The Twins' Weight Loss Journey

Hello! We are Krissy and Cyd (AKA the twins) and welcome to our weight loss blog. We began this healthy lifestyle/weight loss journey in November 2012. It's been an on and off challenge, but as of May 2016, we decided it was time to kick butt!  We have been eating clean (with the occasional cheat meal), and we exercise at least 6 days a week. We count calories using MyFitnessPal.   

[twins-get-fit]

5 months!

it’s been 5 months since we started our clean eating/frequent exercising routine.  We’ve attempted to lose weight in the past, but I am happy to say that we are actually sticking to it this time! :) 

We’ve each lost about 20 pounds over the past 5 months.  We’re still not totally focusing on the scale.  We’ll step on it every now and then, but we aren’t basing our weight loss on the scale.  In my opinion, taking progress pictures is one of the best ways to measure weight loss; and based on my experience, it helps me to not lose motivation when the number on the scale doesn’t go down. 

Here is another before and during picture collage.  The middle picture is from April 2013, when we started to lose weight the first time.  The 2 gym pictures are from October 1, 2016. 

[twins-get-fit]

Progress report

We recently hit our 3 month anniversary of eating better/cutting out sweets and junk foods, and we just passed our 2 month anniversary of going to the gym at least 5-6 days a week.

As usual, the scale isn’t going down as much as we would expect, and when it does go down, it goes back up the next day and fluctuates just about everyday.  So, we are now focusing more on progress photos.  Seeing the differences between the photos is enough to keep us motivated to stay on track.

Here are some progress photos from May (about a week or two after we started eating better) and August.

Krissy

Cyd

We still have a long way to go.

[bananaddict-deactivated20181222]

Have you ever noticed that there’s so much more to weight loss and progress pictures than just the difference in the scale?

Like, the way that the person holds and carries themselves is often different. Their back is straighter, their general posture is better, and their body language points to confidence.

And more “after” pictures than not picture the person smiling while “before” pictures either don’t have a face pictured or the person is frowning. Sometimes, you can almost just feel the happiness and pride radiating off of the person in the “after” photo.

I live for the subtle differences in pictures that show a person has changed physically AND mentally.

[twins-get-fit]

This is so true!

[70lbs-of-life]

Losing Weight on the Road

If you didn’t know I’m leaving home for work in October. I will be going on tour for a year and a half. Now I know this is happening but it hasn’t REALLY registered in my brain yet. I will be in a different city every 3 days or so and will not have a kitchen in my hotel rooms…sometimes I wont even have a microwave or fridge. How the hell am I supposed to keep losing weight if I’m eating out all the time? This is going to be such a struggle, I don’t think I really realize what I have gotten myself into. I am hoping I don’t gain all of my weight back.

Has anyone lost weight successfully on the road before? Any advice?

[fatgirlgetsfab2-blog]

I don’t have any advice unfortunately, but I’m boosting your post girly. 💗

Does anyone have any tips for losing weight while traveling for a long period of time??

[twins-get-fit]

Here are some ideas.  Hope these help a little. :)

Breakfast:  Maybe get a small electrical kettle to heat up some water for oatmeal in the hotel (especially the ones without microwaves) and add some fresh fruit to it.  

Lunch and dinner:  Find restaurants with healthy options on the menu.  Restaurants like Chili’s, BJ’s Brewhouse, etc. have healthy menus, and the food is under a certain amount of calories (usually 500 or 700 calories).  Panera Bread has some healthy-ish foods.  Stores like Whole Foods and Fresh Market usually have hot food available that might be better than most restaurant options.   Salads can be a good lunch or dinner option, and some grocery stores have salad bars.

Other advice:

-Look up healthy eating options in each city that you will be in.  Sometimes you might find a restaurant or cafe that specializes in healthy/organic foods. 

-If you are counting calories, write down all of the calories you eat each day.  Most restaurants have their nutritional information on their websites.

-If you have time to exercise, walk/jog/run in a park or other suitable environment.  Some hotels have mini-gyms in them, so you could also use those to get in some cardio.

[twins-get-fit]

The idea of “give it time” is what has helped us stick to our diet changes and exercise routines.  In the past, we always failed on our weight loss journeys because we wanted quick results, and when we didn’t get quick results, we would get discouraged and give up. 

So, we started our most recent weight loss journey about 6 weeks before we went on vacation.  We did it more as a test to see how much weight we could lose in that time.  By the time our vacation came up, we definitely noticed the differences in our bodies.  The scale didn’t change as much as we would have expected, but we lost inches.  The difference was obvious, and that kept us motivated to keep going.  It’s been 3 months now; more people are noticing our weight loss; we have no plans of quitting.

So, if you are starting a weight loss journey, give it time.  Change won’t happen overnight and you might have to wait a long time before you reach your final goal, but don’t give up!

[twins-get-fit]

Gym Day!

I can’t wait to get to the gym tonight.  Krissy and I skipped yesterday.  We go to Planet Fitness, and yesterday was pizza Monday (it was moved to the 2nd Monday because of the 4th of July).  Anywho, we don’t have anything against pizza Monday;  we just find that it’s more difficult for us to resist our old eating habits when we are near foods like that.  So, we decided it’s best to avoid it.  The only cheat meals we have had were while on vacation, and it seemed easier to get back into the pattern of things when we got home.  We’ll save possible regular cheat meals for when we are fully adjusted to our new eating habits (and hopefully free of any food addiction we may have had),

P.S. To the people who judge Planet Fitness because of pizza Monday: I have been on pizza Monday in the past, and the machines were never oily or dirt from the pizza or anything like that.  I have also never seen anyone eat pizza while on a machine.  Also, if people want to work out and still be able to enjoy cheat foods, like pizza, that’s their business.  Everyone has different goals; some people just want to lose weight and they limit their calories but still eat foods they like.  Just my opinion.

[twins-get-fit]

Vacation and working out

We just recently got back from a mini-vacation to our home state of Maryland.  While we were mainly sticking to our healthy eating habits, we did indulge in pizza and donuts while we were there.  While we were there, we tried to get in some exercise, like walking/hiking in Patapsco Valley State Park.

(Us in the park :) )

While waking in the park was fun, we were unable to do it everyday.  We did stay fairly active, but we felt like we needed more (we were having gym withdrawal). 

Does anyone know of any ways to get in some quick, fat/calorie burning exercises that do not require a gym and that are good to do while on vacation?

[twins-get-fit]

Back at it

We haven’t posted on here for a long time, and, to be honest, we were kinda off our healthy living for a bit.  We started this healthy lifestyle/weight loss journey back in November 2012.  Between Nov. 2012 and sometime in 2013 or so, Krissy ended up losing 40 pounds and I lost about 22 pounds.  Well then, between 2014 and 2016, we were on and off our healthy lifestyle and gained some of the weight back (ugh!), due to various reasons, some of which were out of our control.

Anywho, cut to May 2016, we started back up full force.  We started to count calories, eat healthy non-processed foods, and exercise on a regular basis.  Between May and now, we have lost about 10 pounds each.

Here are some progress pictures.  The December 2012 photo is close to what we looked like when we started this journey; the June 2015 photos represent pretty much how we have looked up until now; and, the June 2016 photos are the most recent.  

We are both happy with our progress.  Any major change takes time, and we are glad to finally see even the smallest changes in ourselves.

Since 2012, Krissy has lost 44 pounds, and I have lost 29 pounds.

Krissy

Cyd

[crystalground-deactivated201507]

Rules my Grandma's Psychiatrist gave her in 56'

Get some cheap dishes and break them when you get upset.

Learn how to say “NO” and don’t feel guilty about it

Buy something frivolous for yourself once in awhile, like a new hat. 

Never again do anything you don’t want to do. 

I still think this applies. 

[fuck-yeah-jared-leto]

[making-it-out-alive-blog]

UPDATED 28.07.13 (ONLY THE PICTURE WILL APPEAR ON YOUR BLOG)  NOTE: I have been informed that the writting will appear on your blog if you have a theme that shows the comments and captions on pictures. If your theme only displays the picture then it won’t appear. sorry for the trouble. 

BREAKFAST: almond butter chocolate chip baked oatmeal almond joy granola almond joy waffles apple cinnamon baked oatmeal apple cinnamon granola apple spice oatmeal pancakes apple stuffed french toast  baby step buns  banana bread oatmeal banana pancakes breakfast bread cranberry coconut granola dairy and gluten free pancakes double whole grain pancakes eggie veggie bake egg white crepes egg white veggie omelet english muffins fluffy canadian pancakes ginger bread granola ginger bread oatmeal ginger bread pancakes gluten free banana bread pancakes gluten free coconut pancakes granola healthy poptarts high protein breakfast cookies honey cloud pancakes honey nut breakfast cookies maple vanilla almond granola maple vanilla almond waffles oatmeal breakfast cookie oatmeal pancakes pancakes  peanut butter and jelly pancakes peanut butter banana breakfast cookies peanut butter cup granola peanut butter granola strawberry banana baked oatmeal strawberry banana waffles turkey breakfast sausage vegan banana strawberry oatmeal squares vegan and gluten free peach crisp vegan banana oatmeal waffles vegan crepes vegan nutella granola whole grain pancakes LUNCH: apple cinnamon bread asian chicken salad baked parmesan zucchini chips baked sweet potato fries with honey mustard dipping sauce baked zucchini fries bbq cauliflower bites bbq tuna fritters bread biscuits burmese shrimp and cucumber salad caribbean chicken salad coconut shrimp lettuce wraps corn fritters crispy eggplant with spicy tomato sauce crock pot baked beans dairy free potato salad easy bean salad fajitas garlic white bean basil hummus and homemade toasted pita chips grilled fish tacos grilled zucchini pizza hawaian chicken kabobs healthy french fries margherita pizza marinated vegetable salad portobello mushroom fries quinoa tortilla rustic vegan pizza skinny tuna melt  soft pretzels spinach and wild rice salad sushi sushi salad sweet potato chips taco salad tortilla chips tuna salad vegan avocado stuffed with quinoa salad vegan falafel vegetarian sandwiches vegetarian sloppy joes whole wheat and honey pizza crust wild rice and mushroom salad wild rice, spinach and avocado salad DINNER: acorn squash and black bean quesidillas  baked basil zucchini baked macaroni and cheese baked salmon baked squash baked turkey burgers balsamic grilled summer vegetables with basil quinoa salad bbq lime and mango turkey bbq rosemary sweet potato black bean burrito black beans and rice black bean veggie burgers broccoli and sundried tomato pasta chicken, avocado salad chicken nuggets chick pea burgers citrus grilled chicken dinner rolls farmers market salad farro salad with roasted mushrooms and parmesan fried rice with cashews garlic and lime shrimp garlic and parmesan turkey meatballs garlic and rosemary chicken garlic roasted red potato wedges gnocchi grilled shrimp with garlic and cilantro grilled tuna and couscous salad healthy chicken parmesan wraps healthy stuffed mushrooms mexican twice baked potatoes moroccan apricot chicken tenders mushroom pizza with caramalised onions oven fried eggplant peanut noodle stir fry pecan crusted dover sole pineapple pork kebobs pork fried rice portobello musroom pizzas red lentil cauliflower burger roasted rosemary root vegetables roasted vegetable salad with feta and chickpeas sauteed garlic and tomato lentil salad seasoned potato wedges slow cooker meatloaf slow cooker pineapple chicken verde  slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches slow cooker rosemary chicken  slow cooker two bean chicken slow roasted vegetables southwestern quinoa pasta salad sticky rice thai spiced bbq shrimp tuna stuffed zucchini vegan chick pea casserole vegan corn bread vegan lasagna vegan mac and cheese veggie lasagna zucchini sticks DESERT:  3 ingredient peanut butter ice cream 5 minute banana ice cream apple pie baked apple banana almond and chocolate ice cream banana berry soft serve banana split cheesecake bites blueberries and cream popsicle blueberry-pomegranate ice lollies blueberry strawberry banana ice cream cake chocolate hazelnut ice cream chocolate mint cookie dough bites chocolate mousse chocolate pudding cinnamon vanilla almond butter banana pops clean eating nutella ice cream coconut almond fudge coconut truffles cookie dough ice cream creamy baked pears dairy-free fudgesicles fruity popsicles greek yogurt cupcakes greek yogurt thin mint cupcakes grilled peaches with gingersnaps healthy banana foster  healthy brownie  healthy key lime tarts  honey wholewheat chocolate chip banana bread mini protein cheesecake mocha banana ice cream no bake cookie dough bites no bake peanut butter nuggets nutella fudge pops paleo brownie cupcakes pecan pie peanut butter and chocolate ice cream peppermint meringues pina colada ice cream premium poached peaches raspberry nutella tarts raw carrot cake  raw tropical ice cream roasted maple papaya strawberry ice cream sweet potato pie  thick and fudgey brownies vanilla ice cream vegan and gluten free, peanut butter, caramel cheesecake  vegan and gluten free, peanut butter and chocolate chip banana  vegan nutella bites vegan strawberry scone tarts bread watermelon tart SNACKS: 88 healthy snacks under 100kcal 100% real fruit roll ups almond butter protein bars almond clif bars almond joy cookies almond joy energy bites almond joys  apple cupcakes  apple pie larabars apples peanut butter slices banana bites banana bread larabar bites banana chocolate chip donuts bbq roasted chickpeas berry oat cups candied pecans caramel chews caramel popcorn cauliflower popcorn chocolate bar chocolate chip balls chocolate chip cookie dough larabars chocolate chip cookies chocolate larabars cinnamon fruit kebobs cinnamon raisin peanut butter oat bran muffins clean eating peanut butter cups clean eating samoas coconut chocolate chip cookies coconut cream larabars coconut date bars coconut strawberry muffins cranberry coconut donuts cranberry filled ginger bread muffins cranberry pistachio energy bites cranberry thumbprint cookies crunchy granola bars dark chocolate covered coconut almond granola bars eggplant chips frozen banana bites frozen fruit pops frozen yogurt blackberries  frozen yogurt strawberriesfruity fun skewers ginger bread granola bars gluten free coconut cookies gluten free snickerdoodles grain free blondies grain free energy bites healthy chocolate chip cookies healthy coconut banana bread healthy ginger bread cookies healthy oatmeal cookies healthy peanut butter cookies healthy peanut butter oatmeal cookies healthy sugar cookies high protein energy bites homemade cliff bars kettle corn key lime larabars kind bars maple cinnamon roasted chickpeas meringue cookies  no bake healthy protein bars no bake nutella protein cookies nutella thumbprint cookies oatmeal, raisin, peanut butter balls peanut butter banana muffins peanut butter chocolate chip donuts peanut butter chocolate chip larabars peanut butter cookie dough bites peanut butter cookies peanut butter cups peanut butter granola bars pizza roll ups pumpkin seed power bars roasted chick peas  skinny coconut cupcakes strawberry and mango fruit roll up tropical popsicles vegan and gluten free quinoa and cranberry energy bars

DRINKS: apple pie smoothie banana spice smoothie berry watermelon smoothie blueberry banana smoothie blueberry coconut water frosty  chocolate cranberry smoothie  chocolate milkshake citrus frosty  coco-berry smoothie coconut hot chocolate cranberry and banana smoothie fresh orange juice smoothie fruity lemonade grapefruit pink smoothie  green lemon and pineapple smoothie green tea mango smoothie healthy vegan breakfast smoothie immunity builder smoothie mocha coconut frappuccino mocha madness recovery shake peanut butter, banana green smoothie perfect peach smoothie purpose smoothies  strawberry banana green smoothie strawberry, blueberry smoothie strawberry lemonade frosty strawberry shortcake smoothie  sweet pomegranate smoothie  sweet potato hot cocoa tasty fruit smoothie tropical smoothie tropical smoothie peanut paradise vegan almond butter banana shake vegan cashew ripple strawberry shake vegan chamomile banana shake vegan chocolate raspberry smoothie vegan chocolate s’mores shake vegan chocolate, strawberry, banana shake vegan double chocolate chip shake vegan peaches and cream smoothie  vegan peachy hemp protein smoothie vegan red, white and blue smoothie vegan secret ingredient matcha shake vegan secret ingredient vanilla shake vegan wild blueberry shake  virgin peachy lychee daiquiri watermelon frosty whipped strawberry lemonade CONDIMENTS:  almond-peanut butter bbq sauce chocolate peanut butter crock pot apple sauce easy crock pot tomato sauce fig jam with lavender, thyme and walnuts hummus ketchup maple vanilla almond butter nutella peanut butter fruit dip spinach dip vegan nutella BASICS:  almond milk and flour bread bread crumbs coconut butter condensed milk  hazelnut milk hemp milk housewarming bread pizza dough ultimate granola guide GREAT HEALTHY FOOD BLOGS:  displayed by calories everything desserts

[twins-get-fit]

1 month challenge

We are starting a 1 month challenge to get back on track after the holidays. Our goal is to each lose about 8 pounds (2 pounds a week), but we are mainly going to focus on progress photos.

[fiti-vation]

[the-more-u-know]

cool post, I like how Ginseng looks like a sexy body :P

[veganinspo]

Raw Cucumber Sushi

[renniesane-deactivated20180629]

Quinoa & Cheese. When I crave Mac & Cheese

• 1/3 - 1/2 cup quinoa • 1 cup water • 1/4 cup cheese of choice • 1 tsp garlic powder • pinch oregano • pinch sea salt

—> Put your quinoa and water in a pot, bring to a boil then let it simmer, this could take 10-15 minutes till the water is absorbed —> Mix in the salt, oregano, garlic powder and cheese and stir until the cheese melts. —> ENJOY! x

Renniesane / Tumblr

Calories: 316 Fat: 9 Protein: 17 Carbs: 43 Fiber: 8 Sugar: trace

[iwillbefitterfasterstronger-dea]

OMG Just made this and it was AMAZING!!!! 

[in-fitnessandin-health-deactiva]

THANK YOUUUUUUU :)

[twins-get-fit]

We make a variation of this and add broccoli. So good!

[lfrvrecipes]

[dreamalittlebiggerblog]

Use up your odds and ends to make this fun and funky crochet bracelet with super easy pattern by The Spotted Hook.