Day 3 Beachbody Ultimate Reset

Today, I actually feel quite good... minus the cat literally going nuts last night and keeping me up ALL night long (scratching and biting my feet)- we have no door on our bedroom. I feel the best so far out of all three days. I took the day from work though due to the cat keeping me up, and just had been run down in general prior to the reset, and have not had a day off in a long time.

Section 1: Meals:

Breakfast: 2 eggs scrambled, 1 slice of wheat toast (I was suppose to have the kale again, but it mentioned you can substitute it for spinach, and I did- in fact, I cooked the spinach right in to my eggs and added a few slices of red bell pepper, and onion). MUCH better than the first day! Taste=5. Satisfaction=5.

Lunch: Quinoa Salad & Half of a Sweet Potato. Taste= 4. Satisfaction=4.
Snack: (I added this in because I still have to teach my aerobics class tonight)... Green Apple & Almond Butter. Taste=5. Satisfaction=5.

Dinner: (Same as last night) You will see in the UR book- there is a crunch option and there are certain meals you can repeat, this is one of them... I don't think I am suppose to put it in a shell tonight, but I am going to because I need the extra calories due to teaching classes.
Taste=5. Satisfaction=4.


Section 2:

Thoughts/ Feelings: Well, maybe it is because I have been a home all day, but I feel great. I think the caffeine with drawl is finally gone. I just miss having the coffee as a part of my morning routine & the taste... but THANK god the headaches are gone! Did I mention yesterday that Alkalinize (which is a packet of green powder that you shake in water) is absolutely dreadful. The first two days weren't so bad. The first day, it tasted like dirt. Tonight for some reason, it tasted like sour milk. I had read other people post about the best way to take it... so I mixed it in the minimum amount of water (two ounces), added a sprinkle of cinnamon, took it like a shot, and chased it with sucking on a lemon and chugging water. Also, throughout the reset, you can only drink DISTILLED water... I have been drinking almost a gallon per day (which is recommended)! Talk about peeing, LITERALLY all day long. But... unlike other cleanses, I am not having any problem with the other (having to run to the bathroom for other reasons). I am happy with the first week so far, but reading ahead, a little nervous about the last two weeks. The last two weeks there is no meat, or grains... and I am scared about feeling "full" on pure veggies, fruits, and legumes. It will be interesting.

Section 3:

How I got through the day: Relaxing... FINALLY! And even though exercise is not recommended, it is the only thing that really gave me some energy. Please do the reset according to how it is recommended for optimal results (I am obviously altering it for my life--- slightly)!

Section 4:

What I have learned / Progress: There is something empowering about being able to commit to a healthy program. I am taking in the actual PROCESS of the cleanse, focusing on what it is doing on the inside for me... and feeling happy about that.

Day 2 Beachbody Ultimate Reset

Hmm…. What to say about day 2? Not as many mistakes, so that is good-
the only mistake was having some gum and sugar free mints (another
thing you can't have), but I considered that progress from the many
mistakes yesterday had!

SECTION 1: Meals: Breakfast: Oatmeal with Blueberries, Yogurt with
Maple Syrup. (LOVED this breakfast)! Taste= 5, Satisfaction =4 (I did
get a tad hungry before lunch). Lunch: Grilled chicken salad. Taste= 3
(could have been a 5, but I didn't chop and put in as many veggies as
yesterday's salad, and used the same dressing- which is still super
garlic-y). Dinner: Southwest Black Bean Tacos, side of mashed 
avocado and salsa (I made 2, I was hungry)! Taste=5 (amazing),
Satisfaction 4= I think I might need to have an apple before 8pm.
Even though I have already had my 1 snack for a day. :(


Section 2: Thoughts/ Feelings: As you read on Day 1, I started off the
day being really tired. I honestly didn't even think I was going to
make it through work, I just wanted to go back to bed more than
anything in the world. I also woke up extremely sore in my shoulders/
neck. Felt like you do the day after you work hard in the gym (but it
was only in that one area). Certainly it could not be from my run,
when I run, usually only my legs are sore the next day. It is a side
affect from the supplements, and reading about it, it should subside
in a day or two. I didn't have any headaches, so I am thankful for
that! I think being tired really played on my mood, as I just felt
defeated all day. I wanted to eat to get my energy back, but I
couldn't! I wasn't hungry, it was just a mental thing. Around 3pm
though, things started to shift, I got a little energy back and felt
better, I just was excited that dinner was coming.
Section 3: How I got through the day: I had to take a cat nap on my
lunch. I should have never ran yesterday, as I think that increased my
tiredness today. Also, even though I was so tired this morning, it wore
off I the evening, and I am looking forward to a relaxing night home...
ready to watch "The Voice"

 Section 4: What I have learned/ Progress: Progress- not as many mistakes
as yesterday. I have learned that it is difficult to cook when you are really
hungry and manage taking all of the supplements required.... my best tip
is to set an alarm on your phone for the supplements, and to pre-cook
some of the food before your work week starts!

Day 1 Beachbody Ultimate Reset

Well, Day 1 has come and gone, and I am more than half-way through Day 2. I am surviving, and feeling good. I am not starving… however, Day 1 ---I did make some mistakes… and some big "NO's" for the reset.

I was pre-registered for a 5K race on my Ultimate Reset start day. I
did not want to give up running in this since it was for my nephew's
graduating class. I decided I would run (since it was in the morning),
and my reset was barely started. This is a big "no-no" according to
the directions in the reset kit. ABSOLUTELY NO strenuous exercise is
allowed during the 21 days… however, I figured I can't really avoid it
because I teach fitness classes at the Y. I had pre-determined I would
modify my moves in class and do things a little "lighter" than normal.
Instead of using 10 lb weights, I would use 3 or 5. Running a 5K was
supposed to be out of the question. My rational was, I had only JUST
started the reset, only had take 2 supplements earlier that morning,
and eaten my first meal (more about the meals below)

I decided to run, and felt just fine. Another "mistake" I made was
having dinner entirely too late in the day. I was out on a boat with
my husband and his family. I had packed an apple and my water. When on
a boat with 6 other people, you can't exactly determine when you get
off the boat.

I didn't get home until 7:30 or so, and I was just STARVING on the
ride home and had a handful of yogurt raisins that were left in my car
from the day before. Another big "no-no". You can have snacks on the
reset but yogurt raisins are not one of them. The apple actually
should have been my snack, but it just didn't do the trick.

Oh, and I forgot to mention… the mineralize supplement is apparently
suppose to be mixed in a gallon of water and drank throughout the day
(and especially 30 mins before each meal)… well for breakfast I mixed
it in 12 ounces of water, and chocked it down (it is really salty
unless mixed in a large quantity of water. So I had my entire days
amount of mineralize all in one setting.

My last BIG mistake: taking Ibuprofen. The purpose of the reset is to
rid your body of un-natural chemicals, and I ended up putting a
chemical in my body. However, I had developed a headache prior to the
boat outing, and thought if I didn't take it, the headache would just
get worse and I might lose my lunch on the boat.

So, in a nut shell- day 1 was not perfect, but I survived, I took the
supplements as directed, and also the meals.
Section 1: MEALS: Breakfast: 2 eggs, 1 slice of whole wheat toast, and
lemon seasoned steamed kale with pine nuts. Taste=3 (would have been a
4 or 5 if it weren't for the kale). I am going to use spinach next
time this breakfast comes up. Satisfaction scale= 4 (I was fine and
satisfied until lunch). Lunch: Microgreen Salad with homemade creamy
garlic dressing, and miso soup. Taste (salad)= 4 (I think I put too
much garlic in the dressing), but other than that it was a great
salad. Taste (soup)= 1 (I won't make it again, I can't stomach eating
the seaweed). Satisfaction= 3 ( I was really hungry up until dinner).
Dinner: Baby red potatoes, seasoned baked chicken, and asparagus.
Taste=5. My favorite meal today! The reset actually called for salmon,
but I substituted for chicken. Satisfaction= 5, I was fine until
bedtime (besides craving a dessert/ something sweet) 

Section 2: Thoughts/ feelings: Besides being a bit angry at myself for
making some mistakes, I felt great. Physically- if it weren’t for the
minor headache that I feared getting worse, I felt fine… energy level
was great, and my mood was great. I got extremely tired around 9:30pm
(earlier than normal), and ended up going to bed. This morning, I
still felt tired, and have felt tired throughout day 2 (more about
that in the Day 2 blog). I feel almost like I took a Benadryl last
night and it hasn't worn off.
* There is a supplement you take before dinner called: Alkanize. I
read (on the facebook support group) about the nasty taste. I had read
some tips for drinking it, and took this advice: Mix it with the least
amount of water, stir until smooth… add a dash of cinnamon to it, and
take it like a shot, followed by sucking a lemon. Well, I couldn't
take it down all in one swallow, I had about 3 shots in my cup…. And
convincing myself to continue to drink it was really hard (it tasted
like pure dirt). But I survived, the lemon came to my rescue at the
end!

Section 3: How I got through the day: Well, I purposely started this
on a Sunday, so I would be less stressed. It was helpful to have my
husband around during the day to talk to and do things with. The
boating trip was helpful because it was relaxing, minus the staying
out there past dinner time. After dinner, I felt good and asked to go
for a bike ride around the lake (a leisurely bike ride)… which is
permitted while doing the UR. It was helpful to get the fresh air
before bedtime (Especially since I smoked the house up cooking my
dinner).
Section 4: Progress/ Things I have learned: Follow the directions….
Just so that you don't feel like you are cheating right off the bat. I
also learned that, this isn't going to be too bad… and I think I can
do it!

BEACHBODY 21 DAY ULTIMATE RESET (starting in 1 week)

The Beachbody 21 day reset is a detox program that is described by the company as, "an  all-natural alternative to harsh 'cleanses' and starvation diets that returns your body to optimal health". I will state that I am a Beachbody Coach, but plan on being completely honest during this process!

In addition to DVD's to guide you through the entire process (a "How to Reset" Dvd, and a "Cooking Class" Dvd), the kit includes: 6 supplements- Detox, alkalinize, soothe, mineralize, optimize, and revitalize. A Participant Guidebook: includes your shopping list, recipes, meal plans, cooking tips, and all of the info you will need for the reset. A reset bracelet (a bracelet you will wear throughout the 21 days to remind you of your commitment). And a reset "caddy", a pouch for you to store your supplements in when traveling, going to work, school, etc. Last, you get extensive support from a Beachbody Coach (like myself) to support you during the process.

First, let me give you an idea of how my blog will work during the course of the reset, if you plan on following it to see how things are going. The blog will be broken into several sections:

SECTION 1:

Meals (I'll rate them according to personal taste opinion on a scale of 1-5. 1= nasty, 3= not bad, 5= pretty yummy) I will also rate each meal on a fulfillment satisfaction scale (how full the meal made me feel, 1-5, 1= still hungry, 3= somewhat satisfied, hungry soon after, 5= satisfied). I'll try to post pictures of each meal.

SECTION 2:

Thoughts/ Feelings- just a recap of how I feel/ and any thoughts or opinions I feel like sharing. I will also make sure to include what my energy feels like.

SECTION 3:

How I got through the day: Here, I will list a few things that were helpful for me to get through the day. Examples may include: listening to music, reading a book, going for a walk, talking to my support partner, etc.

SECTION 4:

Progress/ Things I have learned- this is where I will report my progress, whether it is, feeling like I am starting to create more healthy habits, or what I am learning during this process.
At the end of each phase (each week), I will post my progress (weight loss, inches lost etc)... I have yet to decide if I will wait until the end of week 3 for the results....

TODAY: I was able to get some of the groceries needed for the reset. My actual "Kit" has not arrived yet, but I downloaded the shopping list for phase one here: http://motiv8fitness.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/PhaseOne_ShoppingList.pdf

I purchased the kit last Thursday, and decided to purchase the "Dual" program and do the reset with a friend. We have set up a private Facebook group (for just the two of us), so we can motivate each other during the process. Our tentative start date is Monday June 10, 2013.

I'll be honest, finding some of the groceries today was a patience tester. Luckily, I live near a Wegmans. I did not purchase any of the produce (fruits veggies, or meats) today. I only purchased the condiments, the spices/ seasonings, and the grains. Many of the items listed I had at home (cinnamon, pepper, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil), but many items I did not have. The clerk in the organic section at Wegmans was like a magical wizard, finding the items within seconds. I felt like I was on a game show where we were being timed. There is no WAY I would have found them without her! (Especially the pesky Pinenuts that were on a very high shelf and not labeled), and the millet, which is only sold in the bulk foods in a dispenser (I ALMOST accidently purchased millet flour versus the cereal- type). OPPS! Anyways, I HIGHLY recommend finding a knowledgeable clerk that can help you. My bill was $97... now don't fear, this was for the staple items that I will use throughout the course of the reset. Next weekend, I will have to get the produce (which I can get hopefully at Aldi- which should be much cheaper).

Life Beyond, and 1,000 hobbies

I never really shared this part of my life, but as I was sitting with my husband tonight on this beautiful May evening, I began to realize a few things.

Let's start with where things are now... it is kind of a endless joke (but also a serious issue) that I sometimes get involved with (get ready for my exaggeration) 1,000 activities and hobbies. Sometimes, I don't even finish a project before I start a new one. Let me give you a few examples; several years ago, it was all about running (5K's), as many as I could (I still run, but I just like working out in general), then I bought a sketch pad, started doing some pencil drawings, half way completed a picture of a rose and gave up. I joined an adult softball league one summer (just a suggestion, don't take up softball as an adult on a competitive league when you haven't played since middle school). I started to take up tap dancing again (adult classes), out of all the forms of dance, this is BY FAR my favorite. That lasted 1 year, and a few months the next year. Somewhere in between dancing, running, and drawing, I got really into jewelry making. Although some pieces were nice, it was very time consuming (and costly). I even went through a phase of buying beta fish (all of them died within a week, but I followed all the instructions)! Did I mention I went almost a whole year crocheting and baking away? Yes, there was that phase as well (my inner 80 year old must have been dying to come out).

I am exhausted just typing all the things I have been in to the past few years! This is why it is kind of a running "joke" in our house about me doing all of these "hobbies", Chris says, "Bri, it's always something, how long is this going to last?". Inside, I know he is right, but I want to prove him wrong so bad :)

There is a completely sensible explanation for all of these things (#1- I tend to be a bit of an overachiever) but the main reason is as follows;

At the age of 12 or so, looking back the main environments we (at this age) are involved with are school and home. Our hobbies and activities revolve around these two places (things our parents and family do, and things that are offered to us at school). We don't have a car to drive around, hop to Wal-Mart at 11pm to buy jewelry supplies for our newest hobby, and if our friends aren't into "making jewelry" then we aren't "cool", right? Of course, that is just an example, but let's say we have a 12 year old who goes to school in a large city, spends the weekends with grandma on a large farm and really enjoys farming, which none of his / her friends can relate to... some children are resilient enough to go against the grain, be bold and talk and OWN the fact he / she is into this. Me, not so much...

Here are some things I was really enjoying before age 12: chorus, dance, softball, class field trips. Life was good, I could do what I wanted by just signing up for it (ehh, after my parents paid for the sign up fee :/). At age 12, we hit middle school, when the activities we used to voluntarily be involved in were now selective activities that we had to audition or try out for. Now, don't get me wrong, these experiences that I am about to share, most definitely taught me about life: that we aren't always going to get what we want, we won't always get that dream job we interview for... but at the time, I didn't see it like that...

Two years (not consecutively since musicals were every other year), I auditioned for the school musical, I didn't even so much mind if I sang, I just wanted to be involved somehow, after all, it was dancing that I really loved. Both years, nada.... and I do give myself credit for trying a second time. Next up was softball, I really loved playing little league, and first base was my favorite spot. I could hit all day with my dad in my back yard, and at little league practice.... for some reason, try-outs came, I got a little nervous and probably didn't show them my best. Cut. Volleyball, cut. I would hope and pray for the day I'd actually see my name on a list somewhere, someday, and this wasn't easy on my parents who had to listen to me cry after every unsuccessful attempt. If I wasn't good enough for the middle school sports teams, I was never going to bother trying out in high-school after these girls had all this experience. One year, our middle school French Teacher was going to take a select few students to Quebec, and I thought this would finally be my chance to be involved in something! Nah, I wasn't one of the students selected. After awhile, you realize you are just "average", and that was the only potential I set for myself was to just get through each class, I didn't need a A, a C was good enough for me at this point.

Luckily, my last two years of high-school I was able to find enjoyment with cheerleading, using the dancing that I enjoyed so much, but life really changed and opened my eyes after high school and especially once I lived on my own. It kind of explains why I get involved in a bunch of hobbies, it is because now I have the freedom to do so (kids do too, it's just they don't really realize it :) ). Never, for one second think that you aren't "good enough" just because you didn't make a team or a musical, etc. There is something out there that needs you, but it hasn't found you yet. Try 1,000 hobbies, (or try 1,000 with your child) and pick a few you (or they) can stick to, that makes (them) you feel good about (themselves) yourself.

 

Time flies....

Ah! It has been almost a week and a half since I have posted in here! I can NOT believe how busy I have been! Boot Camp has been going great, not only do I love getting through the class myself, the participants are just full of energy, and it’s amazing to see the dedication! It really is about THEM, not me! But a secondary gain- I am getting a pretty darn good workout myself! I can’t believe I have actually gotten out of bed two weeks in a row (on a Monday, no less) at 4:30am to teach Boot Camp at 5:40am! This is totally not something I am used to! My workout schedule has continued to be the same- teaching 5 classes per week (2 days of Kick and Pump, 1 night of PiYo Strength, and 2 days of Boot Camp).  I cycle for about 15 minutes before each Kick and Pump class as a little something extra, this Sunday I ran a 5K (and finished with my WORST time every: 28:59) Yikes! But I have to say, I am a bit sore from boot camp! I do get on the treadmill occasionally, and continue with a strength training régime.

I really try not to go past 2 hours per day of working out, so on Thursday’s when I teach my 2 classes, that is it for me, I don’t do anything extra on those days! I do have to mix things up though because my body is so used to teaching the classes, even though I sweat, I hit plateaus quickly!

As a reminder, when I hit a plateau I always use FITT as a reminder to change things up:
F  requency (days per week I work out)

I  ntensity (if I am walking on the treadmill at 3.5, maybe I’ll go up to 4.5 for a few minutes)

T  ype/ Mode (I do so much Kick Boxing that when I am not teaching it, I do other things, jog, cycle, elliptical, etc).

T  ime (Increase the amount of time on the activity- bump up from 30 mins to 40 mins)

 

As far as goals: I can do more push-ups than I have been able to in a while- still not where I was last summer/ fall- but getting there. Eating has definitely been a lot better. And I am currently at 153.0 for my weight- so I have had a total loss of just over 4 lbs. Nothing crazy for almost 3 weeks- but it is within a healthy range of 1 Lb per week.

Stay tuned... One month progress pics are next week, May 3rd!

Rainy Friday, bitter sweet

April 12, 2013

Rainy Friday

This week has been SUCH a challenge, so many stressors going on at work, and at home! Our dog got extremely sick this week… (Wednesday) and is still recovering. I really couldn't take time off of work , except for a few hours yesterday morning.
 
I was able to get 2 workouts in yesterday since I teach the classes (I really had no choice), but I am trying to make my "classes" not my normal workouts. My body is SOOOO used to teaching them, that it almost feels like it doesn't count as a workout anymore!
 
Today is another extremely busy day, back to back meetings all day, taking care of the dog after work, cleaning the house, and having friends over.
 
On top of that, I teach my first round of Boot Camp at the Y tomorrow morning, and I am beyond unprepared. When will I find the time today to be able to prep for the boot camp, clean the house, have friends over, and possibly squeeze a workout in! The thought of all of this overwhelms me!
 
I took 5 mins to scroll through instagram this morning while sipping on my morning coffee. I read a quote from Bodesquad: "One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day"
 
What can be my positive thought or thoughts?
1) Dog is getting better
2) Thankful that it is Friday
3) I can be organized enough to get what I need to get done today.
 
And on a last positive note, I have a new weight to share: 154.8 (loss of 2.2), with a  rough week, I will take the loss! Looking forward to starting boot camp, continuing my strength training and running, and hoping to get to my goal by summer!

Monday Morning Motivation

 
Well, you can guess what day of the week it is by my title.  I usually dread Monday's, as the start of the work week. I recognized something new today though… productive/ healthy weekends= happy Monday's. I love a clean house!
 
The weekend went pretty smooth (with the exception of Friday Night)- going out for dinner, and grabbing a few drinks with friends. If you refer back to my prior posts though, I have stopped letting those bad meals/ days get to me. I am not allowing them to ruin my main goal. Saturday went well as I tried out the new boot camp class I will be teaching, and I am pretty certain it is going to be a success, as I was super sore on Sunday.
 
Saturday night, I wrote a post about starting a new plan from the Fitness RX magazine. That started yesterday. I did the 21 minute circuit. That felt pretty good, the hardest part were the push-ups. Today will be all legs in the gym. I am going to pair it with a 4 mile run at some point.
 
I felt great after eating well all day Sunday. Meals consisted of:
Breakfast: Shakeology
Lunch: Egg whites, Ezekiel toast, turkey bacon.
Snack: Almonds (100 calorie pack)
Dinner: Caliuflower pizza, loaded with veggies, fat free cheese. Orange Julius (Blueberry slim for life green tea, ice, frozen mango (50 calories), 1/2 banana, and splash of lite orange juice) blend.
 
Snack: 50 calorie vita muffin/ peanut butter, and sleepy time tea.
 
Back to check-in after my lunch "lift" routine. I ended up combining 2 days into one. I know that is probably not ideal, but it is the only way it will work for my schedule. I don't think I can get to the gym more than twice in a week during lunch time. So today was a lot of Leg's, and delts/ shoulders. There were three leg exercises I determined I can do at home (Barbell squat, deadlift, and one-leg squat). I have a barbell at home, so this shouldn't be a problem. I also need to complete 2 more sets of the seated side lateral, and frontal raise, and will also need to do the rear delt raise at home. I was a little short on time, after fumbling with the equipment on the first day. Next week, it should be much more time-efficient!
 
I have about 20 minutes of lifting to do at home, and am still hoping to squeeze in my 4 mile run (it is beautiful out, so maybe outdoors)??? We'll see!
 
Meals for today:
Breakfast: Shakeology
Snack: Rice Cake/ Almonds
Lunch: High Fiber Oatmeal, Ezekiel toast 1/2 banana
Snack: (post gym) apple
Snack: pre-dinner orange
Dinner: Egg Whites, Orange Julius, turkey bacon, Ezekiel toast
Run/ Finish lift
Before Bed: Sleepy Time tea/ chocolate vita cake & pb

Late night ambition...

I should be in bed, especially since I kind of feel like I am catching a bug. Granted, I have not been sick in almost two years, but I am blaming this on my busy schedule. Anyway, my mind is running (thanks to my recent purchase of the newest Fitness RX magazine). This episode features and entire guide to lifting, plus a 21 minute circuit. I have decided to commit to doing the 21 min circuit 2x per week, run 15 miles per week in some capacity, and start the training calendar. My goal is to at least do this for three weeks, starting tomorrow. I know my diet will improve, as it usually falls into place with a structured workout plan. My boot camp classes that I will be teaching start next Saturday, so I am hoping for some decent results by memorial day weekend! Here we goal!:)

Week 2... Dreaded Before Pics

Week 2:
 
Morning!! I didn't check in over the weekend due to the holiday, being busy, and just life in general… but I'll fill you in.
 
Thursday evening (which was basically my Friday seeing I was off on Good Friday), I taught my two classes at the Y (Kick and Pump, and PiYo). I blogged earlier that day, stating I had a plan to deal with my long days of teaching back to back classes. Well, I didn't plan too well, and didn't have time to grab something healthy to eat before my two classes. I came home, and once again was STARVING!
 
My husband was home, and since it was our "Friday" we kind of wanted to just get out of the house. We made a plan to go to our local pub down the road, and I figured I could at least get a salad (and possibly one glass of wine) J Unfortunately, by the time we got to the pub, they were closing (which is odd, because usually they are open pretty late). So, we made the treck to Applebees which is about 10 minutes from our house. Chris wanted to share something with me, so instead of my plan for a salad, we shared a trio (unhealthy bite- sized temptations). I also ordered a "skinnybee margarita" which actually only has 100 calories, so I was happy with that decision. The trio came, and we munched away.
 
The next day, I remembered my plan… I wasn't going to let a bad meal screw up my next day or next meal, or week for that matter. I had the day off, and was going to make it a good day.
 
I started my day with a 20 minute ab / core workout from the Turbo Fire collection. I was determined to get some cardio in by the end of the day. My husband was fishing, so I had the house to myself. I got caught up on some of my favorite shows, did some laundry, and before I knew it, it was 8:30pm! I was completely stuck on watching "Fashion Star" which ends at 9pm. I decided to finish the show, and get the treadmill ready for a good late, run. That is EXACTLY what I did… and I had such an amazing run at 9pm. I ran 4.5 miles, 45 mins. I felt amazing. I took a nice hot shower, tried out some new organic sunless tanner that I had purchased at Wegmans (it is funny how when you start becoming more conscientious about what you are putting in your body, you also become more aware of what you put ON your body).
 
Saturday was a wonderful day as well. I started the morning off with a 1 hour cycling class with a friend, and a coffee/ chat date with her after. I ordered a strawberry / banana 1/2 scoop protein smoothie at wegmans. Later that day, we went to Erie, PA to the mall to get my wedding band fixed. Chris and I were craving some salads, so we went to Ruby Tuesday's for dinner. We both got the salad bar, and I also got spaghetti squash (and took more than 1/2 of it home)!
 
Sunday was quite the day (started off great as far as evening), but I kind of picked here and there at Jelly beans, chocolate, etc…. it was Easter.
 
Monday- another "okay" day. Started the day off great, but neither Chris or myself felt like cooking a meal for dinner. I picked up a rotisserie chicken (not entirely bad), some red potatoes (not so bad), and garlic bread sticks (okay, THOSE are bad)!
 
Tuesday (yesterday) always seems to be great days, since I know I have to teach class later. Started the day off with my Shakeology, had a healthy lunch, and taught class. After class, I was motivated for a short run with one of my co-workers. We ran for about 20 minutes on the treadmill at the Y. Dinner was probably one of my better dinners: Egg Whites with reduced fat cheese (scrambled), 3 slices of turkey bacon, a slice of Ezekiel toast, and a green tea smoothie.
 
Recipe for smoothie: Steep 1 bag of (I use the Yogi brand blueberry slim for life green tea) in mug of hot water for 4-5 minutes. In blender, add: frozen mango (I get 100 % mango purree frozen bars, I use 1/2 the bar), 1/2 banana, ICE, 1/2 or 3-4 oz of reduced sugar vanilla yogurt, a splash of Trop 50 orange juice. Add tea water, and blend until smooth.
 
Today was weigh in!!! Current weight: 154.4. Loss of 3 lbs!
 
Tonight, I am taking a "before" picture (dreading this), but I know it is worth it, and helps me stay accountable! I am going to start teaching a 6 week boot camp class at the Y, and my new re-commitment, combined with that, I can not wait to see the results!
 
Don't forget to take some sort of "before" picture, even if it is for your own record

Day 2: Solutions to barriers

Day 2-

Good Morning! I am feeling quite tired this morning. Yesterday, I have to admit was a rough day. Not because it was my start to re-commitment. That part of the day was just fine. Things were difficult emotionally- personal stuff, and I didn’t get a good night’s sleep OR a chance to work out which really wasn’t a great start. However, the eating part (which is my biggest struggle anyway) was pretty good. I’ll give myself a 7 out of 10.

My meals yesterday:

Breakfast: Chocolate Shakeology with unsweetened almond milk (vanilla) and a ½ banana. (250 calories)

Snack: Special K Protein Bar/ Coffee with sugar free creamer (150 calories)

Lunch: Weight Control Oatmeal w/ ½ banana (I choose this “instant” brand because it has a higher protein count than others). 1 slice of Ezekiel cinnamon raisin toast with a few sprays of butter (290 calories)

Snack: Grapes & carrot slices with hummus (200 calories)

Dinner: Homemade Guacamole (1/4 of a guacamole with chopped red onion, cilantro, garlic salt, lime juice), black beans, reduced fat cheese, hot sauce, and non-fat plain greek yogurt in a whole wheat wrap (300 calories)

Dessert: (I am a sucker for dessert) 1 vitabrownie with natural peanut butter (100 calories)

TOTAL: 1290 calories

Today I have to teach TWO back-to-back classes at the Y tonight. This is where I really struggle because it completely interferes with my ideal dinner time. J I leave work at 4:30pm (I suppose I could eat a little light dinner at this time), my first class starts at 5:30pm-6:30pm. The next class is from 6:45pm-7:45pm. After my drive home from work, I am home around 8:30pm (wayyy to late in my mind for a dinner).

Here is today’s plan: I will have a 200 calorie meal around 4:45pm. When I leave class, I will carrots and hummus to munch on during my ride home. When I get home, I will have something really lite (Ezekiel toast or some popcorn).

1st Barrier solved! (FINGERS CROSSED- I’ll fill you in tomorrow on how it went)… Okay, so yesterday, you identified your “WHY”… today list some potential “road blocks” or “barriers” that would pop up that would prevent you from hitting your goal

Journey to re-commitment after a LONG winter....

 An out of shape aerobics instructor:

Yes, it has been one hell of a long winter. However, I am not one to make excuses for what has occurred this winter. November 2011, I changed my lifestyle, made really healthy changes (no dieting) just eating cleaner, counting my intake, and exercising more. I also began strength training. I went from 171 lbs to 138 lbs by July 2012. That is a loss of 33 lbs. I had never felt better!
 
This past winter of 2012/ 2013, my exercising continued pretty faithfully, but my eating habits slllloooowwly declined. I made one poor choice after another. I learned a lot about myself. When I want something that I know isn't good for me, I really can't just have one serving, or one "piece" of the "pie", or "slice of pizza", or "cake". Okay, maybe, only one slice of cake (I don't have a HUGE sweet tooth), it is more of the pizza, wings, subs, or chips that tend to get me in trouble. I think to myself… "crap, I ruined today, so what is one more slice?" I also say, "hell, what is the point of working out today? I already ate like crap"… Can you relate? Or am I completely alone on this? J yeah, total irrational thinking.
 
If I want to be honest, my current weight is 156.6 lbs (as of this morning). I am a huge believer in- not focusing ALL on the number on the scale, but checking how clothing fits, how you feel. Truth is, I do FEEL okay, besides a belly ache on the days I eat horrible J I can still run a 5K in pretty good time, and my strength is still in good condition. Clothing is a different story. My work pants are tighter, truth is, I want to wear yoga pants to work! The worst of it is, I teach aerobics (3 classes per week) at our local Y. All I can think is, HOW EMBARRASSING, they MUST be seeing my body changing… I am smack dab in the front & center in the mirror every week, all eyes on me! I am supposed to be setting a good example, right?
 
Every week, I go through a phase, where I do great a few days in a row, working out, eating clean… then I go through a few days where I completely (not just a little) BLOW it! I finally told myself, ENOUGH! I need the better days to out weigh the bad, and if I have a little "screw up", I refuse to let it ruin my ENTIRE day. See, there is a difference… I need to expect to have days that might not be perfect, but I need to watch how I react to that… and be careful about not letting it ruin my whole day.
 
So today, 3/27/13… starts my re-commitment, back on my journey to health and fitness. This girl has GOALS… (which I will define momentarly) that make re-committing totally and completely WORTH it.
 
I totally believe in creating a "WHY" goal. WHY is it so important to recommit? What am I doing this for? What am I working toward… Here are my WHY's:
 
1) Fit better in those work pants!
2) Get Healthy / and fit before considering to have a family/ pregnancy
3) Run my best 5K time
4) Set a good example for my aerobic students
5) Complete the Tough Mudder in July
 
Want to join me in this journey? Jot down some of your WHY's… and be sure to check in every day, as I will post up-dates, tips, progress, etc.