The final stretch!!!

Sixteen Days Left...

In the last two weeks I went harder than I ever have before at the gym! I invested in a weighted vest and wore it for all my cardio for about 6 days...treadmill and Jacob's Ladder. I also hit the ladder with intensity and increased my distance every day....my personal best was 705 feet (with resting intervals) after this I did treadmill as well.

Then I hurt myself. I pulled several things in my right hip/buttock area, I didn't feel its full effect for a few days and continued with the intensity. I had to eventually take a couple of days off, ice my side daily and take a few muscle relaxers. It's frustrating. The competition is coming to a close and I can't go 110%!

I will have to focus a little more on my diet. I need to keep faith that I will recover, and soon.

I plan on a trip to the chiropractor and a massage and more ice.

I have no real idea how I am doing since the mid point I am almost afraid to step on the gym scale!

Here's to determination in the last two weeks!

Six Weeks To Go

here i go again!

I took the weekend off from the gym, Saturday and Sunday. Cleared my head and rested. Ate too much and drank too much.

Now...

It's monday and I did a great cardio session, followed by a beginner belly dance class. Tomorrow I walk through my new workout with Brett. 4 days, 3 of weights and one circuit day...I am excited. I feel the fierceness coming back...I was disappointed with my last weigh in and the only thing to do is to double my efforts. I am tracking my calories and making a weekly plan. This week I will work out 6 times.

It's go time!

Hey, free workout!!!

Checkin' Email can be awesome for your physique!!!

Brett (trainer from "Pure Strength Fitness") put out an offer for a workout session, 1 on 1, for free if you called soon enough....well I did. A free workout with the buffest lady at the gym seemed like a great idea. I was nervous the whole night....

We worked back an biceps...she is seriously awesome!

We started with seated rows 65lbs(8,9) 75lbs(8,8)

she likes lower reps with heavier weight

I pulled more than I ever had before on that machine

then we did this:

bent over 1 arm db rows : 25lbs (10,10) then 30lbs(8,9)

pull ups with spotter assist (4,4,4,4) -I NEVER DREAMED I COULD

super setted with:

barbell bicep curls 20lbs(16,12,12,12)

then: bent over barbell rows 65lbs(8,8,9,9)

super setted with:

single arm seated bicep curls 5lbs (20,20,20,20)

then: 21's curling the blue band

stretch, then cardio 25 min

This is to the best of my recollection, it was truly a great workout that pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me feel so proud!

Tomorrow is Friday the 18th of March and I am going to weigh in to see if I am still making progress. I am also attempting to chug 3+ litres of water a day...a job in itself.

Gearing back up!!!

Since the mid-point weigh in I was almost a little lost...I did extremely well, I am more than half way to my goal of 20lbs lost...but I got a little lost mentally.

I was so focused for the weigh in, it was a goal in itself. After a rather stumbly week, not eating poorly or anything, but losing my "jam", I feel much better. I took a break from Craig's circuit workout and did a lifting week instead. I wanted to feel SORE again, and boy did I! I blasted each muscle group and was mega-sore. I am now back to the circuit and I have noticed my cardio fitness is pretty amazing. The interval training on the treadmill is working as well! I am fitting into more of my clothes more comfortably as well!

I have added a beginner belly dance class on mondays and a friend found me a belly dance outfit at an outrageously decent price...I was kind of sad thugh that I didn't feel that good in it...now this is the mental part of weight issues... I felt kind of unattractive and chubby!!! There are still mental and emotional battles to be fought!

Here's to strength and fitness and pride!

WOWEEEWOWOW!

Mid-Point Weigh In

I was weighed and measured and I ended up in second place...I was stunned!!! I could not believe after what seemed like a slow start and considering myself the "turtle" of this competition I had amazing half way results...

I am down 11 pounds and 8 inches off my bust, waist and hips!!! 6.6% of my bodyweight!

I was surprised because this is only a weight loss of aprox. 1.5 pounds a week....I was sure someone else would blow that away...

This is just proof that real weight loss, fat loss is a slow steady process and takes a hell of a lot of work and a real commitment, I had a slow start and really didn't get my eating in hand until week 3 and I had quite a few treats along the way.

I have learned to relax on the scale and be happy with looser clothes and visual evidence not scale numbers, I have also kept my meals quite clean consistently, although I do have a treat now and then I no longer allow that to dictate a pattern for the whole day or weekend

I have also completely changed my mental environment surrounding myself with influences from all kinds of fitness professionals and I have a clear vision of the physique I want to have by summer

I was just thrilled to place in the top five as this locks me in the competition for three more months, this is a 5 month commitment and after 7 weeks the change is phenomenal so I am excited to imagine what 23 weeks will bring!!!

yeah me!!! I have been working hard and it is paying off!

Up, Down, and Up again...

This week took me places. There were some emotional ups and downs! There was too much negativity! I know that only I can control that.

I am experimenting as well. I am working out at a new time to change my sleep and eating patterns. Working out later in the day seems to boost my energy a bit more for the evening, then I don't feel like a slug by 8pm. I have also tried a new recipe from Larissa Reis IFBB figure pro.

http://www.larissareis.net/index.php

I find her physique inspiring and the recipe was quite good.

x lean ground turkey, applesauce, egg whites, Mr. Dash ;) , and flax seed sprinkled on top.

Bake 350, 20-25 min

Viola Turkey Cake!!!

I find it very motivating to watch footage of strong women working out or read their blogs or facebook posts. I need all the little motivations I can get. I plan to finish this contest STRONG!!!

I am about a week away from the 1/2 way weigh in. I have no idea what the scale at the gym will say. I have hopes as to what it will say. Every week I have cleaned up my eating a bit more and I think this has become possible because of my taste changing, less cravings for carbs, and I get fuller on less.

I also find I am worrying a bit about post-contest. What will motivate me then? I will need new goals and I will continue to improve my physique over the summer. I will not invest 4 months and then quit!!!

Nearly Half Way!!!

Today, Feb. 18 is about 2 1/2 weeks from the midpoint weigh in and measure. I feel really good about it. Starting a new program 5 weeks in was a great wake up! As I see more results in changes in my physique and the fit of my clothes I am more motivated. I stumble off of my eating plan less as well. I am going to get weighed in a few days to see where I am as the 1/2 way point approaches and set a goal for that weigh in.

I made today count!!!

Monday

Just had a great workout and a lovely lady at the gym remarked that my program must be working because it was showing! Sometimes, that's all you need to push a little harder, a compliment!

New Program, New Motivation

Today was the first day of my new 5 week program. Totally different approach. This program is a circuit: two supersetted weight exercises then 2 minutes of hard cardio (treadmill, skipping, butt kicks, jumping jacks etc.). It was challenging and I was dripping with sweat. I am also approaching my eating more strictly, I am tracking my calories and keeping under 1600. If I keep this up consistently I should see some change.

THE SCALE

I have decided that I will weigh in and check my weight in 8 days. Monday the 21st. It has been a few weeks and I really want to know where I stand. I still have a goal to lose 20lbs and my pace was 1lb a week. I am hoping to double this rate. I have heard other women at the gym talk about issues with the scale and unrealistic expectations. Jim Wendler of EliteFitness talks about people wanting fast results and thinking about 8weeks or 12 weeks to a new physique, but really as far as fitness goes you need to focus on your goals for the next 52 weeks and longer.

The main reason I joined this contest was the hope that is would be a catalyst for change and a commitment that would be long enough to form some new habits in both diet and exercise.

Week 5 is winding up, here's to week 6!

*SIGH*

I have been feeling rather discouraged lately. We are done 1/3 of the competition and have now changed programs. I met with Craig Sorenson today for my new program. It's totally different and that is somewhat daunting. I have heard the odd whisper about some clients that are doing well, and it's not that I am not one of them, I just haven't lost big numbers on the scale. I plan to weigh in on Monday, Feb. 14. I must require quite a bit more of myself as far as my eating, or rather overeating. My meals are perfect, my snacks are too many and too big. Too many little pieces of chocolate and bits and bites here and there. The weight loss that I want to achieve is going to require more of me. I am tracking my calories and aiming for 15-1600. I will also need to drink a lot more h20. This process is just so slow.

Make The Most Awesome Choice!

Here is a link from elite fitness... my husband reads these blogs all the time and Jim Wendler in particular is hilarious....anyhow the advice here on goals is perfect...

1. HAVE A GOAL

2.SET THE GOAL IN MOTION IN THE MOST CONCISE METHOD AVAILABLE

3.DON'T POLLUTE IT

4.TRAIN HARD BUT DON'T LEAVE EVERYTHING AT THE GYM, DO LEAVE IT ON THE FIELD OR IN THE OFFICE, OR WHATEVER YOUR LIFE COMPETITION IS

5. WHEN GIVEN A CHOICE, CHOOSE WHICHEVER IS THE MOST AWESOME!!!

there is a little more at the link below...

http://asp.elitefts.com/qa/training-logs.asp?qid=138565&tid=

Starting Week 5

It is Sunday, week 5 of the local "biggest loser" competition...and I am ready to ROCK!

Last week had some really up and down days, a couple of times I really went off the clean eating path, but the difference now is I pick myself back up sooner. One overindulgent meal doesn't spell total devastation to healthy eating for the following 3 days. I also know an off day won't undo the incredible amount of work that I have put in so far. I start this week with a challenge to myself to do even better than the best i've done so far. People are starting to say "have you lost weight?" that feels great!!! I had a brief discussion today with Bret (a trainer at the gym) about the "mental" challenge of fitness/athletics. This challenge is so much a mental one. I have to learn new habits, break old ones, replace food rewards with something else, and since not all the success is showing on the scale, I need other markers of success to spur myself forward. I keep detailed records of my workouts so that I can gage my progress, maybe it's lifting 5lbs more or just one more rep than last time, but there must be a reward more than just numbers on the scale. The beastly "Jacob's Ladder" is a great example, as in week one I could last 55 seconds, I am up to a personal best of 3:15. My cardio has improved greatly. I like evidence!!! My clothes continue to fit more loosely as well and I can see a different shape to my body. I have a very specific idea of the results I hope to see in the summer and how active I plan to be. I also know I feel differently about food and it isn't creating the emotional turmoil it did only weeks ago.

Almost A Month

It is Friday, Feb. 4 and it has been almost a month since the beginning of the "biggest loser" competition. We have an opportunity to weigh in again on Monday, but at least for the time being I'm going to skip weighing in. I can see how much that affects my attitude and since I am seeing great changes in strength, cardio, and the fit of my clothes, the shapes of my body even, I am going to hold out until the next weigh in. This contest is at least 15 weeks long so my first competitive strategy is just to last the whole time with my plan...consistency will pay off. I also had a real roller coaster of a week, somewhere between hormones and a hard place, Tuesday I worked out the best I could, but felt like a 90 year old, I was sore from head to toe and just feelin' like crap!!! Two days and a trip to the chiropractor later I was gung ho again. Another piece of evidence was my work on the Jacob's Ladder....at the beginning of the competition I could do 55 seconds and I was gassed out!!! Yesterday I managed 3:15 and felt great. Yesterday was also Chinese New Year and I enjoyed a lunch out with my family and friends, I ate well but not in the "binge, cause tomorrow you need to start starving" kind of way...a reasonable portion with lots of veg. Being consistent 90% of the time allows me to enjoy a good treat.."once in a while"..without mental stress.

I am really proud of the work I've put in the last 4 weeks.

MONDAY, MONDAY

Another Week

The challenge for me is to keep motivated, daily goals, weekly goals... I desire results and sometimes have trouble seeing the journey as enjoyable. I am somewhat impatient, and that works for the "crap and lies" diet industry, I also think this instant digital age doesn't help us to take on challenges that are slow to come to fruition. I compare this leg of the journey (and the months to come) like slogging uphill through mud! The top of the mountain is the summit of fitness and a physique to be proud of but the trip is hard work. Just plain HARD WORK, I really would like to nibble on junk food or have a nice cocktail at the end of a long day but it won't help me reach my goals. I went to TOPS for a short time a few years ago, and though it wasn't for me they did have a little motto that resonated..."though I eat in secret the results are there for the world to see"!

Plain and simple...eat anything you want, it'll show. Claim you're eating perfectly (which I rarely am), your body will show the truth. When I look in the mirror I know why I see what I do! The changes are happening, I see them and I know why! When I make a choice that doesn't fit with my plan I know what will happen. It's not a mystery. Losing weight is not complicated, it's not rocket surgery (lol) it's simple math, calories in, calories out...healthy foods (veg, fruit, lean protein, water) have less calories so you can eat more and feel fuller. This works, it's just slow!!!

One more week until the next weigh in (to track progress) and I have no idea what the scale will say, but I know what I have done. I think my expectations are more realistic my gaol is to lose 3lbs. 3lbs over two weeks. Here's to hard work!

PAIN IS JUST WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY

Out on Friday Night

The Restaurant

Friday nigh,t after an excellent week of eating, we met with friends in the city for dinner. This went great because the restaurant (the Keg) had great choices for me and the friends were health conscious and watching what they ate. They weren't gobbling greasy starters and gooey desserts. I had a great Thai sweet chili chicken breast and steamed asparagus...I couldn't quite finish in fact and I treated myself with wine to drink(as well as two generous glasses of ice water). The fun conversation and grown up evening without kids were a reward, as opposed to food being the ultimate reward every time I leave home for a day. I had a skinny latte afterwards and considered that dessert (150 calories). My clothes continue to feel roomier as well.

This morning I woke up sooooooore from the waist down, quads, hamstrings, butt!!! A good sore! And I was freakin' tired. This, combined with a dump of snow, made Saturday a day off from the gym. I will go for a walk on my treadmill and do some yoga stretches for my lower body. I posted my beloved cottage cheese pancake recipe on facebook and people jumped on it!

Breakfast Food

The protein pancake

I believe I have mastered the protein pancake. I find it as delicious as any breakfast ever. I also think it's packed with nutrients and no guilt.

In a blender whirring away add,

2-3 egg whites

3-5 tsp of fat free cottage cheese

1/3 cup of slow cooking flake oats

1/2 tsp ground flax

dash vanilla

dash cinnamon

if you like:

1/2 a banana

or

splenda

or

honey to your taste

pour into a nonstick griddle and cook like a flapjack

this is a recipe that can be played with, more stuff makes more cakes...you could add protein powder if you like

I throw some berries or sliced banana on top and sugar free syrup

VIOLA!

"HELL WEEK"

After a dreadfully discouraging weigh in on Tuesday I didn't go home and eat chips, I ate tuna cause I'm all that and a bag of chips!!! I felt incredibly sheepish going back to the gym, but the humiliation was all in my own mind. I only failed to myself, I tend to have very high expectations. Sheldon gave me a pep-talk and I gave the workout 110% as usual. I am increasing reps, weight amount and I can see evidence of increased strength only 3 weeks in. My clothes are looser as well. I had to take an honest look at the last 2 weeks and see where I could clean up my diet even more. Tiny snacking indiscretions can be the difference between 2lbs lost and 4lbs. So I redouble my efforts and include some changes, more h2o, less little treats (cause I just can't get away with it), and set a goal for the next two weeks of a 3-4 lb loss.

This post is called "HELL WEEK" because this is the week, week #3, that most people give up their new years resolution, if I battle on, that won't be me.

THE TORTOISE!

Today I checked my progress with a two week weigh in at the gym...I was deflated (and not in a good way). I was down 2 lbs. I soldiered on and gave my workout 100% but like Eeyore there was a little black raincloud over my head. This is a reality check, I hoped for more as I truly have eaten healthier foods in more controlled portions than ever before. I am working out 6x a week and because of the intensity and the physical and mental effort I put forth I expected a Diet Miracle!

Back to reality, inside I am a victim of the hype...LOSE 8LBS IN 7 DAYS...NEVER FEEL HUNGRY!!! I hate the term "lifestyle change" but I am truly searching for the way to have the physique I desire and the quality of health I deserve and I am finding it is hard work. I have worked so hard for the last two weeks that to move forward is the only option. I am also convinced that I am such an awesome person that my fat wants to hang around really badly...why leave, it's fantastic here! Well flab we don't want you anymore, consider this your eviction notice!

I also got an email from the gym that was very encouraging! This battle of the bulge is won in baby steps...CALL ME THE TORTOISE!

Two Weeks In

Today will be two weeks since the fitness challenge started...I haven't weighed myself, but my clothing is getting looser and I feel leaner especially in the waist. When I get to the gym today I will get a weight. Whatever it is I remind myself that this a long and permanent journey. I also read that this (the third week of January) is when most people give up on their new years resolutions.

Workout

My priorities in these beginning stages are fat loss and building strength, especially in the upper body...I am working out 6x a week with a 3 day routine provided by Sheldon Ronnie. The new workout cured some boredom I had with my old routine, it really isolates muscles and uses equipment I was unfamiliar with, so my confidence at the gym has increased as well. So far I find the gym has a very supportive environment and Jenny and Sheldon seem genuinely hopeful for my success!

Jack

I also read that Jack Lalanne passed away...96 years young...the important thing to remember is that he reached the end feeling great all the way rather than hunched over with chronic pain, and withered muscles...he is more than a little inspiring.

The first two weeks

Tomorrow I'll be weighed and measured to track my progress, I hope to see some and then adjust my eating and workout accordingly. I already see a change in my waist and the fit of my clothes.

Chew On This

I Am What I Eat

On a good day I eat:

Breakfast: H2O with lemon,Protein Pancake or Egg Whites w/spinach and 1/3 cup oatmeal w/ flax seed

water

Snack 1:fruit or small protein shake w/ skim milk

water

Lunch: 4oz protein( extra lean ground turkey, chicken breast, unbreaded fish,tuna,salmon),salad, soup, and a steamed vegetable.

water

Snack 2:1/2 pita w/ peanut butter or 0%fat greek or reg. yogurt and fruit

water

Supper: same as lunch

water

Snack 3:fruit

water

I also like black coffee some mornings and crystal light, I am trying to cut down my diet pop and have sparkling h2o instead.If I feel like I really want a sweet desert I have yogurt with a spoonful of 95% fat free cool whip or a square of dark chocolate.

The Challenge

I titled this " Mommy With Muscles" because that is my goal! To be strong, not strong for a girl, just STRONG!

Unhappy with my climbing weight and unable to hold myself accountable I signed up for a weight loss challenge at my local gym.

Start Weight 167lbs

Height 5'4