50 Pounds GONE

I've been a little quiet lately...okay. I've been a little more than quiet. I'll just skip over the part where I tell you in detail how hard my life has been lately and how much I've had on my plate, because EVERYONE has things going on. Every. Single. Person. AND there are people with way more going on than you who sucked it up and did it anyways. HOWEVER, that being said, everyone's journey happens in their own time.

So about a year and a half ago (has it REALLY been that long?!) I hit rock bottom. I was in a minor fender-bender, and went into the doctors office for a little check up. I hopped up on the scale, the nurse turned to me and said, "Let's weight you again. There's no way that's right." Yup. You read that right. I shocked the nurse with my weight gain. "Two twenty-four"; she kind of whispered it, kind of muttered under her breath. My heart felt like it would shoot out of my chest. I listened, choking back tears, when the doctor came in and gave me the 'you need to loose weight' speech. I no longer cared about the pain in my neck. I cared about the number I'd just heard.

I went to work the next night, and spent HOURS looking up weight loss videos on Youtube. I searched 'quick and easy weight loss' and things like 'loose weight fast'. I finally, FINALLY found one that resonated with me. I commented on her video, sent a message on facebook and didn't expect what would happen.

It CHANGED my LIFE. I lost 50 freakin pounds, and I kept it off. So what if it took me longer than so-and-so? So what if I had a handful (or more than that if I'm being completely transparent)  of setbacks? I STUCK WITH IT, and I succeeded. Don't get me wrong, I'm not near finished, but I need to celebrate this, because this is HUGE for me. I'd also like to make it VERY clear that this transformation was not without work.

I started with this simple, idiot proof plan, right? I just did what I was told. It was hard, but it was worth it. I used these measuring containers that told me how much of the foods I was already eating to eat. It told me which of 8 easy workouts to do each day. I carved out the 30 minutes to do it. I did this for a few months, then switched to a faster paced workout called T25. I capped it off with another called PiYo. I hit a road block around 180 pounds. I'd loose a few then pop back up. I did some serious self evaluating, and realized that if 80% of my results were to come from my nutrition, then why was I STILL eating processed foods and truck loads of carbs? (I also discovered a gluten allergy through this journey. Yay!!) So I did some research, did a cleanse, broke some addictions, and I will NEVER regret it. This cleanse was The Ultimate Reset. A daunting, yet rewarding experience. I learned not only about nutrition, but about myself. 

This post was a quick and excited rant, so I apologize if I was confusing. But PLEASE PLEASE find me on facebook and shoot me a message. I'd love to chat with you about YOUR journey.

x's and o's
Erika

My Ultimate Reset Results!!!!

So, let me just preface this post with this blurb...ya know, to make legal happy and to cover my bootay.

The results you get from this program will vary. These opinions are just my own, and if you don't like the Ultimate Reset as much as I did, then that's a you problem ;) Kidding!...well kind of. ALSO, several grammar rules will be broken. I use a lot of capitals and copious amounts of punctuation. I talk with my hands (hell, my whole body) and being behind a keyboard restricts that, so hence, the shouty capitals and punctuation.

I decided to do the Ultimate Reset after MONTHS of deliberation. Yes, you read that correctly, months. It was a big deal for me to purchase this program. It's something I needed to budget for and save for. I saved for 6 months because it was important to me. I knew that I needed this in my life.

I had spent the last year cleaning up my diet, working out, and drinking my Shakeology. I lost a good hunk of weight. I almost hit the 50 pound mark and then I'd revert back to my eating habits. I would make excuses and place the blame on others for my sabotaging myself. It's true what they say about a bad diet. You can't out-exercise it.

I did the 3 Day Refresh on a monthly basis. I always felt PHENOMENAL when I did it and even better on the last day. That structure and meal plan worked well for me. Having my meals laid out and planned like that left zero room for guesswork or 'just this once's

I did a fair amount of research about the Ultimate Reset, because of the price tag. But like I said, I saved and I made it happen. And I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad that I did!!! I cannot put into typed words just HOW much I would make the same decision over and over again.

The first few days were far from great. I felt weak, hungry, and I had a headache from Hades. Thank you, caffeine addiction. I didn't cave and go for the Advil.  (OH, and I got my period on day two. Talk about detox) I used a small ice pack at the nape of my neck and chugged my water. I was drinking 2 to 3 gallons of water a day. Yes, I peed a LOT. The first week I phased out animal products and into weeks 2 and 3 I ate a plant based diet. I actually ENJOYED IT. I didn't realize how heavy I was used to feeling. I felt calm, level headed, and just overall G O O D. I didn't even KNOW just how bad of a place I was in. My dependency on food and the reasons I turned to it were thrown in my face. Talk about ah-hah moment after ah-hah moment!

As for my timing, I decided to start on May 1st, making my last day May 21st. I did this program over mother's day, a christening, and my birthday. If I can do THAT, you can too.

I recorded several videos over my 3 weeks doing this program, but I can't find most of the footage! I'm re-recording them and will upload them along with more in depth posts. Here are my results-physically anyhow. HOLY EFFING COW. Stay tuned for those other posts, guys. You're gonna wanna hear about this.

I'm making this an annual thing. Maybe starting the day after my birthday this time, though.

Here's from the front

And the side

And here's for the hater's. You can't suck in back fat ;)

XOXO

Erika

50 Questions About Me-- Get To Know Me

I found these questions on a blog I frequent and thought it would be fun to answer them for y'all!

1. What time did you get up this morning? 5am, well kind of. I was up at 1:22 because I was working (hospice) and my client had a rough night. Ergo, I had a rough night. 

2. How do you like your steak? Medium Well

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Tammy. Wow, it's definitely been a while.

4. What is your favorite TV show? Gilmore Girls is my all time favorite. Friends is a close second. I'll put either of those on when I need a little me time. Chopped is interesting now and again. I love that one HGTV show that I CANNOT think of the name of. It's a husband and a wife that flip houses for buyers? UGH! It will come to me, I'm sure. But just because we are being real and honest here… Keeping up with the Kardashians is my guilty pleasure.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Southern California. Yes. No Question.

6. What did you have for breakfast? Vegan Chocolate Shakeology and an apple. YUMO!

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Thai or Japanese

8. What foods do you dislike? Tofurkey, anything with a lot of butter or grease...shudder.

9. Favorite Place to Eat? Boston's Baddest Burgers, The Counter, Halfway Cafe, Nisa's Thai...sensing a theme here?

10. Favorite dressing? Ranch or Caesar, NO....wait. Pomegranate Vinaigrette!

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? Kia Sportage

12. What are your favorite clothes? Im pretty casual as a Mom.  Nothing beats a Graphic T-shirt and leggings.  SO easy to style and accessorize… and look cute everyday. You can dress it up, or down. Thats my kind of outfit. Quick and easy!

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? England, Thailand, Ireland or Scotland, Paris France, New York City, New Orleans, and the Disneys. ALL DAY, every day.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? I would say both… depends on my mood.  But usually 1/2 full…I'm trying to be one of THOSE people ;)

15. Where would you want to retire? Southern California.

16. Favorite time of day? It used to be night time. I was a TOTAL night owl. I get that from my grandmother. She and I would stay up late watching CSI, or other crime shows. She'd make tea and little sandwiches. Those memories I cherish. But in the past year, I've tried really hard to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier now that I have a 2.5 year old.

17. Where were you born? California, baby!

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Dance. Competitive dance.

19. How many siblings? 1 sister, 3 years younger than me.

20. Favorite pastime/hobby? I'm a total art freak. And crafts. Scrapbooking, drawing, illustrating, heck, I'll color in a kid's coloring book. I've recently gotten into ring bound planners. I remember my dad having one, and I'm super excited about it.

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? EVERYONE! I'm a deep talk craver. I l love getting to know people.

22. Bird watcher? Nope. People watcher.

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Definitely Night.  I could stay up really really late if i didn't have my kiddo. Its hard to get me into bed before 11:00pm… but I'm getting better about making myself.

24. Do you have any pets? Yes, a beagle boston terrier, Zoe. And Moxie will forever be mine.

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? I chopped my hair recently!

26. What did you want to be when you were little? Artist, Performer, Apparel Designer, Singer, I also wanted to own a hotel made of cheese with my bestie, Kim. It's still on the goal board, people.

27. What is your best childhood memory? Probably Disneyland with my dad.

28. Are you a cat or dog person? Cat.  I wish I could have like 5 cats… but I can't have cats in this condo.

29. Are you married? Nope.

30. Always wear your seat belt? ALWAYS. It's one of the only habits that my parents gave me that I'm grateful for.

31. Been in a car accident? Yes… I've been rear ended twice, and once I caused it. It was stupid really. I was in the drive thru line at Starbucks, and I bent down to get something I dropped on the passenger side floor, and when I went to grab it, my foot lifted off the break and I tapped the lady in front of me. LITERALLY 1mph. STUPID.

32. Any pet peeves? When people smack and chew with their mouth open. Or if I can see your tounge moving like a cat's? I sound terrible but it's the truth! What else? Uhm...When people are sick and sneeze or cough all willy nilly. COVER your mouth thank ya!

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Pineapple… or Sausage Onion.

34. Favorite Flower? Peonies, Hydrangeas, Lavendar.

35. Favorite ice cream? Chocolate Chip Mint

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Chipotle.

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Never. Whoop whoop!

38. From whom did you get your last email? PayPal notifying me that I've created a shipping label. Paypal is very email-happy.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Target.

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? Chopped my hair. My life isn't too exciting right now!

41. Like your job? I have a job that's rewarding. Two actually. I'm working with elderly clients (like 94 and still kicking!) And I am also a health and lifestyle coach. A motivator, if you will. OH and let's not forget my mama duties!

42. Broccoli? Yes!! It may stick in your teeth, but fries stick on your ass.

43. What was your favorite vacation? Disneyland. Hands down.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Dad, Greg, and Liam. We had halfway cafe.

45. What are you listening to right now? My clacking keys, my snoring toddler, and the MOST annoying fridge humming ever!

46. What is your favorite color? Honestly, this changes every time I'm asked so I usually say nudes to be safe.

47. How many tattoos do you have? Two.

49. What time did you finish this quiz?  1:47 PM

50. Coffee Drinker? Coffee Addict is more like it. Give me an IV when that's approved by the board of health.

Hope you all got to know me a little better :)  Tell me something I don't know about YOU!

xoxo

Erika

So...I still use a paper planner?

In a time where everyone has their smartphones glued to their hands, why on earth would I go backwards and use a paper planner!?

Because I'm a visual person. That's the simple answer.

When I was in middle school, my dad RELIGIOUSLY used a Franklin Covey zip planner. He had those green daily pages, and even inventoried them by year when he was done. I wanted one SOOOO badly. I've always been a stationary and pen addict. In fact I was almost sent to the principals office in 6th grade over some scented erasers. True story.

Anyways, he ended up getting me a magnetic snap one, and I took that thing everywhere. I've upgraded since then, and started with Filofax and moved into Kate Spade. I did a few planner set up video, but just to warn you, they're supppeerrr awkward. I'm getting better, I promise

Since these videos I've purchased, the Day Designer, Erin Condren, Target planners (like Sugar Paper LA and the Day Designer's Line) even Midori, and always end right back up in a ring bound planner. I just LOVE being able to customize it soooo much.

It's also kind of a creative outlet for me. I used to scrapbook, and I still paint and draw. BUT I will say, all the decorating does overwhelm me. 

Little Man Update

Hi loves!!! Long time, no write, huh? I know. I'm trying to get better at it, because I do love writing, but by the time little man is down for the night, all I want to do is veg out in front of some Netflix. Yep. Shocker, huh? 

SO! Little man! He and I have made 4 trips to the brace shop to get his AFO's fitted correctly. The last visit we had, we saw a different orthotist. HE was amazing. He fixed every little thing and they are practically perfect now. We also managed to find shoes that would accommodate the width of them. New Balance, Saucony, and Stride Rite were no-go's. Who would've thought we'd end up back with Nike again. Hurray!!

He just had his 2 and a half birthday, where I improvised cupcakes out of funfetti pancake batter that Greg had in the cupboards. Needless to say, it wasn't the same. Little man got a kick out of the candles though. My heart leapt out of my chest when he lunged for them. I cannot believe how OLD and BIG he's getting. Part of me is sad. Sad that phases of his life are passing, sad that I'm having more and more trouble remembering his baby days. BUT, I am also extremely excited for the future. I love watching his little soul develop. He's more observant and always learning. He's becoming so much more expressive and he's just hit (and honestly gone a little ways past) that size where I can hold his hand properly, and his arms can reach around my neck to give me squeezes. I die.

He's in an awkward in between when it comes to clothing sizes. 2T is usually too snug, or too short. 3T is a little bit baggy. Certain brands work better than others and I have to totally reorganize our closet (He and I share one, as the master houses the washer and dryer) because his clothes are getting so much bigger, and I'm in the process of simplifying and trying to work towards a minimalist wardrobe (yeah, that's a story in and of itself).

I feel like I've missed so much, but all in all Liam is doing FANTASTICALLY. The only issue is this crazy stupid amount of snowfall we've had in Boston. We can't really do much besides walk around the mall. And we are going slowly stir crazy. 

Anyhow, I'm coming up with a blog schedule because I do want to devote more time to this. Hopefully my next post's thoughts will be more organized!

xoxo 

Erika

Where I'm Starting In 2015 - Progress Photos

Around this time last year, I was working nights, and taking care of my son during the day. He is two now, and has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Being a single mom, taking care of him, and the stress that comes with a new diagnosis like that, my health was the LAST thing on my mind. 

I knew the foods I was eating weren’t healthy, but getting meals at the drive thru, or in the prepared foods section on my way to and from work, was the easiest thing for me to do. I was tired, sluggish, and uncomfortable in my still-gaining body. I weighed more than I did when I was 9 months pregnant. When the nurse had to double check my weight with me at a physical, I knew it was time to do something. If I was surprising medical professionals with my weight gain, something was wrong. 

My coworker was doing weight watchers so I signed on. I quickly realized that I was continuing these bad habits, just in smaller portions. I was searching fast and easy weight loss on Youtube when I happened upon someone’s weight loss transformation video. I sent her a message, and changed my life. 

I know it sounds corny, but it’s true. She got me signed up with a challenge pack which gave me the best deal on a workout program and Shakeology. I didn’t do any research, I just jumped. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I was introduced to an amazing group of women who were all going through the same things that I was. I had this incredible accountability and judgment-free place to go when I was struggling, or dealing with a situation where I’d normally resort back to my unhealthy ways. I signed up as a coach within a few weeks. I started to read personal development books and saw a change more incredible than the physical ones. I HAD to share this with everyone. 

I have lost about 45 pounds since I started my journey. But in place, I’ve gained lifelong friends, self love, confidence, energy, happiness, joy, you NAME it. I am a part of one of the most supportive communities of women (and men). I continue to coach, because there are SO many people out there who don’t know what they’re missing. It’s more than the workouts and the Shakeology. It’s more than the weight loss. It’s about TRANSFORMATIONS. I am the BEST version of myself. I am healthier than I have ever been. Both physically and emotionally. I have come alive through this journey. I am a better mom, a better friend, a better daughter, a better girlfriend, a better coach when I work on myself first. I wouldn’t give this feeling up for anything. I'll always have stretch marks. Some from my son, and some from my unhealthy lifestyle. I have sagging and loose skin. But I LOVE IT. It's just proof of how far I've come.

And though this has been a journey full of ups and downs, both emotional and in pounds, it has TRUELY made me grow. People who have known me since before I've started say they see a difference. Not only in my size, but the joy I radiate.

So, are you ready to chat yet? Send me a friend request. Let's chat!  https://www.facebook.com/erikakkamezaki

erika.kamezaki@gmail.com

Sometimes It All Gets To Be A Bit Too Much

I am struggling.

Struggling to fall asleep, struggling to turn my thoughts off, struggling to stay positive, struggling to move my face without my tear-streaked cheeks tugging, struggling to look away from the baby monitor, struggling to stay strong, struggling not to fall apart.

Struggling to keep my voice down when I celebrate first bites of new foods, struggling to let go of his bumbling toddler hugs, struggling to look away from the plethora of smiling photos of him on the wall behind this monitor, struggling to keep from sleeping on his bedroom floor,

struggling to stay pessimistic. 

I just watched a video a friend had posted to her Facebook page. It was a video of a woman named Carly. She had an indescribable breakthrough. She types. She went over to the laptop and typed out HURT, then HELP before throwing up behind the couch. That's how she started to communicate with those around her. She shocked people. The fluidity with which she wrote was astonishing. She described how she feels and how much she understands. And I realize, for the umpteenth time, that there are things I might never understand.

I know that isn't the brightest of views, nor is it the tone of a mother who fancies herself Wonder Woman. But it's what I am struggling with. I don't know how much Bub's understands. I don't know if he understands when I say, "I love you." I don't know if he is in pain or discomfort. I don't know if he enjoys the food I offer, or if he's just hungry. I just don't freaking know. I don't know if he feels trapped, the way Carly feels. I don't know if he is understanding the PECs system I'm desperately pushing. I don't know a whole lot of things.

But what I do know is this. No matter how hard it gets, or how deep into self pity I sink, his smile pulls me out. It doesn't always happen right away, but it does. I also know that this is a long haul struggle. I don't know that I will ever be able to describe accurately enough. I will do EVERYTHING in my power to push for what he needs. I won't ever give up.

There is ALWAYS more to the story than what you see. I want so desperately to be in his body for a day. I would give pretty much anything for that. I am struggling to be his rock and deal with the emotional roller coaster that I've hopped on.

I would LOVE to meet Carly, and have her spend just a few hours with us. Bub's inner voice will find it's way out, as it does daily. I just have to be patient and PAY ATTENTION. I hate to let anyone see me struggle, because I DO want to be supermom for him. But, at the same time, I hate that no one knows what I'm going through. One of the hardest lessons to learn in life is letting go. Whether it's anger, confusion, love, or grief. Change is never easy. We fight to hold on and we fight to let go. I've said it before, but the nine months I was pregnant with Bubs, this is not exactly what I imagined. I still struggle with letting that go.

I keep telling myself that challenges are not sent to destroy me. They're sent to promote, increase and strengthen me. This struggle is part of my story. Part. Not all of it, and most definitely not forever. So for tonight, I'll embrace it and let it make me stronger.

I REFUSE to get so focused on the struggles that I forget about the gift of today.

And do me a favor? Remember that EVERYONE you meet is fighting a battle you know NOTHING about.