Plank challenge

http://rawrebecca.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/raw-rebeccas-30-day-squat-and-plank-challenge/ 

Vicki found this challenge on pinterest, and we both decided to give it a try.  I just completed day 5 today.  I'm excited to see if it works because this will be gregreat for my core. 

FALL INTO HEALTH

I started my Fall detoxing today. I felt really good about myself today. I didn't give into any cravings and stuck to my daily food plan. I started the day off with an awesome morning elixir (lemon juice, water and apple cider vinegar) and an awesome veggie, fruit smoothie with hemp protein powder and flax seed, sounds gross but it was pretty amazing. I have 4 days of pre-detoxing which I will be trying to eliminate eggs, dairy, wheat/grains, nuts and soy. I'm slowly trying to incorporate more fruits and veggies that are low on the glycemic index. This is the first detox I've done where I'm not hungry, a lot of detoxes out there don't allow you to eat real food, which is why I was really attracted to this detox. Also the instructor really encourages you to go at your own pace, its definitely not too extreme and it feels like something I will keep up with it.

http://www.vibrantologyhealth.com/

 Rawkin' Love Smoothie

1 cup coconut milk, rice, almond or hemp milk
1 banana
1 Tablespoon ground flax seed
1 cup spinach or kale
1 cup frozen berries
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 splash pure vanilla extract
Ice (optional)
Combine all ingredients in blender; blend until smooth

Morning Elixir

8-12 oz. warm water

Juice from 1/2 Lemon

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

It's good to drink throughout the day and it really flushes your system

Power swim

I went to the gym tonight after work and running errands.  I had menstrual aches, back pain, and i was real tired and knew I had stuff to do when I got home.  But I still went to the gym because I know I won't be able to go all weekend due to being out of town.  And also because I ate fast food today. 

I did a power swim for 30 minutes and pushed myself in speed and strength.  I was physically tired afterwards (still am!).  But either way, I'm proud of myself for going to the gym. I couldve had so many excuses today. But this is my first step I need to work on: no excuses. 

Long time no see...

I've been to the gym here and there for the past several months, however, I've usually stuck to weights and swimming.  I've been actually craving to use the cardio machines for the past month but haven't done it due to back pain.  I finally did it today! My favorite cardio machine is the elliptical-like one, where the tracks incline and decline. It works different muscles with each level.  And I find that its a tougher workout than the regular elliptical machines.  I also like the fat burn/weightloss program on the machine because it does the intervals for you!

My workout today was okay...the inclined intervals were tough but I haven't been on it in awhile, so its reasonable.  I'm excited for my next visit to the "precor" machine.  I have no idea what its called, but it says that on the side of the machine.

Gotta do it.

When sasha and I discussed our weightloss challenges, last Thursday.... one of the biggest reasons we fail is because we are just simply lazy.  Many times, we find dumb excuses why we "can't" make it to the gym that day...when really...we could. 

So today, after working a very busy 11.5 hr shift at work, I'd have an hour at the gym before they closed.  I wasn't super tired but I still didn't want to go to the gym...just because I could go home and do other things.  I knew I'd be going to the gym in the morning as I planned with another friend so I "really didn't have to" was whag I told myself. However, I drove to the gym anyway. Funny thing, how as soon as I step into the gym I start feeling more tired than I felt all day.  But I got myself there and already walled in...so i just had to do it.  I swam hard for 30 minutes tonight.  Overall, I feel good about it.

I have to make myself go more often. 

I told a friend last week, that maybe i should put $1 in a jar everytime i actually workout.  Then after a certain point, whether its monthly, quarterly, or anually...i could treat myself to something nice with that money.  It could be as little as a nice meal or massage.  It could be to buy myself something i need or have wanted but never bought.  Or if it collects a lot for a longer period of time...maybe id have enough to cover part of a trip to visit my non-mn friends!  I really like this idea even more now.  I think i may try to collect for the first 6 months this first time around.  I willet you know when i start the jar (it may wait until i move).

Let's Do This!

Sasha and I just discussed how we fail at losing weight.  We must bring this blog back to life.

Recent inspirations

As I mentioned, I recently bought a new phone.  I started looking for new apps and I found Nike Training Club (NTC) which is a training club for women.  It is similar to Skimble's workout app that I blogged about last fall, but from what I experienced from my NTC workout a couple nights ago...it's a little more intense.  I couldn't even finish my 15 minute lean legs workout.

I also decided to start my push-ups app over, since I got a new phone.  When I started it last fall, I believe I could only do 3 pushups before I'd collapse to the floor.  I got through almost halfway of the 50pushups program, when I stopped doing it.  I know it has helped because I could do 8 pushups this time!  Even though I'm happy about that, I'm nervous because that means my training will start out more intense than it did last time :(  However, I'm excited to have sore abs everyday again!

The image below, I found from pinterest, and I find it motivating.  

My life needs to be fixed.

For the past several months, I think it's pretty safe to say that all I've been doing is sleeping and working.  And no, I don't run a one-man-business that requires my time all the time.  I have a regular 40hr/week job.  So this means I'm sleeping the rest of the time.  Am I diagnosed with depression?  No.  Do I live alone? No. Do I not have any friends or a social life?  No.

So then what's the problem?

I DON'T KNOW!

I need to be fixed.  Awhile ago, I posted something pretty similar in another entry.  I mentioned that Sasha (and for awhile, Amy) were the only reasons I would wake up early.  We would schedule activities such as tennis, biking, going to the gym, going to coffee shops, etc.  However, Amy now has a job, so that's one less person.  I can name the moment I stopped running and/or waking up "early" to do activities with Sasha.  It was when I suddenly got sick with cold symptoms which turned out to be a mild flu.  That was when I stopped running.  When I got better, there was a snowstorm.  And then I never went back out there again because it was so freaking cold.  I did run at the gym on the treadmill twice after that, and once at my parent's house...however, I don't like doing that because it's not the same.  I guess I shouldn't complain, seeing as how it's still physical exercise and I have a lot of fat to burn.  But...I'm American, and we are known to be lazy.  I'm aware of the things I need to fix, but I'm just too lazy to do it.  Here are two examples: going to bed late, and purposely not scheduling anything in the morning or early afternoons.  I've been going to bed really late, lately, which is why I sleep until I HAVE to get up to get to work on time...which is TWO P.M.  Pathetic.  And I'm a regular volunteer for 2 different organizations which I love...however, I haven't scheduled any sessions for one of them in a couple months because I WANT TO SLEEP IN.  Even more pathetic.  I'm a terrible terrible person.  So...I'm committing to you, eBlogger, right now...because I don't know what else to do.

1) I will set a "bedtime" and "wake-up time" for myself.  I know there are some circumstances and events that will come up in which I will be flexible.  But for the most part, this will be for most evenings and mornings that follow my regular schedule.  I get home from work around 10:30-11pm.  I like to un-wind and do random things afterwards at home.  So for now, I will agree to be in bed by 1am...and leave my phone on my bookshelf.  (I got a new phone and it's so amazing...I've been laying in bed for hours before I fall asleep recently, just putzing around on my phone).  I hope to be able to change my bedtime to midnight in the future.  As far as wake-up time goes...I think 10:30am (11 at the latest) is safe.  I assume I'd still be getting 9hrs of sleep which is a lot.  And this should give me a few extra hours before work to take care of stuff at home.  And if I were scheduled to volunteer, it'd be scheduled for earlier than my wake-up time, so nothing to worry about there.

2) I will schedule my volunteer sessions even if I don't want to.  I don't think this really needs any additional explanation.

Oh man, just thinking about making this change, is stressing me out.  My lazy side is not happy.  But my energetic side is excited for a positive change.  My tips for myself are to try to stick with the new sleep schedule even on the weekends, and to do my best for 2 months.

Gonna Keep On Keepin' On....

March is quickly approaching and I find myself in the same old rut I've been in most of my life. Trying to lose weight and stick to healthy lifestyle habits. Why can't I lose the weight? Why can't I be more disciplined and stick to healthy eating habits? Why can't I get my ass up and go to the gym or do something? What is holding me back from living my best life? Why can't I love myself enough to take care of my body?

Fear of failure. I feel like I've already failed and I haven't really begun. I always set these goals that I never achieve when it comes to weight loss. I don't understand why this one area of my life I'm failing at. I feel like when it comes to my school, work and family life. I've set goals and work hard to achieve them and I do. What are these layers of fat hiding? What are they protecting me from? Why can't I just let them go?

This blog post has lots more questions than answers. I need time to ponder those emotional reasons that are holding me back from losing the weight. I know I can be a physically healthy person, I've been a physically healthy person at one time in my life.

Somethings gotta give, I can't maintain this trajectory and expect that I'm going to be okay. I can feel how angry my body is at me with each stair I climb and how stiff my knees and back are from the pounds of pressure it should not have to carry around. My goal this month is to get my body moving again. Lesley and I went to the gym today and it felt AMAZING! We have scheduled out the next 4 weeks for workouts which is great!  Lesley I know we can do this! I'm so proud of the weight you've already lost and I'm hoping we can lose more together!

Sasha

Another month...

Goodbye, January...Hello February.

I've been using the Herbalife products since last Friday, and I lost 3 additional pounds!  This brings me to a total of 13 pounds lost!!!!  I weighed in this morning at 172 which I haven't seen in YEARS!  I'm so excited. I also did my measurements today, and apparently since 7/27/12, I've lost a total of 13 pounds and 22.25 inches!!!!  holy shit!

From looking at my measurements, I lost a little everywhere.  However, the biggest lost, were my lower thighs (right above the knee), then my tummy.  I lost about 4-5.5 in each thigh, and 3 inches on my tummy.  Yes, I started a running program with my girlfriends, but I'm still in the very early process of the program...is it possible that I lost that many inches, JUST from moving my legs a little more?  Either way...wow...I won't complain, is all I have to say.

I now have a blender, and I've been in regular contact lately, with Elizabeth, the lady who is high up on my Herbalife chain...and she was generous enough to share her smoothie shop's recipes for my 3 favorite recipes: Blueberry Almond, White Chocolate Raspberry, and Vanilla Almond Latte.  I'm so excited to be able to make those from home.

I'd also like to state that I still haven't been to a fast food place since my "fast food no more" entry in November.  I'm very proud of myself for being able to stay clear from those places.  It may seem silly to some people, but to me, it's just beating a temptation.

I guess the only goal I have for this month, is to continue using my Herbalife 2 shakes/smoothies a day program.  I have no idea how many pounds I will lose from this, so I will just continue using it.

Herbalife Journey

Sasha and I were introduced to Herbalife last Spring.  We've gone regularly to the nutrition club, which we call the "smoothie shop" because they make the most delicious smoothies!  Overtime, I decided to become an independent distributor/consultant.  I did it for selfish reasons...to get the automatic 25% discount.  I told them that I didn't want to actively sell the products, and that I just pretty much wanted the discount.  Apparently a lot of people do that.  Anyways...that was awhile ago.

Anne and I ordered some more products and we were talking about losing weight and my Herbalife opportunities, and we kind of made a pact in the end.  We decided that we would try the Herbalife program/plan.  To lose weight, they suggest that you replace a smoothie/shake for a meal, twice a day while eating a healthy/sensible meal for the 3rd meal.  I'm most likely going to do a shake for breakfast and lunch most of the time, or maybe lunch and dinner because I love me some fried eggs for breakfast :)  We're going to see if we can do this, and we're both very curious to see how much weight we actually lose in a month.  I started this new Herbalife regimen on Friday January 25th, and she started hers on Saturday January 26th.  We've both been encouraging each other and I'm really excited to see the outcome.

One of the reasons why I am excited to see the outcome is because I've been struggling financially for the past year and I seem to be getting rejected from the few part time places I've applied to so far.  One of the people very high in my Herbalife chain told me that if I have 3-4 clients, I could pretty much get my products for free.  This would save me a lot of money, from buying my products myself.  If I had more clients than that..I could claim the rest in a check form.  And how hard can it be to find 3-4 clients?  However, IF I were to go down that route...I'd want to try the program first and lose weight to believe it myself, and to prove that they can do it too.

So here is to a new adventure!

And an update on my running adventure: I last ran with Sasha and Amy on Monday January 14th.  I had the flu that week and didn't feel healthy enough to run again.  PLUS...the weather freaked out and it was below zero for most of the past 2 weeks I think.  Well, at least last week.  The week I had the flu, I didn't know much of what was going on in the real world.  Anyways, I still have a cough and a leaky nose, but I feel a LOT healthier now.  Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 30's and I will run if the bottom layer of the roads aren't too icy.  Otherwise I could try the treadmill at the gym :(

GETTING BACK ON THE HORSE

I lost 2 lbs. this week! I really can't believe it I've been doing my Slim in 6 videos everyday and Lesley, Amy and I are doing our running room program. Day 1 of week 2 accomplished. I'm still not doing the best with my eating, although I have reduced the amount I eat, I still am indulging in not so good foods. I think I need to plan my meals better. but I started a calendar of workouts and there are a lot of smiley faces on it so far:-) I know I'm going to keep losing weight if I stick to the plan and work on my goals a little at a time. Thanks Lesley for keeping me accountable!

Run week 2- day 1

Today...

Hill, Sash, and I, did our Week 2-Day 1 run.  It's actually The Running Room's Learn to Run's first week.  It was a 1:1 interval.  It was tougher than last week, just because we shaved off a whole extra minute of walking.  But it was still do-able.  We did it.

I'm very proud of us!  Go team!

Running update

I started to run again.  Or I should say...I started to learn to run again.

I recently decided I'd try to sign up for a 5k.  This will be my first 5k.  Anne wanted to walk it...which I believe she will...but my mentality is: if I sign up for a 5k...I'm running it.  So I'll do my best.  This is actually good motivation because it means I'd have to learn to run 5k before the race...which I will have paid for a few months before it happens.  So I'm gonna have to do it.

This week, I did the run 1min/walk 2min intervals.
I did it Monday with Amy, Wednesday with Amy & Sasha, and Friday with Kyan (Anne's dog).  I did every run outside, with the purpose of getting used to hitting pavement.  I'm very proud of myself for having completed an entire week's worth of running practices.  I think the second run (Wed) was the toughest on my body.  I was tired (lack of sleep last weekend and early week), sore from Mon's run and taiko on Tue, and cranky from work.  I've been able to relax a tiny bit more since then, and I've been stretching a lot...which I think helped tonight's run.

I'm excited to learn to run with my pals, and I really feel like this is it.  This is the time I'll finally finish the running program.  I probably won't increase the intervals every week like the Running Room's classes did...but I hope I can get my 3 runs in every week, no matter what interval I'm working on.

MOTIVATION REMINDER:
Sasha & Amy (my running partners for this week) - We can't give up if we don't get the 3 runs in every week.  We just need to do our best.  All of our lives are busy and stressful and complicated at times.  And sometimes, we just need a day off to do absolutely nothing.  So we have to remind eachother not to get discouraged if we don't get 3 runs in a week.   Also, I'm here with you...if you only get 1 or 2 runs in one week and need to continue the same interval the following week...I'm doing it with you.  It's only more practice...I won't be losing anything.  We can take our time doing this.

And Sasha - we made a pact to help eachother lose weight.  Let's do our best and let's stick with our guts to lose our guts!

New Year, New Goals

Soo...Yup...I've been M.I.A. from here this past month.

I moved and I'd like to weigh myself from the same scale for consistency.  I left the scale at my previous place and plan on weighing myself when I go there.  This scares me because I'm used to weighing myself 1-3 times a week.  Now it will only be a couple times a month.  So it's scary to think that if I gained weight, it'd give me less time to try to lose it again.  However, I hope that I don't ever find myself in that situation in the near future where I gain weight again.  But I know you're not supposed to weigh yourself everyday, so I'll deal with it.

I weighed myself about 1.5 weeks ago and I didn't gain OR lose any weight.  So I'm still 175, with a total of 10 lbs down.

I haven't worked out much, nor have I been trying to eat that well.  I mean, I haven't been eating shit.  But I just haven't been trying to eat well.  I am proud to say that I still haven't given in to the fast food cravings.  That, is a huge success for me thus far.

I canceled my LTF membership on 12/31 so I have until 1/31 as a LTF member :(  I'm really sad about that.  But I did join LA gym on 12/31 so I will be able to go to the gym whenever I want with Sasha.  Which reminds me...I'm going to send her an email right now to schedule some workout dates because we haven't worked out together in a LONG time.

My goal for December to lose any weight was not reached.  I will set the same goal for January.