Journey to Fit Yummy Mummines

wednesday workout

2011-07-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

Was so not in the mood to workout, but after having lost an inch off my waist I wanted to keep up the good work.

So the workout was from Bodyrock.tv and it was the Lookin Fierce Workout.

It took me 15:58 for me to complete 4 rounds of this circuit workout.

It was fun and really worked my rear and abs. i'm glad i did it!

Progress

2011-07-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, my eating habits have not been the best with family coming in and the holiday weekend..However, My eating habits during the week are better and helping to clean out the bad eating. I have had plenty of water to combat salty foods and am eating more in moderation when it comes to the junk and specialty food. Getting workouts in has been tough just because there has been so much going on and instead of bodyrocking i've just done squats and pushups and dips sans intervals. while at the computer shoulder presses and leg extensions with my band to get something in. Back though to going to zumba classes and having tons of fun really pushing it every session.

Apparently it's was helping because i measured myself and my waist lost an inch. I am 3 inches away from my goal measurement. My tummy is pulling in and that makes me happy.I have been doing a lot of fitness reading about working with my own body weight and i know which exercises i need to add weight to and this seems to be working for now. Intervals are really helpful with cardio and so is Zumba.I read The Female Body Breakthrough by Rachel Cosgrove and I love her chapter on how to coordinate your workouts with your menstrual cycle. It makes so much sense and i think i will adapt that knowledge into my routine to strengthen it and see if it can help me push through those days when I'm just in the mood to skip working out.

Trying to meal plan is difficult b/c there are day where i just feel that i want to eat something else. Or, i get a sweet tooth and want something sweet rather than savory. How to get over that is still baffeling me. Though my snacking is getting better and more healthy love Pistachios and cranberries. Also Mission figs..mmmmmm.

I am looking forward to the next part of my journey.

today's workout

2011-06-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

today's workout was thanks again to Bodyrock.tv.

It's called Give Me everything Workout.
http://www.bodyrock.tv/2011/06/06/give-me-everything-workout/

The only two modifications i had to make to this workout were my push ups and the knee lifts. Did my push-ups on my knees and my knee up free standing b/c i still don't have something sturdy enough to do lifts or dips yet ( working on that). My jumping jacks were better than i anticipated and i was able to keep my number up in the 50's (pretty good considering i hate jacks b/c of my shins.) Really had to remind myself to land gently and not so much on my toes as the majority of the foot to disperse impact. My push-ups were in the 20s and my deadlifts were between 11 and 15 i think per leg. I started concentrating on form so i lost count.

I am so glad i did get the workout in. I feel better. I almost skipped today. It was along and full day with kids housework and sore from yesterday's Brazil Butt Lift workout.

Eating today i think i needed more water today especially having been outside hanging laundry in 103 degree heat. However it was definitely more healthy and more satisfying. My goal this week is to make ahead one meal ..mostly dinner and to find recipes for freezing and get more veggies in.

I think that is it..my brain is starting to shut down. Must sleep.

progress this week

2010-12-19T11:45:00.000-08:00

Okay got to go to 2 Zumba classes and got in my strength training and as a result i have lost another half inch off my hips.

Going to try to keep this up and hopefully loose more inches! Do need to get new jeans as my current jeans which were figure hugging are now baggy on me. This is exciting!

Eating is much better getting in simple and fresh ingredients. More water and it's just been a time of making strides in a positive direction. yay!

weeks 5 and 6

2010-12-05T15:25:00.000-08:00

okay week five was okay, got in two out of three workout days. It wasn't my best week but i know i pushed even though i wasn't at 100%.

Now week 6. This week i have been able to get in all three workouts days and had great cardio sessions! To that end i have lost 1 inch of my hips and waist and two pounds!

According to the health calculator i used, my ideal weight is between 111 to 149lbs. My goal is 140. 38lbs until i reach that goal. I ideally want to loose 2 lbs a week to reach my goal. i know there will be set backs and stuff but, if things really go the way it's supposed to in almost 5 months i could reach my goal. I think it may take a year to loose the baby weight knowing myself and how long it took me to loose the first 30lbs the first time around. Clean eating is a slow arduous path for me.

However, Tomorrow and hopefully next semester when we figure out my hubby's new class schedule i will be able to attend more zumba classes to get my cardio up and running. Doing intervals at the house i great when i have a crunch on time but I loved being in zumba classes before i could no longer attend due to pregnancy issues.

To help with clean eating, I have decided to borrow more books from the library on the subject to get more recipes. I think the idea is juts to keep it simple, healthful and tasty w/o all the unnecessary stuff. I also have to do it without cheese to help my baby bot get gassy from the lactose in my milk. I really have not missed cheese all that much. I would love to have goat cheese in my life but i don't know how that will affect my dear infant.

this has been a good week of pushing and growing and shrinking!

week 4

2010-11-19T22:01:00.000-08:00

Okay this week was better.

Got in two resistance workouts and two cardio and hopefully a third tomorrow. Today did Holly Rigsby's Beginner Workout B instead of Introductory workout B by accident but a workout is a workout. I got moving and burned some cals. For my chest press portion of the workout i found that my 5 and 6 lbs weights were too light and had to go up to my 8lbs to get a burn by the 10th thru 12th reps. I think next time i will try the 10lbs to really work myself. Just being safe since i was just sick and all. However it is good to know that i'm not as weak as i think i am. Really proud of myself that i got thru 10 reps and 3 sets of the belly blaster move. I remember trying to do that my first time and it was so hard..i think i only did like 4 of them back then.

Getting back to eating oatmeal int he morning and i have really missed it. That mixed with a teaspoon of nutella and peanut butter make a great faux peanut-butter-cup oatmeal treat!

making sure i get enough protein and veggies in is tough with new adjustments to schedule and tons of changes with juggling two kids. I have to get back to meal planning so i can breathe easier in that respect. My problem again is getting meals that are healthy and lower in sodium than traditional crockpot recipes.
My fave crockpot recipe has to be tortilla soup. So easy and can be adjusted to more firey for my family's taste or more mild for those experimenting with mexican heat.

I can't remember where i got the recipe but here it is and in parenthese will be my adjustments

Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

2 large chicken breasts
2 cloves garlic (i use garlic powder)
4 oz. green chilies
1 onion diced ( i used frozen chopped)
30 oz. diced tomatoes (love fire roasted)
1/2 to 1 C. Chicken Broth
1 Tbs. cumin (i use less..a little goes a long way with the smokey flavor)
salt & peper to taste
2 Tbs. Cilantro
(white corn tortillas)
(mexican blend cheese)

Here is the way i do it:
Place chicken in slow cooker and lightly coat in garlic powder.
In blender or food processor blend the next 7 ingredients until smooth or to the texture of your desire.
Pour veggie mixture over chicken and set slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred Chicken before serving with two forks.

Turn toaster over or reg oven on to broil. place tortillas on cookie sheet and cut into strips 1/4" wide. Toast until crispy and garnish soup with strips and cheese to taste. To cheat with the tortillas, sometimes i do fold them in half and put them in the toaster and then let the family rip apart pieces..whatever works. The crunch factor is what's important.

Et voila! healthy family meal that every one will love!

week 3

2010-11-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

this week i only got to workout twice.i had really really bad allergies. it was just a really bad sinus infection that even affected my balance.

exhaustion and dehydration was what i felt thos week. got bloated from the soda i used to open up my sinuses since i can't take most meds (breastfeeding) and the ones i can take do not work. I want to start over. i just hope to keep progessing.

on an upbeat the makeup i bought for my last 2lbs loss is fabulous!

week 2

2010-11-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

This is my reflection for week 2 of my postpartum weightloss journey.

week 1: i was a sz 16/14 and was loosing weight. However my eating wasn't where i neede dit to be though it was improving i was putting more whole grains in ( oatmeal with peanut butter is divine). Getting to workout was tough but i was getting it done.

week 2: this week was tough. as it was really difficult to get even small workouts in. I was tired and just wanted to sleep. But i got workouts in and even carried the baby during some of the Leslie Sansone walking. Got up to 2 miles this week. Felt good to walk with that video. Also did my first set if HIIT today. 30 sec brisk walking then my Sprint period were various movements to get my heart rate up ..plyometics and such. I felt very strong. I did also lose 2 more pounds so I am 28lbs away fro m my goal weight. I do wonder sine i have almost reach my size goal if i will be smaller size or will the fat melt away and just lend to muscle tone and definition.

new outlook

2009-10-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, since gaining some weight back.. i have recently lost 4lbs. Eating clean and cooking at home. This IS the way for me to loose the weight.

I have stopped eating out and am having more veggies. Soups and roasted veggies. Salads i'm getting to. It's a fight for me but i will get there. oh yeah and more fruit too.

The next thing to do is to severely limit or eliminate most dairy ( especially since I'm lactose intolerant) That will be a BIG challenge, but let's see what happens. This is an experiment. I have 3 months to loose 25-30lbs.

How am i doing this i've borrowed the Tosca Reno Clean-eating cookbook and i've also gotten some healthy cookbooks with really great recipes and with ingredients that are easy to obtain and not overly exotic.

with this semester being tough and the next semester going to be even more tough, i need to get a handle on the eating..not to mention hubby wil be back so i will be in the mood to cook more so i want to cook healthy again and keep the weight he's lost off and the weight i will loose away as well. Resulting in my daughter learning healthy food is yummy too.

this is good. i'm glad i'm writing it out.

Eating and struggle

2009-09-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

glitter-graphics.com

Looking hard at eating and stress eating in particular. I just need to start doing what is right and get moving on the weight loss. I've dropped a size and inches but i want the damn scale to move.

i know muscle weighs more but it would be nice to see me moving toward the healthy side of pounds.

prayers needed and i must change. will have to start posting food journal ..ugh the thing i hate the most.

small steps small steps!

Lost 2 pounds

2009-06-20T17:06:00.000-07:00

Okay lost two pounds and dropped a pants size! am now 2 sizes away from goal size but still 31 pounds away from weight loss goal that put me in the healthy range for my height.

been gauging my food and just stepping back from eating all on my plate really listening to what my tummy says in terms of fullness. I want to get to my 35 lbs weight loss goal now that i can see it. That is 4 pounds away. How amazing is that!

If i loose 4-5 pounds a month between now and Christmas i can reach my goal. this is an interesting prospect. I think taking this slow and easy is just the way to go with this. would love to wear a pretty dress and not have to worry about my upper thighs and how my arms look would be very nice.

Lost a pound!

2009-06-08T15:40:00.001-07:00

So with my three week makeover to my routine i have lost 1 pound a week! I've reduced a band size in my bust and i'm getting my curvy waist back. Exciting news all around.

this is too cool.

I just got in a new workout video for all you former or current Firmies it has jen Carmen..who I love!

The video is called Strength in Movement with Jen Carmen. It's 60 minutes and intense from what i saw in the preview. Looking forward to doing this since i will have time this week to do it since I will be sans child during my webseminar at school. what a thought 60 min to workout all without interuption (even my 15 min workouts are longer b/c of interruption...sippy cup usually)

wow!

Goiung into week 2 of the Flat Belly workout at women's health and still pretty much following the FYM format except with cardio 2 out of the 3 days. i've increased length of time to 30 min on two days. It's on the elliptical or a long cardio video that is fun (once a week). So i have fun varierty and challenges along the week.

If i can continue to do this , loose 1 pound a week i can reach a nice weight by christmas. To get down to my goal of 140 i would need to loose almost 1.5 lbs a week. hmmm gonna have to think more on that.

Doing a lot more reading on eating and gettting over my fear of journaling food. I just hate it b/c i'm going to be super hard on myself for not doing well and obess over it. but readign more about it helps me to quell that feeling of self judgement. I will get there..i think.

going to eat dinner.

Friday workout

2009-06-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

Friday workout

Women's Health Belly Off Friday Week 1 workout

Today was tough even though it was all body weight with the exception of the step ups i used 2 10lbs dumbbells.

With all the movements i can feel that I am usign my core and that i'm getting stronger. I needed this big change.

Yesterday I did my intervals and did 6 cycles. i really pushed and was very tired by the end.
As a result of all my hard work this week I have lost another pound. 2 pounds away from being 171 again and 3 pounds away from my new mini goal of 170lbs.
I have to keep the fun in my cardio so i'm DLing new songs and keeping fun videos on hand to keep variety in my cardio.

I'm enjoying working out again. When it becomes a chore i have to change things up and i think i've found a good combination right now and i'm getting results. This is a constant battle for me to breakout of boredom to reach new heights. getting more activity into my day and dancing around the house alot more. All these little thigns help me stay motivated over the past 3 weeks that i've been changing up my routine. It also helps to not have class right now, but one class starts, i just hope that i won't falter.

Fresh new outlook with results so far

2009-06-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

Fo rthe last two weeks i've been getting back to basics and trying to getsome weightloss going. with the new elliptical in the house it has helped.

I have lost two pounds and 2.5 inches ( 1 off waist and 1 off hips 1/2 inch off biceps)

I'm hoping i can keep this 1pound a week weightloss going. that would be great.

eating better and looking for better recipes all the time so i can still eat healthy but accommodate my ever changing mood.

I needed to get fun back into the picture so to remedy that i placed an interlibrary loan and borrowed Zumba from an Arizona library. (interlibrary loan is so cool) It's very fun and i remember all the moves from when i used to go to dance salsa and all that in high school. Found this book and ordered it through interlibrary loan as well. Adventures of a Salsa Goddess..what great coverart. can't wait to get o reading it.

Been using the workouts of the flat belly program with Women's Health and they are tough and good enough for a good solid change but still have the same aspects of the FYM workouts. Vareity enough to challenge me.

Change is good.

STC continued

2009-05-17T06:57:00.001-07:00

glitter-graphics.com
Okay after whining and griping for over a week. I have finally had some results:

i have lost a half inch as earlier this week. Then i measured again and i'm now down another half inch. only 2 inches away from my goal. This is so exciting.

I lost an inch off my hips! that is some thing wonderful! My hips haven't lost inches in a long while.

Got a nordic track elliptical off craigslist for $50 and it works beautifully.

It was finals that was stressing me out and all the travel i've had to do for work and school and getting the car fixed and many things coming at me all at once. I miss my husband.

STC Day 4&5

2009-05-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

STC Day 4 &5

Cardio and Advanced Bonus Workout #3B

Felt very tired today with paper writing. Can't wait to hand it in tomorrow.

Cardio yesterday was intervals: variety of movements for HI Burst: Y squats, lunges, skater, side lunges.

Today: Workout Advance wk #3a

I am so sweating.

For the sumo squats..the only one with weight i used both of my 10lbs dumbbells for resistance.

The Sb pass is still tough. as is the stability ball Push up..still have to modify it with the ball closer to my core.

Eating was better today with salad with very little dressing (1tbs) with dinner and lunch. So happy I'm getting better at this. even with a lunch out at a meeting. SO happy about that!

i just realized i was doing advanced workout #3 and not number 1...oooo no wonder i've been falling..i'm not supposed to be there...i guess my pages just flipped themselves..ahhhhh

going back to advanced workout #1 Friday.

Listened to coaching call and i feel so much better about missing a meal..with this hectic week I've been having i have skipped a meal on Monday and just forgot to eat.
So Lunch and snack were out.

i am still eating under my calorie intake but i'm increasing. Eating at the low range makes me tired. Beginning to look at why i get hungry especially after snack. I think it's because i'm not drinking enough water in the afternoon. Getting back to Green Tea with Goji Berry infusion..yummy! OR Water with fresh lemon slices.

STC Day 3

2009-05-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

Day 3 of STC

Todays'' wrokout was difficult.
glitter-graphics.com

1 Leg Bench Squat: 3s 8r
Stability Ball Back Extension: 3s 10r
Dumbell Snatch 1s 4r
Squat w/ clean and press 2s 10r each side
Spiderman Push up 3s 10,12,10r
V-up 3s 10r
T-up 1s 4r

Okay so i need to work on Dumbell Snatch, V-ups and T-ups. They are quite difficult.

STC day 1

2009-05-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well today i have eaten poorly but i have planned for tomorrow.

Lost the weight gained from being in Houston at convention and while hubby was home for R&R.

so i'm back down to 171. I've just had a rough time with allergies and the migraines associated with them. Also my jeans are way loose again cause i'm on

today: cals up to 1300 which is 500short of where i need to be. but i forget to eat when i'm in pain with allergies and migrains.

Did some yoga to help out my back which has been sore due to improper sleeping.

Goal: to bust through my emotional eating and become bootylicious! I have a size 10 dress I'd like to nicely fit into.

I want to be able to have a picture taken of me without thinking OMG i hope i don't look like a whale. Which translates to confidence..i want to gain body confidence. I have so much to offer this life of mine and i want my physical self to reflect that as well.

I want to improve plank. To be able to do it for 25 seconds and get to 30 sec without falling over.

Manage stress in a positive manner instead of eating through it.

will be adding more to this as i think about my goals and morph during this transformation.

Step to take:

1. Meal Planning - this is huge i need recipes done for me so I'm looking at cooking light and other healthy websites to get ideas for meal planning. I'm very moody with food so i may have to plan the night before.

2. Getting in cardio - i tend to put this off to the last possible minute even though i do get it in. Some days are better than others but i want to constantly improve over the next 12 weeks. Oh yeah and do a few rounds of burpees.

3. Being consistent...this is a huge problem for me that i want to solve..i seem to have a good week or 2 then followed by a disaster that throws me off with exercise or with eating. NO MORE! i want to have consistent months. Not be so hard on myself when i can't accomplish something but focus on what I [b]did [/b] get done.

Ostacles:

1. stress - emotional eating..i am going to be taking a summer course and it's going to be tough so i need to find ways to take my stress out in positive ways

2. Boredom and doubt - i platue easily so i need to increase weight and make it to the base gym to get to the family room so i won't have to purchase weights. It will also get me out of the house.

3. Preceived lack of support- because i'm doing the single parent thing ad family is 3 hours away i often have a notion of lack of support and that i'm all alone. I need to reach out and really ask for help when i need it. Asking for help is not asking for a handout...it is acknowledging that i need help and encouragement.

Rewards: better physical condition, makeup and new clothing...looking good in my pictures when I go to Puerto Rico in June.

did workout today: Advanced Bonus #1 workout A

using 10lbs weights for everything that called for a weight.

Added 2 more reps to Mountain climber finally found a way to do it and not have my step slide away. Sheesh..what a mess that used to be.

It was hard to get through the Reverse crunch but, that's always been a sore spot since high school even when i was in shape and trim.

Cardio will be tomorrow...i have the beginnings of a another sinus headache...i can't wait till this all clears up.

week 17 workout in

2009-04-22T21:59:00.000-07:00

Well, despite my sinus headache i was able to get in my workout today. I found Sudafed sinus headache meds and it clears me up just fine.

I used 8lbs weights for the Step up Press combo. Not ready for 10lbs on my shoulders.

it's a very sore spot since they got messed up in high school.

Using the new 10lbs weights for the pullover goblet squat was a good change. The goblet squat i used one 10lbs and one 8lbs weight to total to 18lbs. Much better than last time i did workout B.

For the dead lift i still need to go heavier. for chest press as well so i made it harder by doing it on the stability ball.

As for the SB pass i did a ladder today 6,8, 10 passes for each time i came to the exercise. So i progressed from a small number to 2 passes over the recommended reps. I'm glad i could finish with a high number but would like to do 10 passes every set.

I feel strong and happy that i have gotten through this workout and found amendments that need to be made and ways to increase the challenge of a movements until i get heavier weights.

Week 17 Day 3

2009-04-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

Workout A i blasted thru today! It was such an accomplishment. I have just added a rep to my pushups i can now do 3 sets of 13. I'm so excited!

Having pumping music is key to me accomplishing my push ups without thinking about it except for breathing.

Bought a set of 10 lbs weights and used them for lunges and row. It doesn't make a big difference in the row so i need to go heavier but in my lunges a big difference.

Going to Puerto Rico in June to visit my grandparents and have my kiddo put her feet on the same beach and ocean my family has stepped in for generations. So i'd like to drop a size by then.

Will work hard to do that. Eating better today and got in my sweet tooth without being a glutton. Plenty of water today and protien. Happiness!

went curly with my hair and this is what it looks like:

taking my journey in a revived direction because i've been in a funk since hubby left after being home for R&R. Cleaning out my house again and focusing on making this a comfy place to be and not just exist.

It's been rough, but today i got off my rear and did chores and stuff before i got slammed today with a sinus headache which i had to lay down in a dark room to get over.

Great workout though!

----------------
Now playing: Kevin Rudolph & Lil Wayne - Let It Rock
via FoxyTunes

new addition to tea faves

2009-04-17T08:47:00.001-07:00

I have found a new addition to my inventory of teas.

Yogi Tea has a new flavor called

Week 17 Day 2

2009-04-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

Okay after being sore for 3 days from using heavier weights, i can get to day 2

I can really say again that i truly like the tri sets Holly has introduced. They are invigorating.

My only challenge was the Stability Ball passes...i just read the book again and i was trying to go to high in reps so i was with in the limit of 5-8 passes. I hit 5 and quit on the 6th one b/c my abs were burning like crazy.

Still need to get heavier weights. Will have to do that today. The Goblet squat was just fine at 16lbs total. i just made it to 10 reps. I could go 2lbs heavier i think.

Cardio will have to be done tonight..toddler is up and wanting breakfast. Trying Tabatas again. I'm strong enough to do this and it was challenging last time i did it but i liked it.

It was a good workout. Happy Friday!

glitter-graphics.com

Song List for my 15 min workout: songs chosen at random by WMP
1) Lady Gaga- Just Dance (club Remix)

2) Beyonce- Get Me Bodied (My favorite)
3)Summertime - NKOTB
4) Rihanna- Please Don't Stop The Music

----------------
Now playing: Britney Spears - Womanizer
via FoxyTunes

New Mini goals for the next 4 weeks

2009-04-15T11:40:00.001-07:00

New goals for the next 4 weeks:

1) eat healthfully

2) workout with heavier weights

3) stretch more

4) have fun

5) try new things

6) 5lbs weight loss or better

Week 16 closing thoughts

2009-04-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

My week 16 closing and thoughts:

Lost a total of 18" all around. Went from a size 18 to a 14 and reached my goal of 30lbs total loss since January of 2008.

I can finally see my self as beautiful once more. I'm not at my ultimate goal yet but I'm working on it and i know that eating is my biggest area to work on and I'm diligently doing that this month.

glitter-graphics.com

I'm more active and want to go out and do things now. This has been such an inward transformation as the inches have just melted away. That for me has been the more important than the scale.

Thank you ladies for all the wonderful support. I appreciate it so much. I haven't been on much but it's been hectic. Hopefully soon I'll post more. Got finals coming up so i will post when i can.

Cheers!

week 17..struggle and the blues

2009-04-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

Did the April workout as posted on the website and i have to say it was the toughest workout to date..not because it is tough by nature to challenge me, but because i've been a wreck for the last week.

Hubby had to leave 4 days before Easter to return to duty in Iraq. My mom got sick so i couldn't go up there to spend Easter with them so even though i did get to go over to a friend's house, Easter to me felt empty.

I mis him and can smell him in bed and i randomly cry throughout the day. A love song came on during my workout and i was crying doing push-ups. I'm just empty. I had a complete household for 15 beautiful days and i'm back to an incomplete home.

glitter-graphics.com

I thought this wouldn't be so hard for me to go back to the existence i was working with work school and baby. It's plenty hard and i'm not doing well with this. Trying to go out with friends and look forward to the new movies coming out and go see them so i can get relife from being mom for an hour or two but I want my daughter to be with daddy. I want to come home to a husband who smells b/c he's been working out or doing house repairs. I want to have Sunday breakfast with my hubby sitting across from me and get huranged for kissing in the restaurant.

Just have to keep pushing i guess. It will get better ...right??

Week 16 Workout B

2009-04-06T20:20:00.001-07:00

How i hate the jack knife and the plank on ball. I'm still not even up to the minimums on those. It just makes me angry. I can get up to 9 Jack knifes and the plan on ball maybe 20 sec..but there is much rolling around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC64hZYvs1M

Jack Knife on Ball - Katie Butlers Back to Basics Video

Will have to keep trying on that one.

Everything else..i need heavy weights. Holly's video on bikini body reaffirmed the need but cost is a factor. will try to freecycle and craigslist for weights at good prices.

I also want an adjustable bench to do some of the back movements..i wind up bending forward too much.

Found this video which i would love to work up to one day:

Ridgeline Fitness Podcast 7 "The Roll Out" - More bloopers are a click away

Keep working..keep going..work through stress and finish strong

Week 15 end and on to Week 16

2009-04-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well week 15 was challenging and I have to say it was harder because i was traveling and eating choices were not the best. Now that I am home i have bought cantaloupe and salmon and salad and am cleaning out my system.

Still looking for a new medicine ball or toning ball rather i like the Danskin one i have it's 4lbs but i need more weight. The 6lbs by Danskin is Pretty green with swirls.

I already have the danskin Stability ball in Pink with swirls and i love it. The 8lbs ball is blue and it's nice as well.

I'm prepping for week 16. This will be a hard week for me because hubby will be leaving for Iraq on Thursday. I may not see him until almost January the earliest October.

He's been home on R&R Since the 24th and time has just flown by. Today at Church was hard

because it was our last formal gathering to pray as a family. I will try to focus and keep my wits about me, but i find myself being very sad and selfish. It is s o nice having a two parent home and having him home to fix things and things done that i can't get to without him here.

Houston Zoo

At Church

At the Duck Pond

At the San Antonio Children's Museum

What I know is going to be the most difficult is the transition for Victoria. She is so happy with Da-Da being home. Those two are like Peas in a Pod. She will miss him more and I know this will just be hell for her for the next few days when she realizes that Da-da isn't coming back for a long time. There has to be a better way to deal.

So my goals for this week:

Be strong

workout

eat well

comfort family

cry if i need to

comfort Victoria

cherish rest of this week

pray

glitter-graphics.com

Week 15 Day 1 And 2

2009-04-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

Day 1:

March Workout.

Almost got thru the whole thing...it's always the Cs that i miss out on trying a new workout. I'm traveling and didn't have my book to access so i tried the March workout. I'm thinking maybe i would have gotten thru if i hadn't been traveling all day and tired.

it was challenging. I enjoyed what i did get thru.

Day 2

5 cycles of HIIT today! I am so happy that i made it to 5 cycles....i know i can make it to 6 next week! This is just so great! My stamina is going up. I've also been searching for new HII movements and i found some on exercise TV and a interval training video so that can be adapted to the HR HIIT prescription. It's good because i feel like it's a game and i'm really huffing and puffing.

Today is my second day in Huston. It's fun..it's nice to be in a big city again. I'm at the TLA 2009 conference (Texas Library Association). It's been fun so far. It's nice seeing young linbrarians like me. Got some insights to some books from the authors and learned about some web 2.0 stuff. Hope to learn more tomorrow. Have seen some of my big bosses and it was nice chattign witht htem outside of work. Learning about new technoliges and the new features of some of the databases..so can't wait to get the new stuff into our branch and get trained on all the uber cool features.

Databases are so sexy.

Workouts week 14 Days 1 and 2

2009-03-25T20:36:00.001-07:00

Since hubby is now safely home and we are all happy I can't express to you my contentment. My life has suddenly sunk into bliss with a complete family under my roof. The joy of my daughter saying Da-Da and the smile across his face as he embraces her.

The passionate kiss he gives me when we wake. The breakfast he made for us and his joy making food on US soil and enjoying his first breakfast taco in months. I revel in domesticity.

My workouts have gone to the three day a week program to accommodate hubby, baby, work and class. I am really pushing myself and enjoying the hard work.

I only got thru 4 cycles of intervals again and would like to make 5 but i am really pushing hard already. maybe next time. My resistance workouts are difficult but i enjoy them and can really feel the power in my muscles as I work them.

My eating is portioned and i'm feeling good ..tired from lots of traveling but happy and content with my world.

Mini Goal Reached

2009-03-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

Another mini Goal has Been reached!

glitter-graphics.com

I've lost 2 pounds and have passed my half way point which was at 172lbs. I'm now at 171lbs as of this morning!

This is so great. How will i celebrate? Makeup? Shoes? new blouse?

Will have to keep focusing on having fun in my workouts and putting something fun into my routine like i did this week by adding belly dancing to relive some tension and work the abs

Met my parents in Austin to take all the grandkids to the Children's museum and they had so much fun! ( they meaning my kid, my niece and nephew) It was great to watch Victoria run around and know she couldn't break anything but she could touch and play with everything!

Plus, she napped all the way home. Ahhh how blissful.
I digress, my parents and my brother said i looked great.
Not to mention that when i did get a look at my self in a mirror i was actually quite pleased with how I looked. Also, my capris looked a little larger than they had when i first put them on that morning.

I truly is the little things that make life sweet. What a journey this has been for me thus far.

Week 13 Resitance Training

2009-03-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a struggle with my workout. It was Movements B and i was fine until i got to the Jackknife on the stability ball.

Ideally it's supposed to look like this:

However, I tried and i remember being good at this at one point. But for soemreason today i just fell and kept falling off the ball. I did 4 good reps each time and finally stopped wanting to get bruised on purpose.

I know it will get better but sheesh was that rough. Stability ball plank was a little tough but i stuck it out for 30 sec each time before i started shaking and rolled off the ball. I'm so glad i do this at home and not at the gym...what a mess it would be.

Adjusting my food again. My breakfast tacos are becoming to much for me to eat. Especially with the flour tortilla. I have been eating them without the tortilla lately and when we finally had some with it was quite filling. This is good to know and i put my food down during each bite and let myself enjoy the flavors of egg salsa and cheese and guacamole. I also had a book to read so that made for a good few minutes in between bites. Drank a lot and found that i had leftovers.

I have to say, my new outlook on this whole thing has me in a better mood than weeks previous. To add a little bit of variety to my week I've added some belly dancing to my week. Found videos on YouTube that are really great.
Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pvyXkFTa18

Just another way to have fun and relax and take time for me. Victoria likes to try to follow along it's too cute!

Week 13 Day 2 Intervals

2009-03-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

Had to do my intervals at home instead of at the gym. It was a little tougher than i expected.

Did a variety of speed moves for my 90sec burst and then patterned that with jumping jacks and oh yeah did four sets of four complete burpees somewhere in there. I was huffing and puffing after 4cycles.

But it was a good challenge.

Remembering to get that green in at every meal is getting better with being able to get salad in and enjoying it without dressing. Fruit is in but has been limited so i'm not getting too much sugar in. Hard when all the new in season fruit is coming out. I so can't wait for Poteet strawberries. They have a festival in Poteet every year. I'd like to go one year to try some strawberry brandy...it sounds delicious.

Calming down from the stress of prepping for hubby's R&R and i'm back ontrack..this is the way things should have been the last two weeks.

Week 13 II Day 1

2009-03-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today,

I got thru workout A.

It was tough. I do need heavier weights for dead lift so while i contemplated new weights, i concentrated on form. Have to be careful with this one because I tend to start doing the Romanian dead lift instead of this version.

Had to go to Youtube to get a good visual on how to do this properly:

My next challenge was the A2 movement: the close grip pushup. Especially the way Holly does it. This style of pushup was introduced to me in a Pilates video so i call them Pilates push ups. It's always been a challenge to me. So doing this style in a close grip was even more of a challenge. Any suggestions?

The rest of the workout went smoothly although i do need to increase the weight for the MB Side Lunge to Raise movement..again concentrated on form once i recognized that weight needs to be increased by maybe a pound or 2. Since my shoulders are easy to burn out not a huge increase in this movement will be necessary.

I always loved Denise Paglia's shoulders her is a picture from when she as in Shape or Self or one of those fitness mags. Does anybody remember fitness beach on ESPN?

She is so cooool. Along with Wonder Woman, i think she will go on my inspiration board along with my goals and motivational quotes.

Here she is on the first issue of Muscle and Fitness Hers in Spring 2000.

Though my shoulders are burning i feel good after this workout. Best of all i didn't psych myself out today and NOT do my workout.

And i love Corey Everson..she is one cool chick. I loved her show on ESPN as well. I have a few taped...yes on that ancient thing called a VHS. Still great quality.

So mini goals additions:

1) close grip push ups or full body push ups.

2) heavier medicine ball, and set of 10lbs weights

Self-esteem

2009-03-15T21:28:00.001-07:00

glitter-graphics.com

6

glitter-graphics.com

Sunday prep to begin again weeks 13-16

2009-03-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

Prepping to start over from week 13. I want to give my best. with nothing due this week except a paper which I'm not worried about, so i can focus on a good beginning.

Husband will be home 9 days. i'm so nervous. why it's just my husband??

glitter-graphics.com

i guess it's i just want everything to seem perfect and not normal since he's been away.
normal to me is just chaos. there's never enough time to do what i need to do.

i will get enough done for him to be happy to be home and me to be happy that he sees a clean house.

my mini goals for the next four weeks:

1) not get overly frustrated with core supersets. I think they are the moves that are so challenging for me.

2) Have something green at every meal and pepper in color like orange.

3)not fall down with the one leg curl on the SB

4) Breathe and not sweat the small stuff.

glitter-graphics.com

Friday Workout A Toughie

2009-03-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

I was tired so my workout was tough. I went back to doing the 3 day a week schedule this week.

So after Intervals resistance was just rough. I did get through the whole thing though slower than i had anticipated.

I so want the fat off my thighs to melt away i can feel my muscle under there and i'd love to show the hard work. I know it will come with time though.

Eating better making sure to get the green in every meal and stay away from those comfort foods i really want due to stress.

Since the last two weeks have been off due to mid terms, emotional eating and what not i would like to start over. i think I'm going to i wanted to give these 16 weeks my best and the last two weeks have NOT been my best.

I need a new plan of attack. going to have to think about this tomorrow at church while i pray. I do some of my best thinking there. The music and intonation of the word from Father make it so ideal to pray and think about what i need help with and what i need to work on.

Working on programming for the library is also taking time. I need to stop working and start doing things for me..i think this is where i go awry. Plan but plan for myself as well.

Okay meals for this week:
Chicken Thighs with Olives and Tomato Sauce
with rice
Slow Roasted Rosemary and Garlic Chicken
with rice
Considering most of these family style recipes last so long i only need to plan for 3 at most a week. I kinda like that.

My breakfasts are consisting of eggs, salsa and avocado. no tortilla necessary.
other breakfasts are what and flax seed waffles with yogurt and fresh fruit.

yummy!

rediscovering peaches and how good they are. Finally found some in juice instead of syrup and it's heaven. Frozen berry mix is also economical and delicious. The juice from the defrost process is great. what a treat.

I feel better for having written.

week 14 weight loss!

2009-03-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have reached a goal! I have lost two more pounds and i now weigh 173!

I have officially lost:

This is just wonderful!

Take a look at my ticker i have 33 lbs to go but one more pound to loose and i'm at my halfway point which is 34lbs down and 34lbs to go.

Attacking eating habbits with renewed vigor. To celebrate: healthy lunch with big salad!

celebration #2: makeup..Sephora here i come

week 13 and 14

2009-03-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

these two weeks have been the hardest of my life.

Stress was so high i did get in some workouts, but my eating went so wrong.

I'm now recovering and starting to get back on track but it's so hard.

My intervals are great my weight training is great. Hard but i like the new challenges.
finally got my sleep back up tot where it needs to be and water intake is also back.

week 12 and 13

2009-03-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

Week 13 Starting strong and WOWs
Posted by Christina on March 3, 2009 at 12:06am

As always with a new set of four weeks i am just tired but get thru what i can. Week 13 day 1 is exactly that.

My intervals were tough but i took them outside today and walked it. Added the 30lbs of my screaming toddler and it was quite a workout. However it was great to be out in the open air.

My resistance workout was so challenging...my DB Deadlift i had to get a video from Youtube in order to do the basic and not a Romanian deadlift. Those were my fave in high school Romanian deadlift. I may need to start using a barbell..i love going heavy on that movement-- if not to maintain posture.

The other movement i had a little difficulty with was the close grip push up. I think i just need make some adjustments with the close grip because my arms went out instead of back to tickle the ribs. I'll get it though.

I really need to get a medicine ball. I went to go get one at Ross and they were gone. Academy has them for $10 and up so I'll look there. Also listed a wanted ad on Freecycle to see if anybody has one they want to get rid of.

getting in more veggies today with some roman broccoli:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessicajuriga/354974517/

steamed and with a small bit of cheese to help with taste but i really didn't need it, they had a lite flavor i liked. I think next time i'll make this recipe i found on all recipes.com
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Roasted-Garlic-Lemon-Broccoli/Detail.aspx
begin final 4 weeks & Texas Group
Posted by Christina on March 2, 2009 at 9:30am

as i am prepping for weeks 13-16 i finally got all the bloat and salts out of my body. I am so excited about that.

i can fit back into the sz14 pants i just bought and just feel lighter and no longer heavy int eh mid section. yes i still have my lil pouchlette ( it has become way smaller since joining) but it's livable and back to normal where as before it has enlarged with all the bloat and salts.

back to healthy eating and control. i think a lot of my emotional eating is from class and trying to get ready for Dh to come home. I miss him so. I am now two weeks ahead in one of my classes and getting the house in order and cleaned out again. Spring cleaning has begun early.

Oh and The Texas Group is going to be getting together in Dallas in July. Right int he middle of the heat will be FYM Tejas style!!!! If you are in Texas and haven't joined the Texas group in the Forums please do so so we can all get together and have some fun!

glitter-graphics.com

Week 12 at an end
Posted by Christina on February 27, 2009 at 11:53pm

This week was different. trying to get everything in and work and projects.

today i did get done cardio and weights like i had said. yesterday i decided i needed a break so instead of finishing my A workout i decided to dance. It was so great! I did a bollywood inspired workout since i've been watching and listening to a lot of bollywood lately.

if you can rent or borrow from your library Jodhaa Akbar it is such a great epic! what a beautiful love story.
glitter-graphics.com

Anyways back to Thursday: It was a great release from the ordinary and much needed stress reliever. I've been stressing over the bloat from salt and pms that i needed a change from the routine. This has just been a hard month especially with hubby getting R&R soon and me wanting to look great.

Doing intervals again with the block to get in variety. The burpees i'm not ready for yet. I get can 4 with a good rhythm then after than it's like crawling to every movement...lol.

My resistance workout i was able to concentrate more and i substituted C1 and C2 for the C1 and C2 from workout A since i didn't get to it. I feel so strong. I need to find my resistance tube..it grew legs and walked away ..or it's still in my trunk...hmmmm

Eating getting back to regular eating and I'm feeling heavy in the mid section. maybe it will just take some time and i shouldn't be so hard on my self..i've been doing soem greta eating i had plans and i'm drinking water it will take time to get all the bad stuff out. it's not going to hapen in two days from a week and a half of stress and emotional eating. Looking over my beginning blog entries and how i struggled with eating i think that it will take a bit of time but once i get back on track things will melt as before. I am human not super woman ( wonder woman is way better)

Positives: I'm smaller than I was when Dh left for Iraq.
Evidence: new jeans and dresses, increased energy.

Positives: I can now recognize where i need to improve in my eating habits with my journaling and have coem to terms with the fact that i hate looking at my mistakes

Evidence: have put on big girl panties and am now dealing with it rather than avoiding it.

and i keep moving forward.

Positives: now have healthy stock of food again and am ready to take on my next 4 weeks with determination.

Evidence: lower grocery bill and full icebox and fridge.

Positives: i love peas
evidence: 2lbs bag of frozen peas in ice box..lol

week 12 mid week
Posted by Christina on February 26, 2009 at 1:00am

okay go thru my intervals with no problem, but my resistance workout i didn't get to finish. I would like to make it up tomorrow when i have food in my system. b/c my fasting gave me energy during the day but not to workout at night for my resistance workout.

so tomorrow i have B&C of workout A to do. i am so winded. now that it's after midnight i can go eat. i'm tired... i tried and will finish tomorrow and do better.

arg.

i did get another full 3 sets of 12 push up done though and that was worth getting winded.

Week 12
Posted by Christina on February 25, 2009 at 9:39am

Intervals on Monday went well. I really am starting to get used to the intervals. Looking forward to the next 4 weeks for a change and pushing myself and challenging my muscles. Amazing how 3 weeks ago i was panting and felt like dropping after my new intervals for these 4 weeks.

Taking my intervals and weights workout to the gym today.

Taking Ash Wednesday as a day to reaffirm where I want to go and make another small change to my eating habits to get this transformation moving. Today my eating has to be reduced for spiritual fasting. Small breakfast, regular lunch and small dinner, no snacking today bu i can have plenty to drink today and we'll see how that goes.

Bean soup is on the menu today. No meat today except some fish. I think for Friday I will make my Tomato and salmon soup I've been dying to try.

Need to flush out some salts i have been bad with emotional eating and i can feel it. my workout pants feel a lil tight today but working to remedy that.

Okay will post today's workout later.

Cheers!

combining posts

2009-03-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

Good intentions and a nice surprise
Posted by Christina on February 22, 2009 at 7:58pm

I had intentions to do my workout and carido..then i had to sleep deprive daughter for her MRI and my sleep was also lost. I haven't yet recovered.

The MRI went well, get results soon. More on that later.

But yeah I've been out of working out for this week since Thursday. I have accepted it as an opportunity to catch up on rest and be better at working out because when tired i can't do my best at all and only get through a small portion of the workout and feel even more tired afterwards...yuck.

On the bright side...I've slipped down another size. I can now wear some size 14 jeans and pants!!! I'm so stoked. Also a bit nervous because i hope i haven't gotten smaller than my Easter dress. I think i can have it altered if i need though. but yeah I'm shrinking again!

i also fit into a vintage skit i bought 3 years ago before i got prego. It's very 50's and so beautiful. it's the first time i fit and there was room. it's a--mazing!

I'm so looking forward to fitting into the other vintage skirts i bought...i bought a few of them for like a total of under $10 at the goodwill..great vintage well made clothing that was made here in the US. What a steal!

Updates:

Dec 2008

February 2009

Realization
Posted by Christina on February 20, 2009 at 12:09am

Looking at my weight-loss ticker. I lost 2 lbs from Jan 28 to Feb 2, 2009. That's 6 days.

It's now the 17th and I'm apparently maintaining. One of my mini goals is to loose 3 more pounds before March. I know i can do this with two weeks left to February. Maybe even loose 4 pounds if i can do 2 lbs in 6 days.

I've been stressing with my kids' MRI coming up and a paper due as well. So emotional eating took place this week. I need a new game plan to achieve my goals by the end of this month.

It has to be in the eating. lack of water when i stress as well. hmmmm

Have an interval session to do tonight. I want to try burpees since i'm home today. I wonder how many i can get through.

will keep thinking and planning menus.
Tags:

A little sweat ain't hurt noBody
Posted by Christina on February 17, 2009 at 9:41am

What an intense 4 min!

I'm still trying to grasp for air! Did it just as Holly did it. I feel strong , wow does my butt hurt.

this was great because i was so dreading today's cardio b/c the base gym is closed due to the holiday.

Sore but in a good way. tabata's I'll try once a MONTH just to keep some variety in.

I can feel muscle building again. Muscle build then fat loss as it has always been for me. Looking forward to some loss.

Week 10

2009-03-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

Week 10 kicking butt and taking no prisoners!
Posted by Christina on February 14, 2009 at 11:38pm
okay so i wasn't able to do it during the week but i am getting it all in.

Friday i did my cardio on the elliptical and it was great. i think i need to pump it up because my body is getting used to it.

On the bra front..lol... i had myself fitted at JCP and they said my band size is now 37. I could wear either a 38 or 36B this is so exciting! When i started this i was a 40b.

loosing weight and inches and getting new lingerie. This is the best workout program ever!!!!!

tonight getting resistance workout done and Sunday Tatabas. Yes i am inspired by the new video and will try

okay just finished resistance workout i made it thru 25 sec of side plank!

Hubby has decided to come home at the end of March in time for my library conference in Houston. So i have a few more weeks to loose some inches and tone up. Also more time to dream and miss him

He sent me roses to work today. it was nice. I don't like Valentine's day. I had a bad experience as a kid and it scarred me. So i don't celebrate V-Day. Besides i don't need a day to know how much my hubby loves me. That's what Un-Birthdays are for!

Put together a greta playlist to get through the workouts.

I've got Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Kevin Rudolph, Rihanna, Beyonce, Pussycat dolls, Lenny kravits, NG2 and some others..it's pretty energizing for me. I'll keep me moving smoothly and dancing in between supersets. Keeps the baby dancing also. It's very similar to Rachel Brickner's recently added songs. Great minds!

week 10
Posted by Christina on February 13, 2009 at 10:16am

this week has been difficult with emergency room visit and papers and meetings at work. i'm going to try to get in my workouts today and Sunday. I really need more rest.

i also noticed i need to get refitted for my bras. i need a new size. I love the bali seductive curves bras i found but i may have reduced in band size or something because i've got gaps all over.

exciting yet scary i hate bra shopping.

glitter-graphics.com

Week 10..mini goals and updates
Posted by Christina on February 10, 2009 at 9:54am

Well my tummy has never been the flat since i has Tori and here are the updates:

10 weeks and i have lost another pound. I'm at 175. I'm 3lbs away from my half way point and 2 lbs away from a total weight loss of 30lbs since last January when i started working out to not be obese.

I am really concentrating on getting stronger in push-ups and side plank i think those are the two challenges i really want to improve upon.

I look forward to getting smaller and flatter as the weeks go by.
Going to need to get new jeans because I'm starting to get puckering when i tighten my belt. This is so cool.

The hubby is just going to hit the floor when he sees all the changes.

I know it's been slow with the weight but the inches that have just melted away are wonderful.

I can do this. This system is amazing.

Week 9 so far.

2009-03-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

Posted by Christina on February 6, 2009 at 1:56am
Week 9 has been very interesting. i fins myself truly growing stronger. Pants are yet again fitting looser and my eating habits have been mindful and healthy. I think the boost from VS shopping really helped.

My strength in side plank is really coming along and i can do 20 sec without gasping for air. so i think next week i will shoot for 25 sec. I am looking forward to getting to 30sec and then lifting my leg. i foresee many falling downs when that happens....lol

I am fully enjoying working out for the first time in a very long time. it doesn't seem like a chore.

The new version of the intervals is also going well. I have adjusted to the 1 minute burst and i find it invigorating and challenging. I think it's about time for that change as sometime i wouldn't keep track of my watch and i would wind up doing a burst longer than 30 sec sometimes in workouts previously.

i've had to go back to 6 days a week but i try to get in carido at the gym at least 2 times a week and the third time is at home due to time constraints.

Revelations! Help me choose lingerie!

2009-03-12T10:00:00.001-07:00

Posted by Christina on February 1, 2009 at 5:00pm
I now fit into a Victoria's Secret size large w/o it being snug or odd!

this is great since the DH will be home for his R&R in March. I'd like to loose 5 lbs by then. I will officially be half way to my goal of 140lbs if i do loose the 5 lbs.

Back to the lingerie.
Help me choose one:

#1

#2

#3

#4

all would be in black with the exception of #1 b/c it's the Dh's fave color.

This is so exciting. It was so nice to walk into VS and have the girl say yes you will fit. She was so nice.

Week 9 Day 1 Part II

2009-03-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

Posted by Christina on January 28, 2009 at 1:44am

forgot to list my resistance training...duh

well, i can say this i am better now at plank than last time. i'm not raising my leg yet but holding up to 20sec for 3 sets is great!
Goal:

The squats i think i will need to get heavier weights. The 8 lbs dumbells are too light.

I'm not sure i quite get the Bow movement but is it prepping for deadlifts? if so then i think i can do it better next time.

Love using the ball for a workout. it's great.

Week 9 Day 1

2009-03-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

Posted by Christina on January 26, 2009 at 11:47pm

Okay looks liek this week i can go back to 6 days a week.

My intervals today were very good i was able to use the family exercise room on base and use the elliptical. I felt really good.

My soup for this week is the slow cooker minestrone...I say this week because the recipe made a LOT of stew. It'll take me all week to get through it.

I was able to use my Parisienne carrots in this one. Replaced the cannelli beans ( still not paying almost $9 for canneli beans) with pink kidney beans and i put in green pigeon peas (Puerto Rican favorite!). I am really happy with the results.

I am finding that the three day a week program is leaving me restless on the days off. So i may just go back to 6 permanently. But I'm trying the 3 to accommodate school but i think that will help when the semester is in full swing.

while i was at the gym I did get a chance to take a long hard look at myself in the mirrors. The family room is separate from the rest of the gym and is enclosed so it's kinda private. The two other women who were working out had left so i took a chance to look at myself.

It wasn't bad. I had seen that my tummy had pulled in and that I don't look as big as i think i do. I'm happy where i am now and know that it's going to change in the next two months. I've been avoiding full length mirrors for a long time and i think it's time to start looking to reaffirm all my hard work.

I have come a long way lost 23lbs before FYM 2 with FYM.
25lbs is no small feat.
The inches lost so far with FYM are amazing. I just have to keep pushing and taking time for myself and eat supportively.

Day 2 Week 8 Part 2

2009-03-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

Posted by Christina on January 22, 2009 at 12:17am
I feel really good after my resistance workout.

I used the set of 5lbs dumbbells again and increased the reps.

So for Supersets A & B i did the max reps. No dizziness this round.

Notably: i was able to sink lower into the Prisoner squats. I had my FIRM step behind me and was able to lower myself safely to just above the 14" height of the Fanny Lifter! That is a biggie for me since i could never do that without pain.

getting more water in today with a larger water bottle. It helps alot.

I noticed that in Darla's call she mentioned that some of you gals are staying in a certain mode of the 16 week workouts..like staying in intermediate phase until you are strong enough to move on to advanced....did you do that after going through the first 16 weeks of workouts or are you doing it until you progress in strength?

Honestly I'd like to improve most in my core supersets. Especially side plank

I think the move to 3 days a week will work nicely. What do you all do on the days of rest?

Kicking butt day 2 week 8

2009-03-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

Posted by Christina on January 21, 2009 at 10:30am
Since class started this week i need to move from 6 days a week to 3. So i'll be doing my carido in the morning and resistance training in the evening.

This morning: 5 cycles of the 1 min rest and 30 sec burst. My bursts today were all jumping jacks. It was invigorating and now the effects of my workout i'm alert and ready to take on the day. I think I'm just getting comfy with them and may need to start moving on to burpees. Are they okay at this stage of the game?

I'm still in a lil bit of a funk with my eating habits even though they are great this week with me eating on time and eating portioned supportive meals. i think that's why i don't log in with the food because it becomes a numbers game to me and it depresses me. I know Selene you said exactness is not the goal but it becomes that.

well today i'm going to make the Caramel Onion soup. I haven't been out to get new plastic for storage so i need to limit the food i make this week. There is plenty of yummy quinoa -squash and it's so yummy.

My snacks have been dried cranberries and almonds at work for my evening snack and my afternoon snack has been fruit and some sort of accompaniment like yogurt or peanut butter.

Need to up my water intake. I've been doing a lot with class prep and trying to get time to clean the house i forget to drink water. worry drives me from other tasks. Yes this is the time when i do the MOST emotional eating during the semester when i'm stressing. So i think that's what i'm worried about now that i'm writing it out. That i'll just fail because of the added stress of this semester.

However:

Week 8 day 1 Intervals

2009-03-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

Well it's week 8. I've had my tantrum and i'm ready to go for it this week.

Today's intervals i decided to change my movements for the 30 sec burst.

cycle 1: jump rope

cycle 2: high knees

cycle 3: sprinting in place

cycle 4: that football thingy they do where they squat down run in place then turn right center left and back again..not a football fan but i remember my HS FB team doing it.
cycle 5: jump rope

cycle 6: jumping heel digs

felt great. i'm so energized

the squash-quinoa soup was very filling and the squash was so tender it just melted in my mouth. I went a lil strong on the cumin, but i like it smokey.

Okay back to business....big girl panties are on! Wonder Woooman!

2009-03-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Posted by Christina on January 19, 2009 at 9:34pm

Okay, thank you for your support and listening to me whine and throw my fit of frustration.

I have planned my meals for the week and this is what they will be:

1. Squash-quinoa soup it makes 6 1 1/3c serving so i can freeze it hand have it when i want it. Had it today for dinner and it's tasty. protein packed with 19g protien. coool!

link: http://www.bhg.com/recipe/stews/squash-quinoa-soup/

2. Sopa de Calabaza: makes 8 servings another i can freeze and pick up when i want it.
That i will have with scallops to add protein. My sister in law suggested shrimp but i've had many ad experiences with shrimp so I'll think about it. Reducing the heavy cream so it's healthier.

3. Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup with Queso Blanco: pg 149 of the Feb 09 Ladies Home Journal
200 cal, 5.5 g fat, 1.5 sat fat, 408 mg sodium, 30g carb, 8 mg chol, 7 g pro, 3 g fiber per serving makes 10 cups.

will add a protein maybe a grilled chicken

4. Caramelized onion soup: http://www.bhg.com/recipe/soups/caramelized-onion-soup/

5. Smoky Tomato Salmon Chowder: http://www.bhg.com/recipe/soups/smoky-tomato-salmon-chowder/
with a whopping 20g protein and two of my fave flavors salmon and fire roasted tomatoes this is sure to be a pleaser.

my breakfast I've got plenty of eggs and i found these ideas on Ladies home journal online:

Grab-and-Go Breakfasts
Need to eat and run? Try these healthy breakfast options for a morning meal on the move.

By the editors of Ladies' Home Journal

Packed with protein and fiber, these quick breakfast combos will keep you satisfied until lunchtime.

1 breakfast bar + 1 apple + 1 cup of skim milk = 289 calories, 3 grams of fat, 10 grams of protein, 13 grams of fiber

1 whole-grain, high-fiber waffle + 1 low-fat yogurt + 1 banana = 301 calories, 7 grams of fat, 12 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber

1 slice whole-grain toast + 1 low fat cottage cheese snack cup + 1 pear = 244 calories, 3 grams of fat, 17 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber

1 single-serving box of high-fiber cereal + 1 low-fat yogurt drink = 210 calories, 1 gram of fat, 13 grams of protein, 13 grams of fiber

English muffin + 1 hard-boiled egg = 212 calories, 8 grams of fat, 12 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber

Originally published on LHJ.com, February 2007.

I've got other recipes but I'm missing one or two ingredients.

here are a few i found: Spaghetti with Tuna, Lemon, and Breadcrumbs

Sauteed Chicken with Tomato Relish and Spinach

Slow-Cooked Minestrone

Whole Wheat Penne Genovese

what do you all think? please say i hit something right...

2009-03-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to think something is wrong with me. I'm getting very tired. maybe i'm not eating enough. i get enough water. every time i get into the kitchen i drink at least on 20oz glass of water.

today's workout i did great on my intervals: I did 6 cycles. powered thru and tried jumping jacks as my burst today.

my resitantce workout:

by the time i got done with the last superset of B i was dizzy. i was working with 5lbs dumbbells instead of the 8s. I just don't get it.

Dinner was pork stir fry with a light orange suace and rice followed by 4 strawberries.

snack: handful of masala seasoned chickpeas

lunch: faux grilled cheese: 7 grain bread, olive oil, garlic powder and 2 sclices cheese

snack: almonds and cranberries

breakfast: oatmeal with bananas and honey and OJ

i just don't get it.

Combining posts

2009-03-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

food for the next couple of days
Posted by Christina on January 16, 2009 at 9:22pm
Okay: i've got oatmeal and fruit and an egg for breakfast for the next couple of days. I have my cold brew raspberry tea ready to go. Love that stuff.

For lunch and dinner i have rice with a simple stirfry it has tons of veggies and pork tenderloin.

that will due for the next 4 days. Cooking for a family but having only one adult int he house leads to more food over a few days.

Need to go shopping for the rest of my ingredients...still not sure of what i want to make.

I do have cans of beans at home so I'm thinking i can do some bean soups. Those are hearty and easy to make.

OOOO i just remembered i can make calabaza soup. That is warming and hearty and yummy! There were some awesome recipes in a couple magazines at the library I'm gonna have to take change and copy them. add a salad, and do i need to add a protein any suggestions? something that can be made one day and last 4 or 5 days.

Gonna go shopping sunday. Help ladies!

Okay now that i want more out of FYM..looking inward
Posted by Christina on January 15, 2009 at 11:36pm
Okay listening to The latest coaching call. I so understand more. Yet another part of working out hat has not been covered but i questioned when I was working out by myself.

I'm going to be actually writing down and planning my meals with school beginning. This is key because it is during the semester that things get really hectic. my cal intake per meal will have to be 393 cal. totaling to 1939cal/day.

protein intake: 143.2g/day

i've had a hectic few days and i need to sleep more than workout. so i'll do today's and tomorrow's workout all tomorrow.

pray for me ladies this planning is going to have to be down to the letter.

found a good site that has cal for food: http://www.nutritiondata.com/

Week 7 Day 3 Workout B
Posted by Christina on January 14, 2009 at 11:50pm
I felt weak today gals.

I had to reduce the weight on my workout and use my 10lbs weighted bar instead of my two 8 pound dumbbells. I still had a good workout but i really wanted to accomplish it with 16lbs rather than 10 but 10 is better than nothing right.

Maybe i was tired i did wake late and have a crazy day. I have an early meeting tomorrow so i do need to get to sleep.

motivation, eye candy...you tell me..

Week 7 Day 1

2009-03-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

Posted by Christina on January 12, 2009 at 11:45pm

I can't believe it's week 7 already! I feel great.

Inches have fallen off and clothing is fitting better. i am 3 lbs from my post pregnancy weight of 176.

Today's workout: The hardest part was the side plank with the pulses but it went better with all the tips i got last time. Slipping here and there, but i push through it.

Need to get a medicine ball i think it will be better than the Jedi light saber i've been using. But i like having the "sword" in my hands it make such a great visual..especially when i light it up..lol

my push ups were better. I have a way to get more of the Holly style push ups in. I alternate with the traditional arm position of the push up with the form in the book. I will try this week and next week to put more FYM push up style in and lessen the traditional style. That way i don't feel so defeated.

i would love to get to this point:

Week 6 Friday & Saturday

2009-03-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my intervals i only got thru 4 cycles. it was crazy i felt so tired...it was so odd. I think after i got over the tired feeling i did a 5th cycle but it was tough.

Ironically today i feel energized and ready to take on Workout B. I wonder if it was a lack of water or not enough food?

kept the stress eating this week down to only one day where i had a really upset patron at the library so i ate 4 sticks of kitkat.
Other than that, i've been on pint with portion sizing and ensuring that i east enough, except for yesterday.

i thought i had eaten enough. Oh i know what it was i brought enough food for dinner to work but b/c of the irate patron( who threatened to sue) I was upset so i didn't eat enough! I had brought enough but i didn't eat it all.

will have to measure again on Monday because the pants i was just fitting into on Monday were loose today! I'm excited.

Saturday:

Did my intervals. my 30 sec burst was using the step and i really burned it out. it felt good.

Week 6 Thursday

2009-03-08T12:57:00.000-07:00

Posted by Christina on January 8, 2009 at 11:51pm

Added 8lbs weights to my reverse lunges. I do have a little balance issue but i'l over come that.

I'm still working through my push ups like a turtle. i get them done but it's a fight from rep 3 onward. Is anybody else experiencing this struggle? or have you?

the other movement I'm finding challenging this week is the side plank w/ pulses. i just can't seem to comfortably position myself at my feet to stay up. I wind up bending the bottom leg to balance without hurting my feet or contorting them in a weird position. Any suggestions ladies?
Maybe i just need to pray on it and God will give me the little bit of insight i need to over come these challenges. I think it's my right side that is weaker than my left side but i am determined to get stronger in this one.

I will just have to think and pray and work harder.
UGH!

workout B

2009-03-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

Posted by Christina on January 6, 2009 at 11:48pm

Today's workout was different but good. I was at home for this one so i got to use my 8lbs weights. Definitely makes a heck of a difference. My step is also taller than the small one my mom let me use. 14" versus 8".

I was on tile for my core workout versus rug at my mom's so that was making the movements a little more difficult b/c i was sliding backwards.
maybe next time i'll have to use the yoga mat to avoid slipping.
on to stretch and go to bed with a good book.

more Loss!

2009-03-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

Posted by Christina on January 6, 2009 at 11:14am

Okay!

Another inch off my waist and one off my bust. One lost in my arms. Have to buy a new belt!
Hips still the same..no complaints there!

Calves went down a half inch. This is just too cool!

I wonder what it'll be like to fit into a size 14?? how amazing.

glitter-graphics.com

Week 6 already how time flies

2009-03-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

Posted by Christina on January 5, 2009 at 11:52pm
it's week 6 day 1

i did my intervals and i feel great. i really pushed myself again. 5 cycles. i needed to stop in the middle to get some water and go to the restroom but i picked up where i left off and got my cardio in.

kinda glad i don't have a machine yet because it would have taken longer to stop and start again with the needed nature call.

toddler is happy to be home..cats are running scared as toddler approaches. it is good to be home.

continued happiness

2009-03-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

Posted by Christina on January 5, 2009 at 7:14pm
I can't express how happy i am with this program! Loosing inches and breaking through a plateau which I've been trying to break through since June 2008 is just amazing! It is just great motivation to keep going to see what more I CAN do.
I really believe now i can reach my goal by March. No longer does the time march by with results becoming more and more elusive. My confidence is coming back and I'm feeling sexy when i look in the mirror now. I really want to get dressed nicely and compliment the curves showing up on my body. Feeling strong and happy are part of my goals with this program and I'm definitely achieving goals. I'm also eating better and have curbed my emotional eating. My challenge will be to keep this up while classes are in session. But i look at it not with fear but with my head held high and the sense that I can do this too.

glitter-graphics.com
I can say that my writing everyday here is truly helping and the supportive comments are great. I soo needed this. This is the best investment I have made in myself in a while.
Strong Pictures:

week 5 continued

2009-03-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

Posted by Christina on January 1, 2009 at 9:52pm
Okay the hard work continues to pour itself on. I'm up to the challenge though. I 'm up at my parent's house so i had to use 5lb weights in each hand. i have 8lbs at home which i do like to use. so next workout B will be a good one.

The ab blaster and the mountain climber were the real challenges of this workout for me and i felt them immediately. i feel now like i'm wearing a girdle. like the "girle muscles" of my abdomen are pullin in tight..it's a neat sensation.

I have to say i do like the B workout.

Cheers!

Week 5 Day 2 Hard work

2009-03-05T12:17:00.000-08:00

Posted by Christina on December 31, 2008 at 12:18am

I really pushed myself today with the intervals. I went 5 cycles at the new pace.

I think i need new movements b/c my shins are starting to hurt.

my legs are sore from yesterday's exertions and I'm looking forward to getting stronger. will have to take my book with me as i'm traveling to my parent's for New Year's.

It's a little sad because New year's eve was my first date with the DH. That was Eleven years ago. We've been married only 5 years but together 11. Time flies. I really miss him. I was fine for Turkey day and Christmas but tomorrow is our night and I shall really be sad. I know it's a sad way to enter a new year but for the last 11 years i always had someone to kiss in the new year. It's tough. I've been curbing my emotional eating and i hope i can do so tomorrow as well.

Need some prayers and good vibes sent my way ladies please. I've been on the brink of tears for almost a week. I haven't told Jacob, and i don't know if i should.
I feel selfish for being sad. Like i should be stronger and be a big girl. It's so frustrating to feel great one day and totally down the next when events like this come up. I will try again tomorrow to be strong and be happy. I did smile alot at work today. That is good. Hopefully all this hard work today with the intervals will give me blissful sleep so i can rest.

Week 5 day 1 workout a

2009-03-05T12:13:00.000-08:00

Posted by Christina on December 29, 2008 at 11:36pm

Tough is the word that comes to mind here.Today i got thru. I felt weak today. is this normal? am i just tired from my period? maybe i didn't drink enough water today?

I would do the max of the first superset movement for all three supersets and then the minimum for the second movement.

eg: 8 rear lunges each leg

10 kneeling push-ups

it was very odd but i got through and feel better for having done so.

just so tired. going to bed.

Prep for weeks 5-8 = stage II of becoming bootylicious.....HOPE

2009-03-05T12:09:00.000-08:00

Posted by Christina on December 28, 2008 at 11:45am

I can honestly say that putting away my introductory workout pages into the FYM notebook today was an interesting feeling. I feel accomplished, proud and ready. Ready to take on the new challenges of weeks 5-8.

It's uplifting to close a chapter of my exercise journey with positive results and NOT dread the next couple of weeks. That was a biggie for me with the way i was working out before and would lead to disinterest and boredom at week 6-8. i don't foresee that happening with this system.

I can't explain how greatfull I am to have found you all and Holly so that I can achieve my goals and be a better person because of this place.

Hope Quotes:

Emily Dickinson: Hope Quotations
We'd never know how high we are till we are called to rise; and then, if we are true to plan, our statures touch the sky.

Scottish Proverb: Hope Quotations
Were it not for hope the heart would break.

Helen Keller: Hope Quotations
When one door of happiness closes, another opens.

Albert Camus: Hope Quote
In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.

Dale Carnegie: Hope Quote
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.

Napoleon Bonaparte: Hope Quotes
A leader is a dealer in hope.

Pope John XXIII: Hope Quotes
Consult not your fears but your hopes and dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what is still possible for you to do.

'Hope' is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without words And never stops - at all.
- Emily Dickinson

Joseph Addison: Quote: Hope
Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

Christopher Reeve:
Once you choose hope, anything's possible.

Winston Churchill:
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.

Martin Luther King, jr.:

If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream.
The Trumpet of Conscience

Author unknown: Quotations: Hope
When the world says, "Give up," hope whispers, "Try it one more time.

Kahlil Gibran: Quotations: Hope
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, / and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that/ which has been your delight.

Thomas Jefferson: Quotations: Hope
When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.

Saturday Interval and Veggies

2009-03-05T05:32:00.000-08:00

Posted by Christina on December 28, 2008 at 10:56am

Okay did another 6 cycles of intervals using the yoga block for my High Intensity burst and i really pushed yesterday. Very proud of myself.

I think i need to include other veggies because i was doing some reading and apparently I've been eating veggie that really produce gas. So need to branch out, but i so love broccoli and peas..this will be tough. Anybody have suggestions for cheap frozen veggies to replace them for a while..cause the gas thing is just not pleasant. I love them b/c they can be found all year and i can do 2 cup servings without flinching.

Keep Moving Forward!

Tags: eating, intervals, introductory, veggies, workout

Loosing = Happiness

2009-03-04T10:24:00.000-08:00

Posted by Christina on December 28, 2008 at 10:45am

Okay so i'm staying away from the scale like Holly said. But today I measured myself because I KNOW my pants are fitting looser.

I LOST 3 INCHES off my hips!!!!!

1.5 off my waist

1 off my bust!

This is exciting! I have not been able to move but 2 inches off my hip since January 2008! and i moved 3 in just 4 weeks! WOW!
I am so Amazed! this is motivation to add to my motivation. What a nice gift to take into the new year!

This will carry me through week 6 and beyond. because it's usually at week 6 that i loose my drive and get bored.

ahhhhhh.

Intervals Monday week 4

2009-03-04T08:27:00.000-08:00

Posted by Christina on December 22, 2008 at 11:39pm

I added the yoga block like Holly demonstrated for the High Intensity busrt of the Interval workout and I can say that was a much needed addition to my workout. I did 6 cycles and felt challenged!

I maybe a be a little slow at 1 step per sec for 30sec but it was invigorating.

i really enjoyed the workout.. that's a lot since i never enjoy cardio at all.

Fit yummy mummy is brought to you today by the word:

and the number 22

STarting over

2009-03-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

Posted by Christina on December 22, 2008 at 10:30pm

it's week 4 and i already feel stronger. my tummy if pulling in and i can visualize my body getting to where it needs to be. This week i want to be able to do plank without feeling like i'm going to die.

keeping my motivating picture/amazon around. It's such an amazing work of art.

my focus on my goal is becoming more intense. I really want to reach by goal, but getting there i will be to reach my smaller goals like improving my push ups, plank and management of stress eating. I can get through 2.75 sets of my push ups and the plank still kills me every time. However, my abs feel strong and awesome after each workout. Does anybody else feel like this when they finish their workout?

Still working out during Justice League. I really enjoy it. More so than using songs from my MP3 list.
I also did some reading the last workout in between super sets. I was reading The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis. I haven't read all the Narnia books in a while so it was a good refresher. It also gave me something to focus on during plank.

It explains everything in book2. I'm going to reread The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as soon as it's available in ebook from the library. I did borrow The Horse and His Boy. it's ptety good and i like the was Lewis writes. It's captivating.

Well i have to get ready to do my intervals....oh and i think i found an eliptical!