I have a good friend who has been asking me for some healthy recipes, so I went to the Crossfit website trying to find some recipe ideas and clicked on a suggested link. It was for "Mark's Daily Apple" . I just spent a few minutes at the sight and WOW what a lot of information. I went to the archives and clicked on recipes and found lots of recipes that looked really good. I signed up to get daily tips sent to my email and the book looks very interesting too. Just a side note, Andy one of the top posts was "How to gain weight and build muscle." Hope this is something that will help!
www.marksdailyapple.com
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
EA Active
I was just wondering if any of you have tried EA Active for the Wii? I am thinking about buying it, but its $50-$60 so I was wanting to see what other people think about it before I spent the money. (its not that much I know, but when it comes to spending it on myself it seems like lots to me. Especially if I'm not sure how well it works !) Thanks!
Monday, February 22, 2010
A Very Inspirational Site
So here is a blog that I came across tonight about a girl who has lost 122 pounds. She is an avid runner and just an amazing inspiration. Here is her site:
I also came across some very helpful information about how to better become a runner. Just google 'from couch to 5k' and you will find a site that sets you up on a program to get running a 5k in a small amount of time.
As for me, I used to hate running. I am going to get back into the groove and start running though. What is hard for me:
Everyday I say will start to run tomorrow. Any tips for how to not waste my motivation would be greatly appreciated!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
New at this...
Thanks Shelley for suggesting that I join this blog. I was writing about my weight loss goals for the year on my own personal blog and she suggested I join the group for some added support. Thanks again Shell :) Just a little about me and my personal fitness struggles ...I have 3 kids and have always had a hard time shedding the last 15lbs after each pregnancy. I eat healthy (most of the time), and try to exercise 1-2 days a week, but I feel that it isn't enough and I have to start stepping it up a bit to really get rid of those last 15 lbs. My goal is to have lost at least 10 -15 by summer. My trouble area is my upper body (stomach, arms, and back), but I don't carry much weight in my lower body. So my question would be... does anyone have any suggestions on how to target the upper body? What would be the best cardio workout I could get to help me shed these upper body lbs?
Friday, February 19, 2010
No more slacking for me!!!!
I've been the biggest slacker the past week...... ok, or two! I got a little busy and kept making up excuses for myself to delay my work out. Then it turned into I'll just make sure to do it tomorrow, and then I got busy doing something else and pushed it off to the day after that! I suddenly found myself having no energy at all during the day and trying to keep myself awake! I was waking in the middle of the night feeling kind of sick and then not being able to get out of bed in the morning. (NO, I'm pretty sure I'm not pregnant) My kids even sleep til 9 or 10 and I still couldn't get up very easily. I started back up on my exercise routine a couple of days ago and it makes all the difference!! I'm not waking up feeling sick anymore. I'm able to get out of bed easily and before Al goes to work. And I have energy to get everything done during the day. Probably the best part is....I'm not so grouchy with my girls!! Love them bunches. ITS SO MUCH BETTER!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Day 3
So today will be day 3 of my "30 day Shred" with Jillian Michaels. I know that is not a huge accomplishment but I am excited. ha ha Thanks Ashlee! This DVD is perfect for me. A 20 minute workout that is intense enough to know it is doing me some good! There are 3 levels so I am of course starting out level 1. Yesterday I did it right when I got home and Deegan stayed asleep in is car seat. Perfect! I highly recommend this to anyone in a time crunch like me. I picked this DVD up for $9 at walmart! Cheap! Jillian also has an online program where you can track your weight and she gives you meals and shopping lists and tons of other good stuff. You can even pay a little extra to have a personal trainer online if you want. It is free for 30 days and then just 4$ a week after that. I am excited and can already feel the burn! :) My little brother comes home from his mission in 27 days (but whos counting!:) and my goal is to have lost at least 5 lbs if not more like 10. Wish me luck!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
10K!!!
my mom, ashlee and I are all running a 10k on march 6th up here in boise. I have never run a 10 k before so i thought I had better map out 6.2 miles and see where I am at. I went out today and ran it in 51 minutes and I didn't even puke. The first 5k I ever ran, I puked near the end. I am hoping to run it in 49 on race day. Thank goodness for the ipod because running for that long gets old when you are staring at traffic. So get out and run, it makes you feel so good. Later!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
NEW RUNNING SHOES!!!!!!
Yeah, I got some new running shoes! I have been running in my nike shox, not the best running shoe, and they were starting to wear out so I went and got some new asics gel nimbus II shoes. I really like them, they are light, and fit my foot really well. If anyone is looking for some shoes, I would recommend going to a running store like striders, if your in utah, and getting a recommendation for you type of foot. The right shoe makes a big difference!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Slacking.....
Okay everyone, this is going to sound like one big fat excuse and I guess it is a little bit. I am having a very hard time having time to work out. By the time I pick Deegan up from the sitter and get home it is usually 5:15. My nights are pretty crazy with feeding him (2-3 times before bed), pumping, bathing him, getting us both ready for the next day, showering and so on and so on. Plus I need to have time to actually snuggle and love him and to spend a little time with Eric too. :) I really do not have time to relax let alone workout before it is time to get to bed so we can get up and start all over. I rarely cook dinner anymore either. I know this will get easier as he gets a little older. I think I am still getting used to being a full-time working mom. So I have decided to just take little (really) baby steps. So you are probably wondering the reason for this post.........
I need your help with some simple exercises that I can do in the few minutes I have here and there. Mainly for my tummy and thighs but any would be appreciated. I am entirely disgusted with my body and really want to change it but I am having a very hard time trying to juggle everything. Like, I said, I am sure I am still just getting used to this new normal and in time I will have things more figured out. And hopefully my child will cooperate more soon. :)
I need your help with some simple exercises that I can do in the few minutes I have here and there. Mainly for my tummy and thighs but any would be appreciated. I am entirely disgusted with my body and really want to change it but I am having a very hard time trying to juggle everything. Like, I said, I am sure I am still just getting used to this new normal and in time I will have things more figured out. And hopefully my child will cooperate more soon. :)
Let the healthy lifestyle begin
Jared and I are trying to make time in our busy schedule for exercise at a greater level than running something down to the basement or vacuuming aggressively. I have started running again and am loving it I ran 3 miles flat in 26 min 18 seconds I was really excited. Jared is Playing basketball three times a week and really enjoying the opportunity. We want to be healthy and like the lifestyle it provides but are a little old fashioned and want to do it as cheap as possible. Stay happy and healthy until another update.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Answer to the sore muscles question
Q. I stretch before running but my hamstrings are always so sore the next day. Any tips for that?
A. I’m not a professional, but here is what I have learned… First of all, sore muscles are actually good (as long as they aren’t too sore, in that case you obviously overdid it). When you work out you cause stress to your muscles causing little tiny tears in the muscle fibers. After 2 days your muscles have repaired themselves and are now stronger Now if what you are feeling is a pain or swelling rather than soreness, you have injured yourself and that is NOT good. That being said, NEVER stretch before you workout. Your workout should be: warm up, workout, cool down (let your heart rate drop), THEN stretch. If you warm up for about 5 minutes before you workout you have allowed your body temperature to rise (obviously your muscle temperature will rise also) and your muscles are now, for lack of a better word, pliable. They are able to stretch now. Don’t ever forget that are bodies are designed to protect us. When we try to stretch a COLD muscle the opposite happens and our muscles (trying to protect themselves) retract making the muscle shorter. We want long, lean muscles right? Stretching before a workout dramatically increases the risk of an injury. If I ever go to a class or an event and they are stretching before the workout I DON’T do it. I always do my own thing (unless my muscles are already warm). A good warm up is anything light cardio, but not aerobic, examples would be: jogging, jump rope, marching in place, a few jumping jacks, you get the idea. When you do stretch, after your workout try to hold the stretch for about 30 seconds.
Is there a better way to view comments? If I’m following the blog is there a way that I can have the comments sent to my email? I don’t always go back and read all of the comments and I feel like I’m probably missing out on lots of good info. I think blogger has an option to show the most recent comments on the side bar or you can have them emailed to us. Just a suggestion. I didn’t remember your question and it took me a wile to go back and find the comment.
A. I’m not a professional, but here is what I have learned… First of all, sore muscles are actually good (as long as they aren’t too sore, in that case you obviously overdid it). When you work out you cause stress to your muscles causing little tiny tears in the muscle fibers. After 2 days your muscles have repaired themselves and are now stronger Now if what you are feeling is a pain or swelling rather than soreness, you have injured yourself and that is NOT good. That being said, NEVER stretch before you workout. Your workout should be: warm up, workout, cool down (let your heart rate drop), THEN stretch. If you warm up for about 5 minutes before you workout you have allowed your body temperature to rise (obviously your muscle temperature will rise also) and your muscles are now, for lack of a better word, pliable. They are able to stretch now. Don’t ever forget that are bodies are designed to protect us. When we try to stretch a COLD muscle the opposite happens and our muscles (trying to protect themselves) retract making the muscle shorter. We want long, lean muscles right? Stretching before a workout dramatically increases the risk of an injury. If I ever go to a class or an event and they are stretching before the workout I DON’T do it. I always do my own thing (unless my muscles are already warm). A good warm up is anything light cardio, but not aerobic, examples would be: jogging, jump rope, marching in place, a few jumping jacks, you get the idea. When you do stretch, after your workout try to hold the stretch for about 30 seconds.
Is there a better way to view comments? If I’m following the blog is there a way that I can have the comments sent to my email? I don’t always go back and read all of the comments and I feel like I’m probably missing out on lots of good info. I think blogger has an option to show the most recent comments on the side bar or you can have them emailed to us. Just a suggestion. I didn’t remember your question and it took me a wile to go back and find the comment.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Hey there!
Just wondering how everyone is doing. I am just waiting for ash to get home from work so I can go on a run. I am doing a cycling class that is pretty sweet. I love to ride bikes and I am planning on some triathlons this year so I thought I would start to get in "biking" shape. Anyway, just wondering what you are all up to.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Yogurt and Sweetner and Recipes
The Greek yogurt I eat is made by Stonyfield I started eating the flavored kind, I am now on my 4th tub of plain non-fat. I eat 40z every morning and I actually like it, it took some persistence to acquire a taste for it but I really look forward to it every morning. My biggest eating goal was to reduce the amount of sugar I eat every day, it was a lot before the challenge. 3 weeks into the challenge the only sugar I eat is in the recovery drink (17 grams) I use after a workout and 1 serving of fruit a day. I do have a recipe for an energy bar that is sweetened with 1/2 tea of raw honey and coconut and craisins. And a protein pancake that is really good , I eat it almost every day. Shelly aked about sweeteners Splenda is not so good , it is chemically based and hard for your body to metabolize. Stevia is the best sugar alternative you can use. There is a brand called Sun Crystals in a green box in the sugar section. It is half cane sugar and half Setvia. only 1 gram of sugar per packet and tastes really good. Now for the promised recipes.
Protein Pancakes.
8 egg whites
1/4 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1 scoop protein powder
1 small banana mashed up
cinnamon to taste
Blend all ingredients in the blender. The batter will be very thin, using about 1/3 of a cup, cook like a pancake. they will be kind of like a crepe. Spread with 1 tab of unsweetened almond butter and roll up. I usually make a double batch an freeze. great to grab and go. I like to warm mine up (in the microwave) just a little.
Primal Energy Bar.
ngredients:
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup pecans
1/4 cup almond or sesame seed meal
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup coconut oil (check your local health food store)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp of raw honey
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries or blueberries
Method:
On a cookie sheet, toast nuts and shredded coconut until golden brown (you may need to shake the tray once or twice to make sure they cook evenly).
Once toasted, pour mixture into a food processor and pulse until nuts are chopped and the mixture becomes coarsely ground.
In a mixing bowl, melt coconut oil and almond butter (about 20 seconds). Remove from microwave and stir until smooth.
Add vanilla extract, honey and sea salt. Mix thoroughly.
Fold in nut mixture and almond (or sesame seed) meal until mixed thoroughly.
Fold in blueberries/cranberries.
Press mixture into an 8 by 4 loaf pan.
Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until firm.
Cut “loaf” width wise. Should make 6 good-sized bars.
Enjoy! (or, if you don’t plan to eat immediately, you can store the bars in the refrigerator, covered loosely with a paper towel and plastic wrap.
By: Mark Sisson
Great healthy soup recipe with tonz of veggies!
I know that not everyone will like the sound of this recipe, but it is great. I ate a lot of it in russia. It is really good. Give it a try! Healthy too!
Borscht Recipe
INGREDIENTS
8 cups beef broth, fat free, low sodium.
1 pound of beef, sliced into bit size pieces, (optional).
1 large onion, peeled, diced.
4 large beets, peeled, chopped
4 carrots, peeled, chopped
1 large russet potato, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups thinly sliced cabbage
3/4 cup chopped fresh dill
3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 cup low fat sour cream.
Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
1 Bring 4 cups of the beef broth, the beef, and onion to boil in large pot. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until meat is tender, about 1 hour 30 minutes.
2 Transfer meat to work surface; trim fat.
3 Add remaining 4 cups broth, beets, carrots, and potato; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
4 Stir in meat, cabbage and 1/2 cup dill; cook until cabbage is tender, about 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in vinegar.
Ladle soup into bowls. Top with sour cream and remaining 1/4 cup dill.
Serves 6.
Body Fat and the Dreaded Bathroom Scale
Knowing your body fat is important. So many people think they are healthy because their weight is “in the charts”, but their body fat % is surprisingly high.
I have NEVER owned a bathroom scale and never WANTED a bathroom scale. I tend to be a little obsessive about weighing myself or I bag it all together because weighting myself frustrates the crap out of me. I’ve been thinking for a while though that I should probably get one (knowledge and accountability). So, at the beginning of the week I purchased a Health-O-Meter scale. There was a coupon in the Sunday paper for $10 off. I paid about $20 for the scale (not bad) and was surprised to see that the body fat estimate was off by exactly 1% (that’s only 1-2 pound for an average healthy adult) so the scale was actually pretty accurate.
The most accurate way to test your body fat % is by the hydrostatic weighting, second is by using body fat skin fold calipers and third is the estimated hand held devices or digital scales.
Thanks for the tip on Greek Yogurt. I bought some, but I’m not sure if I bought the right kind. Darlene, where do you get yours and what is the brand name? I’m excited to have a new option for adding protein to my diet.
For now my main goal is just to work on my abs. I have some pretty strong abs. I can do crunches and sit ups all day long. The problem is… You can’t see them through the layers of fat (the kind of fat that only a mom can understand) I’ve given myself 3 months to see some major definition in my abs. Tips welcome.
What do you guys know about sweeteners? Particularly Splenda? I have heard so much good and so much bad about them and I just don’t know. Darlene, I’m thinking maybe you can help me with this. That reminds me… I have a great healthy protein carrot cake recipe (maybe I’ll post it later).
How are you guys doing on your goals? Britt? Stacey? Darlene? Andy? Ashley? Your success stories are so inspiring.
I have NEVER owned a bathroom scale and never WANTED a bathroom scale. I tend to be a little obsessive about weighing myself or I bag it all together because weighting myself frustrates the crap out of me. I’ve been thinking for a while though that I should probably get one (knowledge and accountability). So, at the beginning of the week I purchased a Health-O-Meter scale. There was a coupon in the Sunday paper for $10 off. I paid about $20 for the scale (not bad) and was surprised to see that the body fat estimate was off by exactly 1% (that’s only 1-2 pound for an average healthy adult) so the scale was actually pretty accurate.
The most accurate way to test your body fat % is by the hydrostatic weighting, second is by using body fat skin fold calipers and third is the estimated hand held devices or digital scales.
Thanks for the tip on Greek Yogurt. I bought some, but I’m not sure if I bought the right kind. Darlene, where do you get yours and what is the brand name? I’m excited to have a new option for adding protein to my diet.
For now my main goal is just to work on my abs. I have some pretty strong abs. I can do crunches and sit ups all day long. The problem is… You can’t see them through the layers of fat (the kind of fat that only a mom can understand) I’ve given myself 3 months to see some major definition in my abs. Tips welcome.
What do you guys know about sweeteners? Particularly Splenda? I have heard so much good and so much bad about them and I just don’t know. Darlene, I’m thinking maybe you can help me with this. That reminds me… I have a great healthy protein carrot cake recipe (maybe I’ll post it later).
How are you guys doing on your goals? Britt? Stacey? Darlene? Andy? Ashley? Your success stories are so inspiring.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Things that I have done :)
About 2 years ago, my husband bought me a road bike. I have ridden many rides (one with Stacey), and plan to ride many more.
1) June 2008, Little Red Riding Hood, 38 miles (if I remember right).
2) June 2008, MS Tour, 40 miles
3) August 2008, ULCER (Utah Lake Epic Century Ride), 30 miles.
4) June 2009, Little Red Riding Hood, 46 miles
5) August 2009, ULCER, 95 miles
These are just some of the registered rides (that I can remember). All throughout the nice weather Stacey and I have (and will) cycle up (and down) Smithfield Canyon and many other places. I also started mountain biking last summer. I am not great at that one, but each bike ride (registered or not) have been so much fun. The registered rides usually make monetary donations to different charities. Every registered ride have also been fantastic and are well supported.
This season we plan on riding all of these rides above and a few more. In August, Cache Valley usually hosts a century ride. You don't need to go 100 miles but we are adding this ride to our list of rides. There are also some fun rides in Southern Utah that we plan on trying to do.
I had a doctor tell me once that cycling wasn't a good workout activity. She was right. It's a great workout activity.
Okay, I am done now!
:)
Blog Followers
We have some blog followers. Diane lots a lot of weight and Chelsea ran a marathon. Would you mind telling us how you accomplished such big goals?
Veggies
Ok I'm a reasonably healthy eater, I love whole grain foods and fruits especially but I have the hardest time eating vegetables. I will only eat them raw if I have some kind of dip to dip them in, and I don't really love cooked veggies but I will eat them if they are there. I do eat salads quite a bit but I can't eat them without my addiction...RANCH! So that makes my salad kind of not worth eating it because the dressing is full of fat. I LOVE eating soup that are made with veggies but my hubby doesn't like soup much so I don't get to make it all that often! Does anyone have any ideas for helping me like veggies more? Any good recipes? Any tips? I would LOVE for some help because I know my body is lacking them MAJORLY! On a side note, there is the first 5k of the year this Saturday at Logan High. Everyone should make it if they can!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Bountiful Baskets
Not sure if any of you already know about this but if you go to bountifulbaskets.org This is a co-op and a great way to get fruits and veggies for cheap. I am doing it for the first time this week. You pay $15 and get lots of fruits and veggies. You pick up your stuff on Saturday mornings and there are several locations.I believe they are available in Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Washington for now. I am excited to try this! Just thought I would share with you all in case you didn't know about it. What great way to get a variety of fruits and veggies. They also offer honey wheat bread and other specials each week. I will let you know how it is.
Running
I ran 4 miles last night on the tredmill. Yeah!! But my body isn't liking me since it's been a week since I ran last, mostly because I've been lazy the last week. Anyway, does anyone have any tips on staying motivated to keep running? I think the weather is the biggest thing for me. I'm just antsy to get outside and do more.
Protein
I don’t love meat or eggs so it’s hard for me to get enough protein in my diet. I do supplement protein, but I believe the healthiest way to eat is by eating whole and trying to supplement as little as possible. That being said, I absolutely hate fish (ok, I guess I don’t hate it, but strongly dislike it). I am determined to find a fish recipe that I like because it is SO GOOD FOR YOU! Any good recipes? Something that doesn’t taste too fishy!!
(Brook and Britt, come to class with us tonight! And anyone else that wants to come)
(Brook and Britt, come to class with us tonight! And anyone else that wants to come)
Don't go too nuts
I'm so not the blogger so we'll see how this goes. Just a little piece of advice I recently learned the hard way..... Don't go balls to the wall the first day you start your exercise routine! I've started doing sit-ups after each time I use my eliptical. The first day I started out doing reps. of 20 and decided to do as many as I could. I did ok until I hit sixty. I told myself I wasn't tired yet and I had more in me....so I kept going. The next forty were torture! But when I was done I was proud that I had made it to 100. I paid for my mistake for the next week! I had to beg my husband not to make me laugh because I couldn't handle the pain. Because I was so sore, I didn't feel like using my eliptical either. Now that the pain is gone and I can stand to work out again I decided to cut them in half for now and work my way up.
I wish I could get myself back to my eating habits from high school! I know I didn't eat the healthiest then, but I only ate when I was hungry and I didn't just snack all day. Now that I have 2 kids and I stay at home with them, its so hard because they are always asking for snacks throughout the day, and without even paying attention, I snack with them even though i'm not hungry.
How do I get my ideal weight out of my head even though I know its smaller than all of the weight charts suggest? All through high school I never weighed more than 110 and to me, that then was my perfect weight. I felt ok about myself then. I just looked at a weight chart. My height is 5'8" and I weight 126. The weight chart said for my age and height it should be about 128. I know seeing these #'s I should feel good and that I'm at a good place now and I don't need to lose anymore, but my muffin toppin and kangaroo pouch suggests otherwise!! Any suggestions on how I mentally get over it and just accept what my weight really should be? All I see is that I've never been able to get rid of my baby fat. I didn't gain any weight for 3 years after high school. Right before I got pregnant with my first baby, my husband and I started going to the gym and I gained muscle weight and was at 115. I thought since I didn't really gain weight easily that I would gain 15-20 pds max. throughout the pregnancy. I was BLOWN AWAY because by the end of it I had gained 50 pds. It was so slow to come off. My kids are 2 1/2 yrs apart and by the time I got pregnant with the second I was down to 122. So to me I just see it as lingering baby weight....maybe I just need a good Pshychologist to talk me into different HAHAHA LOL! Any advice is welcomed.
I wish I could get myself back to my eating habits from high school! I know I didn't eat the healthiest then, but I only ate when I was hungry and I didn't just snack all day. Now that I have 2 kids and I stay at home with them, its so hard because they are always asking for snacks throughout the day, and without even paying attention, I snack with them even though i'm not hungry.
How do I get my ideal weight out of my head even though I know its smaller than all of the weight charts suggest? All through high school I never weighed more than 110 and to me, that then was my perfect weight. I felt ok about myself then. I just looked at a weight chart. My height is 5'8" and I weight 126. The weight chart said for my age and height it should be about 128. I know seeing these #'s I should feel good and that I'm at a good place now and I don't need to lose anymore, but my muffin toppin and kangaroo pouch suggests otherwise!! Any suggestions on how I mentally get over it and just accept what my weight really should be? All I see is that I've never been able to get rid of my baby fat. I didn't gain any weight for 3 years after high school. Right before I got pregnant with my first baby, my husband and I started going to the gym and I gained muscle weight and was at 115. I thought since I didn't really gain weight easily that I would gain 15-20 pds max. throughout the pregnancy. I was BLOWN AWAY because by the end of it I had gained 50 pds. It was so slow to come off. My kids are 2 1/2 yrs apart and by the time I got pregnant with the second I was down to 122. So to me I just see it as lingering baby weight....maybe I just need a good Pshychologist to talk me into different HAHAHA LOL! Any advice is welcomed.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Some goals!
Hey there, just posting a few of my goals quick. I just started a biggest winner contest at work. I am the only one that is trying to gain weight but that is O.K.Here are a few of my goals:
-I got my body fat tested and I am at 9% right now, I want to get down to 6%.
-Run a 5K in 20 minutes! and a 10K in 41minutes.
-be able to do 75 push-ups all at once.
By the way, LOVING all the posts!
-I got my body fat tested and I am at 9% right now, I want to get down to 6%.
-Run a 5K in 20 minutes! and a 10K in 41minutes.
-be able to do 75 push-ups all at once.
By the way, LOVING all the posts!
Here goes nothin'....
I've never been one to talk about my weight loss goals/fitness etc. But I need advice and maybe a little pushing :)
The summer between my Sophomore and Junior year I lost a lot of weight, it took most people a few minutes to even recognize me! I felt great and had confidence I have NEVER had in my life!! The thing about it is that I did nothing different with my diet, I walked every night with my mom but that was it. So its almost like I lost all my baby fat haha and were it happened so fast with little to no effort it seems like now it's taking FOREVER to lose anything, I get extremely discouraged!! Anyway, after high school (June '08) I gained a good twenty pounds over that following winter (horrible I know) I knew that I had gained, but I refused to get on a scale!
I finally had reality smack me in the face by my sweet little four year old cousin! I went back to New Jersey this summer to stay with Jamie and Matt. I had no shorts that fit me from the summer before...blah, so while I was there I bought a few pair. Well, I was getting ready for the day and little Mauree was in with me and the shorts were laying on her bed and she said "Wow those are really big!" Then it kinda hurt a little, but now I think it is hilarious!! :) Yes, I know kids just speak their mind and have no intention of hurting feelings. Who knew the words of four year old could get my butt in gear to do something about my weight!! Thank you Mauree!! (I have never told anyone that story before either)
When I got back home I decided that I was going to do something about it! (FINALLY) I had my fair shares of "Ok, I'll start Monday!" or "I'll start again next week" After three months of that I finally just told myself that's enough! I had horrible self confidence which made me depressed. Which made my everyday life a drag! (all I think now is how did Bryce even put up with me!) I want so bad to be back to the "skinny" person I was before!
So since September I have been eating healthier
*Cut out all fast food
*Stopped my IV of Mt. Dew ;) LOL (I still do have a few sips of Bryce's now and then)
*I limit my candy/sweets to just a couple M&M's or Sour Patch Kids a week (This one was hardest for me to do, I love candy!!)
*I eat more fruits and veggies
*I cook with fresh ingredients and don't cook very many prepackaged meals anymore
*I drink at least 6 cups of water a day. I have a water bottle with me at all times, that way I have no excuse to get a pop if I'm thirsty
*I watch my calorie intake
The weight sure doesn't come off as fast as I would like but so far I have lost 17 lbs. And that is with out exercise. I really must have had a HORRIBLE diet! I have stopped losing for about three weeks now, I haven't gained any but I haven't lost either. I can say that it is nice to have people notice that I have been losing, HUGE confidence booster! So I'm gradually getting to feel good about myself again! Off track here but I did pull a pair of shorts out of my summer tote just to see if I could even get them on...when I tried a few months ago i couldn't get them much passed my knees :-/ but I actually got them up AND done up! I still have some bulging, but we're getting closer!!
I do walk/run on my treadmill for 20 min. About every other day. I just hate trying to run on it in our apartment because its right next to a wall we share with the neighbors. I don't want them to think there is an earthquake :) Ok that's no excuse but I hate how loud it is. I can't ever get anyone to go to the gym with me; yes, I know your saying 'you big pansy just go by yourself!' But I just hate going places alone!
So now I need you all to push me so that I can can lose at LEAST 15 more, I would LOVE to go more, but that is my goal for now!!
Whew...sorry if your still reading this long rant haha If you are thanks and I will appreciate ANY advice you have for me!
(*I'm not going to proof read this sorry, but it's five and I want to go home ;) *)
The summer between my Sophomore and Junior year I lost a lot of weight, it took most people a few minutes to even recognize me! I felt great and had confidence I have NEVER had in my life!! The thing about it is that I did nothing different with my diet, I walked every night with my mom but that was it. So its almost like I lost all my baby fat haha and were it happened so fast with little to no effort it seems like now it's taking FOREVER to lose anything, I get extremely discouraged!! Anyway, after high school (June '08) I gained a good twenty pounds over that following winter (horrible I know) I knew that I had gained, but I refused to get on a scale!
I finally had reality smack me in the face by my sweet little four year old cousin! I went back to New Jersey this summer to stay with Jamie and Matt. I had no shorts that fit me from the summer before...blah, so while I was there I bought a few pair. Well, I was getting ready for the day and little Mauree was in with me and the shorts were laying on her bed and she said "Wow those are really big!" Then it kinda hurt a little, but now I think it is hilarious!! :) Yes, I know kids just speak their mind and have no intention of hurting feelings. Who knew the words of four year old could get my butt in gear to do something about my weight!! Thank you Mauree!! (I have never told anyone that story before either)
When I got back home I decided that I was going to do something about it! (FINALLY) I had my fair shares of "Ok, I'll start Monday!" or "I'll start again next week" After three months of that I finally just told myself that's enough! I had horrible self confidence which made me depressed. Which made my everyday life a drag! (all I think now is how did Bryce even put up with me!) I want so bad to be back to the "skinny" person I was before!
So since September I have been eating healthier
*Cut out all fast food
*Stopped my IV of Mt. Dew ;) LOL (I still do have a few sips of Bryce's now and then)
*I limit my candy/sweets to just a couple M&M's or Sour Patch Kids a week (This one was hardest for me to do, I love candy!!)
*I eat more fruits and veggies
*I cook with fresh ingredients and don't cook very many prepackaged meals anymore
*I drink at least 6 cups of water a day. I have a water bottle with me at all times, that way I have no excuse to get a pop if I'm thirsty
*I watch my calorie intake
The weight sure doesn't come off as fast as I would like but so far I have lost 17 lbs. And that is with out exercise. I really must have had a HORRIBLE diet! I have stopped losing for about three weeks now, I haven't gained any but I haven't lost either. I can say that it is nice to have people notice that I have been losing, HUGE confidence booster! So I'm gradually getting to feel good about myself again! Off track here but I did pull a pair of shorts out of my summer tote just to see if I could even get them on...when I tried a few months ago i couldn't get them much passed my knees :-/ but I actually got them up AND done up! I still have some bulging, but we're getting closer!!
I do walk/run on my treadmill for 20 min. About every other day. I just hate trying to run on it in our apartment because its right next to a wall we share with the neighbors. I don't want them to think there is an earthquake :) Ok that's no excuse but I hate how loud it is. I can't ever get anyone to go to the gym with me; yes, I know your saying 'you big pansy just go by yourself!' But I just hate going places alone!
So now I need you all to push me so that I can can lose at LEAST 15 more, I would LOVE to go more, but that is my goal for now!!
Whew...sorry if your still reading this long rant haha If you are thanks and I will appreciate ANY advice you have for me!
(*I'm not going to proof read this sorry, but it's five and I want to go home ;) *)
Protein Pudding
We just booked a trip to California at the end of April so I have got
3 months to get ready for the beach ;)
Last week Andy and I both started a fitness program: he is doing P90X, and I started Body For Life. (This is one of the books that Shelley just posted about) It is a 12 week fitness program that involves eating healthy - not dieting - and daily exercise. When I go to the gym if I'm not doing cardio I tend to wander around lost, so this program gives me the guidance I need.
We just got a new scale and it can tell you your body fat percentage. I about passed out when I saw what my percentage was....I can't bring myself to post it though :) Anyway, my main goal is to get to a healthier percentage. I am shooting for 23% for now.
For the program I have to give up sweets....a hard job for me :) So I have found a substitute. I pretty much have it every night! Protein Pudding, so I am going to share with all of you.
Protein Pudding
1 box sugar free - fat free instant pudding (I like the chocolate, but there are lots to choose from)
3 1/4 cups skim milk
3 scoops protein powder (I use vanilla)
Put it all together in the blender and blend for a couple of minutes. Pour it into 4 individual containers and put in the fridge. Then you have 4 protein packed snacks ready to go when you need them! I put a little spoonful of Cool Whip Free on top too :)
Buddy System :)
Hey everyone! I have never been good at dieting and exercising. I never needed to until the last few years and since I was not in the habit, it has been very hard for me to stick to anything I try. And with Eric for a husband who probably has .007 % body fat and eats tons of bread and pop, and doesn't necessarily care for the healthy meals I attempted to make, it has made it hard. I am not making excuses, just explaining myself. haha I need to get more motivated and really make a new lifestyle for myself. So I think I might be a lot different than most of you. I don't have much to contribute at this point but desperately need all the help I can get! I am going to tell you my goals in hopes that it will motivate me.
My current weight is 132. My pre-pregnancy weight was 127 so I am not too far from that but even the 127 was too high. Ideally I would like to get to and maintain a weight of 115. When I reach this point if there is still more that I can loose and still be healthy, I will keep going! So here we go. I am starting at the very bottom with not much knowledge or anything so I will greatly appreciate your posts! Feel free to check in on me, please do! I fail miserably when I go at it alone. :) Also, if anyone ever wants a workout buddy on the weekends or in the evenings, let me know. For now, it will be me and my treadmill. I can't wait for nicer weather so I can take Deegan out in the stroller!
Also, if anyone has any good tips on where to start or things like that, please share. I know if I try too much all at once, I will once again fail. Thanks and I am excited to get going!
Oh yeah, I am still nursing so I don't wanna do anything that will affect that. Suggestions??
My current weight is 132. My pre-pregnancy weight was 127 so I am not too far from that but even the 127 was too high. Ideally I would like to get to and maintain a weight of 115. When I reach this point if there is still more that I can loose and still be healthy, I will keep going! So here we go. I am starting at the very bottom with not much knowledge or anything so I will greatly appreciate your posts! Feel free to check in on me, please do! I fail miserably when I go at it alone. :) Also, if anyone ever wants a workout buddy on the weekends or in the evenings, let me know. For now, it will be me and my treadmill. I can't wait for nicer weather so I can take Deegan out in the stroller!
Also, if anyone has any good tips on where to start or things like that, please share. I know if I try too much all at once, I will once again fail. Thanks and I am excited to get going!
Oh yeah, I am still nursing so I don't wanna do anything that will affect that. Suggestions??
This is it, I promise
I think I got it.
We hiked up to the grove of trees in the middle of the picture, had a snack, and hiked back. Stacey, Gentry and Koda, Fun, Fun, Fun.
Big Surprise!
Anyone who knows me will not be surprised to learn that while trying to post some snowshoeing pictures, I accidentally posted my post before it was finished. (I still can't get the picture thing to work) So to add to the my first posting. ........... Attitude, I loved the "Tomorrow" comment Andy posted last week. It is so easy to put off taking care of yourself. Every once in a while Brad puts up inspirational thoughts on the board at Crossfit. so here are my three favorite.
1. "You can't out-work a crappy diet"
2. " If you want to do anything, you'll find a way. If you don't want to do anything you'll find and
excuse.
3. "Don't expect immediate results. There is not short cut to being strong and getting fit.
Relish the work, enjoy the sweat and welcome the pain."
There I think I'm done for now !
1. "You can't out-work a crappy diet"
2. " If you want to do anything, you'll find a way. If you don't want to do anything you'll find and
excuse.
3. "Don't expect immediate results. There is not short cut to being strong and getting fit.
Relish the work, enjoy the sweat and welcome the pain."
There I think I'm done for now !
HERE I GO!
Hey everyone, welcome to my very first posting to anything ever. Please bear with me!
Three of the things that I have found I need to stay on track are accountability, someone to work out/play with and a positive attitude. That being said here goes....... If everyone I know is aware of my goals and progress it will help me to stay on track. We are two weeks into the "Beauty and Strength" challenge at Crossfit. Starting the challenge my weight was 160 lbs and my body fat percentage was 29.48% (Stacey and I went up to USU last week and did the Hydrostatic body fat testing, it is suppose to be the most accurate test for your BMI.) I had to set two performance goals for the challenge, mine are 10 "proper" toe push-ups (I can do 4 right now) and 5 thrusters with a 55lb bar ( I currently use a 45 lb bar for thruster.) you can go to the Crossfit web sit and see how the skills are suppose to look. We also have to keep and turn a daily food log (another great tool for accountability.) I have done really well cutting out a lot of the sugar in my diet, so far I have cut my 5 to 6 servings of fruit a day down to 1 and have switched to non-fat plain Greek yogurt. March 17 is the end of the challenge so I will keep you posted on my progress.
I am so very, very lucky to to have such good family and friends that are willing to put up with me, and make staying active so much fun. Stacey is my partner at Crossfit and always pushing me to do better. Andy and Ash are always inviting my to participate in what ever events they are doing, and are constantly sharing information and tips with me. And my friends are so great to go swimming, snowshoeing, and biking with me. Just yesterday Stacey and I went snowshoeing with Carol and Gentry. It not only was a great work out but was so much fun! Thanks Guys!
Three of the things that I have found I need to stay on track are accountability, someone to work out/play with and a positive attitude. That being said here goes....... If everyone I know is aware of my goals and progress it will help me to stay on track. We are two weeks into the "Beauty and Strength" challenge at Crossfit. Starting the challenge my weight was 160 lbs and my body fat percentage was 29.48% (Stacey and I went up to USU last week and did the Hydrostatic body fat testing, it is suppose to be the most accurate test for your BMI.) I had to set two performance goals for the challenge, mine are 10 "proper" toe push-ups (I can do 4 right now) and 5 thrusters with a 55lb bar ( I currently use a 45 lb bar for thruster.) you can go to the Crossfit web sit and see how the skills are suppose to look. We also have to keep and turn a daily food log (another great tool for accountability.) I have done really well cutting out a lot of the sugar in my diet, so far I have cut my 5 to 6 servings of fruit a day down to 1 and have switched to non-fat plain Greek yogurt. March 17 is the end of the challenge so I will keep you posted on my progress.
I am so very, very lucky to to have such good family and friends that are willing to put up with me, and make staying active so much fun. Stacey is my partner at Crossfit and always pushing me to do better. Andy and Ash are always inviting my to participate in what ever events they are doing, and are constantly sharing information and tips with me. And my friends are so great to go swimming, snowshoeing, and biking with me. Just yesterday Stacey and I went snowshoeing with Carol and Gentry. It not only was a great work out but was so much fun! Thanks Guys!
Knowledge is Key
I’m so fascinated with the human body. It’s so amazing what your body can do for you. We spend our entire life in the same body so lets be good to it. I am absolutely shocked at how little people know about a nutrition and what they are putting into their bodies. I am ALWAYS reading either a book on nutrition or exercise. Here are some books I have read recently and would recommend reading:
Get Stronger, Feel younger
By Wayne Westcott
The P90X Nutrition Plan
Body For Life
By Bill Phillips
The Best Life Diet
By Bob Greene
The Biggest Loser Fitness Program
Making the Cut
By Jillian Michaels
Are you Ready!
By Bob Harper
All of these books have a ton of good information in them!
I am currently reading :
Master Your Metabolism
By Jillian Michaels
A friend of mine recently gave me a copy of Nutrition for Dummies and if I had to pick one book that I think all of you should read THIS would be it. Seriously, I can't put this thing down. I have learned so much from just this one book. I love this book because it is based on facts. They aren't trying to promote a diet or exercise program. This book goes into so much detail and I think of it as a manual for my body.
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