Challenge #2 Complete!

Last week was the end of the "Burn the Fat" Challenge.  It was a 98 day challenge that Tom Venuto   www.burnthefat.com was putting on.  He does it every year and the Grand Prize is a trip to Hawaii.  I chose to do this challenge because I needed something to keep me on track after the Golds Gym Body Challenge was over.  So, how did I do?  Well, after gaining 5 pounds between contests, I lost 20 pounds and 4% body fat.  So, total since January, I have lost 37 pounds and 10% body fat.  I was a little bummed looking at the numbers, but as my trainer pointed out, I am no longer considered "obese" and I am now in the athletic category.  And only loosing 4%?  Well, there is less of me now, so 4% is a greater accomplishment than when I started this journey.  My measurements are way down also.  I lost 5 inches around my middle in this challenge and I am down 2 sizes (and sometimes 3) in clothes!  If this wasn't a great enough accomplishment, I am much healthier also.  Like I said before,  I am no longer Obese and with that comes good (or better) health.  No more pre-diabetes, GI problems, bad skin, plantar Faccitis, joint issues, less mood swings (lets face it, they don't go away),  and a lower risk of cardio-vascular disease or heart attack!  In short, I have become healthier so I can be around longer for my kids (and husband).  I can run and play because I have more energy and I'm happier!
This challenge is over and I will find out next week if I won (there are about 300 people entered), but until then, I will continue my journey because....................I am in the middle of another Challenge (Good Health is Good Business - Ultimate Challenge)!  That is right!  I am a Challenge junkie!  This challenge is thru the Chamber of Commerce and is a 100-day Challenge that will end November 16.  My goal is to lose 5% body fat and 15 pounds (from today).  After I took my final measurements and pictures last week, I took a couple days off, but I am back on the plan today.  My scale was mad at me this morning, and I think my trainer wasn't too happy either because she about killed me today.  I will try to post more often and I'll include some of the workouts I do too.  My goal this week is to get back and stay on the plan and be strong!  I have had alot of great progress, but I have not reached my overall goal yet.
As part of the Challenge I just finished, I had to write an essay, so I have pasted it below.

When I began the Burn the Fat Challenge, I had recently finished a body transformation with the local gym and I was beginning to go back to “old habits”.  My commitment to getting healthier started in January and I had not yet gotten to where I wanted to be so this was perfect to get me back on track and to continue on my journey.  I reminded myself of “why” I wanted to make a change in the first place.  It wasn’t just to lose weight, but it was to get healthy so that I am around for my kids and husband.  I know what it’s like to lose your mom and I don’t want that for my kids.  I want to be around for all their milestones, graduating from high school, going to college, getting married, and having kids of their own.  I want to be around for all of it!  I had been diagnosed with heart disease, pre-diabetes, having G.I problems, shortness of breath, and I couldn’t play with the kids like I should’ve been able to.  My health was going downhill!  This challenge kept me going and focused and it helped me to practice the good, healthy habits that I learned in the previous challenge.  In this challenge these new habits of eating healthy, exercising regularly, and taking my vitamins became second nature to me.  I don’t think about where I’m going to stop for dinner or what dessert I’m going to have, I think about going home to be with my kids or what we can do this weekend for fun! 

My attitude and mood is a lot better now too, just ask my family.  I am not short tempered anymore and I don’t have the mood swings that I used to.  I am more positive and I now have proven to myself that I am strong enough to make these changes.    I am a busy person; I’m a mom of two boys (ages 3 and 5) and all the activities that they do, I head up a PTA at my sons school, I volunteer in the classroom for my son, and I’m an office manager of a Chiropractic Office that my husband  and I own.  I have learned to make time for myself without taking time from the other aspects.  I now incorporate my healthy lifestyle into the other areas.  My kids go to the gym with me and help me shop for and cook healthy foods.  We play (exercise) at the park and at home.  I share my experience with others in hope that I can help them become healthier too. 

During this challenge I made great changes mentally and physically.  I lost 19.5 pounds and 5 inches around my middle.  My bodyfat doesn’t show as much of a loss as I would like, but I am smaller everywhere, my clothes are loose on me and I have had to go shopping for smaller clothes (woo-hoo)!  Although my main goal wasn’t to lose weight just to look better, it sure doesn’t hurt to know that I look better than I did a few months ago.  It also doesn’t hurt when people whom I don’t know come up to me and tell me that I look good and they can really see the difference I’ve made.  They also tell me they notice how hard I work out.  My workouts are much harder than they were before beginning the challenge.  I have “boot-camp” style workouts now at least 3 times a week and when I don’t do high-intensity workouts, I feel as though I haven’t gotten a good enough workout.  When I lift weight, I still lift heavy, but I move to the next exercise without much break.  I am also stronger in all lifts that I do! 

My transformation is huge! I eat healthier, I work out (intense) regularly, I’m more active with my kids, I’m  no longer pre-diabetic, I don’t have any other health issues, I am happier, I’m more productive at work, and I don’t fantasize about food!  I couldn’t have done this challenge without the support of my family!  My husband and kids are my greatest inspiration and support!  It feels great to have made the changes I have and to know that I can influence and encourage others.  I am a winner regardless of who is “named” winner from this challenge.  I had a reason for wanting to change and I took that reason, made a plan, persevered, and reached my goal.  Now I continue with making a new plan keeping in mind the reason I started with, persevering thru obstacles and temptations.  There is always room for improvement and a greater potential!  My journey continues!

REVELATION!!

Over the last few weeks, I have come to realize many things.  First, I  realize that I am not on a DIET, I have made a change in my lifestyle.  I am coming to the end of this Body Transformation Contest, but my transformation is continuing.  My body has changed, but I am still working on my mind and how I think about food.  I don't have the cravings like I used to with sugar and with fast food, but I still associate certain events with food.  I have just began a new challenge thru the Chamber of Commerce.  There are two parts to it, a Lifestyle Challenge in which I do certain things that are on the score card to accumulate points and the other is an Ultimate Challenge, which is similar to the Body Challenges that I have doing.  (I know, how many can I do in a year?).  It just started 3 days ago and it will end right before Thanksgiving.  My first thought when I was considering these challenges was "I can't do it because my birthday is right in the middle of it".  Then is was "at least it's over right before Thanksgiving".  These are some mindsets that I need to work on.  My birthday can still be celebrated without pigging out and I can have a birthday meal and it won't mess me up.  You can indulge, as long as it isn't all the time.

My 2nd revelation is in regards to my strength.  I am a strong person to have changed my lifestyle for over 8 months.  I eat better, I workout harder, I play longer with my kids, I have more energy, I am more motivated, and I am happier.  It is not easy to not give in to temptation.  It is not easy to get up in the morning to go to the gym when I am tired.  It is not easy to do alot of things, but I know that I am a better person for staying strong.  Yes, I do slip, but I refocus and keep going.  I don't quit!

My 3rd revelation is "God does not give you more than you can handle"!  I have been given the opportunity to change.  He gave me three challenges in the same year!  I didn't want to do all three, but I need three to get me to my goal and to keep me focused, and to help me come these realizations.  I am a busy person, but I know I am strong enough to do everything and to have time for my family.  I had gotten to a bad place before I started my first challenge.  I was fat, unhealthy (GI problems and pre-diabetic), moody (hormonal problems), and a little lazy.  I didn't want to do some things with the kids because I got tired easily.

Another revelation?  Yes, I realize that without a reason, then I wouldn't have come to the other realizations.  My reason, I always come back to, is my family.  I want to be here for my family.  I want to meet (and play with) my grand kids.  I want to have a 50th wedding anniversary!

Although I have made great progress, I still have more to go.  I want to lose about 7% more of fat and probably about 10 lbs.  I have lost 30 pounds so far and it has all been fat,  I have kept all the muscle.  I look better, feel better, and I am better!

Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming....

This has been a challenging week.  I didn't make much progress in losing weight, bodyfat, or inches and I saw a picture of myself taken 2 days ago that really discouraged me.  I know I am hard on myself, but c'mon...I looked like I did before I started losing weight 6 months and 30 lbs ago.  Ben keeps telling me that it's just the picture and that I look much thinner in person.  Pictures don't lie!  Granted, clothes make a difference in how they fit on me so the color (white) and fit (not fitting) probably made it look worse, but it put me in a depressed mood.
That was Yesterday....Today I feel better.  Ben reminded me of the positives that I have been overlooking.  Some of the positives:  Two separate people in the last week have told me that in the short time that they have been coming into the clinic have noticed that I have lost alot of weight;  my clothes are looser and I have gone down one full size and almost two sizes; I feel much healthier; my skin looks healthier;  I have more energy;  I can run a mile non-stop in under 12 minutes; my moods are more even (most of the time); my workouts are more intense; and my diet is more healthy.  That's not too bad!
So, what comes to mind is the saying from Dori on Finding Nemo (my son watches this almost daily) "Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming".  If I keep going, I will burst through and eventually get to where I am want to be.
This past week has been intense even though it doesn't show on paper.  I have my boot camp class on Mondays and I have been training with my trainer once a week.  My workouts on my own have been awesome too.  Last Friday I did a heavy leg workout and I felt it for 5 days.  The 2nd day was awful, I could barely get out of bed, which wasn't a good sign, then through-out the day if I stopped moving my legs would tighten up and it was like trying to get out of bed all over again.  I did yard work and cleaned the house so I didn't stop moving much that day.  I still did my workouts at the gym, but on Mondays boot camp I had to take some ibuprofen.  I am not recommending this for anyone else.  You should take some time off, stretch, and let your body rest.
Today's workout was a boot camp style workout, which I have copied so y'all could see what I do.  I feel good.  Tired....but good!

Warm up

Treadmill 5 min @ 5 incline fast pace

Circuit X 2 -

Box jumps X 20

Bosu ball push-ups X 15

Kettlebell 9lb touch to floor to overhead press. X 12 Barbell lunges #30 across floor and back Bosu 1-leg knee ups X 20 each leg Box jump toe taps X 25 Bosu squats w/ 15 lb kettlebell X 20 Bosu burpees w/squat X 12 Bosu mtn climbers X 40

55 min

Circuit X 2

Ball crunches X 30

Ab roller X 15

Med ball sitting side to side X 15

Med ball lying v-ups X 15

15 min

Cardio

Rower- 2000m @ 11:07

Recumbent bike 22 min- 4 miles

My goal this next week is to eat more protein and drink more water!  

Another Milestone!

My milestone this week was a big one!  Instead of fantasizing what I'm going to eat at the end of this, I found myself fantasizing what I'm going to look like!  That is big for me!

The weight is slowly coming off, but more importantly the bodyfat is going down.  This past week I have kept my intensity up and I think it's breaking me through.  I have managed to lose bodyfat while gaining muscle.  Woo-hoo!  My inches are about the same, but I feel like my clothes are fitting better and most are loose on me!  

My cardio last week was alot of treadmill, running a mile and walking fast on an incline.  Monday was bootcamp, Tuesday was a personal training session which we did stability exercises, Wednesday was a lot of cardio and a back workout, thursday I took the day off, then I did a heavy arm workout on Friday and then on Saturday I did a bootcamp style workout.  That was one of my best workouts, it began with a mile run (nonstop), then an hour of high intensity plyometric exercises, stability exercises, kettlebells, and floor exercises.  I ended the workout with 45 min more cardio ( 12 min row machine for 2000 meters and 30 minutes on the recumbent bike).  2 hours of awesomeness!  Monday was another bootcamp, Tuesday I did a shoulder workout and today I worked out with the trainer and did a thigh, glute workout then did 45 min cardio (mile run then rec bike for 20 min).

As far as my diet, I could be better and I am trying to think of food I like and want to make, but I am too picky of an eater.  The thought of eating chicken makes me want to gag, i don't like fish or vegetables, and beef bloats me.  Hmmm! That leaves protein shakes, but only strawberry flavor.

My goal for this week is to find some real food (I have been eating alot of pre-packaged foods) that I like and are easy to fix. Another goal is to not be so cranky!!

Back in the Saddle!

Back in the Saddle!  What does that even mean?  Well, if it means "Back on Track" then thats me!  I took last week easy from working out because I kept getting hurt.  First I hurt my back, then I rolled my ankle, then I hurt my hip.  So, my trainer took the week off and I took advantage of the time and I went easy on my workouts.  I'm happy I did so too because I was able to start strong yesterday (Monday) which motivated me all day yesterday and it kept me focused on my goal.  I did boot camp yesterday and I LOVE Boot camp!!  It is the best workout!  We do alot of body weight exercises and those are the Worst/Best.  When I lose weight, it will be easier, right?  I'm going with that.

Today I had a personal training session, but it was more like a boot camp.  Awesome!  I then did 45 minutes more of cardio afterwards.  Tomorrow I will be on my own and Thursday I have another personal training session.  I'm looking forward to my workouts.  I will be taking the weekend off because we will be going out of town, but I will be swimming with the kids, so that counts, right?

My diet is going well also.  Considering that I am a Food Addict (Hello, my name is Ginger and I am a foodaholic) and I ate out at just about every meal and I had to have a x-large Pepsi and some kind of dessert, I am doing awesome!  I am sticking to a clean diet, with moderate carbs, low fat, and moderate protein.  My calories are around 1300 calories.  Occasionally, I will nibble on my kids food, but I don't do it very often.

Today is the beginning of Week 5 and Day 28.  I took my measurements, and body fat today and since starting this contest I have lost 7 lbs, 2 % body fat (all fat, while keeping the muscle), and all my measurements have gone down.

So, my goal this week is to up my intensity with my workouts and to stay strong on my diet when I go out of town.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!

Today is week 3 in this new Transformation Contest and I am about where I was at the end of the last contest.  So, the "Good" is that I haven't quit and I have lost inches everywhere.  The "bad" is that my diet hasn't been as clean as it should be.  I also haven't been felling that great the last couple days.  The "Ugly"....well, its how I think look, but I also hurt my hip rotator in my workout last week so it's affecting my workouts this week. GRRRR!!!

Last week I ate a few things not on my diet, but I didn't let it stop me.  I kept going.  I didn't say, well I'll start over tomorrow morning, I started over right then.  You can do alot of damage to your state of mind as well as your body by "starting tomorrow".  What did I do?  I got mad at myself for  cheating on my diet, then I regained my focus, made a plan for the next day, then I prepared my food and supplements.

Last week I did one Boot camp class on Monday, a Personal Training session on Tuesday, and another PT session on Friday.  Friday, we worked on body weight exercises for lower body and thats what overworked my hip rotator.  I didn't do boot camp yesterday since I wasn't feeling well, but today I went in  for PT session and I did 2 (yes, only 2) lunges and I almost fell to the floor because my hip hurt.  We then moved to core and stability (crossfit) exercises.  Afterwards, I walked on the treadmill for 40 min and tried to do eliptical but it was too much.  Again, GRRRRR!!!  I hate not being able to workout to my full potential.

So, my goals for this week are to heal my hip, and to CLEAN UP MY DIET!!  Losing body fat would be nice too!

No Pain, No Gain!

If were easy, then everyone would be skinny, right?  This is definitely not easy!  This is the 7th day back on the diet and I have lost 3.5 lbs and lost inches everywhere, but I don't count it since I gained some since ending the last contest in April.  Tomorrow I will take my body fat.
I did boot camp this morning and it was a great workout, but I rolled my ankle.  It didn't hurt too much while I was there, but after getting to work, as soon as I was cooling down, it tightened up and now I really feel it.  I also need to work on my upper body strength.  It is sad that I have so much trouble doing push-ups and pull-ups.  So, I am going to the push up challenge - 100 push ups a day!  That's only 10sets of 10!
I am off to a good start with this Transformation contest, I need to stay strong!!

Here I go again....

So, here I go again.  I have began another transformation contest.  Day one was yesterday, June 6 and I have 98 days to fully transform.  My goal is to lose 35 lbs.  I know, I know, I shouldn't go by weight.  This contest is from Tom Venuto's site.  I don't know too much about him except he's one of the top nutrition/fitness guys and has even been on Oprah.  This is the 6th year he has offered this contest and by looking at the pictures from past contestants, it has been very successful for many people.  The Grand Prize is a 7 day trip to Maui with alot of extras.  There are also other prizes for runner ups. 

After finishing the Golds Gym Body Challenge, I did well for awhile exercising and making healthier choices, but then I began reverting back to old habits.  This contest came to me just in time.  I have gained 6 lbs and 1 % body fat.  Doesn't sound too bad, except that if I continue I will be right back to where I started in a short amount of time and all the hard work that I did will have been for nothing.  I have purchased more personal training and I will be training with Ashley atleast once a week one-on-one and also doing a boot camp once a week. 
My beginning stats are
175 lbs
25.1% body fat

I also did measurements and I am up with them also.  I'm not going to tell you what they are, but after this contest is over I will tell you how much I lost overall.  It sickens me to know I'm this big.  Yuck!

I will be blogging about my progress again so keep checking back.  I need your support and feedback!

WINNER!!!

All the hard work has paid off!  I am the winner of the Golds Gym Kennewick, Age 30-39 women!!!!! Woooo-hooo!!
I was a little worried because after I took the pictures and measurements I went off the diet a little and splurged.  I didn't go crazy and I think I only gained about 3 lbs, but after 1 1/2 weeks I got a call that I had to come in again and re-take the pictures because someone had stolen the camera that had all the after pics on it.  "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" was my response.  I took 2 days, dieted hard, worked out harder, tanned, and re-took the pictures.  My thought was to say "to heck with it", but I needed to do what I could to finish what I started.  I'm glad I did! 
Now that the results are in and the challenge is over, do I stop all my good progress and new habits.  NO!  I am continuing working out hard and because I have been doing boot camp, I have incorporated boot camp style workouts into my week.  I am also back on a clean diet, not always as strict, but I am making better choices and keeping my portions in check.
So, I have to say thanks to my husband for all the help and support and thanks to Ashley Eliason at Golds for training me and for pushing me in our sessions and in Boot camp!  She is an awesome trainer!! 
I will keep everyone updated so you can all see if I'm staying on the plan and to see my progress!  I still have 30 pounds I want to lose, but this 1st 20 lbs has got me started and helped me to make a change!  I will only get better!

TA-DA!!!

Today was final weigh-ins!  I think I did pretty good too.  My final weight, measurements, bodyfat and the differences from the beginning will be below, but first I will share with you what I have done that last couple weeks.  I kept my diet as it should be with no cheat meals!  That was big for me!  I also worked out HARD 6 days a week except this last week I worked out every day.  I did Boot Camp on Monday and Thursday and I had personal training sessions on Tuesday and Friday.  I did my own workout on Saturday.  This last week I did all that PLUS I did extra cardio after Bootcamp on Tuesday, 2 Hours of Cardio on Wednesday, Cardio on Thursday morning then back for Boot camp that night, and on Sunday before Easter service I woke up early (I'm not a morning person) and did shoulders, biceps, and triceps, cardio.  Yesterday, the last day, I did Bootcamp then 30 minutes cardio and later came back and did another hour of cardio.  I cut my calories way down the last 3 days and my water was cut yesterday as to make sure I wasn't holding any extra for final weigh-ins. 
So....what was the out come?
Weight Loss = 23lbs
Waist (Bellybutton) - Loss of 6.5 inches
Hips - Loss of 6 inches
Thigh - Loss of 1.5 inches
Bicep - Gain of 3/4 inch
Chest - Loss of 4.5 inches
Calves - Gain of 1 1/4 inches
Bodyfat - Loss of 7.8%  (OH YEAH!!!)
I also looked pretty good in my bikini!

If you do the calculations, I lost ALL fat, my lean mass (muscle) did not change.  That is hard to do, so my accomplishments are even better. 

So, what did I learn on my journey (and it's not over yet)?  I learned that I am stronger than I thought and I can change the bad habits that I have been so accustomed to for so long.  I also learned that my kids change when I change.  I don't go thru the drive-thru's so they know that we are eating at home, they want to eat healthier and take good care of themselves.  Nathan said to me this morning "Mommy, I'm going to live a long, long, time because you take good care of me"!  I've said it before, but my kids are the reason behind my changes, physical and psychological.    You have to have a reason for what you are doing.  If  you don't know why you're doing something, don't do it!  Good or bad!

My journey is not over, I still have bodyfat and inches I want to lose.  I will continue to post updates on my progress.

The End is near!!

The End is near!  End of the challenge anyway.  I have 2 1/2 weeks left before I take the "after" pictures, measurements, and bodyfat.  It seems like it's been forever since I started this Body Challenge, but then again, it seems like its too soon to be over.  I haven't done as well as I wanted to, but I have been steadily losing weight and inches and bodyfat.  As of last Monday, I had lost 13 lbs, 7% bodyfat, and 3.5 inches around my middle.  Doing the calculations, I have gained muscle while losing fat!!!  That is why I'm not seeing the number drop as quickly on the scale. 
Thru the end of the Challenge I will be doing 2 Bootcamps and 2 personal training sessions each week.  I have been doing 2 Bootcamps but only 1 PT, but the time has come to pick up the intensity.  I did the Monday Bootcamp and the focus was on the Core (and I sure did feel it Tuesday...and even today).  Tuesday I met with my trainer and we did a Kettle Bell workout.  It was the first time I had ever used Kettle Bells.  I really like it! It definitely worked different muscles.  Tonight I go for my 2nd Bootcamp, I'm looking forward to it.  Then tomorrow I see my trainer again for a one-on-one!  Wow!  I better see a difference from this!!  I was telling Ben that I thought I would be self-conscience about doing these workouts because I thought people would be watching, but once I started I didn't care about anyone else in the gym.  I workout hard and I don't pay attention to anyone else. 
As far as my diet, well....it could be better.  I don't overeat, I'm not eating enough!  And I'm  not eating enough protein either.  If I don't consciously think about it, I could go a day without taking in any protein.  130 grams is my goal.  That's 5-6 protein shakes! 
I will continue after this challenge is over to do the Bootcamp training and I will continue to CONSCIOUSLY make better food choices.  I love food so it is its own challenge for me.  I'm looking at this as a change in lifestyle not a diet.  A "diet" insinuates that it is temporary.  I'm not making a temporary change, I'm making a life change!  I also want to be a good role model for my kids and those who I come into contact with. 
Time for Protein....

Over the Hump

I am losing again...weight and inches that is!  I took my measurements this morning and I have lost 3 lbs this past week and I have lost an inch around my bellybutton (some call it waist, but my waist is higher than that).  I took my measurements and bodyfat with my trainer last Thursday and I lost inches everywhere, even my arms and calves.  I have lost 3% from when I started the challenge!  Yah-hoo!!
My diet is even better!  I don't have as bad of cravings and I'm not as hungry as often.   My work-outs are getting better and more intense.  I am still doing 2 boot camps each week and one training session with my trainer.  I also do 2 days of workouts on my own also.    I only have 4weeks left on this challenge so I need to finish strong!  I am 2/3 of the way finished so quiting would be silly.  I haven't finished a body challenge in a few years.  I start the challenge, but about 3 weeks in I cave into the cravings and let outside factors influence me.  Not this year!  It again comes down to why I'm doing it.  I'm doing it for my family as well as myself!  I don't want to leave my kids before its time.  Unfortunately, my family history isn't a good one for living to a ripe old age so I need to take extra good care of myself. 
By the way, my boot camp class today consisted of intervals, using the TRX Bands, stability exercises, and kettle bells!  This was after doing 8 minutes of walking as fast as I could on the Treadmill with an incline of 30!  After Bootcamp I did 20 minutes of walking at 3.5 on a flat treadmill.  I was spent!

Holding Steady....

So, I have not lost any weight this week, but I have lost inches.  I should be happy with that, but I don't like the scale not agreeing with the measuring tape.  I guess it means I'm gaining muscle, but it still doesn't comfort me. 
I did TWO Bootcamps last week and the 2nd one about killed me.   I was so sore in my lower back for four days.  I was so happy my husband is a Chiropractor.  He helped me so much.  My leg muscles were sore so he used his Vibra-Cussor to massage out my hamstrings and hip flexors.  Our massage table also helped.  Today I was back in the gym and did my first Bootcamp this week and it went well, although I am tired, but that just means I was working hard.  My trainer, who also does bootcamp, told me to work on being able to run a full mile without walking.  Doesn't sound too hard, but it is for me.  So after I kicked but in Bootcamp, I got back on the treadmill and ran a little over half mile, while walking at 4.0 the rest.  Keep in mind that I warmed up doing a mile on the treadmill.  It was a good workout today!  Wondering what we do in Bootcamp?  After warming up running a mile, we then did 30-second intervals with different exercises on the TRX Bands.  It is different each bootcamp.  Last Thursday we did 5 different exercises back to back, as many times as we could in an hour, after warming up doing 2-min sprints and 5 burpees (5 rounds).  The 5 different exercises were: farmers walk with #25 plates around the inside of the gym, line jumps (20), reverse lunges with knee up (20 each side), TRX Rows (20), and push up with knee raise (20).  No problem!
My diet still needs work, but it is better.  I had a cheat meal this weekend, thinking it would help me get re-focused and get the temptation out of my mind.  It didn't!  I just wanted more good tasting, not healthy, food.  Ughh!  Live and learn I guess!  this is why my weight hasn't moved.  Today I am back on track and planning to stay that way for the remainder of the challenge. 
Tomorrow I have a personal training session with my trainer.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Half-Way!

I took my measurements, body fat, and measurements this week....
all I can say is that at least I'm going in the right direction.  I have lost only 10 pounds in 6 weeks and 3% body fat.  I'm told that I am losing at the right speed so that I am less likely to gain it back, but I would like to lose a lot more a lot quicker.  I am a little discouraged, but I am continuing my pursuit of healthy and a less fat body. 
My workouts are going well.  I am training with my personal trainer once a week one-on-one and then I do a Cross-fit style boot camp with her once a week, although I am going back to the gym tonight for my 2nd boot camp this week.  I have scheduled it into my schedule for 2 boot camps a week starting next week (or tonight).  It should make a difference, or it better.  I can't tell you how much I like these boot camp workouts.  It is harder than heck, but I love it!  I know I will continue these boot camps even after this challenge is over.
My diet is still very challenging!  I feel very deprived, but if you knew what I ate before, you would say I was a glutton.  Like I said before I have to keep in mind why I am doing this challenge and why I want to lose this weight. 
Now, I have to eat a light meal and drink a Red Bull to get ready for Boot Camp!  YAH!

Still Going!

It's been awhile since I've updated my progress, but I'm still going strong!  I took my measurements on Monday and I have lost a total of 10 lbs and 2 inches on my waist!!!  I'm happy I'm losing weight and inches, but I wanted to be down more than this.  I just need to keep going, eating clean, small portions, no sweets, no Pepsi :( and I need to keep working out hard.  As I told you before, I hired a trainer and I have had two sessions with her and they were hard workouts, but I also signed up for her Bootcamp classes.  Holy Crap!  Now those are a hard workout!  I love them!  Granted, I am sore in areas that I didn't know could get sore, but No Pain, No Gain!  (Gain=Lose weight and inches) 
My diet is still restricted, but I am tempted by everything I see.  I have to keep in mind why I am doing this, it isn't just for weight loss and looking better.  I am doing this to be healthier so my kids don't have to know what its like to be without a mom.  I want to be around a long time to see my grand kids (gulp).  So, when I start to contemplate stopping at Taco Bell or eating a doughnut, I have to remember why I'm doing this and keep going.  A bonus is looking good in smaller jeans and winning this Body Challenge contest, but if I'm going to win, I need to make little changes to the diet, eat more protein, less carbs! 

Another Day - Another Pound!

So, I didn't work out yesterday, but I woke up today feeling good and ready for the workout.  I did weights first. Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps.  I'm getting stronger and closer to where I left off before my looooong break.  I then did cardio, stair mill, eliptical, then treadmill.  I'm able to up the intensity more and I feel pretty good.  I am still keeping my calories at 1500. 
I also took a pro-active role in my goal of losing weight fast, I hired a trainer at the gym for once a week thru the end of the challenge.  I will train with her once a week and I also will be taking a "bootcamp" class from her that should kick my butt!  How did I choose a trainer?  I watched the different trainers and the intensity of the people that they train and the personalities and I chose someone who pushes a little more, who doesn't do a lot of talking.  I don't need someone to be my friend, I need someone who will push me and help me to get the best out of the time I'm there.  If you have kids, you know that your time outside the gym is busy doing family stuff or working.  I have two hours a day (the time I can leave the kids in the daycare) to work out.
As I sit here telling you about my day and goals, my stomach is rumbling.  I'm hungry!  What will I eat?  NOT a candy bar! NOT fast food! I will make myself a protein shake and eat the other half of my pear! 

Week 3

It has been a rough week.  I even gave into temptation to....candy!  Ughh!  I know! I know! The good news is that I didn't let it ruin all my progress.  I have been home more this week since both my kids have been sick and I don't feel that great either.  I haven't worked out yet today, but I will this afternoon.  I will try not to overdo it so that I don't get worse.  I don't want to miss a workout day.  Another one anyway.  I had to stay home Friday and Saturday because of the kids, but I cleaned the house Saturday and the office on Sunday so I stayed active both days.  It paid off too, because I weighed and took measurements today and I have lost another 2.5 lbs this week and lost more inches everywhere.  Its nice to see my hard work starting to pay off.
What lesson did I learn this past week?  I can slip on the diet and if I don't let it deter me and keep going I can still make progress, as long as I don't slip often.  Also, just because I don't make it to the gym, I can still get exercise at home.  I have to use some creativity, but I can do it.

Day 9

I am very proud of myself for sticking with this diet.  It helps that I am accountable to all of you who are reading this.  When I start thinking of having just one bite of something or when I see the commercial for Red Lobster and they show a picture of the "Cheddar Bay Biscuits", I have to push those thoughts out of my mind and think about why I'm doing this.  My kids, my future with them and my husband are much more important.  12 weeks is a long time, but in reality, it really isn't.  12 weeks out of my life to get to a much healthier place, to be more active for my kids.  To insure that I'm around to see them get married, to see my grandkids (omg, but not for awhile). 
So, what am I doing to help me in my journey.  I put out my morning vitamins, I prepare my food, and shaker cups ready with protein powder and glutamine, and I get my workout clothes ready the night before.  I also do the same for the kids.  I am not a morning person, so when I wake up in the morning, it is a mad dash to get ready, get the kids ready, grab my food bag, the snack bag for Tommy at the gym, Nathan's breakfast, my breakfast, take my vitamins (sometimes this has to wait till I get home), and then head out the door.  Oh, and I also have to feed and water the dogs.  Then when I get out to the car, hopefully the window isn't frosted over.
My husband, Dr. Ben Matheson, is a great supporter.  He gives me words of encouragement and advice.  I also have chiropractic and massage benefits! :) 
Till tomorrow!  Stay strong! Stay Focused! See the goal!

Week 2

I took my measurements this morning and my weight.  I have only lost 4lbs, but on the bright side,I have lost 1 1/2 inches from my waist!  This week will be better, although it is "that time of the month".  That probably has something to do with me not losing too much weight.  I have stuck to my diet, no cheating!  That is big for me.  I haven't had a Pepsi in a week and I really don't want one. 
I worked out twice today, lots of cardio!  My diet is still at 1500 calories, but it has been hard for me to get UP to that high of calories.  I have been stopping at around 1200 calories most days.  I need to make sure I eat enough calories so my body doesn't hold on to the weight thinking I'm starving. 
Keep posted, I'll let you know how I feel tomorrow with all this cardio I did today. 

Day 5

It has been a rough couple of days.  Withdrawals set in on day 3 and continued through yesterday.  I am having cravings for all my usual (or my old usual) food.  I am staying on the path though.  On Wednesday, I worked on back and biceps and a little abs.  I also stretched a little and then did 45 min of fairly hard cardio.  One of my problems is that I get bored while on the stationary cardio.  I'm thinking of some ideas that will help.  Yesterday I was pretty sore, but today I'm ok, just tired.  I tried Yoga yesterday, Day 4.  Not for me.  I liked the actual stretching, but not the other stuff.  Today is my scheduled day off, although I should have worked out since yesterday wasn't really a workout.  My body is so tired though!  I'll hit it hard tomorrow!!
My diet is on track, although it is a struggle to get 150 gr of protein in a day.  Not to mention it is hard to limit my carbs to 150 gr.  I'm looking to the big picture though.  Ben has me at 1500 calories, which last week could be one meal, but not now. 
Well, until next time.  Stay Strong!!

Day 2

So Far so good!  It's day 2 of the challenge and I haven't cheated on my diet and I don't have any withdrawal pains yet.  That usually hits on day 3, so tomorrow should be fun.  I went to the gym this morning and did weight and cardio.  I haven't done weights in a few months so I didn't go all out, but I don't like being weak.  It won't be long until I'm back lifting heavier.  I also did only 45 minutes of cardio, but it was more intensive than yesterday.
Stay tuned everyone, I'm on my way to a better me!

Day 1

Well, today is Day 1 of the Body Challenge.  I spent the weekend eating all the good tasting food I could and I was stuffed.  Yesterday I prepared my meal plan, my workout plan, I got everything ready so that today I could start off on the right foot...and that's just what I did.  I've stuck to my meal plan, and I worked out a little harder than normal at the gym. 
When I woke up this morning I weighed myself and took my measurements...Not Good!  Then when I got to the gym, they took measurements, my bodyfat, and took my picture in a swimsuit.  Again, Not Good! 
Some have said that I don't need to lose 50 lbs (my goal), and although that is very nice to hear, I need to keep in mind that I need to lose the weight not only to look better, but I have some medical problems come up recently that losing the weight will take care of.  So, if I don't lose this weight, it affects my health, which in turn, affects my family, namely, my kids.  If that isn't motivation, I don't know what is. 
Because I want to finish this contest reaching my goal, I will tell you my weight and bodyfat and keep you posted on my weekly measurements, and I will tell you about my daily progress in the gym.  I will also let you know how my diet is going.  My weight,  an all time high of 192 lbs, and my bodyfat is 32.3%.  Also, I have recently went to the doctor and found out that because of my weight, I now am pre-diabetic (one of those medical problems I was talking about).  Don't worry, I will lose the weight, get healthy, and be happier, and you all will keep me strong and faithful in this decision. 
Until tomorrow...

Starting New

Well, this is a new year with many new beginnings.  I have signed up to begin a Body Challenge to get myself in better shape, lose weight, and get healthier.  I have already started making changes, but the contest doesn't officially begin until Monday, Jan. 23, 2012.  I get my "before" pictures taken, measurements, and bodyfat taken also.  Ughhhh!  Not looking forward to it, but I am looking forward to a better "new" person in 12 weeks.  I will have my husband helping me by putting me on a meal plan and helping me with my workout plan.  I am blessed (and cursed at times) that my husband is a doctor and very knowledgeable of nutrition and overall health.  So, although I am competing against others, I challenge you all to join me in starting a new lifestyle.  If you need help getting started, give us a call at Matheson Chiropractic & Wellness Center, 509-783-4994.