Learning to Rest.

This month has been a long one and yet it was gone in a second.  I can't believe I'm already taking midterms in school and 2 months are gone forever from 2013!  January was a touch and go month for my weight loss journey.  I hadn't fully committed it seems and I hadn't found my groove and motivation.  February, thanks to a lot of tears, anger, and support, I got into my groove.  Now that March is approaching, it's time to learn a lesson that some take too much of and some not enough.

Resting.

Most normal recommendations suggest 3 days of strength training and 2 days of cardio.  I think that setup is for the girls who already have their tight bodies!  I am doing cardio AND strength training at least 5 days a week and sometimes several times a day depending on what I snuck into my diet! eek!  But the thing that is most important is rest.  Give yourself a day or two, they don't have to be in a row.  Take Wednesdays and Saturdays off if ya want!  Also, rest is important for different muscle groups.  Giving them time to heal and that muscle time to build up.  You don't want to over do it and injure yourself.  Just remember that a day of rest isn't you being lazy (unless it's after 2 or 3 other days of rest), it's important for your body to have a breather once in a while.

That being said, I need to re-learn this lesson.  Now that I have my groove, I want to stick with it and just work out every day.  That isn't the best course of action.  So finding that balance between "yeah workin out all week!" and "it's been 9 days of working out, I should take a breather" is a lesson of importance.

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeal!

Well, the weights finally came in!  And boy was my arm workout a blast today!  There is a huge difference between a couple of alfredo bottles and real weights!  Who knew?  :D

Time to get this bod toned up!

The End... or is it?

Today marks the end of a two month journey of changing my life for the better.  The challenge I accepted to lose weight has made a huge difference in my life in just a short time.  I'm grateful for the experience and the help and the kind words.  This challenge is over but the journey I've started certainly isn't.  I started at 194 Jan 1st and currently I'm sitting at 190.8.  My weight is still doing that yo-yo thing but I feel smaller and I know my body is changing in more ways than one. :)

I hope that everyone else that participated had a blast and learned a thing or two about working out/eating healthy and maybe some stuff about yourself and your willpower.  I know I learned how awesome friends and family can be in supporting my journey and it means more to me than I could have ever thought.

Next month the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans is doing another challenge.  It's another dietbet challenge.  Considering I actually weigh more than my first day weigh in, I'm not sure if I'm going to participate but I might consider doing my own with my own money.  Put $25 bucks somewhere and if I can get that 4% I can go splurge for something.  If not, off to my savings acct it goes!

It's 2 days away from another month and I'll be setting my goals for March soon as well as a look back at my Feb. goals to see how well I did.

To those of you who were on this journey with me in any way I thank you and hope that you all continue on your own journey.  Don't let this be the end because we're doing this for us.  To get healthy and be happy. :)

I want my weights!!!!

Well it looks like one more day with the alfredo bottles.  After watching my package sit at Fedex for 5 shipping days, I decided to finally call and ask why it hasn't left the local site.  The lady I talked to was very nice (this is a first with my Fedex experiences) and she opened a ticket to inquire why it hasn't shipped.  Now, this package is my dumbbell set I ordered almost 2 weeks ago that I've been dying to use!  So I'm annoyed to say the least.  An hour later, I get a phone call from some employee at Fedex and the conversation went like this...

him- Hi this is so and so from Fedex, I see you opened a ticket about your package.
me- Yeah that's right.
him- Well I have your box right in front of me.  The bottom fell out of the box in the trailer and the contents were spilled out.
me- *crickets chirping*
him- Can you tell me what was in your package?
me- a set of dumbbells, CAP brand I believe.
him- Great! That's what I got right here.  We'll get that out to you tomorrow.
me- *grumble* Thanks.

They didn't bother to call and ask, but rather waited for me to call to verify what had happened.

The moral of the story? 
#1 make sure amazon uses the right boxes for heavy stuff! :P
#2 time to work off that frustration of dumb people (I know, they're just doing their jobs, but really someone could have contacted me)

So here's to a great Tuesday!  I've completed 1 midterm (only 4 more to go...) and I'm done studying for the day so now I can focus on my workout and dinner!  Making yummy Italian Sausage and Peppers tonight for a nice healthy recovery after a weekend of awesome my Chipotle Shredded Beef.

Last Monday.

Well it's Monday again and I put my willpower to work.  It's midterms for the next two weeks and I'm trying to get as much done during the day so that I can still find some time to relax and enjoy my evenings.  I'm super proud to say that I worked out all weekend!  Even twice on Saturday!!!  I make sure that I don't go to bed until I get in my workout even if it keeps me up too late because I slacked all day.

This is the last week of both of my challenges (New Year's Challenge and Dietbet) and I want to go out with a bang even if my scale doesn't show it yet.  I've been doing my cardio at least 5 days a week as well as strength training alternating days with body sections.  I stepped up the February calendar for "Gun Show" by doing more reps and sets each week.  This week I'm doing 3 sets of 20 and boy my arms are feeling the change from 3 sets of 15!

Hope everyone that is still participating in the New Years Challenge gives it their all this week!  But I hope even more that we can all keep these wonderful habits we've incorporated into our lives.  It's a journey, short or long, and it's worth it to stick to it!

Have a Little Fun.

Today was supposed to be my lazy day.  I'm caught up on homework, and I had every intention of sitting at my computer and playing a game all day.  But then I started to think about the things I needed to do... I had to go shopping for dinner stuff to cover the weekend, I needed to work out, I had to clean the kitchen, I'm making BBQ pizza for dinner, and the list seemed to go on.  It's now 3 and I still haven't fired up my game but I feel like I earned a free dollar today with my workout.

I must say, after almost 2 weeks, it's already lookin' pretty full!  But the reason my dollar was free (but yet I still had to earn it with a GOOD workout since I'm having pizza tonight) is because I found it at the store while buying my taco shells!  Instead of spending it or putting it away for a rainy day, I used it to make sure I earned my dollar for the day with my workout. :)

I'm finally enjoying the feeling after a workout (besides the places that get ice packs).  This is a big deal to me because even though my scale isn't showing me numbers I want to see, I am finally noticing a difference in my endurance and determination rather than anger into motivation.  It's not a chore, it's becoming fun and that's the most important thing is to have fun or else you're not going to see the positive.

My dumbbells should be here tomorrow so I can really put my new bench to good use!  (sorry about the traffic cone in the corner)

I'm really excited to be able to add on weight to my strength training.  It's just one more way to switch it up and keep your body thinking about things.  Some days you can do light weights with big reps (20-30) and then other days you can do really heavy weights for small reps (8-10).  The possibilities are endless!

Just remember to get out there and have a little fun while you're kickin' your own ass. :)

1000! Time to Celebrate!

Just broke 1000 hits :) *happy dance* aaaaaaaaand back to bed....

Weigh in #7

Well today I learned another nifty fact.  I purchased a digital scale for the first time ever a few weeks ago in hopes that my old scale was lying to me.  This turned out to not be the case, my weight is still fluctuating.  But anywho, back to the fact.  I was not aware that we needed to calibrate the scale every time it's moved.  I have no room in my bathroom so it gets put up after every weigh-in.  Unfortunately I learned this AFTER I had done my Weigh in #7 and it showed me 2 pounds lighter than what it had originally said (so as of this morning I'm at 189.6 lbs).  So remember this fun fact if you didn't know it already!

On a totally different note, I've done some playing around with both of my blogs.  Trying to make them look a little more professional and easier to access stuff.  I find myself loving this world more and more even though lots of people think it's silly.  :)  I'm ALSO about to hit 1000 views!!! How exciting!!!

And last but not least, my bench and step platform came in today! :)  Can't wait to put them together!

Hope everyone had a great weigh in and good luck on the last weigh in next week!  Just remember to keep going.  Don't give up, it's not worth it.

Holiday Pounds

A little motivation to work off those holiday pounds!  It's never too late to make a change. :)

New Toys!!!

Well it's only appropriate to post this just after my no gym post.  I did it.  I spoiled myself with at home gym equipment!  I'm so excited!!!  It should all get here by either thursday or friday.  I went two weeks weighing my options of a gym membership versus equipment I can use at home any time I wanted.  I got an awesome deal on everything too!

It all started because I'm currently using bottles of alfredo for weights.  And while this is an awesome use of my pantry, I don't have much else in the house that's heavier and that easy to hang on to.  So I was going to buy a few hand weights.  But those suckers are like 5-10 bucks a piece per weight!  So my first item is a dumbell set.  Each goes up to 40 pounds!

This month is the Gun Show calendar given by the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.  One of the exercises are tricep dips or "chair dips."  I don't have any chairs that are wide enough to use for these and I find a squishy couch a difficult task.  So my next investment is a bench!  Now, there are all kinds of benches out there and most, if not all, of them are outrageously priced.  But I found an absolute steal on amazon for an adjustable bench that also has leg holds for crunches and situps, as well as hangers for weights! (girl not included) :D

And last but not least, I finally broke down and bought a stepping platform.  It was a small purchase compared to the other two, but I'd like to add more aerobics to my workouts instead of relying solely on cardio through biking or elliptical.

I can't wait to try all my new stuff and incorporate even more into my exercising every day!  But remember! You don't HAVE to have equipment to work out!!!

No Equipment? No Problem!

Some people slack off and decide they can't workout because they don't have a gym membership.  While a membership would be helpful for weight training, there's tons you can do on your own with nothing but your body weight!  Running, burpees, situps, pushups, crunches, lunges, squats, and all kinds of other things!  The web is swimming in exercise ideas so don't let a lack of a gym give you an excuse to sit on your butt instead of getting up and doing some jumping jacks!

You don't have to work out for over an hour, just 15-20 mins using your own body weight!  It's really good for your body because it works your core and you feel stronger.  :)  Go do something to make you feel good about yourself!

Here are a few of my favorite suggestions for workouts:
Abs:
Top 10 Abs
Power Abs Workout
Jillian's Ab Workout
Standing Ab Workout (one of my favorites!!)
Legs/Butt:
Tight Butt and Legs
The Booty-Camp Workout
Hot Legs HIIT video (This girl has an AWESOME daily HIIT website)

My favorite part is that you can pick and choose what exercises are right for your body and go from there! :)

Change it up!

Every good trainer and all the many articles out there will tell you that you should always change up your routine to keep your body on it's toes.  You also have to make sure you're letting different body parts rest and heal up.  That time is crucial for your muscle to repair and build!  In my frustrated journey of not losing weight, I've decided to look deeper into what I'm actually doing and what I CAN be doing to improve my workout even more.

When I'm not biking, I am always getting my cardio in with my mini elliptical machine because it's easier on my knee injury than running.  This little machine is more than awesome.  It's inexpensive, it works your core because there are no handles to rely on, and it's compact!  I recently upped the difficulty (which is a little tension knob in the front so it's not easy to change while running) to challenge myself more.  I did that for a week and still no changes in weight.

My chunky monkey partner works with a trainer two times a week and they have chats about me every once in a while to see how I can fix this weight plateau.  The suggestion of intense bursts during bike rides came up and I realized I should be doing that on the elliptical!  AND I had just recently downloaded an interval timer for when I get the nerve to try HIIT training.  So I'm running super fast for 30 seconds and normal pace for 45 seconds.  I do this for 50 mins!  I've only done it twice but I'm already seeing a difference in my breathing and endurance and how long my heart rate stays up after I'm done.

Just have to put your mind to it and stick with it.  The end result (whenever it may happen) will be more than worth it.

Snack Box.

Today I took all the snacks we bought on Wednesday and started portioning them for my boyfriend to take to work.  I know how easy it is to forget how much you're eating while sitting at a desk all day long!  So instead of sending him to work with 4 different full bags of munchies, I portioned them and made him a snack box!  (I have my own as well!)

 Each bag ranges from 100-150 calories depending on the snack

I can't keep him from eating junk food, but at least he's open to snacking in healthy portions!!  He's starting to support me and join me in my journey of getting healthy more every day.  Baby steps are all we need to keep moving forward.

Roller Coaster.

Emotions.  I've been through a lot of them in the last 6 weeks.  This is the first time I've stepped up and said I need to make a change in my life regarding health and fitness.  I struggled with hunger pangs when I cut my calories, stiffness in my muscles when I started working out, headaches from caffeine withdrawls, tears when I didn't lose weight in a week, frustration when I cheated on my diet... you get the point.  I have been on a roller coaster of emotions and today I hit acceptance and then went to pissed off.  Motivation, whatever form it comes in, is a blessing.  I'm angry that my diet and working out isn't showing on the scale but I know that there are changes in my body for the better.  So I'm using this anger to fuel me even more in my journey.  I'm even more determined to work out and eat healthy just to show my body who's boss.  I must thank my brother for helping me get to this realization.  He seems to always give me the perspective I'm desperately in need of at the time.

That all being said, I'm coming down with a nasty cold and I know you're not "supposed" to work out when you're sick, but it's not gonna get me down!  I still managed to bike the round trip of 8 miles for class today and tomorrow I will get up and kick some cardio ass.  To all those out there struggling, or searching for answers, sometimes there aren't clear answers until you hit every explainable wall out there.  My motivational words for the day comes from my Halls cough drop wrapper: Be unstoppable.

:)

Snacks!

My favorite afternoon snack ever! (aside from pistachios)

 +

14 Crackers and 1 wedge = 155 calories :)

S.O.S.

I'm not sure if it's that V-day is just a few days away, or that we're 1/3 of the way into Feb, or just the fact that I'm slacking on homework, but today has been a trying day.  I'm at the point of frustration and wanting to give up again.  I have seen virtually NO results in 6 weeks other than a smaller waist (that still doesn't fit any pants I own).  My weight keeps fluctuating between 196 and 191 and I have no good explanation for it. I'm bustin my butt 5-6 times a week.  I do cardio that burns at least 550 calories each time and I alternate arms and legs on top of that.  I'm eating healthy, I've cut my calories, I have TONS of veggies in my fridge.... I just have NO idea why I can't lose any weight.  I'm doubly frustrated that at this rate I won't win the dietbet because there's no way I can lose over 10 pounds this far into the month since my weight flip flops more than a fish out of water.

I am in serious need of motivation or help or a smack upside the head.  I don't WANT to stop trying but I'm becoming more discouraged every day and I feel like that's going to not help me much.  The only good thing that's come out of this is I don't HAVE any binge food even if I wanted any. :)

Measurements.

My chunky monkey partner messaged me this morning that she had done body measurements and she was happy with some numbers but not with others.  I realized I forgot to take my Feb. 1st measurements to compare to Jan so I also did mine today.  I have to say I'm disappointed in my arms and legs.  There's no change at all in them.  But, I'm also not doing super vigorous work on each because I don't have a gym membership, I do what I can at home.  BUT my waist and my hips have gotten smaller according to the tape measure!  I still don't fit into my jeans (my largest pair) and my weight is still fluctuating like crazy, but there are visual results even if my eyeballs don't see it.  I lost 2 inches off my hips and 3 inches off my waist.  That's HUGE numbers in my head.  Now to tell my muscles to weight a little bit less so it looks like I'm losing weight, and I'll be dandy. :)

Veggies!

I have a whole shelf in my fridge full of veggies :)  food love!

And I've got salsa roasting in the oven :)

9 miles!

Well, I'm super proud of myself.  I had a super bad craving for taco bell.... so what did I do?  I had taco bell for lunch of course.  Why would I be proud of that you ask?  Because I biked 9 miles for it!  It's really only 3 miles away, but we took the scenic route and burned those calories!!! :)

So instead of it just turning into a bad day, a slip up in my diet, or whatever you wanna call it, I got in a serious workout that burned over 500 calories!  And I plan on doing my normal elliptical workout tonight if I get bored.  Motivation, food cravings, whatever it was today, I feel good :)

Motivation

Motivation is a weird thing.  Some days you have it, some days you don't.  Some days you tell that motivation to shove it and other days you wish you could make up with it.  This journey that I'm on has been a very important lesson day to day.  Motivational pictures float around, I post a bunch, they're all over pinterest, etc. but reading the words don't give you that oomph you need, it's what's inside you.

I've noticed a pattern that Tuesdays seem to be my most productive day of the week.  I'm up for class early, and I end up cleaning the house, doing laundry, cooking extra stuff like salsas and whatnot.  I find this weird because by Thursday I have nothing left to give.  I am struggling to get up for class, I work out right before bed (if I work out at all that day), and I just don't want to do anything.  I took note of my actions today.  While doing my homework, I almost fell asleep several times.  Instead of taking that nap that I usually do, I got up and I washed some dishes.  I knocked out my laundry, and I did my workout super early because my homework load is pretty light this week.

I would love to find the energy everyone talks about gaining from eating healthy and working out.  I'm trying to do the best that I can and I'm just not seeing results.  So I have to change it up.  Figure out what I should adjust and try again.  It's a frustrating and long journey but if it helps me become a better me, then why not?  Why should I rob myself of that opportunity?  So here's to a productive day and another change.  One of these days it's just going to click for my body, my mind, and I'll be waiting.

Feb 1, Another day 1

So today starts the dietbet to lost 4% by March 1st! The pot is over $5000 and I'm way excited for this month to pass by!  My current weight for weigh in is 189lbs.  I have to lose 7.6 lbs to win a portion of the pot :)  Any more than that is just bonus weight off! :)

This was my weigh in pic for the dietbet as well as my 1 month of progress pic (also my oh crap just take it in my pj's pic).

As February starts, we also get another awesome calendar of things to do.  Last month was Fab Abs and I'm sorry to say I was not able to stick with it.  This month is Gun Show!!! I'm stoked about this one because I LOVE tank tops so getting rid of that extra flab will be awesome!!!

Time to kick it into high gear again (I took a much needed rest day yesterday) because superbowl is just around the corner!  And with what I'm making... I know I'll go over my calories!

Football Calzones!

I hope everyone had a great Jan and good luck to Feb!!!