Round 2 Results | Faster Way to Fat Loss

The results are in from my second round of Faster Way to Fat Loss!
If you are new around here, check out my results from round 1 here and then come back here :)

The second six weeks not only left me feeling a difference in myself, but I can see it too!
And others are now noticing too :)

Round 2 is complete.
I have now made my way through 12 weeks of the Faster Way to Fat Loss program.
And there is no way I am stopping!
I joined the VIP group that started on April 1st :)

I have told you before how I have tried numerous programs before, but this one has been different for me.
It has worked!
I didn't have to give up foods I love.
I didn't have to stress out over workouts and how I would fit them into my schedule.
Heck, I didn't have to give up coffee or pizza!

In a nutshell...Was I perfect during this past 6 weeks?
Nope.
That is not what this program is about at all!
But I also let myself enjoy a few more things than I did the first 6 weeks.
And I also found myself not wanting a lot of treats too.
While I might have had plans change and ended up at Wendy's for dinner...I picked better things/smaller portions/etc.
I know that I have worked hard for the results I am seeing from FWTFL and I don't want to lose those.

Drum roll please.....

I am down 8.7 inches overall and 6.4 pounds just in Round 2!

Add that to my Round 1 results and I am down 23.75 inches overall and just shy of 15 pounds are gone!
EEK!!!

I'm smiling ear to ear just typing that!
But I'm not gonna lie...I wish the scale would have gone down more.
But then I have to remember that muscle weighs more than fat, it just takes up less space.

And...

There you have it!
I am absolutely thrilled with my results!

I mentioned above that I decided to continue with this amazing program so I joined the VIP group.
A couple things changed, but overall the program remains the same.
Same accountability, great workouts, etc.
If you are looking for that something in your life shoot me an email or comment below.
I would love to see how FWTFL changes your life as well!

Email me at leota6@gmail.com
Or click here to read more about the program and sign up today!
Returning clients can sign up here!

The next round starts May 6th!
Perfect timing to get things in motion for a great summer body and mindset!

Thank you to all of you who have reached out about FASTer Way to Fat Loss and for your encouraging words and support on my journey :)


XOXO ~ Vanessa

FWTFL Round 1 Results

It's the moment of truth!

I completed my first 6 weeks (Round 1) of FASTer Way To Fat Loss on Sunday evening.

If you are new here, head here first to read about my first 3 weeks on the program.

So here are some things I was terrified about the program going in...

Intermittent Fasting

Low Macro Days

Minimal Workouts


Want to know what I absolutely love after 6 weeks of doing FWTFL?

Intermittent Fasting & Minimal Workouts!


Honestly, I love everything about the program!
I have tried other programs where you drink shakes, use portion control containers, workout until you can't move/breathe, eliminate your favorite treats, etc.
None of those things are in the FASTer Way!
NONE!!!

You count Macros in this program, not calories.
You do a workout that goes along with the type of day (Low Carb, Regular Macro, Low Macro).
Heck, Low Macro days you don't actually have to do a workout at all!
The FASTer Way wants you to take rest days.

You can still have some of your favorite treats!
Do you like wine?
How about a sweet like donuts?
Pasta anyone?
Yep, you can build those items right into your week!
Crazy?
Nope!
It's life!
And this is a lifestyle change!

I remember just 6 weeks ago being so nervous about going out to eat with friends/family and how was I going to adjust for a Low Carb day.
I could have just thrown the day away and said I will do better tomorrow.
But I didn't!
I plugged in items on My Fitness Pal app, saw what fit into my macros for the day, and ordered without any stress.

The other thing that was key for me was rearranging the days based on my needs.
In an ideal world I would follow the calendar exactly as designed.
But in the real world..life happens!
I knew I had a 24 hour fast coming up on my last day of week 6.
But my schedule was full of activities with friends.
I knew that to make the most of the 24 hour fast I had to move it to a day that worked better in my schedule.
So that is exactly what I did!
I started my fast on Thursday evening and completed it right around dinner time on Friday.
Easy peasy!
Which meant Sunday was just a low macro day for me.
I did my normal workout, kept my macros low, and still enjoyed a wonderful time with friends!

Onto my 6 week results!
I wish I were brave enough to share my before and after photos with you all, but I'm just not there yet mentally.
I hope to be there one day...sooner rather than later!

But I figured I could still share a couple of photos that would give you a general idea of my changes.

The first photo was from NYE obviously...

And here are a couple of pictures from just last week...

Now for the numbers of it all!
I said it before, this program is not about the scale.
But let's be honest....that is what most people pay attention to.
I tried really hard to not think about the scale, but after years of the scale being "the thing that matters" it is hard to get that out of your head.

So with my measurements I did weigh myself to see what changes I had.

I lost 8.8 pounds and 15 inches overall!!!
WHAT????
I haven't lost a single pound in almost a year doing all the "right things"!
So to see almost 9 pounds lost has me smiling from ear to ear!
Even better is the inches I have shed!
I took a lot of different measurements to really see how much my body would change in 6 weeks.
Going just by the 5 measurements FWTFL asks for, I lost 11.5 inches overall.

And yes, I have even one better than the inches and pounds lost....my clothes fit again!!!!
EEK!
I seriously wore some dress pants to work last week that I haven't been able to wear in almost a year!
Like couldn't even get them past my hips, let alone button them!
I really thought I was being a bit over zealous when I ironed them to wear last week.
Turns out they actually were slightly loose on me!!!!

I tried on a two piece bathing suit I bought last summer for my girls trip, but ended up not wearing because it felt too snug at the time.
I decided to try it on the other night and it is too big!
Seriously too big!!

I am over the moon with my results!
I knew after my 3 week results that this program was completely transforming me, but I didn't realize just how much it would!
I loved it so much, I signed up for a second round!
I am on day 2 :)

Those fears I mentioned in the beginning seemed to gradually go away each day that I completed.

Another huge thing in my book that I have accomplished was drinking coffee practically black!
I found and fell in love with Nutpods French Vanilla non dairy creamer.
On all days but 24 fast days, I use the max allowed (50 calories) each morning in my coffee.
On fast days I actually dropped it down to 20 calories in the morning so I could add it to my afternoon cup of coffee.

One more thing before I end this super long post ;)
I wasn't perfect on this program.
Did I modify some of the moves in the at home workouts?
You bet!
Did I still enjoy pizza, an adult beverage, BACON or a cupcake from time to time?
Absolutely!

The whole motto of FWTFL is Progress over Perfection.
Each day that moved forward I felt myself gravitating towards cleaner/whole foods.
I actually ordered my favorite Starbucks drink for my treat on leg day and I wasn't that impressed with it.
That just seems nuts!
But it is true!

If you are like me and tried all the different programs, but haven't found the one that works.
I would love for you to give FASTer Way a chance.
I'm including my affiliate link here for you to sign up for the next round available.

Still on the fence?
I totally get it!
Please feel free to comment below or email me directly at leota6@gmail.com with your questions/concerns/etc.

Thanks for stopping by and following along on my FASTer Way journey.
Stayed tuned for another 3 and 6 week update coming to the blog :)

XOXO ~ Vanessa

Shh....I have a secret

I want to share a little secret with you.

It is something that I was skeptical about at first, but now I absolutely love!

If you are new around here I suggest you check out this post.
It details some of the health issues or lack of that I have been dealing with for the last couple of years.

Now I have not been shy about my love for The Beachbody on Demand workouts.
I have also shared the supplements I have used from AdvoCare with all of you.
When something works for me I want to share it will all of you!

For the last 6 months or so I have been doing the best workouts I could to shred fat and pounds.
I have been logging every bite and drink I consume.
I have been diligent about only consuming a set number of calories to truly focus on losing weight, inches, and overall feeling better.

Unfortunately, through all that...nothing changed.
In fact my clothes felt tighter, the scale when up, and I lacked energy.

Fast forward to about a month ago.
I have heard of Faster Way to Fat Loss before, but this time it struck a chord with me.
When one of your very favorite bloggers, Brooke, shared that she is about to start the program at the beginning of the new year, it really sinks in.

So after thinking it over, and over...I bit the bullet and signed up!

As soon as I got the welcome email I was excited!

Again, you know I have gone through multiple rounds of 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme.
I've logged my foods, was mindful of my calories, worked out until I could hardly move, etc.
So what makes you think this program is going to work for you Vanessa?

I didn't know that it would.
But 3 weeks in, it totally is!!!!

Here are a few things I have learned in my 3 weeks following the FWTFL program...

I can eat what I want, and how much I want.
OK, well within reason of course!
You use the My Fitness Pal app to log all your foods.
But you aren't really following the suggested calories.

You aren't killing yourself with all the crazy workouts either.
This program has the option for gym, home, and beginner workouts.
I don't have a gym membership, so I do all the home workouts.
Most days I'm done in about 25-30 minutes!
And I still feel like I got a great workout in!

There are no supplements, shakes, etc. that you must purchase and continue to purchase to do the program.

The coaches, other ladies doing the program, and even Amanda Tress herself are there to help and support you the entire time!
Example...I had a question about moving some days around and look who answered back...

Yes, I know it could have been someone from her team..but still!
I have never had that kind of care in any other program I have ever done!

All the groups are on Facebook and the program info is on the website through your personalized login.
This is HUGE people!
I can't stand having to download a million different apps to access the information or to communicate with someone.
I can use my computer or my phone to access all the things I need!

Let's be honest, I know you are all really here for my results and such ;)
Remember, I am only 3 weeks in to the 6 week program.

I am down 8.5 inches overall in just 3 weeks!!!

I'm shocked, yet not because I truly feel a difference.

Now this program isn't really about the weight, they actually tell you not to check it.
So I'm impatiently waiting until the end of the 6 weeks to check my results :)

While I'm not comfortable enough to share my photos yet,
check out these ladies and their amazing results using the Faster Way program.

Amy @ A Cup Full of Sass
Audrey @ Putting Me Together


Here are a few other things I have noticed in the last 3 weeks....

I'm Making better food choices overall!

I'm dealing with drinking my coffee way too dark for me.
I actually found a creamer through another FWTFL member that works really well for me!

Fasting for hours without feeling sick, weak, or tired.
I was diagnosed as hypoglycemic years ago and I truly struggle if I don't have something to eat every few hours normally.
But I gradually worked up to 16 hours and I am loving it!

Not wanting to mess my day up by going off track.
I have had dinner plans added to my schedule unexpectedly and I adapted instead of throwing the day away.

And the biggest thing I had to get past was taking some rest days each week vs. pushing myself to get a crazy intense workout in.
Every other program you WORKOUT a lot!
This has built in rest days because you really do need them!


While I am no expert about this program, I have learned a few things here and there that I am more than willing to share with you.
Feel free to comment below or email me at leota6@gmail.com (more private) if you have any questions.


So what's next....I signed up for another round!
WHAT? WHO AM I?
I am someone who is feeling so good about the changes in my mind, body and soul over the last 3 weeks that I couldn't help but keep it going!


And I would love for you to join me!
The next rounds are filling up fast, but if you want to join please use my link here :)


Have you tried the FWTFL program before and want to come back?
You can sign up here!


No discrimination here....the men out there can sign up here!


Yes, they are affiliate links.
And it is awesome that a program like this let's me share it with you without having to be a coach.
Yes, it is rewarding to know I might get a little kickback for sharing this program with you.
But honestly, I just wanted to share with you something that is truly helping me get past some truly dark days, months, and years.


Again, please feel free to email me at leota6@gmail.com with any questions, concerns, etc. you may have!
Trust me, I had plenty before I started and still do from time to time.
But I am learning more about the program and myself each day.

Please let me know if you decide to join me for the next round starting February 11th!
I would love to help cheer you on!


**This post is not sponsored by FWTFL, nor did I get to try this program for free. I signed up for both rounds myself. I am able to to earn a referral commission if you use my links above to sign up.
I would greatly appreciate you using my links I provided for you.**


XOXO ~ Vanessa

What's wrong with me?

Last fall I noticed a few things that were out of sorts for me.

An overload of stress.

Excessive weight gain.

Extremely tired all the time.

Extra moody.

Etc., etc., etc.

Honestly, the list goes on and on.

No matter how much I worked out and ate right, things just weren't changing.

Of course adding even more stress.

I decided to go to the doctor to see if we could figure out what was going on.

After some blood work, an EKG, and such everything appeared as though I am in perfect health.

At that point my family doctor thought it was best to try a low dose anxiety medication.

Since I felt like I was at my whit's end I was willing to try anything.

In the beginning I did notice a slight change in my mood.

Things that would normally get me extremely worked up, didn't bother me as much.

However, new things started to arise.

Night sweats!

Holy moly!
This is a serious side effect and highly annoying!

Other side effects...
Even more exhausted feeling than before, yet can't sleep through the night.

And excessive yawning all day long.

Along with a few other things.

I kept my workouts up, and continued to be very mindful of what I was eating.

Now don't get me wrong, that didn't mean that I was going to just cut out all fun things!

So from late September to now I have been on this anxiety medication.

And while this particular medication isn't supposed to cause weight gain, I have continued to gain weight.

Without going into all the details, I am currently a few pounds away from my 9 month pregnancy weight!!!

That scares the crap out of me!

And my body feels it!

The aches and pains, the sore joints, etc.

I know I am getting older, but this is nuts!
Even the clothes I just bought in early June for my girls trip don't fit me right now!
Seriously!
Cue even more stress :(

So I decided to get a few more things checked out after hearing a few other ladies talk about having thyroid issues, and even testosterone issues.

Side note: I contacted my family doctor about running more tests and they questioned me on why I thought I needed them.
I explained what was going on, and they still questioned the idea of the getting more blood work.
That was very strange to me.

So this time I headed to my OB/GYN to get a second opinion on the matter.
They ran some more extensive blood work for me and the results are in...

Nothing is wrong.

WHAT???

They stated that things look to be in "normal" ranges.
(I look at these levels and they don't all seem to be in the normal range to me, but what do I know?)
Everything except my Vitamin D which is really low.
Not terribly surprising since I sit in an office with no windows most of the day,
and this summer working from home I am still cooped up :/

Other than that....nothing.

I am so confused!
And I have no idea what to do next.

She did mention possibly getting tested for allergies since one of the symptoms I have is a sore throat.
I have had this sore throat since early fall.

Silly side note: You know how I can tell something isn't right with my voice/throat?
When I sing in the car my voice goes out.
Like hoarse goes out.
This has been for months!!!!

After these blood results came back my doctor mentioned maybe I would want to get allergy testing since the throat deal doesn't seem to go away.
Other than that I am left with a ton of questions still.

Has anyone else been through this?
Do/did you have any of the same symptoms? If so, how are you handling them?
Any other suggestions for me?

My plan as of right now is to continue working out each day,
eating small portions/healthy eating, etc.
My weaknesses are pasta and salty things, but I have really limited those.

So for now I guess I need to just come to grips with the fact that I am just getting older,
and not able to get in shape/lose weight like I used to despite having all these symptoms that don't make sense :(
That is definitely a hard reality to face.

Fun, Food, Fitness + A Giveaway

Linking up with Andrea, Narci & Erika for...

We kicked off our weekend at one of X's favorite spots - Chuck E Cheese :)

But our weekend wasn't all fun and games :(
Read more about our super long weekend here.

When I picked up our mail the other day I was super excited to see what arrived!

Not only is it for a good cause and family, but it is a super soft tee!

Might be new favorite graphic ;)
#mandastrong

I can't seem to let a Friday go by without posting some of my favorites from Instagram :)

Apparently, being a mom was extra hard this week for a lot of us ;)

While I am not a huge outdoor person, one of my favorite things to do is get outside and walk/jog.

The other day was a bit windy, but so nice!

So I threw on my new gym shoes and headed out the door :)

Honestly, exercise of almost any kind is my favorite!!!!

 X and I enjoyed date night on Wednesday evening.

He picked his favorite Skyline Chili for dinner, and of course we enjoyed our favorite funnel cake fries!

 After watching the ACM's on Sunday night I discovered a few new favorite songs this week :)

So some of you know that I have been using Rodan & Fields for about a year now.

Well, I recently took the plunge into the consultant world!

After trying other products, I just kept coming back to R&F :)

So I want to share my favorite products with you!

What exactly does a bulk order mean you ask?

No commitment.

Discounted prices.

Free shipping.

So what's stopping you from giving them a try?

And if you sign up as a new PC today I will be sending you my favorite R&F product for free!

Email me today with any questions you may have, to sign up, or to place your bulk order!

~ leota6@gmail.com ~

Giveaways are my favorite!

Rapunzel, the effervescent barefoot Princess with magical blonde hair is Back in an all-new Disney Channel Original Movie, TANGLED BEFORE EVER AFTER! 

Enter here for your chance to win a copy of the DVD: http://tinyurl.com/TANGLEDXV

This month is crazy busy, so I am looking forward to a low key weekend :)
Wishing you all a Happy Friday!

Friday Favorites | Feeling Refreshed

Happy Friday!

Today I am linking up with those lovely McKinney girls for...

Andrea - Narci - Erika

Monday I recapped our weekend of fun which included joining my favorite little guy on a play date,

and rooting for our favorites in the Pro Bowl :)

On Wednesday Mic and I finished up our 10 day cleanse.

Seeing the results are always a favorite of mine (I'm down 6 lbs. and over 7 inches overall),

but finding these were a favorite as well!

So good!

I also reviewed my latest Stitch Fix this week.

Of course X and I enjoyed one of his favorite things...Snapchat pictures :) 

And on Thursday night I surprised X with a Mommy/Son date night!

We enjoyed our favorite Skyline Chili for dinner,

and couldn't pass on our favorite dessert ;)

And then we hit up our favorite store for a few things.

X had some gift cards from Christmas, so he picked out this Mickey and the Roadster Racers set :)
Does everyone else's child love this new show as much as X?

We ended our evening with a couple more snaps before heading to bed.

And that has been our week :)

Looking forward to some fun with friends,

joining some ladies for a Wine Party (seriously),

and then watching the Super Bowl on Sunday!!!!

I can't lie, I am totally cheering for the Patriots!

LOVE Tom Brady :)

Who are you rooting for...Atlanta Falcons or New England Patriots?

Will you watch the game or just in it for the food?