Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Hello one and all. Danielle here. I'm still sitting in a messy office. It's a bit more put together this week. Curtains are hung, painting is pretty much completed. There are few spots that need to be touched up. Some furniture that needs to be moved around...small piddly stuff. You know that stuff that winds up taking a couple of years to complete....I hope not!
As far as last week went with my diet/exercise - I would say I should get a B. It was Valentine's and I didn't over indulge on candy. In fact I hardly ate any. The destruction that was candy wrappers that I later found in the trashcan wasn't from me this time. That makes me proud to say! Though sometimes, I don't think that I am eating enough. I decided that I would stop logging my food but I would still log my exercise. That means that I don't know how close to goals I am. I have been mentally trying to keep track. I'm 97% sure that I am eating enough protein. I have been drinking my water (maybe not as much as I should). Taking my vitamins, eating fruits and veggies and trying to stay away from "bad carbs". And I am so happy to say that I now have a work out buddy. That is really going to help me. Knowing that I am accountable to someone else, is good. We are planning on working out together Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I'm bummed that I didn't make it to the gym last night. I wasn't feeling very good and decided that it made more sense to stay home. I plan on trying to go tonight, though.
As far as new recipes go...I'm slackin' on the cooking thing. I just don't really the drive or desire to cook right now. Though I am trying new things! I tried some spicy udon noddles with shrimp at this really yummy Japanese restaurant that we found. My husband also decided to buy some ground buffalo (all natural fed, no hormone or antibiotics used). He paid $10 for a pound (YIKES!). He cooked that up and we had tacos...they were pretty stinkin' tasty. That was the first time that I had meat in almost a year. I really didn't have any issues with eating it. I did though have to do some thorough research about the company before I even considered eating any.
About my riding...my butt hasn't been on a bike seat in a while :( If I don't make it to the gym tonight (I do have a meeting) then I am going for a ride. The rain has finally seemed to slack off. But I think it will be back by Thursday, so I need to take advantage and now!
My challenge for the week:
Spend 20 minutes a day on my yoga mat working on my gluts/legs/abs. (I did it last night for 20mins)
What are you going to challenge yourself with? It doesn't matter where you start, you just need to start somewhere. Making small changes here and there...choosing whole wheat instead of white. Choosing water over a soda. Choosing a side salad instead of fries. Remember that you ARE worth it and that you CAN do it!
P.S. I ordered my swimsuit!! I'm so excited and nervous. I'm afraid that it won't fit...I'm afraid that it will be too tight and that I will look like a stuffed sausage. And this is the one that I picked... monokini It is on back order, so I'm not too sure when I will get it. Estimated around mid March. I can't wait to see how it fits :D
As far as last week went with my diet/exercise - I would say I should get a B. It was Valentine's and I didn't over indulge on candy. In fact I hardly ate any. The destruction that was candy wrappers that I later found in the trashcan wasn't from me this time. That makes me proud to say! Though sometimes, I don't think that I am eating enough. I decided that I would stop logging my food but I would still log my exercise. That means that I don't know how close to goals I am. I have been mentally trying to keep track. I'm 97% sure that I am eating enough protein. I have been drinking my water (maybe not as much as I should). Taking my vitamins, eating fruits and veggies and trying to stay away from "bad carbs". And I am so happy to say that I now have a work out buddy. That is really going to help me. Knowing that I am accountable to someone else, is good. We are planning on working out together Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I'm bummed that I didn't make it to the gym last night. I wasn't feeling very good and decided that it made more sense to stay home. I plan on trying to go tonight, though.
As far as new recipes go...I'm slackin' on the cooking thing. I just don't really the drive or desire to cook right now. Though I am trying new things! I tried some spicy udon noddles with shrimp at this really yummy Japanese restaurant that we found. My husband also decided to buy some ground buffalo (all natural fed, no hormone or antibiotics used). He paid $10 for a pound (YIKES!). He cooked that up and we had tacos...they were pretty stinkin' tasty. That was the first time that I had meat in almost a year. I really didn't have any issues with eating it. I did though have to do some thorough research about the company before I even considered eating any.
About my riding...my butt hasn't been on a bike seat in a while :( If I don't make it to the gym tonight (I do have a meeting) then I am going for a ride. The rain has finally seemed to slack off. But I think it will be back by Thursday, so I need to take advantage and now!
My challenge for the week:
Spend 20 minutes a day on my yoga mat working on my gluts/legs/abs. (I did it last night for 20mins)
What are you going to challenge yourself with? It doesn't matter where you start, you just need to start somewhere. Making small changes here and there...choosing whole wheat instead of white. Choosing water over a soda. Choosing a side salad instead of fries. Remember that you ARE worth it and that you CAN do it!
P.S. I ordered my swimsuit!! I'm so excited and nervous. I'm afraid that it won't fit...I'm afraid that it will be too tight and that I will look like a stuffed sausage. And this is the one that I picked... monokini It is on back order, so I'm not too sure when I will get it. Estimated around mid March. I can't wait to see how it fits :D
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
What a day!
Oh wow, today has just been an accumulation of suck! One very blah and drained Danielle here. You would think that the day after "Love" day that things would be normal at the least. Well today has totally kicked my butt.
First of all my daughter decided to play hide and seek, hardcore style. Like it didn't matter that mommy was running through the house crying, begging, and pleading for her to please come here. Like the lady that was hysterically running around looking in every nook and cranny is what mommy is supposed to look like. I'm just thankful that my husband showed up quickly. It took him 3 minutes to get home, it normally takes closer to 10...you know, if you hit a red light or 2. I don't know how he got home so quickly, I'm just glad that he made it here safely. I'm thankful that Ben found her before I was finished with the police officer on the phone. They were making their way to our home. It's pretty evident, she won this round...but I now know to look under the desk chair and by the toy boxes. I truly hope that she doesn't decide to do this again. I would think that the fact that both mommy and daddy were bawling their eyes out would help her to understand that it wasn't a joke or a game. I was a freaking wreck. It was scary.
And the most recent incident involves my daughter again....she decided to have a peaceful slumber in my bed. And then she puked all over it. -Sigh!-
Seriously, this tiny little sassy girl is just doing my head in. She can be such a sweet girl, so loving and so sweet and then there are moments like this:
Fade in- I'm standing in the kitchen by the sink. In she walks
Her- "Mommy, I'm thirsty. Sippy please?!"
Me- "OK, let's get a drink. What do you want?"
Her- "Ummmm.......Ummmmm.....JUICE!!"
Me- "Ok <insert an endearing term here>. Here you go."
Her- "Thank you!"
Me- "You are welcome."
Her- "I'M COLD!!!"
Me- I wrap her blanket around her.
Her- "Thank you mommy, I'm so warm now."
Me- "You are very welcome. I love when you are so sweet and you use your manners."
Her- "Hiiiiiiiiiiisssssssssssssssssssss!!"
Yes, she hissed at me...she hissed at me a few more times and then walked away with her sippy and blanket in-tow. Oi vey
Alright so now to the "good" stuff! As far as diet. I sorta hopped back on that wagon, but I'm kinda draggin. I'm really trying to watch what I eat. But I'm sorta at that point where I am in maintain mode. I guess I am seeing what I can eat and how little exercise I can do before I start to see a big difference on the scale. And no...I am NOT giving up. I still have my goals and my plans and I still want to accomplish them. The weather has not been cooperating at all when it comes to riding. It's been raining off and on for a quite a few days now. I'm really starting to wish that it would stop all ready. Or at least give me a few days to get a couple good rides in.
The office is coming along nicely. There are still a few things that have to be done. The baseboards have to be sanded and painted. Some touching up here and there. I need to finish the art work. I need to sand and repaint all the picture frames. I need to finally decide on the color that I want them to be. I need to find fabric and then upholster my chair. I also need to sand and paint it. So, yeah....just a few things. ;)
It's been a bit difficult trying to figure out how many calories I have burned lately...I really would like to have a heart rate monitor. I will add that to my want list... There hasn't been any gym time for like a week and a half, if not more (bad me....bad me!). But I have been busy at home. Sanding and painting is a good arm work-out. I am planning on heading to the gym tonight...I hope. As of just a few minutes ago my daughter has then thrown up again, the couch was the lucky piece of furniture this time though. *facepalm*
If I don't make it to the gym...then I'm going for a ride come rain or clear sky. Alright, I have a few things to go and take care of. I need to remember that I CAN do it and that I am WORTH it...you remember that as well! Arrivederci.
First of all my daughter decided to play hide and seek, hardcore style. Like it didn't matter that mommy was running through the house crying, begging, and pleading for her to please come here. Like the lady that was hysterically running around looking in every nook and cranny is what mommy is supposed to look like. I'm just thankful that my husband showed up quickly. It took him 3 minutes to get home, it normally takes closer to 10...you know, if you hit a red light or 2. I don't know how he got home so quickly, I'm just glad that he made it here safely. I'm thankful that Ben found her before I was finished with the police officer on the phone. They were making their way to our home. It's pretty evident, she won this round...but I now know to look under the desk chair and by the toy boxes. I truly hope that she doesn't decide to do this again. I would think that the fact that both mommy and daddy were bawling their eyes out would help her to understand that it wasn't a joke or a game. I was a freaking wreck. It was scary.
And the most recent incident involves my daughter again....she decided to have a peaceful slumber in my bed. And then she puked all over it. -Sigh!-
Seriously, this tiny little sassy girl is just doing my head in. She can be such a sweet girl, so loving and so sweet and then there are moments like this:
Fade in- I'm standing in the kitchen by the sink. In she walks
Her- "Mommy, I'm thirsty. Sippy please?!"
Me- "OK, let's get a drink. What do you want?"
Her- "Ummmm.......Ummmmm.....JUICE!!"
Me- "Ok <insert an endearing term here>. Here you go."
Her- "Thank you!"
Me- "You are welcome."
Her- "I'M COLD!!!"
Me- I wrap her blanket around her.
Her- "Thank you mommy, I'm so warm now."
Me- "You are very welcome. I love when you are so sweet and you use your manners."
Her- "Hiiiiiiiiiiisssssssssssssssssssss!!"
Yes, she hissed at me...she hissed at me a few more times and then walked away with her sippy and blanket in-tow. Oi vey
Alright so now to the "good" stuff! As far as diet. I sorta hopped back on that wagon, but I'm kinda draggin. I'm really trying to watch what I eat. But I'm sorta at that point where I am in maintain mode. I guess I am seeing what I can eat and how little exercise I can do before I start to see a big difference on the scale. And no...I am NOT giving up. I still have my goals and my plans and I still want to accomplish them. The weather has not been cooperating at all when it comes to riding. It's been raining off and on for a quite a few days now. I'm really starting to wish that it would stop all ready. Or at least give me a few days to get a couple good rides in.
The office is coming along nicely. There are still a few things that have to be done. The baseboards have to be sanded and painted. Some touching up here and there. I need to finish the art work. I need to sand and repaint all the picture frames. I need to finally decide on the color that I want them to be. I need to find fabric and then upholster my chair. I also need to sand and paint it. So, yeah....just a few things. ;)
It's been a bit difficult trying to figure out how many calories I have burned lately...I really would like to have a heart rate monitor. I will add that to my want list... There hasn't been any gym time for like a week and a half, if not more (bad me....bad me!). But I have been busy at home. Sanding and painting is a good arm work-out. I am planning on heading to the gym tonight...I hope. As of just a few minutes ago my daughter has then thrown up again, the couch was the lucky piece of furniture this time though. *facepalm*
If I don't make it to the gym...then I'm going for a ride come rain or clear sky. Alright, I have a few things to go and take care of. I need to remember that I CAN do it and that I am WORTH it...you remember that as well! Arrivederci.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Not so Awesomeness.
Hi everyone, Danielle here. I'm a bit late with my blog this week. Sorry about that. I have a lot going on right now. My son had a birthday yesterday, my husband's is today. He has had some serious issues arise with his driver's license and some past stupid mistakes. So he, or we, are now paying for that...and dearly. I decided that I am going to write a book. And then I decided to gut the front room and turn it into an office for the hubster and I. I am sitting at my desk surrounded by disaster. I do not thrive well in a mess. It's making me crazy! I really need to get it finished but I'm having a lot of mixed thoughts and huge lack of motivation. I had a whole plan in my head...and what I see in reality isn't matching up. And so now I have lost all want to continue it. I really need to just stop pouting and get it done. I know that it will look good, it may not be exactly what I wanted but it will be nice!
Ok, so I figured that I would share about the sucky part of losing weight. <insert your shock and horror here> Yes, it's true. There are some sucky parts to getting healthy and losing weight. Let me list a few of mine:
Ok, so I figured that I would share about the sucky part of losing weight. <insert your shock and horror here> Yes, it's true. There are some sucky parts to getting healthy and losing weight. Let me list a few of mine:
- I only have three pairs of jeans that fit now.
- None of my underwear fit any more.
- My bras are all way too big. :(
- My boobs are now like rocks in socks. Imagine it...a long tube sock with the end full of rocks. Got the mental picture....Yup just like that. :( x10
- I have loose skin in places that I really don't want it.
- I have this weird belly fat pouch thing going on. It's looks like it's the place where cottage cheese goes to retire. I don't know but I really don't like it.
- It's a lot more expensive to eat better quality food...That leaves less money for new things like clothes, bras and/or underwear. That means that I still get to wear the stuff that is much too big.
- I miss just going to a restaurant and eating. Now I have to do research and see how the food is prepared. I have to be sure they have something pescatarian friendly. I have to check calories and nutritional info.
So, with all that said, it's still worth it. Still totally and completely worth it. I feel pretty stinkin' good. I feel more active. I feel strong. I feel confident. Though I would like to have more clothes in my wardrobe that fit. But I am slowly gathering things here and there. I can make do with what I have...for now ;)
I know that for us when we decided to eat healthier, our grocery budget was a major concern. We are on a very tight budget, there isn't much wiggle room at all. That just means that we have to be more frugal. We buy store brand items a lot and in fact there are many things that we prefer the "generic" brand to the real one. I also do a lot of clearance shopping. Most, if not all, of our clothes are bought on clearance. I do a lot of resale shopping. We make it work. It's not always easy, it's not always fun...but we have everything that we need. I know who does that for us, and I am very thankful to Him.
Alright, as far as the shrimp stir fry...it was very good! It will become a staple my husband said. I think that we will use our own veggies though, instead of the stores packaged stir fry veggies. We aren't too keen on all peppers and mushrooms. Though we all did give them a try. That is a rule in our house...you have to try it at least once before you can say you don't like it. If the kiddos don't like something I am not going to force them to eat it. I hated when my mom and dad forced me to eat the over cooked and soggy vegetables my mom used to prepare.
Alright, since it's already mid-day Wednesday, there will be no challenge for this week. There is no way, I just can't do it. In fact I have taken a break from logging my food. I haven't fallen off the wagon...I'm just taking a sabbatical before I hop back on ;) I plan on shredding again, and that starts on Monday (13th). I think that I will just continue with how things are going for now and then hop right back up on that bad boy like nothing had happened. The hubster is going to be shredding as well, that should make it easier on us both. I hope!
So, I guess that that is all for the day! I am about to take my desk outside; sand it down, and paint it a bright gloss red. It's gonna look awesome! I hope that you have an amazing day. Remember you CAN do it and you ARE worth it. Adios!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Keeping It Real!
So yeah...let's get real! Danielle here, once again. I haven't switched to WordPress yet...yet being the operative word there. I plan on doing so soon. Ben has been pretty busy lately and it seems that between him working, working from home getting caught up on free lance stuff, and then the both of us working out we don't spend a whole lot of time just sitting around. We need to schedule some time to just sit together...and soon.
My days of not eating "bad carbs" has come to an end. And the ending was more like a crash landing. I was scarfing down everything that was in my site. I was craving chocolate and all sorts of yummy goodness. I indulged myself and then I paid for it at the gym last night. I burned off almost 1,000 calories. So I earned all the scarfing ;) I didn't even feel all that guilty about it either. I know that I will work my body extra hard, I will make my muscles beg and scream for mercy and then I will push them a lil harder still. Changing and growing isn't painless. It hurts - A LOT!!...But it's OK, I thrive on that soreness. It lets me know that I worked hard. I am pretty stinkin proud of me. I ate as clean as I possibly could for those 12 days. It was a big challenge for me but I did it! And it really was one of the most difficult things that I have done to date. I will be doing it again, once summer is closer....I am so going to rock an awesome bathing suit this year. I have already started looking around for "the one"! :D
And now I need to address a dark cloud that has tried to intrude into my light. I am now a person that is pretty good at just dusting off the crap-o-la, but I also think that I should have the ability to respond and let you know how I feel (and every time I use the word "you" I do so in a broad and generalized way). But firstly let me say; I have an awesome support group!! Thank you to everyone that lifts me up and offers their kind words to help keep me striving forward. Sadly though, there are those that just can't seem to be happy for anyone else. To those people I say, I am sorry. I am truly sad for you. I lived my life that way for many years, in fact a lot of my life I was very negative...not any more, and I will never be able to go back to living like that. (Thank you Lord Father, for opening my eyes and helping me to really be able to see.) I'm very sorry that your life is that downtrodden and that all you can see is negativity. You say "You want to be supportive...BUT...etc..." and then you list reasons why you can't be supportive. I'm sorry to say that you aren't fooling anyone. The truth of the matter is already out there. And even though I know the truth, I only wish for happiness in your life and peace in your heart. Cheering someone on and telling a person "good job" isn't stroking their ego...It's commending someone for their hard work, their determination, and the effort that they have put forth. But when there are darker things in your life, like envy and jealousy, it makes it very hard for you to be happy with yourself and therefor there is no room for positivity when it comes to others, I understand that. But then you also need to know and understand that you can always improve, you can always decide that you are tired of how you are living and then you c-h-a-n-g-e. YOU can do it! There is a whole new world out there, a world of support and happiness. All you have to do is want it bad enough to put all the crap down. You just have to lay it at God's feet and never pick it up again...you will then feel so free, so light, and so very happy. I want that for you...You should want it as well.
Alright enough of all that....let's move on to the subject of the challenge for last week...HAHAHAHA! I so put the cart before the horse on that one. There was no way in this world that I was going to be able to complete that....I'm not that awesome yet ;) Someday, I will be...I will be. You just wait and see :D
Challenge for the week: (it's achievable, I swear) Interval Circuit Training. You will need a HIIT timer (you should be able to find an app for your phone) you will need to set it for 20 secs of work and 10 secs of rest. The work out looks like this:
Now, as far as cooking a new pescatarian dish - I didn't cook it, but I had an awesome friend make dinner for the family (spaghetti - yum!!) while we were hanging out at their house this weekend. And she was sweet enough to cook mine special. She used regular ground beef in everyone else's and she used Boca in my sauce. I was amazed at how much it tasted like actual ground beef. I can imagine lots of tasty foods made with it - tacos, burritos, nachos, cottage pie...the list can go on and on! Thanks so much for introducing it to me!! :D
And now for more realness - I have slacked off on my riding. The weather has been a bit unfavorable lately. On my "ride" days it's been extra cold and rainy and I'm not wanting to get sick...so yeah...I'm behind on my miles. I plan on going to the gym tonight to hit the weights and then going for a ride when I get home.
The hubster is on his way to the store to pick up a few healthy lunch items (we are having a salad and tuna for lunch) and he is grabbing some stuff to make shrimp and veggie stir fry for dinner tonight. That will be my new recipe for the week. I may pop by in a couple of days and let you all know how fabulous it was ;)
Until next time, continue to strive ever forward. Drink your water. Smile. And remember that you CAN do it and that you ARE worth it. D out!
My days of not eating "bad carbs" has come to an end. And the ending was more like a crash landing. I was scarfing down everything that was in my site. I was craving chocolate and all sorts of yummy goodness. I indulged myself and then I paid for it at the gym last night. I burned off almost 1,000 calories. So I earned all the scarfing ;) I didn't even feel all that guilty about it either. I know that I will work my body extra hard, I will make my muscles beg and scream for mercy and then I will push them a lil harder still. Changing and growing isn't painless. It hurts - A LOT!!...But it's OK, I thrive on that soreness. It lets me know that I worked hard. I am pretty stinkin proud of me. I ate as clean as I possibly could for those 12 days. It was a big challenge for me but I did it! And it really was one of the most difficult things that I have done to date. I will be doing it again, once summer is closer....I am so going to rock an awesome bathing suit this year. I have already started looking around for "the one"! :D
And now I need to address a dark cloud that has tried to intrude into my light. I am now a person that is pretty good at just dusting off the crap-o-la, but I also think that I should have the ability to respond and let you know how I feel (and every time I use the word "you" I do so in a broad and generalized way). But firstly let me say; I have an awesome support group!! Thank you to everyone that lifts me up and offers their kind words to help keep me striving forward. Sadly though, there are those that just can't seem to be happy for anyone else. To those people I say, I am sorry. I am truly sad for you. I lived my life that way for many years, in fact a lot of my life I was very negative...not any more, and I will never be able to go back to living like that. (Thank you Lord Father, for opening my eyes and helping me to really be able to see.) I'm very sorry that your life is that downtrodden and that all you can see is negativity. You say "You want to be supportive...BUT...etc..." and then you list reasons why you can't be supportive. I'm sorry to say that you aren't fooling anyone. The truth of the matter is already out there. And even though I know the truth, I only wish for happiness in your life and peace in your heart. Cheering someone on and telling a person "good job" isn't stroking their ego...It's commending someone for their hard work, their determination, and the effort that they have put forth. But when there are darker things in your life, like envy and jealousy, it makes it very hard for you to be happy with yourself and therefor there is no room for positivity when it comes to others, I understand that. But then you also need to know and understand that you can always improve, you can always decide that you are tired of how you are living and then you c-h-a-n-g-e. YOU can do it! There is a whole new world out there, a world of support and happiness. All you have to do is want it bad enough to put all the crap down. You just have to lay it at God's feet and never pick it up again...you will then feel so free, so light, and so very happy. I want that for you...You should want it as well.
Alright enough of all that....let's move on to the subject of the challenge for last week...HAHAHAHA! I so put the cart before the horse on that one. There was no way in this world that I was going to be able to complete that....I'm not that awesome yet ;) Someday, I will be...I will be. You just wait and see :D
Challenge for the week: (it's achievable, I swear) Interval Circuit Training. You will need a HIIT timer (you should be able to find an app for your phone) you will need to set it for 20 secs of work and 10 secs of rest. The work out looks like this:
- Jumping Jacks - 20secs
- Rest - 10sec
- Squats - 20secs
- Rest - 10sec
- Burpees - 20secs
- Rest - 10sec
- Sit ups - 20secs
- Rest - 10sec
- Push-ups - 20secs
- Rest - 10secs
- Repeat!! Do this plan back to back a few times through out the day and you will really get your blood to pumping plus burn a decent amount of calories!!
Now, as far as cooking a new pescatarian dish - I didn't cook it, but I had an awesome friend make dinner for the family (spaghetti - yum!!) while we were hanging out at their house this weekend. And she was sweet enough to cook mine special. She used regular ground beef in everyone else's and she used Boca in my sauce. I was amazed at how much it tasted like actual ground beef. I can imagine lots of tasty foods made with it - tacos, burritos, nachos, cottage pie...the list can go on and on! Thanks so much for introducing it to me!! :D
And now for more realness - I have slacked off on my riding. The weather has been a bit unfavorable lately. On my "ride" days it's been extra cold and rainy and I'm not wanting to get sick...so yeah...I'm behind on my miles. I plan on going to the gym tonight to hit the weights and then going for a ride when I get home.
The hubster is on his way to the store to pick up a few healthy lunch items (we are having a salad and tuna for lunch) and he is grabbing some stuff to make shrimp and veggie stir fry for dinner tonight. That will be my new recipe for the week. I may pop by in a couple of days and let you all know how fabulous it was ;)
Until next time, continue to strive ever forward. Drink your water. Smile. And remember that you CAN do it and that you ARE worth it. D out!
Monday, January 23, 2012
It's All Good!
Alright now! I'm super excited thus far with the results that I have seen since I started to eat as clean as possible. I'm not always perfect and having a pretty tight budget when it comes to groceries/food makes it a challenge. Oh and by the way, it's Danielle here. I did talk to Bonnie about her posting more and she said that her laptop decided to give out on her as she was typing up a post. That is a major bummer! The hubster has been asking me if I want to switch over to WordPress. If I do that (HA!..I won't do any of that...it would be all Ben) I would be able to post from my phone and so that means Bonnie would be able to do that as well. I will talk more to him tonight and see how it all works.
And now back to the exciting news...I have reached my lowest weight yet: 153.6 - WOOHOO!! (though I do fluctuate, I was at 154 today) I can really see a difference in my "muffin top" or now lack there of :D I have really slimmed down. My tummy is much flatter, my sides are now muscular and strong. I may lose some of my muscle with the fat while I'm shredding, but I'm still lifting and working out hard, so it's all good. I can't wait for bathing suit weather...that's a first for me ;)
As far as the challenge that I posted for last week, I'm a bit sad I couldn't finish it all. My lower back just didn't appreciate it much at all. I have messed my tailbone up a few times...too many times falling on concrete or ice. I wasn't all that nimble as a child/teen. I was able to complete about half of it. I then did other ab exercises through out the week. I love twisting on my exercise ball, doing planks, fast punches, dive bombers and mountain climbers. I just found out last night that I can do the last two rather well. Thanks bodyrock.tv!! (If you haven't checked them out...do so www.bodyrock.tv )
In regards to food, I was super happy to finally try Quorn Naked Chick'n Cutlets. It's really good sauteed with a bit of olive oil and then seasoned to taste (I like garlic sea salt and some fresh cracked pepper and a dash of cayenne). I tried it this way first, and I had some broccoli and baked sweet potato. I also made a tasty dipping sauce for it. It was just some spicy brown mustard, some Julio's Chipotle pepper sauce and a tiny bit of simply sour cream. Very tasty stuff!
The next night I wanted to mix it up so I cut it into slices and then spooned some Fire Roasted Tomatoes Tex-Mex style on when it was almost heated all the through...YUM! I had chick'n tacos that night. No tortillas, I used Romaine lettuce leaves instead and I made a black bean and corn relish to go on top. It was very good. Mmmmm... I need to stop talking about food so much...I'm getting hungry again.
And now back to the exciting news...I have reached my lowest weight yet: 153.6 - WOOHOO!! (though I do fluctuate, I was at 154 today) I can really see a difference in my "muffin top" or now lack there of :D I have really slimmed down. My tummy is much flatter, my sides are now muscular and strong. I may lose some of my muscle with the fat while I'm shredding, but I'm still lifting and working out hard, so it's all good. I can't wait for bathing suit weather...that's a first for me ;)
As far as the challenge that I posted for last week, I'm a bit sad I couldn't finish it all. My lower back just didn't appreciate it much at all. I have messed my tailbone up a few times...too many times falling on concrete or ice. I wasn't all that nimble as a child/teen. I was able to complete about half of it. I then did other ab exercises through out the week. I love twisting on my exercise ball, doing planks, fast punches, dive bombers and mountain climbers. I just found out last night that I can do the last two rather well. Thanks bodyrock.tv!! (If you haven't checked them out...do so www.bodyrock.tv )
In regards to food, I was super happy to finally try Quorn Naked Chick'n Cutlets. It's really good sauteed with a bit of olive oil and then seasoned to taste (I like garlic sea salt and some fresh cracked pepper and a dash of cayenne). I tried it this way first, and I had some broccoli and baked sweet potato. I also made a tasty dipping sauce for it. It was just some spicy brown mustard, some Julio's Chipotle pepper sauce and a tiny bit of simply sour cream. Very tasty stuff!
I was able to work out 6 times last week and I felt pretty good...until Saturday. I had a tummy bug or something and so let's just say that whatever I was eating wasn't hanging around for very long. Because of that, it was the first time all week that I had carbs...carbs as in whole wheat saltine crackers. I think I had 6. Plus I was drinking Powerade. My husband was awesome and went on the hunt for "low carb tummy funk make me feel betters". He did such a great job! Oh and I am feeling much better now...yay!
Ok, so a new challenge for this week...5 sets of mountain climbers 20 reps each - every day. It's gonna be a fun one! 700 total for the week, more if I/you can do it! It don't count if it don't hurt! What you will need - a floor and your determination. Here is a video that shows you how to do it properly- Mountain Climber Video
Well I really need to get up and figure out what dinner is going to be. Let me tell you, there is nothing like having to cook 3 different meals. One for me, since I don't eat meat. One for Ben, he is bulking so he needs lots of carbs and meat (he will be in shred mode soon, so that will make it a bit easier). The kiddos may or may not eat what he is having, depends on what it is. So yeah...it can be a lot to handle. But I don't mind, they are the loves of my life and they are worth it. <3
Until next time, stay strong, drink some water, and get your body moving! You CAN do it and you ARE worth it.
P.S. Last night I had 1/3 of a cup of all natural vanilla ice cream. I ate it out of the measuring cup and with a baby spoon. And let me tell you, I was in heaven. My mouth was so happy. It's amazing how much more I really appreciate food now!
P.S. Last night I had 1/3 of a cup of all natural vanilla ice cream. I ate it out of the measuring cup and with a baby spoon. And let me tell you, I was in heaven. My mouth was so happy. It's amazing how much more I really appreciate food now!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
A Quick Blurb...
Happy middle day of the week to you! Danielle here with a quick thought or two...
Alright, I'm going to keep it real. I had gained some weight, could have been water weight, could have been the not always good choices I make during "shark week", who knows. But the last time that I weighed myself, in the last few weeks, the scale screamed 161!! - yeah to be honest, I was bummed. I didn't want to be back in the 160's. So, I did the only thing that I could do at the moment. I put the scale away and went on with life and told I myself that I could to do better. Last Sunday I decided that I wanted to start getting shredded in time for the sweltering extra hot summers that we have down here in the lone star state. And today is day three and so far so good. Though I will admit that I had a tiny nibble of pasta last night. I was testing it to see if it was done all the way...other than that...no "bad" carbs. Dinner was a tad bit hard on me last night. I made Fettuccine Chicken Alfredo for the fam...while I had tuna, vegetables, and a baked sweet potato. Most likely my food was no where near as tasty as theirs. In fact, I am willing to bet my right leg that my dinner sucked in comparison to theirs. My husband so lovingly told me how good it was. I told him to shut his pie hole. But it's alright...I want my flat belly more than I want pasta and cheesy garlic bread!
Oh and to the point of this "quick" posting ;) ... this morning the scale said - - - wait for it......155.4!! I was grinning from ear to ear. Laying off all those tasty things has paid off so far. I'm excited to see where I am in a month or even in two weeks. :D
Alright, that is all that I wanted to share. And now I'm off to search for more low carb pescatarian recipes. Have a fantastic day! Stay strong and remember that you CAN do it and you ARE worth it!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
I CAN do this!
Hi, it's Danielle again. I hope that you are having a wonderful day. I need to talk to Bonnie and see if she wants to add what she has been up to lately...Psst, hey Bonnie, you wanna tell everybody how you are doing? ;) I'm curious to know.
Let me give you a recap of last week. It all started out so well. I went to the gym, I was riding my bike, I was feeling good...and then *boom* my monthly friend (or what the hubster and I now call "shark week") decided to surprise me. That means that all that really happened after the lovely surprise was that I sat around and ate lots of carbs and chocolate. Blah! Oh well, I'm stoked to get back on track. I'm going to rock this week!
Last night I was planning on going to the gym, but I got a late start and then the car had an extra low, if not flat, tire. So by the time my husband got back from putting air in the tire I had decided to do one of the exercise videos that is now on Netflix. If you have it, check out "Crunch: Super Slimdown" It's another yoga and pilates combo but much quicker then what I was doing before. I really enjoyed it. I plan on trying to do that on the nights that I ride.
As far as my goals for the year:
- I was able to complete 320 of the 450 jump-n-squats. I'm not happy that I didn't get them all done...but I also know that I have to give me a break once in a while. (Side note: those things really work your calves. You should give them a try!)
- I did cook a new pescatarian recipe...I finally made shrimp tacos. Woohoo! I made it up myself (I do that a lot)...and it was DELICIOUS!!
- I rode little over 10 miles last week...again not quite at my goal but still pretty stinkin' good.
And just so that I don't get bored or anything, I have decided to give myself another challenge. It's going to be a tough one for me too....this may be the hardest thing that I have ever set out to accomplish thus far...No joke! I am going to start to eat as cleanly as possible. That means that as of yesterday, I am staying away from bad carbs. That means no more Taco Bell :( No more pizza :( No more crackers, pretzels, cookies, bread sticks, no more processed anything....all those yummy bad things are now off limits for me :( I am trying to decide if I will still have a cheat day once a week. Though I think that I may change it to twice a month instead. I think that I would be able to handle that.
I also have a really bad habit of snacking at night. That is going to be tough to refrain from. I have to make better choices. I need to have more healthy snacks at night and I have to curb my sweet tooth. I know I can do this. I know I can!! I want to look great in a bathing suit this year. I picked a great time to start down a new path. I know that I will see some awesome results. I just have to make it happen. So.... here's to making it happen!! If I can give up Taco Bell and all the other things that I love to eat, then I'm pretty sure that you can make a first step to finding a healthier/fitter you. It's not always fun, it's not always easy...in fact sometimes it sucks. But it is sooo going to be worth it. :D
And for those that might want to try it -
Shrimp Tacos
Start out with 1tbsp evoo in a pan (low heat)
Add diced white onion, fresh garlic, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, cayenne, paprika and any other spices you enjoy
Saute until onions are translucent
Add half a can of Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Mexican style (medium heat)
Add 1lb of shrimp
Simmer until shrimp are cooked through (low heat)
Add to a whole wheat tortilla or even a Romaine lettuce leaf and top it with all your favorites. I like purple cabbage, avocado, sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese. I also think it would be good on top of a salad. Mmmmm.
Challenge for the week - Weighted V-Sits. You will need a yoga mat, weights, and a timer. Use what ever weights you feel comfortable with. I will be using 3lbs (they are the heaviest set that I have right now). I'm striving to do an hour total for the week (That means 10mins per day for the rest of the week).
What you will do: sit up tall on your mat, arms out straight in front shoulder height (holding weights), knees bent and feet off the floor, really scoop out your middle, keep your abs tight and your shoulders down. Also be sure to keep your back straight. ENJOY! (This exercise is great for your abs, obliques, low back, and hip flexors.)
Hmm, I suppose that that is all for now. Strive ever forward...you CAN do it and you ARE worth it!! Make it a wonderful day.
Let me give you a recap of last week. It all started out so well. I went to the gym, I was riding my bike, I was feeling good...and then *boom* my monthly friend (or what the hubster and I now call "shark week") decided to surprise me. That means that all that really happened after the lovely surprise was that I sat around and ate lots of carbs and chocolate. Blah! Oh well, I'm stoked to get back on track. I'm going to rock this week!
Last night I was planning on going to the gym, but I got a late start and then the car had an extra low, if not flat, tire. So by the time my husband got back from putting air in the tire I had decided to do one of the exercise videos that is now on Netflix. If you have it, check out "Crunch: Super Slimdown" It's another yoga and pilates combo but much quicker then what I was doing before. I really enjoyed it. I plan on trying to do that on the nights that I ride.
As far as my goals for the year:
- I was able to complete 320 of the 450 jump-n-squats. I'm not happy that I didn't get them all done...but I also know that I have to give me a break once in a while. (Side note: those things really work your calves. You should give them a try!)
- I did cook a new pescatarian recipe...I finally made shrimp tacos. Woohoo! I made it up myself (I do that a lot)...and it was DELICIOUS!!
- I rode little over 10 miles last week...again not quite at my goal but still pretty stinkin' good.
And just so that I don't get bored or anything, I have decided to give myself another challenge. It's going to be a tough one for me too....this may be the hardest thing that I have ever set out to accomplish thus far...No joke! I am going to start to eat as cleanly as possible. That means that as of yesterday, I am staying away from bad carbs. That means no more Taco Bell :( No more pizza :( No more crackers, pretzels, cookies, bread sticks, no more processed anything....all those yummy bad things are now off limits for me :( I am trying to decide if I will still have a cheat day once a week. Though I think that I may change it to twice a month instead. I think that I would be able to handle that.
I also have a really bad habit of snacking at night. That is going to be tough to refrain from. I have to make better choices. I need to have more healthy snacks at night and I have to curb my sweet tooth. I know I can do this. I know I can!! I want to look great in a bathing suit this year. I picked a great time to start down a new path. I know that I will see some awesome results. I just have to make it happen. So.... here's to making it happen!! If I can give up Taco Bell and all the other things that I love to eat, then I'm pretty sure that you can make a first step to finding a healthier/fitter you. It's not always fun, it's not always easy...in fact sometimes it sucks. But it is sooo going to be worth it. :D
And for those that might want to try it -
Shrimp Tacos
Start out with 1tbsp evoo in a pan (low heat)
Add diced white onion, fresh garlic, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, cayenne, paprika and any other spices you enjoy
Saute until onions are translucent
Add half a can of Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Mexican style (medium heat)
Add 1lb of shrimp
Simmer until shrimp are cooked through (low heat)
Add to a whole wheat tortilla or even a Romaine lettuce leaf and top it with all your favorites. I like purple cabbage, avocado, sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese. I also think it would be good on top of a salad. Mmmmm.
Challenge for the week - Weighted V-Sits. You will need a yoga mat, weights, and a timer. Use what ever weights you feel comfortable with. I will be using 3lbs (they are the heaviest set that I have right now). I'm striving to do an hour total for the week (That means 10mins per day for the rest of the week).
What you will do: sit up tall on your mat, arms out straight in front shoulder height (holding weights), knees bent and feet off the floor, really scoop out your middle, keep your abs tight and your shoulders down. Also be sure to keep your back straight. ENJOY! (This exercise is great for your abs, obliques, low back, and hip flexors.)
Hmm, I suppose that that is all for now. Strive ever forward...you CAN do it and you ARE worth it!! Make it a wonderful day.
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