Lucky 13... wait... is 13 lucky?

Jumpstart!

So even though I haven't been HERE! I have been active. I come to you down 13 pounds with 20-25 more on my radar. I've been working out no LESS than three times a week. Most times five. I did break a toe that sidelined me for a month. I broke it May 21, 2011. I gained 4.8 pounds during that down time and learned that when I CAN'T workout I become very down on myself and will therefore eat anything in sight. lol

I'm not doing any certain workout.. in fact I'm switching it up to keep a creative routine. I do Chalene Extreme for strength workouts. I walk with a Meetup Group once or twice a week. I recently started loving some belly dance classes. I try out some Power Plate workouts, Flirty Girl, bike riding, yoga, whatever! I'm all over the place as far as activity is concerned.

I've also been following The Jennifer Hudson Meal Plan fairly diligently for nearing 16 weeks. Feeling good, looking good and will be more consistent here from now on. Promise.

I've been checking out a lot of Fit Blogs lately and became really irritated with myself that I haven't taken this thing of blogging a bit more seriously. I'll do better.

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.

Get On My Level

"Water seeks its own level." ~ExH.I.T.

Greetings and Salutations! (I've always wanted to "say" that... not sure why.) I come to you a very content woman today as I progress in all facets. Officially 10 pounds lighter, I now can really feel like I am taking steps in the right direction of where my place in this life is going. I am pleased to be making adjustments and doing daily work with someone on my level.

Working as a team is pretty OK, I'm learning... doing away with the selfishness of the past and moving toward a future is healthy and progressive and, I'm learning, a lot of fun. It's nice to stop focusing on the small stuff, and entrust that to Jehovah that he will take care of it in his time, but to keep my mind focused on the big things and keep enjoying where I am in this space and time. I love it. Recently, the mister and I have started working out... together.

"The best way to enhance a relationship is to lead a healthy lifestyle -- as a couple." ~ Jillian (That Deal) Michaels (I adore Jillian... I may have a teeny girl crush on her... teeny.)

It's different and liberating for me to have gone back to leading a healthy lifestyle while in a life with someone... before I've always done it when I kick someone to the curb, get my sexy back as a single girl... then get in a relationship and lose myself in him with date nights, alcohol-infused functions, lazy Saturdays and just being in love and happily fat and all that... so it was nice to get the gumption to return to WW while in a couple, and then see him take an interest in getting himself back young and fit as well. Very cool stuff. Of course now, that adds a bit of pressure for me because EVERYBODY knows men lose weight much faster than we do, so I would be lying if I didn't say, he pushes me because when I want to have a honey bun for breakfast and he chooses Total, I get back on my mental ya dig. Granted, neither of us is (fortunately) anywhere close to being like a gastric candidate or anything, but it's amazing just the energy you get back from doing just a little bit more than you did last week, yesterday... and the different things you have energy for and how it enhances you.

"When you're feeling strong and confident, you also feel a lot sexier—and that'll boost your sex life." ~J. Michaels

I have been getting the baby itch lately... my poor sun wants to see his friends, his cousins, anyone he can to play with... but I cannot, will not, enter into another pregnancy overweight (or unmarried for that matter but mostly overweight) because I just can't keep doing this back and forth anymore with my health. I've got to prove to myself that I AM in control of my own body.
"Make a woman feel like she's the hottest, most feminine person in the world and she'll love you..." I like that one Jillian... to the same effect as women, doing the work to make ourselves healthier and feeling inside that will exude that femininity, brew that sexiness, and we will (more importantly) love OURSELVES... I love myself you guys!!!

I know and understand that there's ways to enjoy life and the things I want in a pair without sacrificing my temple ANY longer. It's just... nice... sure it has it's scary parts and plot twists here and there, but watching the "fairytale" unfold is definitely making me a lot more level-headed.

Photo Source: http://www.geo.uu.nl/fg/palaeogeography/pictures/results_fluvialstyle/02_Meanderende_rivier.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.

Hi/Lo

HI: The Need 4 Speed

Welp! After several days off I finally started my second week four today and it went great. YAY! I am kicking those run intervals butts!

I've decided to only do one more day of week four at this speed (I took a chance and upped my speed varying between 4.5-4.8) on Thursday and then start W5D1 on Saturday, buttt because week 5's day three is to jog for 20 minutes (or 2 miles) straight (oyyeee) I may do day one a couple times, day two a couple times then day three. After day three I will repeat for a week, doing one to two of those runs outside. I'm nervous bout 20 mins straight; I just haven't done it in a loooong time -- oh wait, scratch that, I've never done that. Ha! So it's hard to see myself doing it but, I WILL DO IT!

I've mentioned that my first 5K is November 1. I was originally shooting for late September/early October, but I wanted to spend a little more time preparing hoping for it to be as competitive as I can push myself versus risking the possibility of having to stop because I'm not properly trained. What I didn't take into account is that by Nov. 1 in Chicago it's gonna be CHILLY! So that's a whole different training method. But it's cool. By 8/26/09 I should be ready to take it to the pavement. Very scary stuff, man.

BUT, I'm gonna do this.

Thanks to upping my run speed this a.m. (I did the first week four at 4.0) in 27 mins walk/run I covered 1.85 miles. In the first week 4 I covered only 1.5 in the same time.. so progress. :) And it felt really good.

LO: Get Thee Behind Me, Satan TOM!!
With the old "red eye" in plain view, my cravings and emotional eating have started. I musta lost track of the days because yesterday I didn't understand why I was close to eating too much and today after my third serving of pasta (whole-wheat of course) it was like "ohhhh, that's right!" Now I am currently fighting the urge to make the Devil's Food Cake that's been sitting in my cupboard forever. Perhaps that's why it's there?! *sigh* This is going to be a constant battle, isn't it?

I'm not afraid of maintenance... but I am gonna have to burn mad calories tomorrow. Cause I'm makin the damn cake.

.... don't be like me.. lol be better. I'll consider it my cheat day and move on.

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)

Relax and Take Note...

With everything finally starting to get moving in the health and wellness category of my life, but some bumps in the road poppin up, I thought now would be a good time to regroup and reanalyze my workout and how I am going to conquer the next 25-30 pounds without hurting anything or inefficiently.

Mo Runnin, Mo Problems
So, I started to get a bit discouraged with my run routine because of the shin splint recurrence. I haven't quit the C25K training, but I haven't been on the treadmill since Wednesday morning. I felt like I needed to slow down. My competitive nature had me wanting to attack each week like GRR! but the fact remains that I DO have shin splints and I DO have the wrong shoes and I do not have time for an injury that leaves me incapacitated. SO I have to slow down. In two ways. Firstly, I have to slow down my speed (I'm currently running at 4.8-5.0 and walking at 2.8-3.0). Secondly, I have to master a week first before moving on to the next. It's called condition training. Athletes do it all the time. I have to condition my body and that shin splint to the work I am putting in, before I can ask it to do more than that... or I am setting myself up for painful failure. So, on week three I will stay until I feel more comfortable to move on. In fact, I may stay on week 3 until I get the new shoes I absolutely need. Then try to move on to week four run intervals in the proper shoes and try those out on my shin splint since Fleet Feet has a 21-day return policy.

Beefing up Le Cardio
So I had been running and not much else for cardio with an occasional Turbo Jam here and there. I've decided, I really have to ramp up my activity on the cardio side for now and focus on more strength training after I break the 160 barrier. At 155 in 2006, I was still a little flabby in the back area. So at 160 I will start beefing up my strength training, but for now, I am going to take that down a notch, because strength training makes me hungrier because of the calories I'm burning, but I don't actually know what my caloric intake should be on those days and I feel I am still to early in the weight loss process to try and gamble. I want calorie restriction, muscle conditioning and THEN I'll work on getting stronger. For now, I just need to keep my muscles present (don't wanna lose em or weaken them with so much cardio and NO strength training) with endurance lifting. So I will do my C25K three times a week (75 minutes) and elliptical (150 minutes) and Turbo Jam 2 times a week (100 minutes) for a total of 325 minutes a week. Turbo Sculpt for strength, Thin Thighs for lower body for FOUR weeks.. and then reevaluate on Monday August 17...

Chocolate City Dreamin
My goal is to break the 160 barrier before exiting the month of July (three pounds in two weeks). But also I am trying to lose about 5 more to be at 165 by the time I tentatively travel to DC for some work I am negotiating and trying to line up. I will run into some old faces from my 150-lb days, so it's mighty important to stick to the plan so I don't arrive too much over weight. lol

Serenity is nigh
So, I have found the final piece (chaise lounge loveseat) to add to my Serenity Room. A room I am creating in the upper level of my home where I can pray, meditate, watch girly movies, have a cocktail, sing... well, you get the point. Somewhere where the boys aren't allowed, unless I say so. Think of it as my Claire Room from the Cosby Show! I will definitely post some before and after pics of the small renovation. Also, the measurements have been taken for the closet. The upstairs is gonna be niiiii. I pick up the chaise toma. :-)

Back to the grill again in the a.m. I enjoyed my rest days and am excited to get that cardio counter UP.

"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?

Time for Some Answers!

These are questions asked of me in one of my Spark challenges... and they really made me contemplate. Doing so gives perspective to how I am going to address my health and wellness in the future... and I want to share them with you.

1.Why am I overweight?
I am overweight... because I didn't keep my consistency when my life changed. I came to Chicago fit(ter) and well. I was 154 lbs and even though statistically I had some weight to lose, I felt great in my clothes (most days) and I was strong and lean(er). I immediately found a gym that I loved and was working out on a consistent basis. In March of 2006, I reunited with my first love. Happy, joyous occasion but one that came with a different life than the one I was used to. We soon moved in together (my first and only cohabitation with a partner) and there were fun nights of boxing and football and lovemaking, there were cocktails and nights on the town, eating out at restaurants and before we both knew it, we were toppling the scales over. In September of 2006, we were blessed to conceive a child. By then, I was approximately 175 pounds (my current weight). I gained 22 pounds with my pregnancy, lost it immediately thanks to breast feeding and have just been stagnant since due to laze and inactivity.

2.Why do I want to lose weight?
I want to lose weight because I am an athlete. Her body is hidden, but my strength and drive and competitive nature and love of physical fitness and activity are still very much abundant and important to me. I want to prove to myself that I can be my own AFTER. I want to show and prove to self that the dual (track and basketball) athlete still lives inside of me. I want to lose weight because I have aerobics classes to resume teaching. I have a personal training certificate to obtain. I have a sun to raise and be around for his games, recitals, accomplishments. I want to feel like myself again AND live the life I love with my family. I want it to look just like it does now, but with me in smaller pants, consistently making better food choices and having an active, lovely, healthy lifestyle.

3.Why haven't I maintained weight loss before?
I cancelled my gym membership when the fee increased, didn't find an alternative like I SAID I would, ate whatever I wanted, and drank whatever I wanted to drink and thought I was happy doing so. But I'd lost myself there. It's only by the grace of God, I've not gained more weight but "maintained" this (over)weight. I know my health had a lot to do with it too... I have (thank the Lord) always been the picture of health, no heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, nothing... and I figured, well hey, I'm healthy, I'm still cute... what's the problem? But I want my real body back. And now that I know what NOT to do, the sky is my limit..

Thanks Hot 2 Trot girls... our Leader ANEWAMANDA has really done a great job rounding us up... I can't wait to see how we all emerge from this challenge with all the hard work we're putting in.

H2T!! H2T!! H2T!! H2T!! :)

I got off the couch...

to train for my first competitive 5K.

So, as you know, I've power walked 5Ks before in just under an hour but have always shied away from actually running one. OK, you probably actually did NOT know that... but now you do.

SO last night, while sitting around I decided to get off my couch and once again go to the site to learn how to train for a 5K when you've not run before or haven't run in a long time. And this morning, I rolled out of bed at about 5:15 a.m. CST and was at the gym and on the treadmill to start my Couch to 5K training.

I'd love to say that I just heard about this site, went to it yesterday and then this morning got up and did it, but the first time I actually looked at it and even started it was in 2005. I think I went through my first week, but at the time I wasn't big on treadmills and tried to start outside... well that got old real quick cause I didn't know how to pace myself (I am a competitive athlete still in my brain not realizing sometimes that my body is not on the same page!).

So this morning, I got up and did my "brisk 5-minute walk" to warm up at a 3.2 speed. And then started my interval training of 60 minutes running (4.2-5.0), 90 minutes walking (3.2). I definitely need to get new running shoes, which I'll do a little later today. I also have to stop by GNC to get more vitamins and by Whole Foods to pick up already seasoned firm tofu for my salads. (Oh yeah, I've also -- now that I have mastered the art of cooking brown rice -- decided to give the Fat Smash another try... like for real this time. The first time(s) I tried it, I wasn't eating beans, brown rice, oatmeal, egg whites... it was just a recipe for failure period because I just wasn't eating the filling foods that were acceptable and after eating bland salad after raw veggie/fruit, even the most disciplined will get hungry, angry and rebel... in that order. But I digress.)

After my thrilling 3-lb loss yesterday, I am definitely trying to keep that momentum, but at the same time I know that I can do a whole lot better at tracking my calories (thanks to Spark People) so I can smash fat while still making sure I eat enough foods throughout the days. That will definitely cut down on the hungry anger mentioned earlier. Because surely before I would eat a banana as a snack and then not eat again until it was already too late. But now I know how many calories are in a banana and know I can pair it with something else that will get the job done... or hell, have two bananas... you get my drift.

One thing at a time... back to the the 5K Training...

So this morning's run, while eventually started to tingle my glutes and thigh (around minute 13 on the count down) didn't really exhaust me the way I thought it might.. so next run, in my new shoes, I'm gonna ramp up my speed some. Because my MHR was 124 hardly enough to really get the blood pumping. And I broke into a very little sweat and only at the end. To offer some sort of gauge, I sweat harder during my 11 minute elliptical workout afterwards to thank my knees than I did during my 25 minutes on the tread... so gonna see if I can push myself. In 20 minutes I covered 1.46 miles though, so that's pretty sexy. I realize running outside is a much different ballgame, so the plan is to find my stride so that by the time I am running for extended periods of time (week 7) I can take it to the street (thanks Spark run maps!) to test it out and see how I do on the ground, wind in my back... or more than likely -- in Chicago -- wind in my face!

So yeah, feeling pretty good. Just gonna detox for these first nine days and really get my eating habits in check over the summer so that by winter when most people wanna ball up in the house and hibernate on junk food, I'm still hitting the gym and eating like I have some sense. I want to emerge in the spring that same healthy, fit butterfly, not wrapped back up in this cocoon of a weak shell.

I need one of those fancy stop watch, heart rate monitors for Christmas/My Birthday... any takers? :) What? I'm getting my request in early! Ooh and a Vita-Mix! hahaha...

Have a great day, Blogsphere. Time for me to get some real breakfast in my belly: scrambled egg whites, milk and cantaloupe.

Lucky Number Month 7

Well... it certainly is difficult trying 2 do it all & be a great mom too! But I'm doing it!! :)

After joining the Y, I have really been concentrating and making low-cal recipes. I been making large meals that last, quick meals that fill us up and making love to my Crockpot so that I always have a healthy lunch/dinna & stay away from takeout.

I been substituting fat free milk (and hell, getting a milk serving period) for 2%, eating more egg whites than yolk, counting calories (admittedly need to fine tune this) and trying best to stay away from restaurant food, though we MAY have a restaurant meal here and there. I am eating smaller portions (and getting full on them) and getting my exercise on usually in the A.M.

The Chicago Y's have a really nice summer special that I had to take part in, and if I don't get to the gym in the a.m. to hit up the elliptical and treadmill real quick, I try to make it up with an afternoon workout or something at home for a total of 5 workouts a week and 3 strength training.

I am also finding exercise in other things I do (laundry, bike riding, outdoor walks and hikes, house cleaning etc) cause man, climbin stairs from the laundry room with 4 lb. weighted gloves & 4lbs attached to each ankle is real and it's deep! As ya'll know, I really jus got started again (4 real) at the beginning of June; I am proud to announce I'm down 5 lbs.:) New tattoo I'ma comin! (See previous goals post for details).

I hope U all r doin the damn thang as well!

I've attached a couple pics of my meals I've made:


Pork and Apple Stir fry:
This had so many yummy vegetables in it.
It was so pretty! And tasty.

Herbed Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers:

A one stop meal of protein, starch (rice),
and veggies.

Slender, Sexier, SO-healthy Sanni 2009 and Beyond

"To feel 'fit as a fiddle', you must tone down your middle."

~ Unknown

So after finally a month of being more consistent on Spark People for good.. I can say I am finally in a groove. And thought it was time to detail my goals so I know specifically what it is I am going to accomplish over the next 6.5 months (till my 30th birthday).

A little background...

I was a dual athlete all four years of high school and for my freshman year of undergrad. While working full time and in school for my master's at 24, I started reclaiming my athletic body by going to workout faithfully, everyday on my lunch break for an hour. In doing so I trimmed off near 50 pounds I'd packed on during my stagnant years. I also went on to get certified in group fitness.

I moved back home to Chicago for a job opp in 2006, fell in love, got with my partner, got comfortable, gained weight, had a baby in 2007, let my certs lapse and here I am. lol While, I haven't gained all my previous weight back, I am certainly not my previous weight and I aim to get back to that and better.

I love my body/frame because I wear my weight extremely well. People rarely know that I weigh as much as I do, unless I tell them. I know I have a lot of hidden stallion-like muscles under this thickness. I will bring em out, and KEEP em out, before 2009 comes to a close to enter my 30s with no extra weight upon my heart and soul.

There are a total of 28 weeks and 5 days to the day of my born day and exactly 29 weeks to my anticipated weekend celebration. My goal is to be met and maintained by my bday tho. If I consistently lose a simple pound or two a week, I'll be at my goal weight. Sounds simple enough right? lol It's gonna take mad determination, calculated movements and strict by-the book seriousness. I am ready. I haven't felt this ready since 2004 when I got tired climbin up to my 3rd floor apartment and knew a change needed to come and quick. Luckily, I am not as in bad of shape as I was then... so failure this time is not an option.

Goal weight: 138-140... I would like to be 140 pounds or lower. Until further notice. I was 125-130 in high school, so I think 140 is a good, realistic weight to shoot for (in 2006 before I started gaining I was 10 pounds heavier). After accessing my physical appearance and how I feel, IF I want to get back to my high school weight when I get there, I'll work on skimming away those last 10. But we'll see. I wanna keep my assets if you kno what I mean. I was also a B cup in high school and nobody wants that. lol And by nobody, I mean me.

The Program:
Eat five to six small meals a day, drink more than eight glasses of water and workout 5 days a week.

• 8+ glasses of water a day
• 5+ servings of veggies/fruits a day
• 5 days of at least 45 minutes of cardio
• 3 days of strength training
• Track caloric intake and don't go over it; try best to get all the nutrients I need
• Have a healthy breakfast of SOME sort, every morning
• Award myself to the goals
• Surround myself with positive people who know my struggle and support me

Basic Goals

1. Weigh less than 140 pounds
2. Get body fat to 20-22%
3. Get Fitness Certifications
4. Start personal training and fitness instruction business

My 2009 G&R (goals and rewards):

Goal: Weight 165 *~*Achieved: ???
Reward: Get thigh tattoo sleeve expanded..

Goal: Weight 150 *~*Achieved: ???
Reward: Mini shopping spree

Goal: Weight 140 *~*Achieved: ???
Reward: A trip to an exotic place I've never been

Goal: Body fat 25% *~* Achieved: ???
Reward: New workout gear (bras, shoes, shorts, yoga pants etc.)

Goal: Size 10 Pants *~* Achieved: ???
Reward: ACE Certification

Goal: First 5K Competitive Race *~* Completed: ???
Reward: Small weekend getaway

Please check out my fitness/health blog where I talk about my struggles, share articles and eventually client consultations:
http://glamourousglutesgamsandguns.blosp
ot.com

"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it."
~ Plato

"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it."

~ Plato

My Dangerous Kitchen

After a little prodding from Spark People, I decided to inspect my kitchen. I needed to clean out my fridge anyway because I had to figure out a comfortable temperature setting because it was freezing things. So I took this as a time to really examine what I had going on in my fridge, my cupboards and beyond. 

And they were right, I did have a lot of hidden pitfalls in there. Sour creams, sugar-based juices etc. And then there were not so bad food, but I still bagged them up. Like non whole wheat pasta and cereals and my white rice (gasp!). Yep. I did it. I finally, finally figured out a way to make brown rice that I am comfortable with and it doesn't taste God awful to me.  

"To have healthy habits and a healthier lifestyle, you first must live in a healthy environment.

This is so true. I had already jump started this by making my workout closet. An organized place where I keep all my workout/fitness equipment so that it is always accessible and right there when I need it. I needed to take the same approach with my kitchen where the "fuel" is. Because I can be gung-ho about getting in shape, eating healthy... but unless I arm myself properly, I am sure to fail. I avoided eating late last night... my will power was strong but everyday isn't that easy.  

So I took stock to see what was going on in there.

Starting with the fridge, I threw away sour cream, all the spoiled fruit and veggies (obviously... shoulda been eating that!). I threw out the the ranch. Kept all my oil-based dressings though.

Start with the fridge and pantry. Focus on replacing sugary and high-calorie foods with whole grains and lower-calorie alternatives.

Spark People suggests:

• Learn to read food labels
  
• Buy a sturdy cutting board for all the fresh veggies you’ll be cutting up
  
• Get plenty of plastic bags and containers for portioning out prepared foods and storing healthy leftovers
  
• Collect healthy, quick recipes
  
• Toss out all those pizza coupons
  
• Get a few drinking bottles for keeping cold water in the fridge
  
• Put a bowl of fruit and granola/breakfast bars by the back door
  

The one's in red, I'm working on... 

And while we are still in the kitchen...

... learn where to spend your weight loss dollars. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, it takes more than reading a book or joining a gym. It really takes a lifestyle change of consistently picking up good habits and chucking old habits to the curb. Exchanging habits takes some time, so the smartest thing you can do is to make it easy on yourself. That means making it easy on your pocketbook too.

Here's a quick glance of what's in my kitchen.... and a couple recipes I adore... you're welcome lol

• quality knife
  
• vegetable peeler
  
• measuring cups
  
• scale
  
• calorie handbook
  
• portable containers
  
• snack size baggies
  

Here's how I reorganized my fridge: (pics to come)

• threw out fatty unhealthy choices
• washed and placed veggies at eye level
• made it convenient to eat healthy

Here are my healthy alternatives I brought in:

• butter spray, squeeze and Can't Believe It's Not Butter vs. actual butter or marjarine
  
• string cheese & individual cheese snack blocks
  
• egg whites - quick source of protein (I bowled and froze the egg whites from actual eggs... cheaper than buying them already separated.
  
• tuna packets (easy to just top on a bed of greens, no draining fuss)
  
• oil based salad dressing sprays (1 calorie per spray) 
  
• tofurkey slices (found some really good vegetarian lunch meat)
  
• fat-free yogurt, strawberries, apples
  
• low-fat cottage cheese (still not a big fan of this stuff but much like the brown rice movement, hoping for a revelation!)
  
• whole-grain/wheat pastas and starches 

How I organized my cupboards... What's in it? 

• high fiber/low carb whole-wheat bread
  
• cereal (high fiber/low cal)
  
• oatmeal packets
  
• put all snacks in separate snack bins (raw almonds, calorie snack packs, teas, etc)
• whole wheat pasta
  
• pre-packaged ingredients (dried cranberries, crushed almonds etc)
  
• sugar free chocolate pudding
  
• sugar free Jell-O
  
• Cool Whip
  
• whey protein powder mix
  

Waldorf Salad Spin-Off

1-cup green apples

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup crushed almonds

1-cup fat free yogurt

1 dash lemon juice

Sweet Treat

Sugar-free chocolate pudding

Sugar-free strawberry jello

1 Tbsp Cool Whip

1/2 cup fresh strawberries

One Easter Sunday...

So, I had company in over the weekend and didn't drift far away from the plan. (That's the plus.) The negative is, I missed my Sunday morning workout but positively because I went to a place of worship in honor of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, I woke up this morning and did my Sunday workout and WILL do my Monday workout later today to make up for missing. I said I was going to get all workouts in this week and I meant it. Since I couldn't get cheap heavier weights so soon, I had a lightbulb moment: I used my wrist/ankle weights. I have four 2.5# weights and two 5# straps so I incorporated those this morning to lift 10# and 13# respectively and didn't curse but only on one exercise... fyi, the Bowler's Lunge wid Single Arm Row is the devil!

I've added a couple photos of my new "workout closet." I converted the closet in my study to a little classy storage area of my workout materials and I think it's awesomely great. I find it the best way to keep everything I need in one place so that I don't ever misplace any workout equipment from my body fat monitor to my stopwatch and, most recently, even my scale. Which I am buying new batteries for today. Usually I just weigh in on the Wii, but I find that the scale is a little more accurate... heh, irony.

You will learn I hate the scale. Because of this I will only weigh myself when I measure, which is instructed to do after every 30 days (of which the first 30 officially began today).

I will also be adding photos of the healthy recipes I make so you can see and know what I am eating. Contrary to a very popular belief we cannot just eat whatever we want and workout hard and expect to see the drastic changes in our body that we seek. Which is why under every before and after picture on those commercials you see "results not typical. One thing those people have is usually a personal trainer that sits with them through every workout to make sure they don't cheat on the workouts, are eating what they're supposed to as prescribed by usually a nutritionist who has figured out the exact amount of calories they need or a prepared food service that sends you the exact meals you're to eat for the week. Lucky devils!

Many of us are not as fortunate or just don't have the deep pockets for that kind of luxury so we have to be our own personal trainer and make sure we don't cheat ourselves and fill our bodies with fuel food that feeds and helps us from the inside out. I think of that phrase: I don't live to eat, I eat to live! And the truth of the matter is, what we choose to intake today can affect our health tomorrow. So we have to be cognisant of what goes in. What are the goals I am trying to accomplish by eating / drinking this? Will it help me toward my main goal. I admit, I was not always following this. But it felt SO good this weekend to know I could make better decisions about my food (didn't eat fast food ONCE... I cooked and ate home cooked meals) I had just a few drinks and no had liquor (only wine and ONE beer). It is those baby steps that are going to cement my hard work... and eventually I will have no alcoholic beverage but every blue moon vs. "on the weekends" and then I'll really be something.
I plan to arise out of this a lean, mean, toned machine. Jah willing, I will not fail and I will not be back in this predicament ever again. Nothing outside of something out of my control will return me to my overweight status. And that's what we all have to say.

We control this!

We are in charge of our weight. WE are in charge or our body.

LET'S GET HEALTHIER... for our children, for our families, for our mind, body, soul... for you.

Workout 2 (and 3) on deck. Burn Intervals and Ab Burner later today... (approximately another 40 minutes of activity). Don't forget to eat well, be well, and take your multivitamin! :)

My schedule. My plan. My life.

I have been weighed in twice since my official return to Weight Watchers and I am down 3 pounds! The first weigh in, I gained nothing/lost nothing. This was more than perfect for me because I usually take a week or two to really get in the swing of things when committing to Weight Watchers. So today when I went in, I was ready. I had tracked about 40% of my meals, got in more than my daily water everyday and was active 3 days out of the week. I knew the scale would move downward, the question be how far down? The answer was an even 3 and I was ecstatic. Now this week (week three) is usually the week where I really start to get into my groove. I've got a whole new outlook on how to excel at this beautiful way of life... persistent, hard work. I can't get by with the half-assed way I used to do things. I must reach far beyond my goals.

My two main goals I really want to attain with recommitting myself to WW this time around (besides life membership) is to continuously see progression:

1. Don't miss a week -- at all.
(I looked at my old weight tracker books and saw how sometimes I wouldn't go for a week or two at a time. This is not the way to become a life member. Not at all.)
2. Do everything in my power to FOLLOW THE PROGRAM and avoid gains. In other words: LOSE LOSE LOSE.
(A plateau, while still not as sexy as losing is better than gaining. I am determined to lose SOMETHING every week. No gains. Full speed ahead, dammit.)

I have my pamphlet to be a team leader on my fridge along with an old picture of me in high school. Granted, I don't want to be as thin as I was in high school, my goal weight is actually 10-15 pounds more than that, but it gives me the "after" picture I am looking for.

The way I operate, the way I need to start to be successful at damn near everything I do needs, needs, needs to start with a plan. A schedule, if you will, for success. From my daily routine with life to the maintenance of my hair, I now understand I need a daily blueprint to follow. For life to be so short, it sure is busy. There aren't enough hours in a day, so one should spend her time making the better of every one of them.

From my religious studying, to family time & home life, to work, to fitness and my healthier lifestyle, to my hair, everything needs it's own little commitment in my days and weeks for it all to emerge victorious. My goal for the rest of September is to get my schedule -- for each of the important things that comprise what is my life -- in order for continued, visual success in the future months to come.

It would be nice to at least be at my 10% target before year's end: exactly 14 pounds for 14 more weeks/weigh-ins. (The goal would actually be to be MORE than my 10% but since I am nursing, a pound a week, every week for the rest of this year would put me at my 10% at a healthy pace without sabotaging my milk production, but you know what I mean!)