Insanity week 2 fit test results

Here is what I did during week 1 and then week 2.
Switch Kicks 74-76
Power Jacks 55-56
Power Knees 82-102
Power Jumps 22-28
Globe Jumps 8-9
Suicide Jumps 10-12
Push-up Jacks 10-17
Low Plank Oblique 34-44
I'm so proud of myself. This is the longest I've done Insanity and I am so focused. I'm even considering adding some additional workouts. I found my Slim in 6 (I thought I sold it) and although it is boring as heck, it works. We'll see. Less than 8 weeks left until 2012. Let's go!!! Q

Insanity: BRING IT!!!!

I'm talking tough now but I need to in order to psych myself out. LOL I started Insanity on Monday and today I am really feeling it. I'm not as sore like when I first attempted (this is attempt 3 to finish) it, but yeah it goes hard!!! My goal is to keep going even when I go out of town so I need to find a player to connect to my netbook. I should finish a week before the start of the new year and my goal is to be a size 8 when it is all said and done. This isn't the only program I will be doing. I have some groupons I need to use for yoga, and a bootcamp and I will be mixing those in on the lighter workout days as well. So here is what I did for my first fit test:
Switch Kicks 74
Power Jacks 55
Power Knees 82
Power Jumps 22
Globe Jumps 8
Suicide Jumps 10
Push-up Jacks 10
Low Plank Oblique 34

I def want to improve with the jacks and suicide jumps. The Globe jumps are hard because 1 jump is actually 4 so I'm not stressing over that. Let's go!!! Q

30 day (ish) shred results

It took me a little longer than 30 days to complete the workouts but I think it paid off. I truly believe rest days are beneficial to recovery. I still have to do my youtube video, and upload my before and after pics. I was shocked!!! I mean I know it was that TOM when I started but it was kind of sad. Yeah I had truly slacked off after the wedding but I'm back now and it feels soooooo good. After tallying where I initially started on this journey (prior to the wedding), what I gained back, and what I recently lost, I'm down a total of 30 pounds!!!

I never thought I would be in this situation in my life but here I am. I won't make excuses and I don't feel sorry for myself either. I just accept the way things are and put in the work to get to where I need to be, that's it. And I know this journey is inspiring and encouraging someone so if not me, then who? So yeah I'm good with it. So here are my results for the 30+ days it took me to finish. One more note, I stopped the 6 week six pack and did turbo jam instead towards the end. Jillian was just too annoying for me (I'm weird I know) and so one workout was enough.
Pounds lost: 10
Bust: 1 inch lost
Hips: 1 inch lost
R Upper Thigh: 1 inch lost
L Upper Thigh: 1 inch lost
R Lower Thigh: .5 inch lost
L Lower Thigh: .5 inch lost
Waist: 3 inches lost!!!!
Belly button: 3 inches lost!!
R Arm: .5 inch lost
L Arm: .5 inch lost

I lost a grand total of 12 inches. My clothes are loose, my face is slimming and I'm not as tired anymore. So now that I've tackled that beast, I'm on to Insanity. Keep pushing y'all!!! Q

What a typical day of eating looks like for me

There are so many eating plans out there and so many diets. But since I have so much going on, I don't have time to really "think" and put a lot of energy into what I eat. My way is simple and healthy. So here is how I eat:
Upon rising: glass of warm water with lemon
Breakfast: 1 cup of fiber one and 3/4 cup of skim milk, 1 orange
Snack: 1 gala apple with 2 T of peanut butter
Lunch: Smart Ones meal (usually around 250 calories)
Snack: 1 stick of part skim cheese stick
Dinner: (Usually after my evening workout) 1 scoop of protein shake with water, grilled chicken breast with a large salad made with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and 1 T of vinagrette.

I will adjust the way I eat depending on how many workouts I'm doing that day. On my 2 a day, days, I usually have 2 shakes. I drink a ton of water, a least 96 ounces a day. I also do Greek yogurt with granola, steel cut oats, and some other foods and shakes. I also try to drink at least one cup of green tea daily. I eat my meals so most of my carbs are consumed early in the day and try to eat the ones that are good for you and filled with fiber. So that's it. Let me know if you have any questions. Q

The devil is a liar and so is the scale

I'm at the halfway point o 30 day shred. I've also been doing 6 week six pack at least 3 times a week and I'm seeing results!!! I've lost 7 pounds in two weeks but I look like I've lost more. My stomach is practically flat, my endurance is up, I have more energy, and I can do more push ups and advanced ab movements. I admit I weigh myself everyday. It's one of the things I do to keep on track. But the scale can also be deceiving. If I was going by the scale alone, I would be disappointed right now but I don't. I know there is more than just the number of pounds you weigh.

Honestly, I can be 200 lbs as long as I'm fit, toned, and a size 8 lol. So although the scale is ONE way to track progress, don't let it be the ONLY way. How do you feel? How do your clothes fit? Are you getting stronger? Are you seeing muscles you didn't see before? Those are the things you should use to accurately gauge how you're advancing. If you aren't seeing any changes, maybe you need to have a reality check. Are you eating like you should? Are you really pushing yourself? If you've hit a plateau then maybe it's time for you to shake some things up.

I recently joined myfitnesspal and I love it. They have so many cool tools to help keep you on track. I track my eating, exercising and I'm apart of several challenges for accountability. I truly believe this has really helped me knowing there are others who will help keep me on track. Once I finish with 30 day shred, I will post my final results for everyone. I hope it encourages you and pushes you to have your best body ever. Q

Week 1 of 15 recap

So here is what I did this week:
Monday- 30 day shred Level 1 day 1, 6 week six pack Level 1 day 1
Tuesday- 30 day shred Level 1 day 2, 6 week six pack Level 1 day 2, Couch to 5k
Wednesday- 30 day shred Level 1 day 3, 6 week six pack Level 1 day 3
Thursday- 30 day shred Level 1 day 4
Friday- 30 day shred Level 1 day 5, 6 week six pack Level 1 day 4
Saturday- 30 day shred Level 1 day 6
Sunday- 30 day shred Level 1 day 7

I had a migraine on Thursday and ended up leaving work early. They gave me a Phenergan shot for nausea and I was out of it all of Friday too. I did my workout late in the evening. I'm a little behind on the 6 week six pack but it's okay because I work my core during the 30 day shred. The new protein shake is delish. It mixes well and I can def feel it helping with my recovery. I lost 4.1 pounds this first week!! I also joined myfitnesspal and it is sooo addicting. I love it. I'm really encouraged and inspired. I will take my progress pics and measurements after week 2.

I'm kind of upset with myself for not keeping the momentum I had after the wedding going but there's nothing I can do about the past. Right now I'm just looking ahead. I'm picturing myself at my goal size in 14 more weeks. I'm more focused and determined now than I've ever been. So many good things are happening in my life so I'm just pressing ahead. For those of you who are on this journey as well, don't give up. If you eat bad one day, then do better the next or go a little harder at the next workout. Just keep going. Don't look back, don't be too hard on yourself just look ahead and see yourself in your new body in the future. Take care. Q

New Protein Shake

The other day I realized I was running low on my Optimum Nutrition shake and took a trip to GNC. The lady began to tell me about one made by GNC and how a lot of people loved it. I decided to give it a try since it was BOGO 50% off. Most of my shakes have been chocolate and I wanted to try something different. I got 2 of the smaller bags in cookies & cream and strawberry. Here is a pic of what I got:


One serving is 3 scoops and provides 60grams of protein. That's a little too much for me so I will just do one scoop. My goal is to use this as my after workout shake. I have a little ON left so once I try it, I will report back on taste and how it helps with recovery and stamina. Q

104 days until the new year!!!

This video covers what I will be doing for the next 104 days to close out the new year. Check back next week for another one along with progress pics and measurements. Q

Biggest Loser countdown

I have less than 30 days left on the BL challenge at work. I've been out of town this weekend and then sick the last 2 days. I really need to step it up. My goal was to do Insanity but I might have to put it off until October. Anyway, my goal is to go hard these next 20+ so days with 2 a days. I'm doing the couch to 5k program and hope to run my first 5k on the 24th. I haven't decided what I'm going to do but I'm putting it all together right now. For this week at least, I'll probably do 30 day shred and will probably go with my trusty NYBP to close it out. I wanted to share this article that I came across a few weeks ago because I really want to incorporate these moves as well. I will keep you posted. Q

Here is the article.

The best protein shake ever

This is the shake I used while on the NYBP. I've continued to use it since then. It has a high quality whey protein, it tastes great, it is good for recovery and the price is just right. I admit I haven't been as strict as I was when getting ready for the wedding. But the day after I've been too bad, I substitute my meals with this and I can see and feel the results the next day. Thank me later. Q

Mother's Day revelation

First let me say Happy Mother's Day to all of the mother's out there. My day started off great. My honey told me to pick where I wanted to go eat and I decided to wait until after the after church rush. We ate and had a nice meal and I took my dessert to go. I had every intention of eating it and not sharing AT ALL. But as I began to eat, it hit me. I just didn't have the taste for it. I kept thinking about the calories and I ended up sharing with the Supremes.



Doesn't it look good? Anyway, it hit me that even though I have a cheat day, I really haven't taken advantage of it. My body and my mind just doesn't feel like it. It hit me that all of this hard work and effort I have put into working out and eating right, has forever changed me. My problem was never really eating the wrong things, but also not eating as often as I should. I am still not a breakfast person but now I make sure I have something in the morning to start my day off right. It's amazing because I don't even think about it anymore, it just happens. I crave healthy, clean foods more now. Even when I do have something bad, its only for a moment and then I'm back on track. I can't see myself going back. I love the way I look and feel!!!

So for those of you who are starting out and thinking it seems so hard, keep pushing. Your body will adjust. It will get easier and you will see the results. It is so worth it, you owe it to yourself to take care of yourself. You only have one body so make sure you treat it right. Q

Sooooo....

How do I look? This is a pic of me right before the wedding. I think I look pretty darn good if I do say so myself. I still have to get the before pictures off the camera along with some others. But I wanted to share one with you guys. Thank you to everyone who pushed and encouraged me. I took a few days off to recover but yesterday I was back in the gym and I did a cardio/weight circuit. I will do some light workouts at home and next week I will be back to 2 a days and pushing. Now I'm on to Mission 8. A size 8 is my ultimate goal and I'm determined to be there before our vacation in June. I pray everyone is doing what they can to have their best body ever. Q

NYBP Day 14 Journal

I DID IT!!!!! Yes I did. I'm so happy to be done today. I mean it feels good. David Kirsch started to annoy me these last few days. LOL As of today, I lost 13 pounds in 13 days. I hope to be down one more tomorrow to make it 14 for 14. Today was super busy for me. I leave for the wedding tomorrow and I can't wait. I still plan on eating sensible at least until the reception.

As far as the overall program, I think it is great. It is a good way to get in shape in 2 weeks. I kinda wish I would have done more cardio because I think my results would have been better but I am proud of myself for pushing through Bikram yoga. Tomorrow morning I will weigh, measure, and take my progress pics. I'm already looking ahead and planning for the next stage. This is about more than just fitting into a dress or being a certain size, I want to be healthy and fit from here on out. There is no looking back!!! Q

NYBP Day 12 and 13 Journal

I had some difficulties with my internet and couldn't post. On day 12 I did my core workout program and on day 13 I did my upper body workout. I didn't do any additional cardio for day 12 but today I did Insanity Cardio abs and Turbo Jam Fat blaster. Tomorrow is my last day and I can't wait. The scale hasn't moved but I'm fine because I feel great. One more day!!!! Q

NYBP Day 11 Journal

David said the first couple of days are hard but these last five seem the hardest. Doing this plan over the weekend is the pits. I got up later than usual because of church so all of my eating was later. I tore that salmon and spinach up like it was no tomorrow. LOL I roasted some red potatoes and baked chicken for the family and I kept almost tasting the food. Man it smelled so good!!! I did my 15 minute lower body workout and the torso trimmer workout. Tomorrow morning I will do my core workout in the morning and my last Bikram class in the evening. From then on, I will do some Insanity cardio in the evenings until I leave on Thursday. I will take comparison pics on Thursday morning before I head out. Q

NYBP Day 10 Journal

I woke up down another pound. I haven't been able to do all of my torso trimmer workouts or additional yoga like I'd planned. I stayed in bed longer today which through my schedule off. I did Bikram at 3, relaxed for a bit and then just finished my Core program. I have 5 days left and I want to really push myself. I just have to stay focused. My eating went as follows:
Breakfast: Shake
Snack: Almonds
Lunch: Shake
Snack: Baked salmon, spinach with olive oil and dijon mustard
Dinner: Shake

I still haven't taken anymore pics. I want to wait until all 14 days are done. I need to pick up some more fiber tomorrow. Bikram really wore me out today. The instructor was male and kind of um, er, ah different. He was more interactive than the others, had a gut, painted toe nails (red), and he didn't use the mic. I felt naseous and dizzy again but not like last time. I just did what I could on the standing part and put my all into the floor. I won't be able to go tomorrow because I need to pack and cook for the week. But I will be there Monday and that will make day 10 for me. I wanted to do more but life happens. I'm proud of myself for doing as many as I have. I won't be signing up for a membership because it's too expensive and I'm not "that" into it ya know? But I will buy single classes every now and then. I will also do the poses and movements at home to keep my flexibility up.

Welp I've rambled enough. I'm off to do some torso trimming ab work, body brush, take a shower and get to bed. Q

NYBP Day 9 Journal

Today was super busy with work and appointments. I did my upper body workout and Fat Blaster this morning. I was trying to get some yoga in but I stayed late at work trying to prep for Monday's class. My eating was a little off due to ripping and running but I stayed on the plan. I don't have anything cooked except some of David's marinara sauce but I think I will just do shakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and some almonds and salad for my two snacks. I am down that half pound and I'm very happy. I even put the dress on and it fits. It is super short though!!!!! But I'm going to look ka-ute!!! Q

NYBP Day 8 Journal

I woke up this morning and hopped on the scale. My total for the first 7 days is 9.5 pounds!!!! Whoo hoo!!! Go me. I did my core workout this morning. At a meeting today, they had an assortment of wonderful looking cookies. I passed the tray on and headed back to work to have my soup. I was going to go to the 4:30 yoga class today but a briefing I was in ran longer than expected. So instead I came home and did Turbo Jam, Fat Blaster. I really pushed myself. I'm also doing a torso trimming program from t-tapp after my workouts and will be dry skin brushing as well. The brushing helps to remove toxins and also reduces loose skin.

I went to my first biggest loser weigh in and I'm sure my trainer and nutritionist will have something to say about how much weight I lost in a short time. I know some people don't think it's good but for me, it's wonderful!!! It's the motivation I need to keep going. I like seeing my body change literally overnight. I'm going to keep pushing these next 6 days!!! Q

NYBP Day 6 and 7 Journal

Yesterday was super busy. My husband had his final procedure yesterday but I managed to get my workout in at night. My meals for yesterday and today went like this:
Breakfast: Shake
Snack: Veggie Soup
Lunch: Basque style chicken
Snack: Almonds
Dinner: Shake

This morning I woke up down another pound. I had a lot of scrambling to do in order to prepare for the wedding. I forgot to order my sash so I spent a great deal calling David's all over trying find one. I was finally able to find one in TN and had it sent to my mom's house. One of my cousin's friends was able to find the shoes in the size I needed. I also swung by the local David's and exchanged my dress for a larger size. I will have to get the mid section tailored in but I needed the larger size for my boobs. In all of my inch and weight loss, my boob size didn't budge.

I am halfway done with the program and I'm ready to kick it up. I didn't reach my goal of 2 pounds a day but I am very happy. I can see changes in my body and others can as well. I am encouraged going forward. I'm going to add in some additional cardio these last 7 days. I finish my yoga on the 11th. Once I get to where the wedding is being held, I'm going to stick to the eating plan and go running. I plan on drinking shakes all day Saturday leading up to the wedding at 5 pm.

I've also began to think about how to maintain. I came across an article in a magazine on the 4 hour body. I like it because they meals are close to what I am doing now. However, the 7th day is a cheat day. I like that better than the maintenance plan for the NYBP. David allows you to gradually add the restricted foods back but I don't trust myself. I like being on a strict program most of the time and then having a binge day. I will have my 7 day total tomorrow morning but right now I'm happy and pressing on!!! Q

NYBP Day 5 Journal

Cornstarch, crushed ice and nausea. Those 3 words describe my day. Yeah I'm weird and I know it. But let me explain. A few months ago, I got real sick and had to go to the doctor. I lost A LOT of blood A.LOT. After I began to recover, I started having a craving for cornstarch. It was serious. I ended up purchasing 3 brands until I settled on one that satisfied me. I wouldn't always eat it. Most times I would just chew and spit it out. But oooh it was so good to me. I tried to quit but the cravings were too strong. I was going through about a 16oz box a week. Well shortly before starting this program, I stopped. I wanted to have a head start since it is not on the eating plan. I was doing fine until today...

This morning I woke up late and forgot my shake at home. My schedule was thrown off. I ate almonds for breakfast, veggie soup for a snack and this chicken recipe from the book for lunch. I went home and got my shake. I had it for snack and just another one for dinner. Everything was thrown off today including work. So the cravings for the cornstarch were SERIOUS. The only thing that helped was crushed ice. In the class I was in today, there is a snack shop/store next door and they have this crushed ice machine. The ice is like the one at Sonic only better. I went through several cups today.

On the way home, the cravings were back. I downed a shake, waited and went to yoga. I was only partly through the standing session when it hit me, nausea. It was serious. I tried breathing. I tried drinking some water. I tried sitting down. Eventually I had to leave the room and go lay down outside. I felt like crap. After a few minutes, I went back in. I was determined to finish and I did. I killed it on the floor pushing myself extra hard. I just got home, did my 15 minute workout, showered and downed a shake. As for the pounds, well the scale didn't budge. But that just means I will see a really good number tomorrow!!! Q