A balance of Mind-Body-Spirit

Monday, December 31, 2007

Fitness Theme for 2008.

I don't do goals well. Or resolutions. I get stressed.

Instead, I do mottoes and/or themes.

My fitness theme for this year is - Being Fit For Life.

Continue to make lifestyle changes and choices.

Continue to work out for about one hour each day with intensity, doing what I love, probably mostly cardio/kickboxing/AWT ( aerobic weght training).

Try to eat more vegan like - I already eat mostly vegetarian but want to eat less dairy and less processed, more whole foods. Well, only 80% of the time. I need my junk, my alcohol too, somtimes, you know. :-)

Watch portions - whether it be by eyeballing, food journalling, calories, points, food exchanges, whatever, it can vary.

Aim to lose another 3 kg ( about 6-7 lbs). Well, in my ideal I'd be super thin but I try to avoid my body image paranoia and low body self esteem trip. I aim to feel good about my more , well, athletic build. :-)

New Year's Resolutions?- really? lol

I was listening to KSBJ, a local Christian radio station and the DJs were chatting about New Years Resolutions. And how they are, well... often a flash in the pan and all the gyms are full of new patrons on Jan 2, but by Jan 31, the levels are back to normal.

I kinda feel the same about New Year Resolutions, but I do like taking stock, replacing my organizer with new pages for the upcoming year, jotting in important dates and taking some time to think about where I been and where the year might take us.

I also like Leonie's idea of a 'theme' she would have for each new year. Are you still doing this, Leonie? I have enjoyed thinking about this for 2008.

Anyway, back to resolutions.. these DJs were talking about how New Year plans often fizzle out fast. So what they have found is that 'each day is new'. We can start over each and every day.

We can dedicate each day to Christ.

We can forgive ourselves and others each day anew.

And of course, it reminded me of the beauty of Confession.

So... as I begin the new year, I am going to try and keep my focus long term, but also on each new day. I will stumble and fall, but I will get up again... it is really about the journey I guess.

New years is a nice time to take stock, but it is something I can do each day, each moment. Oh, Stephen Curtis Chapman has a great song about living in each moment.. and my darling 14yos son and I are going to his concert here on feb 14! I am so excited.

Wow, this post was all over the place! lol

Happy New Years!

Sunday, December 30, 2007

My Little Bit

I can almost not believe myself, joining a "fitness" blog. I have long been in denial about my need to think about fitness. My motto has always been "exercise needs to come out of my normal, daily activities." Well, frankly my fingers are fairly fit, and I don't think typing counts toward aerobic exercise. I weigh less now than I did in high school, at least Sophomore year and later, but I have a lot more jiggly bits than I used to. My muscles don't quite stretch like they used to. After my dd was born (I was 37) my legs hurt for almost a year if I tried to reenact the birthing stance.

Ok, so I'll admit it. I need to work some exercise into my life.

One thing I found works well, since I can't really exercise away from home, or even at home in much of a formal way, due to little people, is to try to keep up with The Wiggles. We have some of their "younger days" videos when they did a lot of dancing. I get my little workout (in the spirit of starting small) and my dd is entertained right along with me.

About eating, I do the Eat Right for Your Type approach. I lost about 15 pounds when I started this about two years ago, without really eating less, just changing what I eat. Dr. D'Adamo who originated this approach has a new book out on genetic factors in body type, and I believe it is supposed to discuss what types of exercise, et al, is most fitting for each type. It's been out less than a week and I obviously haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I plan to.

I look forward to be spurred on by y'all.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Welcome to New Friends

Hi all-

I posted on UC and my local homeschool lists to invite others to join. Please feel free to also invite friends you have that might like to join us, too.

The more the merrier!

And, we all are at different levels and have varied goals. All are welcome!

Dusting off the treadmill

Hi Everybody,

Cindy extended me an invite to this support blog so here I am. This is a perfect time too. Twenty plus years ago I was a model. We just unearthed my two portfolios and Robert (my dh) has been scanning them and putting them on the computer. My oh my, I will never get back to that girl. It's okay though. My 20 year old self was 5'7" and 117ibs. What is funny is that is too much weight for a model of 5'7" but if you saw the pics (and I will see if I can snag one and post it) you would think I probably needed to eat a sandwich...or two. LOL That was 40lbs ago. I am only interested in meeting my old self halfway. So, 140 is what I am shooting for, even though 20lbs seems like Mt. Everest to me. Stupid, I know, but still...it seems almost impossible.

So, I gotta dust off the very nice treadmill in the basement (which is finished and nice to hang out in) and just start walking. These are my initial goals:

1. Drink 8 glasses of water. Seems like no big deal...but it is for me. I know I don't get enough water. Coffee is another story.
2. Walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes, at least 3 days a week, to start. I love music, but for walking I really enjoy listening to books. So, I gotta find some fun fluffy book to listen too.
3. Cook more at home. We are blessed (and cursed) to be able to eat out ALOT. There are alot of calories in restaurant food. I love to cook (especially to bake) so I really need to get back into that...as it feeds me both body (and soul).

I am not going to put myself on a time table either. If I lose it slowly enough, it won't come back quickly...if ever. The point is to change stuff slowly so that it becomes habit. I really want to become pregnant again and I don't want to be doing something so extreme to my body (like really lowering calories or tons of exercise) that I would have to abandon it, if pregnant someday. It needs to be something a pregnant 41 year old could do. So far, the above 3 goals seem perfectly fine if I should be blessed enough to ever find myself pregnant again.
So, thanks for this great idea. I am glad I am here.

However, tonight is my husband's 42nd birthday so we are having 40 Cloves and A Chicken (40+ garlic cloves, tons of olive oil, thyme, cooked for 2 hours....amazing!) A big crusty French Boule with fresh grated Parmesano Reggiano, some wine, and a big, homemade Chocolate Cake (served with milk and/or coffee). So, even though I am cooking tonite....I don't think it is going to help with those goals....but hey! it's not New Years Day yet!

~Rachel in ATL.

Friday, December 28, 2007

The Year in Review

I went for a swim today and thought about what I had accomplished in the past year in the areas of balance, food, and exercise. I KNOW that being a part of this blog made me work harder and with more focus so I really appreciate your idea of having this and inviting us to participate, Cindy!

Accomplishments
*Made exercise a normal thing to think about on a daily basis
*Improved flexibilty when planning how, when and with whom to work out
*Started a new sport--swimming--and swam enough to need a new suit! the old one is showing signs of chlorine damage
*ended the year at about the same weight as when I started--losing about 25 lbs before gaining it in pregnancy so both were fairly healthy situations (although I wish I'd gained a bit slower)
*Have admitted that some parts of my life are beyond my control and have gotten help (specifically with housekeeping)
*Have stopped feeling guilty about the time I need to take for myself to exercise or regain mental balance
*Have spent many hours analyzing areas of my life and considering whether they are balanced and by whose standards. This has helped me set some goals for the new year.
Goals for next year
*Exercise 3 times a week, regularly each week, swimming, riding, yogaing, workout videoing, running, or waddling....MAKE IT A TRUE HABIT!
*Cross train with the exercise bike more
*Eat more locally grown fresh fruits and veg and meats and less of everything in general
*BREAK FREE OF SUGAR SLAVERY!
*Give myself a break to truly heal after the baby comes. Don't obsess about body image, school, or housework immediately
*Go to WW to lose pregnancy weight before baby turns 1 (This is what I call my "Zero Accumulation Goal" and it's the same goal I've had after each pregnancy and have made it or almost made it each time)
*Run/walk Race for the Cure with the boys and the baby in June.
*Consider an Iron Girl (sprint) Triathalon--doesn't that sound fun?

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Intentional Eating

Thinking about Nimah's and others recent posts about intentional eating.... I think I am getting better at this.

I used to always worry over what I ate so didn't enjoy the food I did get.... like at feast times such as Thanksgiving and Christmas! And I didn't eat that healthy in non-feast times. So the lines blurred.

I am so much happier with how this Christmas went. I enjoyed my Christmas cookies.. (we baked over 12 dozen and gave most away)-- but I kept it under control. I ate light on Christmas Eve, then on Christmas my dh roasted a wonderful leg of lamb and the boys and I made some new side dishes we had never had before.

I ate and ate and loved every bite!

The yesterday, I drank lots of water, worked out and craved healthy food and ate light.

The light eating on non-feast days makes the feasts that much more awesome.

I kept thinking of what St. Teresa of Avilla is quoted as saying, when asked why she ate a feast of pheasants with such gusto.

"When you pray, pray. When you pheasant, PHEASANT!"

No wonder she is my patron saint... lol

Are we ready for a great new year? Yes!



I don't know if you all are into New Year's Resolutions... but if you are... this has gotta be the place. :)

I am looking forward to a beautiful new year.. full of hope and promise, friends and family.. and I pray for good health for you all!

I don't really have any resolutions. But, I always seem to have ongoing ones... things I am working on, ebbs and flows... and I am so happy I got serious about stepping up my exercise and eating habits last July. I can see and feel the difference and hope to keep going this year. It most definietly is 3 steps forward, 2 steps back, but as Leonie gave herself the gift of a workout yesterday, that is how I view it... it is gift to myself. :)

I thought I might invite friends on my local lists to join us here, too- please invite anyone you think might want to journey with us. All levels, all goals, all toward better mind-body-spirit health.

Does anyone have any resolutions or plans for 2008? Anything we can help with?

Love to all,
Cindy

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

I gave myself a workout treat!


Today is Boxing day, the day after Christmas, the feast of St Stephen. We had a fabulous Christmas day, two Masses, lots of visitors, food, family, fun...Probably too much food. :-)


So today was clean up time. And then, while dh went for his jog and the kids were busy with playing or reading or using Christmas presents, I decided to give myself a workout treat.


I did the whole 90 minute Ultimate Taebo workout.


I usually don't find tome for a 90 minute workout. 60 minutes is my workout time, a bit less if I'm really strapped for time. But I have wanted to do this whole workout - bought it a few months ago and usually do only 60 minutes of it. Did 70 minutes once.


Except for today. I did the whole 90 minutes - it was COOL!


My post Christmas treat to myself ( and a good way to work off some of that extra food! lol!).


Merry Christmas to all my fitness friends!

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Bigger Picture


Hi all-

Well, I think I am past the worst of this virus I have had. I was on a pretty good exercise program, working out almost every day. Because of this illness I have not been able to work out at ALL for almost 2 weeks. Yesterday I finally got on the elpitical machine for 30 min and took it slow. But it felt so good to sweat!

The two weeks gave me a lot of time for reflection, while I felt so crummy, and a lot was not positive. I just felt so sick of being sick and missing my workouts, too. Finally I realized that God might be telling me that I am not in control like I like to be. I ended up growing some... a good thing. This is just a journey, the health and it is just one aspect of life... it all intertwines.

Anyway, I was looking around for some supportive articles about how to get back on track. You know, once I feel like a Couch Potato, I tend to want to stay a Couch Potato! I liked this woman's response. Adding to that, that we are God's children, and our faith gives us unbounded reasons to be positive... it really helped.

Hugs,
Cindy


BeckyC said... (her response to a reader who was under stress and made bad food/lifestyle choices)


I've found that it only makes me feel worse when I say "I made bad choices." When I get down to it, it was the right choice at the time when I made it (pleasure over pain = right choice at the time). So instead of whapping myself over the head with guilt, I say applaud yourself for being aware of your regret.

I mean, there's a HUGE difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it. And along the way all choices lead to experience. So be kind to yourself, and remember that being healthy and attentive to your family is more important than a number on a scale. You love them for who they are, not for their weight. And they love you no matter your size too. They just want you to know you deserve the best!

So, next time, when you know you're in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable situation, pack a travel bag. Bring some comfort fruits or healthy snacks. Maybe something to do (book? Magazine? Crochet? Crosswords?) Its different for each of us.

My choice is the Gratitude Attitude list. Anywhere you are and you are stressed, look around you and make a list of what you are grateful for this very moment. My list always starts with indoor plumbing, heat/AC, and the people who are helpful. It can even be as simple as being grateful for the chair under your tuckas and the pen in your hand. Everything goes on the list, the safety of the building, the clean sheets, the working car, the clothes you wear. I often forget how lucky I am. So many people are less fortunate than I.

I remember how grateful I am for the details and the big picture takes care of itself. Soon you're flooded with relaxing gratitude and are able to look at the situation without thinking of food. Works everytime for me. (Even in rush hour traffic or red lights!) But remember you are important to take care of too. The care you extend to others is also the care you deserve of yourself. Hang in there.
As Abe Lincoln said "Whatever you are, be a good one."

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Superfoods and Not so super foods.. :)

Here are some lists from a couple of articles I just read... The first talks about super foods.. those that give you a lot of health-bang for the buck! The second lists some things that snackers (like me) fall for. I couldn't believe how many calories in a chip or a spoon of cookie dough! EEEK! The article reminded me of N's 'intentional eating'....


Superfoods

The latest buzz in the nutrition field is the term "superfoods" or "functional foods". These terms refer to wholesome foods that provide a high level of nutrients in each serving, particularly antioxidant vitamins, healthy fats, and/or phytochemicals that help fight disease. There are no strict guidelines yet as to what qualifies as a "superfood". However, for an idea of some food items that health experts have regarded as "superfoods", check out the following list:
Blueberries
Broccoli
Cinnamon
Citrus Fruits
Eggs (from free range chickens)
Flax Seed
Green Leafy Vegetables (chard, kale, etc.)
Green Tea
Olive Oil
Orange Vegetables
Pomegranates
Salmon
Sea Vegetables
Soy Products (tofu, etc.)
Tomatoes (especially cooked)
Whole Grains
YogurtIn light of the fact that some foods are indeed healthier than others, I suppose the term "superfoods" or "functional foods" is fitting and appropriate. Filling your diet with nutrient dense foods such as these can be beneficial and health-promoting, so indulge!


Attention, You Nibblers
Article by Maia Appleby

MyFoodDiary.com Contributor

I often hear people say that, although they watch what they eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they just can't seem to lose any weight. Following this statement, many of them add that they nibble on the things they miss eating, figuring that just one bite won't make any difference. When you look at the big picture, one bite probably won't, if we're really talking about one bite.Chronic nibblers, on the other hand, eat a lot more than they realize, and are often in denial about it. They consume excess calories several times each day without even realizing it, assuming that tiny amounts of this and that don't count. They do count, though. If you're nodding your head with a guilty grin on your face, you've taken the first step toward recovery.Here are a few examples of what you're consuming when you sample some of the most tempting items you encounter throughout the day, and the number of calories they contain. Keep in mind that most of these are high in fat and sparse in nutrients:
One fried chicken wing: 200
One teaspoon of cookie dough: 170
One fried spring roll: 104
Mayo on your sandwich: 100
One square of cheese: 100
One tablespoon of either peanuts or peanut butter: 90
One cocktail meatball: 85
One pig in a blanket: 85
One spoonful of icing: 80
One lollipop: 50
One crab puff: 42
Five M&M's: 40
One potato chip with onion dip: 40
One potato chip plain: 32 How can this be remedied? Simply by recognizing it. Be mindful of every bite you eat, no matter how insignificant it seems. Keep a food diary. You'll be surprised at how these little tidbits add up.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Being Intentional

So I am GREAT about posting when I am doing WELL, eating right, exercising regularly, etc. But I am TERRIBLE about posting when I have fallen off the wagon (I'm bad about that with WW too--I just like going when I know for CERTAIN that I have lost weight-it's the type A/control freak part of me...So I am posting, just to break myself of that bad habit!)

I decided that WW was too much for me to deal with right now, and I am just doing "phase 1" of the Best Life Diet (the extent of which is:

(1) no alcohol (not too hard, I don't drink more than 1 glass a month!);
(2) lots of water (again, easy!);
(3) increase exercise (I decided to increase it to 3x per week, which is not too hard, but I have been a bigtime exercise slacker of late, so I set myself a pretty low goal! Just getting back on it!);
(3) 3 meals a day plus at least one snack (not that hard, but I am trying to make everything intentional, not just grabbing something when the kids are eating, or giving in to the urge for junk food during the kids' naps); and
(4) stop eating 2 hours before bedtime (turns out that this is the lynchpin of my dieting woes!)

So I've been doing really well so far. Having some guidelines is forcing me to be very intentional about what I eat/how I prioritize exercise. But since the guidelines aren't an "all or nothing"/hardcore diet-y kind of thing, I've been feeling a lot more mellow, which makes me think that this can be a longterm thing.

A last point--you are all very inspirational. Thank you for letting me be part of this blog!

Niamh

Some thoughts from Billy Blanks

Doing my Taebo today, I was struck by some of Billy's comments. They reached my heart...

"Have you got the gusto? Use your mind and your will ."

" Where I am today, is where my mind put me. Where I'll be tomorrow, is where my mind'll put me."

"Be Strong.
Get Fit.
Have Fun.
Then don't worry about the last one, it will happen - Lose Weight."

"Walk by Faith, not by Sight."

Monday, November 26, 2007

How was Thanksgiving?

Here was the menu: Turkey, ham, brisket, cornbread stuffing, white bread stuffing, rice, corn pudding, rolls, macaroni and cheese, green beans with ham, collard greens with ham, sweet potatoes (no marshmellows), cranberry sauce, gravy, juice, coke, sweet tea.

I had 2 slices of turkey with cranberry sauce, cornbread stuffing, both green veg x2, sweet potatoes, and water. It was a triumph of self control!

Bill's uncle is a minister so there were desserts from his congregation on every free surface and under the tables. I had one piece of pineapple coconut cake. It was yummy, and I felt great at the end. Whew! When we got back home, I did some yoga and went for a swim, and I haven't gained any weight. :) Now to survive Christmas....

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Thanksgiving plan of attack

My trip to the midwife yesterday went well, except when she asked, "Do you always gain a lot of weight when you're pregnant?" Uuhhhhhh...yeah. So, she just gave a gentle caution about eating during the holidays. I have to start keeping a food journal to check for hypoglycemia so I thought I would prep for Thanksgiving with the age old Weight Watchers trick of preplanning your plate. I'm not cooking so I need to think out what might be there, check the calories and fat of different dishes, and figure out reasonable portions of the foods I want to eat. I remember the first Thanksgiving I did this and how great I felt afterward. It was the first year I didn't feel sick!

And Leonie, I had a friend from England who once told me that they celebrate Thanksgiving on July 4. ;) If it's not an international secret, maybe you could share the menu, LOL.

Guess What's Coming for Dinner?

Wow the squash came out BIG!! lol

We are joining my family at my parents' for Thanksgiving. My mom orders this fantastic smoked turkey. She is making mashed potatos, gravy and rolls. Sil is brining the famous brocolli cheese/cream of mushroom soup cassarole the boys never get at home.

I am to bring the cranberry sauce, pies and a vegatable dish... and I am making something healthy! I have been on a big butternut squash kick lately (you won't believe the vitamin A!) and found this recipe. I will let you know how it comes out...



VAL'S BAKED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH
APPLES

1 1/2 lbs. butternut squash
1/4 c. melted butter
1 tbsp. flour
4 apples
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. mace

Cut squash in 1/2 inch slices and peel. Peel and core apples and slice as for pie. Arrange squash in ungreased baking dish. Top with apples. Then add the brown sugar, flour, and mace which you have mixed together and the melted butter on top. Cover bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. This recipes fills a 2 quart casserole dish. Serves 8.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Woo hoo!

Wore a black skirt to work yesterday - nothing new.

But this skirt used to be a nice , straight, black, pencil line, close fitting skirt.

It still is close fitting ~ but less so - its kinda loose around the waist.

Woo hoo!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Nice tip!

I am enjoying exploring www.fitnessmagazine.com

Here is a tip I liked!

"You don't have to be a fitness saint to get results. Follow the 80/20 plan: Eighty percent of the year, you'll exercise regularly and eat well. Know that you'll slip 20 percent of the time due to holidays and work deadlines. When you accept that fitness isn't an all-or-nothing proposition, you're more likely to stick with it for life."
--Maureen Wilson, owner/personal trainer/instructor, Sweat Co. Studios, Vancouver, B.C.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

I'm in Love! And I'm a believer!

Yes, those are the words of a Monkees song.

But today they describe my love affair.

Yep, I'm having a love fest.

With my workouts ~ Taebo and Turbo Jam.

I managed to buy a few older Taebo Advanced Live workouts, secondhand. They are OOP now.
I did Taebo AL 10 yesterday - love, love, love! The 60 minutes are a hard workout, tough kickboxing and cardio, some butt work ( ouch!!), abs ( standing and floorwork) , pushups and upper body work.

The music is phenomenal - try doing killer butt work while singing along to Robert Palmer's "Simply Irresistable". I'm gonna look irresistable after these workouts ~ not! But I can dream along and sing along while having fun and working out hard. :-)

I am reminded of the words of the Divinyl's song ~ "There's a fine line between pleasure and pain." No, the Divinyls are not singing about workouts! But the song describes how I feel about killer workouts - they hurt, it hurts to walk upstairs and sit today but, boy, the workouts are fun to do, I get a great sense of achievement and I love that soreness. I love finishing a workout, dripping with sweat. Pleasure and pain...

And I love cool music in workouts. Very motivating - just when you think you can't continue, a fun song is played - and who can stop during that song ?

Which is why I am in love with the Taebo Live workouts.

And with today's workout - Turbo Jam Cardio Party 3. A party for sure, and cardio and standing ab and back work. 50 minutes of dance and kickbox, with a fast paced anaerobic drill ( the Turbo) in the middle. I like to skip back and do double Turbos. I sing along to this and "throw my hands up in the air" - "party, party people - whose house? My house?" So go the lyrics. lol!

Sorry to bore you all ~ but, if you can't share your love affairs with friends, who can you share with? At least this love affair is both moral and legal......

Friday, November 9, 2007

A very inspiring thread...

..at the Firm YaYas site ( a fitness site that I visit).

Read these stories of women in their 50s, 60s, and 70s who workout.

I wanna be like that, when I get to those ages. :-)

Monday, November 5, 2007

Quick check in :)

I love Leonie's quote, and Cindy the story about your playlist was priceless! LOL I had a couple of crazy busy weeks...last week was a "planned unschooling" week so the weekend before my workout time was eaten up by planning. This past weekend I was wiped (but the week was GREAT) so again no workout (but I did get my eyebrows waxed--LOL--and they look awful!).

Funny thing, though, is that Bill hasn't exercised in 2 weeks either which has never happened since I've known him. I think he even went on the treadmill when he was still half blind after his LASIK surgery! Somehow his not working out made me feel like a real slug. So yesterday we agreed to get moving again. Today I got in 1/2 hour of prenatal yoga (fabulous!) and am planning one more week day workout before my Sat swim. :)

Sunday, November 4, 2007

The value of exercise

I found this quote to be very encouraging - I love my workouts and believe that fitness is more important than a number on a scale ( most of the time!). How I feel is so much better after regular workouts...

I hope this encourages you also, to continue or to re-start your workout routines. :-)

"..exercise is so vitally important because of its mental, not physical, benefit. There are obviously tons of physical benefits, but the most important mental benefit is that exercise keeps your mind toned. When you work out, you are reminding yourself that health and fitness are strong values that you are choosing to live by. Because exercise is immediately rewarding, owing to the feel-good hormones that are stimulated, you receive a reward for doing something good for yourelf. According to bariatric expert D. J. Shah, during or after exercise or bodies secrete good hormones as well as glucagons. These all have beneficial effects on the body's metabolism. Additionally, the hormone level of cortisol goes down, which benefits the body for weight loss. Thus, exercise keeps you in the mindset of health." from "Joining the Thin Club" by Judith Lederman

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

YUM- Blueberry Banana Parfait

Check out the recipe
here. This is so good I can't believe it is healthy!!!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Rockin' Play List.. Wooo Hoo!


I decided to try a pure eliptical machine workout, something like this:
5 min warm up
5 min little faster
45 min steady 70% hr
5 min cool down

In the past I am HORRIBLE about staying with an eliptical or treadmill very long. Books on tape help me stay on, but oh, I get so bored.

My sons say they love listening to music on the treadmill, so I asked them to put together a playlist on the Ipod that would correspond.

They mostly have video game music on there, but there is a lot of great VG music! They know pretty much what I like, and we went through a few songs. I do like rock and roll, so they put some on, and also sprinkled in some Stephen Curtis Chapman songs (Dive, I Believe) that I love to do housework to.


(Stephen Curtis Chapman)




It was SO FUN! I got on the machine and hit Playlist 2 as Bryan told me to.. and got this really weird song- 20 seconds long called "Grabbed by the Goulies"--
Wierd!! But then it came on again and again and again.. GOTCHA- he got me in a practial joke and thought it hilarious when I later told him I listened to it 10 times before the joke dawned on me...


(Ghoulies Grabbing)








So I switched to Playlist 1 (the real one) and enjoyed the music perfectly timed to my workout plan. Also it was fun to see what he chose. Some songs reminded me of the boys, music I often hear wafting down the stairs. Other songs were ones from the VG Live concert we all went to.

And, the music was all so different- some very epic, and strongly beat-- I put the eliptical on high grade and high resistance and felt like I was climbing a mountain.. then a happy Sonic song would come on and I would put it on light and go really fast, like skipping on water.

And I burned a record number of calories. Tomorrow I plan another eliptical and hope one of my sons will give me a fresh play list.

Workouts




I've really been enjoying my old Taebo Advanced Live workouts - each are 60 minutes of cardio, kickboxing, some have floorwork, all have super sing along music. And I sing along ( sorry, family! lol!).

These are OOP and I only have a few but am always looking out for more, secondhand. I just love them!

But today, I decided on something different - did Turbo Jam Punch Kick Jam. About 50 minutes of kickbox and dance to old school music. Also fun! This particular workout includes a capoeria section and also muscle work with a resistance band. Stretches are all yoga and tai chi.

However, I didn't feel fully worked at the end - I enjoyed myself but felt I could "give some more". You know?

I dragged out a new workout DVD - Prevention's 3-2-1 Circuit Routine, with Chris Freytag. I did three of the circuits - each circuit is 6 minutes, with 3 minutes of cardio, 2 minutes of focused strength training and 1 minute of abs.

Loved the whole caboodle - both workouts put together. All of one, part of the other. Mix and match!

You can read a review of the Prevention workout here.
How are you all fitting in workouts? I know it can be challenging with a family and littlies, or while pregnant. :-) Maria, how is it going without the pool? How are you feeling Rachel? Anne? Others?

Friday, October 26, 2007

What We Eat...


Hi Leonie and all-

I really appreciate your comment on my goal entry about what you eat, your cal goals, etc. I thought maybe a new entry would be a good place to discuss more...

I am curious about what you all eat. Leonie, you mentioned you eat fruits, vegs, whole grains and some meat and dairy but are mostly vegetarian. I wonder if you could share where you get your protein? The only soy I like is my coffee creamer and one brand of patties I make a burger from. :0

I find that protein is important for me, as it helps me rebuild when I strength train and also it satisfies me. It tastes good and helps me not be hungry soon, as carbs can.

Right now what I do is buy a big value pack of boneless chicken breats each weekend and bake them, then cut into sandwich slices and the guys make sandwiches during the week and I eat a few ounnces as meals or with snacks.

I like it, but also like the idea of being more veg... what sources of protien do you like?

Also, I know what you mean about hunger... it is good and if my mind is right I know that it is making me lean and that I will satify it soon and don't HAVE to binge. I think when I tried to "diet" I would feel so deprived that when I got a shot at it I would binge like I was never going to be able to eat again. When we give ourselves permission to eat good and healthy food with a treat now and again, then it stops the dysfucntional binging from happening so much..

What else does everyone like to eat that is healthy and satisying?

some of my favorites are:

South Beach Diet Bar (chocolate) for breakfast with coffee
Yoplait light vanilla yogurts
Salad (with Ken's light rance and plain yogurt as dressing)
Tomatoes (I splurge and get the 'vine ripe')
Small red potatos (baked in oven, not mircowave.. cruchy skin that way!)
Silk Soy creamer in coffee (tastes like half and half)
Whole wheat bagels with chicken salad (made with canola mayo and yogurt, etc)

Any favorites in your diets? Any and everyone?? :)

Another good book...

...on healthy eating, on body image, on emotional eating, on the mind stuff.

I wrote about "Joining the Thin Club" on my blog.

Anyone else have favourite fitness books? Or am I the only fitness/health/diet book junkie? lol!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Goal Check In


Hi all-

I thought I would post on how I am coming with my goals...

You may remember that my long distance friend in VA and I are doing this together? We started in mid-July. She has a personal trainer, and I have copied her plan bascially (well with some alterations..) and we keep track together. That part has been fun as we email each other at least once a day and it has rekindled our friendship!
Gosh, I kind of hope this lasts longer as it has been fun connecting with her and dicussing our successes, failures, ideas, etc.

(We knew each other 10 years ago in Ohio, and she moved to VA just before I moved to TX)

What got her started was her oldest son's wedding Oct 6. Her weight had been creeping up over the years (like mine did) so she set getting back in shape with a goal of the wedding. She did great and I can't wait to see the wedding pics! With her permssion I'll post one here. She still wants to finish to get to her goal so we are still working together.

I am a little over halfway to my goal. Goal setting is difficult because numbers can be decieving, so I know generally I want to be the weight I was before I moved to Houston because I was comfortable and active there.

I have lost about 17 pounds, somewhere areond there, and want to keep going. It has been hard work, but I feel so much stronger and I have been doing weight training along with aerobics.

I am conviced the goal setting and friend support is what made it stick this time.

I am back into clothes in my closet.. thank goodness as at my highest I was down to one pair of pants that fit for Mass! And dreaded once again buying bigger clothes!

I am working out each morning and eating healthy (with a few exceptions)- about 1400 cal a day. Lots of lean protein and good carbs.

Ok.. that is it for my check in... I love setting goals and hearing others' goals, too. Even if it is smaller ones, such as drinking more water, getting outside every day.. it is about LIFE and living a healthy lifestyle. With little OR big changes. :)

With love,
Cindy

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Sugar Sense


While surfing the 'net I found this very sensible article on sugar. It busted some myths for me.. overconsuption of sugar does NOT cause diabetes (but it can aggrivate it once you have it), sugar is NOT linked to hyperactivity in children and it is NOT our enemy, but we need to keep it in moderation to make room for better foods.

I think, too, it can be addictive.. so once one begins to eat it, one wants more! (Just speaking for 'one' here.. lol)

Sugar
Sugar is a simple carbohydrate. There are two types of sugars - monosaccharides, which include glucose, fructose and galactose, are made of one sugar molecule, and disaccharides are made of two sugar molecules linked together. Disaccharides are formed when monosaccharides combine - for example, when glucose and fructose are combined, they form sucrose, also known as table sugar. Other disaccharides include maltose, dextrose and lactose. When many sugar molecules are linked together, they form a complex carbohydrate, also known as a starch.
Other Nutrients:
Carbohydrates
Fat
Protein
Sugar
Sugar provides the sweet flavor to foods to which it has been added, and it may also act as a preservative and flavor enhancer. Sugar is used in a variety of foods, including cookies, cakes, pickles, ice cream, alcohol and jams and jellies. Types of sugar include raw sugar, brown sugar, honey, molasses, maple sugar and corn syrup.
Sugar, which provides 16 calories per teaspoon, provides no vitamins and minerals, so it's a good idea to use it in moderation. Overconsumption of sugar, like other carbohydrates, has been linked to the development of cavities. However, sugar consumption has not been linked to hyperactivity in children. A high intake of sugar does not cause diabetes, but if a person is diagnosed with diabetes the amount of simple sugar eaten daily often needs to be reduced.
Top
Artificial SweetenersTwo types of sweeteners—sugar alcohols and no-calorie sweeteners—are used to replace sugars in foods. It's not necessary to use artificial sweeteners to eat less sugar because foods taste just fine made with less sugar. Still, artificially sweetened beverages, yogurt and desserts are a popular alternative to sugary treats.
No-calorie sweeteners currently used in foods include saccharin, aspartame and acesulfame-K. Saccharin is about 300 times sweeter than table sugar (sucrose). It's used in several brands of table-top sweeteners, in canned foods and in low-calorie soft drinks.
Aspartame is 160 to 220 times sweeter than table sugar. Aspartame loses flavor in foods when heated. Although aspartame contains 4 calories per gram, the amount used is minute, so aspartame generally adds less than 1 calorie to a product per serving. Products that may contain aspartame include low-calorie beverages, sugar-free gelatins, yogurt, puddings, frozen desserts and cereals, as well as table-top sweeteners. Table-top sweeteners may contain an ingredient used as a filler that provides some calories. People with the condition phenylketonuria should not consume aspartame because their bodies are unable to metabolize it.
Acesulfame-K is 200 times sweeter than sugar. This newest of artificial sweeteners is being used in dry mixes for beverages, gelatin desserts, and puddings.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Curently reading....

Secrets of a Former Fat Girl.

The title of a new book that I am reading.

Very helpful, if you have food and body issues to work through. As I do.

I wrote about the book on my blog ( click on the title above for the link...).

Thursday, October 18, 2007

The "soup" diet

Yes, ladies, I am still around. We have been playing Motel 6 for a few weeks and then I was sick and now I am coming back to life. Not the "best life" yet, but trying. :)
Before things got crazy, I was doing the awesome Pilates 10 minute workouts Leonie mentioned to me many moons ago when I first joined up here. They were fun and efficient. I would do ab's and flexibility each day. Well, until we were inundated with guests and family and more guests. I am hoping to get back into them next week. And on the treadmill, too.
Meanwhile, I have been cooking up major batches of soup since the beautiful fall weather is upon us. So, since the kiddos aren't that thrilled about soup, and dh can only eat the same thing once or twice a week, I will be eating pea soup, chicken vegetable soup and tomato soup for the next 2 weeks at least :)
I'll let you know how it affects my waistline :)
Off to bed,
Anne

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Prenatal Yoga


I love this yoga DVD and finally pulled it out again yesterday. I only got through the warmup before small people woke up and started fighting for space on my mat, but that was fine with me as the squats were already making me huff and puff! The beauty of this workout is that it is designed to be used all through your pregnancy. There are 3 women doing the workout together, each one in a different trimester and adapting the poses appropriately. My kids love to say, "Are you the red or the blue lady, Mommy?"
Shiva Rea also has a workout for after delivery, but I do not care for it as much. For as much as I do yoga, I could probably stick with the first trimester workout from this DVD and be just as happy.
I also made it to the pool on Sunday and did a half hour of freestyle with 2 sidestroke laps (one lap on each side) thrown in for a change of pace. All I can say is...OUCH! If you are looking to whittle your waist, sidestroke is the stroke for you.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Feeling Fat.

I just posted some thoughts on my blog. I'm going through a "feeling fat" stage. I'm trying to fight these feelings, I'm trying not to pass self image problems onto my children. And I needed to write out my thoughts, to help me deal with them

Anyone else suffer these "fat feelings"? How do you overcome them?

Monday, October 8, 2007

Video-Susan Powter


I found this old 1993 video at my library and did it this morning- liked it more than I thought I would! I liked Susan Powter's personality and she had 'real' people of all shapes and sizes working out with her.

I think it is so cool she lost 163 pounds. Says she started at 260... wow, what an achievement!

I particularly thought that the upper body was challenging. She said you needed a bench but I did those exercises on the mat just fine. You also need handweights.

Good workout.. my biceps and triceps are tingling as I type this~ :)

She also went slow enough that you could really use the weight and not momentum. I have the trouble in some videos and classes, that they go too fast and I end up swinging the weights and not getting the best workout.

The first review on the Amazon website could have been written by me! I agree totally.. I used weights on the lower body and did lunges instead of some of the hamstring exercises to challenge myself more. I also upped the weights on the upper body. I like when workouts do 3 reps of each muscle, that is when I begin to really feel it, and she did that. Great review on the site below if you want more info...

click here for Amazon link

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Skipping!

Today I went for an execise walk and had trouble getting my heartrate up very high.. so I remembered reading how good skipping is for you.

So I skipped! I told myself I didn't care how silly I looked. I kept thinking of the Monty Python skit on the Institue of Silly Walks.. lol

Boy, it got my heartrate up! So I would skip about 30 seconds, then walk, then a bit of a jog, then I did this thing where I stepped up on the curb with one foot, and the gutter with another, and it really got my rear and thigh muscles.

Then I stopped at the park pavillion and stepped up and back down on the benches which were high. Boy, my hr went up! Then I lunge walked through the parking lot. That is tough.

I know I looked silly, but got a great workout. Then at the end it rained lightly and my neighbors came out to their car. He asked if I planned to get wet...

No, I said, but it sure felt good.

Try skipping.. you can't help but feel lighthearted! :)

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Back in the Swim

It's been in the high 80s (31C) this week! Thirty minutes in the pool today provided a great mental health break. I had forgotten about the lap pool since the outdoor pools closed on Labor Day, but this week I realized that I CAN find 1 hour to swim on Sats and Suns. :)

Positive thought for the day: Perhaps in non-American countries there is no stupid rule about closing pools based on a holiday but rather based on the weather!

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

The Firm Body Sculpt


I tried a video for some strength training and really liked it! It only took 45 min but I am really sore today.

They suggest you use their 'fanny lifter' which is a two part stool, but I just used my step stool. There are some good reviews of this on the Amazon link below. I didn't think it was doing much, but I was tired and like I said.. sore today!

Our library had it--- worth checking out!

I am going to see if they have a good one for abs...


Body Sculpt

Tennis

Hi all-

Thought I would check in and let you know how much my neighbor and I are enjoying tennis. It is one of those things that just kind of happened. She lives right across the street (and is a new homeschooler, too) -- and we found out we both wanted to play more so tried it and were the same level.

So, we are playing 3-4 times a week now. It works out well as she has two little boys (3 and 5) and is in that stage where she really enjoys time away - some Mother Culture time) and her dh is all for it. He happily stays with the boys in the evening. I remember how precious that time is when you kids are little. And since we are so close to each other we can make last minute plans or cancel last minute if our family needs us.

We feel we are progressing, too, and had a couple of lessons. She plans to join a local team next January and I might, too, depending on my schedule.

Just wanted to check in. Am enjoying your posts.

Cindy

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Eat Mindfully All Day Long

This is the title of a chapter in the book "Eat, Drink and Weigh Less".

Now, I have come to realize that learning to eat mindfully is something I have worked on in the past, am still working on, and will probably always need to work on. It's a life long journey for me. I am never there but always learning and living.

So, reading this chapter should prove helpful. And I wanted to share a quote ~

"It comes down to two basic ideas: pace and mindfulness. Pace means deliberately eating enough at regular intervals so that you have the fuel you need to function well and keep your blood sugar at a relatively consistent level. Mindfulness means paying attention to your food choices - and savouring every bite, instead of nibbling, inhaling your food without chewing enough, or just plain eating without thought. What we want you to avoid is 'mindless sleep-eating'."

Very true.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Progress Report

Well, I've improved a little with my eating habits. I now eat chocolate yogurt as a treat instead of eating a chocolate bar! I'm also combating sloth so I have gone running once--with the kids--and have forced myself to do a little more housework (as I am now actually cleaning some things). My weight hasn't increased yet. My biggest challenge has been keeping to portion control and not feeding my mouth when my stomach is full. Unfortunately, indiscretion in this area makes me nauseated for hours, so you'd think I'd be more motivated to eat appropriately. I'm still striving to find a balance between what I need and what I want. What's everyone else up to?

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Today's Food for Thought

I've been reading Happy Are You Poor by Thomas Dubay lately, and this (quoted from John Kenneth Galbraith's The Affluent Society) keeps jumping out at me.

"[W]hat is called a high standard of living consists, in considerable measure, in arrangements for avoiding muscular energy, for increasing sensual pleasure and enhancing caloric intake above any conceivable nutritional requirement."

Now I have to admit that even pregnant I do try to avoid exercise or difficult work that I could do, I eat more than I should or things that are not good for me, and generally subscribe to the idea that, as a pregnant lady, I should "treat" myself to good things whenever I feel like it.

And so I've been thinking again and again about balance, especially in the realm of food. One thing that Dubay mentions is how often we feed our mouths instead of our bodies, eating either more than we need or things that are not healthful for us. Thinking over my cravings...chocolate, pumpkin spice lattes, ice cream, 3rd helpings...I realize that I'm getting out of balance again.

So this week I've decided to work on my self control. Instead of giving in to cravings, I'm going to resist temptation to constantly buy myself treats, and instead treat my body and the new baby better.

My goals are to then--for once!--have a healthy weight gain across my pregnancy (so far only about 5 pounds at 3 months) and come out of this pregnancy with a new stronger muscle on my self control bone. :)

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Even more variety.. lol

Well, the humidity is down under 80% and there is a slight tinge of, can you believe, COOL in the air! So I tried jogging today.

I did ok, much better than I thought since I really have not jogged in years. I went about 40 minutes around the neighborhood. I would jog until I was out of gas, then power walk, then I did some spints between mailboxes, and on a couple of culdesacs I did lunge walks. I know, I must have looked silly, but who cares!

I felt really 'sweated out' - cleaned out from the inside.. you know that feeling after a good workout? I hope these new shoes I got a couple of months ago will allow me to keep this as an alternative. I love being outdoor when the weather is nice.

Today I am going a Mat Pilates class for some strength training.

I am thinking if I can keep up the walk/jog I may try a 3 mile run or 5K or something. We will see..

Joyce Vedral


Today was a weight training day - and I have had little time, with Thomas being in the hospital for his surgery.


So, the kids put on groovy music, I grabbed weights and dug out an old book -
Definition by Joyce Vedral. I did the 30 minute total body workout - and had fun!

Vedral's books are very good at explaining weight training and they sure have some effective routines - I did a Joyce only rotation for nearly three months, about four years ago, and while I didn't lose weight I *did* drop a dress size!

The workouts require little equipment ( there are modifications for those who only have one set of dumb bells or who can only afford one set), they require little space and time and are easy to follow! With suggestions for beginners and advanced.


I've found several of Vedral's books at libraries, too.

Monday, September 17, 2007

More Variety here, too....

Well, I guess more variety is what I am up to, too.

I find I love something for a while, but then need a change to refresh things. My neighbor and I have started playing tennis when we found we were about the same level and that has been fun. We even took a couple of lessons as she wants to play league, so we have learned a lot, especially me who never got beyond the goal of just hitting it back over the net. :)

I have also done some step instead of spinning, but I find a little step goes a long way... some of the classes insist you know these complicated (for me) moves and I jsut can't/won't do them as I sprained my foot trying to keep up on a step a few years back!

I have been doing Pilates at a group class. Man, it is hard. You barely move, but it feels like.. well, like when you are on teh floor with your little kids and they sit on you and then you have to reach to grab something on a coffee table. Akward, weird muscles used... but I think that is the theory.. use those 'core' muscles we never use.

I also have taken over the lawn mowing- my boys were glad to give it up and I gave them all the inside chores I could as a swap. I burn lots of calories doing that once a week and feel pleased as punch when I see the good job I did. :)

Rachel, how are you feeling?

Leonie- glad your flu is almost gone.

Nimah- I look forward to hearing what videos you like. One I loved which is good for beginners (and she has a wonderful, sweet personality) is the Leslie Sammons walking videos (you do them at home)

Cindy

Thursday, September 13, 2007

I lost ( almost) Two Kilograms!

I Lost 2 kg! Well , nearly 2 kg - about 4 lbs. Very excited as my health conditions mean I am a slow loser.

Perhaps it is because I've been eating healthier - less processed food, more nuts and legumes.

Or maybe it was adding in some long, tough Taebo workouts again.

Or the combo of the above?

Who knows? But it sure makes my BMI a bit lower!!

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Back to More Variety in Workouts!

My flu has finally gone, only a lingering cough gives a hint that I was sick. So, the last few days I have been able to add cardio back into my workouts.

While I had the flu, I did weights - specifically, the Cindy Crawford workouts. They are fun and effective but don't leave a sick exerciser gasping for breath!

The last few days, I've done Taebo - Bootcamp 2, Bootcamp Cardio Liev, Billy's Favourite Moves, Taebo Blaster Ball workout.

Feels good to add in more variety. To be well! lol!

I also picked up a neat book - Walk Off Weight. I am not going to do walking for my cardio, I like more intensity than that. But I do like the crosstraining tips, the nutrition ideas, the 8 week food and activity journal. So, I'm off to do this 8 week plan for fitness, starting on Monday.

I also found my copy of The Best Life Diet by Bob Green. Thanks Anne for reminding me of this book! I think I'll pick it up where I left it off last tme.

Finally, I found an interesting book on, yes, weight loss but also on nutrition and fitness for the whole family. Eat, Drink and Weigh Less by Mollie Katzen ( the Moosewood Cookbook) and Walter Willet ( the Harvard Health Project). Many good ideas, supported by research.

All these books focus on a way of eating and working out for life, not on a more short term diet or workout plan. This has been the way I've lost ( 30kg) 66lbs , over the last five years, after a serious bout of medical/health problems and depression - both of which caused weight gain. Once I and doctors managed these, I had to set out to lose the weight that had been gained - hard for me, as I had always enjoyed working out and had to start again at the beginning. But I'm almost there! lol!

Reading on health, fitness and nutrition always motivates me!

Friday, September 7, 2007

Hi Jennifer..

I have added you as a contributor.. let me know if you have any problems getting on board!

Thursday, September 6, 2007

BMI News

Thanks to Leonie for bringing up BMI as a health measure.. I am happy to report that as of now I am back into the "normal" range and out of the "overweight" range.

Woo Hoo!

Now just to keep it up and then maintain this...

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Tired.....

Just checking in:
It has been a whirlwind summer. I am so, so tired. I hope to rest up and eat right over the next week or so and get back into some exercise. I also hope to bring out the Best Life book and join the website for ideas. And I hope that brings a little of my energy back--because I am just so depleted! I just need a little time and with school starting next week.....whew!!
So, know you all have been in my thoughts and I am proud of the goals you have met :)
Leonie, I hope you feel better soon! Cindy, I enjoyed your photo there as the first post when I came to visit here. It inspired me!!
Off to get some work done. Keep up the good work ladies!
Anne
PS-I did need to share that my dd, who is 4, is my new coach. She MADE me run down our street and home the other day when we took the pup for her walk. It has been a long time since I have run that far. The next day, she MADE me play soccer with her. She is determined I will get into shape. For that I am thankful and hoping I can keep this up...I really am tired :)

Here's a new post - an update!

I've been unwell this last week - turns out I was getting the flu. I now have it! :-(

Haven't felt like cardio, probably cos of the flu, so have kept up just my weight workouts this week. Been doing the two Cindy Crawford workouts - Shape Your Body and The Next Challenge, simply because they have a little bit of cardio, lots of weight work, high reps/low weight, great scenery and cool music.

Trying to be more strict with food and reach a personal goal by Christmas.

Potion control is key for me. And weekly weigh ins....

How is everyone ? Rachel , how are you feeling?

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Ok we need a new post!

Need to get my picture off!

How are all of you?

lol
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Saturday, August 25, 2007

Hit another goal...:)



This weekend I hit one of my mini-goals.. got into some white capris I bought two years ago, never wore and soon 'outgrew'... Only took 6 weeks! :0

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Pink Running Shoes!

Since the boys and I started running this Spring, Little Miss 3 year old has been asking for pink running shoes. Today she and Daddy bought some with her birthday money (her idea), and then she took me for a run. Her knowledge of neighborhood routes was impressive. She took me to a park that we usually don't go to and brought me home by a different route. It was a short run--less than 1/4 mile--but a good first effort for my maternity workouts. :)

Monday, August 13, 2007

Nice comment..


I posted some pics on my blog, of son Anthony and his birthday. One of my older sons, in Adelaide, saw the pics and he ( Greg) sent me an email.


Greg said "Mum, you look like an advertisement for Taebo!!".


Gotta love that kid! lol!

Saturday, August 11, 2007

A Goal Met...!



Someone sweet gave me those flowers for making a goal... I lost 5+ pounds!
Well, actually as of today I lost 6.5+ since I started weighing. I would not weigh until I got under this certain number, so I have actually lost a bit more than I record. But officially, 6.5+ are gone I hope never returning. And I have gained a lot of muscle, too, which I know is heavier that fat. hooray!

I am trying not to get caught up in numbers, but decided to try weighing each day to see if it motivated me. But, I am back to wearing some clothes I 'outgrew' over the past year... so that is making me happier.

And it we me who bought the flowers for me.. ;) Cheapies from the grocery store. Actually I just stuck them on a table to get a picture against the wall and didn't realize the boys' old photo would show up so clearly.. aren't they cute?

Anyway, I plan to get myself another gift at my 10 pound mark. That is set for the end of August, but who knows maybe I will beat it?

My friend Roxanne who is in VA doing this with me met her July goal, too! Goals are fun, especially to do with friends.

Oh.. and I saw my AB MUSCLES for the first time yesterday in years! I still have a layer of fat over them, but they are getting firmer and I saw some definition! Yes, you CAN have a waistline if you are over 45! lol

Something to share!

I lost 3 cm off my waist! Woo hoo! Nothing big I know , about an inch and a half, but cool. I tend to be an apple and waist measurement can be a good indicator of health.

And it sometimes helps to look at measurements and clothes instead of those scales....

Waist Girth Better Than BMI?

BMI info

Using Measurements Besides the Scales

Measure Progress Without the Scale

Monday, August 6, 2007

Some quotes

These quotes have currently been on my mind and on my fridge...


"Never, never, never, never, never give up!"

-Winston Churchill


"Enough is a good as a feast."
-George Chapman



"Nobody ever said it would be easy."
-A friend's grandmother



"When you pray, pray, but when you pheasant, pheasant!"
-St. Teresa of Avilla (when asked how she could eat so enthusiasticly at a feast)

What Works for You?


In the last entry, Leonie and I got to talking in the comments about little things that keep us on track, such as when we get home tired and hungry (and mean, in my case), what keeps us from hitting the junk food?

Leonie mentioned pre-planning a snack. Are there other hints you all have to keep yourself eating healthy, not binging, getting to your workout, etc?

One I can think of is lately I have been pre-cooking chicken breasts up for myself on the weekend and putting them in little bags in nice small portions. This way when I am ready for my salad or fajita (and usually very hungry) I just take a packet and make up the meal. This is very helpful for me as I am a chronic snacker (while preparing AND cleaning up food!) I find I eat less and focus on and enjoy the meal more.

Also, I keep 60 cal pudding cups and Teddy Grahams around for me (hands off, boys! lol)- . I allow myself to have them at night or mid-aftenoon with a nice cup of decaf tea or coffee. A real treat and less calories than stadning at the freezer eating cookies and cream ice cream out of the carton! lol

For workouts, I preplan my week each Sunday night. I used my aerobic schedule and write it on my calendar and treat it like an appointment. After doing this for a while now workouts happen automatically- they didn't used to!

Any hints from anyone else?

Friday, August 3, 2007

Turbo Jam and Taebo




These have been my two fave workouts this week. Today I did Turbo Jam Kickin' Core - love the music, moves and the Turbo in this workout. Yesterday was Taebo Celebrity Fit Sculpt, with some nice combos and calisthenics.

I think I'll aim for more FIRM workouts next week - probably need to do more weighted work, as the rotations below state. But I love the endorphin high of cardio!
What workouts are you doing?
How are your diet plans, diet journals?

Monday, July 30, 2007

More Rotation Ideas

From the Video Fitness site ~

30 Day Rotation
1-hour AWT(aerobic weight training) OR 30 minsculpting(or 40 minute sculpt if you don't have 30minute sculpt tapes)/ 30min. cardio
2-45 minute cardio/30 min ab workout(can be one DVD ortwo segments combined)
3-hour AWT OR 30min. sculpt tape & 30 min cardio(forexample plug in Get Ripped by Jari love for sculpt andplug in a Leslie cardio workout)
4-REST OR light stretching such as your candle lightyoga
5-60 min hour sculpting workout or more(Just reallyfocus on hitting the weights today)
6-60 min cardio workout(you could do one toughie ortwo 1/2 cardios back to back!)
7-REST OR yoga
8-40 min sculpting+ 1/2 hr. cardio
9-45 min cardio + 1/2 hr. of ab work(I find it easierto do abs before cardio cause I can really focus onform)
10-Hour AWT(like Burn it up) OR 1/2 hour sculpting +1/2 hour cardio
11-REST
12-Short sculpt 30-40 minutes & 1/2 hour abworkout(focus on hitting those weights)
13-60 min. of cardio
14-REST15-40 min of sculpt & 1/2 hour of cardio16-hour of cardio
17-1 hour AWT or 1/2 hour sculpt & 1/2 hour cardio
18-REST
19-40 min sculpt & 1/2 hour ab/core workout(reallyfocus on strength)
20-45 min. cardio
21-REST
22-60 min. AWT OR 30 min sculpt +30 min cardio
23-hour of cardio
24- 45 min AWT or 1/2 hour sculpting and 1/2 hourcardio
25-hour of strength training or 2 shorter strengthworkouts back to back
26-hour of Cardio
27-REST
28- hour of AWT or 1/2 hour cardio+ 1/2 hour strength
29-45 min cardio + 1/2 hour of abs and core
30-40 min strength + 1/2 hour cardio

And another:F
or example, assume that building strength is your
goal and you want to exercise six days a week. Youmight come up with something like this:
M - Full-body strength
T - Cardio
W - Upper body strength
Th - Lower body strength
F - Cardio
S - Circuit or full-body strength

Or, let's say you just want to stress cardio because it helps you lose weight:
M - Long cardio
T - Weighted strength
W - Cardio and Bar Method
Th - Upper body strength
F - Long cardio
S - Lower body strength and yoga

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Rotations

I put a rotations link in the comments for Cindy ~ but it wasn't very clear. Here it is again.

How To Plan A Workout Rotation

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

OK. now I need a new goal...

I finished my Tour De France. :)
here

Now i need a new mission in life.. lol

Any ideas?

This Sounds Like My Diet..

Stress Diet for Women
This is a specially formulated diet designed to help women cope with the
stress
that builds during the day.

Breakfast
1 grapefruit
1 slice whole wheat toast
1 cup skim milk

Lunch
1 small portion lean, steamed chicken
1 cup spinach
1 cup herbal tea
1 Hershey's kiss

Afternoon Tea
The rest of the Hershey Kisses in the bag
1 tub of Hagen-Daaz ice cream with chocolate chips

Dinner
4 glasses of wine (red or white)
2 loaves garlic bread
1 family size supreme pizza
3 Snickers Bars

Late Night Snack
1 whole Sarah Lee cheesecake (eaten directly from the freezer)

Monday, July 23, 2007

Some interesting articles on health and fitness...

...from the Weight Watchers Australia site.

Oh, and on Sunday I did a Basic Taebo Live Workout ( 30 minutes) with son Jonathon and his friend Meg.

A cool song on this - Shake Your Booty!! Is it KC and the Sunshine Band??

Anyway, I kicked butts - in a nice way, of course. Jonathon and Meg might be younger than me but I wasn't the one who was dead after the workout! lol!

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Heart rate tracking

For those that like to track heartrates, here is a site that calculates what your training zones are.
Click Here.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Going on Vacation!

After 1 1/2 weeks of Weight Watchers, I am officially challenged by a 1 week vacation to a local Oregon resort (my sister and family are joining us, and my MIL too--should be fabulous! :-)). So here's my plan-I am bringing a notebook and counting my points while I am gone. I am going to do LOTS of exercise (very easy to do at this particular destination--it is ALL about walks, bikerides, swimming, etc.). AND (and this part is crucial to the success of the earlier parts) I am going to a WW meeting on Tuesday night (with my sis, who is also doing WW, but has been doing it longer and a whole lot more successfully than me!). So I will report back in when we return! (oh, and WW is going great--I lost 5 lbs the first week--water weight, at least partiallly, I know, but still, INSPIRING! :-). Have a great week everyone!

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Balanced 4 week plan

This morning Maria told me that I must be having another baby since my tummy is "getting big and sticking out." (I'm not pregnant.) Well, that is just added incentive to stick to the plan Bill and I worked on Sunday. He's such a gem. Always ready to help me with a new exercise plan. I picked 4 weeks because it seems doable, and it will carry me through the conference.

Here's what I came up with:

Snooze button meditation: I put my yoga mat next to my bed so that when the alarm goes off, I can take my temp, hit the snooze and then roll to the floor for a 7 minute quieting exercise. If you think I don't need a quieting exercise after 8.5 hours of sleep, you are wrong! I've never been great with morning prayer, so I decided to start with meditation which for me is really a listening prayer.

Sat and Sun aerobic exercise either running or swimming. Since they are whole body workouts, I don't need anything else.

Tues and Thurs aerobic exercise on the bike for 30 min. I'm embarrassed that I couldn't figure out the itunes store, so I have to have Bill help me the first time. My playlist is 30 minutes right now, so I just ride until it's done. The problem with the bike is that it doesn't work my abs (hence the poochie belly) or upper body. On days I ride the bike I'll also do upper body workout like 10 pushups every time I wash my hands.

Food and water: We've acquired some bad food habits this summer. :( Now I'm back to drinking tons of water all day long instead of soda or koolaid or coffee... Also, I find that if I only let myself snack on fruit after breakfast, I do much better with food overall. This week we have melons and peaches. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Monday, July 16, 2007

10 Minute Solution

Today I did 4 segments from the 10 Minute Solution Kickbox Bootcamp workout, with Kelli Roberts. I did the Basic Training ( kickbox), Lower Body ( kickboxing moves and weights), Arms and Shoulders ( upper body with weights) and Blast ( bootcamp - aerobic and anerobic drills with strength, very challenging and fun!).

If you can ever get your hands on the 10 Minute Solution Workouts - grab them They are versatile - I have a few of the intermediate level ones and you can do all 5 segments or mix n match segments.

My eating last night was erratic - I was very tired after a busy day and a late night at work so ate a little bit of this and a little bit of that after a late dnner. :-( I need to plan ahead and stop this mindless eating , if I want to lower my BMI and look better! lol!

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Something new- training diet

Hi all- thought I would share here...

I have gotton away from dieting and try to eat healthy as we have discussed here. I have used WW in the past and it was just the thing.. esp to make me aware of portion size, etc.

Well, an old friend who lives in VA is about my age and has felt her weight creep up over the years and wants to go after it once and for all. And try to get back to some habits that will stick for life.

She went to a professional trainer and is on a vigerous excerise schedule. I am doing about 80% of what she is on my own, so am stepping up my exersie to match her program.

He also gave her an eating plan. Very specific. Measure those portions. I wrote it down and am going to do it with her. In a way it is a relief as I *know* it is all the BLTs (Bites, Licks and Tastes!) that are keeping my weight up!

Yesterday I cooked up my main protien source (chicken) and weighed and put it in packets I can pull out at mealtimes. It is all pre-planned, I don't have to think!

So, I have challenged myself to do this for a month... and see how I feel. Maybe I will get used to eating less and quit my maniac snacking habit.. we will see.

Wish me luck!

(btw, yesterday I followed it and really enjoyed it.. but of course that is Day One...)lol

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Fitness for those over 40?

This is an interesting article with three "over age 40" fitness leaders - Judi Sheppard Missett, Kathy Smiith and Tamilee Webb.

A new book on walking and on faith.


For those of you who are walkers. It sounds good.

Walking the Walk: Get Fit With Faith by Leslie Sansone.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

MIA
I've been missing in action here, ladies ~ sorry! Too much going on in real life. :-)

I have, however, been working out - a day without a workout would be a very sad day indeed for me!

Got the final all clear from my doctor on Monday - back to normal, no cancer, just some minor stuff they can treat. Yay!

Workouts recently ~
Saturday - Turbo Jam Cardio Dance Party 3 - oh, my gosh, the hip hop and old school music in this is cool! So is the anerobic drill - the turbo!
Sunday - Taebo Advanced Live 6. Loved the cardio and standing ab work!
Monday - The FIRM Ultimate Calorie Blaster - step aerobics and light weights and tall box work for those glutes. :-)
Tuesday - Taebo Advanced Live 7 - enjoyed the floorwork and kickboxing cardio, sang along with Berlin "Riding on the Metro", the Sylvers' "Boogie Fever", and "Be What You Wanna Be" and "Pina Colada." :-)
Wednesday - today - did the cardio section from Taebo Advanced live 7, as I didn't have a full hour to work out - the kids and I were out early for an all day work meeting ( and activities for the kids...).

Eating is going well. I am finding inspiration in the book "The Best Life Diet" by Bob Greene - yes, it's the same old stuff but helpful for me to renew. Remembering the WHYS, WHATS, WHENS and HOWs ( how much) of a healthy eating lifstyle, coupled with an appropriate activity level.

Waving hi to everyone - how are ya doin'?

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

How Is Everyone?

I wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing. It has been quiet here lately, I hope I have not been monopolizing the blog!

Anne- How are the exercise tapes coming? Are you still walking the neighborhood?

Rachel- Did you ever get your playlist together? I want to find a cheap way to download music. I wonder.. is $1/song the going rate?

Niamh- How is your son's foot? I was also wondering about the stress eating. You know the lady at the Y recommended I eat 5-6 meals a day at 300 cal each. She said, that won't seem like much but try. It seems to be working very well for me and has actually curbed my stress eating, because I am allowed to eat (mentally) and then I will stop, knowing I can eat again. Just wanted to share that tip.

Night is still the hardest for me b/c I am tired and let my guard down. But also since I am recording at http://www.fitday.com/, I tend to stop so I can record a 'good' day!

Maria- Have you been pool jogging lately? Any more bike rides?

Leonie- What have you been up to- any new videos?

Faith- I miss hearing from you... have you been able to exercise lately?

Would love to hear what is up with everyone when you have a chance.

Monday, July 9, 2007

Calcium Tip

Just something that is working really well for me!
I got some of the calcium chews. I understand we ladies are supposed to get 1000mg a day. The chews have 500mg each, so I have two.

They are SO yummy! I have caramel and chocolate flavor. They taste *just* like candy to me. So I save them for when I am really in the mood for that sweet treat, sometimes with decaf in the evening.

Just wanted to share!

Friday, July 6, 2007

Another neat site

If anyone is interested in tracking calories, nutrition, exercise etc with neat reports that show percentages, how you are doing, etc. check this out-


Fitday
It is free!

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Virtual Tour De France

Hi yall..

Just for fun, I made up a new blog, not to replace anything here, but to track my Tour De France challenge.

I decided since I was going to try and make the 20 workouts this month, I would set a few other goals (eating, water, etc) and make a run for the roses!

Please visit and if you want to post, too, I will happily alter it a bit to share and you can do your own Tour De France with whatever daily goals you set!

Let me know if you want to join, or if not, I hope you will drop in and cheer me on!
My Virtual Tour de France

What is Spinning?

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Tour de France 2007



I signed up for the Tour De France!

Well, at least my local YMCA's version of it.
Remember I wrote how the instructor had us doing 'Stage 1', or 'Stage 2' of the Tour de France?

Well, it turns out there are really 20 stages (days) to the real race, which really starts in real France July 7.

The Y has the instructors doing a different stage each week day. And if you sign up (which I did) then you have a little stamp card and you get it stamped for each workout. The goal is to complete 20 workouts in the month of July. They can be any type of aerobic workout, but I am going to try and mostly spin so I can get better.

(I really have a long way to go.. can't really do a standing run or sprint and my seat really still hurts a lot even with the padding...)

But, it is fun to have incentive! If I do it, then I will be in a drawing for neat stuff, get invited to a celebration ride and breakfast and also get a cool T shirt.

Also this is fun for me because I am learning all about the Tour de France. I really only know it because of Lance Armstrong. But in our packet they gave us the map, etc. So every day I can see what the upcoming 'ride' will be. The instructor simulates it and tells us there is a hill coming at mile 130, (so we are supposed to increase resistance, but often I just don't because I am already at max!)--- or we are on the plains, but our group is trying to pass another.

Call me silly, but I love this imagry working out.. I close my eyes and really picture it!

Also today a new person joined and it helped put things in persective for me. She was about 5 ft tall and must have been more than 100 lbs overweight. She could not bend over to get her foot latched into the pedal. I was so happy the instructor came over to welcome her and I gave her a smile. I give her so much credit for working out- that must be so hard when you can barely bend, to get up and to the gym and try and get healthier. Ladies, we really have no weight struggles compared to this and it also made me realize how lucky I was.

I hope she keeps coming back.

Ok... off to shower and then dogsit, then dentist, then cat sit and clean the house... then read some to the boys... .then... busy day!

Thanks for letting me share.. I just love this kind of stuff (the virtual bike race)- just makes working out and life more fun. :)

Monday, July 2, 2007

"..keep the floor clear of any obstructions."



Here is my major obstruction, every morning I do my exercise tape. Isn't she cute though?
I found it funny when this was said during my workout this morning as I am pushing her away and grasping for her ball to toss, etc. I get double exercise points!! Especially on the ab part of the tape-she lies on my chest :)
(AND I am thrilled I figured out how to post a photo :)
Anne

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Eat My Dust, Lance!


Today I did my second spinning workout at the Y. It was really hard, but I liked it. Like I mentioned before, it was kind of like running, in that the lights were low and I could veg out if I wanted.

(This is NOT me... but a stock Google photo -- lol -------------------------------->

Dave was our instructor. Nice guy. He has us doing what he called a "stage I" workout. What it was was the first stage of the Tour De France. Oui!

He told us the course layout. We would have a sprint, then a big hill to climb, 26 kilometers of plains, then another sprint and bigger hill, then down the backside of the hill.

What he would do is tell us to adjust the tension of the bike up and down to simulate hills. He told us how to adjust our cadence (pedal revolutions) to 'sprint' or maintain.

So Dave would say something like,

"A big hill is coming. Adjust your tension a full turn, stand up and put your hands in position 3 (further out on the handlebars) and keep up your cadence. Hill is beginning!"

We would and then he would tell us to adjust the tension tighter, the 'hill' was now very, very steep. then,

"Ok, now, don't loosen the tension, but increase your cadence... someone is trying to pass us, but we won't let them!!!"

Like the competitive fool I am, I pedaled my little heart out. My hr was racing. Then he told us we were at the top of the hill and had Lance Armstrong in our dust.

WOOO HOOO!!

I am so silly, I could actaully imagine the hills, the plains, the scenary as Dave spoke. After we climbed a hill, I thought we would get to coast down. But he hold us to release the tension all the way and pedal fast.

"Can you feel the ocean breezes in your face?" he grinned. I smiled back... I could! But it may have been the monster fans they have in that room. They are serious fans and I put my bike right in front of it. Hot flashes, you know.

He told us that we would burn about 500 cal in this class (mine was more like 350), but the guys who race will burn 9000 in a day. Can you imagine?

It was really interesting as he gave little tidbits about the racing they do and the strategy. I learned a lot. It was hard and made me work. I would never do that on a stationary bike alone.

Oh well, I ate back most of the calories with BBQ chips tonight. Gosh, too bad I can't burn 9000 like Lance.. lol

What's on Your On-the-Go Playlist?

I'm getting access to Bill's Ipod nowadays and am trying to create my workout playlist. So far I have Your Personal Penguin and Build Me Up Buttercup. I know Leonie sings through her workouts, and Maria, I believe opera singing is a workout, right? What should I add to my playlist? What makes you want to move?

Stress Eating...advice?

So since I've started blogging, I've been paying attention. How much exercise am I getting a day? Am I overeating? When and why? And exercise-wise, it's really helping! I've been walking/running 3 miles on most days, and just squeezing SOMETHING in on the days that I can't get to the gym or get on the treadmill. But the eating isn't improving. In fact, when life gets harder (as it did this past week when my 18-month old son broke his foot, went to the ER, got a cast, started sleeping poorly as a result, etc.) the eating gets worse. Mostly at night. I can be good all day, but at night it's like self-control goes out the window. The kids go to bed and I reward/relax myself with dessert. Or desserts. :-) Anyone have any advice? I still have 10lbs I'd really like to lose, but I have plateaued for months, and I know it is simply a matter of mindless stress/comfort eating. I plan to start keeping a real food journal (as compared to my "mental food journal" which very quickly gets set aside when dessert is on offer! :-)). Any other tips?

A balance of Mind-Body-Spirit

Thought for the Day


"Good friends are good for your health."

~Irwin Sarason

"Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy! And happy people just don't shoot their husbands!"

Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde

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