Blend Part 1 + {From Obese to Healthy}

Posted: May 7, 2012

As many of you know, this weekend was the Blend Retreat in Boulder, CO:  a retreat for healhy living bloggers to meet in person, and enjoy good food, exercise, and conversation.  It was everything I'd hoped it'd be...and more!  I met some amazing women, learned a thing or two about blogging (since almost all of them have been doing this a lot longer than I have!), and got a well-needed break from the craziness of "normal life."  The retreat couldn't have been in a more beautiful spot - Chautauqua park at the foot of the Flat Irons in Boulder.  This first photo shows all of us ladies hiking up to Royal Arch.  If you happened to be hiking there that day, I'm sorry.  I know it was annoying to have to wait for group after group of 20 chatty girls to pass by.  But we sure had a blast!!

Telling my story:

One of the most fun parts of the weekend for me was telling my story: introducing myself, my blog, and what I'm all about.  It went a little something like this: "Hi, I'm Kelly.  I blog over at No Sugar Sweet Life.  I'm pretty new to this whole blogging thing... I've been at it for about 3 months.  I recently lost over 50 pounds by cutting out added sugar from my diet, adding veggie juices, and watching my portions, etc... so my blog focuses on my weight loss journey and lots of easy healthy recipes." 

I didn't have this picture to show these ladies, but it would've driven home the point!  Here's a before and after pic (though I still have farther to go). 

Left to Right: From OBESE to HEALTHY.

I haven't done an official weigh-in on this blog in awhile, but I did have a May 1st goal if you remember.  So, how'd I do?

Previous Weight: 173.6 lbs (Week 5 Weigh-In)

Current Weight: 166.8 lbs

Change in Weight: -6.8 lbs

TOTAL Weight-loss since starting the blog: -12.4 lbs

Total Weight-loss since heaviest: -52.2 lbs

I did hit my May 1 goal of 166 by a couple pounds, though my weight went up slightly after all the fabulous food I ate this weekend!  I am now officially in the "healthy weight" for BMI.  (Yes, I'm tall, in case you're wondering!)  This is a MAJOR accomplishment for me.  I couldn't be happier, and feel GREAT!!  I need to set some new short-term goals this week, to help me meet my long-term goal of 139 lbs (wedding weight) by Dec. 31.  I will be sure to share them with you soon!

So, back to Blend...and food.

I ate Chobani greek yogurt every morning: #awholelottayum They had fabulous "yogurt bars" set up with a bajillion toppings to complement your yogurt.

An array of fruits, nuts, granola, Xagave sweetner, etc... Doesn't that bowl of mango look AMAZING?!?

And here's what mine looked like:

This was perfect fuel for our hike up the Flat Irons.  We went up to Royal Arch - which is no minor task!  It is plenty steep and long - and a GREAT workout!!   The company was fabulous and I just kept a slow and steady pace. I made it to the top, no problem, though I hadn't really "hiked" in almost 3 years!

I felt great, accomplished, and strong!

I will share more about the weekend this week!!

Questions:

  • Any weekend highlights for you?
  • What is the last thing you did where you felt accomplished and strong afterwards?

You might also like...

Comments

Submitted by Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean - May 7, 2012 - 9:15am

hi!!! so good to meet you this weekend. just now getting a chance to check out your blog. LOVE it! you look great. i added it to my reader :)

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:34pm

You are so sweet Lindsay, and I'm truly flattered you'd add ME to your reader :) I'm so glad we met at Blend!!!

Submitted by V - May 7, 2012 - 9:47am

What a fun weekend! I am jealous of your hike, I looooove hiking.

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:35pm

It's SUCH good exercise, but so fun too! And usually the peak/view/summit is worth every step :)

Submitted by Denise Ehorn - May 7, 2012 - 10:16am

Hi! Love your Blog!
I am a total sugar addict (have PCOS, which is a big reason why).
I just did a 3 day juice fast...now I am ready to start eating again. I plan to start with raw fruits/veg and then start to integrate other foods.
Any advise on how to stay on track?
Do you limit animal proteins/dairy?

Thanks!
-Denise

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:38pm

I don't follow a specific "diet" or plan, but I do limit meats/dairy somewhat. I try to eat a "couple" vegetarian dinners a week, and I limit dairy to one greek yogurt a day (YAY Chobani!) and some cheese every once in awhile - in scrambled eggs, or on a salad. I try to use almond milk in stuff, rather than cow milk. As far as staying on track - being accountable with this blog has definitely helped. And looking back at my motivation OFTEN. (See my motivation tab on top of blog)

Submitted by Janetha - May 7, 2012 - 10:27am

Great recap of the beginning of the weekend! It was so great to meet you. You are a true testament of why cutting out sugar is the best way to get fit! Xoxo

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:39pm

It was so great to meet YOU! And thank you for all the hardwork you put in to make Blend a reality. It was really such an amazing weekend!! I can't wait to go next year (wherever it is...) and stay there. #commutingwasn'tfun

Submitted by Christine @ Oatmeal Bowl - May 7, 2012 - 10:29am

Kelly, it was so great to meet you, chat with you and hike up the {crazy, rock, steep, beautiful} trail. What a transformation from before and after. And many kudos to you for making your goal a reality. Can't wait until next year!

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:40pm

Next time you're in Colorado, let's go on a hike!

Submitted by Lindsay @ Lindsay's List - May 7, 2012 - 10:55am

I LOVE your story!! so inspiring and relatable!!
I'm so glad to have met you! This weekend was perfect.

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:41pm

THANK YOU for dreaming it up and making it possible!! You ROCK miss Lindsay!! And your family is just the cutiest :)

Submitted by Tiffany - May 7, 2012 - 11:07am

So nice to meet you this wknd! Your pictures are amazing and I think I'm going to bite the bullet and get a DSLR soon after seeing everyone's this weekend. Kudos on your weight loss thus far, you look amazing!

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:42pm

You definitely need to get on the DSLR bandwagon :) So great to meet you too, and I hope to see you at some local Denver get-togethers!!

Submitted by Gwen - May 7, 2012 - 11:31am

My first major highlight was taking my little man to the pool for the first time. Living in Arkansas it's been pretty warm here so it was nice for the whole family to be hitting the pool. A major highlight in the workout world was reaching a 2.5 mile run with the joggling stroller. Tackling the elevation of Fayetteville and pushing my 20lb 6 month old around is a workout in itself then you add distance..ugh! But it felt great and I boosted my metabolism for a weight loss of close to 45lbs since I gave birth in November. I couldn't have done it without you though, I look forward to sharing my story and hearing about yours. Glad to hear you had such an amazing time, I was thinking about Lauren's blog, has she ever tried a juice fast before? If not does she have an interest in doing one? I hope your week gets better, thinking about you! x

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:45pm

First of all, congrats on your post-baby weight loss!! And your big run w/that heavy stroller!! Would you ever consider doing a guest post for my blog?? That would be so awesome! Email me if so :)
As for Lauren and juicing, she's intrigued by the idea, but it would be hard for her with the fitness schedule she's currently tied to. She teaches 6 spinning and aerobics classes a week!! I've talked to her about doing maybe a modified version with more a eating/juicing combo.

Submitted by Bethany - May 7, 2012 - 11:34am

Good for you!!!! What an accomplishment!!!!!!

Submitted by Amy - May 7, 2012 - 12:45pm

Great pics-I can't wait to see others!! It was nice meeting you this past weekend. Congrats on all the weight loss too thats awesome!

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:46pm

It was so good to meet you and put a face to that fun blog I read so often :) I look forward to reading about the remainder of your pregnancy and seeing pictures of that sweet baby girl!

Submitted by Heather @ Better With Veggies - May 7, 2012 - 12:48pm

Great start to a weekend recap - there is SO much to cover, right?! It was great to meet you this weekend -- and wow, that photo before & after is amazing!! So inspiring!! :)

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:48pm

So glad we happened to sit next to each other at dinner that first night :) It was so great to meet you, and I look forward to perusing your blog for lots of good running tips!!

Submitted by Corrie Anne - May 7, 2012 - 1:19pm

Hooray!! I've been looking around for Blend pics since I missed it. Congratulations on meeting your may goal!!!

Submitted by Pamm - May 7, 2012 - 1:47pm

I am 40 pounds overweight & miserable I have since March cut out 80% of my sugar in take & Replaced it with Splenda, I Have Cut out All Bread & I do Juice & I Feel Good When I do however the vegetables are so expensive so I started my own vegetable garden yahhh :) Can't wait to eat my own vegetables. So I am making lifestyle changes in my life, I started doing yoga as well. I have fibromyalgia & Insulin Resistance & I know sugar is making it worse. However you do have to be careful with all the Sugar Free Products I have noticed they put hidden sugars in them because my sugar will go up after eating some of these products, so its really hard finding really good stuff for you with no sugar. So I have decided to just cut it out & focus on Fruit instead. It hasn't been easy so I take it one day at a time. I have lost inches around my waist & I do have more energy since cutting out sugar. I haven't seen any big weight loss I am sure it will come. I am now working on my 17 year old because he more addicted then I am to sugar, Thank you for your Blog, it motivated me. I also started walking on my treadmill, so I can't wait to start losing weight. Thanks

Submitted by Denise Ehorn - May 8, 2012 - 1:31pm

Hi!
I read your post and totally identify with you. I too have Fibro and Insulin Resistance (PCOS). It is NOT easy to deal with the cravings and weight loss. My Doc has told me that women with PCOS have to work 3 times harder to lose weight!
Have you tried using honey or agave for sweetness? I just worry about splenda as it is an artificial sweetener.
I just finished a 3 day juice fast and I am slowly starting to get back to eating food, raw for now...then I plan to be on a 75% raw lifestyle! I hope I can do it!
If you ever want to chat you can msg me on FB @
http://www.facebook.com/denise.bourbonnais.ehorn

Take care & Good Luck!! :)
-Denise

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:50pm

Yeah, I don't use much sugar OR sugar-free substitutes. I just avoid the sweeteners altogether. You're doing the right thing to focus on fruit instead. It is so naturally sweet!!

Submitted by mom-to-mom - May 7, 2012 - 3:04pm

First highlight of my weekend was going on a four km walk with my mom in support of Breast Cancer! Was a beautiful day but I wish there had been more people participating...maybe next year. Close second was finally getting my juicer and trying out four of your recipes. Favorites so far are Mean Green and Pink Kale!

Looks like you enjoyed your Blend retreat - looking forward to seeing more pictures. Have a good week.

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:52pm

Those are my 2 favs as well! If you're looking for something a little less sweet and more "lunch-like", the homemade v8 is really good too :)

Submitted by Gina @ Running to the Kitchen - May 7, 2012 - 6:00pm

Loved meeting you this weekend, Kelly! You did a much better job at capturing the Blend stuff than I did so it's fun to look through your pics. Just spent some time poking around here, your daughter is absolutely adorable and congrats on the weight loss progress. So glad to have found another fun blog to read :)

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:53pm

Thanks Gina! I'm so glad you had some time to poke around the blog and enjoyed it! PS. Your Lemon Quinoa from today looks amaaaaaazing! I am trying to use quinoa in more recipes myself. So I will have to try yours!

Submitted by Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning - May 7, 2012 - 8:22pm

Kelly-
It's an understatement to say that it was wonderful to finally meet and hang out with you this weekend. You know you're my soul sister for life and I can't wait to be out in CO permanently! This weekend was just so inspiring- and YOU inspire me. So glad to have you in my life. :) xoxo

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:54pm

Thanks for making my Blend weekend so wonderful!! You're the BEST!!!!

Submitted by Brittany - May 7, 2012 - 9:23pm

Girl you look amazing! It was a fantastic weekend, and I'm so glad to have met you!!

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:55pm

So glad to have run into you halfway up the trail to Royal Arch :) Have a great week!!!

Submitted by Brittany - May 8, 2012 - 12:06pm

It looks like you had a great time this weekend-- and CONGRATULATIONS on quite the impressive goal! Keep it up!

Submitted by kelly - May 8, 2012 - 2:56pm

Next time you have to come too!!!

Submitted by StoriesAndSweetPotatoes - May 8, 2012 - 9:26pm

So fun! I am definitely going next year! I can't believe you've only been blogging for 3 months. It looks great and congrats on your weight loss progress! You are rockin' it :)

Submitted by kelly - May 11, 2012 - 1:48pm

I'm so glad you like the blog. It's been so fun... I feel like I was made to do this :)

Submitted by BeckyA - May 8, 2012 - 10:21pm

Congrats on the healthy bmi!! That is so awesome. Thanks for sharing blend with us. I hope to be able to go to 2013!

Submitted by kelly - May 11, 2012 - 1:49pm

Yay Blend 2013!! You should TOTALLY come, it was so awesome!!!

Submitted by Tracey B. - May 11, 2012 - 8:54am

Just wanted to say - great blog! I found it through Chobani's FB page :) I love your story! I have been on a similar one since last year June 11. Down 56 pounds so far - I'm pretty close (a few pounds) from my original goal weight - but I'm trying to just look at it in terms of continual health and fitness now (although I still want to reach my original goal!!! :) I have done many of the same things you have - but haven't tried a juice fast yet - think I might have to one of these days! I do have a juicer and make a yummy kale drink occasionally. Your recipes look great - can't wait to try some of them out on my family! Good Luck on your journey!

Submitted by kelly - May 11, 2012 - 1:52pm

Thanks for the nice comments - and wow, congrats on the 56lbs loss!! That's huge. And I agree - it's about continual health and fitness.

Submitted by Lena @Fit on the Rocks - May 11, 2012 - 3:46pm

What an awesome weight loss achievement! You should be extremely proud of yourself because losing weight is no easy feat, and you're kicking ass at it! I'm glad I got to meet you last week, and I'm sure I'll run into you again sometime during one of our CO blog gatherings :)

Submitted by DULCE MORALES - May 14, 2012 - 5:56pm

I JUST FINISHED MY FIRST 10 DAY JUCING AND I LOS NEALY 11POUNDS IT FELT GREAT MY SKIN IMPROVED, IM LEARNING TO TORAW FOOD, AND I HAVE CUT ALL SUGAR AND DAIRY AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS ITS SO DIFERENT TO BE VEGEAN, BUT I THOUGHT EVERYTHING WOULD BE SALADS AND NOW I REALIZAE ITS MUCHO MORE THAN THAT, TODAY IL HAVE MY FIRST VEGAN SUSHI IM SO EXITED...
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK
LOVE THE BLOG

Add new comment