Week Four

Week Four May 13, 2013

This week was awesome! We were up to all kinds of adventure! We had a walk to the park, a total of five miles, went to a swim park, ran, and upped my workout! We went to the local farm stand and I finally grubbed down on a cheat day!

Exercise is routine!

I've gotten to the point when I miss a workout I MISS my workout! I'm not nearly as sore as I was before and I feel even stronger. I've upped my reps from 20 a piece to three sets of twenty and this week I finally achieved real push-ups!!! I'm five days away from completing the squat challenge and it's getting harder to complete. I've added in an arm workout with 2 lb weights and I pretty much just lift them every way I can think with no set pattern but my arms are way more strong than they used to be. I've never broken down my workout so here it is: I start with the squat challenge then continue with legs and do leg lifts on both sides. Next is core and abs, crunches, bicycle, butterfly kicks and planking front and both sides. I try to get in cardio everyday and pretty much do but if I don't I have two kids to chase around!

Food!!!

So my goal with this blog is to honestly share my journey so my readers can see the reality of the struggle to loose the pounds...with that said I was bad this week... I'm still journaling and eating clean but I found all kinds of healthy alternatives to crap food last week and found I indulged a bit much and it took away from my fruit and veg intake. Gluten free whole wheat pancakes are delicious but do not replace a nutritious breakfast. 

I love my 'diet'

Almond milk fast became a love of mine. I tried all kinds of alternatives to coffee creamer and I think I'm ok with stevia and coconut cream but I have noticed it cut back on my coffee consumption because I don't enjoy it as much and it's a good thing. Mother's Day was yesterday and I went a bit crazy though I only went over 250 calories...lets just say the German chocolate cake and mimosas were worth it. Next week I'll be cutting sugar intake down and working on more fruit and veg. 

Dirty Little Habits Becoming a Thing of the Past

I've given up smoking, (a month tomorrow!!) and coffee creamer, the processed flavored sugar garbage. Drinking used to be a weekly thing but I've cut way way back on that as well. 

 

How I feel

Much more confident! My clothes fit way better and I'm down two sizes!!! I have tons of energy and I find I wake even before my kids now! I much happier! I don't feel depressed at all and I used to for no reason all the time. I don't have bad breath and when I swear it doesn't smell bad.

How I Look

 My skin is clearing up and here's a funny thing, my conditioner over conditions my hair now because the roots are way more healthy! We went to a water park and I wore a swimsuit confidently! My legs don't jiggle anymore! I didn't have to hide and that was amazing. 

So this week has been another huge success. I don't know why I ever thought this was work before. I'm more excited than ever before about the future and stoked with my progress. See ya next week!

Weigh in 207

Down 12 lbs total

I started measuring this week for a more complete view of my progress. 

May 10

Chest 44

Waist 39

Hips 44

Left Leg 24

Left Arm 14

Week Three, May 5th, 2013

Still going strong this week and feeling strong as well. I spent the time experimenting with new foods and new exercises and learning about where my food comes from, where I can find good food and why it's so important to know and do these things. Catch the link below to find out for yourself.

Exercise! Yes, please!

This week I've been super active. I ran two nights, went on an eight mile walk in bad wind and pushing a jogging stroller and kept up my regular routines. I'm on day 18 today of the squat challenge!

My body is sore everyday but it's getting less and less as time goes. I actually feel strong! My legs are powerful and i can feel it in my stride. When I just go walking I walk super fast because it feels good as sometimes I even break into a jog. On our day trip to San Francisco we walked 8.8 miles and I wasn't even tired!! I kept taking off at a jog with the stroller because I felt like it. What a change!!! I've never had more energy and passion to get up and get out!

Getting to know THE enemy, Monsonto, and the big switch

I've always wondered about the organic movement and have splurged on a few items a few times because supposedly it was better for you. The science behind GMOs in our food is undeniable and not the risk to gamble on. I've switched to a primarily organic diet except in the case of not being able to find it that way, like brussle sprouts which I'm quite fond of. Pay fast attention to the dirty dozen, I don't touch those wether I can find them or not. I went to the local farm stand and picked up a majority of my produce, for locals it's 'The Stand' in Kightson and I highly recommend it for quality, fair price, care of your food, it's all organic, and the have a huge variety including most staple fruit and veg, local honey, olive oils and farm fresh eggs the hens that run around the property free lay, (plus its a mom and pop and they're there everyday and I've never seen anyone else work there and I think that's cute haha). Then we went to Trader Joes and finished up groceries. There I picked up some real peanut butter, maple syrup, tons of rice, quinoa, Greek yogurt, and a ton more. I'm expanding my menu and it's amazing. I juiced for the first time! One part tomato three parts watermelon and it was surprisingly delicious! I guess they're complimentary flavors???

My diet and things taste better!

I notice the natural taste of ingredients becoming the tastes I search for when I take a bite now. It's not so much enjoying what I'm putting in my mouth because of what it is rather enjoying the taste.
I had one of day this week though...I couldn't get enough to eat for the life of me! I'd finish something and already be on the way to my next craving! Thankfully I was able to control a majority of it and if I couldn't resist the urge to eat I made good choices and didnt pay too bad. I've cut down my cholesterol sodium and sugar intakes, fat and protein are not as big of an issue for me. I also found this website, http://www.eatwellguide.org/search/advanced/
It's a search engine to find local and fresh from farmers to mills, farmers market to actual markets. Great resource!

My dirty little habits disappearing one by one

I'm not forcing myself to do any of this by the way. It feels good. Tuesday I'm three weeks off cigarettes! I haven't been drinking and I've even cut out coffee creamer, I sub it with plain almond milk now. I did cheat yesterday in the city, I had a coconut haystack from a chocolatier but it was my first real cheat and I earned it.

How I feel

I'm ready to take on the world!! Full of energy and never tired in the morning even if I don't get too much sleep, as mothers of young children rarely do. I find myself planning the next day's adventure while sitting around at night, or I go running because I can't sit still! The last time I went my legs hurt really bad. I had hurt my shins last week before I got my running shoes and it's still taking a toll on me. I wasn't very bright that night and pushed through the pain but should have stopped short and came home. Here's to hoping my shins will recover quickly.

How I look

I'm toning up beautifully and I can tell it won't be long before you can see definition. I'm much more trim and when I chose clothes now it's not so much for what 'makes me look skinny' as what's cute. I just look so much better all around.
My skin is clear, I barely sweat even in 90 degrees, and my breath is fresh.

So this week has been pretty amazing. I feel like this is not only the life I'm going to live but I don't even know how I could ever go back. No fears of regression and all of my cravings are for a natural item, not Oreos or chips. Going strong! Catch you next week!

Weigh in at 210 lbs
Dropping and toning!

Natures Bounty

I've decided to start posting new recipes and share discoveries I make ingredient and fitness wise. I'll still be posting my weekly entries an photo journal.

Breakfast: basic egg white scramble

Ingredients:
Egg whites
Garlic
Red Bell Pepper
Red Onion
Cilantro
Pepper
Heavy Cream

Pre heat non stick pan. It's a good idea to invest in some high quality cookware because when a pan is done right it allows you to cook evenly, deliciously and without any aids like fatty butter or oil.
While heating the pan chop garlic, onion and pepper. Sauté. Whip egg whites with cream and pepper. Add to veg combo and stir constantly minding the bottom of the skillet. Eggs are done when light and fluffy and they don't look wet anymore.

Lunch: Brussel Sprouts, the right way!

This is a veg that I've fallen for hard! It gets a bad wrap because web it's over cooked it releases sulfur and the taste is just offensive. Every person I've ever made these for swore they hated them until they tried them this way! I add them to salads, eat them as a side with eggs or as a snack.

Ingredients:
Beussel Sprouts sliced four ways vertically, be sure they're all about equal is size for balanced cooking
Garlic (which I obviously love as well)
Oil
Black pepper
Pink Hymalayan Salt

Heat skillet with oil and garlic. When hot add sprouts, pepper and lightly salt to taste. Constantly move them to avoid burns and make sure to get all sides equally. They should only take 2-3 minuets to cook and they'll have a super green healthy look to them.

Dinner: Turkey Tacos

Ingredients:
Ground lean turkey
Pico DeGallo
Shredded Cheese
Black Beans
Whole Wheat Tortillas
Garlic
Onion
Avocado*

Prepare pico ( chopped tomato, red onion, cilantro, and jalapino), *guac can be made by just mixing pico in with mashed avocado and some lemon juice, shred cheese, strain black beans and prepare in pot on stove with a little water. Brown turkey and season with garlic and onions. Never serve a tortilla cold so warm them up a bit, if you use a microwave make sure to dampen the too and bottom ones, middle too if there is a lot, so they stay nice and moist. Put it all together and enjoy!

Dessert: Sweet Potatoes and Apple

Ingredients:
Sweet Potato
Apple
Cinnamon
Olive Oil

Slice the potato and apple, heat oil on stove, toss it all in with cinnamon. This one kills my sweet tooth and gets in my carbs!

Tomorrow, my strength routine that kills my body!! (In such a good way)

Week Two Done!

Week Two - Monday April 29th

I'm weighing up this week... Not stoked about that. I've been diligently journaling my eating and doing both strength and cardio training to the point where I HAD to take a day off today because I can hardly move...With that said I am still happy with the progress I'm seeing in the mirror so I guess that's the thing to reflect on.

Am I Really starting to be ok with exercise???

So I've been sticking with my workout plan and have pretty much solidified it for now. I know what I'm working on and why, what I want to fix and how. I'm on day 14 of the squat challenge which means 135 squats...not happening today, haha, tomorrow it is! I do push-ups, as many as I can and I've gotten to 70 in one day! I started at the beginning of the week with two actual full sit-ups and can do ten solidly now. I get in at least 200 cals of cardio a day, except one day off this week plus I'm nursing so that knocks a few off as well! My thighs are so tender, the worst, along with my tush, shins, abs and feet. My wrists hurt for a day after the 70 push ups. I've got a whole core training workout which involves sit-ups, planking front left and right, flutter kicks and several moves like them. I finally got good running shoes two days ago!! My shins were killing because I was running and walking in flip flops and toms...bad idea. So now I'm paying a bit but did walk today and I'm hoping this day of rest will pay off and I can hit it again tomorrow!

Getting to know my enemy: food

I mentioned 'Hungry for Change' in my last entry and while it still tops my list (I have a list now!!) of foodimenturies I'm enthralled by the wide wonderful world of Netflix where it seems numbers of vegan and vegetarians have produced and release exposé pieces covering everything from basic nutrition to corporate greed mongers and their attack on the public fork style. The great thing is its not so much in defense of the lifestyle as its meant to educate and what they say is backed with scientific and easy to follow common sense ideals. With that in mind I liked 'Forks Over knives' and 'Food Matters', great info, everyone should know this stuff. I'm learning the importance of ingredient lists and what the nutrition labels ACTUALLY mean. I really thought if I cut crap food out (empty calories) and just replaced it with whatever I wanted, as long as it wasnt processed and was REAL food I was doing it right. Turns out it's all a delicate balance but I'm learning the science of that and thanks to 'My Fitness Pal' an app for my phone I've logged every bite I've taken and every calorie I've burned, minus strength cause it doesn't account for that...kinda sucks...but it gives me like a nutrition label for MY body and I love that.

My Diet and what I love to eat

I've pretty much sworn off egg yolks now after discovering the enormous amount of cholesterol one single egg doles out but I do have egg whites just about every morning with some pico and a light amount of cheese when I want to splurge. I got bored of it one morning and made an egg sandwich with 15 grain. Tomorrow I'm buying a mix of wheat squares, wheat flakes, whole oats and Ezekiel to mix with fruits and almond milk...see how that goes but it sounds amazing. Lots of fruit and veg and I've been amazing with my vitamin and water intake. Another up for this week, green smoothies...we'll see about that haha. I've been sticking with non processed foods but now looking to cut a lot of fatty foods I've held onto thinking they were healthy for god knows what reason. Next weeks entry on this will rock, promise.

My other nasty habits

This weekend was a friend of mines 30th bday and so I went out. Had a few, oops...but that was my only cheat all week so were golden if you ask me :)
Haven't smoked a cigarette in two weeks tomorrow!!! Woot! Been puffing on this e cig thing, a much better alternative but only a device to quit for me...I didn't go into it believing that but I am sure about it now.

How I feel

Still very energetic!!! However I find after a long day I'm ready to hit the sack! Early lights out for me this week but I've woken bright and early with the kids ready to up and go which is defiantly a first. Also full of confidence and loving getting ready for the day, again it's been a while for that.

How I look

There's new major definition from my chest to my stomach! Also starting to feel my abs under the fat and can see a little definition in my arms, shoulders and legs. I'll be picking up a measuring tape for measurements this week.

In conclusion it's been a good week. I learned to stop looking at that dumb scale! I'm so excited about nutrition and finding the perfect balance for myself. This next week ill be working on more kid friendly menus and workouts I can do with my tot.

Weigh in at 216 lbs
Reminding myself it's about how I feel and look, not a number

Week One Done!

I started out at 220 lbs. I hated my body, had no energy, confidence and a real concern for my health and I'm getting older. The possibility of developing a serious health condition is looming in my brain. I want to be happy and healthy for my kids. I met a nutritionist and fitness enthusiast online and he put the bug in my ear.

Everybody Hates Exercise

I started to walk with the kids after finding a double stroller online. Next thing I knew I was walking five miles a day to a park 2.5 miles away plus play with my oldest. After three days of this my friend I mentioned above asked in the evening what I did physically that day and i told him it had been windy so the kids and I hadn't gotten out for a walk, he told me to do 50 squats! What a friend! I begrudgingly knocked them out though the whole time I had a defeatist attitude and though I'd never make it I finished! And it wasnt really that tough to my surprise. The next day I did 55 and started the squat challenge, add five every day and the fourth day is always rest. I joined a Facebook fitness group for support. A girl on there posted ' drop and give me 20' and I tried but only accomplished 5. The next day 7, the next 10, I'm up to 40 today and it's been a week. Everyday I've gotten in some sort of cardio, be it walking or jumping jacks, and muscle training, leg lifts, squats, push-ups, mountain climbers, butt kickers and more. I feel so strong. On Thursday I went to stay with my sister in law and family for a visit. She is in law enforcement and fit. She's been working me out! I tell her where I can't feel the burn and she knows just what to do. She randomly sees me sitting on the couch and makes me get up to do some kind of muscle training and she's eating clean with me. I found my fitness buddy.
When I started I would try to jog on my walks intermittently and could make it maybe a block...yesterday I ran...a lot, and it felt so so damn good. It's hot out finally and I went swimming for the first time in years yesterday as well.

The Perceived Enemy: Food

About half way through the week I watched a documentary called 'Hungry for Change'. I had tried clean eating years ago and was extremely happy with the results but had to give up on it and focus on my health because of another medical condition that required major surgery and I did not take care of myself for a while. My healthy eating succumbed to my families bad eating habits once again.
This film changed the way I look at food. I notice when I walk through a store now and see Ben and Jerry's all I think is how much garbage is sitting in that freezer, My brain automatically goes to what's in that and what makes it bad. Thank god for that film. I went to local farm stands that day and stocked up the kitchen with fresh local organic produce.

My diet (not 'diet', what I eat)

I've started clean eating. My definition of this is I eat real food, not things that are made to taste like food. I avoid processed foods and anything with aspartame or high fructose corn syrup. If its natural I eat it. I've reinforced the thought in my head that what I eat is fuel for my body, not a hobby. I don't go hungry because anytime I feel like eating I do! I have so many healthy choices around me so I never get bored with it. The food I'm eating tastes amazing. I always have loved fresh produce but I never realized the difference buying it from a local grower vs the grocery store made. The meat I buy is organic and the difference in quality is shocking. Oh, and of course, I drink a tooooon of water and a little milk everyday.

Other Nasty Habits

I've been a smoker since 2004 and half way through the week I purchased an e cig. It's not completely quitting but it is much much more healthy for me and the kids. I have t had a cigarette in five days. Go me!
Also I've allowed myself one vice that I refuse to get down on myself about, coffee creamer. I know it's loaded with sugar but for now it stays.

How I feel

My energy level has sky rocketed!!! I'm so excited to work out! In fact if I didn't get up and move I think a tick would set in. I feel strong, happy, confident, excited about being me for more reasons than having my girls, and it's been a while since I've felt that.

How I Look

My arms are getting more thin and I can see a little definition popping out on my bicep. My legs are loosing flab and my face is skinnier. My skin is clearing up. My tummy is getting smaller.


In conclusion, it's been an amazing week. I feel amazing, look better and I'm excited about life again. I have goals and drive for the first time in years!!!

Weight today, 208 lbs.
Down 12 in one week.

Week one Sunday 4/21/13

The Quest

I've always considered myself one of the 'bigger' girls...in high school when I looked in the mirror I saw a much larger, widely unattractive person staring back at me. My whole family is the portrait of American health, now over the years I have a collection of relatives that have undergone gastric bypass surgery. It's funny how looks can dictate the way someone feels about their whole life but have no understanding of how they do it to themselves or how to change it, really. I never understood why the people I watched struggle with weight were constantly on a diet but could never loose the weight. I didn't see them toting around KFC buckets with them at every family gathering and they all had jobs and kids and didn't just sit around all day watching Jerry...What was the common factor here? Of course, it's lifestyle, but the way they ate was just about the same as everyone else, right?

Today's modern media sensationalizes disgusting food choices. It's sold to you just about every waking moment. What do you do to socialize? Get some dinner? Go for drinks? How about the movies...popcorn anyone? Concerts, beer. Big event? Salmon or steak? Just about everything we do as a society is based around the thing most people spend the most money on daily, eating. Problem is were a society of waste and instant gratification. It is much more cost effective to produce a lower quality product quickly in mass numbers and sell it for less than the quality counterpart, common sense right? So why is it, even though we know it's bad for us, we have no problem picking up that third can of soda for the day or eating a widely carb based diet high in sodium and fat? Is it in the education, or ignorance in this case? Are we all just lazy? Or is the Styrofoam crap were calling food just not cutting it and our bodies want to eat and eat and gorge until your stomach just can't take anymore...is it because were nutritionally starved? Do you really know what is in a produce section? Like not just staples but a good lay out? Do you understand what the label means when it says '150 calories from fat'?

Three weeks ago I decided to embark on a journey to wellness. Not for the looks of it, I'm not even on the market anymore thanks to handsome, but because I was driving along a few weeks ago and felt a sudden pain in my chest. I pulled over and waited a few minuets until it dissipated. It happened again a week later. I knew what a doctor would say, I ate garbage! I'm almost 30 and under an amazing amount of stress. So I figured the two and a half year old and nine month old in the back seat would much appreciate having a mom around for a while...a week later I was ready to begin and cut the excuses and got to it.

My next posts will be all about my journey. I'll write them weekly, Sundays is the goal. I'll be keeping a written and photo journal. This is a normal average American girl's quest to learn about nutrition and how the body is supposed to be fed and treated. You'll see my ups and downs and in betweens. Happy reading!