Thursday, March 31, 2011
Day 37 - So Out of Shape!
Well, I just TRIED to do Jillian's DVD. I had to stop after only 10 mins. (It's a 20 min workout) My legs can't take the jumping around and I have no upper body strength what-so-ever!! My legs feel like they are going to break when I jump up and down! I guess I am going to have to ease into this video and do a little each time. Whew!!! Time to hit the shower!!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Day 36 - Made it to the Gym
Yes. I made it to the gym after work, but I didn't stay long.
I felt really strong and excited as I pulled into the parking lot of the gym. I went to the locker room and changed clothes. I walked up the stairs to the treadmills with the TV's. I started the thing up and realized that I forgot my Exercise Log Book, that I made. Oh well. Then, I realized that I forgot to enter in my weight so that the machine would calculate my calories burned and my heart-rate. UGH!! Oh well. I continued to walk. I walked at a speed of 3.2 at an incline of 2.5. I walked for 15 mins.
Then, I moved to the eliptical machine. My plan was to do 15 mins on it. I remembered to enter my weight this time, but after only 5 mins.... I began to get really hot and tired. So, I got off. I "thought" about going downstairs to do some of the weight machines, but I was too pooped! So, I went to the locker room and gathered my things and decided that I was going to go and BUY that Jillian Michael's DVD!
I didn't go Walmart, tho. I had to go to CVS to pick up my RLS medication, so I went to Target instead. The DVD was on sale for $9.00, which made me happy! Then... as I was looking around at some of the other exercise equipment that they had... I heard a voice say... "Look, who it is!" It was a child from my preschool class and her mom! The little girl saw what I had in my hand and said... "Mommy has that! That's her work out." I then, asked the mom if she thought it was good. She said that she really liked it. I was glad to hear this because now... TWO people have told me that they liked it! So, I got it and headed home.
So far, my pedometer says that I have walked... 6012!! YAY!! I made it past 6000 steps!! Wahoo!
I doubt that I will use the DVD today, but I will try my best to use it in the morning, before work. I am going to see my mom after work tomorrow. So no gym time.
I felt really strong and excited as I pulled into the parking lot of the gym. I went to the locker room and changed clothes. I walked up the stairs to the treadmills with the TV's. I started the thing up and realized that I forgot my Exercise Log Book, that I made. Oh well. Then, I realized that I forgot to enter in my weight so that the machine would calculate my calories burned and my heart-rate. UGH!! Oh well. I continued to walk. I walked at a speed of 3.2 at an incline of 2.5. I walked for 15 mins.
Then, I moved to the eliptical machine. My plan was to do 15 mins on it. I remembered to enter my weight this time, but after only 5 mins.... I began to get really hot and tired. So, I got off. I "thought" about going downstairs to do some of the weight machines, but I was too pooped! So, I went to the locker room and gathered my things and decided that I was going to go and BUY that Jillian Michael's DVD!
I didn't go Walmart, tho. I had to go to CVS to pick up my RLS medication, so I went to Target instead. The DVD was on sale for $9.00, which made me happy! Then... as I was looking around at some of the other exercise equipment that they had... I heard a voice say... "Look, who it is!" It was a child from my preschool class and her mom! The little girl saw what I had in my hand and said... "Mommy has that! That's her work out." I then, asked the mom if she thought it was good. She said that she really liked it. I was glad to hear this because now... TWO people have told me that they liked it! So, I got it and headed home.
So far, my pedometer says that I have walked... 6012!! YAY!! I made it past 6000 steps!! Wahoo!
I doubt that I will use the DVD today, but I will try my best to use it in the morning, before work. I am going to see my mom after work tomorrow. So no gym time.
Day 36 - FAILED
No. I did not make it to the gym. I failed.
My "MoJo" is gone!
I feel so down and depressed. I feel bloated and uncomfortable. I have no energy.
Why do I feel this way??? I am no longer hacking up a lung by coughing. I can breathe again. My nose is not running or stuffed up. What's the deal???? I should feel GREAT!
Before I got sick.... my mind was on exercising and getting healthy 24/7 --- (well almost!). What happened????
I want that energy back. I want to feel ON FIRE about exercising!
I didn't even make it to 6000 steps yesterday. I did make it to 5587, which is better than I've done in a while, at least.
Today is Wednesday and it is raining BUCKETS! I won't be going to the gym before work, and I am not in the mood to exercise here at home.
Again.... my plan is to go to the gym after work today. Yesterday, I used the excuse that I didn't want to go grocery shopping after the gym... and... it was cold outside. I brought shorts to work out in and I didn't want to have to change back into my work clothes.
Today, I have nowhere to be after work. Hopefully, the storms will end before I get off of work, because if they are still bad (or worse!), I will want to come home. I don't like to be anywhere but home, when it storms.
I can't believe that I lost my focus!! I am mad at myself about that. Right now, I just want to cry!
I want to lose weight and/or inches before we go to the beach in early June. I don't want to be the "beached whale" again... or... look like I'm 9 months pregnant!! I am SO tired of looking that way!
Ok. Now I AM crying!
Please say a prayer for me that I can regain my focus and lose these pounds and inches that I want (and need!) to lose. I have roughly 9 weeks until the beach. If I can just lose a pound each week, I will be happy.
I am thinking about buying Jillian Michael's DVD called -- "30 Day Shred". A friend told me about it and it sounds like something that I could do. Plus... Jillian is my Fitness Idol. Since I rearranged my office, I have room in here to exercise now. I can plug that DVD into my computer and exercise in here. That has been part of my problem. I have had nowhere to exercise in my house without someone in the room!!! I hate that!
I get paid tomorrow, so.... Yes. I think I will be making a trip to Walmart!
Ok. I feel a little bit better now. I have a new plan.
My "MoJo" is gone!
I feel so down and depressed. I feel bloated and uncomfortable. I have no energy.
Why do I feel this way??? I am no longer hacking up a lung by coughing. I can breathe again. My nose is not running or stuffed up. What's the deal???? I should feel GREAT!
Before I got sick.... my mind was on exercising and getting healthy 24/7 --- (well almost!). What happened????
I want that energy back. I want to feel ON FIRE about exercising!
I didn't even make it to 6000 steps yesterday. I did make it to 5587, which is better than I've done in a while, at least.
Today is Wednesday and it is raining BUCKETS! I won't be going to the gym before work, and I am not in the mood to exercise here at home.
Again.... my plan is to go to the gym after work today. Yesterday, I used the excuse that I didn't want to go grocery shopping after the gym... and... it was cold outside. I brought shorts to work out in and I didn't want to have to change back into my work clothes.
Today, I have nowhere to be after work. Hopefully, the storms will end before I get off of work, because if they are still bad (or worse!), I will want to come home. I don't like to be anywhere but home, when it storms.
I can't believe that I lost my focus!! I am mad at myself about that. Right now, I just want to cry!
I want to lose weight and/or inches before we go to the beach in early June. I don't want to be the "beached whale" again... or... look like I'm 9 months pregnant!! I am SO tired of looking that way!
Ok. Now I AM crying!
Please say a prayer for me that I can regain my focus and lose these pounds and inches that I want (and need!) to lose. I have roughly 9 weeks until the beach. If I can just lose a pound each week, I will be happy.
I am thinking about buying Jillian Michael's DVD called -- "30 Day Shred". A friend told me about it and it sounds like something that I could do. Plus... Jillian is my Fitness Idol. Since I rearranged my office, I have room in here to exercise now. I can plug that DVD into my computer and exercise in here. That has been part of my problem. I have had nowhere to exercise in my house without someone in the room!!! I hate that!
I get paid tomorrow, so.... Yes. I think I will be making a trip to Walmart!
Ok. I feel a little bit better now. I have a new plan.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Day 35 - Yesterday's Work Out
I WILL GO TO THE GYM TODAY.
I WILL GO TO THE GYM TODAY.
I WILL GO TO THE GYM TODAY.
Yes. My plan is to go to the gym today, after work. I need to get back into it and keep it up!
I stayed home yesterday and did not officially "exercise", but I was "moving". I felt an urge to redo my home office / craft room. And when I feel an "urge" to do something in the cleaning or organizing department.... I better act on it before it passes!
So... about 9:00 yesterday morning, I started moving things OUT, so that I could move my furniture "around". My desk is VERY heavy, but I managed to pull the drawers out, and thenmove scoot it from one side of the room to the other. I ended up scooting it in two different locations (same side of the room) before I was totally happy with it. I moved my table (kitchen size) in like four different places before I finally settled on a place for it! But, it works. I was hoping to move my furniture around in order to have a corner that I could put a comfy chair for reading. But, there just isn't enough room. Oh well.
I still have work to do in here. I removed one small bookshelf, so I now have to find room for those books. I have 3 big bookshelves that are staying and that I did not touch yesterday. They need to be reorganized. I also still have things on the floor that need to find a home. I am liking the way that the room looks now, even though it is not completed.
THAT was my exercise for yesterday! I can "feel it" in my sides and shoulders. I worked in here from 9:00am to about 4:00pm... non-stop! I had to remind myself to stop for lunch! Haha!
I did keep my pedometer on the whole day. I walked 2931 steps. Not bad!
Today..... my plan is to get to the gym. My goal is to get over 6000 steps, like I WAS doing!
I WILL GO TO THE GYM TODAY.
I WILL GO TO THE GYM TODAY.
Yes. My plan is to go to the gym today, after work. I need to get back into it and keep it up!
I stayed home yesterday and did not officially "exercise", but I was "moving". I felt an urge to redo my home office / craft room. And when I feel an "urge" to do something in the cleaning or organizing department.... I better act on it before it passes!
So... about 9:00 yesterday morning, I started moving things OUT, so that I could move my furniture "around". My desk is VERY heavy, but I managed to pull the drawers out, and then
I still have work to do in here. I removed one small bookshelf, so I now have to find room for those books. I have 3 big bookshelves that are staying and that I did not touch yesterday. They need to be reorganized. I also still have things on the floor that need to find a home. I am liking the way that the room looks now, even though it is not completed.
THAT was my exercise for yesterday! I can "feel it" in my sides and shoulders. I worked in here from 9:00am to about 4:00pm... non-stop! I had to remind myself to stop for lunch! Haha!
I did keep my pedometer on the whole day. I walked 2931 steps. Not bad!
Today..... my plan is to get to the gym. My goal is to get over 6000 steps, like I WAS doing!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Day 32 - Feeling It Today!
I did some of my "home exercises" yesterday and I am really feeling it in the backside of my upper legs!! I think they are my hamstrings, but I am not sure. I guess I need to learn my muscles!! LOL!
I started out by doing some Wii Fit exercises. I got mad at the Wii Fit, tho. It said that my BMI was over 30 and that I was OBESE!!!! It had the correct weight, but OBESE!!!! I honestly do NOT think that I am obese!! And how does it really know what my BMI is?? So.... I am going to ingore it and continue with what I am doing.
Anyway... I used the Wii Fit to do my cardio. Here are the exercises that I did ---
Step Aerobics - (Twice)
Boxing
Skateboarding - (3 times)
Hula-hooping
Then, I put in our "Just Dance" Wii game and danced to 4 songs. Don't laugh!!! It is fun.... when you are home alone!! **Smile** It is great exercise!
Then, I got out my exercise book (the one that I made) and picked out some exercises to do with my weights & the stability ball. Here's what I did ---
Seated Ball Twists -- I did 2 sets of 12 reps.
Full Body Trimmer -- Targets your shoulders, back, thighs, hamstrings, & calves.
(This is the one that I think I am feeling!)
I did 10 reps.
I liked this exercise.
Arm DeJiggler -- Targets triceps, chest, & abs.
This one was hard for me to do! I couldn't hold my butt off the floor for very long!
I only did about 3 reps. :(
I didn't like this one too much, but I will try it again.
Waist Nipper -- Targets biceps, abs, & obliques.
I did 10 on each side.
I liked this one.
Magic Multitasker -- targets shoulders, obliques, back, butt & hamstrings.
I did 10 reps on each side.
I liked this one.
3-Way Pulse on Ball -- Targets legs & butt.
This is using the big stability ball.
I did 12 reps on each side.
I think that is all that I did. I started getting tired and couldn't concentrate. My head is still in a "fog" from being sick. I think I did pretty good, tho!
My pedometer read 3562 at the end of the day. I thought it would be more than that. Oh well!
I started out by doing some Wii Fit exercises. I got mad at the Wii Fit, tho. It said that my BMI was over 30 and that I was OBESE!!!! It had the correct weight, but OBESE!!!! I honestly do NOT think that I am obese!! And how does it really know what my BMI is?? So.... I am going to ingore it and continue with what I am doing.
Anyway... I used the Wii Fit to do my cardio. Here are the exercises that I did ---
Step Aerobics - (Twice)
Boxing
Skateboarding - (3 times)
Hula-hooping
Then, I put in our "Just Dance" Wii game and danced to 4 songs. Don't laugh!!! It is fun.... when you are home alone!! **Smile** It is great exercise!
Then, I got out my exercise book (the one that I made) and picked out some exercises to do with my weights & the stability ball. Here's what I did ---
Seated Ball Twists -- I did 2 sets of 12 reps.
Full Body Trimmer -- Targets your shoulders, back, thighs, hamstrings, & calves.
(This is the one that I think I am feeling!)
I did 10 reps.
I liked this exercise.
Arm DeJiggler -- Targets triceps, chest, & abs.
This one was hard for me to do! I couldn't hold my butt off the floor for very long!
I only did about 3 reps. :(
I didn't like this one too much, but I will try it again.
Waist Nipper -- Targets biceps, abs, & obliques.
I did 10 on each side.
I liked this one.
Magic Multitasker -- targets shoulders, obliques, back, butt & hamstrings.
I did 10 reps on each side.
I liked this one.
3-Way Pulse on Ball -- Targets legs & butt.
This is using the big stability ball.
I did 12 reps on each side.
I think that is all that I did. I started getting tired and couldn't concentrate. My head is still in a "fog" from being sick. I think I did pretty good, tho!
My pedometer read 3562 at the end of the day. I thought it would be more than that. Oh well!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Day 31 - At least SOMETHING'S going down!
Well, my weight went back up, but my inches went down (check out the numbers to the right).... so, I would say that at least I accomplished THAT! I did this without exercise and just eating healthier.
Today's goal is to do some cardio and some strength-training, here at home. I have lots of chores to do, and I don't think I will have the house to myself until about 10:30, but I will somehow fit exercise into my day!
I feel SO MUCH BETTER! I think this "bug" is on it's way out of my body! YAY!!
Today's goal is to do some cardio and some strength-training, here at home. I have lots of chores to do, and I don't think I will have the house to myself until about 10:30, but I will somehow fit exercise into my day!
I feel SO MUCH BETTER! I think this "bug" is on it's way out of my body! YAY!!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Day 30 - Feeling Better & Nerves
I feel pretty good this morning! YAY!! I'm not having any breathing issues! YAY!!
I'm not going to go to the gym or work out today, but I think I will work out tomorrow, at home. I'll start slowly and see how it goes.
I am a little bit worried about my "Weigh-in" tomorrow, being that I haven't exercised all week. But.... I think that I can have a little bit of an excuse. Don't you think?
I have not been keeping proper track of my "steps", either. There were days this past week that I didn't even wear my pedometer. I did yesterday. I walked 3057 steps. (better than nothing!) I will update the numbers in the side column. I'll put "sick" next to the "goose eggs"! **Smile**
I'm not going to go to the gym or work out today, but I think I will work out tomorrow, at home. I'll start slowly and see how it goes.
I am a little bit worried about my "Weigh-in" tomorrow, being that I haven't exercised all week. But.... I think that I can have a little bit of an excuse. Don't you think?
I have not been keeping proper track of my "steps", either. There were days this past week that I didn't even wear my pedometer. I did yesterday. I walked 3057 steps. (better than nothing!) I will update the numbers in the side column. I'll put "sick" next to the "goose eggs"! **Smile**
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Day 29 - So far, So good.
Well, I made it thru my morning at work. I felt like my brain was in a fog, but other than that... I did ok. I didn't not go outside with the children when they went to play on the playground. I stayed inside and worked with them one-on-one for an art project.
Like I said this morning... I am anxious to start exercising again, but I think I better wait until next week to start back. In the mean-time, I am continuing to read articles about exercise, fitness and nutrition. I am also redoing my exercise log book. I want to set myself up with a schedule for each day of exercise, instead of just randomly doing different exercises.
Thanks again for hanging in there with me!
Like I said this morning... I am anxious to start exercising again, but I think I better wait until next week to start back. In the mean-time, I am continuing to read articles about exercise, fitness and nutrition. I am also redoing my exercise log book. I want to set myself up with a schedule for each day of exercise, instead of just randomly doing different exercises.
Thanks again for hanging in there with me!
Day 29 - Back to Work
So far, I am feeling better this morning. So... I am going to make my way to work and see how it goes. My plan is to tell my boss that I am planning on staying, but if I start to feel too bad... I am going home!
Yesterday, I stayed home and rested. I felt fairly good. I just tired easily.
I am SOOOOOO anxious to feel better so that I can start exercising again!!! I'm not going to this week, tho. I am going to wait until next week and start back with it. I don't want to do too much, too soon.
Thanks for hanging in there with me!
Yesterday, I stayed home and rested. I felt fairly good. I just tired easily.
I am SOOOOOO anxious to feel better so that I can start exercising again!!! I'm not going to this week, tho. I am going to wait until next week and start back with it. I don't want to do too much, too soon.
Thanks for hanging in there with me!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 27 - It's official!
Yes. I have officially been diagnosed with BRONCHITIS!
I knew that I had it, but last week.... my doc didn't really clarify that this is what I had. And... mabye, last week.... I didn't --- yet.
Even tho' my doc put me on lots of meds last week, I really didn't get any better -- even after she said that I should feel better in a couple of days.
So, I called first thing this morning and made another appointment. "My" doctor's schedule was full, so I made an appointment with a new nurse practitioner that they apparently have working there. (This was news to me!) She was very kind, sympathetic and I liked her. She immediately said that it looked like my yucky "bug" had turned into bronchitis. She was also surprised that the meds that were prescribed to me last week did not work. So.... she started me on a new round of STRONGER meds and told me that I should not return to work for a WEEK!! ---Yikes! I need the money! --- But, my health is more important right now. I HAVE TO GET BETTER!! This sedentary lifestyle is NOT for me!
Anyway.... That's where I am at. Sick and now.... stuck at home! Of course, if I am feeling better by Thursday, I will most likely return to work. We'll just see how it goes.
I knew that I had it, but last week.... my doc didn't really clarify that this is what I had. And... mabye, last week.... I didn't --- yet.
Even tho' my doc put me on lots of meds last week, I really didn't get any better -- even after she said that I should feel better in a couple of days.
So, I called first thing this morning and made another appointment. "My" doctor's schedule was full, so I made an appointment with a new nurse practitioner that they apparently have working there. (This was news to me!) She was very kind, sympathetic and I liked her. She immediately said that it looked like my yucky "bug" had turned into bronchitis. She was also surprised that the meds that were prescribed to me last week did not work. So.... she started me on a new round of STRONGER meds and told me that I should not return to work for a WEEK!! ---Yikes! I need the money! --- But, my health is more important right now. I HAVE TO GET BETTER!! This sedentary lifestyle is NOT for me!
Anyway.... That's where I am at. Sick and now.... stuck at home! Of course, if I am feeling better by Thursday, I will most likely return to work. We'll just see how it goes.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Day 25 - Sick of being SICK!
This is getting REALLY OLD!! I am tired of feeling like CRAP! Tired of coughing. Tired of not being able to breathe. Tired of blowing my nose.
I miss feeling 100%.
I miss going to the gym.
I miss exercising.
It is beautiful today and I can't enjoy it.
I did go and get the antibiotic that my doctor prescribed for IF I got worse. It is the Z-pac. HOPEFULLY.... it will do me some good!!
I miss feeling 100%.
I miss going to the gym.
I miss exercising.
It is beautiful today and I can't enjoy it.
I did go and get the antibiotic that my doctor prescribed for IF I got worse. It is the Z-pac. HOPEFULLY.... it will do me some good!!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Day 24 - I Lost Weight!
I REALLY didn't think that I would lose weight this week! I have not exercised since Saturday and I even tho I have been sick, I have still had an appetite!!
But.... I can celebrate that I lost 1 POUND this week!! Wahooo!!!!! That's 1.6 lbs so far this month! It's not a lot, but I'll take it!! I know that you are supposed to lose it slowly, not quickly... so, I must be doing something right!
I woke up several times last night, coughing REALLY bad! Of course, I am now out of my cough medicine! (Figures!) But, I also feel like I can breathe better this morning. So, maybe this stuff in my chest is starting to "break up". Praise God!
I feel like I have a head cold now, tho. I'm not sure if that is good or not. I think I am going to go get that antibiotic this afternoon and start taking it. Hopefully, it will knock this stuff out FOR GOOD!
Today and this weekend is supposed to be absolutely beautiful and I REALLY want to feel better so that I can enjoy it!
I have not measured myself yet, but I will and those #'s to the right column.
But.... I can celebrate that I lost 1 POUND this week!! Wahooo!!!!! That's 1.6 lbs so far this month! It's not a lot, but I'll take it!! I know that you are supposed to lose it slowly, not quickly... so, I must be doing something right!
I woke up several times last night, coughing REALLY bad! Of course, I am now out of my cough medicine! (Figures!) But, I also feel like I can breathe better this morning. So, maybe this stuff in my chest is starting to "break up". Praise God!
I feel like I have a head cold now, tho. I'm not sure if that is good or not. I think I am going to go get that antibiotic this afternoon and start taking it. Hopefully, it will knock this stuff out FOR GOOD!
Today and this weekend is supposed to be absolutely beautiful and I REALLY want to feel better so that I can enjoy it!
I have not measured myself yet, but I will and those #'s to the right column.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Day 23 - Still Sick
Oh Wow. I can't remember the last time that I felt THIS bad!! I have a feeling that I really DO have bronchitis and it could be turning into the flu, or worse!
I am going to work today because it is St. Patrick's Day and always a fun day to be with the kids. But.... I really should stay home.
AND.... on top of being sick.... my "monthly friend" showed up yesterday and today is my HEAVY DAY!! ----- NOT fun!! Just shooot me now!
I have my mammogram appointment tomorrow. I think I am going to reschedule it so I don't have to worry about going anywhere tomorrow and I can stay at home and rest.
I am taking my meds as the doc ordered, but I am not seeing any change. She gave me a prescription for an antibiotic, but told me only to use it if my --- about to get gross, here (sorry!).... mucus turns dark green or brown. If I continue to feel this way... I am going to fill that prescription!!
I am going to work today because it is St. Patrick's Day and always a fun day to be with the kids. But.... I really should stay home.
AND.... on top of being sick.... my "monthly friend" showed up yesterday and today is my HEAVY DAY!! ----- NOT fun!! Just shooot me now!
I have my mammogram appointment tomorrow. I think I am going to reschedule it so I don't have to worry about going anywhere tomorrow and I can stay at home and rest.
I am taking my meds as the doc ordered, but I am not seeing any change. She gave me a prescription for an antibiotic, but told me only to use it if my --- about to get gross, here (sorry!).... mucus turns dark green or brown. If I continue to feel this way... I am going to fill that prescription!!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Day 22 - Learning More Info
SELF magazine - March 2011
Healthy meal plan:
- Egg whites & oatmeal for breakfast
- A salad with protein for lunch
- Fish with veggies for dinner
- I could probably do this, but it would get boring after a while. I would have to mix it up with other things.
Morning exercise:
- Trim down faster by exercising before breakfast. Exercise on an empty stomach in the morning improves glucose tolerance, which spurs your body to shed fat. -- When I've been doing my "home exercises", I've been trying this!
Goals:
- Set personal workout goals each month. - I like this idea! I need to do this!
Endurance exercise:
- Lengthy low-intenstity cardio helps slow aging by protecting muscle stem cells. - Do five 60-minute runs or bike rides weekly for rejufenating rewards. - Whew!!! 60 minutes is a LONG time! I KNOW for a fact that I can't run for that long, but I might be able to bike ride it.
Jillian Michaels answers questions: --- Jillian is my "Fitness Idol"!
Q: What type of cardio is the best for burning calories? And how often should I be doing it?
A: A high-intensity interval training is a top torcher. Great choices are: running, biking, or something else. Intervals (alternating short bursts of intense activity with short slower periods of recovery) allow your body to zap more calories during a session. Jog at an easy pace or walk briskly. -- I like the idea of the short intervals of going faster. I may try this the next time I go walking or on the treadmill.
Q: Can you actually lose weight by doing yoga? If so, how should yoga fit into a cardio & strength regimen?
A: Yes, you can pose your way slim, as long as you are watching your calorie intake, too. A vigorous form of yoga, like Vinyasa (power yoga), which can burn more than 400 calories per hour, is recommended. Doing yoga twice a week mixed in with five cardio-and-strength sessions, ranging from 30 to 60 mins, per week. -- Yoga is one thing that I am not doing. Not on purpose, of course. I just haven't found the time to do it. I have done it on my Wii Fit, tho.
Q: Is there such a things as doing too much cardio in a single day?
A: Yes. You shouldn't clock more than 60 mins of high-intensity or two hours of low-intensity cardio daily unless you are on a sports team or training for a marathon. Your body needs a chance to rest & recover. The quality of cardio is more important than the quanity. -- Wow! I will have to work up to 60 mins of cardio!!
Q: How often, and for how long each session, should I be training my abs?
A: Because your abdominals are stabilizing muscles, they're involved in nearly every move we make. So it's fine to train them frequently---I recommend devoting about 5 mins a day to managing your middle. But, you'll get the most belly bang for your buck if you target a different ab muscle group each day. Here's a quick tutorial: The abdominals are made up of 3 main muscle groups--the rectus abdominals, the obliques and the transverse abdominals. --- I LOVE this bit of information!!
Jillian recommends this weekly schedule:
Monday - do crunches for the rectus abdominis
Tuesday - do seated ball twists, working on your obliques
Wednesday - do planks for the transverse abdominis
Thursday - repeat Monday's workout
Friday - repeat Tuesday's workout
Saturday - repeat Wednesday's workout
Before our camping trip AND before I got sick... I had started following this schedule. I love it!!
Q: When I work on my abs, I never feel it in the lower portion, where I need it most. What am I doing wrong?
A: You are probably relying on exercises, like a traditional sit-up or crunch, that target mostly the upper part of your abs. To tone the lower part of your abs, try leg raises or reverse crunches. -- More great AB info! I like both of these exercises! I need to add them to the schedule above!
Q: How can I tone my arms without adding too much bulky muscle?
A: It's very difficult for women to gain muscle mass because we don't have the same amount of testosterone as men do.You have to eat a lot of calories to build muscle mass. My two favorite arm moves: triceps dips and push-ups. -- I am not too worried about "bulking up". LOL! I'll do what I can to exercise my arms, but I won't go crazy with it!
Q: I've been cutting calories and exercising daily, but I'm losing only 1 pound a week. How can I speed it up?
A: A pound a week is GREAT! But, you can lose up to 2 pounds a week if you make additional changes: Cut back -- or totally eliminate -- processed foods. Also, limit alcohol to one drink a day, or quit altogether. (Studies show it may promote fat storage.) Get 8 hours of sleep a night. --- Ahhh.. processed foods. Something that is so very hard for me to give up! I have cut back, tho. And as far as alcohol goes.... I do love it and I have cut back on it, but I won't give it up. **Smile**
Smart Eating:
Breakfast - A morning meal may rev metabolism; plus, it helps make less of an enzyme that raises cholesterol. -- I have always been a breakfast eater, thankfully.
Caffeine - A half cup of either coffee or tea a day can slash your risk for glioma, a type of brain cancer, by up to 34%. The caffeine and antioxidants may prevent tumor growth. - I just recently - within' the last couple of years - started drinking coffee and I definitely do NOT like regular tea - BLECH! - but I have started drinking Green Tea and I am liking it very much!
Hummus - Swap a tablespoon of mayo for protein-packed hummus in egg or tuna salad to save about 70 calories. -- Since I have started to eat more healhty, I rarely eat mayo. I like this idea about the hummus, too! I love hummus!
Black raspberries - The berries are a top source of waist-trimming and blood-sugar-stablizing fiber. Eat them as fruit, not as fruit smoothies. -- I'm not a big fan of black raspberries.
Sleep:
Snoozing less than 6 hours nightly spikes inflammatory hormones and hurts blood vessel function, possibly upping your risk for heart disease and stroke. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. -- I usually get between 7 & 8 hours of sleep a night, so I'm good!
Belly Fat:
Extra belly fat may weaken bones. Tummy bulge is associated with lower bone-mineral density in women, possibly due to hormones fat cells secrete. Manage your middle with a half hour of cardio daily. -- This is my major problem!! Gotta' get rid of it!! HATE IT!!! -- I think I can do a half hour of cardio a day. I pretty much do that now.
Great Quote:
The best "investment" you can make is in you. -- Blake Miller, writer for SELF Magazine
Heart-rate-monitor:
Invest in a product that will help you slim down. To burn fat, you need a high-intensity workout. Aim to exercise at 85% of your maximum heart rate. -- To figure out what yours is... Subtract your age from 220 and multiply it by 0.85. Mine should be 178!! YIKES!! -- The monitor helps you reach the sweet spot while you sweat. -- I wish my pedometer measured my heart-rate. I need to invest in one of these. I used to have one, but it quit working.
Massage:
Swedish massage therapy lowers stress hormones. --- I could do this! **Smile**
New Sneakers:
Invest in an item that supports and protects joints. --- I think I need some new ones.
A bicycle:
Riding a bike regularly adds 3 to 14 more months to your life expectancy. -- YAY! I'm good on this one!
Breakfast:
If you wake up starving, that is a good thing! That means that you did not overeat the previous night! Fuel up with a filling combo of fat, protein and fiber-rich carbs... such as... an egg and a slice of reduced-fat cheese on a whole-grain English muffin, plus a small piece of fruit. --- I got excited when I read this! I eat this EXACT breakfast almost every day!!
Exercise:
Want to flatten your abs? -- Turn that classic cardio fave the elliptical machine into a middle whittler by ditching the handlebars and contracting your core. OR shimmy your way to six-pack success with the ab-engaging hula hoop. -- I like the elliptical idea!! I could do that! AND... I am really good at hula-hooping on the Wii!
Want to firm your butt & thighs? -- Pedal your way to a better bottom half with Spinning. You'll erase 400 calories per 60 minute class and zero in on the muscles in your legs and butt. OR go hiking on a rocky terrain. This provides natural resistance training that quickly trims your lower body; plus it sizzles 480 calories per hour. -- I have never tried a Spinning class. My gym offers one, but the membership that I have does not include it. I LOVE to go hiking, but don't get to do it near enough.
Healthy meal plan:
- Egg whites & oatmeal for breakfast
- A salad with protein for lunch
- Fish with veggies for dinner
- I could probably do this, but it would get boring after a while. I would have to mix it up with other things.
Morning exercise:
- Trim down faster by exercising before breakfast. Exercise on an empty stomach in the morning improves glucose tolerance, which spurs your body to shed fat. -- When I've been doing my "home exercises", I've been trying this!
Goals:
- Set personal workout goals each month. - I like this idea! I need to do this!
Endurance exercise:
- Lengthy low-intenstity cardio helps slow aging by protecting muscle stem cells. - Do five 60-minute runs or bike rides weekly for rejufenating rewards. - Whew!!! 60 minutes is a LONG time! I KNOW for a fact that I can't run for that long, but I might be able to bike ride it.
Jillian Michaels answers questions: --- Jillian is my "Fitness Idol"!
Q: What type of cardio is the best for burning calories? And how often should I be doing it?
A: A high-intensity interval training is a top torcher. Great choices are: running, biking, or something else. Intervals (alternating short bursts of intense activity with short slower periods of recovery) allow your body to zap more calories during a session. Jog at an easy pace or walk briskly. -- I like the idea of the short intervals of going faster. I may try this the next time I go walking or on the treadmill.
Q: Can you actually lose weight by doing yoga? If so, how should yoga fit into a cardio & strength regimen?
A: Yes, you can pose your way slim, as long as you are watching your calorie intake, too. A vigorous form of yoga, like Vinyasa (power yoga), which can burn more than 400 calories per hour, is recommended. Doing yoga twice a week mixed in with five cardio-and-strength sessions, ranging from 30 to 60 mins, per week. -- Yoga is one thing that I am not doing. Not on purpose, of course. I just haven't found the time to do it. I have done it on my Wii Fit, tho.
Q: Is there such a things as doing too much cardio in a single day?
A: Yes. You shouldn't clock more than 60 mins of high-intensity or two hours of low-intensity cardio daily unless you are on a sports team or training for a marathon. Your body needs a chance to rest & recover. The quality of cardio is more important than the quanity. -- Wow! I will have to work up to 60 mins of cardio!!
Q: How often, and for how long each session, should I be training my abs?
A: Because your abdominals are stabilizing muscles, they're involved in nearly every move we make. So it's fine to train them frequently---I recommend devoting about 5 mins a day to managing your middle. But, you'll get the most belly bang for your buck if you target a different ab muscle group each day. Here's a quick tutorial: The abdominals are made up of 3 main muscle groups--the rectus abdominals, the obliques and the transverse abdominals. --- I LOVE this bit of information!!
Jillian recommends this weekly schedule:
Monday - do crunches for the rectus abdominis
Tuesday - do seated ball twists, working on your obliques
Wednesday - do planks for the transverse abdominis
Thursday - repeat Monday's workout
Friday - repeat Tuesday's workout
Saturday - repeat Wednesday's workout
Before our camping trip AND before I got sick... I had started following this schedule. I love it!!
Q: When I work on my abs, I never feel it in the lower portion, where I need it most. What am I doing wrong?
A: You are probably relying on exercises, like a traditional sit-up or crunch, that target mostly the upper part of your abs. To tone the lower part of your abs, try leg raises or reverse crunches. -- More great AB info! I like both of these exercises! I need to add them to the schedule above!
Q: How can I tone my arms without adding too much bulky muscle?
A: It's very difficult for women to gain muscle mass because we don't have the same amount of testosterone as men do.You have to eat a lot of calories to build muscle mass. My two favorite arm moves: triceps dips and push-ups. -- I am not too worried about "bulking up". LOL! I'll do what I can to exercise my arms, but I won't go crazy with it!
Q: I've been cutting calories and exercising daily, but I'm losing only 1 pound a week. How can I speed it up?
A: A pound a week is GREAT! But, you can lose up to 2 pounds a week if you make additional changes: Cut back -- or totally eliminate -- processed foods. Also, limit alcohol to one drink a day, or quit altogether. (Studies show it may promote fat storage.) Get 8 hours of sleep a night. --- Ahhh.. processed foods. Something that is so very hard for me to give up! I have cut back, tho. And as far as alcohol goes.... I do love it and I have cut back on it, but I won't give it up. **Smile**
Smart Eating:
Breakfast - A morning meal may rev metabolism; plus, it helps make less of an enzyme that raises cholesterol. -- I have always been a breakfast eater, thankfully.
Caffeine - A half cup of either coffee or tea a day can slash your risk for glioma, a type of brain cancer, by up to 34%. The caffeine and antioxidants may prevent tumor growth. - I just recently - within' the last couple of years - started drinking coffee and I definitely do NOT like regular tea - BLECH! - but I have started drinking Green Tea and I am liking it very much!
Hummus - Swap a tablespoon of mayo for protein-packed hummus in egg or tuna salad to save about 70 calories. -- Since I have started to eat more healhty, I rarely eat mayo. I like this idea about the hummus, too! I love hummus!
Black raspberries - The berries are a top source of waist-trimming and blood-sugar-stablizing fiber. Eat them as fruit, not as fruit smoothies. -- I'm not a big fan of black raspberries.
Sleep:
Snoozing less than 6 hours nightly spikes inflammatory hormones and hurts blood vessel function, possibly upping your risk for heart disease and stroke. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. -- I usually get between 7 & 8 hours of sleep a night, so I'm good!
Belly Fat:
Extra belly fat may weaken bones. Tummy bulge is associated with lower bone-mineral density in women, possibly due to hormones fat cells secrete. Manage your middle with a half hour of cardio daily. -- This is my major problem!! Gotta' get rid of it!! HATE IT!!! -- I think I can do a half hour of cardio a day. I pretty much do that now.
Great Quote:
The best "investment" you can make is in you. -- Blake Miller, writer for SELF Magazine
Heart-rate-monitor:
Invest in a product that will help you slim down. To burn fat, you need a high-intensity workout. Aim to exercise at 85% of your maximum heart rate. -- To figure out what yours is... Subtract your age from 220 and multiply it by 0.85. Mine should be 178!! YIKES!! -- The monitor helps you reach the sweet spot while you sweat. -- I wish my pedometer measured my heart-rate. I need to invest in one of these. I used to have one, but it quit working.
Massage:
Swedish massage therapy lowers stress hormones. --- I could do this! **Smile**
New Sneakers:
Invest in an item that supports and protects joints. --- I think I need some new ones.
A bicycle:
Riding a bike regularly adds 3 to 14 more months to your life expectancy. -- YAY! I'm good on this one!
Breakfast:
If you wake up starving, that is a good thing! That means that you did not overeat the previous night! Fuel up with a filling combo of fat, protein and fiber-rich carbs... such as... an egg and a slice of reduced-fat cheese on a whole-grain English muffin, plus a small piece of fruit. --- I got excited when I read this! I eat this EXACT breakfast almost every day!!
Exercise:
Want to flatten your abs? -- Turn that classic cardio fave the elliptical machine into a middle whittler by ditching the handlebars and contracting your core. OR shimmy your way to six-pack success with the ab-engaging hula hoop. -- I like the elliptical idea!! I could do that! AND... I am really good at hula-hooping on the Wii!
Want to firm your butt & thighs? -- Pedal your way to a better bottom half with Spinning. You'll erase 400 calories per 60 minute class and zero in on the muscles in your legs and butt. OR go hiking on a rocky terrain. This provides natural resistance training that quickly trims your lower body; plus it sizzles 480 calories per hour. -- I have never tried a Spinning class. My gym offers one, but the membership that I have does not include it. I LOVE to go hiking, but don't get to do it near enough.
Day 22 - Ready to feel better!
No. I am still not feeling well. Coughing and breathing are my big issues. I am a bit tired, too.
I went to work today, but was well aware of my "weasing" as I helped to move some of the woodchips around on the playground to cover up some of the muddy spots. To move the woodchips, it required "squatting" or "bending over" and I quickly became short-winded and needed to STOP! I did and then felt better shortly after.
Today was my long day, which means that I worked until 1:30 instead of 12:30. (I know... big difference!! - LOL!) By the time 1:30 rolled around, I could tell that it was time for another dose of my meds ---- the dreaded meds!! --- that is! I drove straight home and took them. My coughing and breathing improved, but now... I just feel tired.
I miss not being active, but I could also really get used to this slooooow life, too!! -- Just kidding! I really do enjoy being active. I have no desire to be like my mother AND my grandmother and waste my life away by laying in bed (or a recliner!) most of my days!! No way, no how!!!
Right now, I really DO want to exercise, but I know I shouldn't and I really don't have the energy. So... I will obide by my doctor's orders and continue to NOT exercise.
I REALLY hope that I am feeling better by the weekend!! It is supposed to be beautiful and I REALLY want to go biking again!!
Please say a prayer for me!
I went to work today, but was well aware of my "weasing" as I helped to move some of the woodchips around on the playground to cover up some of the muddy spots. To move the woodchips, it required "squatting" or "bending over" and I quickly became short-winded and needed to STOP! I did and then felt better shortly after.
Today was my long day, which means that I worked until 1:30 instead of 12:30. (I know... big difference!! - LOL!) By the time 1:30 rolled around, I could tell that it was time for another dose of my meds ---- the dreaded meds!! --- that is! I drove straight home and took them. My coughing and breathing improved, but now... I just feel tired.
I miss not being active, but I could also really get used to this slooooow life, too!! -- Just kidding! I really do enjoy being active. I have no desire to be like my mother AND my grandmother and waste my life away by laying in bed (or a recliner!) most of my days!! No way, no how!!!
Right now, I really DO want to exercise, but I know I shouldn't and I really don't have the energy. So... I will obide by my doctor's orders and continue to NOT exercise.
I REALLY hope that I am feeling better by the weekend!! It is supposed to be beautiful and I REALLY want to go biking again!!
Please say a prayer for me!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Day 21 - Sidelined for a few days
Yesterday, I woke up feeling "sluggish" and by the end of the day, I was coughing pretty regularly. This morning, I woke up feeling pretty crummy with my cough worse and chest hurting as I coughed. Soooo..... I decided that I better make an appointment with my doctor and make sure it wasn't something serious. I had something similar to this about a month ago and treated it on my own. This time, it is a bit different. My breathing seems to be affected more.
My doctor listened to my breathe and said that she could definitely tell that there was some congestion going on. She told me that she felt sure that it was viral. She had me blow into a "tube thing" that I guess measured how strong my lungs were, then she had the nurse give me a breathing treatment. Then, I had to blow into the tube again. I had to blow into the thing several times because they weren't satisfied with the number! Afterwards, my doctor prescribed an inhaler of Albuterol for me to use for about a week, a 4 day dose of Prednisone and a strong cough syrup.
She also advised me to take a break from exercising until this cleared up, which she felt sure it would by the end of the week.
Sooooo.... I've been "sidelined" just like an injured football player! Haha!! -- At least I'm not knocked out for the whole season! LOL!
I have not worn my pedometer today, since I have been resting and only went to the doctor. I plan to go back to work tomorrow, unless I am worse. I will wear it then.
My doctor listened to my breathe and said that she could definitely tell that there was some congestion going on. She told me that she felt sure that it was viral. She had me blow into a "tube thing" that I guess measured how strong my lungs were, then she had the nurse give me a breathing treatment. Then, I had to blow into the tube again. I had to blow into the thing several times because they weren't satisfied with the number! Afterwards, my doctor prescribed an inhaler of Albuterol for me to use for about a week, a 4 day dose of Prednisone and a strong cough syrup.
She also advised me to take a break from exercising until this cleared up, which she felt sure it would by the end of the week.
Sooooo.... I've been "sidelined" just like an injured football player! Haha!! -- At least I'm not knocked out for the whole season! LOL!
I have not worn my pedometer today, since I have been resting and only went to the doctor. I plan to go back to work tomorrow, unless I am worse. I will wear it then.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Gotta' Get Back on Track!
We had a fun time camping, even tho it was short. We left on Friday morning, after I "unglued" myself from the TV and all of the news about Japan. My heart breaks for them.
I brought my Fitness magazines with me, but didn't get much chance to read them like I had hoped. My friend that has lost the 30 lbs was there and I told her about my struggles and how depressed I was that I wasn't really seeing any results. She tried to convince me that I was "trying to hard" to lose weight. And... she preceded to tell me how she lost her weight.
I know myself, tho... and if I don't stay FOCUSED, I will not succeed. So, I have to try hard! I have no other choice. She had me in tears as we talked about it. She did bring up a good point for me to remember and that is my salt intake. I need to keep an eye on how much I consume, and I haven't been. So... this week, I am going to concentrate more on that and see if it helps. Salty foods are one of the things that I crave!
I think I did very well with my eating while we were gone. I didn't really eat any junk food other than a piece of my friend's birthday cake. Oh... and I did sneak a couple of chips with dip!
I didn't have much beer (maybe 3 total), I did drink a small bottle of white wine, but that was over two days time. -- There's really only about 4 glasses per bottle! -- I also had some of my friend's drink called an.. "Irish Wake". Other than that, I drank my Green Tea.
For exercise... we brought our bikes. On Friday, we biked 2 miles thru the campground. On Saturday, we biked over 6 miles at Callaway Gardens. Both times, there were quite a few hills and not all flat ground. The bike trail over at Callaway is a GREAT place to ride!
According to my pedometer....
on Friday, I logged 5154 steps.
on Saturday, I logged 9396 steps.
and on Sunday, I logged 3552 steps.
I am proud of myself for getting so many steps in!
This morning, I felt VERY sluggish when I finally crawled out of my bed! I slept until 7:30am, which is VERY rare for me to do!! (Of course, we had just "Springed Foward" with our clocks!) I was thankful that I didn't have to work today! Tomorrow.... I HAVE TO GET UP EARLY!
Due to my "sluggishness", I did not go to the gym. I did, however, go downtown to a flea market that I just heard about! I got some of my "steps" there today. They just weren't aerobic!
Tomorrow, I hope to wake up feeling more energized. I really want to go to the gym in the morning, before work. If I can't make it to the gym... I at least hope to get some of my "home exercises" done.
I brought my Fitness magazines with me, but didn't get much chance to read them like I had hoped. My friend that has lost the 30 lbs was there and I told her about my struggles and how depressed I was that I wasn't really seeing any results. She tried to convince me that I was "trying to hard" to lose weight. And... she preceded to tell me how she lost her weight.
I know myself, tho... and if I don't stay FOCUSED, I will not succeed. So, I have to try hard! I have no other choice. She had me in tears as we talked about it. She did bring up a good point for me to remember and that is my salt intake. I need to keep an eye on how much I consume, and I haven't been. So... this week, I am going to concentrate more on that and see if it helps. Salty foods are one of the things that I crave!
I think I did very well with my eating while we were gone. I didn't really eat any junk food other than a piece of my friend's birthday cake. Oh... and I did sneak a couple of chips with dip!
I didn't have much beer (maybe 3 total), I did drink a small bottle of white wine, but that was over two days time. -- There's really only about 4 glasses per bottle! -- I also had some of my friend's drink called an.. "Irish Wake". Other than that, I drank my Green Tea.
For exercise... we brought our bikes. On Friday, we biked 2 miles thru the campground. On Saturday, we biked over 6 miles at Callaway Gardens. Both times, there were quite a few hills and not all flat ground. The bike trail over at Callaway is a GREAT place to ride!
According to my pedometer....
on Friday, I logged 5154 steps.
on Saturday, I logged 9396 steps.
and on Sunday, I logged 3552 steps.
I am proud of myself for getting so many steps in!
This morning, I felt VERY sluggish when I finally crawled out of my bed! I slept until 7:30am, which is VERY rare for me to do!! (Of course, we had just "Springed Foward" with our clocks!) I was thankful that I didn't have to work today! Tomorrow.... I HAVE TO GET UP EARLY!
Due to my "sluggishness", I did not go to the gym. I did, however, go downtown to a flea market that I just heard about! I got some of my "steps" there today. They just weren't aerobic!
Tomorrow, I hope to wake up feeling more energized. I really want to go to the gym in the morning, before work. If I can't make it to the gym... I at least hope to get some of my "home exercises" done.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Day 17 - New Weight & Inches
Well... there you have it. My New numbers are posted to the right. I lost weight and a little bit of inches, but not much. I am disappointed that it's not more, but I'll take it. I just wish I could have lost an inch from my belly, as well. That's the one area that I want GONE the most!
One reason that the inches may still be there is that my "monthly friend" is due any day now. I am going to contribute it to that! **Smile**
I'm off to go get ready to go camping. I'm going to do my best to stick with my fitness and healthy eating!! I promise!! I also bought two new fitness magazines to read while sitting around the campfire.. AND... I have my fitness log with me! So, when I am not exercising, I will be reading about exercising!
Happy Friday to you and I hope that you have a wonderful weekend! I'll be back on Sunday.
***
I want to take a moment to remember the people of Japan that have been impacted by the terrible earthquake. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
One reason that the inches may still be there is that my "monthly friend" is due any day now. I am going to contribute it to that! **Smile**
I'm off to go get ready to go camping. I'm going to do my best to stick with my fitness and healthy eating!! I promise!! I also bought two new fitness magazines to read while sitting around the campfire.. AND... I have my fitness log with me! So, when I am not exercising, I will be reading about exercising!
Happy Friday to you and I hope that you have a wonderful weekend! I'll be back on Sunday.
***
I want to take a moment to remember the people of Japan that have been impacted by the terrible earthquake. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Day 16 - Lunch and a walk
Well, David decided that he wanted to go to The Olive Garden for lunch today. He asked if that was ok with me and I said.... "Well, it is your birthday. If that's where you want to go, then that's where we will go!"
It was VERY crowded for a Thursday at 12:30pm! David said... "I don't know how people have the money to eat out like this all the time, and why they don't weigh 400 lbs!!" Going out to dinner or lunch is a treat for us. We go, but not every day and not even every week.
I usually get their Soup, Salad & Breadsticks. But, this time... I really wasn't in the mood for soup. ---Yes. I know!.... I should have just stuck with the salad!
So, I decided to get the classic lasagna. It came with a salad and of course they delivered those yummy breadsticks to the table, too! -- Now that I think about it... We should have had them NOT bring the breadsticks to the table! Oh well. I only ate two.
David and I, both, only ate half of our meal and brought the rest home for dinner --- although, I probably won't eat mine. I may let one of the girls have it. I am not even hungry and I certainly don't need any more of those calories, even tho they were yummy! **Smile**
We took the dogs for a walk later this afternoon. I don't know how far. I should have clocked it. Oh well. It was probably close to a mile.
At the moment, my pedometer reads -- 7266 steps, 2545 of those steps were aerobic (probably from the dog walking!), 192 calories burned, and 2.75 miles. So... at least I DID exercise after I ate that yummy lunch! --- I have a meeting at church this evening, so these numbers will go up some.
Tomorrow morning, we are leaving to go camping. I won't have internet access, so I won't be able to blog. What I WILL do is... I will take my Exercise Log book with me and keep track of any exercise that I do while camping and then post about my weekend when I return.
Hope you have a great weekend!!
It was VERY crowded for a Thursday at 12:30pm! David said... "I don't know how people have the money to eat out like this all the time, and why they don't weigh 400 lbs!!" Going out to dinner or lunch is a treat for us. We go, but not every day and not even every week.
I usually get their Soup, Salad & Breadsticks. But, this time... I really wasn't in the mood for soup. ---Yes. I know!.... I should have just stuck with the salad!
So, I decided to get the classic lasagna. It came with a salad and of course they delivered those yummy breadsticks to the table, too! -- Now that I think about it... We should have had them NOT bring the breadsticks to the table! Oh well. I only ate two.
David and I, both, only ate half of our meal and brought the rest home for dinner --- although, I probably won't eat mine. I may let one of the girls have it. I am not even hungry and I certainly don't need any more of those calories, even tho they were yummy! **Smile**
We took the dogs for a walk later this afternoon. I don't know how far. I should have clocked it. Oh well. It was probably close to a mile.
At the moment, my pedometer reads -- 7266 steps, 2545 of those steps were aerobic (probably from the dog walking!), 192 calories burned, and 2.75 miles. So... at least I DID exercise after I ate that yummy lunch! --- I have a meeting at church this evening, so these numbers will go up some.
Tomorrow morning, we are leaving to go camping. I won't have internet access, so I won't be able to blog. What I WILL do is... I will take my Exercise Log book with me and keep track of any exercise that I do while camping and then post about my weekend when I return.
Hope you have a great weekend!!
Day 17 - Panicking Just a Bit
I am starting to panic about my "Weigh-in Day" tomorrow!!
Today is David's birthday and we are meeting for lunch. I was trying to figure out what to wear, so I started went to my "nice" pair of jeans - a size 10 - The size that I WAS wearing! They fit, but they are still tighter than I would like them to be. So, then I started trying on my "stash" of jeans.... mostly in a size 12... and all of them were TIGHT!! I have to work in these jeans, so wearing jeans that are too tight and uncomfortable... not to mention my "muffin top" rolling over the wasteband!!.... won't work!
In case you were wondering.... I was wearing my gym pants (yoga pants) to work, but I was told not to any more. So.... there goes comfort!
I went back and tried on the size 10 jeans again, and decided that they really fit and feel the best... the muffin top is there, but not as bad! I guess it depends on the style and brand of the jeans, as to "how" they fit. These are Levi's 515.
Anyway... this whole ordeal with trying on jeans this morning has me panicked about tomorrow's "weigh-in" and "measure-in". I truly believe that I am going to cry buckets of tears if nothing has changed! I want SO badly to be thin again.
Then... I have the problem of lunch today with David. I told him to think about where he wanted to go for lunch. He loves the same places that I do. The FATTENING places! Of course, all restaruants have choices on their menus that are healthy... but..... I don't know about you, but I REALLY have a hard time choosing "healthy" items on the menu's of my favorite restaruants! Who wants to eat a salad at a pizza place??? Or a salad at a mexican resturaunt??? Or JUST a salad at a place like The Olive Garden (Italian)???
Normally, I would eat what I like and not worry about it. I'll burn it off later. But.... since tomorow is "Weigh-in" & "Measure-in" day, I am panicking just a bit. I am not a strong person when it comes to food. That is my biggest weakness.
If I can survive today's lunch date... then, I have tomorrow & Saturday to worry about, also. We are going camping with our friends for the weekend. Camping & Dieting do not mix very well!! At least I will have a chance to burnit all some of it off next week!
I DID do some Home Exercises this morning. Here is what I did --
Crunches -- 1 set of 10 reps / 1 set of 7 reps / 1 set of 5 reps. (It got harder as I went!) -- I did these on the floor. I laid flat and stretched my arms above my head and then raised my legs and arms to touch, while tyring to hold in my abs.
Side-Bend Shoulder Press -- I did 2 sets of 15 reps on each side. (more than last time!)
Weighted Twist -- I did 2 sets of 30 (again... more than last time!)
Knee Jack -- 2 sets of 15 on each side (more!)
Curtsey Punch -- 2 sets of 15 on each side (more!)
These were easier for me than the first time. This is why I was able to do more of them. Hopefully, all of my exercises will be like this!
Today is David's birthday and we are meeting for lunch. I was trying to figure out what to wear, so I started went to my "nice" pair of jeans - a size 10 - The size that I WAS wearing! They fit, but they are still tighter than I would like them to be. So, then I started trying on my "stash" of jeans.... mostly in a size 12... and all of them were TIGHT!! I have to work in these jeans, so wearing jeans that are too tight and uncomfortable... not to mention my "muffin top" rolling over the wasteband!!.... won't work!
In case you were wondering.... I was wearing my gym pants (yoga pants) to work, but I was told not to any more. So.... there goes comfort!
I went back and tried on the size 10 jeans again, and decided that they really fit and feel the best... the muffin top is there, but not as bad! I guess it depends on the style and brand of the jeans, as to "how" they fit. These are Levi's 515.
Anyway... this whole ordeal with trying on jeans this morning has me panicked about tomorrow's "weigh-in" and "measure-in". I truly believe that I am going to cry buckets of tears if nothing has changed! I want SO badly to be thin again.
Then... I have the problem of lunch today with David. I told him to think about where he wanted to go for lunch. He loves the same places that I do. The FATTENING places! Of course, all restaruants have choices on their menus that are healthy... but..... I don't know about you, but I REALLY have a hard time choosing "healthy" items on the menu's of my favorite restaruants! Who wants to eat a salad at a pizza place??? Or a salad at a mexican resturaunt??? Or JUST a salad at a place like The Olive Garden (Italian)???
Normally, I would eat what I like and not worry about it. I'll burn it off later. But.... since tomorow is "Weigh-in" & "Measure-in" day, I am panicking just a bit. I am not a strong person when it comes to food. That is my biggest weakness.
If I can survive today's lunch date... then, I have tomorrow & Saturday to worry about, also. We are going camping with our friends for the weekend. Camping & Dieting do not mix very well!! At least I will have a chance to burn
I DID do some Home Exercises this morning. Here is what I did --
Crunches -- 1 set of 10 reps / 1 set of 7 reps / 1 set of 5 reps. (It got harder as I went!) -- I did these on the floor. I laid flat and stretched my arms above my head and then raised my legs and arms to touch, while tyring to hold in my abs.
Side-Bend Shoulder Press -- I did 2 sets of 15 reps on each side. (more than last time!)
Weighted Twist -- I did 2 sets of 30 (again... more than last time!)
Knee Jack -- 2 sets of 15 on each side (more!)
Curtsey Punch -- 2 sets of 15 on each side (more!)
These were easier for me than the first time. This is why I was able to do more of them. Hopefully, all of my exercises will be like this!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Day 16 - My Body Aches!
I guess if my body aches, it means that I am hopefully doing something right! - Right?? - You know the old saying... "No Pain. No Gain." **Smile** For me, I would rather say... "Yes Pain. Yes Lose!" As in... Lose weight and inches!
I am anxious to weigh myself on Friday and measure myself. But, I am also a little scared that the numbers will either be the same or ..... the dreaded..... MORE! I seriously think I will cry if that happens!! I am trying SO hard to lose weight & inches, it just won't seem fair if I don't see any results from it.
My feet still hurt, too. I managed to get my full walk on the treadmill & the elliptical done, at least. My feet really didn't start hurting until I got home and took my shoes off! Since, then... they have been killing me!! It is more my left foot, than my right. David said that he would help me buy a new pair of tennis shoes soon.
I went to the gym this afternoon, after work. Here are my results.
Treadmill --- I walked at level 3.4 (higher than usual!) at an incline of 2.5 for 18 mins. I burned 106 calories and walked for .96 miles. --- I used to get off the treadmill when I reached 15 mins. Now, I try to keep going until I get to 100 calories burned.
Elliptical Machine --- I worked out on level 2 at a speed of 3.7 for 13 mins. My heart rate averaged about 122. I burned 105 calories and walked .81 miles.
Back Extension --- I did 3 sets of 15 reps at 85 lbs.
Hip Abductor (Inner thigh) --- I did 3 sets of 15 reps at 130 lbs.
Hip Abductor (Outer thigh/hips) --- I did 1 set of 15 at 130 lbs, and then did 1 set of 15 at 135. Then, I dropped the weight back down to 130 lbs and did another set of 15.
I am anxious to weigh myself on Friday and measure myself. But, I am also a little scared that the numbers will either be the same or ..... the dreaded..... MORE! I seriously think I will cry if that happens!! I am trying SO hard to lose weight & inches, it just won't seem fair if I don't see any results from it.
My feet still hurt, too. I managed to get my full walk on the treadmill & the elliptical done, at least. My feet really didn't start hurting until I got home and took my shoes off! Since, then... they have been killing me!! It is more my left foot, than my right. David said that he would help me buy a new pair of tennis shoes soon.
I went to the gym this afternoon, after work. Here are my results.
Treadmill --- I walked at level 3.4 (higher than usual!) at an incline of 2.5 for 18 mins. I burned 106 calories and walked for .96 miles. --- I used to get off the treadmill when I reached 15 mins. Now, I try to keep going until I get to 100 calories burned.
Elliptical Machine --- I worked out on level 2 at a speed of 3.7 for 13 mins. My heart rate averaged about 122. I burned 105 calories and walked .81 miles.
Back Extension --- I did 3 sets of 15 reps at 85 lbs.
Hip Abductor (Inner thigh) --- I did 3 sets of 15 reps at 130 lbs.
Hip Abductor (Outer thigh/hips) --- I did 1 set of 15 at 130 lbs, and then did 1 set of 15 at 135. Then, I dropped the weight back down to 130 lbs and did another set of 15.
Day 16 - Hurts So Good
I could be talking about the awesome song by John "Cougar" Mellencamp, but I am actually talking about my body!!
I can really feel the work out that I did at home yesterday, which is a good thing!! My sides, hips, & shoulders ache.
This morning, I did some more .... what I am calling... "home exercises". I did not use weights today. I just tried to concentrate on working my abs.
Plank - This is where you put your forarms on the floor and stretch your legs out behind you and then push up on your toes and hold the pose for as long as you can. --- I last 15 secs! Then, I did it again for another 15 secs. It is a LOT harder than it sounds, but it is supposed to be very good for your abs!
Bench Leg Lift - This is an exercise that I learned while watching the personal trainers at the gym do with their clients. You lie on a flat bench with your booty on the end and your legs NOT on the bench. You then raise your legs up towards the ceiling, while tightening your abs. --- I did 10 of these. I had no problem doing it, but I used my cedar chest at the end of my bed for a bench, and it was VERY uncomfortable!! I may try it again and use my bed as the "bench".
The following exercises are from various magazines and involve using the Stability Ball. -- I now know why I quit using that thing!! These exercises are HARD to do!!! That thing won't be still!!
3-Way Pulse -- Targets legs & Butt -- You are supposed to do 4 sets of 5 reps, on each side! --- I did 2 sets of 5 reps.
Plank up -- Targets Abs & Quads -- You are suppose to hold the possition for 45-60 secs. --- I held it for only 20 secs! It was hard!!
Single-Leg Ball Squat --- Targets Butt & Quads -- Couldn't do this one! Couldn't balance myself!! Too hard!!
Hamstring Curl --- Targets Butt & Hamstrings -- You are to do 3 sets of 12-15 reps. --- I did 2 sets of 15 reps. -- This one was hard, but I could do it. I could mostly feel it in my hamstrings.
Twist Tuck --- Targets Abs & Obliques -- Nope. Couldn't do this one either! Couldn't balance myself!
Quadrupted Pulse --- Targets Back, Abs, Obliques & Butt -- This one was hard too! Really hard to balance!
Stability Ball Crunches --- Targets Abs & Obliques --- I can do these, but I have to put my feet up against something to keep myself in position on the ball. I did 2 sets of 10 reps.
The weather is supposed to be nasty this afternoon. My plan is to go to the gym after work, but if the weather is too nasty, I will come home. I don't like to be anywhere else but HOME when bad weather is here!
I can really feel the work out that I did at home yesterday, which is a good thing!! My sides, hips, & shoulders ache.
This morning, I did some more .... what I am calling... "home exercises". I did not use weights today. I just tried to concentrate on working my abs.
Plank - This is where you put your forarms on the floor and stretch your legs out behind you and then push up on your toes and hold the pose for as long as you can. --- I last 15 secs! Then, I did it again for another 15 secs. It is a LOT harder than it sounds, but it is supposed to be very good for your abs!
Bench Leg Lift - This is an exercise that I learned while watching the personal trainers at the gym do with their clients. You lie on a flat bench with your booty on the end and your legs NOT on the bench. You then raise your legs up towards the ceiling, while tightening your abs. --- I did 10 of these. I had no problem doing it, but I used my cedar chest at the end of my bed for a bench, and it was VERY uncomfortable!! I may try it again and use my bed as the "bench".
The following exercises are from various magazines and involve using the Stability Ball. -- I now know why I quit using that thing!! These exercises are HARD to do!!! That thing won't be still!!
3-Way Pulse -- Targets legs & Butt -- You are supposed to do 4 sets of 5 reps, on each side! --- I did 2 sets of 5 reps.
Plank up -- Targets Abs & Quads -- You are suppose to hold the possition for 45-60 secs. --- I held it for only 20 secs! It was hard!!
Single-Leg Ball Squat --- Targets Butt & Quads -- Couldn't do this one! Couldn't balance myself!! Too hard!!
Hamstring Curl --- Targets Butt & Hamstrings -- You are to do 3 sets of 12-15 reps. --- I did 2 sets of 15 reps. -- This one was hard, but I could do it. I could mostly feel it in my hamstrings.
Twist Tuck --- Targets Abs & Obliques -- Nope. Couldn't do this one either! Couldn't balance myself!
Quadrupted Pulse --- Targets Back, Abs, Obliques & Butt -- This one was hard too! Really hard to balance!
Stability Ball Crunches --- Targets Abs & Obliques --- I can do these, but I have to put my feet up against something to keep myself in position on the ball. I did 2 sets of 10 reps.
The weather is supposed to be nasty this afternoon. My plan is to go to the gym after work, but if the weather is too nasty, I will come home. I don't like to be anywhere else but HOME when bad weather is here!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Day 15 - Home Exercises
This morning, instead of going to the gym, I worked out at home. I wanted to do some floor exercises and some with weights. Those are exercises that I could do at the gym, but the area at the gym where I would need to do these exercises is over where all the big, burly MEN hang work out! It would be nice if they had a designated area just for women to do floor exercises other than that area. I really don't want to have those men watching me while I lie on the floor and try to do crunches!
Anyway.... I did the following exercises at home this morning --- These are from FITNESS magazine's March 2011 issue.
Seated Ball Twist --- Targets obliques -- I did 1 set of 30 reps while holding both of my 2 lb weights. Then, I did another set of 20 reps, then a set of 14 reps. (I got slower as I went!) -- I did not have a "weighted ball", so I just used my weights that I have.
Weighted Twist --- Targets abs, obliques, butt, & legs -- I did 3 sets of 30 reps with my two 2 lb weights. -- I liked this exercise.
Split-squat Curl --- Targets the abs, obliques, butt, & legs --- I tried do this one, but couldn't balance myself very well!
Side-bend Shoulder Press --- Targets shoulders, abs, & obliques --- I did one set of 30 on each side. --- I liked this one, but it took a while to do 30 on each side.
Knee Jack --- Targets shoulders, abs, obliques, & legs --- I did one set of 15 on each side. --- I liked this one, too.
Curtsy Punch --- Targets shoulders, arms, abs, obliques, butt, & legs -- I did 1 set of 15 reps on each side -- I liked this one, too!
This afternoon, I asked David about my stability ball. He knew where it was, but he had to put air back into it. So, now I have it to use when I do my home exercises! YAY!
Since I didn't go to the gym today to walk, I didn't get as many STEPS on my pedometer as I usually do!My feet are My left foot is hurting pretty bad this afternoon, so even walking in the neighborhood is out. Looks like I'll have to break down and buy some new tennis shoes. UGH!
Here are my STEPS for today ---
4218 steps
0 aerobic **Sad Face**
114 calories burned
1.59 miles walked
Yep. I have GOT to get my feet back to feeling normal again so I can reach my goal of at least 6000 steps a day! (And work up to 10,000!)
Anyway.... I did the following exercises at home this morning --- These are from FITNESS magazine's March 2011 issue.
Seated Ball Twist --- Targets obliques -- I did 1 set of 30 reps while holding both of my 2 lb weights. Then, I did another set of 20 reps, then a set of 14 reps. (I got slower as I went!) -- I did not have a "weighted ball", so I just used my weights that I have.
Weighted Twist --- Targets abs, obliques, butt, & legs -- I did 3 sets of 30 reps with my two 2 lb weights. -- I liked this exercise.
Split-squat Curl --- Targets the abs, obliques, butt, & legs --- I tried do this one, but couldn't balance myself very well!
Side-bend Shoulder Press --- Targets shoulders, abs, & obliques --- I did one set of 30 on each side. --- I liked this one, but it took a while to do 30 on each side.
Knee Jack --- Targets shoulders, abs, obliques, & legs --- I did one set of 15 on each side. --- I liked this one, too.
Curtsy Punch --- Targets shoulders, arms, abs, obliques, butt, & legs -- I did 1 set of 15 reps on each side -- I liked this one, too!
This afternoon, I asked David about my stability ball. He knew where it was, but he had to put air back into it. So, now I have it to use when I do my home exercises! YAY!
Since I didn't go to the gym today to walk, I didn't get as many STEPS on my pedometer as I usually do!
Here are my STEPS for today ---
4218 steps
0 aerobic **Sad Face**
114 calories burned
1.59 miles walked
Yep. I have GOT to get my feet back to feeling normal again so I can reach my goal of at least 6000 steps a day! (And work up to 10,000!)
Day 15 - Trying something different
Instead of heading to the gym today, I am going to try and do those "home exercises" that I did before... plus add a few new ones. We'll see how it goes!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Day 14 - Not Going As Well As I Had Planned
Well, I had a feeling that today was not going to go as well as I had hoped... and I was right!
I left the house before 10:00am and headed straight for the gym. I got into the locker room, put my things in a locker, got out my Ipod and my fitness log book and headed out onto the gym floor. It was then that I realized that I was missing something --- my water bottle! Oops! Forgot to bring it! The gym does have a place where I could buy a bottle of water for only $1.00, but all I had on me was a $20.00 bill, and I didn't want to them to have to give me cash for a twenty. So... I decided that I would just continue on with my work out and go to the water fountain when I got thirsty.
I headed upstairs to one of the areas with treadmills and elliptical machines. I found an empty treadmill that had a "working" TV monitor on it. (Watching TV helps the work out go faster!) I got on. Started the thing up and proceeded to walk. I turned on the ELLEN show... One of my favorites!... and all was good, until........ my feet began to HURT!!!
I have been dealing with some issues with my feet hurting for a couple of weeks. I "think" it is Planters Fascitis, but I am not sure. I have had it before, and my feet hurt ALL the time. With this... my feet only seem to hurt when I am exercising (walking) and in the evening, after I have been sitting in the recliner and then get up to walk. The pain is located on the bottom, in the middle of both of my feet... on each side of each foot. Weird, huh?
Anyway... I managed to do my 15 minutes on the treadmill, and then loosened my shoe laces (in case my shoes were too tight) and walked down to the elliptical machines to find one with a "working" TV. I started my work out on it, and about 6 minutes into my work out... my LEFT foot started hurting really bad!! I continued on for another few minutes, and I "think" I managed to get 10 minutes on the elliptical.
I am wondering if new tennis shoes will help. I've had these for about a year and 3 months.
I came back down stairs and did some of my other favorite exercises. The gym was VERY crowded! I can't figure out why at 10:00 on a Monday morning, it would be so crowded. Crazy!
Here are the other exercises that I did ---
Back Extension -- 3 sets of 15 reps, at 85 lbs
Torso Twist -- 3 sets of 15 reps, at 55 lbs
Hip Abductor (inner) -- 3 sets of 15 reps, at 130 lbs
Hip Abductor (outer) -- 1 set of 15 reps, at 130 lbs
" " " " " " " -- 2 sets of 15 reps, at 135 lbs -- (I felt the need to "up" the pounds)
In my last post, I told you that I was meeting a friend for lunch. We met at a place called Zaxby's. I usually get their salad called -- The Zensation. But.... they no longer offer it!! UGH!! There were only two other salads on the menu and I knew that I didn't want the "Blue Salad", because it had blue cheese in it. The other one was the "House Salad" and that just didn't sound so good. Too plain! (but, it's what I "should" have gotten!) I ended up getting something else that was TOTALLY not healthy! I even tried to get my chicken grilled, but they apparently don't offer it grilled any longer! So.... I will be eating a salad for dinner tonight, at home!
At the grocery store... fresh pineapple was on sale, so I bought some of that. And.... I bought a liter of GREEN TEA! As I mentioned before, I am not a fan of it, but I have read that it is so good for weight-loss. So.... I am drinking a glass of it as I type this, now! I think I will be able to drink it. It isn't so bad!
I bought another fitness magazine. I am anxious to read it!
Oh! Before I forget..... my friend that I had lunch with today, asked me if I had seen a mutual friend of ours recently. I said... "Yes. I saw her at church yesterday." My friend, said... "She's lost like 30 lbs!! She looks great!!" I just sighed, and said... "Yes. I knew that she had lost weight, but I didn't realize that she had lost THAT much!" Now... all I can think about is that my friend --- who was already pretty skinny! --- lost 30 lbs and I can't seem to lose a pound!! UGH!! It's depressing.
I left the house before 10:00am and headed straight for the gym. I got into the locker room, put my things in a locker, got out my Ipod and my fitness log book and headed out onto the gym floor. It was then that I realized that I was missing something --- my water bottle! Oops! Forgot to bring it! The gym does have a place where I could buy a bottle of water for only $1.00, but all I had on me was a $20.00 bill, and I didn't want to them to have to give me cash for a twenty. So... I decided that I would just continue on with my work out and go to the water fountain when I got thirsty.
I headed upstairs to one of the areas with treadmills and elliptical machines. I found an empty treadmill that had a "working" TV monitor on it. (Watching TV helps the work out go faster!) I got on. Started the thing up and proceeded to walk. I turned on the ELLEN show... One of my favorites!... and all was good, until........ my feet began to HURT!!!
I have been dealing with some issues with my feet hurting for a couple of weeks. I "think" it is Planters Fascitis, but I am not sure. I have had it before, and my feet hurt ALL the time. With this... my feet only seem to hurt when I am exercising (walking) and in the evening, after I have been sitting in the recliner and then get up to walk. The pain is located on the bottom, in the middle of both of my feet... on each side of each foot. Weird, huh?
Anyway... I managed to do my 15 minutes on the treadmill, and then loosened my shoe laces (in case my shoes were too tight) and walked down to the elliptical machines to find one with a "working" TV. I started my work out on it, and about 6 minutes into my work out... my LEFT foot started hurting really bad!! I continued on for another few minutes, and I "think" I managed to get 10 minutes on the elliptical.
I am wondering if new tennis shoes will help. I've had these for about a year and 3 months.
I came back down stairs and did some of my other favorite exercises. The gym was VERY crowded! I can't figure out why at 10:00 on a Monday morning, it would be so crowded. Crazy!
Here are the other exercises that I did ---
Back Extension -- 3 sets of 15 reps, at 85 lbs
Torso Twist -- 3 sets of 15 reps, at 55 lbs
Hip Abductor (inner) -- 3 sets of 15 reps, at 130 lbs
Hip Abductor (outer) -- 1 set of 15 reps, at 130 lbs
" " " " " " " -- 2 sets of 15 reps, at 135 lbs -- (I felt the need to "up" the pounds)
In my last post, I told you that I was meeting a friend for lunch. We met at a place called Zaxby's. I usually get their salad called -- The Zensation. But.... they no longer offer it!! UGH!! There were only two other salads on the menu and I knew that I didn't want the "Blue Salad", because it had blue cheese in it. The other one was the "House Salad" and that just didn't sound so good. Too plain! (but, it's what I "should" have gotten!) I ended up getting something else that was TOTALLY not healthy! I even tried to get my chicken grilled, but they apparently don't offer it grilled any longer! So.... I will be eating a salad for dinner tonight, at home!
At the grocery store... fresh pineapple was on sale, so I bought some of that. And.... I bought a liter of GREEN TEA! As I mentioned before, I am not a fan of it, but I have read that it is so good for weight-loss. So.... I am drinking a glass of it as I type this, now! I think I will be able to drink it. It isn't so bad!
I bought another fitness magazine. I am anxious to read it!
Oh! Before I forget..... my friend that I had lunch with today, asked me if I had seen a mutual friend of ours recently. I said... "Yes. I saw her at church yesterday." My friend, said... "She's lost like 30 lbs!! She looks great!!" I just sighed, and said... "Yes. I knew that she had lost weight, but I didn't realize that she had lost THAT much!" Now... all I can think about is that my friend --- who was already pretty skinny! --- lost 30 lbs and I can't seem to lose a pound!! UGH!! It's depressing.
Day 14 - Gotta' Get Back on Track
Hope you all had a nice weekend. Mine was good, but I was a VERY lazy! The weather played a part in that, but I also didn't go anywhere so that I could reserve my gas in my car.
I did go to church with my family yesterday, but the kids and I spent most of the rest of the day in front of the TV watching a movie, then the Nascar race, then more of Greys Anatomy!
Today, tho, I am GOING TO GET BACK ON TRACK!
Although...... David is already back home from work and is SICK! ----- UGH!! So, who knows what my day will be like!
But... my day will carry on and I WILL go to the gym today and stay more busy!
I am meeting a friend for lunch, but I plan to get a salad. I know the restaurant salads aren't always the best choices, but I feel that it has got to be a better choice than the other things on the menu.
I have to plan my grocery list and come up with some healthy meals for the week --- NOT my favorite thing to do! It's hard to come up with yummy meals that are healthy and not too pricey.
I did go to church with my family yesterday, but the kids and I spent most of the rest of the day in front of the TV watching a movie, then the Nascar race, then more of Greys Anatomy!
Today, tho, I am GOING TO GET BACK ON TRACK!
Although...... David is already back home from work and is SICK! ----- UGH!! So, who knows what my day will be like!
But... my day will carry on and I WILL go to the gym today and stay more busy!
I am meeting a friend for lunch, but I plan to get a salad. I know the restaurant salads aren't always the best choices, but I feel that it has got to be a better choice than the other things on the menu.
I have to plan my grocery list and come up with some healthy meals for the week --- NOT my favorite thing to do! It's hard to come up with yummy meals that are healthy and not too pricey.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Day 13 - Weekend Laziness
Ok. So, I didn't get much exercise yesterday. I stayed at home. The most exercise that I got was doing some household chores. I am blaming it on the rain! Ha!
I was a "TV Junkie" and a "Computer Junkie" yesterday! The good news is that I didn't do any mindless snacking like I usually do. I ate a healthy breakfast, then a healthy snack & lunch. I did eat more than one afternoon snack, but nothing that I would consider "junk food".
David made Brunswick Stew for dinner. I did eat one bowl of it and a few left-over fried pickles that Ashley brought home from her lunch at Country's BBQ. I also had a couple of beers.
I DID NOT eat the ice cream that Ashley brought home!! So, I get points for that!
I enjoyed the day. Miranda was home all day and I was happy to get to hang out with her. We have been watching Grey's Anatomy from the beginning on Netflix. She is loving it and gets so excited when she hears them talk about something that she has learned in school! It's fun!
We watched several episodes yesterday and I worked on sewing one of my pillows for my couch, as we did. THAT kept my hands busy! LOL
Nick & Rory came over for dinner and then we all played a fun family game --- Well, except for David. He fell asleep!! No surprise there! Then, we watched COPS. Nick just got hired on at a nearby town as a police officer and is SOOOO excited!! I think I am almost as excited as he is!! Rory also wants to be a police officer, so COPS is a fun show to watch with them.
Anyway.... it is raining again this morning. UGH! Maybe, later, if it clears up... I can take a walk.
I NEED TO!
I was a "TV Junkie" and a "Computer Junkie" yesterday! The good news is that I didn't do any mindless snacking like I usually do. I ate a healthy breakfast, then a healthy snack & lunch. I did eat more than one afternoon snack, but nothing that I would consider "junk food".
David made Brunswick Stew for dinner. I did eat one bowl of it and a few left-over fried pickles that Ashley brought home from her lunch at Country's BBQ. I also had a couple of beers.
I DID NOT eat the ice cream that Ashley brought home!! So, I get points for that!
I enjoyed the day. Miranda was home all day and I was happy to get to hang out with her. We have been watching Grey's Anatomy from the beginning on Netflix. She is loving it and gets so excited when she hears them talk about something that she has learned in school! It's fun!
We watched several episodes yesterday and I worked on sewing one of my pillows for my couch, as we did. THAT kept my hands busy! LOL
Nick & Rory came over for dinner and then we all played a fun family game --- Well, except for David. He fell asleep!! No surprise there! Then, we watched COPS. Nick just got hired on at a nearby town as a police officer and is SOOOO excited!! I think I am almost as excited as he is!! Rory also wants to be a police officer, so COPS is a fun show to watch with them.
Anyway.... it is raining again this morning. UGH! Maybe, later, if it clears up... I can take a walk.
I NEED TO!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Day 12 - Helpful Info
From:
FITNESS magazine - March 2011
* Any amount of activity is beneficial if you do it consistantly.
* Writing down your aspirations and sharing them with a friend increases your odds of success. "Like" FITNESS at facebook/fitnessmag and choose your fitness goals, then click to share them with your friends. This way you will have your whole social network circle to keep you accountable! --- I did it!
* The best motivator for many people is to sign up for a class or a gym membership. If they've paid for it, then they are more likely to go at least 3 days a week. -- Yep! I joined the gym and I DO go because I am paying for it! Plus.. I am enjoying it!
* Set a specific time to work out, as if it is an appointment. --- Yep! I've done that. I have my own schedule and I try to stick to it!
* Attend classes at the gym so that each day is something different. This will keep you from getting bored. --- Unfortunately, with the membership that I currently have at the gym... I can not attend any of the classes.
* Work out early in the day. The later it gets, the less likely you will go to the gym. --- This is true.
* Live an active life -- Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk the dogs every day. Park far away. -- I do take the stairs, if I can. And I don't always park close. It depends on where I am. I DO need to walk the dogs more often.
* The steps that you accumulate throughout your day that make a difference in your weight. Start a habit of walking around your neighborhood after meals. -- I should do this.
* People who walked at least 6 miles a week reduced their risk of age-related memory problems by half. -- I am pretty sure that I DO walk at least 6 miles each week. Probably MORE!
* How to choose a resistance band:
If you're new to exercise, choose the lightest band to start, usually the equivalent of a 3 lb dumbbell. If you already work out, go with the next level, 5-7 lbs of resistance. (Bands are typically color coded. Try the GoFit Power Loops kit to get three levels of resistance; $15, gofit.com)
To increase the resistance of any band, just shorten it, by holding it closer to where it's anchored. Depending on the exercise, you can anchor the band under your feet or tie it around a doorknob, a sofa leg or a bedpost. Center the band before tying it to create two ends; tie it closer to one end for a single strap. -- The one that I have is Ashley's. She got it when she was in physical therapy after her knee surgery. I have no idea what "resistance" it is. Not sure if I should get a new one.
* Fat-burning enzymes start switching off when you're inactive for too long, and they an plummet 50% or more after a full day of not standing. Every 30 minutes... stand and stretch. -- Ooh! This is something to remember!! Of course, I am pretty active on most days. Sunday, tho... I tend to be a bit more lazy!
* Movement creates energy. Just 10 minutes of brisk walking can increase your energy for 2 hours. -- I like this! I can do this!
* Snacks that boost energy are ones that include carbs, protein and a little fat (crackers with peanut butter; yogurt and a slice of whole wheat bread). Fats give you an immediate boost, complex carbs sustain blood sugar levels, and protein keeps your energy up for several hours. -- I love peanut butter crackers!! I am glad that they are good for energy boosts!
* 4 grams of concentrated fish oil daily may increase muscle mass while reducing body fat. -- I knew that Fish was good for you, but I didn't realize that it was THIS good! I do like it. We just don't eat it that often. I DO take fish oil supplements, tho.
* Ward off the munchies by making a list of alternative activities to keep yourself entertained.
* Splurge on one meal and one dessert each weekend. That way you can indulge without feeling guilty or wrecking your diet. --- YAY! I like this idea!
* Book: The Beck Diet Solution: Train Your Brain to Think Like a Thin Person
* Book: Stealth Health: How to Sneak Nutrition Painlessly Into Your Diet
* Book: Your Final Diet
--- I haven't check these books out yet. I just listed them because they were mentioned in the magazine.
* Rather than fixate on the number on the scale, identify healthy habits you can practice long-term. -- Eat out less and cook at home more, aim to hit the gym 3 times a week, and walk wherever you can instead of automatically jumping into the car. -- I am guilty of being "fixated" on the number on the scale! I like the idea of identifying healthy habits, instead.
* Book: The Small Change Diet
* Thirst can cause cravings, just as hunger can. Eat every 3 to 4 hours and drink water regularly.
-- I have a hard time drinking "enough" water. I get bored with it!
* What you weigh isn't as important as what you fit into. -- I know this to be true... but, I still want that number on the scale to go DOWN!
* Secrets to diet success: Watch portion sizes, Exercise more, & Cut out junk food -- Great things to remember!
* Spread out your calories throughout your day for a steady stream of energy. Eat 300-400 calories for breakfast, 400-500 for lunch and dinner. Then, eat two 100-200 calorie snacks daily. -- This "should" be easy to do. Of course, tho.... it involves "counting" those stupid calories!! LOL!
FITNESS magazine - March 2011
* Any amount of activity is beneficial if you do it consistantly.
* Writing down your aspirations and sharing them with a friend increases your odds of success. "Like" FITNESS at facebook/fitnessmag and choose your fitness goals, then click to share them with your friends. This way you will have your whole social network circle to keep you accountable! --- I did it!
* The best motivator for many people is to sign up for a class or a gym membership. If they've paid for it, then they are more likely to go at least 3 days a week. -- Yep! I joined the gym and I DO go because I am paying for it! Plus.. I am enjoying it!
* Set a specific time to work out, as if it is an appointment. --- Yep! I've done that. I have my own schedule and I try to stick to it!
* Attend classes at the gym so that each day is something different. This will keep you from getting bored. --- Unfortunately, with the membership that I currently have at the gym... I can not attend any of the classes.
* Work out early in the day. The later it gets, the less likely you will go to the gym. --- This is true.
* Live an active life -- Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk the dogs every day. Park far away. -- I do take the stairs, if I can. And I don't always park close. It depends on where I am. I DO need to walk the dogs more often.
* The steps that you accumulate throughout your day that make a difference in your weight. Start a habit of walking around your neighborhood after meals. -- I should do this.
* People who walked at least 6 miles a week reduced their risk of age-related memory problems by half. -- I am pretty sure that I DO walk at least 6 miles each week. Probably MORE!
* How to choose a resistance band:
If you're new to exercise, choose the lightest band to start, usually the equivalent of a 3 lb dumbbell. If you already work out, go with the next level, 5-7 lbs of resistance. (Bands are typically color coded. Try the GoFit Power Loops kit to get three levels of resistance; $15, gofit.com)
To increase the resistance of any band, just shorten it, by holding it closer to where it's anchored. Depending on the exercise, you can anchor the band under your feet or tie it around a doorknob, a sofa leg or a bedpost. Center the band before tying it to create two ends; tie it closer to one end for a single strap. -- The one that I have is Ashley's. She got it when she was in physical therapy after her knee surgery. I have no idea what "resistance" it is. Not sure if I should get a new one.
* Fat-burning enzymes start switching off when you're inactive for too long, and they an plummet 50% or more after a full day of not standing. Every 30 minutes... stand and stretch. -- Ooh! This is something to remember!! Of course, I am pretty active on most days. Sunday, tho... I tend to be a bit more lazy!
* Movement creates energy. Just 10 minutes of brisk walking can increase your energy for 2 hours. -- I like this! I can do this!
* Snacks that boost energy are ones that include carbs, protein and a little fat (crackers with peanut butter; yogurt and a slice of whole wheat bread). Fats give you an immediate boost, complex carbs sustain blood sugar levels, and protein keeps your energy up for several hours. -- I love peanut butter crackers!! I am glad that they are good for energy boosts!
* 4 grams of concentrated fish oil daily may increase muscle mass while reducing body fat. -- I knew that Fish was good for you, but I didn't realize that it was THIS good! I do like it. We just don't eat it that often. I DO take fish oil supplements, tho.
* Ward off the munchies by making a list of alternative activities to keep yourself entertained.
* Splurge on one meal and one dessert each weekend. That way you can indulge without feeling guilty or wrecking your diet. --- YAY! I like this idea!
* Book: The Beck Diet Solution: Train Your Brain to Think Like a Thin Person
* Book: Stealth Health: How to Sneak Nutrition Painlessly Into Your Diet
* Book: Your Final Diet
--- I haven't check these books out yet. I just listed them because they were mentioned in the magazine.
* Rather than fixate on the number on the scale, identify healthy habits you can practice long-term. -- Eat out less and cook at home more, aim to hit the gym 3 times a week, and walk wherever you can instead of automatically jumping into the car. -- I am guilty of being "fixated" on the number on the scale! I like the idea of identifying healthy habits, instead.
* Book: The Small Change Diet
* Thirst can cause cravings, just as hunger can. Eat every 3 to 4 hours and drink water regularly.
-- I have a hard time drinking "enough" water. I get bored with it!
* What you weigh isn't as important as what you fit into. -- I know this to be true... but, I still want that number on the scale to go DOWN!
* Secrets to diet success: Watch portion sizes, Exercise more, & Cut out junk food -- Great things to remember!
* Spread out your calories throughout your day for a steady stream of energy. Eat 300-400 calories for breakfast, 400-500 for lunch and dinner. Then, eat two 100-200 calorie snacks daily. -- This "should" be easy to do. Of course, tho.... it involves "counting" those stupid calories!! LOL!
Day 12 - Feeling Those Exercises!
WOW! Those exercises that I did at home yesterday must have worked!!! My shoulders are sore and so is my butt!!! I guess I will be trying to add those into my daily routine, somehow. I feel thinner, too! LOL!! I haven't measured myself. I will be good and wait until Friday! **Smile**
Today... it is raining. I wish I could go biking. Oh well.
I could go to the gym, but because of the high gas prices... I need to limit my trips to town. Maybe, if David goes to town, he can drop me off at the gym while he does whatever he needs to do in town. Or..... I can do those exercises that I did yesterday, while he is gone. Ashley will be working today. I'm not sure about Miranda.
I'll just see how the day goes.
Today... it is raining. I wish I could go biking. Oh well.
I could go to the gym, but because of the high gas prices... I need to limit my trips to town. Maybe, if David goes to town, he can drop me off at the gym while he does whatever he needs to do in town. Or..... I can do those exercises that I did yesterday, while he is gone. Ashley will be working today. I'm not sure about Miranda.
I'll just see how the day goes.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Day 11 - Trying Out Some Home Exercises
After spending time on my blogs this morning, doing laundry, cleaning house, and taking a shower.... I decided to give home "weight training" or "strength training" a try! I got out my trusty folder that I made containing different articles on exercise.
I did not go and look for my stability ball. I think David put it down in the shed, but I'm not sure. It used to stay in my bedroom or in my closet... when I used it! But, when I quit using it, it got moved to... I'm not sure where! If it is gone, then I will buy a new one. I think I am ready to use it again.
Anyway... Here are the exercises that I DID do!
"Tuck & Kick" -- Targets Chest, Shoulders, Core & Butt.
It calls for 10 to 15 reps per leg.
I did 10 reps per leg.
What I thought of it --- It was easy, but I couldn't really tell what part of my body that it was working! I used my fireplace hearth as a "bench".
"Standing Leg Lifts" -- Targets Butt, Hips, Inner Thighs, Outer Thighs
It didn't call for a certain number of reps.
I did 2 sets of 10 reps on each leg.
What I thought of it --- I could really feel it working my hips and outer thighs. I used my elastic stretch band thingy and tied it to my table leg.
"Weighted Squats" -- Targets Butt
It calls for you to use 5-10 lb dumbbells. I only have 2 lbs. It says to do 3 sets of 8-12 reps.
I did 3 sets of 10 reps.
What I thought of it --- I liked this exercise. I know it will work well if I get heavier weights --- or if I use the weights at the gym!
"Single Leg Lift" -- Targets Butt & Hamstrings
It calls again for 5-10 lbs. weights. I took turns on each side holding both of my 2 lb weights. It says to do 3 sets of 8-12 reps.
What I thought of it --- This one was hard for me because I can not balance too well! I did find on my left foot, but had to hold onto the chair for my right foot. I did not really feel it working my butt.
"Step Up" -- Targets Butt
It calls again for the 5-10 lb weights. It says to do 3 sets of 8-12 reps.
I did 1 set of 10 reps. I used my fireplace hearth as a step.
What I thought of it --- I can see where this would be a good exercise, but I didn't feel like I had enough room by using my hearth. It would work well, if I actually had a "step". This might be something that I can do at the gym, as well.
"Biceps Burner" -- Targets Biceps
It did not call for a certain lb weight. It says to do 5 reps per side.
I did one arm at a time and held both of my weights in the same hand. I did 3 sets of 10.
What I thought of it --- I liked it, but it would be better with a little heavier weight.
"Pull Apart" -- Targets Legs, Back, and Shoulders
I used the stretchy band for this. No weights needed. With this one, you do a "lunge"! Not my favorite!
I did 1 set of 10 on each leg.
What I thought of it --- I know that the lunge is a great work out, but I don't feel like I am good at it.
"Balance Row" -- Targets Back, Core & Butt
I didn't have my stability ball, so I just held onto the table and used both of my 2 lb weights.
It calls for 10-12 reps for each arm (or side).
I did 1 set of 12 on each side.
What I thought of it --- I liked this one. It may be different when I use the stability ball, tho!
"Overhead Squat" -- Targets Legs, Butt, & Shoulders
I used the stretchy band with this one, too. It is basically just "squatting" while holding a pole over your head. Easy. It says to do 12-15 reps.
I did 3 sets of 10 reps.
What I thought of this one --- I liked this one. Squats... I can do!
I could feel my heart pumping hard as I did these! So, that is good. I didn't really do any cardio today, but at least I did these!!
I did not go and look for my stability ball. I think David put it down in the shed, but I'm not sure. It used to stay in my bedroom or in my closet... when I used it! But, when I quit using it, it got moved to... I'm not sure where! If it is gone, then I will buy a new one. I think I am ready to use it again.
Anyway... Here are the exercises that I DID do!
"Tuck & Kick" -- Targets Chest, Shoulders, Core & Butt.
It calls for 10 to 15 reps per leg.
I did 10 reps per leg.
What I thought of it --- It was easy, but I couldn't really tell what part of my body that it was working! I used my fireplace hearth as a "bench".
"Standing Leg Lifts" -- Targets Butt, Hips, Inner Thighs, Outer Thighs
It didn't call for a certain number of reps.
I did 2 sets of 10 reps on each leg.
What I thought of it --- I could really feel it working my hips and outer thighs. I used my elastic stretch band thingy and tied it to my table leg.
"Weighted Squats" -- Targets Butt
It calls for you to use 5-10 lb dumbbells. I only have 2 lbs. It says to do 3 sets of 8-12 reps.
I did 3 sets of 10 reps.
What I thought of it --- I liked this exercise. I know it will work well if I get heavier weights --- or if I use the weights at the gym!
"Single Leg Lift" -- Targets Butt & Hamstrings
It calls again for 5-10 lbs. weights. I took turns on each side holding both of my 2 lb weights. It says to do 3 sets of 8-12 reps.
What I thought of it --- This one was hard for me because I can not balance too well! I did find on my left foot, but had to hold onto the chair for my right foot. I did not really feel it working my butt.
"Step Up" -- Targets Butt
It calls again for the 5-10 lb weights. It says to do 3 sets of 8-12 reps.
I did 1 set of 10 reps. I used my fireplace hearth as a step.
What I thought of it --- I can see where this would be a good exercise, but I didn't feel like I had enough room by using my hearth. It would work well, if I actually had a "step". This might be something that I can do at the gym, as well.
"Biceps Burner" -- Targets Biceps
It did not call for a certain lb weight. It says to do 5 reps per side.
I did one arm at a time and held both of my weights in the same hand. I did 3 sets of 10.
What I thought of it --- I liked it, but it would be better with a little heavier weight.
"Pull Apart" -- Targets Legs, Back, and Shoulders
I used the stretchy band for this. No weights needed. With this one, you do a "lunge"! Not my favorite!
I did 1 set of 10 on each leg.
What I thought of it --- I know that the lunge is a great work out, but I don't feel like I am good at it.
"Balance Row" -- Targets Back, Core & Butt
I didn't have my stability ball, so I just held onto the table and used both of my 2 lb weights.
It calls for 10-12 reps for each arm (or side).
I did 1 set of 12 on each side.
What I thought of it --- I liked this one. It may be different when I use the stability ball, tho!
"Overhead Squat" -- Targets Legs, Butt, & Shoulders
I used the stretchy band with this one, too. It is basically just "squatting" while holding a pole over your head. Easy. It says to do 12-15 reps.
I did 3 sets of 10 reps.
What I thought of this one --- I liked this one. Squats... I can do!
I could feel my heart pumping hard as I did these! So, that is good. I didn't really do any cardio today, but at least I did these!!
Day 11 - Side Bar Changes
I made some changes to the side bar on this blog. You will see that I started over on my weight with the new addition of my new digital scale. This morning, I stepped on it, first thing, and it read exactly 170.0. So, this is my new starting point. I am sure that it is more accurate than my old one.
I also took my measurements this morning and added a box in the side bar for that. Yes... I have a "belly problem"! It is something that I want so DESPERATELY to get rid of!!! I HATE IT!!! It is the place that where all (or most) of my weight gain goes! UGH!
I also added a box for my daily step counting. It is for the past two weeks. I plan to change it daily and keep it at two weeks. You can definitely see a pattern when you look at the numbers!! You can see that I didn't even wear the pedometer on Friday's, Saturday's, or Sunday's! Hahaa! I promise to ALWAYS wear it from now on! I don't want there to be another 0 on the list! Of course, I may not wear it on Sunday's for church. It will just depend on what I am wearing.
Check out this "Word of the Day" from my Dictionary.com app on my Ipod ---
GASTRONOME (noun) --- meaning.... "A lover of good food & drink"!! -- I thought that was sooooo funny!! I guess that is what I am!!! LOL!
I should have the house to myself for a little while, later this morning. Let's see if I can get my butt in gear and workout some before David comes home! He gets off work at 11:30am, and if he doesn't have any other work to do... he comes home! This messes up my whole plan!! Oh well. If it's not raining, maybe we can go bike the neighborhood together, when he gets home.
I also took my measurements this morning and added a box in the side bar for that. Yes... I have a "belly problem"! It is something that I want so DESPERATELY to get rid of!!! I HATE IT!!! It is the place that where all (or most) of my weight gain goes! UGH!
I also added a box for my daily step counting. It is for the past two weeks. I plan to change it daily and keep it at two weeks. You can definitely see a pattern when you look at the numbers!! You can see that I didn't even wear the pedometer on Friday's, Saturday's, or Sunday's! Hahaa! I promise to ALWAYS wear it from now on! I don't want there to be another 0 on the list! Of course, I may not wear it on Sunday's for church. It will just depend on what I am wearing.
Check out this "Word of the Day" from my Dictionary.com app on my Ipod ---
GASTRONOME (noun) --- meaning.... "A lover of good food & drink"!! -- I thought that was sooooo funny!! I guess that is what I am!!! LOL!
I should have the house to myself for a little while, later this morning. Let's see if I can get my butt in gear and workout some before David comes home! He gets off work at 11:30am, and if he doesn't have any other work to do... he comes home! This messes up my whole plan!! Oh well. If it's not raining, maybe we can go bike the neighborhood together, when he gets home.
Day 10 - Oprah Helped Me Figure Things Out
I stumbled across this article (click to read article, if you would like to) while scrolling thru Twitter "tweets". I follow "O Magazine" on Twitter. The article is titled ---- I'm Doing Everything Right, So Why Can't I Lose Weight? I saw this, and just HAD to read the article!!
I learned a LOT from this article! The women that the article talked about, all "thought" that they were doing all the right things. But, after experts looked over their diet & exercise diaries, they discovered that they really weren't doing everything "right". Here are some things that "hit home" for me ----
No need to count carbs. Instead eat a balanced diet of mostly unrefined foods. I HATE having to count everything I eat! So, if I just focus on putting on "healthy foods" in my mouth, then I shouldn't have anything to "count"!
Good food will provide nutrition and a feeling of fullness that lasts.
A rush of sugar-fueled energy will leave you hungry again in about an hour. When the cravings hit, have a "baggie" ready with slices of chicken, strips of bell peppers, or strawberries. Try a protein bar instead of 32 ounces of fruit punch. It's ok to eat a snack, but eat ones like a handful of nuts or a small bag of carrots. Some great ideas!
Step up the fruit and veggies; eat some lean protein (egg whites, low-fat dairy, skin-less poultry, beans) at each meal; and replace doughnuts, bagels, and candy with complex carbs like whole grains and cereals. I DO need to "step up" the fruit and veggies. But, I am already eating healthy things like... low-fat dairy, skin-less poultry, beans, and whole grains.
Cut back on calories, but not so much that your body thinks that there's a famine. Starving will only encourage the retention of fat around the waist and hips. This may very well be one of my problems. NOT getting enough calories! That seems to bring me back to having to "count" calories! UGH!
Losing weight is about telling the truth. If you are truthful about what you eat, then you will have success. I like this quote. It is so very true!
Focus on portion size: Eating only to the point of fullness. I am doing better with "portion size". I do not go back for seconds as much as I used to, and I like to use a smaller plate.
The ability to throw away food is a great indicator of an ability to lose weight. It's ok to not automatically finish everything on your plate. This is a hard one for me. I HATE throwing out food! What a waste.
Pushing away food is like pushing away your drug. WOW!! What a great quote! Food IS a drug! Maybe if I look at it that way, it will help.
Your relationship with food is an amazing passage to your deepest issues.
A lot of people waste time at the gym resting too long between sets and not using heavy enough weights. "Strength training is like a house's foundation. It's the structional support." I rest because I am POOPED! I do try to use as heavy of a weight as possible, without hurting myself. I am also trying to "up" my weights each time I go, or within a week.
Exercises can be done at home. The only thing equipment you need is a pair of dumbbells. I DO have a set of 2 lb dumbbells. I used to use them. Guess I need to pull them back out again!
Instead of relaxing on the couch, go for a walk yourself or take the whole family and walk the dogs. I am VERY lazy when the evenings come! Yes, I should walk more often and take my dogs, too!
Once or twice a week, treat yourself. I like this idea. I just have to make sure not to treat myself TOO often!
Success has little to do with reducing the circumference of your thighs, and everything to do with discovering what is going on inside your mind and heart to keep you from reaching your goal. I REALLY like this!! It's so true.
What a GREAT article this was!! ~ Thank you, Oprah!
.
I learned a LOT from this article! The women that the article talked about, all "thought" that they were doing all the right things. But, after experts looked over their diet & exercise diaries, they discovered that they really weren't doing everything "right". Here are some things that "hit home" for me ----
No need to count carbs. Instead eat a balanced diet of mostly unrefined foods. I HATE having to count everything I eat! So, if I just focus on putting on "healthy foods" in my mouth, then I shouldn't have anything to "count"!
Good food will provide nutrition and a feeling of fullness that lasts.
A rush of sugar-fueled energy will leave you hungry again in about an hour. When the cravings hit, have a "baggie" ready with slices of chicken, strips of bell peppers, or strawberries. Try a protein bar instead of 32 ounces of fruit punch. It's ok to eat a snack, but eat ones like a handful of nuts or a small bag of carrots. Some great ideas!
Step up the fruit and veggies; eat some lean protein (egg whites, low-fat dairy, skin-less poultry, beans) at each meal; and replace doughnuts, bagels, and candy with complex carbs like whole grains and cereals. I DO need to "step up" the fruit and veggies. But, I am already eating healthy things like... low-fat dairy, skin-less poultry, beans, and whole grains.
Cut back on calories, but not so much that your body thinks that there's a famine. Starving will only encourage the retention of fat around the waist and hips. This may very well be one of my problems. NOT getting enough calories! That seems to bring me back to having to "count" calories! UGH!
Losing weight is about telling the truth. If you are truthful about what you eat, then you will have success. I like this quote. It is so very true!
Focus on portion size: Eating only to the point of fullness. I am doing better with "portion size". I do not go back for seconds as much as I used to, and I like to use a smaller plate.
The ability to throw away food is a great indicator of an ability to lose weight. It's ok to not automatically finish everything on your plate. This is a hard one for me. I HATE throwing out food! What a waste.
Pushing away food is like pushing away your drug. WOW!! What a great quote! Food IS a drug! Maybe if I look at it that way, it will help.
Your relationship with food is an amazing passage to your deepest issues.
A lot of people waste time at the gym resting too long between sets and not using heavy enough weights. "Strength training is like a house's foundation. It's the structional support." I rest because I am POOPED! I do try to use as heavy of a weight as possible, without hurting myself. I am also trying to "up" my weights each time I go, or within a week.
Exercises can be done at home. The only thing equipment you need is a pair of dumbbells. I DO have a set of 2 lb dumbbells. I used to use them. Guess I need to pull them back out again!
Instead of relaxing on the couch, go for a walk yourself or take the whole family and walk the dogs. I am VERY lazy when the evenings come! Yes, I should walk more often and take my dogs, too!
Once or twice a week, treat yourself. I like this idea. I just have to make sure not to treat myself TOO often!
Success has little to do with reducing the circumference of your thighs, and everything to do with discovering what is going on inside your mind and heart to keep you from reaching your goal. I REALLY like this!! It's so true.
What a GREAT article this was!! ~ Thank you, Oprah!
.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Day 10 - Bought a New Scale
Yes. I bought a new scale. A digital one. I got it at Walmart. It was cheap. Only $15. I read -- I know... there I go, reading again! -- that you don't really need a "fancy" one, just one that works!
I went to the gym after I went to Walmart, and after work. I weighed myself at the gym before I worked out, which is what you are supposed to do. Never weigh yourself after you have worked out!! You will always weigh more! (I learned that when I was attending Curves for Women) Of course, I had on my sneakers (tennis shoes), so that added about 3 lbs, AND.... I usually only weigh myself, first thing in the morning. So... the scale at the gym was not a really good measurement, but I just wanted to see what it said. It said exactly 173. My scale at home has been reading exactly 165 in the mornings. BIG difference! I am going to wait until the morning and "officially" weigh in! I know that the number will be larger than 165, but it will be a NEW starting point, and more accurate.
I got to thinking on my way home from the gym.... how I am really stressing over the stupid number on the scale!! Tomorrow, I am going to measure myself and keep track of that each week, as well. Of course, my clothes still being too tight are a way to "measure", too. I think that is stressing me out just as much as the number on the scale not moving!!
Here I am, working out more than I have in a very long time and trying very hard to eat more healthy and what do I have to show for it.... NOTHING!!!! I honestly do NOT understand it!
I thought about joining Weight Watchers, but I really don't have the extra money that it costs and I don't know that I could really stick with it. I think I will do better just trying to limit my portions, my sugars, and carbs. Avoid soda as much as possible.
This is what I did at the gym today:
Treadmill --- 16 mins at level 3.2 at an incline of 2.5. My heart rate was between 119-135. (It gradually got higher) I burned 102 calories.
Elliptical --- 12 mins at level 2. My heart rate was at it's highest of 135. I burned 105 calories.
Back Extension --- 3 sets of 15 reps at 85 lbs.
Torso Twist --- 3 sets of 15 reps (each side) at 55 lbs.
I usually do more, but I as tired and out of water. I would really like to work on some floor exercises with the "stability ball", but I am not comfortable doing that in the area that is designated for that. I may have to work on doing that at home. Maybe tomorrow I can do that, since I don't have to work.
Right now, my pedometer reads ---
8792 steps
3405 aerobic steps
273 calories burned
3.33 miles walked
Those numbers are actually higher than they usually are! YAY!
I went to the gym after I went to Walmart, and after work. I weighed myself at the gym before I worked out, which is what you are supposed to do. Never weigh yourself after you have worked out!! You will always weigh more! (I learned that when I was attending Curves for Women) Of course, I had on my sneakers (tennis shoes), so that added about 3 lbs, AND.... I usually only weigh myself, first thing in the morning. So... the scale at the gym was not a really good measurement, but I just wanted to see what it said. It said exactly 173. My scale at home has been reading exactly 165 in the mornings. BIG difference! I am going to wait until the morning and "officially" weigh in! I know that the number will be larger than 165, but it will be a NEW starting point, and more accurate.
I got to thinking on my way home from the gym.... how I am really stressing over the stupid number on the scale!! Tomorrow, I am going to measure myself and keep track of that each week, as well. Of course, my clothes still being too tight are a way to "measure", too. I think that is stressing me out just as much as the number on the scale not moving!!
Here I am, working out more than I have in a very long time and trying very hard to eat more healthy and what do I have to show for it.... NOTHING!!!! I honestly do NOT understand it!
I thought about joining Weight Watchers, but I really don't have the extra money that it costs and I don't know that I could really stick with it. I think I will do better just trying to limit my portions, my sugars, and carbs. Avoid soda as much as possible.
This is what I did at the gym today:
Treadmill --- 16 mins at level 3.2 at an incline of 2.5. My heart rate was between 119-135. (It gradually got higher) I burned 102 calories.
Elliptical --- 12 mins at level 2. My heart rate was at it's highest of 135. I burned 105 calories.
Back Extension --- 3 sets of 15 reps at 85 lbs.
Torso Twist --- 3 sets of 15 reps (each side) at 55 lbs.
I usually do more, but I as tired and out of water. I would really like to work on some floor exercises with the "stability ball", but I am not comfortable doing that in the area that is designated for that. I may have to work on doing that at home. Maybe tomorrow I can do that, since I don't have to work.
Right now, my pedometer reads ---
8792 steps
3405 aerobic steps
273 calories burned
3.33 miles walked
Those numbers are actually higher than they usually are! YAY!
Day 10 - TOTALLY FRUSTRATED
WHY WON'T THE NUMBER ON THE FRICKIN' SCALE
GO DOWN????????????????????
Yes, I am yelling!!
I honestly don't understand it! I am probably exercising more and eating better than I have in a long time... still..... NOTHING! No results for my efforts can be seen! I am literally, holding back tears right now.
I have been trying to do Weight Watcher's online, but I am HORRIBLE at keeping up with it. I am thinking about starting back to the meetings. I can't really afford it to go, but hey... right now... I am ready to scarface a little bit of money each week in order to lose weight! And... maybe by having to GO there and WEIGH IN each week, I will try harder to keep up with the points.
I cry every time I go to get dressed. My size 10's that I "was" wearing, are still too tight! I don't want to be a size 12!!! I want to be a size 10 (comfortably!) or a size 8, if possible. And... I know that it IS possible! That's the part the bugs the crap out of me!!!! I know it is possible and I can't get there!!!
I opted out of going to the gym this morning, but I will go this afternoon. I am too upset this morning, to go.
I need to buy a new scale. I need a digital one. But, I am afraid that the digital one will depress me even more!! I am afraid that I will get stuck on the "point something's" ... like 165.2 or 165.6. I am afraid that I will FREAK (more than I already am!) if the "point" part goes UP!
I've gotta' go and eat breakfast and get going. Maybe I will see some results tomorrow. --- Ya, right!
GO DOWN????????????????????
Yes, I am yelling!!
I honestly don't understand it! I am probably exercising more and eating better than I have in a long time... still..... NOTHING! No results for my efforts can be seen! I am literally, holding back tears right now.
I have been trying to do Weight Watcher's online, but I am HORRIBLE at keeping up with it. I am thinking about starting back to the meetings. I can't really afford it to go, but hey... right now... I am ready to scarface a little bit of money each week in order to lose weight! And... maybe by having to GO there and WEIGH IN each week, I will try harder to keep up with the points.
I cry every time I go to get dressed. My size 10's that I "was" wearing, are still too tight! I don't want to be a size 12!!! I want to be a size 10 (comfortably!) or a size 8, if possible. And... I know that it IS possible! That's the part the bugs the crap out of me!!!! I know it is possible and I can't get there!!!
I opted out of going to the gym this morning, but I will go this afternoon. I am too upset this morning, to go.
I need to buy a new scale. I need a digital one. But, I am afraid that the digital one will depress me even more!! I am afraid that I will get stuck on the "point something's" ... like 165.2 or 165.6. I am afraid that I will FREAK (more than I already am!) if the "point" part goes UP!
I've gotta' go and eat breakfast and get going. Maybe I will see some results tomorrow. --- Ya, right!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Day 9 - Time to Wear Shorts to the Gym!
I went to the gym after work, today. I got there about 1:30. By the time that I left, I was VERY hot! I think it might be time to break out the shorts and wear them to the gym since the temps outside are now warmer. I might have to break out the tanning cream, as well! **Smile**
This morning, before I left for work, I put together a notebook to take to the gym with me. In it are my log sheets and exercise articles from magazines. I really like writing down the details of my workouts. I, then, know what weight I used on each machine. Then, I can challenge myself to "up" my weight the next time.
Here's what I did today:
Treadmill --- I walked for at level 3.2 at an incline of 2.5 for 18 mins. I burned 100 calores and walked .94 miles.
Elliptical --- I walked at level 2 for 12 minutes. My heart rate was an average of 133. I burned 103 calories and walked .88 miles.
Seated Leg Press --- 1 set of 15 reps at 50 lbs. Then, another set of 10 reps and another of 12 reps.
Back Extension --- 1 set of 15 reps at 75 lbs. Then, 80 lbs. Then, 85 lbs.
Abdominal --- 3 sets of 10 reps at 50 lbs. (NOT my favorite machine!)
Glute --- 2 sets of 15 reps at 70 lbs.
I quit after this! I was SO tired!
At 2:20, when I had finished, my pedometer read:
7571 steps
3636 Aerobic Steps
215 calories
2.86 miles
This morning, before I left for work, I put together a notebook to take to the gym with me. In it are my log sheets and exercise articles from magazines. I really like writing down the details of my workouts. I, then, know what weight I used on each machine. Then, I can challenge myself to "up" my weight the next time.
Here's what I did today:
Treadmill --- I walked for at level 3.2 at an incline of 2.5 for 18 mins. I burned 100 calores and walked .94 miles.
Elliptical --- I walked at level 2 for 12 minutes. My heart rate was an average of 133. I burned 103 calories and walked .88 miles.
Seated Leg Press --- 1 set of 15 reps at 50 lbs. Then, another set of 10 reps and another of 12 reps.
Back Extension --- 1 set of 15 reps at 75 lbs. Then, 80 lbs. Then, 85 lbs.
Abdominal --- 3 sets of 10 reps at 50 lbs. (NOT my favorite machine!)
Glute --- 2 sets of 15 reps at 70 lbs.
I quit after this! I was SO tired!
At 2:20, when I had finished, my pedometer read:
7571 steps
3636 Aerobic Steps
215 calories
2.86 miles
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Day 8 - Made it to the Gym!
I wasn't too sure if I was going to make it to the gym this morning, or not.... but, I did!
I didn't bother with looking at the movie schedule for the cinema, because it usually takes the staff a few days into the new month before they post the movie schedule. Instead, I opted for to use the treadmill downstairs, with the TV's that are mounted from the ceiling. I wanted to watch a bit of the news, so I plugged my earphones in to the little box and started walking!
Here's what I did ---
Treadmill --- I did 10 mins at an incline of 2.5 at a speed of 3.0. I usually do 15 mins, but I decided to shorten the time to allow more time for the "weights". I also usually, switch to the Elliptical machine after the treadmill, but decided to do that last. (I was anxious to do the weights!)
Torso Rotation --- (each side) --- 2 sets at 55 lbs. 15 reps. Then, I "upped" the weight to 60 lbs, and did another set of 15.
Hip Abductor (Inner Thigh) --- 3 sets of 15 reps at 140 lbs.
Hip Abductor (Outer Thigh/hip) --- 2 sets of 15 reps at 140 lbs, then one set of 15 reps at 130 lbs.
Back Extension --- 2 sets of 15 reps at 75 lbs. Then, 1 set of 15 reps at 80 lbs.
Abdominal --- 1 set of 15 at 50 lbs. Then, 2 sets of 10 at 50 lbs. (I don't like this machine!)
Seated Leg Press --- 1 set of 15 reps at 50 lbs. Then, 1 set of 15 reps at 55 lbs. Then, 1 set of 10 reps at 50 lbs. (My legs gave out!)
Treadmill --- I did 10 mins at an incline of 3.0 at a speed of 3.2. My heart rate got up to 125. (I didn't do the elliptical because I couldn't get the TV tuner to work on them!)
When, I finished at 8:05am ... I checked my pedometer. It read:
3005 steps
2233 of those steps were areobic steps
96 calories were burned
1.13 miles were walked
I have not done any more exercise today. I just took off my pedometer and it now reads:
6531 steps
2233 aerobic steps
187 calores burned
2.47 miles walked
I didn't bother with looking at the movie schedule for the cinema, because it usually takes the staff a few days into the new month before they post the movie schedule. Instead, I opted for to use the treadmill downstairs, with the TV's that are mounted from the ceiling. I wanted to watch a bit of the news, so I plugged my earphones in to the little box and started walking!
Here's what I did ---
Treadmill --- I did 10 mins at an incline of 2.5 at a speed of 3.0. I usually do 15 mins, but I decided to shorten the time to allow more time for the "weights". I also usually, switch to the Elliptical machine after the treadmill, but decided to do that last. (I was anxious to do the weights!)
Torso Rotation --- (each side) --- 2 sets at 55 lbs. 15 reps. Then, I "upped" the weight to 60 lbs, and did another set of 15.
Hip Abductor (Inner Thigh) --- 3 sets of 15 reps at 140 lbs.
Hip Abductor (Outer Thigh/hip) --- 2 sets of 15 reps at 140 lbs, then one set of 15 reps at 130 lbs.
Back Extension --- 2 sets of 15 reps at 75 lbs. Then, 1 set of 15 reps at 80 lbs.
Abdominal --- 1 set of 15 at 50 lbs. Then, 2 sets of 10 at 50 lbs. (I don't like this machine!)
Seated Leg Press --- 1 set of 15 reps at 50 lbs. Then, 1 set of 15 reps at 55 lbs. Then, 1 set of 10 reps at 50 lbs. (My legs gave out!)
Treadmill --- I did 10 mins at an incline of 3.0 at a speed of 3.2. My heart rate got up to 125. (I didn't do the elliptical because I couldn't get the TV tuner to work on them!)
When, I finished at 8:05am ... I checked my pedometer. It read:
3005 steps
2233 of those steps were areobic steps
96 calories were burned
1.13 miles were walked
I have not done any more exercise today. I just took off my pedometer and it now reads:
6531 steps
2233 aerobic steps
187 calores burned
2.47 miles walked
Day 8 - Don't Know If I'll Make It
I don't know if I'll make it to the gym this morning, or not. I slept oh-so-good last night and had a hard time waking up!! Therefore... I feel "sluggish" and I am moving slow. I really DO like going to the gym before work. It gives me energy for the day.
If I don't make it to the gym this morning, I am going to do my best to either walk this afternoon or ride my bike.
We'll see how the day goes.
If I don't make it to the gym this morning, I am going to do my best to either walk this afternoon or ride my bike.
We'll see how the day goes.
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