Fasting: Day 20

About 26 more hours until the fast is over...

I'm looking forward to eating healthy grains, dairy, and meat!!!!!

Last week I was on business travel...It's definitely alot more work to fast on the road! So, I tried to plan my meals ahead and pack some snacks. Unfortunately, I forgot my protein powder to add to smoothies :( But, I found chili's had a great chicken carribean salad (minus the chicken) with mandarin oranges, cranberries, pineapple, peppers, and a honey lime dressing. Yummy! I also passed by an Orange Julius near my hotel...and learned they had diary free smoothie. So good!

I was very hungry on Wednesday and Saturday so I ate until I was full - over my calorie allotment but satisfied. I think that was do to not having enough protein options...

I made it a point to workout while on the road...I squeezed in a morning session the day I got on the road, tried out two Zumba classes the next day (I love experiencing other classes then mine), and made it a point to work out the day I got back...tired as I was.

I was ecstatic to see a loss when I returned, Friday! 139.4 lbs. I'm on my way...Just 2 and half pounds to the top of my healthy, happy weight range!

I bumped up my exercise to about 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours a day about 5 to 6 days a week...not including my physical therapy sessions. I'm feeling good...So, I think I'll keep that at least for the next 6 to 8 weeks.

Yesterday, I ran the Groundhog Run 5k. I wasn't training for it but a girl at my gym couldn't make it and gave me her bib. It's a great run...Almost 2,000 people run in the 5k and 10k. It's in an underground cave - so it stays temperate. I haven't run this one since my first time two years ago. My chip was malfunctioning so I don't know my official time...But I'm pretty happy with my performance...I wish I had gone to bed earlier. I also plan on running at least 4 other 5k this year...

Wishing you a great week!!!! Welcome new followers!!!!!

What Came In The Mail Today

Today...well..started off rough...


I woke up tired - although I went to bed early. I had to make an unscheduled trip to the car service shop. I didn't get much done at work today...I was tired and distracted. And then I left early to complete a physical therapy session. I started to dread having to teach Zumba tonite and going to my other workout class and all that I have left to do tonite and tomorrow.


Half-way through physical therapy, I decided to choose joy. There are so several things weighing on me but I choose to not overly focus on these things....


Finished my session. Off to Zumba and finished my other workout. Feeling good now...Tired but good....Although my shoulder is hurting a bit...


Got home and a package from Amazon was here! I ordered...Refuse to Regain, Eat Thin For Life, and the Thin for Life Journal. 

I decided to re-read Refuse to Regain (and unfortunately google books has now limited a great deal of the book). I enjoy her blog and thought it was time for a refresher...even though I didn't agree with the eating plan she encourages.

 Eating Thin for Life was written by the same author and many of the people featured in Thin for Life. Thin for Life is a great book and as far as I seen one of only two books on maintenance. I am looking forward to trying out the recipes and tips in it once the fast is over.

   
The journal I thought would be a nice way to record my progress and also get add'l support and tips. 


I'm so excited! The books arrived two days early so that was a pleasant surprise!


I would start reading the books tonight (I'm a night owl) but I think I need to make it a point to get at least 8 hours of sleep while on this fast...

Fasting: Day 6

My church started fasting and special prayer last Wednesday. No meat, dairy, or grains for 21 days. We do this at the beginning of the year every year for at least ten years.


It's not easy to give up meat, cheese, yogurt, milk, and bread...but I will say that since I started eating better its easier. I've found other alternatives to get protein...like quinoa, chickpeas, edamame, and whey protein powder. I've also found other ways of eating and preparing veggies and fruit. I'm better at structuring my meals as far as voluminizing and timing.


I seem to always find something new to try out or add to my "diet" with each fast. This year it was apples with peanut butter and quinoa with almonds and apples.


I'm still calorie counting b/c portions do matter....even if they are plant based. 


This weeks weighin - 141.6 lbs. I will be so happy to get out of these 140s...


This week starts week 3 of the 6 week Fitness Challenge at Urban HIIT FITT. I signed up for it because I want to shake things up with my workouts. If it was closer to home and a bit cheaper I would keep working out there all year round. I decided to sign up for another 3 months once I am done. I was on the fence...but I think it would be nice to train there with my shoulder fully healed. Plus that will ensure that I maintain my maintenance goal weight solidly. I really like working out there! 


I'm thinking of increasing my workouts from 5 days to 6. 2 to three times a week I'm working out 2 hours (a HIIT cardio/strength mix and Zumba/bike, treadmill, stairmaster mix). I want to break back into the 130s where I belong! But maybe I should wait until I'm done fasting...I used to work out 6 days a week...but most of last year I was at 3 to 5.... 


Happy Martin Luther King Day to you! Have a good week!

Swimsuit Season

So...I was I working it out...along with my classmates..."Push harder," my coach said to all of us.


So I dig a little deeper. And then he yells..."Summer will be here soon!"


Oh my goodness...this is the last thing on my mind. 


But, he's right...It'll be here soon enough...


In the Fall of 2009, I bought a bikini. I wasn't in bikini shape. I'd never worn a bikini. But, I wanted something to push myself to....So...by the next summer. I was in bikini shape....

But, I never actually wore it outside of the house. 


Anywhoo...I am gonna challenge myself this year. To get back in bikini shape, stay in it, AND wear it. :)

More Results

I think this is gonna be a good week! I'm looking to working hard & eating healthy...and getting "more results"! 

I've decided to also start regularly tracking my inches...


Here's this weeks numbers:


141.8 lbs


Chest - 34
Bust - 29

Waist - 28
Belly Button - 30 2/10

Hips - 41

R Thigh - 24 1/2
L Thigh - 24 1/2

R Calf - 14 1/2
L Calf - 12 2/10

R Arm - 12
L Arm - 11 1/2

I meant to post this yesterday, but totally fell asleep and didn't finish posting! ;) Anyways..I bumped into my co-worker/friend (we haven't seen each since mid-December) in the cafe and she said I looked good and asked if I had lost and I said...Well...I made some progress...I just not sure how much. 


So that just reinforced the whole using the tape measure thing!

Here's what I had for lunch...

Turkey Burger on Wheat Bun w/ Spinach Leaves (with some light mayo); Mixed Lettuce/Spinach Salad with Blueberries, Strawberries, and Cranberries (with Marzetti Simply Dressed Pomegrante Dressing); and Apple/Almond/Cranberry Quinoa Mix. YUMMY!

Workout tonite was Zumba. Then Urban HIIT FIIT workout. Today, we did 3 sets of suspended hip dips with the trx, back extensions on a exercise ball, tricep dips, sprints, reverse pushups, reverse crunches, shoulder raises, bicycle crunches, and Bulgarian squats. And just when we thought we were done....jumping jacks, squats, and leg/arm extensions. 

Wishing you a week of results...be it physical, spiritual, or mental!

Had a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Today was not a good day. 


Perhaps, it's because I haven't gotten enough sleep the last few days. Perhaps its because my shoulder was in constant pain. Perhaps it's because I'm frustrated with some issues at home. Perhaps its because today was a bit of a stressful day at work.


But, it's not any of these things. 


It was stepping on the #$^%^%^%# scale and seeing 144.6.


I don't feel like I'm making enough progress. 

Exhibit A - My Lack of Progress 

And to Add Insult to Injury...

The Target Weight App Doesn't Believe I'll Ever Make My Goal

And yes, I know that my clothes may be fitting a bit better, I know I may have better stamina, I know I have gained some muscle tone. But, I don't find those Non-Scale Victories very comforting (today).

My co-worker and friend stopped by my desk at work today to say hi. I was eating an orange and drinking water. And had some healthy snacks in the corner..."Starting the New Year Off Right," He said. And, well...he was just be friendly...we've known each other for 7 years...so he knows very well the transformation I've made. But, honestly, I felt like a failure....shouldn't starting the new year off right be at a healthy, happy weight? wouldn't it be continuing to maintain a healthy, happy weight? 

And my closest friends and family don't really seem to get that why I want to lose these last 5 to 7 pounds. You've done a good job keeping the weight off. You hold the extra weight well. Why are you working out so much? So you can't xxxx b/c your working out? Sometimes I feel like they don't quite get it...Its like they think you stay active - you're not heavy like you were before..what's the big deal?

And, I am not sure what else to do...My eating is good to really good...My exercise is good to great. I bumped up my exercise levels and intensity starting in late October. Perhaps, I'll see better results when my shoulder is fully healed and I can really go out at. I hate calorie cycling (but my old dietitian instructed me to do it when I seemed to stall and it worked). Should I do that? My church is entering a 21 day fast in a few more days...We'll be gluten free, diary free...Maybe that'll be what's needed to help make some significant progress.      

Maybe that's what is really bothering me...I don't know quite what to do. I don't know how much longer it will really take. I don't know what else I can muster. 

But, this much I do know. I will go to bed, I will say a few prayers, I will wake up - eat a healthy breakfast, and work out hard.

Tag...You're It

I've been tagged! Thanks Ebbs at Fitness and Everything Else! I'm a little late in responding but here goes...

11 Random things about me:

1. I like disco music!

2. I want a scooter (I would love a Vespa!)

3. I love interior design and decorating

4. I've lived in 2 states

5. I'm a proud Okie! (born and raised)

6. I love reading...books, magazines, blogs

7. I collect dolls 

8. My mom and I built a dollhouse together

9. I have a passport but no stamps in the passport (although I've been to Canada a couple of times)

10. Miami is my favorite place to vacation

11. Jamaica and Costa Rica are on the top of my Int'l travel list

Ebb's Questions:

1. What is your favorite exercise? Zumba!

2. Can you rap/freestyle? LOL....Not in the least

3. What was your favorite album of 2011? Wow...That's a tough one..I don't think I listened to a full album in 2011. I've been listening alot to Pandora...My favorite channels: Dwele, Eric Roberson, Steve Wonder, FUNK, Michael Jackson

4. What is your favorite meal of the day? Dinner (I suppose...But, truly any meal I'm eating I'm happy!)

5. Do you like chocolate (and yes I will judge you if you say no, LOL)? It's alright...

6. Who is one person that has the biggest impact of your life? My parents (yep...I know that's two people)

7. What is one of your goals for 2012? Take care of me! (That just might be the most important one)

8. Are you left or right handed? Right

9. What is one place that you want to visit in 2012? Miami!

10. What is your favorite perfume? Shalimar...My mom used to wear this scent and I love it. BUT, it's so expensive  :(

11. And the last question, what is the biggest accomplishment that you achieved in 2011? Wow...good question...Hmmm. My volunteer work! 

23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?

A friend shared this with me and I loved it! He beautifully framed the question!

Happy New Year! I'm excited for what this year holds!


11 Things That Help to Keep me Healthy and Fit in 2011...(In No Particular Order)


1. Acupuncture


I turned to this to help with my knee pain. It was so effective! I really recommend acupuncture to help with various aches and pains (and other issues you may have).


2. Teaching Zumba


I loved teaching classes this year! I had some amazing experiences...including teaching in Colorado Springs, CO & at a local Breast Cancer Benefit Zumbathon. 


3. Going to the Zumba Instructor Convention


Was an AMAZING experience. Over 7,000 people attended. I met people from all over the world! Men and Ladies of all shapes, sizes, colors, ages, and abilities. 


4. Fitness Pal


I love this app! I can track my food easily on the go. I can use the scanning feature to capture the barcode on my food and skip the inputting of data on my own.


5. Working with a Dietitian


Checking back in with a dietitian to curtail additional weight gain and clean up my eating. Learning and discovering new recipes and healthy food options! I really enjoyed working with her - she was open and honest with me and we had a good chemistry.

6. Going to See A Therapist


My dietitian made this recommendation to think about seeing a therapist. She thought based on all that was on my plate I should think about talking to a therapist (she had recently gone and it was helpful for her). I am so glad I did this...It's important to be healthy in every area of our lives - including emotionally/mentally.


7. Urban Hiit Fitt


I love the challenge that this fitness program offers - High Intensity Interval Training! I found them right when I needed to mix things up!


8. New Healthy Eat Finds: O-Water, Hippie Chow Granola, Erin's Baker's Breakfast Cookies, Nature's Pantry & Green Acre's Health Food Store


Healthy Food that Tastes Good! Yum :)


9. Water with Raspberries


I've only been drinking with the raspberries (and sometimes lemon too) for the last 2 days of the year...A girl at the gym mentioned that she drinks water with frozen raspberries in it. I drink water with lemon...occasionally water with orange slices, but never berries. So I tried it....LOVED it! 


10. Tumblr


I know I'm late but I discovered these in November! I love the fitness and health tumblrs! So much great inspiration in pictures...


11. Blogging


Thanks to all the new and old followers! I love following your blogs...Enjoy your comments and interactions. 

A Few Health & Fitness Lessons (Re)Learned In 2011


1. Intense Exercise Doesn't Discount Eating Portions


Teaching Zumba and Prepare for Classes...Does Mean I'm working out hard but doesn't mean that I am working out THAT hard. Teaching Zumba up to four days a week does still mean that I need to pay attention to portion sizes...even if I am eating healthy foods.


2. Taking Care of Me Is Important


Just as eating healthy and exercising is important. So is getting enough sleep, taking breaks and rejuvenating myself, not over-committing, etc.


What I Want For 2012


1.  Work to Stay in Balance! Simplify as Needed!
2. Stay within Healthy Weight Range – 135 to 137
 3. Exercise 4 to 6 days a week
 4. Teach Zumba  
 5. Try a New Healthy Recipe Once A Month

     6.   Take Care of Me!
  
  II wish you success, peace, joy, love, and more in 2012!