I Have Moved!

Confessions of a Foodaholic has been changed to Pretty in Pink Peonies!

You can continue following me at prettyinpinkpeonies.com

Hope you have a fabulous day!

xoxo,
Toni

new website launch!!!!

Today is the day!!! First of all, Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Secondly, my new website is officially launched and ready to go! Check it out! I will no longer be posting to this blog anymore...but rather everything will be all bundled together in one website.

Hope you like it!
Prettyinpinkpeonies.com

controversy and encouragement

Quite a title, I know...but few nights ago I was watching the season finale of the Biggest Loser, the winner, a 24-year old girl, lost over half her body weight!

Here is a before, during, and after picture...

Now, there was a ton of controversy with her losing too much or she lost it due to extreme measures, but she denied these claims revealing that her big secret was just eating healthy, controlled portions and working out...and of course, dedication.

At first, I was shocked at her transformation thinking to myself that she was too thin, but after adjusting my eyes to her new look, I then saw how great she looked from what she was before. And yes, she did lose a lot of weight in a short period of time, but she was constantly looked after by a medical physician. I applaud you, Rachel.

This is actually really encouraging to me. She is only two years older than me and she made a huge change in her busy life. This is so cliche, I know...but I just think that, hey...if Rachel can do it, so can I!

Despite the controversy, I am encouraged. Even in her "during" photo...she still made such progress with eating right and exercising. It's as simple as that, my friends. So get up off the couch...put down your computer or phone and go for a walk! And if you are really feeling it, maybe jog a bit. ;)

xoxo,
Toni

PS...I am launching my website www.prettyinpinkpeonies.com tomorrow!!! Get excited!! AND it's Valentine's day tomorrow, so get EXTRA excited!!!

trail mix

So true, right!? We like all the happy parts and blessings, but what about the bad and condemning parts? God's word is God's word and we are to read it all and apply all of it to our lives.

Sure, God destroyed the earth with a flood, but why did He do it? Because man was wicked! Learn from those dark times in the Bible so we don't make those same mistakes.

If you have an issue that needs working out in your life, don't hesitate to do so. Today is the day. Now is the time. Make it right.

xoxo,
Toni

PS...My new website is launching on Friday! Make sure to check it out. :)

singing, dancing, and praising the Lord

Today was a weigh in day!!! When I woke up, this is what I was doing...singing. dancing, praising the Lord! ...and this was before the weigh-in! I was ready. I didn't care what the number said on the scale. I knew that I worked it hard every day this week with my workouts (toning and running)...I ate all that I should. Overall, it was a good work week.

Now, I did gain from my eating escapades last week, I did gain. I weighed myself on Monday nigh just to see the damage, and it was bad. But, this morning, I lost about 4 pounds just from Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday! That is huge! Four pounds in three days? I will take it!

So my weight as of this morning is 144.6. Not only do I feel good about that number, I feel even better about sticking to an entire week of working out (hard I may add) and eating right. Please keep me in prayer over the weekend and that I continue to stay on track. :)

And remember, to praise the Lord at all times of the day for everything!

xoxo,
Toni

fear and faith

Wanted to keep it short and sweet today. Think about all your fears and allow your faith to overcome those fears. Give your fears up to God and He will take care of the rest. :)

xoxo,
Toni

what do you want most?

I had to remember this quote this morning as I wanted so badly to hit the snooze button and go back to bed rather than wake up and workout. Thankfully, I thought about what I want in the future rather than wanting to sleep in the moment and worked out.


It's not easy! It is truly a struggle to get up and get moving. But with the Lord's help, I was able to do it. In case some of you are wondering, here is my weekly workout schedule...

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: I do the Bridalicious Bootcamp DVDs (yes, funny name, I know, but it sure makes you sore the next day.)

Tuesday, Thursday: I do my 2.15 mile run/jog

So overall, I am working out 5 times a week. That is a lot for me, but I am really determined to keep going and get toned for my sister's wedding.

Fight that urge to sleep in or watch TV instead of working out. Release that inner lion and fight your flesh and for what you want.

Now, I did not take pictures, but in case you are wondering about my eats for the day, here they are in list form...

Breakfast: chocolate chip pancakes with sugar free syrup
Morning Snack: Chai Latte
Lunch: turkey burger, broccoli, light cheese
Afternoon Snack: mixed berry cereal crunch
Dinner: smore crunch bar
Dessert: peanut butter milkshake (pb soft serve blended with water and ice)

So there you ahve it! Remember what you really want for your future. Question your eating habits...is this going to get you where you want to be? If not, then don't do it. Simple as that.

xoxo,
Toni

PS...Don't forget! This blog is moving to an official website on Friday, February 14!!!

second chances

So I wanted to share another devotional with you guys today. My health coach sent it to me this morning and I think you will all benefit from it as well.

Because I am not posting pictures of everything I eat, let me just assure you that I stayed 100% on plan today. By the grace of God, I am easing back quite well.

So without further ado...here is that devo. Really read and meditate on it. Open your heart to all that the Lord is trying to tell you.

A Second Chance

“For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalm 117:2

God is good and He is a God of many chances. Not just one or two, but He gives us chance after chance in life to get it right, to say “yes” to Him, to obey Him, and to go all out in serving Him. In life, we sometimes hit rock bottom, reach our lowest, lose it all, face death’s door, but God in His great love and mercy, delivers us and gives us a second chance. How grateful we are. How loved we feel. We then spend every waking moment doing what matters to Him. It is those who receive a second chance in life that live most determined. They know what it feels like to be lost and now found. They know what it’s like to be sick and now healed. They know what it’s like to be in darkness and now flooded with the light of God’s word. They know what it’s like to be bound by the devil and now completely free. They are usually the ones that shout the hardest and praise the loudest. Don’t waste the second chance God has given you. Live the life you were born to live. Fulfill the purpose God created you to fulfill. He doesn’t stop death in its tracks for you to just sit down and do nothing. He doesn’t deliver you only for you to return to how you used to live in the past. Walk in newness of live and make the second chance He has given you mean something great.

Prayer: Father God, if it wasn’t for You, I wouldn’t be here. You have shown Yourself to be faithful to me and I am beyond thankful. Help me to make the most of the second chance You have given me. Help me to stay on the path You have laid before me and not go to the left or right, but continue on the straight path. Help me always remember what You have done for me and continue to give You the glory. Be glorified in me.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

xoxo,
Toni

mortify the flesh

sunset on Friday night in Twin Peaks, California

Today is going to be a post of just me pouring out my heart to you all. But first, I have some confessions to tell you guys.

For the past two weeks or so, I have not been fully 100% on the plan. Sure, I still have good days, but there were times when I ate a not so lean and green meal or ate snacks that were not on plan.

But apart from feeling like I was in a rut food-wise, I felt this way in a spiritual sense as well. My walk with the Lord has just remained the same and I haven't been growing much. It has been like a routine in my life...I go to work, go to church, and go home...day after day.

I knew what was happening in my life was not okay, but I still seemed to fall back and allow my flesh to overrule my spirit. With this in my mind and burden in my heart, I left on Friday morning to attend a camp with my college Bible study group asking the Lord to reveal Himself and show me what to do and how I can further my walk with Him.

And boy oh boy did God answer my prayers...He is faithful like that.

For starters someone mentioned a verse to me a couple months ago, and I never looked it up, just wrote it down on my phone. Well...on Friday night the Lord spoke to me, "hey...you remember that one verse? Go look it up..." Okay, Lord, I responded. This is the verse...

The Lord will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

-Isaiah 58:11

This verse was such an answer to pray. And as the weekend went on, a friend of mine shared a verse with me (1 Timothy 4:12) and that very night, our pastor repeated that verse to all of us...I think the Lord was trying to tell me something. This kind of thing happened multiple times throughout the weekend. 

About half the group eating and having a beautiful time of fellowship and sharing what the Lord has been teaching them.

Then to top it all off, the devotion from Pastor Chuck's, Wisdom for Today Devotional this morning was all about mortifying our flesh. I was blown away and knew I just had to share it with you all...

So good, right? Such a great reminder to us all...whether our issue is with food and eating or watching TV...it is all our flesh. Kill that sin and feed your spirit. Get rid of those idols in your life and focus on the Lord. Trust me...He will do so much more good in your life than a doughnut ever can.

xoxo,

Toni

12 week transformation...day twenty-five

Fun and random post today!

So Tuesday was my very last orthodontist appointment! It has been a three year process dealing with braces and my retainer....but I am finally done! And just for fun, here is a before and after picture of my teeth. Look at my face and my neck too! I have changed in a good way since three years ago. :)

This just goes to show that if you stick with something, you will see results. You may not see them everyday, but overtime, you will notice those small changes.

Workout
I did my run early this morning, since I am going to be busy after work. I won't lie...it's really hard to get up and actually start running. It took me a while to wake up and stretch out, but about five minutes into the run (or really jog) I felt pretty good. It was quite cold this morning, so that helped to wake me up too. It's actually kind of fun running in the morning...makes you feel pretty energized for the rest of the day.


Breakfast
Nothing too exciting for breakfast this morning. Made a french vanilla shake and took it with me to work. Boring...I know.

Morning Snack
I just love calorie burn cappuccinos!!! I loved every sip this morning...totally hit the spot on this cold and gloomy morning...which I totally love! Finally having somewhat of a winter!

Lunch
I enjoyed yesterday's lunch so much, I made it again! Had another turkey burger with cheese and broccoli on the side. Delish! I wish I could show you...but I was just so hungry I completely forgot to snap a pic.

Afternoon Snack
Had some cinnamon pretzel bites this afternoon...haven't had these in quite some time. I am glad I reordered them! These are pretty good!

Dinner
For dinner I made a mud pie shake...or really just a chocolate chip cookie shake packet blended with some instant coffee, ice, and water. Ah-ma-zing. So amazing...that I forgot to take a picture...again.

Dessert
To finish off the night, I ate a smores crunch bar. Perfect ending to quite a busy day.

I am off to a weekend camping trip with my college group from my church, so no blog posts until Monday. But I hope and pray you have a beautiful and blessed weekend. Remember, to keep your eyes on the Lord!

xoxo,
Toni

12 week transformation...day twenty-four

Yesterday was so much fun! My dad surprised me tickets to go see the LA Lakers take on the Indiana Pacers. Fun fact about me...I love to watch sports...especially basketball and baseball.

My dad and I left work early and grabbed some coffee before dinner. It is currently, DineLA week right now, so we were going to go to a restaurant participating in the event, but ended up just going to Wolfgang Puck. And confession...I went off my plan for dinner. I won't lie though...it was pretty much the best burger I have ever had in my life. Seriously. But you know...usually I go all crazy and eat everything in sight since I already "broke my plan" but this time I didn't. I ate only half my dinner and was done. This is huge for me. I am changing. :)

Breakfast
So this morning I am back on plan and ready to attack the day! I made a dark chocolate shake and made my way to work. Don't you just love cloudy and gloomy mornings? I do!

Morning Snack
I was busy creating this morning, so time flew by! I made a chai latte for my morning snack while still working away. I learning that I love designing.

Lunch
I made a turkey burger wrapped in lettuce for lunch today with broccoli on the side. Simple yet oh-so-delicious.

Afternoon Snack
For my snack this afternoon I had a bag of mixed berry cereal. I love this cereal...so good!

Dinner
I ate a quick strawberry crunch bar before dinner. I wasn't too hungry, so this was perfect.

Dessert
After church I came home and made a peanut butter milkshake. I can have one of these every night and never get tired of them.

So there is my day in a nutshell! Friday is almost here!!!

Oh, and PS...the Lakers lost...but it was still a super fun game! :D

xoxo,
Toni

achieving optimal health

Hey there!

So...today is going to be a busy day for me, and as a result, I am not going to be able to write a normal blog post today as usual. I am actually going to LA for the day and won't be home until late tonight. My dad surprised me with tickets to see the Laker game! I am so excited!!!

But anyways, I did want to mention that this Saturday, February 1, there is a meeting in orange county, CA. Here are the details...

Join us for an informative presentation on optimal health, designed and lead by health care professionals, this program is not a diet but is a comprehensive health program including 3 key elements:

1. Dr. Wayne Andersen's Habits of Health System to teach you the habits and behaviors to create health in your life.

2. The support and guidance of a free Health Coach and access of a professional support network.

3. Portion controlled meal replacements to help you safely lose up to 2-5 lb./week.

No meetings, no program fees, no drugs or stimulants. All this for less than you currently spend on food each day, while you are eating healthy and losing weight!

Achieving Optimal Health

• Saturday, February 1, 2014 • 9AM - 1:30PM
• Hosted by Sound Advice Health
• (949) 478-5610
• Vanguard University, Heath Building #26
• 55 Fair Drive
• Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Frank & Denise Heinrichs RN, NP

Guest Presenter – Presidential Director Brad Miller

Admission:

Clients/Guests Free, Health Coaches $5

Event details & schedule:

9-10:30 Achieving Optimal Health Presentation & Client Celebration

10:30-1:30 Health Coach Opportunity & Training

12-week transformation...day twenty-two

This was my exact face as my alarm went off this morning. The weekend went by way to fast...I was not ready for Monday.

...Little Peggy just gets me...

Breakfast
It's still a good morning even though it is Monday. Made a mocha shake this morning with added instant coffee for an extra flavor punch.

Morning Snack
I am guilty of not drinking enough water lately...it's even making my face a tad puffy! I know it and I know I need to change that. So this morning I have been drinking water like crazy, which has made me feel full...so by the time my snack time came around, I wasn't really hungry. But don't get me wrong...I still had a chai latte.

Lunch
There are times when I just want to yell, "LUNCHTIME!!!" But, I practice self control and do not let out that yell. I am sure my co-workers are very thankful I can resist. Anyways, today for lunch, I had a steak chopped salad from Rubios. I had to get my oil changed during my lunch hour, so I wasn't able to go home and grab lunch.

Afternoon Snack
Due to me working out after work, I ate my snack about an hour beforehand. I ate some chili nacho cheese puffs along with a ton of more water. Water, water, water...all day long!

Workout
I did my normal 2.18 mile run tonight after work. Felt good...well, after I am done, I feel good. During...well, that's another story. But, I did it!

Dinner
Once I got back from my run, I made a chocolate chip pancake and drizzled it with some medifast sugar free syrup. Yum! I love breakfast for dinner!



Dessert
To finish off the night, I ate a smores crunch bar. Perfect ending to quite a busy day. Sorry...forgot a to snap a photo.

Well, you made it through Monday! I pray your Tuesday is a good one! Mine is going to be...I will tell you all about it tomorrow. :)

xoxo,
Toni

12-week transformation...day nineteen

This was my prayer this morning...and all day really. Such a a beautiful song by Hillsong United. If you can, take a listen to it...it's called "Oceans".

Breakfast
Pretty standard morning for me...made a french vanilla shake and am pretty sure I drank it in record time. For some reason I was really hungry this morning.

Morning Snack
It was overcast this morning here in Orange County, CA and I was so happy to have to some (California) winter weather. And sipping on a warm calorie burn cappuccino just made it all the better.

Lunch
So my family went and got mexican food for lunch and I was all like..."I want a treat too!" So I went to chipotle and ordered a steak salad. So good! :)

Afternoon Snack
Mixed Berry Crunch Cereal!!! This is my favorite snack of all time...at least right now anyways. It tastes kind of like fruit loops...but way better for you! ;)

Dinner
For dinner I whipped up a peanut butter milkshake and drank it while getting ready for church. I also forgot to take a picture.

Dessert
During church I snacked on a cinnamon roll crunch bar. It is so good and satisfying.

Also, almost forgot! Today was a weigh-in day! I weighed in at 139.6! Finally back in the 130's! It took about a month to undo all the damage I did at Christmastime.

Well, that is all I have for now! And don't forget! February 14, 2014 is my launch date for my new website...Pretty in Pink Peonies!

xoxo,
Toni

12-week transformation...day eighteen

I am simply meditating on this today. No specific reason...it's just a good reminder and one to remember.

Breakfast
For breakfast I made a mocha shake and added some instant coffee to up the flavor a bit.

Morning Snack
I was feeling a tad stomach sick around my snack time, so I slowly sipped on a chai latte...I think the warmth of it made my stomach feel better, but not 100% better. :(

Workout
Due to a busy evening, I did my run at lunch! It was okay...I prefer doing it at night, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Lunch
After I got back home and showered, I made a quick mocha cookie crunch shake. I used a chocolate chip soft bake packet and blended it with instant coffee, water, and ice.

Afternoon Snack
I was pretty hungry by the time my next meal time came around. So I had some honey mustard pretzel bites with a ton of water.

Dinner
When I got home, I got ready to go to a Bible study and a lean and green meal while doing so. I was in such a rush, I didn't take a picture...but I had a some chicken and lettuce.

Dessert
After I got home, I ate a strawberry crunch bar while writing this post. Sorry...no picture of this either.

And now I am off to bed! I am tiiiiired!

xoxo,
Toni

12-week transformation...day seventeen

Do you have goals? Well, in today's Take Shape for Life Transformation email, it was all about setting goals. I really liked it and thought I would share it with you all...hope you like it as much as I do!

Your goals should be SMART:

Specific: Your goal should be specific and clear. For example, rather than setting a goal to lose weight or get healthy, specify the amount of weight you want to lose or what specific activity you’d like to be able to do. The more meaningful, the better.

Measurable: Make your goal easy to measure. For example, rather than saying you want to have more energy, say that you want to be able to walk 18 holes of golf carrying a bag without being short of breath.

Achievable: Set a reasonable goal. If you’re overwhelmed, you probably won’t stick with it. But if you know you can reach it, you’ll find yourself excited by your progress.

Realistic: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you set a goal of never having dessert again, you’re likely to rebel. Instead, decide that just for now, while you’re getting down to your healthy weight, you’ll do without dessert. If you want to have dessert later on, you can do so without guilt or feelings of failure.

Time-Oriented: Set a time for accomplishing your goal. I suggest that you make a timeline of activities.

Cool, right?

Wanna hear my goals? Well, I tried on bridesmaid dresses yesterday and actually ended up ordering a size down because of my success so far in this program. So, my first goal is to fit into that size 6 dress by the end of May.

Second goal is to start working out! I have been so terrible at this and need to get up and get going. Plus, the dress is strapless and why not show off some toned arms. ;)

Write down your goals and put them up somewhere where you can see them everyday and be motivated!

Breakfast
I am finally back and home and this morning whipped up a french vanilla shake. Simple and delicious.

Morning Snack
As I mention every morning, I really like these hot drinks. This morning I had a calorie burn cappuccino.

Lunch
For lunch...my lean and green meal of the day, I had a turkey burger wrapped in lettuce with light cheese and also a side of broccoli. I think this is becoming my go to meal now...but I will always love salads.

Afternoon Snack
Had some brown sugar cereal crunch for my snack this afternoon along with some coffee...this is such a delightful pairing.

Dinner
I made dinner for the family tonight and drove back to the house I am house sitting for. On the way I ate a smores crunch bar. Sort of felt like I just skipped dinner and went straight for dessert! And c'mon...who doesn't love dessert? Oh, and to be safe while driving I didn't take a picture of the crunch bar. ;)

Dessert
After I got to the house, I whipped up a warm and gooey and divine brownie. If you have not tried these...you must. They are the best. All warm and melty-like. Yum! Sorry...no picture of this either.

Big news!!! I have a launch date for my new website!!! Ready?! Okay...mark your calendars because I am launching the new site on Valentine's Day! I thought it would be so perfect and cute! So, on Friday, February 14, 2014 I am officially launching my website called "Pretty in Pink Peonies". Yay! I will share even more details soon!

xoxo,
Toni

12-week transformation...day sixteen

This quote explains my day to a T. I had some growing to do the moment I woke up.

I am still house-sitting, and as a result I have to drive on the freeway and past about 4 schools to get to work. Well, I was running late this morning and as a result I hit a ton more traffic than usual. The way people are so inconsiderate and cutting me off multiple times just really got to me. I arrived at work pretty upset and grumpy. But, I asked for prayer during our devotional time at work and I immediately started feeling better.  Praise the Lord because I hate being grumpy around people.

Breakfast
I ran out of ice, so I had to make my shake the old fashioned way with only water. It was cold water, so it wasn't all that bad. I made a dark chocolate shake and threw in some instant coffee...delicious!

Morning Snack
It was a pretty low key morning, so when my morning snack came around, I was pretty happy. I made a chai latte and sipped with pleasure. It was pretty chilly out this morning, so this warm drink hit the spot.

Lunch
I had to stay at work during lunch because I am leaving early today, so I had a bag of nacho chili cheese puffs. There are so many in a bag! But I love them, so it's okay.

Afternoon Snack
I was out and about when my afternoon snack came around. I was actually trying on some bridesmaid dresses for my sisters wedding. So fun! But when I did get a chance, I snacked on a lemon meringue crunch bar.

Dinner
After I was done trying on dresses, I stopped by Rubios and got a chopped salad with steak. I have a gift card so I figured, why not just get a salad while I am out? Plus, these are really good and are a perfect solution for when you are out and about and need to eat.

Dessert
I finished off the day with a peanut butter milkshake. Same thing as yesterday, just used a peanut butter soft serve rather than a coffee one.

I am working on my new site and cannot wait to launch it! The new title is going to be "pretty in pink peonies". I will still be documenting my journey on the Take Shape for Life program but will also include some of my other interests, such as: cooking, baking, DIY projects, style, design, fitness, beauty, etc. It is going to be full of all kinds of things. I am excited and can't wait for you to join me on this journey! I am sure you will love it. But I will talk about it more soon.

xoxo,
Toni