20/20 Step 1

Alright, now that there are so many of you who want to participate, I'm going to get these posts going! Here is the first thing everyone needs to do if you don't already know! I'm a very Type A personality, I love plans, I love visual things, I need structure, so I'll be mapping out the challenge and steps everyone should take. I'll be using my blog as my journaling outlet, but if you don't have a blog, maybe get yourself a journal so you can write down this info, or create a secret blog!


Step 1:
Make a plan and set your goal!
My plan: To lose 20 lbs. in 20 weeks
My goal: To reach -100 lbs.


Now the basic principle we need to follow to reach our goal is this: If we’re going to lose 20 lbs. in 20 weeks, we need to burn 3500 calories per week over our BMR. SIMPLE AS THAT! How do we do that? Here's how:
The first thing we need to do is calculate our BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate). Mine is around 1610, different calculators vary a bit. Now in order to burn 3500 calories per week, I can eat a little less than 1600 and work out more, or I can eat 1600 and work out lots more, or a combination of both.
-This is where you need to stop and look at where you are in your weight loss journey. If you have much more than 20 lbs. to lose, you’re going to want to cut calories by eating less than your BMR as well as workout to burn and use energy form your fat reserves.
-If you have just 20 lbs. to lose, you can do a combo of both, cut maybe 100 calories per day, plus work out more.
-If you’re down to 10 away from your body’s ideal weight, you should consume your BMR calories, and use workouts to burn calories for weight loss.


It is also important to keep your body guessing. You don’t want your metabolism to slow down because it always gets 1600 calories and always burns 500, day in and day out.
What I plan to do is switch it up, maybe MWF I’ll stick to 1600 calories and burn 500 those days, and on TR I’ll eat 1400 and burn 300, and on Sat. and Sun I’ll eat around 1800 and burn 700.
You might actually want to write down your BMR, and cals in v. cals out plan, make sure you’re burning 3500 calories above your daily BMR each week. Figure out the math! I know, most people hate math, but it's just addition and subtraction :)


Now I know it’s going to be tough, and not fun, but we’re going to really have to count our calories! I’m going to start blogging more dinners with calorie counts. If you look in my food blog and you see a dinner you want the calorie count for, email me and I will figure it out for you. We'll get more into food later on though.
I don’t have a HRM to track how much I burn when I do things like the shred or other workout DVDs, I just have to take a good guess (I’m going to assume the shred is 250, and the Burn Fat and Trouble Zones burn 500 for me). I also know that when I run 1 mile, I burn around 150 calories. You can use spark people to get an estimate of some daily activities calories burned as well.
Don’t forget that things like cleaning the house, doing laundry, walking the dog, etc., are also workouts! Make sure you take an off day at least once a week (Jillian recommends 2, but I like 1 day to rest). On my off days, I plan to walk Pumpkin and do some housework to keep moving enough though I’m not doing strenuous exercise.
In the end, ITS ALL ABOUT CALORIES IN VERSUS CALORIES OUT!


Ok, step 2 coming later :)

The Challenge!

Alright, no one emailed me yet about making a clip art thingy for the challenge, so I did my best... haha. I'm going to be making random posts throughout the week to get us all ready for this! If you blog, feel free to add that to your blog and broadcast it to anyone who might want to join in!

I'm just putting this out there...

As I've said OVER AND OVER, I'm working on losing the last 20 lbs. Sometimes I waver if I have the ability to do it, but I know I can... and so can you!
So I'm just wondering who might be interested in joining me in the 20 week, 20 lb. challenge? I'll be gearing it most towards people trying to lose the last 20 lbs. to get to their ideal weight, but even if you have much more (or less) to lose, I hope you might join in.
20 weeks is 4 1/2 months, so this isn't going to be a quick fix, but we'll all be in it for the long haul.
I usually weigh in on Fridays, so I think we'll start Friday, March 20, using this week to get things in order (but still bust our buts this week!)
If there are any creative people out there who know their way with clip art and want to make a banner or tag thingy for us to put in our blogs, email me and we can talk about it. If not, I'll try... but I'm no computer graphics girl :)
So comment here or email me if you're game.... and I'll start getting some posts together to really plan this thing out. Let me know what you want to see here as well - like food ideas, workouts, meal planning, fitness tips, and general weight loss info (because we all know the last 10-20 is the hardest!)

ps - the email is ashlee (dot) wetherington at gmail (dot) com
(sorry no link, I've been getting spammed lately.... boo)

Reader Questions!

Sorry for the backup on these, I've had computer issues and was out of town, but here are some answers to a few questions I've had recently...

Anonymous asked: I just got the diet journal book that you started off with & it took me FOREVER to fill out my daily nutritional intake/exercise & fitness page. Does this get easier after a while or will I always need to set aside an hour for looking up nutritional values? Did you keep up with just calories or the fat/protein/carbs/fiber stuff too? Did you include your BMR and everyday stuff like walking (I use a pedometer throughout my daily activities) when calculating your exercise & fitness tally or just working out? Thanks in advance!!! =D

I'm so glad you are journaling! It really does make a huge difference! During the first few weeks, I was really meticulous about filling it out and putting in the exact information. For me, it wasn't too hard because I have the same breakfast and lunch every day, so those calories never changed. The only thing I had to look up was dinner calories... but if you're making your dinner, you can simply look on the packaging and find out serving size and calories. The only things I had to look up were produce. I didn't put down my BMR because I don't have a HRM or anything, but I would weigh myself daily, write my weight, write my day's food with calories, and my exercise. I didn't worry about protein, fat, carbs, etc., because I know I eat a balanced diet, but if you're unsure, it might be important for you to do that.

Once you've been journaling for a while and you get very familiar with the nutritional info in the food items you eat often, it will take you much less time. But again, for me it wasn't bad because I just calculated calories in and calories out.

Grown-Up Teenager asked: I have a question for reader questions. Like I said, I want to slim down as well, and I've got some small stretchmarks on my belly. Did you have any before you started, and have they changed at all if you did? Do you think you'd be comfortable in a bathing suit (dare I say bikini?) after doing the Shred for a while?

Ugh, stretch marks. I think everyone has them, right? So I try not to let them bother me. I have them around the spare tire region and arm pit area. They actually got worse when I first started losing weight, but now they're all faded and not too obvious. Will I ever wear a bikini? Who knows! I'd need to get more toned in the core area before I do that. Perhaps one day I'll take belly photos... As for the bathing suit - I'm fine with that because I was on the swim team in HS, so you kind of get over it fast. I also took diving and aquatic games classes in HS, so I was around my peers all of the time. It was embarassing at first (especially when the teacher would tape our dives and we'd have to watch them and rate ourselves) but I also wasn't nearly as fat in HS as I was in college.
And right now, the shred has taken me far, but not far enough for me to be really cut. I'm moving on to running more and doing more intense strength training (like no more trouble zones) to really get rid of the last 20 lbs.



I stumbled across your blog through the nest health and fitness board and love reading about your journey. I'm wanting to start a weightloss journey myself and was wondering if you have ever posted a menu of what you eat on a daily basis. I've gone back through some of the archives but I may have missed it. If not, I am definately curious to know what you eat every day.

This post pretty much answers your question: http://ashisfit.blogspot.com/2008/07/first-50-menus.html
If you look at my cooking blog, http://www.ashleescooking.blogspot.com/, you can see exactly what I eat for dinner every night. I still continue to eat the same breakfast and lunch as in that post, but I have upped my calories to 1600. I also space out my food during the day so I'm never hungry. I eat about every 2-3 hours.



Molly asked: Hi Ash. I was wondering, when did you first start running? I want to start running this spring/summer but I am a little self-concious because of my weight. How did you start out? Also, could you please recommend some basic running attire? Thanks so much! :)

I started the C25K program last April. I was at about -55 lbs. at that time, so I was still 50 lbs. overweight. I was self-conscious at first, but when you run, it's really all about you and no one else. Don't worry about it! I have more respect for someone who can run a mile than can elliptical for hours, because to me, running is the hardest possible physical activity! It's so incredibly empowering when you finish a good, long run. Completeing the C25K was a HUGE achievement, followed by running my first 5k, then my first 10k! I think running has given me so much confidence! It's hard, don't get me wrong, biggest challenge EVER, but the bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward, you know?
As for workout attire, I run in old navy yoga capris or nike capris and bra tank tops. At first, I wore a sports bra and a cotton old navy $5 tank, but I love the nike dri fit workout tanks, they keep me really cool, and keep the boobs compressed. Having good support in that area is important for me, I was full D's, now I'm a full C, so having support there is really important for me.



Alright, I think that covers it all. If you'd like for me to elaborate or have any more questions, let me know! And if it's a more personal thing, I don't have to publish it, I answer many off the record emails :)


Oh, and I'd like to say HI DAD!!! He's shocked that people turn to me for health and fitness questions! Maybe I'll start forwarding my emails to him and see how his answers are!

WWYD?

I've been contemplating doing the 5k or 10k at the Spring Run on April 18. I was at first worried I wouldn't get the training in to increase my mileage from 3 to 6 because all winter, I was running inside, and I'd stop at 3 miles. Well on Saturday, I got up and went for a run on the trail and I did a little over 3 miles in 34 minutes. Then I was supposed to meet my mom at her gym for a class, but I was early, so I ran on the treadmill and did another 2 miles in 20 minutes...
So I did 5 miles, though seperate, I think it's proof that in 1 month, I'll have little trouble with the mileage.
But then I looked at last year's results, and only 150 people ran the 10k, and if I did it in 69 minutes (which is what I did my first 10k in back on Thanksgiving Day), I'd come in 146th place, which is 5th from last...
So do I want to risk the chance of being last and do the 10k? Or do I focus on getting my time down and doing the 5k and setting a PR there? I have another 5k scheduled for May 17, but no other 10k's until Thanksgiving again...
I love running 10k's, where it's a push to finish, I get my rhythm, I feel the challenge, and I feel so accomplished when I'm done....but I don't want to be last. I have self confidence issues! I think the only way I'll really feel challenged in the 5k is if I really push myself on time, but I struggle with speed, especially when I'm running outside. I've been working on HIIT on the treadmill, but for some reason, when I run outside, it's so different.

Hmmm, what to do? what to do?

8.0!

Yesterday we celebrated Vickie (my co-worker/workout buddy's) 27th Anniversary at the Y. Of course, there was cake. And I ate a piece. It was delicious, but because I rarely eat sweets anymore... it kind of made me nauseous! I guess it's a good thing to equate cake with feelings of nausea.
So anyway, we decided we better go hit the gym. I was on my treadmill, running my normal 6.0 for 10 minutes, then 1 min. at 7.0 and 2 at 5.5 and repeating. When I got to my last minute of 7.0, I decided that just to make sure I burned off the cake calories, I'd try 8.0... which is like, a 7.5 minute mile or something crazy like that... and I did it! I ran my little legs off! It felt soooo good! I really do have little legs too, I'm all torso. I'm 5'6", but I have short extremeties.


I weighed in this morning, and no change... still stuck! Ugh, it's so frusterating! I'm still 20 lbs. away from -100. I'm sure that I'm going over in my calories every day because I've stopped counting them exactly, and I feel so hungry all of the time. It just gets so exhausting. Seriously, losing weight makes you go a little crazy. It becomes obsessive and I hate that.
I don't know if I need to just take a break from trying to lose or if I should just really focus and get the last 20 off. I know if I lose the last 20, I can maintain. I've had no problem with maintenance... maybe I will just shoot for slower progess... isntead of trying for -2 a week and feeling sad when I don't get it, I'll shoot for -1/week, and be thrilled when I reach my weekly goal... and if it would JUST WARM UP I could go for long runs outside, which really help me drop the weight quickly. Running does wonders on my body!


This weekend I'm going to Cincinnati to visit my parents. My mom got me a guest pass to her gym. She goes to Victory Lady Fitness or something like that... I can't remember. Anyway, she loves it there, she takes all different classes and she's doing great, so I'm excited to go with her. I haven't taken a fitness class in a gym ever (besides yoga).
At first, I was a little worried about it being hard and feeling stupid, but the more I thought about it (and did Jillians 2 new workouts flawlessly), I'm so confident in my workout abilities right now. I'm literally in the best shape of my life. I'm seeing muscle definition like never before, and I feel stronger every day. It's so great!

Totally not fitness related, but I'm so excited to go to Cincinnati because my mom and I have a little routine when I go visit without my husband. We always go to Trader Joe's and I bring my cooler and stock up, we usually go shopping at Rookwood (and sometimes I can say, Mom! Look, I dropped another size, I need new pants!) and she'll buy me something, and then we'll go to a movie or IMAX, and out to lunch. On Saturday nights after church, we'll get dinner to go and my parents and I will eat and hang out, watch sports, or whatever. I love weekends with my parents. It gives me a chance to really relax, feel taken care of again, not have to be a grown up. I can galavant around the city, stop by starbucks and read, go running in my old neighborhood... I think it's really going to be good for me, clear my head a bit.

Back to the blog - I've had a few people ask me for some specific posts, so in the near future, I'll be doing posts on portion size, eating in restaurants, and super foods/anti oxidants.
If there's anything else you'd like to see, let me know!

The Scary Truth

Back in December, a woman was attacked and raped on my running trail. I was visiting my parents in Cincinnati that weekend, but when I came back, my co-workers told me about it. I was absolutely shocked as the trail winds thru neighborhoods and main roads. I always knew it was a possibility.... but it just seemed so unlikely.
At first I felt awful for the poor woman who was raped, but she was so brave and strong and worked with the police to find the asshole who did it, and he's in jail now. It was a completely isolated incident, and there have been no other reports of problems on the trail... thank goodness!
Then, as it sunk in, I got really mad! I've always known as a woman, it's a possibility. I do take some precautions, but I can't give up my ipod, and I don't always have a running buddy. It's so unfair that I have to worry about my safety when I'm trying to be healthy and do the right thing! Sometimes it seems like the universe works against those who are trying to be healthy (like the price of organics!!! ugh, don't get me started...)
So anyway, then it got snowy and I couldn't run if I wanted to... so it was a non-issue. It warmed up a few times, enough for me to go run... but rather than go to the trail, I ran in the neighborhood with Pumpkin. She can be a pain on me and will just sit and stop, so I hate to take her to the out and back trail, I like the neighborhood loop so if I have to carry her home, it's not as far... which I have had to do many time in the past. Yes, she's only 20 lbs., but carrying 20 lbs. after a 2 mile run for another mile... not fun! But, she can be vicious and will attack strange people if I let her, so I do feel safe with her around. She sweet for her mommy, but she's a spitz mix, and spitz's are known for their temper!
So now Spring is around the corner... and I'm faced with a dilemma. I don't want to let fear get the best of me, and I really do miss running. I've been having the worst runs on the treadmill because I get so bored... I'm starting to doubt my ability - and that makes me mad! I was able to run a 10k in November. 6 miles! I ran the whole thing! That was absolutely the proudest moment in my life, running across the finish line, beating my 70 minute goal! And now, I'm hoping I can make it 3 or 4 miles... with a possible 10k in 1.5 months.
So I might be a little scared to go back at first, but rather than avoid the busy times (Saturday and Sunday from 10am-12pm), I think I am going to go then so there will be many people around. I will still wear my ipod, but my mom's going to get me some pepper spray. I don't really want to run with it, but I want to run. I want to make a t-shirt that says, "Back off a-holes, I'll pepper spray your face".... but I don't run in t-shirts...
It just really sucks that someone can take something away from you, the feeling of safety, and freedom, which is what I felt when I ran my 4.6 mile trail...

Blog List Update

I know many of you read this blog in google reader, so you might not see this if I don't post about it.... Last week I asked you to give me a link to your blogs, and wow! I recieved about 35 blog links! They are all now featured on the right side of the blog, by name.
I added you all to my google reader, and I'm so excited to start reading!
I have a few posts in the works that I was hoping to do this weekend, but our internet was down. I'll try to work on them this week!
I'm feeling pretty good physically, no issues with the leg. I ordered Jillian's 2 new DVDs, and I hope they get here soon because the on demand ends tomorrow!
Now I'm going to get to reading.... I've got 300 items in my google reader!

And we're back!

I just finished doing No More Trouble Zones, and I feel GREAT! I think taking 2 days off was perfect. I'm glad I listened to my Athletic Trainer :) And I sure do love the stim! I got so many replies about posting your blogs on the site, so this weekend I'll post them all!
I really look forward to following all of your blogs as well! So thanks!!!


I got many responses about te 100 lb. party too. I've always been unsure if I wanted to have it because it's a little attention whorish, but we'll see how it goes. I know it's going to be near impossible to get all of my family together this summer, plus all of the other people who have helped me along the way, and if I want it, I want EVERYONE there... so it might still happen, but I'm not sure.


I'm now about 6 weeks away from my first race of 2009 - a 10k or 5k, I'm hoping to do the 10k, but the weather is not cooperating, so I haven't been able to run outside much. I'm hoping by next weekend I can get back to the trail and get my 4.6 in! But we shall see!
Thanks to everyone for your get well wishes, I was worried I'd be down and out for a while, but maybe my body does want to lose weight.... could have fooled me!

Updates and Links!

So this morning when I woke up, my leg felt much better. Last night I tried to do some boxing, but squatting to punch was too much strain on my calf and quad, so I stopped. JJ did more stim, which I guess is helping! This morning I was able to do some squats and lunges with minimal pain! I'm going to run on the treadmill today, but I might not do my HIIT, just keep it at 6 mph.
I weighted myself this morning, and I'm up 2 lbs... which makes absolutely no sense! I have kept my calories around 1600, and even with no exercise, there's no possible way I consumed 7,000 calories. I assume it's bloat and water weight because I could be PMS-ing.
Even though I know I didn't eat the calories, and I didn't workout 2 days in a row because of injury, seeing a +2 is so disappointing. I hope it will drop as quickly as it came on, but I'm just so tired of these 5 lbs. that keep bobbling. I'm so close to a new weight decade... I just want that 2nd digit to drop!
In other crappy news (I'm on a roll, why stop!?), I was so concerned with making sure my immediate family could make it to Cincinnati for my 100 lb. party on May 30, that I forgot about my husband's schedule, which is not going to work... so it's going to be moved to a later date, or just cancelled. I'm still on the fence about it...


So my other reason for this post is, I have so many people who write in saying I inspire them and they love to read my blog. I do go back and read many of yours, but I also know people don't comment and lurk, but might have a blog of their own.
I'd like to add all of your blogs on the side of my page so everyone can be an inspiration with their blogs, and have many different viewpoints on issues and such, so please comment in this post with a link to your blog, and I'm going to add them all!

Injury....

I have been really lucky that throughout the past 2 years, as I've been losing weight, I've been able to avoid any injuries. I am always really cautious, and try to stretch, do warm-ups and cool-downs. Unfortnuately, between my 2 new Jillian workouts, and doing HIIT where I'm running 7.5mph on the treadmill, I might have pushed myself a little to hard/far, and I've had some really bad cramping and I strained my right calf and quad.
It didn't hurt when I finished running yesterday, and I decided since I've been pushing so hard, to not shred last night. When I started Burn Fat, Boost Metabolism today, I started with the side kicks and sumo squats, and I felt like my muscles were going to rip apart - not good!
Luckily, my husband is an Athletic Trainer, so I texted him and asked him what to do. He said STOP, we'll talk later, so I stopped.
Tonight when he got home from work, he whipped out a TENS Unit, which admisters electrical stimulation, or stim, which helps to relieve any muscles that are in spasms, helps to reduce pain, and allows muscles to relax.
Here is a photo of the pads attached to my calf. I also had them attached to my quad, but I opted not to photograph that :)

It has little knobs on it that control the level of stim is produces. I'm extremely tickleish, so it tickles me, and feels like little pins stabbing in a rolling motion... it's an interesting feeling!

JJ said we'll do it every day if it doesn't get better, it might last a few days, but as long as I stretch and just work out until the pain starts, I'll be fine.

I'm really hoping this is a one day thing, because I've been working so hard and I'm really starting to see and feel some big changes again! But I also know how important it is to listen to Dr. J when he says to rest... ugh.

But I can't complain, it sure is nice having an AT for a husband! The pysical therapy office comes to me while I'm watching Biggest Loser!

Reader Questions Answered and Reader Suggestion

Reader Question - To paraphrase, a reader wrote that she's recently started working out, and would like to do treadmill work, but has foot problems and cannot run.
She said she read that I lost the first 50 lbs. by using the elliptical and walking Pumpkin, and wonders how I was able to lose the weight with just this activity because she doesn't think it's possible to lose it all by just ellipticalling. She wants to know what my thoughs are on the elliptical versus the treadmill, and strength training in general...
It's important to understand when you're trying to lose weight, it all boils down to calories consumed versus calories burned. It really doesn't matter how you burn the calories, just that you burn them... so whether it be running, walking, biking, ellipticalling, it makes no difference.
Granted, I do burn twice as many calories running as ellipticalling in a 30 minute workout, so it is more efficient, but when I was as heavy as I was, running was not really an option (or something I cared to do). I did however, really enjoy getting on my elliptical!


You should look at a BMR calculator to find out how many calories you're burning on a day to day basis, and then add in the calories you burn when you do any activity... which if you're using a stationary machine, it should tell you a rough estimate of calories burned. For instance, my BMR right now is 1610, so I burn that many calories per day, plus any exercise. When I weighed more, my BMR was as high as 1900. I would burn around 500 calories doing a 45 minute elliptical workout each night, then a 1 mile walk might be another 100 or so, so I was burning around 2500 calories per day, and trying to stick to 1200-1600 calories each day. As I lost weight, however, the amount of calories burned decreased.


So to get to the point... I loved ellipticalling, it was easy on the joints, it was enjoyable to watch TV, and I just had to keep a mental note of watching me speed to make sure I didn't start to slow down too much, and it was a very effective workout. As long as you grasp the concept of calories in vs. calories out, it doesn't matter what type of exercise you do, as long as you enjoy it, you push yourself, and you stick with it!




One of my awesome readers, Hope, informed me of this -
Jillian (Michaels) has a podcast that you can load to your iPod, and it's great!
It's basically about fitness, health, and she also has a time where she answers caller's questions,you know, Jillian-type things.
The website is:
http://www.kfi640.com/pages/podcasting/


So far I've listened to the past 3 weeks, and it is a great resource! I love Jillian, though sometimes she makes me feel guilty... like the superbowl show, she said DONT EAT CRAP! Simple!!! Well, I ate a little crap.... so I tell you all it's ok to eat what you want in moderation, keep your calories in tact, workout hard, etc., but then she says just don't do it... so it's a little conflicting. But then again, she's a hardcore trainer, and probably doesn't love food as much as I do :)
I hope you still like me, Jillian, even though I sometimes give in and eat badly!
...and no, she doesn't read my blog, but I still talk to her like she does...

What do you think???

"Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels"
This is a quote that's been said over and over (in my mind, mostly from Jillian on the biggest loser), but it's also something one of my readers said in a comment on my Valentine's Day post.


So let me think about it....

Looking thinner....

Tastes DELICIOUS!

So what's the verdict?
I think I can have my thin, and eat my cheesecake, too!


Of course it's true that feeling thin is fantastic... maybe it's not comparable to anything, but that's because this is all so new to me. It's been a LONG time since I wore the size I do now... maybe 6th grade? That's 12 years. However, I have not had cheesecake in a LONG time, and that's some DAMN GOOD cheesecake - best I've ever had/made.
Why can't you indulge a bit in life without feeling guilty? I think you can.... and should!


I'm sure you could go through and count the # of times I have said it's a LIFESTYLE CHANGE, not a diet. You'll eat cheesecake during your life, no need to feel guilty, enjoy it! It's not something you eat every day, is it? No!
In my opinion, and take it for what you want, you can't go thru life being so strict all of the time (unless you want a body like Jillian, which would be so hard to maintain) so why not enjoy it?
Maybe it's just because I love food, I love cooking, creating, savoring each bite, pairing ingredients to create something that is like no other experience, so it's hard for me to accept that phrase... but what do you think?
I love being thinner, but I also love cheesecake. And I see no problem with that. I refuse to believe I can't be thin and eat cake without guilt. It's all about MODERATION!
....It really was the best cheesecake I've ever had....

Jillian Michaels No More Trouble Zones Review

WOW AGAIN!!! So if the Burn Fat Boot Metabolism was like The Shred on crack, this was Burn Fat Boost Metabolism on crack! My abs are throbbing... is that possible?!

Like Burn Fat, the premise of the video is the same, you start with a 5 minute warm up, then do 6 circuits of 5 or 6 moves and repeat. The workout is also 60 minutes.

This video, however, focuses on strength moves more than anything. There are no cardio moves, but Jill brings back the weights and lunges - hardcore!
I used my 5 lb. weights, and Jillian even says during one of the circuits yes, I'm using 3's, because she wants you to do quality moves, lots of reps, and she wants you to really tone. During the first circuit, all about shoulders and theighs/butt, I started with my 8's but switched to 5's during the second move! It was ROUGH!
I really liked this video, it is a serious butt-kicking! I wish there was a little cardio, but I also like how the weights were brought back and the abs were really challenged. I think doing a combo of these two videos is really going to shock my body a bit, and hopefully help me kickstart the metabolism and burn some serious fat!
Again, Jillian uses a few of The Shred's moves, but incorporates many new ones. This DVD really targets the shoulders, bi- and tricepts, abs, theighs and butt. I haven't felt sore in a long time from a workout, but I think I'll be feeling this in my butt tomorrow!


I am definitely going to buy these 2 DVDs this weekend, but use the comcast on demand until then! I highly, highly recommend them! They are a bit longer, so I'm thinking I'll still run/shred 3-4 days a week, and do either of these 2 on the alternating days. I also did the elliptical for 30 minutes when I did "Burn Fat..." so I'll probably elliptical tonight just to get a little cardio in! But it's totally not necessary because this is an hour workout, I just like to do a little cardio when watching TV.


Thanks, Jillian.... if you ever read this! And I really like your headband in the DVDs :)

Jillian Michaels' Banish Fat Boost Metabolism Review

WOW! For anyone who has graduated from the Shred series, and wants to move on to something more challenging.... TRY THIS!!! It's like the shred on steriods. First off, it's about an hour long... so if you want a longer workout than the shred's 20 minutes, or you're tired of doing 2 levels back to back, this is for you! Here are some photos from the DVD...(scroll to the bottom)


Jill starts with a warm up, then goes through about 7 circuits with 5-6 moves in each circut, and repeats the moves in each circuit, so they're roughly 7 minutes each. There are no weights in this workout, and no lunges, but there are many kickboxing moves instead.
The circuits aren't necessarily strength, cardio, abs, but instead are a combination of all 3, which is what makes it pretty rough! There are many of the same squat and cardio moves from the shred series, but with slight modifications.


This is an extremely hard workout, it's long and grueling, so I would definitely make sure I could do 2 shred levels back to back before trying this one out. Jillian doesn't really offer up modified versions of the moves, but she does offer tougher versions (like skaters where you touch your toes each time you slide).


I am super proud of myself for making it through the whole workout with no rests, because you really do move, and crunch, and kick, and jump... it's really true to it's name!


Now, the good news - I have an extreme love/hate relationship with Comcast, right now being one of the 'love' moments, because I tried this workout on demand! It's available right now, and for a while because there is no end date listed. Jillian also has a problem zones no more workout on demand, so I'll be reviewing that one tomorrow.
I am so excited I found this workout because as much as I love the shred, I did want to have something a little more challening, and something different. After I try out touble zones no more tomorrow, I'm sure I'll integrate the 3 videos into a rotation.

Valentine's Re-Cap

Clearly, I enjoyed myself this Valentine's Day :)


So I had Japanese Hibachi and then a big old slice of Nutella Cheesecake, and I am up 2 lbs. this morning... I think it's kind of funny. I mean, I know I really didn't gain 2 lbs, but gosh, when the Hibachi man was squirting oil all over the grill and slicing off giant pats of butter, I was so happy I didn't go for the Chipotle earlier in the day... Maybe I gained 1 lb... because I didn't eat 7000 calories on Saturday... maybe 3500, but def. not 7000.
So now I'm on to the big old weigh day countdown... and I'm a little stressed about it. It's supposed to get cold again, which means no running outside :( It's been so nice... hopefully it will warm back up soon.
So anyway, I have 3.5 months to lose 20 lbs, I'd like to lose it in 3... so that's about 7/month. I'm going to start weighing on Monday and Friday again, just so I make sure I stay on track.
It's crunch time - literally!!!

I have WILLPOWER!!! (today, anway...)

I sincerely apologize if this gives anyone the urge to RUN to chiptole and scarf down a burrito.


This afternoon, I was out running errands. I was at the library (which is across the street from Chipotle) when JJ called to see if I wanted to meet him for lunch because practice had just ended and he was hungry. I told him I was at the library, so he said ok, I want Chipotle.
I had just had a yogurt and banana at home, and wasn't hungry, but I wanted to see him because he's so busy lately, I'll take what I can get!
We're going to a Japanese Steak House for dinner tonight for Valentine's Day, so I know I'll be pigging out then. When we got to Chipotle, JJ ordered his burrito, and I PASSED ON GETTING SOMETHING! Even though the chicken was fresh and the peppers and onions were fresh (my favorites)... I said no!!!
Now I LOVE Chipotle, I could eat it every day, it's my favorite, so for me to pass because I could literally sit there and think - No, I'm not hungry, so I shouldn't eat - was a BIG step!
So there ya go, there's some willpower!!!

Weight Day!

This morning when I weighed in, I was REALLY hoping for 2 lbs... so of course, I lost 1.5! I'm .5 away from my Valentine's Day goal.... so I guess I'm pretty happy.
In other news, the date for my -100 lb. party looks like May 30, so I've got 3.5 months to lose 19 lbs. EEK! I really prefer to have my own schedule and time to lose the weight, but it's really the only time my whole family can get together for the party, and it is somewhat nice to have a date to lose it by. A goal date. I think I can do it. I hope :) It worked out well hoping to lose 50 lbs for my wedding (I lost 47) so I think maybe having a date to get it off by might help.


Also, today at work we had a huge Twilight Valentine's Day party... see http://www.ashleescooking.blogspot.com/ for some photos. What a fun day!


Also, if you friend me on Facebook (Which I think some readers have) please note that you are friending me b/c of my blog, because I won't accept your request if I don't know who you are (not that I know you here either, but oh well!)

Today's Run... I crack myself up...

You have to watch The Office to understand the humor in this post....
I live in the same neighborhood as an elementary school. They recently put in the blinking speedometers that tell you how fast you're going. The cool thing about them too, is they're solar powered! They are only on when school is going on (so like, 8-4 M-F) Usually I run around the block after 4, so they're not on. Well today Pumpkin and I ran around 3pm, right when school was getting out. So I ran past the speedomeer, and IT CLOCKED ME AT 31 MPH!!! I swear, I about died laughing, and the parents in their minivans probably looked at me funny, but I was cracking up. I'm so speedy :) and what are the odds?!

Workout Buddies!

I know, I am at a big advantage because I work at the YMCA, and exercise equitpment is right here for me, but honestly, I prefer to run outside or shred in my own home. As I've said a million times, I HATE the treadmill with a passion, because I get so bored. It's been really hard for me to maintain, or even think of losing weight during the winter because I can't run outside.


However, one of my co-workers, Vickie, uses the elliptical almost daily at the Y. Back in December, we decided to start working out at the same time, and I'd get on treadmill #1 and she'd get on elliptical #2, so we'd be next to eachother, but didn't talk because we had headphones on. It's kind of funny to call us workout buddies because there's no communitcation, but it's all about the accountability. We all have our off days when we don't want to workout, and luckily ours are on different days!
This method of working out is really good for people pleasers, as I am one, because I don't want to let her down, and she doesn't want to let me down! We both always have our workout clothes here, so even on days I come in with the mindset of no, no treadmill today, Vickie asks, and I always give in and go run.
I highly recommend a workout buddy, even if it's only a few days a week, it really has made a difference for me!


Also, that photo is of Vickie and I at the YMCA's family fun night 2 weeks ago. My mom's friend let us borrow her poodle skirts, which brings me to another point - now that I'm a much smaller size, I have the ability to just borrow clothes or costumes from people.... which is something I never could do before!
Being fit is so fun :)

The 200 Sit-Up Challenge

I saw someone mention this on a fitness board, so I decided to check it out. In Level 3 of the 30 Day Shred, the second circut's abs minute is sit-ups, which Jillian praises because it works so much more than just abs (like a crunch). I count every now and then when I'm shredding, and usually I get around 23 in her minute, but I think her 'shred minute' is a little less than a real minute because she gives some direction and has to get you in position.

I decided to check out the website, and see what it was all about. However, when I looked at the test, and the "good-form sit-up" it appears to be a crunch, not a sit-up. Since real sit-ups (with no one holding down your feet) are so much harder, I decided to go for a real sit up, but still follow the premise of the challenge. I'm always really sure that I keep my knees bent high, don't use momentum and swing up, keep my hands clawed around my ears, and stare at the celing to keep good form.

I took the initial test, which was to do as many sit ups as you can. I thought it was as many as you can in 5 minutes, so I had my husband time me, and I got 95 REAL sit-ups in 5 minutes! I was totally psyched because I read this on the homepage - No doubt some of you can already do 100 consecutive sit-ups, but let's face it, you're in a big minority. Most of you reading this won't even be able to manage 20 sit-ups. Actually, I'm sure many of you can't even do 10. AND I DID 95! And really, I could have kept going if I actually knew it was do as many as you can, not as many as you can in 5 minutes.

So anyway, I did it again tonight, and did 140 before my stomach started to get super tight. Then I went back to the website, and it says to take a rest on day 2.

I really need to start reading directions before I just jump into something. Really...

I mean, the Shred works the core like no other, but geez, these sit ups are a killer! But a good killer :) I am feeling my abs tonight like never before.

So anyway, I taped myself tonight b/c I wanted to post video proof that I can do it, but I still am not 100% happy with how I look on camera (ugh, theighs) So maybe I'll get the nerve to post video one day, but I promise, I did 140 in 7:40!

I think I'll rest tomorrow night, but Thursday night, I'm going to see if I can get the 200, and complete the challenge in 4 days! (maybe, just maybe, if I can do all 200, I'll post video... )

Biggest compliment ever - My husband, who is Division 1 NCAA Athletic Trainer told me that he thinks I am in better shape and much more fit than some of the athletes he sees come through the training room.

Yeah, I think this week has put me over the hump of feeling low last week!

Because I'm curious....

I posted a poll on the right side at the top of my blog. It's in regards to the 30 Day Shred. At some point, I'm going to write Jillian and tell her how much I love her, and the shred, and how I want her to come to my -100 lb. party.
Since I'm an accountant and I heart #'s, I'd like to give her some statistical data! Please take my poll and comment here if your answer is a little different from any of my choices...
Yes, this means you need to leave Google Reader for 2 seconds to take my poll.
Thank you :)


Also, I'd like to announce that my sister called me a badass b/c I Shred 2&3 back to back with my 8 lb. handweights.
I pretty much am a badass... haha
But really, my upper body strength has improved 1000% I'm sure!
...and my abs look like Anita's....
;)

Oh, Happy Day!

Yes, that's right, the snow MELTED!
For the first time since Christmas Eve, I was able to run outside!!! (It was still a little slushy/icy though, so I was prepared to break my ankle!)
I asked Pumpkin if she wanted to go for a run, and she sprinted to the door, and continued to throw herself against it until we left, so I think she was excited too!

Friday Weigh Day

I'm up 1lb. which I feel is a small miracle.
So now I'm 2 lbs. away from making the goal of losing Christmas weight by Valentines Day.
This next week, I'm going to kick my butt. Luckily it's supposed to warm up some so I can run this weekend with Pumpkin... I can easily do 2 lbs.... I hope!
:)

Update!

So first off, you all are so freaking awesome. As hard as it is to put myself out there and say how I'm feeling, with the support of so many people, it's worth it!

I do hold myself to high expectations, but it's just because I know I can do it, and there need to be no excuses, but at the same time I need to enjoy my life and realize that pigging out at the Superbowl is just a part of life.

So anyway, I'm still feeling sick, maybe even worse, but I didn't want it to drag me down even more... so today I did a 3 mile run on the treadmill! I had such a stressful/busy day at work, so it was nice to get on the treadmill, blast the music and RUN!

I've started incorporating HIIT into my runs (high intensity interval training). I run at a base speed of 6mph for 20 minutes, then the last 10, I do 1 min at 7mph, then 2 at 5.5 mph, and so on. It feels so good to run that fast, and let me tell you going from 6mph to 7mph is a huge difference! It makes me realize that I'm not a 7mph runner... ever...haha. Running my 10 minute miles is just fine :)

So anyway, I know the scale won't be pretty this Friday, but as long as I stay on target the rest of the week, I'll be ok.

I'm not going to shred tonight because I'm pretty exhausted, but I did run, so I'm not going to feel too bad about not shredding.

Sometimes I think the emotional toll is the hardest part. I can put in the exercise, I can try to eat less... but in my mind it's still never enough!

Oh well, here are a few photos from the superbowl (those are the 3D glasses for the sobe commercial!), I really did have a fun night vegging out...and of the stupid snow that has taken over Indiana.... and got me sick :(

It's sure not easy...

I get so many comments from readers who say I'm so positive and inspiring and I have such a good outlook... well I'd say about 99% of the time I do, but sometimes I'm just over it all and the last thing I want to think about is weight/food/exercise/dieting, etc. I get so exhausted reading about so many different and sometimes conflicting information. So many times I hear "Don't drink any alcohol" and then "Red wine is good for the heart". Then sometimes it's take off a day of exercise, or there's no reason to not at least walk daily... it's so hard to sort thru all the literature out there and find out what is right...


So I might just be in one of my moods - that's what my dad calls them anyway. He says I let my highs get too high and my lows get too low. So right now, I think I hit a low. I've been feeling sick lately, and of course when I get sick, I want to eat lots of warm soup and drink hot chocolate, never any stomach virus where food is repulsive... Work is stressful, my body is achy, I didn't run today... I'm pretty sure I ate too much over the weekend (JJ got me Chinese take out b/c I was too sick to cook, and then we had superbowl food)... so anyway...
Yes, I too have lows, bad moments, breaking points, thoughts of giving up, and I let my emotional eating get the best of me.


So... many of you say I inspire you. Well here's your chance to inspire me. Pick me back up and tell me to get on the treadmill tomorrow. And not drown myself in chocolate next weekend :)

Reader Questions Answered

Amanda: I have to eat two packets of instant oatmeal to be full. Is that still a healthy breakfast? I would look at the calories in the two packets. If that fits into your daily allotment of calories, I don't think it's a problem (it might be around 300). You might also want to try getting a big container of the oats. A serving size is 1/2 c., maybe try eating 3/4 c. and see if that fills you up more. I've noticed that when my husband makes his cinnamon instant oats packet, he gets less in a packet than I do when I measure 1/2 c., and the calories on his are 10 more because of the added sugar in the packet.


Is regular slow cook better then instant oatmeal (in other words, is the instant stuff just as bad as sugary kids cereal)?
You can buy plain instant oatmeal that has nothing added to it. Look for "Quick Cooking Oats" in a big container, or the plain kind. It will have no added sugar, and is MUCH healthier than sugary cereals. You really have to read the labels though, to see exactly what is added to the packets. That's why I like to add my own mix-ins, so I can control the sugar and calories.


Most of the times that can keep me satisfied from 8-12, sometimes I have to have a small snack around 10 or 10:30.
That's how it works for me, too. I eat my oatmeal around 7am, then I have a banana around 10, which keeps me from getting too hungry at lunch time!
As long as you keep your calories under control, and spread out a bit, I think you're doing just fine!




Melissa: Right now I am struggling with my own weight loss. I went hard-core from July through November of last year and lost 30 pounds. Then I took December off and gained back 10 of those thirty. Well now, in January, I have been back on track again but have barely lost any weight. I am doing the same things I was before when I was steadily losing weight. What am I doing wrong? Do you have any ideas for me? It sucks to be trying so hard but not see any results and I'm really starting to get discouraged.
First off, Don't get discouraged!!! Sometimes your body doesn't respond the way it did in the past, the way you think it should, or want it to! That's ok!
Perhaps your body has adjusted to what you were doing in the past, and you need to try some new things. After I ellipticalled for so long, the results weren't as good, so I switched to c25k, and jump started my weight loss. Are you doing strength training? Maybe that is something you can incorporate. Plyometrics are great at getting the metabolism going.
You might also want to look at your diet, has it changed much? Are you not as active as you were? You can be exercising the same, but the rest of your day might be more sedentary. I know in the winter, I am less likely to add the long walks with Pumpkin, which do add up! I also don't run 4-5 miles on the weekends, I stick to 30 minutes on the treadmill, that time adds up.
I would try some new workouts, pay close attention to your calorie intake, drink lots of water, and make sure you're eating all your friends and veggies!
If things don't change after that, you might want to talk to your doctor.




Ashley: In regards to the Shred did you start by doing Level 1 with 5lb weights or what? how long did you do level 1 before moving on to level 2?
When I started shredding, I used my 5lb. weights. I did 10 days at each level for the month of June. Now I alternate between levels 2 and 3 each day.
There have been questions about the shred, whether it should be done daily, etc. My point of view is this, though you should take days off when lifting weights, I don't look at the shred as lifting, it's just toning muscle, it's not as strenuous as a weight lifting session would be where you're really working to build muscle fast. So I don't have a problem shredding daily. Also, since I alternate between levels, I am using different muscles each day so it's not overly repetetive. Every few weeks, I'll take a day off from the shred, but I love doing it daily!

Oatmeal, the Love of my Life!

As long as I'd been over-weight, breakfast was a hit or miss event. When I was in high school, I didn't have the time to sit down and eat something. When I was in college, I'd end up in the cafeteria getting eggs and biscuits (and yes - sometimes sausage gravy... oops! the down side to going to college in the south!) It wasn't until I graduated, got a real world job, and got a schedule that I really figured out how important breakfast is!
The first few days I went without it, I'd be ravaging at lunch, and I'd make bad choices. I've never really enjoyed breakfast food, I'm not big on cereal, I don't like milk, sweet things tend to make my stomach hurt early in the morning, so I struggled to find something I liked.
One day I was reading my mom's Prevention magazine, and saw an article about the importance of breakfast, and how great oatmeal is. I always thought oatmeal took forever to cook, was thick and flavorless... not anything exciting to me!
I was SO WRONG!
Now, oatmeal is my everything. The health benefits are AMAZING! See this article here, from Quaker.
Some people do not like the Quick Cook oats because they can get a bit thick and loose their texture, but I don't have a problem with them! I think oatmeal is a delicious canvas for a million flavors. Some of my favorite additions are: soy milk, skim milk, pumpkin puree, dried fruit, bananas, apple butter, pumpkin butter, flax seeds, cinnamon, and peanut butter. Usually during the week I just add some milk and honey, but over the weekend I really like to make it something special.
If you really want to see oatmeal art, and someone who loves it, see Kath's Tribute!


So if you struggle to get something down in the morning because of time or you just can't find something you like, try oatmeal! Not only is it so good for you, it will keep you feeling full, it will warm your belly, and you can change it up daily! You can buy preportioned 'weight control' oats, where you just dump it in a bowl with some water, or you can do what I do and get bulk oats in a bin, and keep a 1/2 c. measuring scoop in there!


Note: Photo is from Quaker website.

Reader Questions and Weigh Day

Amber asked: What was the breaking point for you? You know the point that you said I've got to change my life now and begin living healthier? I think motivation is an amazing thing. I am personally struggling with it right now. So, what motivates you?

I've been pretty open about the fact that the one single thing that really made me start losing weight was my wedding (click on this link to see that post).
What made me begin though, or my "rock bottom, turning point, climax of my life story" sort of events, was my engagement party. My in-laws, and pretty much all of JJ's family live in Florida. Since the wedding was at my Dad's church in Cincinnati, OH, we figured many Floridians wouldn't be able to come, so they threw us a party down there. It was such a great event, I got to meet so many of JJ's extended family and friends... however at the time, I was at my highest weight to date - 252 lbs., wearing a size 22 pants, and felt AWFUL.
The party was a blast, but the whole time I was so self conscious. It was my first time meeting many of these people, and I was my heaviest and self-proclaimed, ugliest.

Here is one of the only photos I kept from the party because I couldn't stand the way I looked in all of the others. It's not awful, but you can see all the pudge.

So that's what it took. Looking my worst, and feeling my worst, at such an important and once in a lifetime event. I had planned all along to lose wieght for the wedding, but here I was 9 months away from the wedding, and I hadn't lost a pound (and we had been engaged for 8 months already!) So as soon as we got back from Florida, I decided to get on track, and that's where the other post picks up!

To answer the other part of the question - what motivates me... There are so many things that motivate me...

-Being able to share clothes with sisters and friends.

- The magical number - 100 lbs! I'm getting so close!

- Knowing I can get up and run 6 miles, and the freedom I feel when I do.

- Having my blog out for the world to see, knowing people hold me accountable.

- The health problems I will not face because of obesity or being overweight that my Grandparents face(d)

Elizabeth asked: Just wondering how you keep from snacking during the day......I think that's my biggest problem

This isn't as hard for me during the week because I am at work and I don't keep snacks around, but I do try to eat every 2-3 hours so I don't get so hungry that I overeat or go for junk. My schedule is pretty much the same during the week, around 1500-1600 calories.
7 am - breakfast - oatmeal and coffee (200 cal)
10 am - banana (100 cal)
noon - another piece of fruit (apple, nectarine, pear, clementines) (100 cal)
3pm - yoplait light yogurt and some carrot sticks or peas (200 cal)
6pm - dinner (700 cal)
8pm - fat free pudding with fruit, frozen yogurt with fruit, or any other 200ish calorie dessert

I like to eat one big dinner though (mostly because I love to cook, but also I just love to have one big meal). I also drink a lot of water during the day.

The weekends are antoher story though, I struggle during the weekend to keep myself from grazing... however I don't keep snacks (besides fruit and veggies) in the house, so it's not as hard. Sometimes though, if I feel like I could eat a horse, I'll go for a bowl of cereal, or an additional bowl of oatmeal (around 200 calories).

And of course, sometimes we're out running errands and I'll get a real lunch - like a sub or when we go to Sams, a plain soft pretzel. I also HIGHLY recommend a bag of Newman's fat free kettle corn pop corn. I'm all about bulk and volume when I eat, so I love a giant bag of popcorn.

And Friday's results - I lost .5 lbs. I'm actually pretty happy about that because since I had 3 big weeks in a row, I was expecting to have a week or two where I didn't lose any, or just a little. This week I've had a lot of events, which meant food... so I definitely was higher on my calories than normal. Since my goal was to lose the Christmas weight before Valentine's Day, I'm still on track with 2.5 to go!

Reader Questions, the not pretty/fun stuff

Today's reader questions get into the not pretty, and not fun to talk about stuff. I hope I don't gross anyone out, or hurt your feelings! At one time, I was full of excuses too... so here it goes!


D'Rae asked: I know that this is going to sound kinda silly, but how do you find the time to exercise? That is what I am having a problem with.
Ok, time to be blunt and just put it out there.... it's not about finding time, it's about making time.
Think about all of the things you do that are optional, like waching TV or shopping.
If you have ONLY 20 minutes, do The Shred! That's all you need, and it's a great, comprehensive workout.
Make it part of your daily routine, and you'll never even think about 'having no time.'
Maybe you need to wake up a little earlier, do it then. How about a lunch break? Exercise should be a #1 priority with eating and sleeping. It's that important!


Nicole asked: I do have one questions, actually something that I have been personally concerned about. How has your skin been? Any lose skin, sagginess? Any tips in that department? My weight is in my belly and I am just worried about having rolls of skin.
As of now, I don't have any problems with skin. I am 23, so being young, my skin is still really eslastic. I also have lost the weight over 21 months now, so my body has had ample time to recover from every pound.
That's not to say when I do finally hit my goal I won't have any, but as of now it all looks normal... lol


And finally, my own little note to add...
Before I started losing weight, I was a FULL double D... and now I'm a small D. I am thrilled! I always wanted to be a little smaller :)

Bring it on, treadmill!

On Friday, I was doing my normal 30 minutes or torture on the treadmill. Only it wasn't as bad as normal. It seemed to be going faster!
Well I was thinking back to Bob and Joelle's arguement on Biggest Loser, and I remembered he was having his team run 30 second sprints at 6.5 mph. So I thought to myself, if these 300-400 lb. people are running at 6.5, I should too! Granted they were walking inbetween, and I was running at 6.0... but I created a little challenge for myself!
So I when I hit 25 minutes (5 to go) I kicked it up to 6.5, and it felt fine, so I kicked it up to 7.0 mph. It felt really good! My legs were really stretching out and I felt really good! I ran at 7.0 for 4 minutes, until I hit 3 miles, then the last minute I walked.
So take that, stupid treadmill!
:)
Really, it's the little things that make me happy :)


And also, over the weekend I completed levels 1 and 3 of the shred with my 8lb. weights. I almost made it through 2, but the squats at the end with the 8's were just not happening....
I'm so close though to completeing the whole series with my 8's!

Friday Weigh Day Results!

This morning I weighed in at another -2! I am so happy, I've been seriously busting my butt! I still have 3 more Christmas pounds to lose, but I'm definitely going to get it off by Feb. 1! (Which is when I'm going to try on my size 10 new pants from The Limited that I got for Christmas)

Today is another 3 miles/30 minutes on the treadmill.... wish me luck.
And recommend some good music! Lately I've been listening to Muse (the more upbeat stuff)...

Reader Questions and some random musings...

This week, Amber asked: Were you always bigger growing up? I know I was always the chunkier kid. I was just curious if you had been smaller at some point in time, gained weight again, and lost it again.
I would say from birth to age 5 or so, I was normal weight. Then I started to gain weight once I was in kindergarden. I'm not exactly sure why it occured then, but I do remember that's when I really started to have an appetite! I was probably 7 or 8 when I started ordering off the regular menu rather than the childrens. And I could put away food for a little kid!
Many people blame the parents, but I can't blame mine. I was constantly sneaking food because I was just always hungry! I think when I graduated High School, I was about 50 lbs. overweight, and then when I hit college, it was all downhill. I was all about the freshman 15. The cafeteria had no healthy food, and I was all about the 2am Taco Bell runs.
I then started working at Starbucks, and when you first start working there, you can't help but eat and drink everything. It probably took me 6 months before I could go to work and not have any drinks or pastry samles.
I also was an RA in college for freshman girls, so when they did their 2am Taco Bell runs, they'd stop in and see if I wanted anything. Nice, but not really...
So to answer, I wasn't horribly chubby, just overweight growing up. I still played sports (softball, basketball, swimming) but I also loved to eat and be lazy during the summer. My 4 years in college was when I gained about 40 lbs.




Another question, how long was it before you saw results on 30 Day shred?
When I began the shred, I had just finished C25K, so I was in pretty good cardio shape. I didn't have much trouble completing it, I was just so sore.
I think after the first week, and the soreness was gone, I started to feel my muscles growing and the inches disappearing. After about 2 months of doing the shred daily, I really started to see muscle definition, I could feel my abs working more, and my upper body feels so much stronger.
I lost about 7 lbs. the first month I did the shred (combined with a bit of running). I still shred daily, and I continue to see and feel results (like I'm starting to get the V muscles in my lower abs, my back is getting definition, and my arms are getting much stronger).




And on to the random musings:
My next race is on April 18, It is the spring run at the YMCA. My dad is coming out to Bloomington to run it with me. There is a 5k and a 10k, so I'm not 100% sure which one I'll run. I'd like to do the 10k, but since the weather has been awful, I haven't been running much... which brings me to....
I've been running on the treadmill MWF after work, and it's torture! I have my ipod, I can watch the TV (which is on CNN always) but I still am bored out of my mind. I can do 30 minutes, then I feel like I'm going to scream from the boredom. I feel like I can keep going, I just don't want to.
Unfortunatly, the weather doesn't look like it's going to warm up any time soon.... so I'll have to suck it up and contine to at least run 3x per week.
In the off days, I've been ellipticalling, and shredding daily.


And also... since I've been really trying to kick my butt back in gear and hit -100, I've really cut calories, which combined with winter, is making me SO tired. I just have no energy anymore. Work has been really stressful and busy, I've been eating less, working out harder, and my body just doesn't have any calories to burn on staying awake, apparently! I've been putting in about 9.5 hours of sleep each night for the past 2 weeks. It's nice, but when I go up to bed to read, I fall asleep every night... I hope it's just the lack of calories and the cold of winter... who knows!
I am eating well though, a nice combo of fruits, veggies, starches and proteins, however I'm considering adding a vitamin into my diet. We'll see how things go.


What else... I'm hoping for another -2 on Friday's weigh in.
My mom has decided she wants to throw a 100 lb. party for me when I finally do lose. I'm thinking about writing Jillian Michaels and inviting her... lol
Also, I'm really enjoying this season of the Biggest Loser. Anyone else watching? Liking it as well? I feel like many of the contestants this season are likable, much different from last!
Well.... I'll be posting the results on Friday of my next weigh in....

Wii

I love finding fun things to do that double as a little exercise. Last Christmas, my husband started dropping hints that he wanted a Wii. He spent the next few months convincing me that we should get one, so with out tax refund I broke down and agreed!
Now we just have a regular Wii, not a fit, so I wouldn't exactly promote this as your daily exercise, but after shredding last night, my husband asked if I wanted to play Wii. We usually bowl or play Mario Kart, but I'm so close to the next level in boxing I told him I'd play a few rounds and then we could race. I have heard of some people strapping 5 lb. wrist weights on when boxing, but I'm not that hardcore!
It is a nice extra, fun workout though! And after boxing for 20 minutes, I was still a bit winded!
As for the fit, we may look into the fit sometime.... does anyone have one? Any comments on it?

Alternative to Soda

I have always been a big soda drinker, always diet coke with limes or lemons in it... but as I read more and more about the bad things soda contains, and how it can trigger hunger, I now only drink it when I go out to eat or go to someone's house. Not drinking soda has left a bit of a void in my life though! I don't eat many sweets, and Diet Coke was the one sweet thing I really indulged in. Drinking only water does get a bit boring, but I don't like to drink crystal light, or anything with too many sugar free chemicals.

My sister's friend - Kelly - loves to drink Cranberry juice with sparkling water rather than soda. Kris calls them Kelly-pops. The good thing is sparkling water has no calories, no sweeteners, and no sodium, it's just carbonated water. And it's much better to have a splash of real fruit juice than something with added sugar.

Recently my mother in law sent me a box of grapefruit from my grandparent-in-law's tree. Sometimes I get so jealous, how awesome would it be to have orange, lime and grapefruit trees in your back yard?!?! Anyway, I decided to juice some of them and add them to sparkling water, and it's so refreshing and delicious! A great alternative to the empty calories in soda, or the chemicals in diet soda!

Friday Weigh Day

So I think I'll post every Friday from now on what my weekly loss is. It will help keep me accountable. This week I lost 2 lbs - yay! But it was of the 7 I gained from Christmas... so not exactly a huge victory.


I've been in a bit of a blogging lull lately... I don't have too much to post about. I have 2 things I'll post this weekend, but is there anything anyone wants to know? See? Questions? Comments?

Holy Cow! No, really....

So I was on facebook earlier today, and I saw that my sister's friend posted some photos from her bridal shower in June of 2007 - 3 months after I started my weight loss life change (I know, lame, but I just can't bring myself to say 'diet' because it's really not a diet!)





So anyway, how awful do I look?! Ugh... as painful as it is for me to see photos like this, it's good because it shows me how far I've come!
It's crazy though, because I had lost 15 lbs. then, and was fitting into my size 18 dress, which made me so happy. I can remember being so happy that morning that the dress fit me and I'd lost 15 lbs.
W-O-W is all I can say.


So anyway, because I'm still SUPER self-conscious, I have to put in a more recent photo of me looking much, much better. This is of the hubs and I on Christmas Eve in my white pants - lol!

And as an aside, tomorrow is weigh day, we'll see if I've lost any of the post Christmas 7 lb. gain... I am hopeful, I've been busting my but this week!

2009 Goals!

I'm not really a resolution making type person... I'm not going to say I won't eat fries this year, or I'll only have dessert once a week, or I'll work out every single day no matter what - because it's too restricting, and I know I won't stick with it.

I'd rather set some goals for myself. If I hit them in '09, great! If I can't, that's ok, as long as I keep working towards it...

So here are some goals I have for myself...some are health related, some are personal, some are random! Every now and then I might come back to this and give a few updates...


-Run a 5k in under 30 minutes (cutting 2:30 off my PR)

-Do the entire shred series with my 8lb. weights (now I'm doing about half the moves with 8's and half with 5's)

-Do 1 pull up

-Run a 10k in under 65 minutes (cutting 4:10 off my PR)

-Read 50 books (and it must be a good mixture of classics, contemporary, historical, romance, drama, etc. so far I've got 2.5 down, 47.5 to go!)

-Hit my goal of losing 100 lbs, then maybe 7 more :)

-Adopt 2 more dogs once we move into a house....

-Buy a house (hopefully this summer or fall!)

-Call my grandparents once a week (I hate taking on the phone, but I know my Grandma likes it when I call)

-Teach Pumpkin 6 more tricks - if anyone has ever taught their dog to put that toys back in their toy bin, please tell me how you did it! Or any suggestions to what I can teach her, so far we have sit, down, paw, high-five, sit pretty, roll over, and stay (if I put a treat on her paw). We're currently working on I say Bang! and she plays dead. This one's taking some work....

-Eat vegetarian 2 nights per week (simple for me, I was one for 7 years, the tough part is finding satisfying vegetarian meals for my very NOT vegetarian husband)

-Research and implement one new 'green living' technique each month

-Do one new special, nice, unexpected, or thoughtful thing for JJ each week



So what are some of your goals?
Any suggestions to help me work on mine?

7 is NOT a lucky number!

So I'm sure everyone's been waiting in suspense to see how I did during the holidays, right? lol.
Well, I gained 7 lbs.
I'm kind of indifferent about it though. Sure, it sucks to have to re-lose it, but I had such good food, and I was so relaxed. And with all of the travel and conditions, exercise wasn't easy to get in.
It's funny I gained 7 lbs. because that's exactly what I gained last Christmas (and it took until Valentine's day to get it off) and then this year, that's what I gained after my Grandpa died and I hit the desserts hard.... oops!


So anyway... I always feel like I'm enlightened when these thoughts pop into my mind, but as I was talking to JJ last night, I was a little bummed about it at first, but he was like, well you know you're just going to lose it again. And it hit me again, yeah, I AM going to. It's a part of who I am now. I'm not going back, I'm in no hurry, I'm going to continue to live healthy, and the weight will come off eventually (Though to be 100% honest, it would be nice to just finally lose it all so I can get a new wardrobe, I'm constantly having to buy and get rid of clothes and my closet always seems empty...ugh).
But it's just not that easy.
So the big countdown might be delayed a month, maybe 2, but does it really matter when? I don't think so. It will happen. Maybe just in time for a new spring/summer wardrobe :) I always did love the spring!
So that's enough rambling for now.


I can promise this though, I will lose that 7 before Valentine's Day this year. Count on that :)

Healthy Meals!

Many of you know that I have a cooking blog, where I try to make healthy, creative, and cultural food. I recently made this post on my food blog as a "Resolution Helper" that contains links to my recipes that are of classic dishes made lighter, and some inventions that are healthy.


I have so many people ask me about food and calorie count, so I thought this might be a good list! All of the dishes are linked to my cooking blog posts.

Lightened-Up Classic Recipes (all linked to the post)

• Burger and Fries I (Cranberry Turkey Burger with Squash Fries)
• Burger and Fries II (Thai Turkey Burgers with Mango Salsa and Sweet Potato Saratoga Chips)
• Burger and Fries III (Southwest Turkey Burgers and Grilled Corn)
• Baked Corndogs
• Baked Chicken Parmesan with Eggplant Penne
• Spaghetti and Meatballs (low-fat/cal) with Baked Zucchini Sticks
• Baked Eggplant Parm, Lowfat Caesar Salad
• Stuffed Peppers
• Veggie and Tofu Pad Thai
• Pasta, Pesto and Peas
• Ratatouille
• Baked Eggrolls, Sesame Chicken Teriyaki
• Chicken Milanese (based off Uno's)
• Lasagna (Spinach and Chicken Sausage)
• Pasta e Fagioli
• Boneless Buffalo Tenders and Spicy Ranch Fries (Baked)
• Classic Meatloaf
• Turkey Meatloaf Wellington (play on Beef Wellington)
• The Breakfast Horseshoe (NOT healthy, just a 'lighter' version of the original!)

Healthy Recipes from My Kitchen (all linked to the post)

• Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas with Fire Roasted Red Pepper Soup
• Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion Tart (made with low-fat crust) &Spinach Citrus Salad (with a light citrus dressing)
• Shredded Pork Soft Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw (try it with corn tortillas and leave off the Guac. for a super healthy meal)
• Tuscan Veggie Pappardelle
• Asian Slaw in Baked Wonton Cups, Spicy Asian Chicken Meatballs (great healthy appetizers!)
• Herb-Citrus Inspired Turkey Dinner with Fixings - all super healthy!
• Spicy Orange Chicken Stir-Fry
• Asian Salad with Chicken Potstickers and Carrot Ginger Dressing
• Rice Noodle Slaw Salad Bowls
• Fajita Pasta
• Roasted Beet Spinach Salad
• Butternut Squash, Stilton, and Apple Phyllo Tart

Reader Question/Updates/Plans!

Today's Reader Question comes from: sunflowerramos!

I would love to know your eating/exercise habits.
My exercise habits have changed throughout my weight-loss journey. At first, I was soley using the elliptical and walking my dog. That took me through the first 50 lbs. After that, I started running with the C25K. Then I started using The Shred. I like to change it up depending on the season, and how my body feels.
In the very beginning, I was more focused on cardio and building up resistence and working out longer. Also, I bought an elliptical, so I mostly did that.
After I got bored with the elliptical, and the weather was nice, I started C25K.
Then I wanted to start doing weight training for some muscle definition, so I started The shred.
Now, I use a mixture of everything, some days I run and shred, some I just shred, some I just run, some I swim at the Y. I try to do something every day, no matter how short (20 min. shred) or long (2 hour walk with Pumpkin).


My eating habits have been pretty much the same throughout, I've just recently upped my calories.
Here is a snipet from another post where I talked about food and my food blog:
"I try to keep my dinner to 700 calories each night. I also try to make sure I have one starch, one lean protein, and 2-3 vegetables. From the healthy living standpoint, I use almost no pre-packaged products (with the exception of coindiments) and I use minimal canned vegetables or pre-made sides. If there is a specific recipe you want a caloric breakdown for, please ask! Also, most of my meals are made for 2-3 servings (so my husband has some extra). "




Do you use a journal?
For ther first 50 lbs, I used a journal. It really helped me track my food and exercise. It also had a glossary in the back that had calorie counts for common fruits, veggies, meats and starches.
Here is a snipet from a previous post that I wrote about the journal:
"The journal I used, I Will Lose Weight This Time, is set up like a reference book with helpful tips, as well as a guide to calories and fat in certain foods, it also has interactive sections where you can record your weight loss goals, it encourages many small goals. It also has a place for you to put your measurements and a picture.I used the food diary section for the first 3 months of my weight loss process, just so I could get used to counting calories and remembering how many were in each food I ate. It also has little stickers for you to put on the day when you did a good job!The daily journal has a place for your weight, foods you've eaten, and exercise, so you can keep track of it all."




Updates:
Back in the day when I was starting my weight loss, I would weigh myself on Friday and Monday, hoping to see a -1 each time. Then I started to slow down, and only weighed on Friday, hoping to see -1. Now that I've got momentum working and I've been doing well, I'm going to try to get off the last 19 (yes, I'm down one more!) in the same fashion. It is an unfortunate time (CHRISTMAS!!!) to try to lose the weight, but since my body seems to be working the way I want it to right now, I'm not going to try to hold off and maintain until after Christmas.
It's so interesting how the body works, some months it's torture to lose 1 lb., sometimes I'll take off 2-3 in a week when it seems like I'm just sort of trying.


and now, Plans!
My plan for the last 10 is to have a big old countdown going on, and put in lots of photos of me along the way. Since I'll be at my parents for Christmas, I'll try to gather some photos that mark the lbs. along the way. Now I still have 9 to lose before this starts, but I'm getting really excited. I'm going to need everyone's support, especially now and during the next 2-3 months!


So this might be my last post until after the holidays. I want to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year! Be safe, indulge a bit, have a great time with family and friends, and workout hard!


As an aside,
I am so floored by the support and amazing comments you all left on my 'reward outfit' post! Seriously, it meant so so so much to me. I can't thank you all enough. It's been a long journey, and I'm excited that we're so close to hitting that -100!!! I really do feel so great, and I really appreciate the motivation you all provide.

So I'll leave you with a few photos from our Christmas card session back in November!

My reward outfit :)

With Christmas parties upon us, as well as church and dinners, I wanted to have a nice new outfit to wear because I keep under-growing my clothes! Since I hit -80, I decided to go out and buy something nice for myself. Money is tight, but I had some great coupons... and I deserve it!

So I went to The Limited - one of my favorite stores, because I had a 50% off coupon. I saw the black top, which I LOVED, but couldn't find any skirts or pants that matched.... until I found white pants. Now I've had an aversion to white pants my whole life because 1. only skinny people should wear them, and 2. i am accident prone. JJ convinced me to at least try them on. Well when I put the whole outfit on, I absolutely LOVED it.

I know, to some people white pants is like - - - whatever. Pants are pants. But for me, it's just another super duper high feeling, and it makes me sooooo happy that I've been working so hard. Shopping is so much more fun now when I can go into a store and literally try on anything, and it's not the biggest size they have!

So anyway, there's the new outfit (and the boots were $15 at rack room (another 50% off coupon on already marked 50% off boots!) I clearly don't know how to pose in a photo of just myself... but oh well!

80!

After hovering around the 77-78 lb. lost mark, I finally hit -80 lbs. this morning!
I was kind of in shock... I've been trying really hard to eat less because I haven't been working out as much (stupid cold weather)! So I was hoping to maybe lose 1 or 2 at the most, but I got 3 and hit -80!
So now I'm down to 20 to go. And at the worst time for me, really. Christmas + New Years + Cold Weather = Hard to lose weight!!! I love summer when the produce is fresh and the air is warm and I'm so much more inclined to be active... But no excuses, clearly I can do it.

Now I'm off to go run on the treadmill (boo) - but Sunday it's supposed to be 53! Hopefully I'll get in 4.6 outside then!

New Running Shoes! (and the funny story that got me them....)

Since I started running, I knew that my adidas crosstrainers weren't perfect, but were still nice shoes. I wanted to get a pair of running shoes, but I heard they were very expensive. And really, did it matter that much if I, a non-competitive "runner", had running shoes? I didn't think so, but my dad had a different take on that...


About 2 months ago, my sister, brother-in-law, mom and dad all came out to Bloomington to visit. My sister had planned on going running with me Saturday morning, but didn't want to get up as early as I did, so I went without her. Well after I got back from running 4 miles (my longest to date then) I was so happy, and bragged a little to my dad. He then decided to go for a run while I got breakfast ready, and Kristine decided to go with him - one problem, she forgot her running shoes! Luckily, we're about the same size, so she borrowed my adidas'. When they returned from their 5 mile run, she stormed in the house and proceeded to tell me my shoes were crap, how could I possibly run in them, and I NEEDED to get proper running shoes...


Before my parents left that weekend, my dad told me he was so proud of my running accomplishments, and he wanted to buy running shoes for me. He told me that when I came home at Thanksgiving, we'd go buy them because Bob Ronkers, a shoe store in Cincinnati, and the location of registration pick-up, had a store wide sale the day before the race. I was so happy, I'd finally get running shoes!


So fast forward to last Wednesday - my mom, dad, JJ and I went to Bob Ronkers to pick up the numbers and get new shoes. My dad told me a sales person would come up to me and I should tell them it was my first pair, and they would ask me questions and fit me properly. So I was browsing through the shoes when someone came up to me - his name was Bob. He introduced himself and we chatted for 15 minutes about my running and what I was looking for. He then sized me and went to the back room to find some shoes he thought would be good for me. My dad came over with a big smile on his face and said, "Thats Bob!!!" (as in Bob Ronkers, the owner!) He then spent another half an hour with me while I tried on a few brands of shoes and different sizes, he took me to the back room and had me walk on the incline, and he gave me a great pep talk for the 10k the next day. He even told me that I would be OK to wear my new shoes!


So I ended up getting Nike Air Pegesus shoes! They were stickered at $85 there, and we got them 20% off - a great deal! I HIGHLY recommend anyone in Cincinnati shop at Bob Ronkers for their running shoes and apparel, as that was all on sale too. Bob even recommended some socks to me, explaining that cotton was not desirable for running as it held moisture. I ended up with zero blisters and no foot pain at the race!


Well, Kristine didn't take well to my dad buying me new running shoes and not her, she suggested it was all a ploy to make it into the blog - lol. How many people even read this? I don't know... but it's funny to me. So THANKS first and foremost to Kris. If you never complained about my 'crappy not running shoes', Dad never would have offered to get me new ones! Thanks to Dad, for buying me my first pair of big girl running shoes! Thanks to Bob Ronkers for helping me find a fantastic pair of shoes, and for telling me I'd be ok to wear them at the race!


Here's a photo of Kris, Dad and I at Thanksgiving... see, you're both in the blog equally :)


and PS - to anyone wondering, around 12,000 people ran the T-day race, so they give you a chip to put on your shoe that calculates when you start and finish - there were so many people I didn't even cross the start line until 10:40!