This is week 7 in my P90x journey. At the beginning of this week, I decided it was time to step it up a notch. The workouts were still hard, but not as hard as they used to be. Tony Horton reminds you that the difference between the people that really perform in P90x and those who don't- you know how to push yourself past the pain, but not to injury. I did that Sunday. Sunday was my Chest, Shoulders and Triceps workout- along with Ab ripper X. I brought it hard. I am still feeling the effects of that. I didn't injure myself but man, oh man... I am sore.
So why do I tell you all this? Well it got me thinking. I stepped it up this week. I don't want to go through this life "just living". I want to be constantly learning.. pushing. We do that as children. We can't wait to crawl, walk, run, learn to read. We strive to be faster, better in sports, smarter. At some point, though, most of us stop. As though we have "arrived" in our journey, we stop reading, learning, improving on our jobs and improving physically. We can't figure out why we are so miserable. We are just barely getting by.
I want to encourage you friend. You don't have to just "get by" anymore. We can continue to thrive. No matter your age, physical shape, your past.
I have attached a video of a woman who truly inspired me. I encourage you to watch it.
So what's the answer to the question. Is this as good as it gets? Well, I guess that's up to you now - isn't it?
http://teambeachbody.com/showcase/-/bcp/79651706001/70396?referringRepId=70396
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Day 44- My Journey through P90x
When I first saw the infomercial for P90x, I knew I had to do it! I will go ahead and say- I am one of those weirdos that loves to work out! That being said, I had let myself get out of shape. Trying to be the best mom while working to move up in my banking position, I was stressed and exhausted all the time. I didn't feel like I even had the energy to begin!
I tried a couple of times.. would make it a week and then feel like a total failure. It wasn't because I didn't want it, I just was so exhausted. I started talking to my Beachbody Coach, Michelle Kellogg. (You can be assigned a free coach through Beachbody- one of the many things I love about this program!) She was kind and encouraging. I felt like she really listened to me... my frustrations and goals. She told me that I was trying to start too big. My health was not where it should be- I was sick all the time. Of course I didn't have the energy to get started on an intense program that is used to even train athletes! She suggested I start with something a little simpler... shakeology. This drink was packed with vitamins and nutrients and could help me with my lack of energy. I decided to give it a try. It was actually cheaper then all of the eating out I was doing!
Forward to the beginning of January. I had been on shakeology for over a month and felt like a completely different person. I was ready - P90x ready. I did injure my back from a yoga move and have to take a couple of weeks off in February. Because of this, I decided to restart my program from the beginning at the end of February.
Here I am now- day 44 and I feel so alive! I am down 12 pounds from the beginning of my journey and I feel awesome. I want to encourage you- YOU CAN DO THIS!
I started 50 pounds overweight- yes I let myself get that out of shape!
I am asthmatic. I have a history of depression and anxiety.
I don't care what your excuses are, if you want a life change, if you want to feel better then you ever have, if you want to be truly proud of yourself- let's do this. I will be your coach, your encourager, your friend. Team Beachbody's design is set up beautifully. The more connected you are online- the more likely you are to succeed. As Tony Horton so frequently says "BRING IT"!!!!!
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/meganbullington?bctid=25219321001
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/meganbullington?bctid=637719395001
I tried a couple of times.. would make it a week and then feel like a total failure. It wasn't because I didn't want it, I just was so exhausted. I started talking to my Beachbody Coach, Michelle Kellogg. (You can be assigned a free coach through Beachbody- one of the many things I love about this program!) She was kind and encouraging. I felt like she really listened to me... my frustrations and goals. She told me that I was trying to start too big. My health was not where it should be- I was sick all the time. Of course I didn't have the energy to get started on an intense program that is used to even train athletes! She suggested I start with something a little simpler... shakeology. This drink was packed with vitamins and nutrients and could help me with my lack of energy. I decided to give it a try. It was actually cheaper then all of the eating out I was doing!
Forward to the beginning of January. I had been on shakeology for over a month and felt like a completely different person. I was ready - P90x ready. I did injure my back from a yoga move and have to take a couple of weeks off in February. Because of this, I decided to restart my program from the beginning at the end of February.
Here I am now- day 44 and I feel so alive! I am down 12 pounds from the beginning of my journey and I feel awesome. I want to encourage you- YOU CAN DO THIS!
I started 50 pounds overweight- yes I let myself get that out of shape!
I am asthmatic. I have a history of depression and anxiety.
I don't care what your excuses are, if you want a life change, if you want to feel better then you ever have, if you want to be truly proud of yourself- let's do this. I will be your coach, your encourager, your friend. Team Beachbody's design is set up beautifully. The more connected you are online- the more likely you are to succeed. As Tony Horton so frequently says "BRING IT"!!!!!
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/meganbullington?bctid=25219321001
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/meganbullington?bctid=637719395001
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Christianity and Obesity
A Purdue Study has listed Baptists as the most obese religious group in America.* As someone who grew up in the Baptist denomination, I don't find this hard to believe. I can not count the times in my life I have heard, "Well you know us Baptists... we love to eat!". Fellowship has been jokingly nicknamed "bellyship".
So what is the problem with this? Well quite frankly it's become hypocritical of us. For a denomination that tends to frown upon drinking, smoking and tattoo's because I Corinthians 6:19-20
19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body[c] and in your spirit, which are God’s.
We are not taking care of our temples.
I Corinthians 10:31 says,
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Who are we kidding when we bow our heads over our cheeseburgers and french fries and ask God to bless it for the nourishment of our bodies?!
God gave us foods to nourish us, replenish us, provide for us. We just, too often, choose not to take advantage of them.
I am calling all Christians. Let's make a change. Let's live the lives God designed for us to have. Lives of health. Let's not forget that we are designed to move. That is when we experience joy- depression diminishes. If you want to join me on this battle on obesity, let me know. We have to start with teaching our families. If we don't do that... nothing changes long term. Our children will end up with the same battles we have today. I have attached two links. If you are looking to make changes and don't know where to start, this would be a great place.
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/meganbullington?bctid=29768318001
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/meganbullington?bctid=82727542001
*Found on http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/1523/119/
So what is the problem with this? Well quite frankly it's become hypocritical of us. For a denomination that tends to frown upon drinking, smoking and tattoo's because I Corinthians 6:19-20
19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body[c] and in your spirit, which are God’s.
We are not taking care of our temples.
I Corinthians 10:31 says,
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Who are we kidding when we bow our heads over our cheeseburgers and french fries and ask God to bless it for the nourishment of our bodies?!
God gave us foods to nourish us, replenish us, provide for us. We just, too often, choose not to take advantage of them.
I am calling all Christians. Let's make a change. Let's live the lives God designed for us to have. Lives of health. Let's not forget that we are designed to move. That is when we experience joy- depression diminishes. If you want to join me on this battle on obesity, let me know. We have to start with teaching our families. If we don't do that... nothing changes long term. Our children will end up with the same battles we have today. I have attached two links. If you are looking to make changes and don't know where to start, this would be a great place.
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/meganbullington?bctid=29768318001
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/meganbullington?bctid=82727542001
*Found on http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/1523/119/
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Is your food a medicine... or a drug?
This is a paragraph from Dr. Andrew Asa's book, Empowering Your Health
The body constantly regenerates itself. That's right- every few years depending on each individual's specific makeup, we have completely different bodies. We may essentially look the same on the outside, but internally speaking, we don't have the same bodies we had a few years ago. We have new hearts, new lungs, new livers, and new skin because the old cells are gone and the new cells have been made. Once you learn that concept, you begin to realize that what you put into your life everyday- food choices, what you drink and exercise habits, affects what you are going to have tomorrow.
We are supposed to live in the best nation in the world, but we have become one of the unhealthiest, if not the unhealthiest. What has happened over the past couple of decades? Our country, especially the south where I live, is so wrapped around food. Think about it. If your children do something well, do you reward them with food? When my daughter comes home with a good report card, she gets a free voucher for french fries at a local fast food restaurant. I have been guilty of saying, "if you do....., I will take you out for some ice cream". We think to socialize with people, we always have to have food. When you sit down in front of the t.v., do you automatically reach for something to snack on? Why? Are you hungry?
So how do we break out of this cycle? Is there hope?
ABSOLUTELY! I did not blog to provide discouragement, but hope!
We need to be aware, first of all, why we need food. We do need food to live. Food is not the enemy. We just have to provide the food that our bodies need. We need vitamins and minerals, proteins and fiber to nourish and replenish our bodies. I heard a wonderful quote recently from a gentlemen at a wellness seminar. "I realized that I had based my entire health and wellness on my tiny little taste buds". Maybe you think, I can't eat healthy stuff- it's nasty. Guess what? I am pretty sure that if you take someone from a couple hundred years ago and feed them a cheeseburger, french fries and a coke- they would get sick! Why? Well it's greasy, fried and not natural! They would be used to eating something else. It may take a little time but you will realize in time that stuff didn't taste so great and it made you miserable! Did you know that when we eat poorly we get hungry quicker because our bodies are still looking for that nourishment? Understand now why you don't get full or stay full on that double cheeseburger, fries and a coke?
So where do we start? What do we do? I will tell you where I started personally. I started with shakeology. You may be thinking, "Megan quit talking about this stuff. I've heard you mention it like a hundred times already!" Guess why? Because it has changed my life. Even on the very best diet we still miss many of the essential vitamins and minerals that we need on a daily basis. When I first started making changes, I felt like I didn't have the energy to even begin. My coach Michelle encouraged me, "Quit trying to do it all at once. Start smaller. Drink this shake every day and you will not believe how you feel after a month." So I did and that was the best first step I have ever taken. Without that I wouldn't have had the energy to get started on P90x or a lot of other things I am doing now to change my life. Sound extreme?
Only because you haven't tried it yet.
www.myshakeology.com/meganbullington
The body constantly regenerates itself. That's right- every few years depending on each individual's specific makeup, we have completely different bodies. We may essentially look the same on the outside, but internally speaking, we don't have the same bodies we had a few years ago. We have new hearts, new lungs, new livers, and new skin because the old cells are gone and the new cells have been made. Once you learn that concept, you begin to realize that what you put into your life everyday- food choices, what you drink and exercise habits, affects what you are going to have tomorrow.
We are supposed to live in the best nation in the world, but we have become one of the unhealthiest, if not the unhealthiest. What has happened over the past couple of decades? Our country, especially the south where I live, is so wrapped around food. Think about it. If your children do something well, do you reward them with food? When my daughter comes home with a good report card, she gets a free voucher for french fries at a local fast food restaurant. I have been guilty of saying, "if you do....., I will take you out for some ice cream". We think to socialize with people, we always have to have food. When you sit down in front of the t.v., do you automatically reach for something to snack on? Why? Are you hungry?
So how do we break out of this cycle? Is there hope?
ABSOLUTELY! I did not blog to provide discouragement, but hope!
We need to be aware, first of all, why we need food. We do need food to live. Food is not the enemy. We just have to provide the food that our bodies need. We need vitamins and minerals, proteins and fiber to nourish and replenish our bodies. I heard a wonderful quote recently from a gentlemen at a wellness seminar. "I realized that I had based my entire health and wellness on my tiny little taste buds". Maybe you think, I can't eat healthy stuff- it's nasty. Guess what? I am pretty sure that if you take someone from a couple hundred years ago and feed them a cheeseburger, french fries and a coke- they would get sick! Why? Well it's greasy, fried and not natural! They would be used to eating something else. It may take a little time but you will realize in time that stuff didn't taste so great and it made you miserable! Did you know that when we eat poorly we get hungry quicker because our bodies are still looking for that nourishment? Understand now why you don't get full or stay full on that double cheeseburger, fries and a coke?
So where do we start? What do we do? I will tell you where I started personally. I started with shakeology. You may be thinking, "Megan quit talking about this stuff. I've heard you mention it like a hundred times already!" Guess why? Because it has changed my life. Even on the very best diet we still miss many of the essential vitamins and minerals that we need on a daily basis. When I first started making changes, I felt like I didn't have the energy to even begin. My coach Michelle encouraged me, "Quit trying to do it all at once. Start smaller. Drink this shake every day and you will not believe how you feel after a month." So I did and that was the best first step I have ever taken. Without that I wouldn't have had the energy to get started on P90x or a lot of other things I am doing now to change my life. Sound extreme?
Only because you haven't tried it yet.
www.myshakeology.com/meganbullington
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Deposits and Withdrawals
I have worked in banking for almost 5 years. It has amazed me how many people do not keep track of what they deposit vs. what they spend. There seems to be no concept of spending less then you make. An 89 year old gentleman sat down at my desk one day. He realized that his funds were rapidly depleting. He asked me what to do."Well more money is going out of your account then going in", I commented. "You are going to have to do one of two things, bring in more or spend less". Almost offended he replied, "I'm not going to change my spending habits. You can't make me."
While this is both comical and sad (mostly the later), this is what I have been doing in my personal life. I have been making constant withdrawals from my emotional, spiritual and physical health with little to no deposits. This leaves me one place... in the negative. Some things happened recently that made me reevaluate my career path. While doing this and seeking God's face, he showed me something.... I have nothing left to give. I was exhausted and depleted. In seeking to move up the corporate ladder, I had taken constant withdrawals for 5 years. I found myself trying to overcompensate with my children because I felt so guilty that I had nothing for them. Vacations were spent exhausting myself so I could show them that I do still love them. Physically I had gained 30 pounds and couldn't get it off. I would try to kill myself working out at 9 o'clock at night (the only time I had left available) with an extreme workout program because I hated myself so much. I might be able to do this for a month at a time until I finally crashed. When this happened, I would have to sleep constantly for another month to 6 weeks. My body wasn't shedding any weight and I had constant infections.. even unusual ones such as staph and shingles. Spiritually, I was trying to lead children at church when I had little time with God myself. I realized it was time for a change. In one of my favorite new books, 48 Days to the Work You Love, Dan Miller states that the definition of insanity is always doing the same thing and yet, somehow, expecting different results. That is what I have been doing. It was always going to get better when......
In the beginning of December I took a step in the direction that I felt the Holy Spirit was leading. I submitted my resignation. As of January 1, 2011 I will be preforming the full time job that God has called me to, being a mom. I have peace that I have not felt in an exceptionally long period of time. Although this step seems crazy and radical to many, it is not the many that I am here to please, take care of and minister to. Starting January 1, I will be making deposits again, and I couldn't be more excited.
www.48days.com
Thursday, October 21, 2010
A Shelter in the time of Storm
There is an old hymn that God has laid on my heart recently.
The Lord's our Rock, in Him we hide
A Shelter in the time of storm
Secure whatever ill betide
A shelter in the time of storm
God has convicted me about making my own home a shelter in the time of storm. When my family comes home do they feel peace and security, or stress and exhaustion? I know how I often feel and it is not the former.
A shade by day, defense by night
A Shelter in the time of storm
No fears alarm, no foes afright
A Shelter in the time of storm
Does my family feel worried when at home? The bible says "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear has torment..." 1 John 4:18.
The raging storms may round us beat
A Shelter in the time of storm
We'll never leave our safe retreat
A Shelter in the time of storm
I know that I can't keep my family completely sheltered from the world, nor would I want to. But I can prepare them. Am I spending my evenings teaching my children what is right and wrong? Or do I sometimes let the disney channel do that? I don't believe tv in and of its self is evil, but I do believe that it is not the television's job to raise my children. That can happen before I even realize what is going on.
Oh Rock divine, oh Refuge dear
A Shelter in the time of storm
Be Thou our Helper ever near
A Shelter in the time of storm
Lastly, do my children know why we worship the Almighty? Yes we all say "God is great" but have I really taught them about His awesome love and compassion?
I want my home to be in order. I want my family to know God's precepts. I want my home to be
A Shelter in the time of storm
The Lord's our Rock, in Him we hide
A Shelter in the time of storm
Secure whatever ill betide
A shelter in the time of storm
God has convicted me about making my own home a shelter in the time of storm. When my family comes home do they feel peace and security, or stress and exhaustion? I know how I often feel and it is not the former.
A shade by day, defense by night
A Shelter in the time of storm
No fears alarm, no foes afright
A Shelter in the time of storm
Does my family feel worried when at home? The bible says "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear has torment..." 1 John 4:18.
The raging storms may round us beat
A Shelter in the time of storm
We'll never leave our safe retreat
A Shelter in the time of storm
I know that I can't keep my family completely sheltered from the world, nor would I want to. But I can prepare them. Am I spending my evenings teaching my children what is right and wrong? Or do I sometimes let the disney channel do that? I don't believe tv in and of its self is evil, but I do believe that it is not the television's job to raise my children. That can happen before I even realize what is going on.
Oh Rock divine, oh Refuge dear
A Shelter in the time of storm
Be Thou our Helper ever near
A Shelter in the time of storm
Lastly, do my children know why we worship the Almighty? Yes we all say "God is great" but have I really taught them about His awesome love and compassion?
I want my home to be in order. I want my family to know God's precepts. I want my home to be
A Shelter in the time of storm
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
"Christ" Confidence
I have been self conscious for some time... a worrier, why wasn't I this or that? What do people think of me compared to... whoever? Today I allowed those feelings to all come out. As I was thinking, crying, mad on the way home I started talking to God. What was the matter with me? Why did I allow what I thought other people thought of me to control me?
God reminded me of a time when I wasn't so self conscious. I wasn't always worried about what everyone else said or thought about me.. or even what I thought they thought. I asked Him what was different. If anything I should be more confident in this stage in my life. I know who I am, who my friends are. I love my family and my career. But there is one big difference.... the time I spend, or don't spend, with Him.
It was not self confidence I needed. What I need is to re center my life around Christ. For when my life is centered around Christ, there is a peace. Peace that no one, no thing can take away. Peace that I long to get back to.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer life, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
God reminded me of a time when I wasn't so self conscious. I wasn't always worried about what everyone else said or thought about me.. or even what I thought they thought. I asked Him what was different. If anything I should be more confident in this stage in my life. I know who I am, who my friends are. I love my family and my career. But there is one big difference.... the time I spend, or don't spend, with Him.
It was not self confidence I needed. What I need is to re center my life around Christ. For when my life is centered around Christ, there is a peace. Peace that no one, no thing can take away. Peace that I long to get back to.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer life, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
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