Flabby Mom to FIT Mom: Surviving Hormonal Imbalance

Phew!  Well, that was quite the break from blogging, huh?  I've had a lot going on since I last wrote on here so I'll fill you in quickly...

So, you see those photos up there?  Well, I don't really look JUST like that anymore...you see, 2015 wasn't exactly *kind* to me...

Following my hysterectomy, things were going really well until I hit a wall at 6 months post-op. I was still doing all of the right things, doing the 21 Day Fix workouts, following the eating plan, adding in extra cardio 2-3 times per week to help really shed fat...but, instead of losing, I started gaining in a BIG way.

For the whole of 2015 - I put on 45 pounds...45 of the total of 90 lbs that I had lost since having my second son in May of 2011. I was devastated, frustrated, ashamed, guilty, you name it, and I had felt that way at some point about the weight gain. The most prevalent feeling was frustration though. I was doing ALL of the right things, WHY IN THE WORLD was I gaining weight?!

Finally, in October 2015, I sought out the help of a bio-identical hormone therapy specialist. She ordered an insane amount of bloodwork. (That, if I'm being real here, I'm still paying for. CHECK YOUR INSURANCE to make sure these types of tests are covered. They don't believe that pre-menopause and menopause should be treated.) She tested my reproductive hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testesterone), my adrenal hormones (DHEA, pregnenolone), and my thyroid (T3, T4, Reverse T3, and TSH). Since I had my uterus removed, we knew that the progesterone would be non-existent - what we didn't expect was for my estrogen to be SO HIGH and testesterone to be SO LOW. I was estrogen dominant - which can cause extreme weight gain, as well as, make it difficult to lose. What we also found was that my DHEA and pregnenolone were that of an 85-90 year old and that my Reverse T3 was off the charts...from STRESS.

I was started on a thyroid supplement (Cytomel), as well as, progesterone, a low dose of testesterone, as well as, DHEA and pregnenolone. I started these at the end of November and it took a good 8 weeks before I started to FEEL better - having more energy, a sex drive (thank GOD!), and started to notice the scale creeping back down, instead of UP.

It's been a long road back to feeling like myself, but here I am, 38 lbs of the 45 gone - and feeling MUCH BETTER!  Check it out -- the aqua dress photos...the before was taken on January 9, 2016 - the after on March 18, 2016. That was after I had lost 30 lbs. The bottom photo was taken on April 17, 2016. 36 lbs lost in that one and wearing a BIKINI!  Something that I never expected to be able to do again!

                                          

So, in closing, you CAN get your body back after a baby (or two, or four, or eight...), after a hysterectomy, and after a devastating hormonal imbalance. Seek ANSWERS - seek support - find others going through the same journey and love on them!  You can do this!

(NOTE: I am still drinking Shakeology daily, following the 21 Day Fix eating plan - mainly with a Paleo/AIP Paleo leaning, and working out daily - I switch between doing crossfit and 22 Minute Hard Corps for workouts currently. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me at candacebeachbody@gmail.com!) 

Looking for friends to choose grace with me...

Just doing a little reflection and thinking about my business with Beachbody, as a coach.

I've always known the level of success that could be achieved and that I *wanted* to achieve but I have yet to be able to reach. I'm not a top 10 coach, I'm not even a top 100 coach. I have made a really great income, but not six figures. (which is totally okay!) I haven't been able to reach my desired level of success, not because I haven't had the drive or surrounded myself with the right people...but because of my internal "fear of success".

I know you're thinking 'fear of success'? What? How can someone fear SUCCESS???

I was afraid of losing myself in this business, in the numbers and the constant of running a business. I was afraid of being tethered to my business, instead of living the freedom of time that I was pursuing (and have, personally, for the most part - but I also want it for Kevin, too.)

I have been too wrapped up in my fear to really see my success thus far. And, to see that when I slip up and get lost (because I will - I'm not perfect, by any means) that I can choose to give myself the gift of grace...and keep going.

I know my calling and that is to encourage, inspire, and equip other women - that are also entrepreneurs and moms and that share in my passion of health, fitness, and whole self wellness. I have been in the depths of depression, self-loathing, self-doubting, low self-esteem and self image. I have seen the darkness that can easily take over our lives when we allow that darkness to be all encompassing.

But, I have also been blessed to find an opportunity that has allowed me to live my calling, that helped 'save' me from myself, that helped give me a sense of purpose again, beyond being a mom and wife. It has allowed me to encourage, inspire, and equip other women. It has allowed me to live out my calling and marry it with my passion.

And, I want to help you do that same thing and to build a business from home that you can be proud of and live out your calling.

I am looking for 5 FRIENDS to join me on this journey in living out our passion and calling to help others live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

If you believe that you are missing the mark in living out your calling and believe that this opportunity may be for you, please fill out the application below. <3 

Waistline Wednesday: The beginning of my P90X3 journey

Waistline Wednesday

The beginning of my P90X3 journey...

So, as you all can see by reading, I didn't finish my third round of Chalean Extreme...not that I didn't want to, but my husband gifted us with P90X3 for Christmas. For us to work out together...

First, let's just say, he's not a big fitness person, he used to be -- but grad school and the trials of marriage and two kids in 5 years, he has lost his love for it...so, I was thrilled when he surprised me with the program! And, decided that whenever he was ready, we would start the program.  He chose the start date of January 9, 20134- then got sick, haha. So, we officially began the program on Monday, January 13, 2014 together.

Here are MY before pictures taken on January 12, 2014. (He asked that I not share his with the world...YET.)

 

 

 

My measurements are as follows:

 

Weight: 140

Chest: 34.5"

Waist: 28"

Love Handles: 35.25"

Hips: 39"

R Thigh: 22.5"

L Thigh: 22.75"

R Bicep: 11"

L Bicep: 11"

R Calf: 14"

L Calf: 14"

 

 

I pretty well maintained my weight through the holidays, my measurements went up though, so I will be working to get THOSE numbers down.

 

Who wants to join me?? Find me on Facebook at Flabby Mom to FIT Mom, then message me asking about the February 3rd challenge group. :)  #Iwannahelpyou

Worship Wednesday: Jesus - The Reason for the Season

Worship Wednesday

Jesus - The Reason for the Season

This is a gathering of a few of my favorite scriptures relating to the holiday season.  Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is the reason for the season and we should never forget that. The glitz and glam of the holiday can distract us and take us away from our walk with Christ, but if you set your heart upon Him, your path will be straightened.

 

 

Enjoy!

 

 

Images were found on Pinterest.



Worship Wednesday: Children's Questions

Worship Wednesday: Children's Questions

 

Do you have children?

 

If you aren't blessed with children (yet), let me fill you in on a little secret...they ask questions about anything and EVERYTHING. Literally everything.

 

"Why is the sky blue?" Because God made the sky blue. "But, WHY did He make the sky blue?" ...well, because, honey, He just did. "Why is grass green?" "Why are clouds white?" "Why do we pray?"  Because we want to thank God for his many blessings that he bestows on our family and to ask Him to be with those that need Him. "BUT, I thought God knows EVERYTHING, so why do we need to pray?"

 

 

This particular question caught me off guard because I had never considered this before. It is true, God does know every desire of our hearts, our minds, every problem that we are struggling with, the concerns we have for others...so why DO we need to pray? I gave the best answer that I could come up with, because our personal relationship with the heavenly Father is strengthened when we personally bring the cares of our hearts to Him.

 

The verse that kept coming to mind was Phillipians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God."

 

I guess I've always kept that verse in my mind because that's exactly the way that I was taught to pray -- by first thanking the Lord for his blessings, then sharing the cares and concerns of my heart.

 

Why do YOU need to pray?  Share in the comments below! 

Motivation Monday: What drives you?

 

Motivation Monday: What DRIVES you?

 

 

 

 

    Everyone has SOMETHING that drives them, motivates them to do the things that they do. It is WHY they do what they do!  It could be faith, family, money, power, service, etc.

 

    Most people are motivated by money or the pursuit of it. They want to do more, be more, make more.  BUT, then there are others, who are motivated by service and faith and making a difference in others lives.

 

   Personally, I'm motivated by three things.  First, faith; second, family; and third, service. I want to be a person who does things for the glory of the Lord, whether it be leading others to Him or being an example of a Christian woman.  I want to be that person for my family, especially my two boys. I want them to always remember their mom as generous, kind, and caring. But, most of all, strong. I want to be a service to others, in whatever way that I can be. I enjoy helping others with the health and fitness, but if I can be of service in other ways, I would like to be.

 

    So, what motivates you to be the person that you are?  Is it fame, fortune, faith, family? Is it to be remembered as a Godly person or as a star? Post below in the comments!  I would love to hear about your WHY! :)

 

 



Worship Wednesday: Our New Home!

Worship Wednesday: Our New Home

Joshua 24:15 "...As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord."

 

    The Lord just continues to bless our family!  One thing that has been on our hearts (and minds) and in our prayers as of late was to be able to find our forever home. We've been living in my in-laws vacation property for the last four years and to be honest, it was just time. So, my husband and I first set about deciding what area would be best to move...somewhere larger? Somewhere smaller? Stay near where we are? Move farther away?  Well, we decided to move closer to where he works and to a slightly larger city.

 

    I am so proud to announce that the Taylor family will soon be residents of Dothan, AL! 

 

    After touring numerous houses and nit-picking them to death, we decided on the first house that we went to see. Our wonderful realtor, Brett (of Heisler Homes & Realty, HIGHLY recommended if looking in the area), said that the first house you look at usually is the house you end up buying. I don't know if that's true or not, but it was for us.

Our New Home!

    I'm excited for the opportunity for Kevin and I to re-connect with old friends and make new ones, as well as, spending more time with family that live up that way. I am also excited for the boys to have the opportunity to meet other children that live in the neighborhood and make friends, as there are few children their age that live near our current home.

   May I ask that you say a small prayer for us that the closing goes smoothly and there are no hiccups along the way?  We appreciate the prayers and know that the Lord is by our side during this new chapter in our lives.

 

God bless you and your family!

 

Worship Wednesday : Are you blessed with certain talents?

WORSHIP WEDNESDAY

 

Romans 12: 6-8    

"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."

Are you blessed with certain talents?

 

   Some would say that I am blessed with the talent of art. I've always enjoyed drawing, painting, crafting, and most other artistic endeavors. Some could even say that using that gift or talent, if you will, was my release. I could be in my own little world while painting and it was something that I could do at ANY time before I had children.

 

   After having my boys and really, after going to work full time, I traded my talent for that of stability. When I was working, I didn't have time because I was working all..the..time. Since trading a full time job for full time parenting, I have traded my talent for that of an orderly house and well behaved, well loved, well educated children.

    And, just when I thought certainly that I would never get to use or exercise my talent again, my mother's decorating and design business took off. And, she wanted to have an added value that she could give to her clients. I immediately offered to paint something for her. How cool to have an original piece of artwork in your home, right?  Right...I think.

    It was only after I got home that it really sunk in what I had offered. I had not painted ANYTHING in well over 5 years...much less a large piece to be featured in someone's vacation home. Oh goodness...

    She requested a blue crab. She was decorating a beachside condo. So, I went to work...the piece ended up around two feet high by three feet wide. This is where I started.
   

 

And, this is where it ended. It was a fun, colorful piece and my mom loved it. I'm waiting to hear what the client thought.

                                   
    And, during the time I spent on the painting...I reclaimed my love for art. I remembered WHY I enjoyed it and it wasn't just for ME.  It was because I enjoyed seeing and hearing others reactions to my artwork. It may not be incredible or breathtaking to a lot of people, but it may make others stop and wish that they could share a talent like mine.

 

    Then, I read my daily devotion -- the scripture at the top of this post -- and it hit me that I should continue to share my talent with others. It is a God-given talent and one He instilled in and trusted ME with and THAT is pretty awesome. So, even if YOU don't necessarily enjoy it, I will continue to use this blog as a medium to share my talent with the world. (Although, I do hope you enjoy it and are INSPIRED to share YOUR talent with ME and OTHERS!) <3 

 

 

God bless ya'll! 



Worship Wednesday 5.1.2013

As you all know, it's Worship Wednesday here at Flabby Mom to Fit Mom!  I have so many wonderful things going on in my life to cause me to praise and worship the Lord all day and night! 

I am blessed to be a stay at home mom, so that I can be there to take care of my boys if and when they are sick.  Today being such an occasion, as my youngest has been running a fever all night and morning. I thank the Lord that Channing is not a fussy child. When he doesn't feel well, he just wants Mama snuggles.

I am blessed with a husband that works hard and long so that I am able to be home with our children. He provides for us so well and I thank the Lord that he is willing and able to work and wants me home with our babies.

 

I am just blessed beyond measure and so thankful for it.

 

Here are a few of my favorites from the week...I hope you enjoy them, too!

 

Worship Wednesday! 4.24.13

It's Worship Wednesday here at Flabby Mom to Fit Mom!  Here are just a few verses and images that have spoken to me this past week!  Have a blessed week! <3

 

 

I LOVE this image...it says to anyone and everyone, the Lord can USE YOU no matter what because His grace is sufficient. Do not worry your heart about what anyone else thinks because He is the only one that matters!

When I was overweight, I was a fearful, timid person. I was constantly worried about what others thought and that worry caused me to EAT and lack the self-discipline that I needed to accomplish my goals. I was reading a devotion one night, early in my fitness journey and this was the verse that was part of that devotion. Ever since, I have had it posted in my house. It gives me strength! 

 

Something that I have recently taken on is teaching a Youth/Teen Bible Study on Wednesday nights at our church. I may not be the most qualified, but the Lord put it on my heart to do it and I am loving it! (I don't know about the kids so much...lol) It has been a blessing to become involved with these young adults.

I was broken and now I'm amazing. ;) Thank you, Lord, for your never-ending love and strength!

Worship Wednesday

     

      Today is Worship Wednesday here at Flabby Mom to Fit Mom!  I questioned when coming up with his blog whether or not to share my faith, but when sitting and truly thinking about it. I felt ashamed for having questioned it. I wasn't always a faithful Christian growing up, but since having children, I felt that it was not just important to set an example for them -- it was a necessity. I want to be the type of mother that they are proud of. I want to teach them the principles of being Godly young men.

      Recently, I began teaching a teen Bible study at our home church. Many of the young men and women that often attend come from non-Christian homes. I want to be an example to them, as well. While I don't see but one or two of them on Sundays, I hope that our time together on Wednesday nights is one that they cherish and that I can be a role model of sorts to them. I'm teaching them the Word, as well as learning more myself!  It's a truly awesome thing to be a part of!

      Now that you've read a little about me, let me share some of my favorite scripture in pictures... enjoy!


     Be sure to leave a comment with a few of your favorites!  <3