but not about me!
my husband has been working out since may 7th. he's had amazing progress. he's working with a personal trainer, who happens to be a friend of ours. he's enjoying finding new snacks and ways to prepare old favorites. it's making a difference, and here's something we can all learn:
the scale lies.
seriously. he'd been really disappointed by his recent (at-home) weigh ins. but then this morning he did the official gym weigh in, and found that while he'd lost only 7 pounds, he'd lost 45 pounds of fat. i can't even comprehend that. we used to buy dog food in 45 pound bags, that's a lot. so even though his overall weight is not much different this time around, he's lost a ton of fat and replaced it with muscle. he's progressing better than expected, and my favorite thing is how fit he's becoming.
both of us have this goal of being healthy for our kids (when we have them), and having some awesome habits for them to pick up. things like, not having dessert after every dinner. when we do, having something like watermelon. how about not adding a ton of salt to your dinner, or going on family walks together? those are things we're implementing in our lives now so that we can pass them on, naturally, to our kids.
so, things are going well! how about you? what kind of lifestyle changes do you have that you're happy about? so often this blog ends up being about what we're NOT doing. tell me something that you ARE doing that is a good habit!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
South Beach
Hopefully that's about to change since my husband's orthopedic surgeon told him he needs to lose 20 lbs and suggested the South Beach Diet. He is going to have hip replacement surgery (I know, he's only 37. Crazy) within the next 6 months or so and can't do much working out other than swimming due to that bum hip. The doctor's wife is a nutritionist and has her own diet plan which is very similar to South Beach, so he suggested we look into that (his wife's plan is one of those where you have to purchase all the food and we just can't afford that). He actually lost 50 lbs himself so that's encouraging. I already have the book (psssst, the Kindle version is only $2.99 right now!) and have been looking at it periodically. And you know what? I don't think it's going to be as hard as I originally thought.
If you would have asked me to try this diet 5 years ago, I would have laughed in your face. But now that we've been adding more fresh vegetables and fish to our diet and now that I'm no longer scared of buying produce, the first phase (which is mainly vegetables and lean meats and eggs--no carbs or fruit) that lasts 14 days doesn't look that difficult to me. It's not going to be EASY because things get old after awhile and Hubby is used to lots of sweets, but I think I can handle 2 weeks worth of strict eating. And it's not like it's taking away everything tasty. We are allowed chicken breast, fish, salads, eggs, low-fat dairy, sugar substitutes, all the vegetables we can eat except for potatoes, and even coffee (although they suggest decaff, we are NOT going there). The next phase adds in fruit and healthy carbs (whole grains and such) and then by the third phase, you should be used to eating healthy that it's more of a lifestyle now than anything. They say you quit craving the sweets after the first few days on the diet and I believe that, because I've gone on successful sugar detoxes and after the first few rough days, it gets better. The problem is falling off the wagon by going on a binge and never getting back on. So, if we can keep from doing that, then we'll be good.
The great thing about this is that there is rapid weight loss in those first two weeks and it's mainly belly fat, which both of us struggle with. Now, I know that sounds hinky and too good to be true, but if you think about it, you're cutting out all the BAD foods and eating what's healthy and right, all the great things they eat in the Mediterranean and way back before we had so much processed foods. And it's not like Atkins where you just gorge on meat and meat and meat. I just don't even see how that is healthy. What I've been reading through this book is that this is a heart-healthy diet and can help prevent diabetes. That's always a great thing!
So, have any of you tried this diet before? Is anyone interested in doing it with me? I'm not sure when we'll begin, but the sooner, the better, in my book!
Monday, July 18, 2011
starting out, not too bad
so, i don't know if i mentioned this before-- but i joined the gym at work. because my husband is working out something awesome, and i'll be damned if i let him be better than me! so it's a sort of friendly competition now. not one he knows about, but just sort of a way to keep myself accountable.
so, i'm doing it! (she said... again)
last week, i walked a lot on the treadmill-- i found a site that tells you how to be a runner. no joke, i googled it. so it gives you a gameplan. you can search for the one that fits you best, but mine was a weekly plan, where for the first week, you walk 30 minutes. then you jog 2/ walk 4, repeat til 30 minutes. and it keeps changing how you do it until you're running (jogging?) for 30 minutes straight. which is basically a 5K.
also, i tried yoga for the first time ever. it's gotta be great, right? you just lay there. there's soothing music, and you can't be held responsible if you fall asleep.
FALSE.
it's difficult. i was sweating-- sweating!-- halfway through the class. the second half was easier though, but we held the poses for about 5+ minutes each, which was weird and didn't feel like as much of a workout. husband is going to like me doing the yoga though, because it makes me feel loose and i might not ask for so many massages!
there are on-demand workout videos through u-verse tv, but i don't have a yoga mat to do them at home. and i've already discovered that doing them on a pair of towels doesn't cut it. maybe i can talk husband into getting me a yoga mat for our anniversary soon?
so, i did okay for my first week. i'll be going to the gym again today right at the end of work. it helps that i have an "accountability partner" here at work who goes to the gym and classes with me. sometimes it just takes someone asking if you're going to go. like my very own jiminey cricket.
so, i'm doing it! (she said... again)
last week, i walked a lot on the treadmill-- i found a site that tells you how to be a runner. no joke, i googled it. so it gives you a gameplan. you can search for the one that fits you best, but mine was a weekly plan, where for the first week, you walk 30 minutes. then you jog 2/ walk 4, repeat til 30 minutes. and it keeps changing how you do it until you're running (jogging?) for 30 minutes straight. which is basically a 5K.
also, i tried yoga for the first time ever. it's gotta be great, right? you just lay there. there's soothing music, and you can't be held responsible if you fall asleep.
FALSE.
it's difficult. i was sweating-- sweating!-- halfway through the class. the second half was easier though, but we held the poses for about 5+ minutes each, which was weird and didn't feel like as much of a workout. husband is going to like me doing the yoga though, because it makes me feel loose and i might not ask for so many massages!
there are on-demand workout videos through u-verse tv, but i don't have a yoga mat to do them at home. and i've already discovered that doing them on a pair of towels doesn't cut it. maybe i can talk husband into getting me a yoga mat for our anniversary soon?
so, i did okay for my first week. i'll be going to the gym again today right at the end of work. it helps that i have an "accountability partner" here at work who goes to the gym and classes with me. sometimes it just takes someone asking if you're going to go. like my very own jiminey cricket.
Monday, July 11, 2011
first off, please excuse the language
and second, please read this. it's what we all need to hear, and what we occasionally tell each other. well, it's time that WE hear this. it's time i hear this.
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| source unknown. if it's yours, let me know and i'll credit you. |
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Today is Thursday
So what does that mean? Well, it's my day to blog and think and write down some goals and maybe feel guilty over all the weight I haven't been losing and all the weird/bad foods I have been eating.
Technically, I have all the time in the world to be working out, planning meals, cooking, and generally eating healthy. Is it happening though? No. I've been staying up MUCH too late, sleeping in super late, being lazy, and just writing a lot of nonsense that doesn't really mean anything to anyone in the "real world". Basically, it's been a blah summer in a town with too many workers and not enough jobs where I've been on a series of interviews and been unable to close the deal.
Truth be told, I need a routine.
I hate routine, but it is necessary to get me on track into a healthy lifestyle. With a busy school life comes structure and the need to block out 45 minutes of time for walking. If I don't block it out, it wouldn't happen and I need all the study breaks that I can get. Here and now, I'm just sitting around thinking "Oh, I could do that.... after I watch one more episode of X." And then it doesn't happen. So, it needs to happen. I need a routine. Hubby goes to the gym ever morning. I need to start going with him and walking on the treadmill. Who cares if it's boring? I need to do it, for me, for my heart, and for my sister's wedding next summer.
Yes, that's right. My baby sister turns 21 next year and is getting married to her high school sweetheart. She's such a pretty girl and a joy to the whole family. I don't want to be the dumpy matron of honor. No. I want to be the hot matron of honor who organizes an awesome shower and looks super awesome in her likely sleeveless dress for all those photos. I can do it! I will be pretty and look great in her pictures. I lost a bunch of weight for my wedding and looking back, I love how I looked. Sure, I could have lost a bit more, but overall, I think I looked pretty hot. (The mister thought I did, too --- said I was just as pretty that day as I was the day we met. Which means a lot being about 25 pounds heavier then than I was when we met.)
Additionally, I'm doing a fitness challenge with my parents. We are all going to log X-number of fitness minutes a week. When I'm working out, I'm motivated to eat healthier. I'm motivated to eat less frozen and more whole foods. I'm motivated to eat more greens and less rice. I'm motivated to eat less ice cream and more fruit. So yes, when my body feels work out, tired and just.... so good, I feel good. I eat better.
So yes, this is me consciously talking about getting back on the horse. The challenge starts Sunday. Wish me luck!
Technically, I have all the time in the world to be working out, planning meals, cooking, and generally eating healthy. Is it happening though? No. I've been staying up MUCH too late, sleeping in super late, being lazy, and just writing a lot of nonsense that doesn't really mean anything to anyone in the "real world". Basically, it's been a blah summer in a town with too many workers and not enough jobs where I've been on a series of interviews and been unable to close the deal.
Truth be told, I need a routine.
I hate routine, but it is necessary to get me on track into a healthy lifestyle. With a busy school life comes structure and the need to block out 45 minutes of time for walking. If I don't block it out, it wouldn't happen and I need all the study breaks that I can get. Here and now, I'm just sitting around thinking "Oh, I could do that.... after I watch one more episode of X." And then it doesn't happen. So, it needs to happen. I need a routine. Hubby goes to the gym ever morning. I need to start going with him and walking on the treadmill. Who cares if it's boring? I need to do it, for me, for my heart, and for my sister's wedding next summer.
Yes, that's right. My baby sister turns 21 next year and is getting married to her high school sweetheart. She's such a pretty girl and a joy to the whole family. I don't want to be the dumpy matron of honor. No. I want to be the hot matron of honor who organizes an awesome shower and looks super awesome in her likely sleeveless dress for all those photos. I can do it! I will be pretty and look great in her pictures. I lost a bunch of weight for my wedding and looking back, I love how I looked. Sure, I could have lost a bit more, but overall, I think I looked pretty hot. (The mister thought I did, too --- said I was just as pretty that day as I was the day we met. Which means a lot being about 25 pounds heavier then than I was when we met.)
Additionally, I'm doing a fitness challenge with my parents. We are all going to log X-number of fitness minutes a week. When I'm working out, I'm motivated to eat healthier. I'm motivated to eat less frozen and more whole foods. I'm motivated to eat more greens and less rice. I'm motivated to eat less ice cream and more fruit. So yes, when my body feels work out, tired and just.... so good, I feel good. I eat better.
So yes, this is me consciously talking about getting back on the horse. The challenge starts Sunday. Wish me luck!
Where are you with your goals? What motivates you?
Monday, June 13, 2011
back to my "roots"
right?
guess what i'm doing later today?
joining a gym.
that's right. i'm going back to the gym. i cannot work out on my own. i don't do it. i make time maybe once a week. and now that husband's working out so much and looking hot, i don't want people to wonder how i got that hot spouse. i want them to wonder how HE got that hot spouse! so, since i'm competitive, i won't dare let him outdo me in this fitness race.
it's nice to have support at home, not just on here. and since husband's working out, he's supporting me. instead of watching a movie in the evening, we'll go for a short hike. or play in the pool (it's still activity!). or take the dog for a walk.
love.
guess what i'm doing later today?
joining a gym.
that's right. i'm going back to the gym. i cannot work out on my own. i don't do it. i make time maybe once a week. and now that husband's working out so much and looking hot, i don't want people to wonder how i got that hot spouse. i want them to wonder how HE got that hot spouse! so, since i'm competitive, i won't dare let him outdo me in this fitness race.
it's nice to have support at home, not just on here. and since husband's working out, he's supporting me. instead of watching a movie in the evening, we'll go for a short hike. or play in the pool (it's still activity!). or take the dog for a walk.
love.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Summer Cookin'
Summer cookin', had me a blast. Summer cookin' happened so fast... wait, what?
So, summer has ARRIVED and is in full force here in Arkansas. It's hot, sweltery (is that a word?), and makes you just want to stay inside. Unfortunately, being active outside this time of year is way more uncomfortable than during the spring and fall months. Bike riding is miserable and expect to have a soaked shirt if you want to go hiking, even at dusk. The only thing I want to do is sit in my son's blow-up pool with a cold drink in my hand.
I confess that when I lost my workout mo-jo due to my tendonitis, I REALLY lost it and haven't been active since. It was really difficult for me to commit to getting up that early and working my body and if I'm going to do that again, I have to psych myself up and need lots of encouragement. The toddler still isn't sleeping as well as he used to and has started getting up a little earlier in the mornings (mornings are already a rush for all three of us to get out the door) so I'm rethinking the working out first thing in the morning. It's also hard for me to go to the gym in the middle of work because our locker room isn't right next to our gym and I have to go in and change, go work out, go back to the locker room to change out of my sweaty clothes and then it ends up being an hour or more and I only get 30 minutes for lunch. So...excuses, excuses, I know. I'm going to try to start doing Zumba at home on the Wii because at this point, I think it's my best choice. Now, the best time to do that is still up in the air.
The good news in all of this is that I haven't gained back those 5+ pounds I lost. How I haven't is beyond me but I think it may have to do something with how active my little boy is and the stamina it takes to keep up with him. So, even though he wears me out, I guess it's good for me!
All that being said, I am currently trying to make a grocery list and since it's so DANG hot, I'm trying to figure out what I can fix just using my stove top or crock pot or broil (less time in the oven) so my whole house doesn't go up to 85 degrees during suppertime. Some things I've started making that have been good are roasted chicken in the crock pot (which stretches to two or three meals), balsamic broiled veggies with pasta, steak quesadillas with pre-made steak strips, salads with imitation crab and lots of cut up veggies, corned beef sammies (using canned corned beef and provolone on pumpernickel or rye). Most of these are low-fat and if you pair them with healthy options, then you have a well-rounded dinner.
What are your go-to summer meals? Are you doing anything active right now? What would help you get motivated to do better?
So, summer has ARRIVED and is in full force here in Arkansas. It's hot, sweltery (is that a word?), and makes you just want to stay inside. Unfortunately, being active outside this time of year is way more uncomfortable than during the spring and fall months. Bike riding is miserable and expect to have a soaked shirt if you want to go hiking, even at dusk. The only thing I want to do is sit in my son's blow-up pool with a cold drink in my hand.
I confess that when I lost my workout mo-jo due to my tendonitis, I REALLY lost it and haven't been active since. It was really difficult for me to commit to getting up that early and working my body and if I'm going to do that again, I have to psych myself up and need lots of encouragement. The toddler still isn't sleeping as well as he used to and has started getting up a little earlier in the mornings (mornings are already a rush for all three of us to get out the door) so I'm rethinking the working out first thing in the morning. It's also hard for me to go to the gym in the middle of work because our locker room isn't right next to our gym and I have to go in and change, go work out, go back to the locker room to change out of my sweaty clothes and then it ends up being an hour or more and I only get 30 minutes for lunch. So...excuses, excuses, I know. I'm going to try to start doing Zumba at home on the Wii because at this point, I think it's my best choice. Now, the best time to do that is still up in the air.
The good news in all of this is that I haven't gained back those 5+ pounds I lost. How I haven't is beyond me but I think it may have to do something with how active my little boy is and the stamina it takes to keep up with him. So, even though he wears me out, I guess it's good for me!
All that being said, I am currently trying to make a grocery list and since it's so DANG hot, I'm trying to figure out what I can fix just using my stove top or crock pot or broil (less time in the oven) so my whole house doesn't go up to 85 degrees during suppertime. Some things I've started making that have been good are roasted chicken in the crock pot (which stretches to two or three meals), balsamic broiled veggies with pasta, steak quesadillas with pre-made steak strips, salads with imitation crab and lots of cut up veggies, corned beef sammies (using canned corned beef and provolone on pumpernickel or rye). Most of these are low-fat and if you pair them with healthy options, then you have a well-rounded dinner.
What are your go-to summer meals? Are you doing anything active right now? What would help you get motivated to do better?
Monday, May 23, 2011
wishing gets you nowhere
haven't we learned that enough? it's true.
so i'm going to try something new. see, i'm eating healthy, that's not my problem. but that only gets you so far. my husband has been extremely motivating, what with his going to the gym 5 days a week. and working with a trainer. and losing weight. and not having cheat days except on sundays. so basically, he's kicking my butt at this "healthy living" thing. so, i'm in. if he can do it-- this man who hated to run is running, hated to get up earlier is doing so-- then i can, too. not the get up early part. i can't really give that up. not yet. BUT i do get out of work about an hour before he does, and i can work out then. i don't have the gym membership that he does, but i DO have the nike training app (i may have mentioned it before?). and it's hard. seriously. my first goal is to actually make it through one whole workout. it won't happen right away, i know that, but i'll still try.
i stopped exercising when i got sick, because i had all sorts of sicks. i was out of commission for two months, but i can't use that as an excuse forever! so i'm ready to live the kind of active lifestyle i eventually want to pass on to my kids, and as my husband already is.
it's on!
so i'm going to try something new. see, i'm eating healthy, that's not my problem. but that only gets you so far. my husband has been extremely motivating, what with his going to the gym 5 days a week. and working with a trainer. and losing weight. and not having cheat days except on sundays. so basically, he's kicking my butt at this "healthy living" thing. so, i'm in. if he can do it-- this man who hated to run is running, hated to get up earlier is doing so-- then i can, too. not the get up early part. i can't really give that up. not yet. BUT i do get out of work about an hour before he does, and i can work out then. i don't have the gym membership that he does, but i DO have the nike training app (i may have mentioned it before?). and it's hard. seriously. my first goal is to actually make it through one whole workout. it won't happen right away, i know that, but i'll still try.
i stopped exercising when i got sick, because i had all sorts of sicks. i was out of commission for two months, but i can't use that as an excuse forever! so i'm ready to live the kind of active lifestyle i eventually want to pass on to my kids, and as my husband already is.
it's on!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Back on the Wagon
Blogger, I'm holding out hope that you don't die again before I finish this post. And now, Twitter is all goofed up. Typical Friday the 13th, eh?
So...how's everyone doing? I did really good for about 5 weeks. I lost exercised and ate right and lost 5 pounds for my brother's wedding, which was the mental goal I had set. Then I was diagnosed withnintendonitis tendonitis in my achilles tendon. Ugh. That sure puts a damper on a workout schedule. I haven't been able to do much cardio in the past 2-3 weeks and I'm really upset about that. I had even psyched myself up to work out in the gym instead of doing Wii Active because it's a little more flexible and there are lots of different machines I can use. Plus, I hated the running so I could just do a stationary bike or elliptical. But my ankle really messed all that up.
Not only did I quit working out, but I reverted to my old eating habits. Ya know, frozen bagged food, fast food, chocolate...although I've kept my portions pretty small still. The 12-month-old has been cutting molars the PAST THREE WEEKS and I haven't gotten enough sleep or been able to take care of myself like I normally would. Sometimes, Hardees chicken strips and curlies just have to do the trick. At least my husband is supportive and encouraging and told me the other day that sometimes moms of 1-year-olds just don't have time to make a healthy dinner. No, but I'd still like to do better.
So what can I do about this? Well, I'm getting back on the wagon. I will go grocery shopping this weekend and purchase some healthier options. Instead of letting my food run out down to the bare essentials (i.e., frozen fish sticks and tater tots), I will do better about keeping plenty of healthy snacks and meals in the house. I had quit using LoseIt for awhile because, what's the point if I'm eating way more than 1600 calories a day? I picked it back up again this morning. I also found some 3lb weights at home and I know I have an exercise ball that needs to be inflated. Even the boy will have fun playing with that! I can still play the Wii sports that burn calories (tennis, boxing, volleyball), even if I can't do much of the cardio. I still haven't tried my Zumba Fitness game and am not sure how rough it will be on my ankle but I guess it's worth a shot. Waking up at 5 AM hasn't worked well for me the past few weeks but maybe if that pesky molar ever pops through the gums, we can all get some decent rest again and I can pick back up my schedule. I can lift weights at the work gym (I even figured out my locker combination so I can keep an extra pair of tennis shoes and workout clothes there) and if I start feeling better, can get on the bike again.
Also, it's LOVELY outside and the boy got a sandbox and a small swimming pool for his birthday so I expect lots of outdoors adventures. And the hedges need to be cut (that's a huge upper body workout). So, maybe I'll get into even MORE of my pre-pregnancy jeans by the end of summer.
I would also love to have an old school bike (the kind from the Regions commercial, not a mountain bike because I have horrible balance and am short and would rather brake with my feet). They even make little "trailers" you can hook on and tote around the kids behind you.
Have you fallen off the wagon? What do you plan to do about it? Any new, summer workout plans in the works?
So...how's everyone doing? I did really good for about 5 weeks. I lost exercised and ate right and lost 5 pounds for my brother's wedding, which was the mental goal I had set. Then I was diagnosed with
Not only did I quit working out, but I reverted to my old eating habits. Ya know, frozen bagged food, fast food, chocolate...although I've kept my portions pretty small still. The 12-month-old has been cutting molars the PAST THREE WEEKS and I haven't gotten enough sleep or been able to take care of myself like I normally would. Sometimes, Hardees chicken strips and curlies just have to do the trick. At least my husband is supportive and encouraging and told me the other day that sometimes moms of 1-year-olds just don't have time to make a healthy dinner. No, but I'd still like to do better.
 |
| Image from here |
So what can I do about this? Well, I'm getting back on the wagon. I will go grocery shopping this weekend and purchase some healthier options. Instead of letting my food run out down to the bare essentials (i.e., frozen fish sticks and tater tots), I will do better about keeping plenty of healthy snacks and meals in the house. I had quit using LoseIt for awhile because, what's the point if I'm eating way more than 1600 calories a day? I picked it back up again this morning. I also found some 3lb weights at home and I know I have an exercise ball that needs to be inflated. Even the boy will have fun playing with that! I can still play the Wii sports that burn calories (tennis, boxing, volleyball), even if I can't do much of the cardio. I still haven't tried my Zumba Fitness game and am not sure how rough it will be on my ankle but I guess it's worth a shot. Waking up at 5 AM hasn't worked well for me the past few weeks but maybe if that pesky molar ever pops through the gums, we can all get some decent rest again and I can pick back up my schedule. I can lift weights at the work gym (I even figured out my locker combination so I can keep an extra pair of tennis shoes and workout clothes there) and if I start feeling better, can get on the bike again.
 |
| Image from here |
Also, it's LOVELY outside and the boy got a sandbox and a small swimming pool for his birthday so I expect lots of outdoors adventures. And the hedges need to be cut (that's a huge upper body workout). So, maybe I'll get into even MORE of my pre-pregnancy jeans by the end of summer.
I would also love to have an old school bike (the kind from the Regions commercial, not a mountain bike because I have horrible balance and am short and would rather brake with my feet). They even make little "trailers" you can hook on and tote around the kids behind you.
Have you fallen off the wagon? What do you plan to do about it? Any new, summer workout plans in the works?
Friday, April 29, 2011
A Super-Quick Slimdown for Busy [Ladies]
The original article said "Busy Moms" but I could have used this before I ever had kids. Just because a person isn't a mom yet doesn't mean they aren't busy!
I digress...
So, I read this article and it makes complete sense. It's not located online so I'm going to scan in the pages for you as PDFs and outline the basic principles.
"To see results in just five weeks, do the 18-minute routine at right three times a week, plus some other form of cardio twice a week (like walking or jogging for 20-30 minutes). select the arm and ab moves from the following pages [scanned in], and incrase the length of your cardio bursts to two minutes over time. For even faster results, do the routine twice through each time, changing your strenth and cardio picks the second time through." Parents Magazine, May 2011, Page 98.
Here's the schedule:
1 arm move
1 belly move
1-minute cardio burst. Do one of the following moves:
1 belly move
1-minute cardio burst. Choose a different move from the previous list.
1 arm move
1 belly move
1-minute cardio burst. Choose a different move from the previous list.
1 arm move
1 belly move
1-minute cardio burst. Choose a different move from the previous list.
I've attached the scan of the article below. I had planned on possibly doing this in May, but I have developed tendinitis and am not sure if I can manage any of the cardio bursts. I have been using the recumbent elliptical bike at work and it doesn't seem to aggravate my ankle/calf so that's probably how I'll get my cardio. And maybe Wii boxing.
The 30-day challenge is wrapping up! Don't forget to post your progress tomorrow.
Fitness
I digress...
So, I read this article and it makes complete sense. It's not located online so I'm going to scan in the pages for you as PDFs and outline the basic principles.
"To see results in just five weeks, do the 18-minute routine at right three times a week, plus some other form of cardio twice a week (like walking or jogging for 20-30 minutes). select the arm and ab moves from the following pages [scanned in], and incrase the length of your cardio bursts to two minutes over time. For even faster results, do the routine twice through each time, changing your strenth and cardio picks the second time through." Parents Magazine, May 2011, Page 98.
Here's the schedule:
1 arm move
1 belly move
1-minute cardio burst. Do one of the following moves:
- jogging in place
- jumping jacks
- running up and down stairs
- jumping rope
- butt kicks
- alternating knee lifts
- leaping side to side
(any of these sound familiar???)
1 belly move
1-minute cardio burst. Choose a different move from the previous list.
1 arm move
1 belly move
1-minute cardio burst. Choose a different move from the previous list.
1 arm move
1 belly move
1-minute cardio burst. Choose a different move from the previous list.
I've attached the scan of the article below. I had planned on possibly doing this in May, but I have developed tendinitis and am not sure if I can manage any of the cardio bursts. I have been using the recumbent elliptical bike at work and it doesn't seem to aggravate my ankle/calf so that's probably how I'll get my cardio. And maybe Wii boxing.
The 30-day challenge is wrapping up! Don't forget to post your progress tomorrow.
Fitness
Monday, April 25, 2011
support starts at home
alright. i had an easy week. because i spent the week lounging in bed, sipping on hot tea and watching cheesy movies on netflix.
no, i wasn't on vacation. i had strep throat. and a sinus infection. and an ear infection. so i was out of commission. and you know how you lose weight while you're sick? boy, did i ever.
i don't document my weight gains before this week. because that would be defeating the purpose. and instead of seeing a nice little step-down image on loseit!, i would see a zig-zag thingy going up and down and down and down and up and down... so when it looks like i've lost 1.2 lbs, i really lost over 3 lbs. i didn't document my lowest weight, because i figured that was just a fluke (it was. it's from being sick).
we ate pretty healthy this past week anyways, though. and i don't think THAT'S a fluke. my husband is finally really supportive of not having unhealthy snacks and stuff in the house, and he's loving the fresh grapes that are on the eye-level shelf in the fridge. do you know how much easier it is to eat healthy when your other half wants to eat healthy? yay! we've got this whole-life overhaul plan (it's not as drastic as it sounds, i promise), where we're getting healthy before we have a kiddo, so we can implant healthy ideas in his/her life, also.
so, the moral of this story? get sick. it's a jumpstart? no, wait. that's not it. life's easier with a supportive spouse. that means for everything, but especially for healthy eating.
no, i wasn't on vacation. i had strep throat. and a sinus infection. and an ear infection. so i was out of commission. and you know how you lose weight while you're sick? boy, did i ever.
i don't document my weight gains before this week. because that would be defeating the purpose. and instead of seeing a nice little step-down image on loseit!, i would see a zig-zag thingy going up and down and down and down and up and down... so when it looks like i've lost 1.2 lbs, i really lost over 3 lbs. i didn't document my lowest weight, because i figured that was just a fluke (it was. it's from being sick).
we ate pretty healthy this past week anyways, though. and i don't think THAT'S a fluke. my husband is finally really supportive of not having unhealthy snacks and stuff in the house, and he's loving the fresh grapes that are on the eye-level shelf in the fridge. do you know how much easier it is to eat healthy when your other half wants to eat healthy? yay! we've got this whole-life overhaul plan (it's not as drastic as it sounds, i promise), where we're getting healthy before we have a kiddo, so we can implant healthy ideas in his/her life, also.
so, the moral of this story? get sick. it's a jumpstart? no, wait. that's not it. life's easier with a supportive spouse. that means for everything, but especially for healthy eating.
Hoppy Easter!
See all of that? See all that candy? If I don't eat it, then he does... at least that's what I keep telling myself. I can't just THROW it OUT. No way Jose.
So... no change in weight , but honestly, it would have been a freaking miracle if I had. As a matter of a fact, I'm surprised I didn't gain 7 lbs. I've been fairly useless this week as I've had family down the whole week, and have been indulging in too much ice cream. Luckily the weather has been great, and we've gone on a few great walks, and played lots.
I'm sorry this post is so short, but It's late and I must sleep while I can. I hope you are all enjoying your Easter, and that your 30 day challenge was productive enough to keep you thinking about positive, healthy changes in your lives. Rome wasn't built in a day... or even 30!
Friday, April 22, 2011
skewed perspective
hello everyone. since leann's out of town, and i missed my post on monday, i'm stealing her day. i'm also stealing my post from our community site, because i wanted more people to read it. so, if this is old news for you, ignore it. but if it's not, comment, please.
since i missed my blog post this week (thanks, strep throat. and sinus infection. and ear infection.), i'm posting it here.
there was a news story on this past week, which made me think some horrible thoughts. a woman had a baby, and afterwards, got a horrible infection. i don't remember. staph or something. anyways, it put her in a coma. her husband had to make the terrifying decision to amputate her legs and arms. all of them. the woman is alive, and now trying to live without arms or legs. she's got hooks on the ends of her elbows, and stumps from her knees down. she's learning to walk as her daughter learns.
i think the point of the story was hope-- like, look at her, succeeding after this huge event. she could have died. she probably should have died. but she'll live, even if she has no appendages.
but you know what i got out of that story?
i wonder how much weight i would lose if i lost my arms and legs...
that's sick, people. sick.
so i had to remind myself of the name of this blog. it's not twitter to get skinnier, or twitter to lose weight, or twitter to get thinner. it's twitter to get fitter.
as much as we all focus on weight in this endeavor, shouldn't we look at the goodness of just being healthy? of making positive, healthy changes in lifestyle and eating habits? that, although i'm still 30 lbs from my goal (and probably 50 from my ideal weight per doctors and such), i have normal blood pressure? and am not pre-diabetic? and my rheumatoid arthritis is in remission? i'm making scones for breakfast (not TERRIBLE for you) and not eating a donut. i'm snacking on grapes (in season and cheap right now!) instead of candy or junk food.
and you know what? i bet you are, too.
here's my public announcement: this blog is about being healthy. about taking things one step at a time. i'm proud of all of you who have been losing weight, although i'm frustrated with my lack of weight loss. but you know how we're losing weight? not by downing hydroxycut, or getting on some fad diet. we're exercising. we're eating fruits. we're being fitter.
there was a news story on this past week, which made me think some horrible thoughts. a woman had a baby, and afterwards, got a horrible infection. i don't remember. staph or something. anyways, it put her in a coma. her husband had to make the terrifying decision to amputate her legs and arms. all of them. the woman is alive, and now trying to live without arms or legs. she's got hooks on the ends of her elbows, and stumps from her knees down. she's learning to walk as her daughter learns.
i think the point of the story was hope-- like, look at her, succeeding after this huge event. she could have died. she probably should have died. but she'll live, even if she has no appendages.
but you know what i got out of that story?
i wonder how much weight i would lose if i lost my arms and legs...
that's sick, people. sick.
so i had to remind myself of the name of this blog. it's not twitter to get skinnier, or twitter to lose weight, or twitter to get thinner. it's twitter to get fitter.
as much as we all focus on weight in this endeavor, shouldn't we look at the goodness of just being healthy? of making positive, healthy changes in lifestyle and eating habits? that, although i'm still 30 lbs from my goal (and probably 50 from my ideal weight per doctors and such), i have normal blood pressure? and am not pre-diabetic? and my rheumatoid arthritis is in remission? i'm making scones for breakfast (not TERRIBLE for you) and not eating a donut. i'm snacking on grapes (in season and cheap right now!) instead of candy or junk food.
and you know what? i bet you are, too.
here's my public announcement: this blog is about being healthy. about taking things one step at a time. i'm proud of all of you who have been losing weight, although i'm frustrated with my lack of weight loss. but you know how we're losing weight? not by downing hydroxycut, or getting on some fad diet. we're exercising. we're eating fruits. we're being fitter.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Where the heck I've been
Alright, so it's Wednesday, which is my day of the week, and I've been absent for a couple weeks, so I figured I should pop in here and explain a little of what's been going on in my life.
Two weeks ago, my mom's health took a drastic turn for the worse, she was hospitalized, and when she was released, it was decided that she qualified to enter in-home hospice. She's at home now, and we have been blessed with the most amazing group of hospice workers on the planet, but I've been very busy. For those fortunate enough to not know what hospice entails, my mom has a full team of health care workers who come into the home, doctors, nurses, CNAs, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. I've wanted to be with her as much as possible while getting her set up in this new program, and as such, I haven't been around much here, or on our spruz site.
I've pretty much failed the 30 day challenge. I don't have time to work out daily, I haven't been to a Zumba class in 2 weeks (which I'm killing myself for, because I bought a monthly pass that I basically just threw away), and my eating habits have been atrocious. I'm stress eating like a mofo, and drinking like a fish, and truth be told, I can't be bothered to care about it. I feel like my priorities in my life just violently exploded and reorganized, I have a limited amount of energy to get through the day, and I just can't focus on more than a few important things.
I'm still around and making sure that I'm reading everyone's updates. I love hearing about all of your personal victories and watching you overcome your personal challenges. I just haven't had anything to contribute, so I haven't been posting along with you.
I know a few people have talked about what's coming up next for the next 30 day challenge, and I want you to know that I will SO be up for that once we get it organized.
Peace & <3
Two weeks ago, my mom's health took a drastic turn for the worse, she was hospitalized, and when she was released, it was decided that she qualified to enter in-home hospice. She's at home now, and we have been blessed with the most amazing group of hospice workers on the planet, but I've been very busy. For those fortunate enough to not know what hospice entails, my mom has a full team of health care workers who come into the home, doctors, nurses, CNAs, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. I've wanted to be with her as much as possible while getting her set up in this new program, and as such, I haven't been around much here, or on our spruz site.
I've pretty much failed the 30 day challenge. I don't have time to work out daily, I haven't been to a Zumba class in 2 weeks (which I'm killing myself for, because I bought a monthly pass that I basically just threw away), and my eating habits have been atrocious. I'm stress eating like a mofo, and drinking like a fish, and truth be told, I can't be bothered to care about it. I feel like my priorities in my life just violently exploded and reorganized, I have a limited amount of energy to get through the day, and I just can't focus on more than a few important things.
I'm still around and making sure that I'm reading everyone's updates. I love hearing about all of your personal victories and watching you overcome your personal challenges. I just haven't had anything to contribute, so I haven't been posting along with you.
I know a few people have talked about what's coming up next for the next 30 day challenge, and I want you to know that I will SO be up for that once we get it organized.
Peace & <3
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