Is This Thing On?

It's almost been 6 months since my last blog.... and I wonder why I don't have a following? lol

Lots has happened in that six months. By far a TIE for the biggest thing was that I maintained my weight loss! For the first time ever I have managed to stay (predominantly) on track during a blog hiatus. The other set for first place was I got engaged! :-) Feel free to read about that here.

Coming back from vacation was a huge drag. We had a BLAST in Mexico. I know now, to take off at least a few more days to get myself back in the spirit. It was sooooo relaxing. Six days of fun in the sun...7-day forecast said it would rain everyday and it only did twice.... At night. Which worked, if you know what I mean.

Any who, since being back I have had my bouts of laze and activity, admittedly. But proud to say that I've managed to do enough to maintain my weight. Not one single pound gain. I started using a really cool, FREE weight loss app called My Fitness Pal . This is totally my go-to app to log calories and workouts. Even though I've been spending more time with my Weight Watchers app due to zero point veggies. But I totally support and believe in MFP and it will always be my go to app when I am counting calories. It's just too much to log calories and Points Plus right now.

I've recently redeemed a Living Social voucher to a boxing gym on the southside and I'm following WW to a T.. and I'm down 5 lbs.

I've got some new goals in the making too.. besides trying to get Honeymoon fit, I MAY consider having another baby. With that goal alone I have to get down 5-10 lbs LESS than what I want to be, just because. Come with me and watch 2012 unfold... I hope you're staying active and fit!

H-A-Double U-A-Eye-Eye!

"Ma$e can you please stop smokin La La? Puff why try, I'ma thug I'ma die high!"

Exactly 3 months till the honey and I venture to the islands of Hawaii for his 30th Bday and my MISSION is to be 20 lbs lighter. I often frown on deadline-oriented goals. Because even though they are effective, they can be damaging because people put back on the pounds directly after they are done traveling, with the engagement, ceremony or whatever special occasion it is. (I will NOT be one of those people.... no, but forreal. If anything this trip is just what I needed to get serious.)

The Y had a special on summer memberships again, so I got in on that. $25 a month for the family and I to use any Y in the Metro Chicago area. I will be focusing on 10,000 steps a day, a morning workout via Chalene Extreme (starting Sunday morning), lunchtime workouts that started this week, evening strolls with my Soror and our youth on Mondays and Wednesdays (resuming next week, the weather has sucked this week - Midwest-like "tornado" yesterday and all) and a couple evening workouts at my neighborhood Y on lighter days. In all 6 days of working out, but one is more Tai Chi/Yoga/Stretch related so it's really a "rest day" too. I wrote it all out yesterday. In addition, I will still be following the good health guidelines of WW.. no fad diets for me. I will also be participating in a couple Mommy and Me classes they offer with my sun. Gymnstics and Kiddie Groove to name a couple!

All that being said, my MISSION is 20 lbs but I will be more than satisfied with 12-16 (you know weight loss is a strange beast) but I'm confident 20 won't be too far a stretch. In addition, in Hawaii, I WILL be 1. wearing bikinis (I've already started to look for them because this will make sure I don't overeat; can't be walking round Hawaii with a big ol gut!) 2. doing activities that don't just involve lying on the beach (I've already purchased a hiking excursion, debating on another because it takes a great part of one day away from us... but it has waterfalls!) and 3. using the fitness center. Plus 4. enjoying in-room activities.

Super excited. I've never been to Hawaii before... and I hear it's expensive, but well worth the visit. We'll both be 30, it's time to start living life and enjoying all its blessings. Right, bra? (a lil Hawaii slang... just cuz!)

The storm is over now... let some sunshine in.

Take (Self) Care

(Editor's Note: I'm coming off two weeks of very little/sporadic rest, strep throat, a missed budget, and lots of work...)

So yesterday I walked past my mirror and caught a glimpse of myself... I was not pleased. Not only did my skin look blah and drab, but my hair looked dry and I looked fat (yet happy -- like literally, I was walking past singing a song very loudly and with a smile on my face, saw myself and my smile faded)... life has been really good as of late, yet my body shows a different story. So, I took a vow (didn't I already DO that??) to do better.

Money can be soooo tight sometimes, I often forget to take care of myself. After that mirror glimpse it dawned on me that in recent months, I stopped getting my regular mani/pedis, I'd went several more weeks than my normal four for retwisting my roots, I hadn't gotten my eyebrow maintenance, I'd put on a few pounds, I wasn't drinking much water, I hadn't washed my truck in Jehovah knows how long.... *sigh*

All very interesting seeing as how, I'm -- well I was -- the girl who wouldn't go so much as to the grocery store without making sure I was on the top of my game... maybe not stilettos and booty jeans for a store run but definitely cognisant of looking good and feeling my best. I haven't done that lately. Today, my sweetheart treated my car to a carwash. He called me and asked me to meet him there where he was getting his car done and grateful to not have it looking a mess, I immediately went. Throwing on an old pair of Adidas to top off my black lounge pants, I wrapped myself in muh black bubble Eddie Bauer and tied up my scarf... and headed out.

I got there and after we'd both finally got in, I went to sit next to him. In walks the chick that used to be me, dressed to impress even if only to go to the car wash. And I started to think.... what the HECK has happened to me?? I can't even blame it on being a mommy, cause as we all should by know, I've always deemed myself MILF status ever since I was good and pregnant.... but I've allowed my weight to literally control my mood. I'm not imaginative with my work wardrobe anymore... just kinda go with the flow. Since I'm on my feet all day, I avoid wearing heels often... I gave lots and lots of my shoes away to charity because I was originally to buy a bus load more... never happened... so, I went to buy some clothes for myself to give myself a boost in the right direction today... nothing huge, just a bit of retail therapy for my mood that matches my skin.

Ladies, have you been there before? In that spot where you just don't feel like yourself? How did you fix the problem? Or was it just an issue for the moment? I mean, really, sometimes I'm so bored and want to go out, but don't feel I look right in ANYTHING I put on. I used to know I was the hottest thing on my King's arm, lately I wonder if I don't get invited to something is it because he thinks I look drab too. lol... I laugh cause I'm serious.

I recently wrote a blog about us (ladies) not losing sight of ourselves in order to do our part to keep The Black Family strong and the excitement in our relationships.

In gist, I'm not feeling my normal overly confident self and I hate it... and I know it's something serious because I'm not even bleeding and I feel this way... for my guy readers, that means it's not the PMS talking. So consider this my two weeks notice. I'm going to start looking how I feel (which is really a whole other story in itself, does that mean when I was looking my very best I was secretly masking being unhappy?? Lawd... so many unanswered questions!) and taking charge of myself in the best of times and the worst of times...

Brings me back to the discussion (can't find the link) about how I am most motivated to lose weight and stay in shape when I am single and looking... ridiculous. I'm not announcing it to the world or anything, but I've got to get it together... I'm on it. No, seriously. It's time to be a little bit selfish.... cause how can I be the best mom and woman if I don't take care of myself first? I'm pretty dope at both now, so just imagine if I looked and felt I looked my best. I'm just adding some perspective... for myself.

Sometimes it's useful to be a little selfish and introspective otherwise you may just find yourself living someone else's life, achieving someone else's dreams or driving down a road with no destination or end game. ~ The Ripple Effect (Blog)

Photo Sources: http://www.wellspouse.org
http://rainbow120.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/self-esteem-training.jpg

(Oh ee oh, dancin in) September Epiphany

Well hello there! I'm still here... feelin fat and what not.

I've been on a celebratory binge to enjoy getting a job offer on Friday. In RETROSPECT, I did it a lot more controlled than I normally would. So for that, I am proud of myself. But I'm really trying to get back to business as usual.

Tomorrow, I'm gonna try out a run. On my knee. Pray for me.

This will be a very busy week for me planning meals, getting together a schedule I'm comfortable with, researching a YMCA near my (new) job for lunchtime workouts, getting a cooler for my car to house my food and snacks for the day, researching day cares and the like... it's cool cause for the first time in a long time, I find myself pulling out a gym bag from the storage area for lunchtime workouts... This is going to work, pun intended.

With September upon me... I must focus. I think getting a schedule about my day will help immensely. Now if only my (new) supervisor would call me about the lunch date we're supposed to have to discuss particulars. I'm too excited about this opportunity for it to fall through now... soooo... come on. I'll call him in the morning to see if we're still on.

In the meantime, I have two other day cares to check out tomorrow. Hopefully, will be able to make my choice by Friday.

I'm really, really excited about all that's going on... and I feel really good about the progress I'll make. Before when I wasn't working, working out was my sanctuary and then it was taken from me with the knee stuff... but now it will be an addition to my actual LIFE. Hopefully... oyee... call me back! haha

30 x 30 Challenge
So today is the first of my favorite month ~ September. I adore fall... and it is the welcome to it. I am determined to center my chi and focus to drop (not lose, because when you lose things you ultimately find them) 30 pounds to my goal weight. Exactly 19 weeks to my 30th birthday. And I have a plan in mind... I wish I could stay in reflective mode ALL DAY because that is when I am my best. I really miss my runs, so I AM going to get up in the morning and give one a good old try.. and pray like hell it doesn't hurt or irk.

SO.. I'm gonna keep it to 1200-1350 calories.. I'm going to see about getting through the months of September with no red meat or pork and no more than 4 oz of meat a day. Lots of fruit and veggies.

A (hopeful) C25K run 3 times a week.

Strength training through Chalene Extreme... MUST get through this 3-month program.

When all is said and done... my goals will come into existence but I definitely need to:

1. Stop getting down on myself when I do slip.
2. Turn every negative into a positive until the negatives disappear.
3. BELIEVE in myself.
4. Learn how to control my impulses and celebrations.

Through a steady routine of running and strength training... I must emerge.

I'm tired ya'll... tired of not living to my potential. Tired of not being the size I'm supposed to be... the health I deserve... the energy I need... but I can't continue to talk about it. In fact... I'm tired of that too. It's time for action. And I know I have had epiphany's before... or thought I did... but I'm seriously done... talking.

Time for some action.

This September of 2009 is the beginning of my new life, a healthier life with my sun, my love and working hard for the things I want to keep me grounded.

Time for some action.

Head and Shoulders, Knees and Woes... Knees and Woes.

I felt so good when my eyes popped open this a.m. then I placed my feet down and felt that it wasn't a dream, I did hurt my knee and it was still quite tender. The PLAN was to go to the gym this a.m. and give the elliptical a spin. But after a little bit of thought, I decided to take it easy today and see what I feel like in the morning. (Tomorrow is SUPPOSED to be my third day of week four but we shall see.) I did 20-minute Turbo Jam (the culprit that pulled my knee in the first place) and it didn't feel too bad. I moderated some of the moves to low impact not because I was hurting but to be safe.

My focus today was super clean eating (ehh, I did OK) and cleaning the kitchen (halfway done) since I am getting around on it better than yesterday (ahhh, progress). I was also supposed to do Turbo Sculpt for what I thought would be some upper-body lifting but I turned it on and it was a lot of whole-body work (i.e., bicep curls with squats etc) and I didn't want to overdo it... cause I'm praying I can get through my run OK tomorrow morning. But I did make sure to do SOMETHING.

I didn't ice much today as expected.. I only rested and elevated it a lot. I'm just really praying that I can get back on the tread tomorrow for a successful W4D3. I just really enjoyed Tuesday's run and want to get back out there... plus I feel and see it working in my quads, hammy's, hell, even my abdomen... even at a glacial pace of 4.0... it starting to thrill me. But, I'm not idiot. If I have to wait till Friday or Saturday, I guess that's what I will have to do. It'll just be a little frustrating; but off bat I was planning to spend at least two solid weeks on week four before moving on to Week 5. This is the first time I've experience a knee problem so I am really out of my element on how to address it. But I've been reading helpful articles and feel confident and blessed that it wasn't worse and I am taking proper precautions. It could have been much worse, sidelining me indefinitely yanno?

In more exciting news, I am moving my closet frames upstairs tomorrow finally so that we can start putting them together and adding the walls and prep for the poles and things. So it's gonna be a busy day whether I like it or not. So hopefully I treat my knee well enough tonight that she praises me with act-right tomorrow. :)

This was originally gonna be a "sad" post... filled with "woe is me" but it turns out I may not need to turn on the dramatics after all.. the small set back was just a slightly painful, irritating reminder to ALWAYS practice perfect form, keep soft knees and watch for foot/ankle placement in aerobic activity. And who doesn't need to know those hard-fast and important rules? If we're gonna be doing this for a lifetime journey (as we all should) we're gonna need to make it as safe as possible.

Onward and downward!

Week (4) In The Knee(s)

Today was W4D2 and it was AWESOME. NO shin pain. I decided to run at a speed of 4.0 (15-min mile). By slowing it down from jump, it seems my my shin really appreciated it. It's still soon time for new shoes. The side of my foot, (perhaps a bunion? not sure need to get an expert opinion it's been there as long as I can remember) was rubbing and irritating me so a larger shoe (as the guy at the store suggested) will be in order. But besides that, the shoes and I are starting to mesh.

So I did 35 minutes of that and then (since I got off to a slow start this a.m. and wasn't able to check out the jump start cardio class at 6:15) came home and did 20-min Turbo Jam. During it, I think -- no I know -- I pulled something in my already tender knee.. Ugh.

I've been hecka active lately... not including my 1500-calories burned day last week, I'm upping my cardio more and more AND my intensity levels. I've also been spending this week getting the house in order... for real this time!! Yesterday I finished the entire upper level to prepare for the closet frames that are being moved upstairs Thursday. I need to workout as much as possible and get the house together before I go back to work. School is back in session very soon.

If I have it in me, I'm gonna do Cardio Party (42 mins) for Turbo Jam. Oh, and I must must must do squats today. Trying to keep my booty spectacular and this cardio is already trimming at it. Bitter sweet this workout business is, but I can keep it tight and high. lol BUUUTTTT with a sensitive knee it would probably be best for me to R.I.C.E it and try again toma, starting with low-intensity. My homework assignment: find a Y with yoga and water aerobics. Need those kindsa activities to combat high-impact runs and Turbo Jam.

In nutritional news, I am cutting my calories a bit this week to kinda shock my system. Only thing is that went to sh*t yessaday... so boo to that, but today is a new day and the smaller number on the scale this a.m. was motivation to keep it together to prep for Friday's weigh-in.

I made a raspberry strawberry protein smoothie to utilize my last cup of raspberries before they went bad. LAST time I buy "exotic" fruit from the Food 4 Less in a crunch instead of waiting for Saturday Farmer's Market. Ugh. *scoffs* Food 4 Less... it's less alright! Food 4 Less Quality.

My shake had me completely full until lunchtime AND it was delicious. Hopefully Ricing for today and toma will help. If there is a God in Heaven. I don't want to detour or deter my progress thus far. Oyeee... just when I get one thing figured out, mo drama. Wish me luck.

August Attack

With a new month upon us (man, this year is really flying by... I'll be 30 before I know it) I thought it time to re-establish my goals and see what I am doing here. I want to be 165 by September 1. That's gonna take work, commitment, and will power. But I really know I can do it. Not only because I've done it before, but because well, I have to!

But this time is different. Not because it'll be the last time I ever have to make this dance (because believe me, it will be!) but because my body is different. As you know, I have a 2 y/o so I truly believe that my new after-baby body is a little more... stubborn to let the weight go. I need to be disciplined if I am going to persevere. As I've mentioned I am already redirecting my mindset to a healthier living. I just bought more brown rice instead of white and have all whole wheat pastas, breads... and I would have whole-wheat crackers but I wanna finish the Ritz I bought (which claim to be whole wheat but are less than 1g of fiber) quite irritating lol.

At any rate, I did well under my max calories first day of the month. I didn't workout today as planned deciding to take a rest day. I'll be up early for my morning run on the treadmill starting week 4. That's right... week 4! :) I've decided it's time to move forward. I still don't have new new-shoes but my new ones and I are meshing a lot better these days. So I'm gonna check it out and see what happens on those 5-minute intervals.

Day in... day out.
I need a routine for my routine. I have accepted the fact that adult life (hell, life in general) comes with a routine, but have not made the routine work for me to the best of it's ability. It is my ultimate goal to be blessed to wake up January 12 as an even more beautiful, 30-year-old, 140-lb woman, with beautiful teeth, hair, skin, nails and a muscular, toned defined runner's body. And I will. Because I always get what I want and work hard for.

Today began a series of events that is going to reshape me from head-to-toe.... inside out.

I finally, finally replenished my Hair, Skin and Nails vitamin but I went with a different brand. I kept missing GNC operation hours so decided to get it from Dominick's where I went to buy low-fat Coffee ice cream for my Mocha shake (167 cals) I made. (Thanks Weight Watchers cook books!) I also bought (because it was on sale) the Nivea body Good-bye Cellulite 30-Day Body Beauty Program.

I realize you can't get rid of cellulite but these creams and massages are supposed to decrease the appearance of it. Since I don't have a lot of cellulite (and because it was only $10) I thought it would be a cool monthly experiment. It also comes with a little dietary supplement of conjugated linoleic acid and L-Carnitine . So tomorrow I'm gonna take some pictures and see where that leads me come day 30. See if I notice any change or if I just donated $11 and some change to the Nivea fund. :) With this supplement, that will leave me taking 5 pills a day... oyeee... but it's worth it. Just imagine if I could take a pic of my insides? We could see the change over time... but we'll see it on the outside. We all know great health starts from the inside out. From the food we eat and water and nutrients we ingest, we transform our body on the outside with a little sweat of course.

Plan of Attack:
I have decided to go to NETA Fit Fest the second weekend of September to finally lock in the rest of my first re-certifications and get.it.done. By then, it is my hope to be as CLOSE to 160 as possible. Then I will immediately start looking for teaching jobs. Immediately. It is time.

Basic Schedule:
(It's a lot more detailed then this, but here's the public version)
Sunday
C25K 30 minute morning run training
8-min Thin Thighs squat regimen
10 Push Ups

Monday
60-90-minutes of cardio

Tuesday
C25K 30-minute morning run training
30-60 minutes of cardio
10 push ups

Wednesday
60-minutes of cardio
8-min Thin Thighs squat regimen

Thursday
C25K 30 minute morning training

Friday
60-minutes of cardio
8-min Thin Thighs squat regimen
10 Push ups

Saturday
(rest)

Inches Lost

"You thought you had me defeated... then I started a disappearing act."
~ Me to the scale this morning after doing body measurements

So when I got up this early a.m. I didn't feel like I should weigh-in because I didn't have that same feeling as last week. Even though I had a really great week, I didn't... feel lighter. It's hard to explain... BUT there are 12 or so active girls depending on me to do so.. they motivate me everyday and I need to do it for the challenge, but also myself so I can start game planning for the upcoming week.

All week I've been dealing with the gas issues that come with rectifying your digestive system when you're eating right so I've felt heavy and bloated some days even though I burned more calories this week than previous ones. Either way tho, I had a really good workout yesterday and the day before AND Tuesday, so I opted to focus on the positive. As apart of the STFS Challenge, I decided to measure myself for the mid-challenge goals. And was pleased to see I'd erased several (as in more than four) inches from my body. It was a nice feat since sometimes (as I am sure we all know by now) the scale is unforgiving.

I still haven't moved from 170-ville, but I know it's coming and until the next time we meet, Scale. But know this. Every time we do, I'm coming at you with all that I have.

It's on. I am SO DONE with you.

Show Stoppin & Goal Watchin

"Week four, I'm coming for you.." she said as she walked Shaft-like out the gym like a car had exploded behind her.

If only I'd had on a leather trench coat and shades.

Show Stopping
I completed W3D5 today. And I must admit, it didn't hurt. My shin splint started to whisper, but I was actually feeling QUITE comfy during the 3-minute interval and I even ran the last two minutes of the 20, when I normally run 90 seconds as suggested and walk for the last 30 then I stretch. Today I ran the time out and then did a semi-brisk 3-minute walk of my 5 minute cool down. I spent another song length stretching... "Sexy Can I!?"

I've finished my first liter of water and had a filling breakfast. I took my Pers' advice and had a banana before my workout and an apple nearly immediately after and then ate a 100-calorie (really 110 cals) whole wheat bagel with some honey nut cream cheese. Then I logged my food. I originally made two bagels. After the first I "no longer felt hungry" but this time in traditional NON-me fashion, I didn't eat till I felt STUFFED. I felt satisfied with the one, so I put the other in a snack baggie in the fridge. I am SO proud of myself. I can have it later, in a couple hours, if I choose as my mid-morning snack. Tho, I think I will go with a peanut butter slice.

Given how this morning worked out, I think I will round off this week with Thursday and Saturday as my extended days 6 and 7 and then finally move on to week 4 on Monday. Hoo-ah!?

Week 4, in sure to — in short — will be a DOOZY.. longer runs that can last up until 5 minutes and less walk time overall. So that's gonna be new territory. I plan to stick to that week for about 2-3 weeks as well depending on how I feel. Conditioning, conditioning, conditioning, remember? I gotta do it...

Turns out my scheduled 5K in November (I was originally debating about October or even September) is the perfect time to run a 5K for me. Because, even though I'll be done with the weekly training way before then by standard week-by-week but with me spending more time on weeks I will be less likely to fail because I'm conditioned properly. And I'll still get some time to check out the 5K training program on the treadmill (so curious about what that's like) and even running outdoors (because as we all know the experiences are vastly different).

So, time to wrap up week three and move further in my journey because I felt really good this a.m. My shin splint didn't complain much at all.. so I'd venture to say the conditioning and taking my TIME is paying off and my calves and shins are getting more stronger.

I have been really upping my cardio and activity in various ways as to not get bored. Currently the bulk of my strength training is coming from boxing and push ups for the arms/upper body, and squats/lunges for lower body. My cardio has been consisting of C25K training, walking, elliptical trainer and Turbo Jam. In fact, later this evening I have a 3.8-mile evening walk.

Goal Watchin
As part of my goals I am really trying to beef up my daily activity and do it consistently for 5-6 days of the week. I want to get in at least 90 minutes of activity a day. With 30 minutes in the morning this should be an easier task than it sounds.

I'm also trying to track my food consistently and eat b/t 1200-1350 calories a day. My SP caloric range goes up to 1550 (I think) daily, but I'm never trying to eat that high. I think it's seriously putting a damper on my progress and eating more calories on my "heavier workout days" as often recommended in many books I read is doing nothing but making me heavier on those days. So I'm just gonna keep taking my vitamins and eat best for you foods of fresh produce leeeean proteins and whole grains. Try to stay away from the packaged stuff etc. and see where that puts me in a month.

As apart of one of the challenges I'm in it's time to measure soon, so it will be VERY interesting to see what I've done and what I NEED to do to get it done if I haven't done enough. Seen?

Off to clean the house... speak soon. I hope you're grabbing like by the horns and enjoying an active ride.

Pictured:
1. Check out the intervals in Weeks 4 and 5
2. My free T-shirt from my Y for completing 15 workouts... 1 mo to go!

"Independence"

"Girl I didn't know you could get down like that"
~ "Independent Ladies" Destiny's Child

So as I rub on my flat(ter) full stomach sitting on my couch watching old school cartoons on Boomerang... I must admit, I feel great. I just had my breakfast (egg white omelette with fresh spinach, minced garlic and topped with soy cheese, 1/2-cup brown rice and a cup of sliced strawberries), I'm sippin on my liter of water, and just feeling... great. On this Independence Day, I am inspired -- with all it's great meaning -- to celebrate my own independence from the lifestyle that once had me so shackled I thought it was normal. I stare at the picture of me that I found from 1996... looking back at me was this fit, happy teenager with a body to d-i-e for. She loved to workout, her shoulders were fabulous and her gluteus maximus was propped up like it was holstered by buff boys... oooh wee! lol I was prolly a good 125 lbs on that picture and a size 7/8. (I told ya'll I've always been a muscular, stocky lil something... that weight on my height is usually like a size 4... but anywho..)

I will never have that exact body again, besides having five more body arts, more stretch marks and cellulite, my body has morphed some by gaining different muscles in places I didn't have them before (I didn't do a lot of strength exercise then, just cardio with all the basketball and track and field practice). SO when I emerge a new 13-year older butterfly my body will be different, but maybe -- just maybe -- even better. I'll have filled out some and be muscular vs just thin.

Last night I went out with my sisters to a comedy show and didn't drink. I'd mentioned to my homegirl that I was not going to drink until I hit goal. I realize this is a difficult task to accomplish, so I modified it a bit to drink in moderation. Afterall, if I am ever going to prove I can maintain my weight, I will need to show myself that I can act right when tempted.. drinks, fatty foods, I will need to be able to control myself in these situations. So it made me feel truly ecstatic that I was out with my girls with everything feeling like normal but for this evening I decided NOT to partake. They all were looking at me a lil sideways because it's unnatural for me not to imbibe, lol, but they will have to get used to the new healthier choices me. Sometimes she will drink and IF she does, it will be an alcohol with a low-to-no calorie mixer (i.e., seltzer) or a glass of wine ... something I can account for. So, I will moderate my alcoholic consumption when I choose to drink, which won't be often, but I will not drink any juice or pops. I will stick to crystal light and water. If I choose to have whiskey (which I do often) I will drink it straight... no Coke and only in moderation. This is more feasible than trying to set myself up to fail. Yanno?

Anywho, I am feeling absolutely great today and I just wanted to share with you... what are you independent from today?

10 More Tips for Your Wellness Journey

Easy Ways to Get Healthy

-- By Carrie Myers Smith, Health & Fitness Writer

Looking for more ways to become a healthier you? Here are 10 great ideas you can use any day, every day.

1. Drink a glass of water. Water is an essential nutrient for life. But beyond that, you just plain feel better when you’re well-hydrated. More energy, brighter eyes, healthy skin and a decreased chance of headaches are just a few of the benefits you’ll glean from drinking up!

2. Go for a walk. There’s nothing like a nice, brisk walk to relieve stress, give you a boost of energy and get the brain cells working again!

3. Call a friend. Do you have a friend who you know is going through some tough times? Why not zip off a quick note or give her a call and offer encouragement to her. She won’t be the only one who feels better!

4. Journal. Keeping a diary or journal has been shown to be a stress reliever. Seeing a quandary on paper can also help you uncover concrete solutions to it. Take a moment to write down a problem you’ve been encountering and get ready to resolve it!

5. Soak your feet. Your feet literally carry you throughout your day. Do something kind for them. Kick your shoes off and give them a good rub down. If you can, take a few minutes to soak them. Cover the bottom of a basin with marbles, fill the basin with warm water and sprinkle in some Epsom salts and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. While soaking, glide your feet over the marbles for a mini-massage. After you’ve soaked your feet, slather on a rich re-hydrating cream.

6. Send a thank you note. Has someone done something nice for you and you have yet to really thank her? No time like the present! Send a nice thank you note now!

7. Eat a snack. If you find your energy waning between meals, eat a small, healthy snack to boost your brain back into action. Combining a whole grain, fruit, or vegetable with a protein: nuts, nut butters, low-fat dairy products, seeds, soy products, lean meats, fish, or poultry will give you a sustained energy boost to get you to your next meal.

8. Chew a stick of sugar-free gum. There’s nothing like a clean, fresh mouth to make you feel refreshed all over. But when you can’t get to your toothbrush and floss, chew on a piece of sugar-free gum instead to give your mouth and body an invigorating zing.

9. Organize your space. Whether it’s at the office or at home, clutter can make you feel sick – literally. Get rid of what you don’t need and organize what’s left. Take a few minutes right now to clean up your space.

10. Take "five." Allowing your body to run on a constant adrenaline rush, which happens when you’re in continual stressed-out mode, wreaks havoc on the body. Take several breaks throughout your day to simply breathe, pray, or whatever it takes to bring your body down to neutral.

Source

Remember The Goals

I spoke to someone who actually successfully completed the ChaLEAN Extreme program and she told me that she lost 12 pounds over the 3 months and a few inches... that is awesome in the sense that it's 12 pounds she didn't have on her frame three months prior. Perhaps I am an overachiever or just seriously misunderstanding what the program is supposed to do. OR it has me thinking it will do something it simply won't. However, instead of trying to figure out which, I have to figure out what I can do to maximize my results. In a perfect world, I would lose two pounds a week over the 12 and end with at least 24 lbs AND several inches. But in order to achieve anything close to that, I'm going to have to utilize those recipes she shares in the food guide, cut my calories down to 1400 (I was previously at 1550 max). I have to utilize those calories better by eating more less calorie/fulfilling foods.

Gotta remember my goals. And figure out the best way to execute to make this work for me. The words "results not typical" keep flashing in my mind... I want my results to be untypical as well dammit!

Now during my day, I wear my little "I Play For Keeps!" bracelet to remind me to make best decisions all day long to be regret-free come workout time.

While I am doing the workouts (almost done with my first full-week ~ yay!) I know now I must add some more to my plan. Cardio. The circuits get my heart rate up. Which is great... and "muscle burns fat" but I need to be doing some cardio too, I feel. And there's only one workout in the week that incorporates some actual cardio into the workout (Burn Intervals). But at the same time, the workout itself is enough house activity, so I have to figure out something to do. I want to incorporate bike rides three times a week... but that's gonna need the weather to cooperate. It's been a rainy Chi-Town lately. But perhaps I can plan for bike rides and walks and Turbo Jam can be my "rain site." :-)

And I just have to push myself.

Currently, when my lifting is getting too tough, I chant little things like, "push..." or "I can do it..." "Sweat breeds athletes..." Perhaps a little lame to some.... but a big motivator to me.

This has been a long-awaited fight that I have postponed for nearing three years... it's bitter for me to even be here again... BUT I am here. I can either deal with it now or never address it and deal with the affects of it later. I choose to fight now... while I still have the energy, drive, motivation and great health to attack it. Furthermore, I want to keep all those traits. I don't want any of them to deteriorate.

So, it's these verbal cues and different visuals that are gonna help me through this. Around my house, specifically at my desk in my study where I sit often and perhaps decide not to get up to workout... near my sun's sweets section of the cupboard and on the fridge to name a few... I place little index cards with drawn statements like:

• I want to get stronger!
• I want to be a lean machine!
• I want to have more energy!
• I want to feel/look like myself again!
• I want to LIVE and be healthy for sun!
• I WILL reach my goal!

• 

That Terrible Feeling
Every time I eat some fast food or something not particularly good for me that's not included in my meal plan... I feel disgusting and disappointed with myself afterward. I mean, literally. It goes too quickly. It's (sorta) tasty going down, but not filling at all. But it's quick, easy and gets the job done for the moment. But oh when it's done... I just feel so guilty. Like a person with a conscience who cheats on her partner and afterwards gets those bad feelings like, "that was a mistake.... I should not have done that." That feeling (and my finances ~ not a lot of overhead to be wasting money on an unfulfilling meal) has been stopping me from going into a fast food restaurant or drive-thru. It's these little victories that let me know I just might be back. No, scratch that... that I am back.

Are you hurt or are you injured?

~ Coach "The Program"

I loves me some residual pain.

I know that when it's happening, my muscles are woooorking.

It's not that injury, "oh my word, that HURTS!" pain but, "oohhhhh yeah, that hurts sooo good!" :)

It's nice to be back... so long as I keep remembering the goals and visualizing myself successful.

I will be an athlete again!

Tomorrow morning I am biking to Washington Park (as promised) while my sun gets his haircut and goes shopping for his birthday stuff with Daddy.

OH and thanks for being here to hear me journal about these trials... just think soon it will be about my client meetings and classes! :)

"I get it in!"