ironic. is my last day.

Sometimes the best choice is the one where the biggest risk is taken. This is a big one. I know where I want my life to be, and mentally working full-time in a job you hate is not good for you.

Everyday I would get home and be worn out mentally. It was making my choice to be healthy put in to question. And I like to workout and eat healthy. But I felt myself slipping down my old path almost every moment. All it would take would be one word and I could drink a soda or eat a bowl of pasta that would make me sick. I could easily been over 200 pounds again.

So what am I going to do? I am pursuing my business Dowell Fitness, a BeachBody business. I have always thought when I would see others succeed in this company and say that couldn't be me. And then one day I thought why not me.

I am still on my Weight Loss journey and as always inspired by my mother and her legacy, to fight and believe in yourself. But now I am motivated on a professional level. I feel that if I can help one person or one family from going through what my mother did, that is what being successful means to me.

Winter Favorites

Thought I would add in a little fun into the mix on the blog!
I have a love hate relationship with winter. I love the clothes that fall and winter weather bring, and love how snow looks from my window in my house. But I don't like driving in it, being in it, or what it does to my skin and hair. So here are some of my favorite things for winter.

1) Satin Hands and Satin Lips By Mary Kay
I love this for so many reasons, enough to make a whole new post. My hands get very very dry in the winter and lotion alone cannot save them, I also break out with a weird rash that I have been told is a result of having asthma as a baby. This stuff keeps my hands soft no matter the temperature outside. If you don't have a Mary Kay lady, You should. I know a few! Just message me.

2) Good Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner.
I love Pureology hydrate. By far the best hair car I have ever used. It just makes your hair so much softer and amazing! Trust me without it my hair would still be a straw like texture.

3) Vitamin C. in any form. For me it is mostly EmergenC or anything that helps my immune system.

4) A good gym alternative. Living anywhere winter comes, you always encounter the "weather" excuse. Now I have a good back up arsenal of at home DVD's. Like P90X, Focus T25, and Piyo. If you don't have backups you will always have an excuse. If you are ever interested in one of the workouts listed please visit the goals page here on the blog and simply click the Beachbody Logo and there you go. And don't forget that you get me as an added bonus, as your FREE coach.

Click here for more details