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