I wrote this blog post as part of a movement by Weight Watchers to encourage people to remember that loving yourself starts with taking care of your health everyday. Though I was compensated for my time and my commitment, all views, positive and negative, are my own.
A week ago, I began the Weight Watchers Simple Start Program, and committed to doing one simple thing for my health everyday for the rest of the month. The day I began the program, my family happened to be vacationing in Florida. I thought it would be a great idea to get us active together as a family on the beach. My boys bought their soccer ball, and the plan was to run up and down the beach playing soccer with the kids. My day didn’t quite go like that…. Once we got to the beach, I saw one single seagull. My husband, oh how I love him *insert sarcasm*, suggested I give that one seagull a chip. Worst mistake of my life! At least fifty seagulls swarmed me, and I had to run for my life on the beach! I threw the bag of chips in the air and ran down the beach at top speed. There is no way that I would have thought I would get a workout in, running from birds. When it was all said and done we had a good laugh, and my children will always remember that one time at the beach when mommy got chased by seagulls.
Once we arrived back home in Atlanta, I made sure my family and I got in our five servings of fruits and veggies for the day. I made a healthy omelet filled with veggies for breakfast.
For dinner this week, I created a new Easy Panko & Parmesan Tilapia Recipe that the whole family enjoyed.
The most difficult part of making the commitment to the Weight Watchers Simple Start Program, was actually working out! This is coming from someone who used to make it to the gym five times a week. I had an emergency surgery four months ago, and since then I haven’t really been too active. The Simple Start Program did motivate me to make the first step and just do it! I started out by doing 30 minutes of cardio at home. It may not be much, but it’s a start. I ended my first Simple Start week with some much needed, kid free, me time. Taking a time out, and reflecting during a stroll through one of my favorite parks was much needed.
I’m excited to see what the rest of the month will bring as I continue on my #lovehealthyme journey! Are you doing any simple things to change your health this year?
25 comments
Ashley
February 21, 2014 at 11:27 amI’m sorry, but I had to laugh at the seagull story! I can just imagine the sight of that! That’s one way to get your cardio in. 🙂
Ashley
February 21, 2014 at 11:36 amAshley, after I finished crying because I thought death was imminent, I laughed too!
LyndaS
February 21, 2014 at 12:04 pmI am trying Weight Watchers, too. I had become oblivious to had poor my eating habits had become. I am now eating much better and happier for it.
Ashley
February 21, 2014 at 12:47 pmThat’s awesome to hear LyndaS!
Kristen Jeffery
February 21, 2014 at 12:08 pmThat fish looks amazing!!!
Ashley
February 21, 2014 at 12:48 pmThanks, Kristen! It was really simple to make and the kids loved it too!
Vee
February 21, 2014 at 12:23 pmlol…girl I would have probably fainted when all those birds showed up. You’re doing great, and you look FAB! I used to be a regular at Yoga but then I fell off, I’m definitely getting back on the horse as it warms up. 🙂
All the best with the program 🙂
Ashley
February 21, 2014 at 12:50 pmThanks Vee! Have you ever felt a near death experience? That’s what I was feeling with those birds hoovering above, lol. Now that I think about it, it is easier to get active when it’s warm outside.
EatStylePlay
February 21, 2014 at 1:30 pmSo yeah! This fish looks amazing. I’ve tried weight watchers but I’ve found that a mixture of meal plans help me out. This week I fell off the wagon big time, but I’m goind some soups and things next week to make it a little easier on me to plan meals and stick to them.
I’m literally dying over your birds picture because seagulls have no respect for folks. They will take your food out your hand if needed. Crazy! Good luck on your goals to eat better. When I’ve injured myself I found that simple walking either outside or on a treadmill helps me if I can’t do too much in the gym. So maybe taking a light walk after dinner with the family might be a good start.
ELLE
Ashley
February 21, 2014 at 1:59 pmThanks, Elle! The seagulls were absolutely crazy! I’m trying to figure out how we can trick our brains to stay on track, lol. I love evening walks with the family and we actually haven’t done it in a while. It’s warming up in Atlanta, I guess it’s time to start again. Thanks for the suggestions!
MJ
February 21, 2014 at 2:15 pmI’ve heard great things about the WW Simple Start program. Thanks for showing us how simple it really is. Your fish looks yummy. I can so relate to the ups and downs of working out. It’s a daily challenge but I try to get at least 30 minutes of activity in before the baby and the dog wake up. Keep pushing Ashley. You look great. Now those seagulls? I would have broken a sprint record getting away from those things. LOL!
Ashley
February 21, 2014 at 2:25 pmThanks, MJ! I do love how easy the Simple Start Program is! I used to work out before the kids were up, but now they have hawk ears. As soon as I move, someone is asking for breakfast, lol.
Kimi LeVadge
February 21, 2014 at 2:35 pmAs a native New Yorker, Florida birds are like NYC rats! Ruthless and bloodthirsty, lol – glad you made it out alive!
Nicole Elliott
February 21, 2014 at 4:15 pmHahaha–totally love the seagull story and photo! That tiliapia looks awesome too–thanks for sharing the recipe–I pinned it! And yey for small steps to a healthy you! Keep up the good work!
Andrea Kruse
February 21, 2014 at 4:20 pm*shudder* That is why Hitchcock’s The Birds gives me the creeps! Sea gulls and pigeons… I tell you. Awesome start! I want to come over to your house for breakfast.
Aly Mashrah
February 21, 2014 at 6:13 pmBahaha! I can relate to your seagull story, it’s happened to me a few times! Working out is definitely a challenge, but I know that I’ll feel so much better once I do it.
Jenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled
February 21, 2014 at 6:34 pmLOL, love the seagull story!! Your fish recipe looks so delicious, thanks for sharing! 🙂
Atta Girl Amy
February 21, 2014 at 9:11 pmSeagulls are nasty creatures, aren’t they. I’m glad you survived the attack and still found time for me-time.
Congratulations on taking the first step back to working out after your surgery. You can’t expect to immediately be as active as you were pre-surgery, but you’ll get there.
Alea
February 21, 2014 at 10:16 pm25 years ago, I was feeding a few ducks some bread when I was swarmed by geese. I dropped the bag and ran and my husband still teases me about running from geese. Running from wild animals is not my favorite way to get exercise. 🙂 Love your healthy dinners!
Regina Moffett
February 21, 2014 at 11:33 pmOh how I remember when we were in Memphis and you had that popcorn and those geese got after you, you run out those jellies you had on. I was scared the death have like geese since then. I ready need to get to Atlanta so I can get my eat on with the family. Loving MommyWeek and you!!!
nena
February 22, 2014 at 3:29 pmNothing is better than an omelet full of fresh veggies…mmm!
Barb W.
February 23, 2014 at 9:38 pmThe seagull story gave me quite a chuckle, though I’m sure it wasn’t funny for you at the time! Interesting way to sneak in a work out lol
Toya | The Limerick Lane
February 24, 2014 at 2:38 amI have been on Weight Watchers several times. I will say that it’s the only diet that works for me…if I stick with it.
Kimberly Marie
February 27, 2014 at 2:49 ami haven’t tried weight watchers, but I’ve heard amazing things about. OMG those seagulls would’ve scared the LIFE out of me! LOL!!
Ashley
March 1, 2014 at 9:46 pmThanks for all your comments ladies!