Weigh-in Wednesday 2

I almost forgot to do my post!! Not that it's anything special, but just trying to keep it up. 

I am starting to get confused about the numbers from week to week. I can't remember exactly where I am. But I am down a total of 7.6 from my start weight. I am not to discouraged that I am not more down from last week because I kind of got off the wagon this past weekend with WW and keeping points. I think I already explained it in my post on monday. But I am back on it and doing well.


I am starting to make more "every-day" healthy decisions. Trying to remember my ultimate goal and making good choices. I have had to force myself a few times to do the workouts, but defintiely feel better after I do them.


I can see changes... well at least I think I see them. Time will tell when I take measurements in 2 weeks. I have over half way done with the BBL and totally curious to see the difference at the end.

New 'do!!!

This is major people.

Here is my before...

 

And the after .....

DARK HAIR AND BANGS!!!

My hair has never been this dark before. And the last time I had bangs I cried because it was so bad. But this time I love it!!! It's actually a little darker than this picture, but will fade over the next several weeks. So I will have to go back soon so the rich color stays. .

what do you think?

Andi's Healthy Advice

I totally forgot to post this yesterday.. but here you go!!

Trying to get a workout in, but you're crunched for time? This week's tips are all about saving time!

If you're short on time to exercise, try doing compound exercises utilizing your upper & lower body at the same time. For example, do lunges with bicep curls, squats with overhead press, calf raises with tricep extensions. Boom!! You just worked two major muscles groups at the same time! You can also invest in small hand weights to carry and/or ankle weights to add intensity to a power walk!

Something else I do is work in "little exercises" at the strangest of times. ;) While brushing your teeth, applying face lotion, or maybe even while applying make-up (not eye make-up though!)...stand in ballet stance (thighs together, heels touching, toes turned outward where feet form a V shape) & squeeze & contract your butt muscles! I know it seems silly, but why not get in a little strength training when you'd otherwise just stand there? Work on tightening your tush! Think of everyday tasks you do in which you could be doubling up your use of time. Here are some more examples:

*While rinsing or washing dishes, do calf raises to tone your legs. You can also do small controlled side & back leg lifts to tone your thighs & butt.

*While sitting on a swivel chair at work...once an hour take 60 seconds to plant your feet & twist your torso back & forth. If you can do it once every 30 minutes, even better!

*Another reminder to keep hand weights within eyesight of your couch, so when you're watching TV you can do bicep curls, straight arm extensions, etc. Heck, you can even sit on the edge of your seat, weights in hands...stand up & sit down to tone your thighs. You still get to watch your favorite shows, you're just making better use of your time!

*While driving in your car, suck in your stomach & tighten those abs. Hold for a 10 second count & release. (You can still breath while holding in your stomach!) Start at 10 second intervals & build up to 20, 30, and so on!

*Another absolute tried & true favorite of mine is wall push-ups! I remember to do this about 75% of the time when I take a restroom break at work. Before I walk out the door, I stand about 3-4 feet from the wall, & while keeping my back aligned & straight as possible, I max out on doing push-ups against the wall. Typically I'll do 20-30, but if I'm having a really stressful day...it feels great to push for 40+! Helps relieve tension. Of course, this doesn't have to be done in a bathroom! :)

Lack of time is a very common excuse people give for not exercising. When you are dedicated to making a change in your life, you make the time for change. The tips I've given today are meant to encourage you to be creative & think of ways you can fit exercise into your daily lives. Even on the busiest of days...a little bit of exercise here & there like the examples I've given above are better than doing nothing at all. 

Enjoy your week!

Andi Ramser

Beachbody Coach

http://teambeachbody.com/rockchick1

http://myshakeology.com/rockchick1

I have been slacking lately.. apparently on everything. Well, maybe slacking isnt the word, but more preoccupied with other priorities. So, apologies for the lack of posts in the last several days.

Along with not blogging, I have also been a little lax on the eating healthy and the exercising. Here's a recap...

Friday- took a half day to clean house then got my hair cut (stay tuned for new pics). So I didn't get a chance to do my BBL that day. But 4 hours of dusting, vacuuming and moping count for physical activity.
Saturday- 1 mile walk in the morning, clean house, cook food and get ready for party we had on saturday night. Again, no real time to do any workout.
Sunday - I actually did 2 videos!!! the Sculpt and the Cardio Axe. So glad I pulled myself off the couch and did these workouts. Definitely helped with the hangover and made me feel some what productive for the day.
Monday- It's my birthday, enough said.

These past 4 days I have been pretty bad with the WW too. I definitely haven't tracked in a few days. I don't think it was too bad, but definitely not great. Friday I had a huge meal once G got back in town. Saturday I basically didn't eat anything all day (whooops!) until that night when we grilled out (burgers, roasted potatoes, veggies, salad) and had cake!!! Sunday I didn't really eat much, but it wasn't good-- chips and queso and a slice of cake, dinner included chicken, potatoes and rice, plus more cake. Today wasn't that bad, salad for lunch with grilled chicken, lots of water, ahi poke (yum!) and a baked potato. But I had some cupcakes. ACK! I have to get the cake out of the house.

I am back on it tomorrow. I need to get back on track with the eating and the working out if I plan to lose 10 lbs by Xmas and keep it off!!!!! (that's the ultimate goal).

Stay tuned for new hair pics!

Starting intense work outs at 8:30 at night is not really a good idea.

Just did three BBL videos totaling an hour and forty minutes. Mostly all strength training. I'm tired but awake. Laying here with the lights off hoping to fall asleep fast. Yet updating my blog from my phone.

So note: Just like you shouldn't eat after 7 ( or 2 hours before going to bed), don't do heavy workouts starting at 8:30.

Hope I fall asleep soon

Weigh-in Wednesday

I decided that since my sister and I were doing our weekly Weight Watchers (WW) weigh-ins on wednesdays, that it would be a good idea to give an update on the 'ol blog about the last few weeks.

I am currently down a total of 7.4 pounds from my ultimate* start weight!!!! I am thrilled. I am just 2.6 lbs away from my "goal" weight and still have until Xmas to get there. WW is hard to say the least. I don't get a lot of points to begin with because of my height and my activity during the day (I sit at a desk for 8 hours), so I have to choose my "points" wisely. And I will say, all I really want is a big greasy cheeseburger, with french fries (oh how i LOVE potatoes) and a REAL coke. YUM! But I am doing pretty good at resisting any unhealthy temptations. I will admit to not exactly following my points on 2 nights because we were going to a cookout and I had a few beers. But all in all, I think I am doing pretty good.

The Brazil Butt Lift (BLL) is going good too! I have done a total of 8 days thus far, and after today, I will be half way done with my 2nd week. Some of the moves are totally hard, and I have to take breaks, but I am really liking the ab workout and even getting the steps down in the "dance" video (Cardio Axe). Last week I had to miss wednesday because we had dinner with our neighbors. So I made that an off day, and just pushed everything back a day.

I feel that my body is getting leaner and tighter, although the measuring tape says otherwise. I am not going to fret to much over it (yet) and keep on plugging away. I am hoping by the 4th week of the BBL I will have a noticeable difference and be able to have an "after" pic.

So that's the deal so far. Wish me luck for the next several weeks!



*The weight I have been for the past several months. Not the exact weight I was when starting WW.

Random Thoughts

1. I want to figure out my next steps with running. I thoroughly enjoy running races, but I can't say that I truly enjoy running. If I have a goal, then I am all about following the schedule to complete the task. But I just can't wrap my head around running to just run. And I have to admit, I am little jealous of all these running blogs I read where these wonderful women are out running full marathons! I guess I just wish I enjoyed it more. I am definitely not a runner. It's frustrating.

2. Anyone work out at 6 am? I tried to get up early this morning and get my workout over with, so that I would have more time in the evening to get all this stuff done.. yeah..... that didn't happen. I just feel like I have a ton of stuff to do lately, and having to take an hour out of my already short evening just kind of sucks. While I like working out, most of the time, it is totally time consuming and sucks!

3. We are still looking for a bed. I was completely SOLD on the West Elm bed from my previous post. However, when speaking with my "all-knowing" mother, she kind of suggested I wouldn't like it in a few years, and would find it hard to match with things. So now, G kind of agrees and wants a wood bed. Searching for a good quality, solid wood bed is HARD! They all start to look the same. I found a few the other day for G to look at, but he is going to have to decide.

4. And on that note.. I am in a desperate need to decorate. I know I have talked about this before. But seriously. I get crate and barrel and pottery barn magazines. I am in complete awe of homes that have been complete gutted and redone to a modern, yet comfy flair. I am in love with all things west elm. But have NO idea what I am doing. I need someone to come in and just decorate for me. Make it look cool.

5. UGH! could I complain some more.?!?!?

Birthdays

My birthday is a week from today. Kind of weird that I am going to be 28. I remember when 28 seemed OLD! haha. Now, I still feel like I could go back to college! (well maybe not). And what is so crazy about this birthday is that I have nothing that I want. Usually I have at least one thing I am asking for, but this year, I dunno, nothing really comes to mind. I guess that's a good thing. Meaning, I am pretty content in everything I "have" right now. But it does become a little difficult when people ask, aka my mom! I guess what I want is just to see my friends and family.

I love birthdays. Doesnt matter if it is mine or not. I just love to celebrate them. One day out of the whole year, that is just for you. Your day. If I know it, I will try to do my best to make sure you have a wonderful day. If not on the exact day, at least celebrate it one day close. I just like that its a special day for you (or whoever). I think I like birthdays more than holidays.

This year we are having a bunch of friends over on Saturday night to hang out, grill some food, carve some pumpkins, maybe play some cornhole. I can't wait to see everyone and just have a relaxing night with our good friends.

I had a whole point to this blog post, and now it's kind of gone wonky. Just know birthdays are the best!!!

What do you ask for for your special day?

New Feature!

I have decided to add a new feature to my blog. Every monday, there are going to be fitness and healthy living tips from my Beachbody Coach Andi. This will be "Andi's Healthy Advice".

Here is a little bit about Andi:

I'm Andi. I work as a Senior Media Buyer at an advertising agency. I'm also the lead singer in a rock band called Point1Zero, and it is a blast! I'm happily married to my super cute loving husband and have three amazing stepkids. In my spare time, I play competitive volleyball, coach my stepdaughter's volleyball team, write music, run, and oh...I love to buy shoes. :)

When it comes to fitness, I NEED to work out 4-5 times a week. If I skip too many days, I start to feel lazy and groggy. Exercising your body releases those natural endorphins that make you feel great! Staying fit and healthy is about so much more than just looking good. It's also about being able to get around and do the things you love for the rest of your life as well as feeling awesome about yourself from the inside out! You have one body in this lifetime, and it is your personal responsibility to take care of it if you are well and able. 

And her story:
Soon after turning 30 I began to realize that exercise alone wasn't cutting it anymore. Instead of maintaining I started gaining weight, because I wasn't eating right. I read a book about whipping yourself into shape back in Dec. 2007 that would forever change the way I eat. I was deeply affected by what I read in that book! I had my last steak on January 17, 2008 and never looked back. Since that date I haven't had a single bite of beef, pork, turkey, or chicken. I educated myself on all of the amazing veggie and soy products on the market and began incorporating more salads/fruits/vegetables into my diet. I was maintaining my weight at that point, but more importantly after a few months...I started to feel lighter and feel so much better overall. I still wasn't getting the toned body I wanted though, because I wasn't pushing myself physically. Then...in the summer of 2009, I was in a conversation in which the term "P90X" was introduced to me for the first time. My curiosity grew as they talked about people they knew that completed the program and how unbelievable they looked. I honestly thought I had reached an age where I was past my prime and had to accept I couldn't look the way I wanted. There were those stubborn 5+ pounds that would never go away. Well, P90X changed that dooming idea! After completing the program, I had lost 8 pounds and looked better than I did in my 20's! I truly believe in P90X, which is why I've become so interested in Beachbody as a company overall. They have amazing products that can change and improve people's lives, and I've decided I want to be a part of that! 

So please welcome Andi!!!

(Andi is not a trained professional, but gives her advice based on her personal experience through using P90X and other Beachbody programs. If you have any questions for her, please respond to these posts and she'll be sure to answer all your questions!)

New Bedroom!!!

 G and I have decided we are in desperate need of a new bed. Well, this decision was made quite a while ago when our current bed frame warped (from being CHEAP! and not put together correctly ....). So probably a year ago, we ended up putting our mattress and boxsprings on the floor, with the CHEAP bedframe around it (so it wasn't totally ghetto ;) )

And well, that only is OK for a while. So we have talked about needing an actual bed frame for a long time. And most recently we got a new Tempurpedic mattress. G is totally sold on this concept, me? I haven't slept any better, but it's what he likes. So now, we are using a regular box spring (because our stairwell wouldnt allow us to get the Tempurpedic boxspring up the stairs, way too narrow - and did you know the Tempurpedic boxspring is just like plywood?! crazy!) with our tempurpedic mattress, that is all on the floor.

Last weekend, we went out on our first official furniture shopping day.. Oh, let me also say that, basically everything in our house was either a hand-me-down, furniture from college, used furniture from friends (or craigslist purchase) or nice pieces my grandfather made. We have not really bought any NEW furniture for ourselves (well minus the bookcases I just bought from Crate & Barrel). This was/is going to be our first BIG purchase. We originally thought we wanted a nice solid wood, platform bed (for our tempurpedic). I figured that if I was going to buy a bed, I didn't want to by junk, but have a nice piece of furniture (and actually get side tables and dressers to go with it).

But then today, I came across this from West Elm!!!

upholstered bed

And I just love it! And I even love the paint colors on the walls. I am completely inspired, and hope that this is what we get. I sent the pics to G and he really liked it too. And while its not wood, I think the gray color will leave us wide open to lots of different options in the future.

I also found a ton more on West Elm that I'd really like to have as well... shopping spree anyone?

Do you love it!?

Mad, Angry, Hurt, Confused today.

Sometimes I wish my blog was completely anonymous.
That anyone who read it didn't know me in real life.
Sometimes I just want to vent and get opinions on whether my feelings are accurate and OK or if I am a totally looney tune!

But I can't.

I fear of hurting others with my feelings.
So I don't post about them.
And they get bottled up because, frankly, my husband doesn't need to hear me whining all the time.
So I try to let them go and not say anything.
Maybe it makes me a push-over in the end, I don't know.

Whistler

In trying to keep this blog light, and have a sense of variety.. I must vent a little.

I work with a "whistler". What's a whistler? It is someone who whistle's non-stop to various tunes through out the day. All of the tunes are annoying songs that get stuck in your head and won't go away.

Let me give you some background...

I work in a VERY quiet office. Meaning, there could be hours where not a word is said between anyone. No music. Nothing. It's all very strange in and of it's self, but that's a whole other post. But, since our office is so quiet, you can hear people a mile away... (let me tell you there are 13 people in the office.. two in the same room as me).

But the whistler is in the other room!! And it goes on ALL day if there is nothing to be discussed work wise. I am not even sure he is aware that he's doing it. And let me also say that, I can tolerate a lot of "stuff". I live with a person (love you G!) that can't sit still for a minute. He constantly has a foot shakin' or singin' or even whistling! And I know sometimes it's totally involuntary, his mouth just has to be moving. So while I can put up with a lot of "noise", this drives me insane!! Everyday I just want to shout out "SHUT YOUR PIE HOLE WHISTLER!!" Not that I wouldn't prefer our office to have a little more noise, but whistling ain't it.

I think its just that it's soo quiet, and that's the only noise, and they are songs you don't ever want in your head. Today I think I even heard a xmas tune! Really?!?

body issues?

I am starting to realize after my last few posts, that it seems like I have a major body issue. (and who doesn't really?). But it seems as though I am obsessed. I don't know if I can clearly state that. But blogging seems like a place I get vent a little bit. My husband G is definitely sick of hearing about workout programs, how to eat right, why I want to lose weight, etc etc. And I am sure you, my fellow (but few) readers are probably sick of it too.

Som I am going to try, from here on out, to by more conscious of my words and how I am portraying myself. Yes, I want to shed a few pounds. Yes, I am trying to make better eating choices. Yes, I am doing extreme* workouts to get into shape. But I don't want to make it seem like I am totally unhappy with myself. I am just trying to take steps to a healthier me!

I have plenty of other things going on in my life to talk about (I think). So I will work on being a better blogger. I am hoping to try out some new, yummy recipes soon, so stop back by for reviews.

I hope you continue to read. And ask questions, pass along posts you find interesting, whatever.

* in some people's mind

Inspiration

I have found my inspiration..

Minka Kelly: Esquire's Sexiest Woman Alive

Minka Kelly: Esquire's Sexiest Woman Alive

Yes. I will look like this.

Bum Bum!

I received my Brazil Butt Lift DVD's on friday!!! I read through all of the material and decided I was going to do a video on saturday.

So I picked out the plan I was going to do and did the first DVD, Bum Bum, bright and early on Saturday morning. I had watched the basic video first just to learn some of the moves. Then, I started the first routine. And before I go any further, let me just tell you, the instructor, Leandro Carvalho is an interesting character. It's a little hard to take him seriously. 


Anyway, the workout was 25 min and was HARD! I was not expecting to be so worn out so quickly. I mean I think I am in OK shape, but I was out of breath in like 5 min! The workout goes from one move to the next without stopping. I am sure my endurance is going to improve over time, as well as getting a good strength work out. I had to stop a few times and catch my breath and get some water. Even having to get a graham cracker so i wouldn't pass out! haha.


All in all, a good workout that I hope I will improve upon.


And just to prove that it will definitely make you sweat, here is a pic of me after.

lovely, eh?

This is 25 min people! No retouching done! I like sweating though, makes me feel like I am really working. 


So the plan is to actually "start" the program tomorrow. It's a 4 week deal. And I will keep you updated with my progress. Wish me luck!!

Getting off my lazy ass

Last night, I finally did some exercise after almost a 3 week hiatus. And it was tough.

Like I said the other day, I ordered my Brazil Butt Lift from Beach body and am currently awaiting the arrival of the DVD's. I had all but planned just to wait until my DVD's arrived before starting to do any physical activity. But my coach A sent me an email that told me to get crackin'. She suggested I bust out one of my P90X videos and do that to get my body started on its way to hottness (not in those words).

So, tonight I brought out Core Synergistics. I figured this was a pretty cardio intensive workout that also incorporated some strength moves. Plus, working on core which is definitely my "weak" area. I haven't done a P90X video since May (I think). And though I remembered the moves, I was suprised at how weak I have become. I guess it shouldnt really surprise me since I haven't done any strength training for about 6 months now, but I definitely had to stop a few times and catch my breath. Also at one point, I was feeling pretty light-headed. So, I got myself a graham cracker. (I guess this means I need to up my calories intake on days I am going to be doing a hard workout).

I am happy that I did it and looking forward to my DVD's coming. So far, I am down 2.6 pounds from when I started WW. YAY! I am hoping to keep it up even when I start my new workouts. I just have to be sure not to over eat but to make sure I get enough calories.

Breakfast and High Heels

I have never been one to be a breakfast eater. Over the past 20-some-odd years of my life, I have gone through stages of eating breakfast and not eating it. In all reality, breakfast food isn't really my favorite. Unless I get to have an egg every morning, nothing else is really appealing.

But now, with starting WW and trying to eat the way I am "supposed" to, I find that I have to start eating breakfast. But it's such a struggle to pick something out. At one point it was everything bagels with goat cheese. Or a banana. Or a Clif bar. And another thing, with WW I only have so many points, so I would rather "save" them for meals that I enjoy so much more.

But here are some benefits to eating a healthy (containing protein and/or whole grains) breakfast:

• it give you energy to start a new day,
• weight control (studies have shown that breakfast eaters tend to weigh less than breakfast skippers)
 - reduces hunger throughout the day
 - eating b-fast is part of a healthy lifestyle that includes making wise food choices and balancing calories with exercise.
• A more nutritionally complete diet, higher in nutrients, vitamins and minerals
• Improved concentration and performance in the classroom or the boardroom
• More strength and endurance to engage in physical activity
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Eating eggs may be one of the best ways to get your morning protein


So what does one eat with limited time?

sorry for the bad, upside down pic.

On another topic all together. Please look at my recent shoe purchase.

These beauties are 4 inch, patent "leather" pumps from Target. I think they are awesome. (and they kind of kill my feet)

Brazil Butt Lift!!

I have bit the bullet and ordered the Brazil Butt Lift DVD set from beachbody. Like I said in my last post, my friend A is a new Beachbody coach and said she has done this DVD and really enjoyed it. I figued I would give it a go around for a few reasons:

1. My butt could definitely use a work out. my pants have been getting tighter over the past year
2. It does more than just work your butt. I will work your abs and everything else too!
3. It's 4 weeks. I think a good way to get back into work out mode
4. The videos are relatively short.

I am excited to start this program. And with following my weight watchers, I am hopeful for a good start to a new me! (isn't that so cliche). I will try to do reviews on the DVDs once I get them and try them out. And if my numbers show something, I'll definitely post my progress!

Look out world.. I'm gonna have this kind of behind!

What's Happening Here

So I'm on it again. I am on a mission to loose some pounds. (Aren't all girls thought?? It's sad really) But honestly, I have slowly gained weight over the last several years, and I am sure it is mostly due to my metabolism slowing down with age. I am nearing that dreadful age of 30 and your body just isn't going to be what it was at 21. But none the less, the weight bugs me, especially on my 5'4" frame. And don't get me wrong, I am not over weight, I would just like to be happier about my body image (and my current clothes to fit better).

So as of last week I started weight watchers. I have done WW before a few years ago and was pretty successful, so that's what I have decided to do. And to keep myself on track, my wonderful sister S has decided to do it with me. Our ultimate goal is 10lbs by Xmas. That gives us 3 months. TOTALLY doable. WW can be hard, especially living with my hubby who out weighs me by 70 lbs and is a good 10" taller. (he needs a lot more calories, considering he is on his feet all day and I am in an office chair). Plus, another way to hold myself accountable is to track my progress on my blog. I am still figuring out how I want to do this though. Whether it's tracking my daily eats (which could get old really fast) or just doing a once a week post updates like I did at the beginning of the year with my 1/2 marathon training.

Another thing that is going on around here is my good friend, A has just become a beachbody coach. And since I have done P90X before I am enlisting her help in my fitness routine. I am just looking for some new ideas of how to keep up with my exercise. I am feeling REALLY lazy these days since we got back from vacation. I haven't ran or worked out once. I need to get on it. But in all honesty, I have been catching up with my home business and really haven't had time.

So, my blog will take a fitness/health turn with random postings about other events and happenings. I hope you stick around as I could use some encouragment through out my journey.

Welcome.

I'm BACK!!

Wow it's been a long time. I hadn't really realized that I had not done a post since the beginning of September. I sort of thought it was like a week before I left... oops! Oh well. I am back.
Are you still there?

For a little recap:
We finished the 1/2 marathon in beautiful Maui Hawaii. Starting at 5:30 AM, we heading out along the coast line. Running 6.5 one way, and then turning around and running the same trek back. All in all, an OK run. The weather was pretty nice. A little sticky, but nothing compared to what we ran this summer. The course was flat, which is good, but a downhill is always nice. We ran the majority of the time. Stopping mostly to take pictures, drink water, and rest the legs (and one potty break for G). We ended up finishing about 2 min shy of the race we did in April. I am OK with that, although I had wished to improve on our time. But for our sake, we were a bit injured and not knowing the course throws me off. Here are some images.

start of race

having fun running

almost half way

views from the run

quick photo break

our final time

hot, sweat and DONE

So now I am in the process of deciding what I want to do next in my running career. I have basically not ran since the race almost 2 weeks ago. I know I would like to keep running in my exercise routine, but I have to figure out where it fits in. I would love to get faster, and break the 10 min mile that I seem to keep. I am just not sure how to do it. And I am deciding whether to do the April 1/2 again here at home. I like racing but training can be draining... decisions decisions.

Other decisions include the rest of my work out routine. I do really well with "time frame" workouts.. Meaning, P90X was 90 days or training was 16 weeks. I like the start and finish of it all. But it leaves me lost when the time is over. I am currently not a member of a gym since it keeps me away from home and my hubby isnt really a gym goer. I may do the 30 Day Shred again or may start P90X again. But I would really love to get into a routine where I can keep it up long past 90 days (or whatever). A few years ago I belonged to the YMCA. And it was great, I would go there after work and spend about an hour doing various things, either classes (hello body pump!) or free weights and treadmills, or even yoga. There was just so much at my disposal. And I also parked in the lot for work across the street which made it VERY convenient. But now I struggle. Tips are welcomed.

So those are 2 things on my mind. I have PLENTY more and hopefully will be able to take my blog into a more entertaining and constant realm. I am inspired by the blogs I read and I hope to inspire others from mine.

More to come in the following days about where I am wanting to take my bloggy!!