THE FINISH LINE!

Okay okay okay....obviously I suck and one of the things I definitely DIDNT learn from this program was how to be timely :)  I finished the Jamie Eason 12 Week Live Fit Trainer 2 weeks ago and I actually already miss the regimen.  I have still been incorporating what I learned thru the program but I think the most important thing I learned about myself was that I actually can accomplish a goal.  12 weeks seemed so intimidating at first and I have mentioned many times before that I thank Karrin for her brilliant idea of blogging throughout the process for keeping me accountable and motivated.  She was right...AGAIN! I would absolutely reccomend this regimen to anyone and everyone! I am stronger in body and mind....my determination and personal drive have enhanced in all areas of my life.  I am more confident in the gym as well as other challenging environments.  In the beginning, I would even think about going into a gym on my own...leading myself in a workout....now I am fully capable, knowledgeable and proud to rock a workout on my own.  Dont get me wrong though....I harass people to go with me all the time! But the only thing missing from my life now is the fear that I felt in that situation.  My confidence has risen and I am proud that is one of the benefits that came out of this process.  Not only that...but I am REALLY FREAKIN STRONG NOW TOO! :)  My body truly conformed to the weightlifting aspect of this regimen.  I am one tough cookie now and I truly love it! Yep...I might just be one of those dorky people who flexs in the mirror now!!!!! LOL!  I continued to struggle with the calorie intake part of the regimen and that is something I will continue to work on.  I didnt shed as much as I wanted to either...but I am not beating myself up sooooo bad.  This was such an amazing experience and I guarantee I will go thru this program again.  I have already chosen a new program to follow which is strict just like this one was...only its only 4 weeks.  Going to see if this one will trigger some different physical changes.  Overall I lost inches in my belly, butt and legs and gained an inch in my arms.  My weight fluctuated slightly but I ended up weighing the same as when I started.  Who knows....this may just be the body that I am stuck with but I will have fun working it hard and challenging my different muscle groups.  I took before and after pics and you can't see HUGE changes but hopefully enough to make you think that this wasnt a complete waste of my time :) 

Thanks EVERYONE for the amazing support you gave me thru this program!

Before                                                                          After

When Life Gets in the Way

This is officially Week 12…the last week of this program and once again I am calling for a redo.  Only because last week and this week LIFE just got in the way.  I wasn’t able to fully commit like I should have because of other commitments and I don’t want to finish this challenge having not given it my all.  This week…Life is continuing to get in the way of the outlined regimen that this challenge requires but that is ok.  I realize that often times life and obligations will get in the way of the outlined plan.  Because really it is not realistic to live life every moment according to plan.  I am such a huge control freak that I would prefer that my life was lived that way….but I am realizing that is not attainable….and that’s ok.  I have still been able to get workouts in this last week and a half, just not at the gym and therefore not exactly as I would have liked to.  But its OK….I can take a step back, not beat myself up, and offer myself another opportunity to redo.  Granted this 12 week program will have turned into 14 weeks, but at least I will finish it knowing that I didn’t cheat the program or myself.  I stayed committed and did my best.  And when I couldn’t do my best, I took a second shot at it.  So…..starting next Monday I will be working hard to DO IT RIGHT….do my last week justice and finish this program with a bang! Until then, I will work out as hard as I can, wherever I can and continue to feel good knowing that I am benefitting my body and mind. 

Turnin that Final Corner.....

Dang....been a while since I blogged about this program.....guess thats what happens when all you have time to do is work, workout and EAT! I wish I had super amazing progress and results to discuss but my frustration level will show that I have in fact NOT been experiencing increasing results.  I am in my second to last week of this 12 week program and although I am proud of how far I have come and what I have learned, I am not seeing in the mirror who I imagined I would be seeing.  It's still the same ol me that I see....maybe with a couple additional muscle cuts but not what I had hoped for.  I admit that I did not operate EXACTLY as instructed without any flaws but did my absolute best to keep up with what was outlined in the program.  I keep telling myself that my figure....the physical figure I have right now and have had for a while now is just my body and I should work on accepting that.  But I can't seem to be ok with that.  I crave a physical appearance that I have not been able to attain....not even with this hard core regimen.  I refuse to accept that this is just who I am and my body is unchangeable....I can't give in to that thought.  I just need to find that one particular regimen that will trigger the results that I so badly desire.  My workouts in this final stretch include HIIT training and increased reps for my weight training.  I do appreciate how much easier it is for me to lift weights.  I am going for those dumbbells that are twice the weight than when I started and no longer do I feel so sore that I can't move after a workout.  My body has adjusted to maximizing intensity and I am mentally stronger and able to fight thru the pain because I crave that end result.  That feeling of success when leaving the gym...knowing that I did the best I could.  But....so far its not enough for me.  I am going to ride it out and finish this program with as much intensity as I began but it definitely is not over.....my drive to change my body and finally smile at who I see in the mirror. :)

Phase 3 - Sealin the Deal

Phase 3 is really here and I'm PSYCHED!!! I have had 9 (8 weeks + a redo) of intense workouts, mental and physical challenges...significant highs and lows and it has all led up to this....PHASE 3! Phase 3 really focuses on demanding more from my body and therefore more mental intensity in order to incorporate everything have learned from this program thus far.  Maximizing my weight lifting, intensifying my cardio training and combining the two throughout an entire workout rather than breaking them into segments of my daily regimen.  Phase 1 was all weights, shocking my muscles and helping me to adapt to strength building without cardio.  Phase 2 continued with weights but added moderate cardio post weight workouts to help begin the shredding.  Phase 3 incorporates more weight training, heavier weights, more reps and includes HIIT cardio training and active rests.  Active rests being a cardio activity in between each weight set and HIIT cardio stands for (High Intensity Interval Training).  HIIT training is no joke!!!! Performing a single/high impact cardio exercise for short periods of time with limited rest.  I have been using 'sprints' as my HIIT training and it is intense! I sprint at 9-10mph for 30 seconds and rest for 30 seconds.  You can imagine that the rest 30 seconds is much shorter than the sprint 30 seconds..;)   It is another way to shock my body and hopefully force fat loss.  The regimen calls for 30 minutes of HIIT training but I am building up to that amount of time.  I have done 23 minutes and will continue to push myself to hit that 30 minute mark.  But believe me...its difficult...I dare you to try :) 

I can tell that I am getting stronger and I appreciate that element of this program becasue, as I have said before, I have been strictly a cardio girl and unable to trigger physical changes in my body for a long time.  My high expectations have sought greater results....but I am happy with how far I have come.  Thinking that I have completed 9 weeks of this program really makes me proud.  I KNOW FOR A FACT, if I hadn't had this blog to hold me accountable, I would have given up long ago.  Not because I couldnt do it, but because I am not a patient person and this program requires you to allow for a body evolution over time....rather than a quick fix.  This type of training has now become the norm for me and is a regimen I will continue to follow long after this challenge is over. 

My eating practices still suck and I know that is something I will continue to work on for a long time.....or at least I know it is something Karrin will continue to harass me about for a long time ;)

Couple new pics from this week that show how my body has begun to reflect the hard work I have put into this....

Week 8 Begins!

 

I am so glad I made the decision to allow myself a 'redo' of Week 7....it was much more successful than the previous week 7 and did alot for my mental psyche.  I successfully hit my 6 workouts for the week and finally incorporated an outside run! Nothing extravagent like the amazing rockstars who dominated the Shamrock half marathon this weekend, but it was the first step to getting me back in the groove.  I had all hard hitting workouts this week that triggered endorphins and kept me pumped up!

So, I have completed 8 weeks of this workout regimen and intensely OVER caloric meal plan and took my measurements when I first began, at 4 weeks and again this weekend.  At the 4 week measure I had lost inches in my arms, belly, but and thighs...I was pretty stoked! At the 8 week measure I had only lost 1/2 inch in my thighs....staying the same everywhere else....LAME! The only way I was able to not totally freak myself out over the lack of results was because Lane totally KILLED his measurements from week 4! He is such a rockstar and I couldn't be more proud.  I realize that I am completely overwhelmed with happiness when I see the positive results and drive in others.  I thrive on pushing people (which I know gets annoying), but also seeing their successes.  Those moments are what keep me motivated and eager to keep pushin myself because I know results are also in my future. 

This week I proudly had the opportunity to give 4 people guidance, motivation and a game plan for getting Healthy and Happy.  3 out of the 4 dominated a very intense Jill Kills session on Saturday where they had their limits completely pushed, learning themselves what they were really capable of.  The other person is already a gym hittin bad ass, and just needed some meal plan guidance.  He is currently following a similar meal plan to that outlined for me in this program (only with larger portions) and I am so excited to hear about his successes.  Knowing that I am playing a tiny part in motivating these people to make some positive changes in their life is very rewarding and makes me so grateful for what I have learned about working out and eating. 

Week 7 Redo Update

Determining triggers for enhancing mental change is a truly powerful operation.  I went from being very down on myself for my lack of success during my scheduled Week 7, to be overwhelmingly motivated and driven for my Week 7 Redo! I changed nothing except for my mentality and the simple decision to offer myself a redo was the "trigger" then has brought me success this week thus far.  I overthink WAYYYYYY too many things and definitely rely on these types of triggers to generate positive thinking.  So far this week I have worked out 3 of 4 days and I feel they were all successful and I pushed myself to the point of satisfaction.  I had a tiny event this week that could have caused me to revert back to my discouraged ways, but instead I just decided to roll with the punches and man...that is such a better way to live! Each day I really am trying to live this way....rolling with the punches rather than focusing on the negative or what could be negative.

My dearest Karrin has demanded that I up my calorie intake by 200 from now on....and obviously this will be a challenge because I can't even seem to hit the regular intake goal that I have.....increasing that number by 200 will be nearly impossible unless I incorporate a daily donut into my diet (Is that what you want Karrin!) :)  So, if you had any suggestions for how I can get a healthy few extra hundred calories into my day I would really appreciate it. 

Hittin the gym tonight with Laners and I look forward to those workouts most.  Lane inspires me so much and now with our schedules and different workout regimens, we rarely get the opportunity to workout together.  Jamie Eason (The creator of this challenge) posted something on FB yesterday that really motivated me....She said "The People that Play Together Stay Together".  She was referring to her and her fiance working out together and she is completely right.  Shared interests are very bonding for any type of relationship.  May seem lame to some that my shared interest with those closest to me is working out, but I am really grateful for that bond.  I am closer than ever to Lane, Karrin, Thiriza, and the amazing atheletes in the RSF family because of this shared interest and I will work hard to ensure that continues. 

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Week 7 Redo

Week 7 was a bit chaotic for me.  I started off the week strong and motivated.....and then by the middle of the week the pressure and intensity of this schedule hit me.  I guess I should give myself some props for going 7 weeks without a melt down, but man when it came, it came hard.  There really is NOTHING easy about committing yourself to a challenge.  No matter what type of challenge it is, the reason it is called a challenge is because it really takes effort, committment, self motivation and support to help make it thru those moments of feeling defeat.  There really is a lot involved with making a committment to a program like this....or any type of training regimen.  It is not only making sure you have an hour to devote to the gym, but also thinking ahead to plan meals, ensuring what I am consuming is healthy and 'clean' for my body, logging meals, weighing foods, and remembering to EAT THEM! hahaha, that seems to be my biggest struggle.  But on Wednesday, it really did hit me that my life had begun to revolve around this challenge.  My schedule has become so repetitive....go to work, head straight to the gym, get home, make dinner and plan for the 5 meals that Lane and I will be consuming the following day.  Finally sitting down to eat, logging my food while I eat and then going to bed.....preparing to do it all over again.  Following this regimen is beneficial for keeping Lane and I on track, but for some reason, this week it consumed me.  A true moment of weakness hit and I was ready to just give up.....then my support kicked in.  Lane allowed me to have my little meltdown, to get it out of my system and then encouraged me to just move past it.  He didnt make fun of me for the ridiculousness of what I was crying about, just stayed by my side and actually joked about the fact that this hadnt happened sooner :)  I truly want to make this a lifestyle change, following the practices both workout and eating, and with that I have to allow some moments of weakness. 

I have focused so much of my attention on hoping that other people see a physical change in me.....becasue I want people to think that I actually accomplished something in this program.  But I am slowly realizing that this type of thinking is taking a toll on me and putting more pressure than necessary.  Like I said, last week, Week 7, wasnt as productive as I would have liked it to be so I made a decision to just REDO! Rather than beat myself up over a crappy week, I am just going to allow myself the opportunity to try again.  I realize that I am setting myself back a week in my challenge, but I would much rather continue knowing that I did my best than continue to week 8 knowing that I crapped out on week 7. 

So, my first attempt at Week 7 consisted of 4 workouts rather than 6 and a cheat meal.......

Here's to a second attempt to completely DOMINATE Week 7!

Also, I tried a new recipe last night that was AMAZING AND CLEAN! Cauliflower Fritters! Even Lane loved them so I encourage you to try them out!

Cauliflower Fritters

This is a delicious way to prepare cauliflower. Similar to the taste of a potato pancake. Your kids will love them! Makes approx 24 fritters depending on size of cauliflower.


Cauliflower Fritters
Gina's Weight Watcher RecipesServings: 12 • Size: 2 fritters • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts
Calories: 108.9 • Fat: 6.6 g • Protein: 3.8 g • Carb: 9.4 g • Fiber: 2.1 g

• 4 cups steamed cauliflower (roughly chopped)
  
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup hot water
  
• salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil

In a large bowl, combine cauliflower, flour, garlic, eggs, grated cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. Add water so that batter becomes slightly more dense than pancake batter.

On medium-low heat, add 1 tbsp of oil in a 10 inch skillet coating bottom of the pan. Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to form fritters. You can fit 4 fritters at a time. Cook until golden brown, turn and cook another few minutes. Add a little more oil to the pan, and repeat with the remaining batter.

Makes 24 fritt

Week 7- Go Away Fat!

WHY DO I STILL HAVE A POOCH!

A little frustrated the last few days.....not seeing the shred results that I anticipated once able to do cardio again.  I know that I could tighten up on my workout and eating habits even more, stop allowing for a weekly cheat meal but I still seek more results.  My body reacted to this program immediately...I tightened up, lost a few lbs and could see significant changes in my stomach, completely flat without sucking in.  Now, 7 weeks later, I am definitely stronger, but just a stronger person under the same layer of blubber.  I have already talked about it being more difficult to get my full weight training workout in and adding 30 minutes of cardio and I am doing my best but I need to do better I guess....otherwise I may not ever see the results I am so badly wanting. My other dreaded body part is my thighs! I HATE MY THIGHS! I do have very strong legs but does that have to mean that they are always going to be big and bulky! I definitely work my legs out the hardest and the leg workouts in this program are no joke! But I still havent been able to get rid of the fat around those muscles....I still have that inner thigh DISASTER area that just brings me down every time I look in the mirror.  So....I am going TRY to get my butt out of bed earlier so I can hit my treadmill before work each day to really bump up the cardio and try to shed this extra layer of blubber that is consuming my mind!!!

Days 38 & 39- Gettin Stronger

I have to admit, its a pretty cool feeling to pick up a bigger set of weights and be able to handle them with more control than the wimppy weights I was used to 6 weeks ago.  I feel my body getting stronger and it makes me feel like such a bad ass! LOL. My body and mind have truly evolved during the past 6 weeks....and truth is I wasn't able to really grasp that until looking back on this blog.  The beginning where I was fearful of a regimen with zero cardio and a meal plan that had me eating 5-6 times a day...  6 weeks later being in a position of fully grasping both concepts and appreciating the affects of them is a feeling I didn't think I would have.  I LOVE IT!

So...I haven't seen any physical changes yet with the incorporation of cardio the last two weeks but I definitely can tell that I am working my body even harder because at night I am EXHAUSTED! I sleep so good lately and even going to bed early I wake up to that dumb a$$ alarm and feel like I could just stay in bed for hours longer.  Another transition for my body to adapt to...kickin it up a notch!

I have yet to get my kicks back out on the pavement to test my mileage....but I am definitely ready.  I know that I won't be able to knock out 10 miles or anything but I am eager to see where my body is at.  I remember when I was training for the Nike Half Marathon, that Karrin told me how much weight training actually benefits running and being able to endure long distances...definitely ready to test her theory.

Considering that 6 weeks have gone by, it is safe to say that Lane and I have gotten sick of eating the same food all the time! So I recently started searching for 'Clean Recipes'....holy crap there are so many out there! It was pretty exciting for me to see the variety of fun, yummy looking meals I can make that keep me within my meal plan guidelines.  Unlike Thiriza, I am NOT creative and pretty much stick to what I know...chicken, turkey meat and fish.  Thiriza has been able to really mix things up while on our meal plan and because of this...Lane has wanted to move in with her, hehe.  But now that I am exploring the internet for new recipes he has gotten re-motivated, as have I. 

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/10/super-moist-low-fat-chocolate-cupcakes.html
http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/oatmeal-recipes/
http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/

These are just a few of the awesome sites I have been stalking for healthy yet delicious recipes!

Headin into Week 6!

Wow.....have I really made it to Week 6?? To be honest, I didnt think I would make it even 2 weeks, sticking to my clean eating and weight training program....but this dang Blog really worked to keep me accountable during the first few weeks and now I feel strong enough that I can maintain even if no one is watching (reading). LOL. 

As I mentioned before, I had to endure Week 1 of Phase 2 without my co-captain and I was nervous.  I have really relied on her to push me and keep me on track so last week I had to dig deep to maintain my own drive and focus.  Honestly, I struggled a bit last week but I am giving myself credit because I did better than I anticipated doing with Karrin gone.  Since being able to incorporate cardio back into my workouts, my schedule has become more hectic.  My weight training sessions would take me between 45 min - an hour which is pretty typical and a time allotment that I have been acclimated to for a long time.  Now, adding another 30 min of cardio, extending my workout time to an hour and a half really has made a difference.  I am such a routine girl and kind of a control freak..... meaning I plan out the events of my day almost to a 'T' and have a hard time straying away from that.  So last week trying to adapt to a longer workout while having time to still go home, make a "clean" meal, and prepare for lunch the next day....seemed much more crammed.  I know a half hour doesnt make a huge difference and I think the biggest challenge was just being willing to adjust my schedule even a bit....makes sense that the closest people to me have nicknamed me "CF" hahaha.

I am still chuggin along with the clean eating, with the occassional cheat meal that I will undoubtedly beat myself up over for 3 days after.  But the cool thing is that the menu items arent much different than what I have always eaten, the frequency of eating is still the killer....but I am DOING MY BEST KARRIN! 

I continue to LOVE my workouts! I am such a weights girl now that I feel like I am cheating when I give up some of my gym time to a cardio machine.  I feel so much stronger now and it is a really bad ass feeling to be blunt.  I admit I check myself out sometimes in the mirror when I am doing weights just because now I have something to look at....a new cool line in my arms that totally pumps me up! The leg workouts are still insane and I dont think those will ever get easier! But it is an awesome pain that I feel that triggers me to keep goin because I know I am making my body stronger. 

Here are a couple pics with 2 of my workouts outlined....it may not seem like much but I dare you to try it. Hehe.....

If you are still reading these...thank you so much! If you are not....then I am going to beat you up with all my huge muscles!

Days 30 & 31

Days 30 & 31

I honestly can’t accurately describe the motivation that this challenge has brought me.  The mere fact that this challenge is broken up into 3 phases encourages my motivation…..the fact that I was able to proudly announce my entrance into Phase 2 brought a new boost to my internal drive!  It also re-introduced Cardio as I mentioned before. ….and boy was it obvious that I hadn’t done it in 4 weeks.  Tuesday night I taught class, and typically, I arrive early and get my scheduled workout done, and then I participate in exercises that exclude cardio.  Well this Tuesday, since I had made it clear that I could do cardio now, my athletic participants were sure to put me on the spot and not let me slack.  So….burpees, squat jax, jump squats, donkey kix….only part of the exercises that I had to once again incorporate into a workout and completed whooped my a$$! With each workout I do, I can definitely tell that I have gotten stronger and built more muscle…but I swear that just means more of my body that will become sore!!!! It is bitter sweet LOL.  Over the last few weeks I have definitely found myself being hungrier throughout the day and I anticipate that feeling intensifying now that I am adding cardio to my workout regimen.  Because of the increased intensity of Phase 2, I am now adding a protein shake to my menu after my workout.  

Yesterday was leg day for me and no joke….the Leg workouts for Phase 2 are KILLER! I had a little sneak peak of their intensity when I did legs with Thiriza and it is DEFINITELY harder to kill a workout like that alone than with a partner.  Thiriza and I were quick to realize that we need to modify our schedules so that we can meet up for our 2 leg days per week.

I am still chugging along and loving every minute of this.  Props to my 2 amazing ladies that keep me motivated and my Laners who is totally destroying his own workouts!

PHASE 2 BABYYYYYY!

PHASE 2 BABYYYYYYY!!!!

Today is the start of Phase 2 which means I have already completed 4 weeks of this crazy program!!! WOW!  I really attribute a great deal of my success in staying with this program to this blog and the supporting group of people I have around me.  The goal for this blog was to keep me accountable and it DEFINITELY has, and so have the many motivating people I have around me…so if you are reading this still…Thank you so much!   I have also been anticipating the arrival of Phase 2 because that means CARDIO!!!! It’s funny that when I started this challenge, and I literally have referred back to my blogs in the beginning to reflect on how I was feeling, I was completely against an all weightlifting program….now I have adapted and I am kind of bummed that my workouts will have to incorporate cardio.  I have transformed into a weightlifting junky and I am beyond appreciative of the positive affects it has had on my body and mind.  I feel stronger physically which has boosted me mentally.  Man….I can really just go on for days about the many positive outcomes that his challenge has presented.  So, Phase Two begins and guess who is gone…..MY TRAINER SKB!!! My rock! And you know…..I have known this for a few weeks and prepared myself for an unsuccessful week due to her absence, but as Phase Two begins I am actually feeling confident in myself and my ability to continue, even in her absence.  HOLY MOLY DOES THAT MEAN I AM MATURING??? LOL.  I am learning so much about training and health while engaging in this process and I believe that this will not end after 12 weeks but continue as a lifestyle. 

Over the last 4 weeks I have used and built muscle in places that I didn’t even know existed, now over the next 4 weeks I am hoping to shed my outer layer that is disguising those muscles and really be able to see the hard work that I have put in to my own body.  I believe the hard work I have put into my mind is already showing thru and I am excited to continue enhancing that part of myself as well.  

So….here’s to making it thru Phase One and getting ready to DOMINATE Phase Two!

Pushing my Limits and Still Learning ...

Days 22-23 Pushing Limits I have been very reliant on the guidance of Karrin and Thiriza for both the workouts and meal plans involved in this program.  Up until Monday, I had either performed a workout with the company of one of them or done an at home workout created by one of them.  Also, relied on Karrin to plan my meals…really relieving me of any obligations to care for myself….all I had to do was put things in action.  On Monday, I orchestrated my own gym workout and executed it all alone….may seem like no big deal but it was actually a true ‘out of my comfort zone’ experience.  I was nervous going into the gym alone and knowing that I would have no one to lean on except myself, and that it was a possibility people would be looking at me if I was doing something wrong.  Karrin and Lane were at the gym also and since Karrin knows me so well, she offered for me to join their workout so that I wouldn’t be alone…and I almost gave in…but that internal PUSH carried me thru my insecurity and I attacked a leg work out on my own.  Like I said, it may seem like no big deal, but at the end I was very proud of myself and felt as though I conquered yet another challenge that this program faced me with.  It showed me that although I love the company of a partner to help motivate me, I wasn’t reliant on one to get things done.  Whether I have another person pushing me or I am pushing myself, I know personally, that a PUSH is what will drive me towards success.  The universe is so funny with the way it works because on Monday I was presented with this gym opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and on Tuesday I orchestrated an opportunity to help PUSH others and get them out of their comfort zone.  Tuesday’s RSF class was not a typical class and I knew going into it that the planned exercises were going to be intimidating for people…..but the method to my ‘madness’ was only to help people push their own limits.  I automatically assume that people are driven with the same motivating factors as I am.  Being presented with a scary and uncomfortable situation, pushing through it and then feeling the ultimate reward when completed.  But I learned that not everyone is the same, and that it is possible to push someone to hard.  This also makes me wonder if I inadvertently extended the high expectations I have on myself to others…..and whether or not that is positive.  This is all yet another example of how the elements of this 12 week challenge have caused me to explore my life, my physical and mental challenges and also my skewed perceptions of what is acceptable.  I am continuing to push forward and hopeful that there are many more lessons to be learned. 

Great Inspiration!!!

Days 17-20….Killed Jill!

Days 17-20….Killed Jill!  Dang…..It’s been 4 days since I last blogged and I feel like I have missed so much! Obviously, with 4 days having gone by I have a lot to share…but I will try not to drag on too much.  My last blog I shared all about my bad attitude and how it was affecting my workouts….I am happy to report that the evil attitude bug quickly left and I had an awesome

 Day 17 (Thursday).  Thursday night was my Jills Kills class at RSF and I was pretty pumped! This class was going to incorporate the workout that was scheduled for me via this challenge, with a few additional fun spurts of cardio.  I am blessed constantly with the partnership of SKB during many of my workouts and really I don’t think there is anyone that can push me more than her …however, there was a different sense of motivation and encouragement on Thursday for me.  Being surrounded by these amazing athletes that constantly inspire me and now being able to share my workout with them and to be involved in class rather than just leading it……It was very uplifting and just what I needed to get rid of my bad attitude! KILLER WORKOUT! 

Friday, Day 18…..I WANTED TO DIE! Yep…you know what that means….Thiriza and LEGS! Met up with Thiriza, Karrin and Lane at the gym on Friday to tackle an insane leg workout.  I knew it would be bad when Thiriza said “You are stuck doing my leg work out tonight my love”….ya she says it all sweet which totally means ‘you are going to hate me after this’! Karrin and Lane dominated their own leg workout while T and I did the workout outlined for her in Week 5 of this challenge.  Let me tell you…..one of the exercises was 120 walking lunges WITH WEIGHT!!! Thiriza told me that at the beginning of our workout and I think we both kept deferring that particular exercise because we knew it was going to be challenging for us.  We finally looked at eachother and said lets do it! We struggled together and finished it together ….and that was a pretty awesome feeling.  I know that if she hadn’t been by my side, I would have shorted myself in the workout. I will admit that.  And Thiriza said the same thing.  Once again another example of how powerful a partner is with this challenge.  Her and I are developing such a cool bond because we are going thru this process together, experiencing feelings that others can’t quite understand because they aren’t facing quite the same challenges that we are.  Not that I think we are doing something more advanced than other people do, but that we are battling mental and physical challenges while going thru this program and able to relate to each other every day. 

Saturday and Sunday – Days 19 & 20 (Also known as SUPERBOWL WEEKEND!)Going into the weekend, not only did my a$$ hurt from all those lunges and I knew that would cause me to be a bit lazier than usual, but I also had quite a few things planned that I knew would cause me to face the demons of ‘not so healthy food’.  I tend to be a bit hard on myself so I was pre-beating myself up knowing that I had events to attend that would challenge my mental strength.  I was setting myself up for failure even before I had the opportunity to fail.  So, as I arrived at my first ‘temptation challenge’ LOL, boom….there it was…platters of delicious looking food that I couldn’t touch.  Although I had some strength to avoid due to the 3 weeks of success I have already had, I was miserable being surrounded with all these foods that I couldn’t eat.  Sharing my misery were my favorite ladies…K & T.  The three of us having been working so hard and successful at avoiding temptations but this time we all three seemed to be struggling.  So….you know what we did….we cheated….AND WE LOVED IT! Hahaha.  We all gave ourselves the OK to make a plate.  We didn’t do anything extreme like inhale a pizza or anything, but we treated ourselves to some goodies that were not on our strict meal plans.  And to my surprise….the world didn’t come crashing down on me! It was all ok.  I had built up some many harsh consequences that I considered probable if I cheated and none of them happened.  This may not seem like a big deal to anyone else, but for me, this small unimportant experience really bonded me with these girls and this experience.  I am not a robot and still facing real life’s situations that take me outside the barriers of this structured challenge.  But it doesn’t mean that I have failed, just that I am real and capable of continuing forward even when I stray a bit off my path.   Sunday was the completion of week 3 and I am ready to tackle week 4…the last week of Phase 1! BRING IT ON!  So, you can’t see extreme changes in my body quite yet, however I was excited to see that I have a few little muscles poppin out. LOL

Days 15& 16- All About Attitude

Attitude is everything!  I had two workouts over the last two days and although they outlined the same intensity, my success with each workout was completely different.  I attribute this to my BAD ATTITUDE! On day 15 I was pumped to meet Karrin at the gym, focused, and ready to dominate whatever workout she had prepared for me.  Whereas yesterday, still planning to meet my little pregnant diva and follow her drill sergeant orders, my mental demeanor was just off.  Attitude really does play a role, for me, on how successful I can be throughout the day, regardless of what I am doing.  I am obviously even more irritated when it reflects in a poor workout and I only have myself to blame.  I have so many things to be proud of right now and for some reason I am only focusing on my shortfalls.  This change in attitude came after having a heart to heart with the hubs regarding his own insecurities with this program and how he feels that maybe all his hard work isn’t good enough.  Underlying insecurities of my own came out, inadvertently, in that conversation that have brought me down.  Even though I know I am doing the best that I can do, deep down it doesn’t seem good enough because someone else is doing so much better than I am….generating better results.  Although I am beyond proud of her because she is a very close person in my life, I can’t seem to kick the fact that I am not doing as well.  I have been encouraged by her and her amazing successes with this program and used that to motivate me to keep going.  But now my motivation has seemed to turn to envy and jealousy because my body is not transforming the way hers is.  This is in NO WAY a pity party, just keeping my promise to be open and honest and disclose my struggles to whoever might be reading this still.  I am so appreciative of the support I am getting and am excited to approach my next workout with a better attitude.

Week 2...DONE!

I am already thru 2 weeks!!! Wow this has gone by fast!

I am still sticking to my outlined weightlifting routine and familiarizing myself with that type of plan.  I am learning how to intensify the intervals so that I am getting my heart rate up and breaking a sweat.  My workout yesterday actually had me dripping sweat so obviously I was pretty stoked!!! I wasn't scheduled to workout yesterday but I joined Lane in one of his circuit workouts and we definitely had our butt kicked!

Yesterday also had me really think about all of the different ways my body can be "worked" aside from a scheduled set of intervals.  There are so many ways to generate physical activity (inappropriate thoughts aside).  Yesterday Lane and I worked outside all day, soaking up Vit D, hauling big tubs and pieces of wood all around and organizing our garage.  Obviously that type of physical activity doesnt compare to a 5 mile run or a gym session, but it was continuous activity which helps keep heart rate up and calories burning.  The cool thing was that Lane and I worked outside as a team, just as we are attacking this 'challenge' as a team.  We are 'team building' in many ways due to this challenge and I will consider that the greatest reward of all.

My body is DEFINITELY adapting to my constant eating routine.  In the beginning of this challenge all I did was feel full.....forcing myself to shovel in my next scheduled meal.  Now, I wake up hungry and feel myself getting hungry more often in the day.  I am no expert, but I imagine that is because my metabolism is working harder than before and not storing all the food that I consume. 

Oh....and....one more thing....I have lost 3lbs....WOOOHOOOOOO!!!

I am somewhat of a scale 'whore' and definitely weigh myself too much!!!! That has caused me to feel discouraged in the past, constantly seeing the same number because I am weighing myself multiple times a day, and sadly I passed on that horrible habit to Lane.  BUT.....my amazing amiga Karrin layed the smack down and had us promise that we would only weigh ourselves on Fridays.  So....stay tuned, I am hoping that this coming Friday I will be down a few more pounds. 

HAPPY DAY 1 OF WEEK 3!

Menu For Week #3

Here is a brief overview of this weeks menu... Not as much details as the two weeks prior but its the same guideline till get I get to week 5 of phase #2.

MORNING- within an Hour of Rising
5 egg whites
1 serving of starch (see starch list) Mid-morning- 2 turkey or chicken muffins (see recipe), homemade protein bars (4 squares OR Small meal option (see list) Lunch-
fish like tilapia and orange roughy, boiled shrimp, egg whites)
1 serving of starch (see starch list)
Unlimited salad and vegetables (see list) 6 ounces of lean meat (chicken breast, white meat turkey; white Mid-afternoon-
1 serving of starch (see starch list)
Unlimited salad and vegetables (see list) 6 ounces of lean meat (see above) Dinner-
homemade protein bars (4 squares OR
Small meal option (see list) 2 turkey or chicken muffins (see recipe), Evening-
Unlimited vegetables (see list) 5-6 egg whites** ** No carbs (starch) after 7:00 PM (or about 3 hours before bedtime). Limit fruit to twice daily: berries first thing in the morning and then a half a citrus serving or banana after a workout with your protein shake. Carry a small apple in your gym bag at all times in case an energy slump hits!

If anyone wants to use this cool interactive menu guide to help you pick the right starches and proteins Jamie Eason has an awesome one....
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer-approved-foods-list.html#veggie

Days 10 & 11- Lovin It

Days 10 & 11 were AWESOME because neither of them were rest days....YEAAAHHHHH!

Day 10 workout targeted my arms so I was able to do my workout at home.  I am learning to adapt to different environments and channeling my inner biotch so I can kick my own booty.  I realize how important it is to be self motivating and be able to push my own limits and not give up, even when nobody is watching me.  I had my workout already outlined for me so the only thing I had to focus on was doing it! I kept a quick moving pace and didnt lag and even though I am sure I didnt push as hard as if Karrin was in my face yelling a t me, I think I had a pretty good garage gym session.

Day 11 KICKED MY BOOTY!!!! I met up with Karrin at the gym to work legs/ butt and boyyyyyyyy did we! There are some things that I just can't do without gym access and Karrin does a really good job of taking complete advantage of what the gym has to offer.  We have a similar workout style and a really cool partnership which helps us drive eachother to push harder.  Yesterday was killer and I am feeling it today!

 I really challenged my class last night and each one of the "athletes" that came to my class owned the workout!  No one gave up and they all pushed thru the pain.  Since I am doing my own workouts now rather than just participating in my own class, I have the opportunity to truly appreciate how hard the RSF members are working and it is magical to watch.  I am so proud to have the opportunity to be training people and truly honored to be someone that these people look to for guidance and motivation.  Keep on KILLIN IT RSF!!!!! I am so proud!

Little blooper pic of me when Lane was teasing me about taking pics during a workout for my blog :)

Day 9..WOOT WOOT

The Pressure of an Audience....YIKES!

The cool thing about publicizing this experience is that I am getting a lot of support....the bad thing is that people are looking at me for results and I would imagine, they are feeling discouraged because nothing is evident at this point.  Not that I think anyone is judging me negatively, it is just natural for people to expect some quick changes in me because of the intensity of this challenge.  Or....maybe this is another mental game for me and these are my own insecurities...who knows.  But for the record, I have not lost any pounds, but I feel and see small changes in my body which is motivating.

Workout:
Still beefin up with some heavier weights than I have ever used...I am really beginning to enjoy weight training.  Possibly because my mindset has changed about the positive effects that weight training can bring; and I am no longer shaming this program because it does not incorporate cardio.  I got my limits pushed today with some "Super Sets" and this definitely got my heart rate up.  I am learning more about weight training and different exercises for targeting a specific muscle group.  Karrin also treated me to some "sprint" activity so that had me pretty stoked.  Overall a great day!

What motivates me.....

Okay, so yesterday was a "Rest Day" which is mega lame....so I really have nothing to blog about workout wise.  But...during all my free time, I really starting thinking about this process and how amazing people have been with their comments and positive feedback and telling me that by me sharing my experience, I am motivating them...that really has touched me.  It also got me to sit down and really reflect on what and who motivates me, and thats what I would like to share in this blog....

Well, first and foremost...GOD and my family are my biggest motivators and supporters...so..Amen to them!!!

I am very blessed to have many people that help me grow, teach me lessons and keep me on a positive path....and I definitely dont want to downplay what those people mean to me in my life, but I want to focus on one special motivator.....Let's call him "Mr. Burch"

I have become somewhat of an open book with my struggles regarding my body and workouts...but the behind the scenes person that really inspires me is my husband.  A mega hottie for sure, but has also struggled with losing weight for a long time.  Since he is a guy, he obviously has that irritating ability to stop drinking soda for a day and drop 8 lbs...but as far as a consistent weight loss/management program, he hasnt had much success.  He is DEFINITELY a hard worker....he has come such a long way with the help of RSF and has even learned the skills to push his own limits while working out on his own...I am mega jealous!  But he still hasnt been able to achieve the results that he has been fighting for.  For personal reasons, just before I began this challenge, Lane and I decided to stop drinking.  WOOHOOOOO!!!! If you know us, you know that is quite the challenge....not like we are alcoholics or anything, but we enjoy our glass of wine or couple beers during a football game.  However, this year we are really focusing on the priorities in our life and getting healthy in order to embrace our blessings.  Lane also, by default, committed himself to the same type of strict meal plan that I am following in my transformation challenge......what a trooper he is.  Lane, unlike myself, has stayed positive thru his trials and that is what truly motivates and inspires me.  He seeks guidance rather than throwing in the towel and giving up.....which is exactly what he did this last weekend.  He realized the current plan he was on was not working and asked for help.....asked for direction and a new plan. 

Well, yesterday was Day 1 of his new "plan" and it couldnt have started on a better day....my "Rest" day, because I had the privilege to just watch him and embrace what a dedicated hard worker he is. 
I am sure he didnt like the fact that "Trainer Jill" came out and all I was doing was yelling at him to do more reps and making him stop and pose for my pictures.....but I am sure thankful I got to witness him fight thru the pain because of his dedication to try something new.

So.....Here's to you honey...I am so proud of you! And yes of course I HAD to post your pics.

Week #2 Meal Plan. ... YUM!

Here is my game plan for this weeks meals! Few different recipes I am excited about!



Week 2 Menu.....Monday ~
#1- 5 egg whites and two corn tortillas with salsa
#2- Yogurt with berries
#3- 5oz Turkey Meat with Garden salad and kindey beans
#4- Tukey Muffins YUM!
#5- 5 oz Chicken , Rice, veggie medlie.
(crock pot chicken--- Chicken breasts, salsa , brown rice-- let cook in crock pot all day)
Tuesday~
#1- 5 eggs whites and 1 cup oatmeal
#2- Ezekial Pita Bread with 3 oz turkey meat stuffed inside
#3- 5oz Chicken, Brown Rice, Veggie
#4- Turkey Muffins - 2
#5- 5 oz Talapia. Aspargus. (bake in oven, put talapia and aspargus in tin foil with spices)
#6- 4 egg whites or protein shake(lowcal)
Wed ~
#1- 5 egg whites and cream of wheat
#2- Yogurt with berries
#3- Talapia, Aspargus, brown rice
#4- Tuna with 2 rice cakes
#5- Stuffed Peppers... Turkey meat stuffed inside peppers!! YUMM!
#6- Celery and carrots
Thursday ~
#1- Eggs whites, peppers and salsa
#2- Homemade Protien BAR
#3- Turkey meat. Peppers. Rice
#4- Ezekial Pita bread with 3 oz chicken
#5- London broil with Broccoli
(crock pot all day with low sugar bbq sauce small amount and water)
#6- 4 eggs or Celery with 1 tbs peanutbutter
Friday ~
#1- Egg whites. 1 Cup applesauce
#2- Carrot cake protein bar- 2 pieces
#3- London Broil- - 2 corn tortillas - salsa
#4- Turkey muffins- 2
#5- CHK , wheat pasta , salsa
#6- egg whites
Saturday~
#1- 1 cup oatmeal, swirl of jam in it. 4 egg whites
#2- yogurt , beriies
#3- taco salad, grounf turkey meat in taco seasoning, olives. salsa
#4- grapefruit , 15 almonds
#5- Shakeology, peanutbutter, almond milk
#6- egg white
Sundays ~
#1- egg whites and grapefruit
#20 yogurt
#3- 4 oz chicken, brown rice, veggie
#4- Turkey Muffins- 2
#5- pork chops, sweet pots, green beans
#6- celery and peanutbutter (natural)


Carrot Cake Protein Bars
Calories: 94
Fats: 1.25 grams
Carbs: 10 grams
Protein: 10 grams
Ingredients:
1 cup oat flour
2 scoops vanilla whey protein
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp allspice
1/8 tsp nutmeg
4 egg whites
3/4 cup Splenda, Truvia, or Ideal
8 oz baby food carrots
4 oz water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix flour, whey protein, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, baking soda and salt together in a bowl.
Mix egg whites, Splenda, baby food carrots and water (optional) in a bowl.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix together.
Spray glass pyrex dish with non-stick butter spray.
Pour ingredients into dish.
Bake 20-30 minutes.
Makes 16 squares, 2 squares per serving

Gettin Thru the Weekend

I was definitely nervous to approach the weekend.  Two days where I would excuse myself from counting calories, relax with a few cocktails, and often times enjoy a nice Winco pizza while watching football....NOT THIS WEEKEND!

Workout-
Saturday was a scheduled rest day so that totally sucked! It's funny because in my regular weekly routine I would always take at least one rest day and it was no big deal....I think now that I am being told to take 'mandatory' rest days it is totally messing with me.  Another example of how this is a total mental challenge along with a physical one.  I was actually supposed to take Sat and Sun off but come on....what do you expect. haha.  I picked my Shoulder and Abs workout for today and I am super excited to say that I pushed my own limits (yes I did this without Karrin or Thiriza) and I increased an exercise by 5lbs.  I am sure that my form suffered and my face looked like I was being physically tortured...but I was sure proud at the conclusion of each set.  I am really enjoying the weight training that Phase 1 focuses on..I am just hoping that Week 2 will bring me with a little weight loss! FINGERS CROSSED! I dont want to end this thing lookin like China!!!

Meals-
I have been able to stay on track with my meal plan.  The oatmeal and eggwhites for breakfast are definitely getting easier and I am netting more calories each day which is a pretty big improvement for me.  I did have a moment of weakness the other night and was craving something sweet so I snuck a finger full of Nutella...mmmmm....hit the spot.  Now I will spend the rest of my Sunday preparing for Week 2.  I am adding some homemade protein bars this week and I am sure they will be amazing.

I am very proud and motivated after completing week 1 because it felt like it totally flew by.  I know that is because of this blog....This is a really cool experience for me and a total bonus knowing that some of my friends are interested enough in me to take a few minutes and read about whats going on in my life.  Thank you so much and I am ready to dominate Week 2!!!

Leg Day

Partners keepin me pushin.... Workout- Today was leg day and there was only person who could push me to my limits....Mini JamieEason herself....Thiriza. I have always had strong legs so I was prepared to use some pretty heavy weights for this workout but had no idea that this tiny little bad ass would get me sweatin as much as she did. Since I got to the gym before Thiriza did I took an opportunity to jump on the big stairs for a little warmup...... Obviously i was pretty stoked that I snuck about 15 minutes of cardio..... I couldn't resist!!!! Haha. Then Thiriza led me thru an extremely intense leg circuit. We did lunges and squats with much more weight than I would have used if I was on my own, once again proving why it's so important for me to workout with a partner. The best thing about this workout was that I had the opportunity to pick her brain. Thiriza is on week 3 of the same program I am doing and she has a ton of knowledge. She really inspired me to stay with the program because not only does she look incredible, but she has also developed some tricks for changing up the routine yet staying within the guidelines. Her and her husband are having tremendous success with this and her stories were exactly what I need to prepare for my second week which is quickly approaching. Thiriza is a very knowledgeable weight trainer and also taught me some things that I didn't know. My worry has been that I will get bigger using heavy weights that are outlined in this program. But what I learned is that with weight training and pushing my limits, my body will continue to burn calories hours after my workout is over. That is amazing!!! I definitely want that! Thiriza really inspired me and also kicked my booty so I consider my workout today a huge success. Meals- Today I definitely felt different than the earlier days of the week with regard to my eating. I felt hungry in the morning and eager to eat breakfast. A much different feeling than I have ever felt. Typically I wouldn't eat for the first time until about 10 in the morning. Now, wi my eating schedule I find myself hungrier sooner and more often but also fulfilled with much less food. I hope that means my body is positively reacting to my new eating schedule and my metabolism is increasing.

Day 4- Rest Days are LAME!

Day 4-Rest Days are LAME!!!!

Yep...today was my scheduled rest day which meant no workout...just stuffing my face.  I am sure everyone can guess how I felt about that! Really...what do people do with themselves getting home by 5:30???? Imagine me sitting in a corner looking around wondering what in the world I was supposed to do with so much time in the evening available to me?!? Hehe....well thank goodness I am not that lame and actually made good use of my extra time.  But it was obviously difficult to know that my Thursday class of ATHLETES were sweatin to the oldies without me.  I suppose a rest day is good because I will be amped and ready to dominate my next scheduled workout!!!!


Meals:
On Day 4 I consumed more food than I have in a really long time.  Since I didnt workout, I netted a little over 1200 calories in one day....and guess what....I didnt have a bulging pudgy tummy at the end of the day.  That is what I am really diggin about this meal plan.  Although I am constantly stuffing my face, it doesnt really show in my belly.  I dont look or feel bloated or suffer from a food coma...haha.  I am definitely learning to adapt to eating a large breakfast early in the morning and eating constantly throughout the day.  I am feeling more energized throughout the day and realized that I am also drinking less coffee than my body normally required in order to get going in the morning.  I am seeing subtle changes in my body which is beginning to excite me. 

When I saw that pasta was on the menu for dinner though...i cringed.  How was I going to be healthy when preparing a pasta dish???  Well.....let me share with you what I did because not only was it super healthy but also filling and delicious.  Whole wheat pasta...the swirly pig tail kind because you know...that pasta is just fun! I baked some chicken and green bell peppers in the oven with a little pepper and garlic powder.  I cut up the chicken and bell peppers, threw it over my pasta and then added a large spoonfull of fresh salso...YUM!!!!  Even Lane liked it :)  Well, actually he told me mid meal that he was imagining he was eating Mac N Cheese...but still, he finished his bowl.  Definitely a recipe I will use again and reccomend to everyone. 

3 Down....81 To Go!

The POWER of a PARTNER!

Workout:  I am not capable of pushing my physical limits when working out by myself…..

There were no environmental differences between my workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday, I had no additional weights or stations available to use, I had no additional power supplements and I was not wearing my SUPERWOMAN suit at either workout…..only one thing was different….last night I had a partner who pushed my limits.  A partner who pushed me to grab those 15lbs and JUST DO IT….rather than stick with the 8lbs that I was accustomed to.  A partner who constantly reminded me that I could do it…I could finish this set.  A partner who encouraged me to fight thru the pain because I was powerful and I was strong! What a difference this made in my workouts from Tuesday to Wednesday.  There were still similarities between the two workouts that I had complained about previously, the workout was short, I didn’t sweat, and I couldn’t incorporate cardio.  However, the encouraging nudge that was constant last night made the workout worth it and that is what really matters to me. 

Thanks PATNAAAA!!!

Meals:

With my meals today I attempted pushing my own limits rather than just whining like a baby…haha.  Since what my body needs is so clearly outlined in a variety of forums (ie  Guidelines of this challenge and Fitness Pal) I decided that I needed to woman up and quit my bitchin!   And…..I must say, it wasn’t that bad.  I ate exactly what was outlined for me and completed my Daily Food Journal netting more calories than the day before.  Although I was still short by about 500, I had improved.  That is what I truly want to focus on.  I want to change my mindset to focus on the positive outcomes and results rather than still find paths to negativity and my shortfalls. 

Day 2 of 84

ROUGH!!!!

Exercise Routine:  My workout regimen continued with arms.  Obviously focusing on different muscle groups but since I was sore from the day before it involved a little more teeth grinding and grunting by yours truly ;)  I was able to get my workout done before I taught class…..and that’s where the “ROUGH” began.  As I have mentioned previously, during Phase 1 of this challenge I am instructed to avoid cardio….and obviously, since I LOVE cardio, I incorporate a lot of it into my classes.  Yesterday was the first time I was restricted during my class, not able to fully participate and merely be a director and a spectator….like I said IT WAS ROUGH! I found myself jumping into the exercises without any thought at all and luckily I have a great team of supporters that were quick to “YELL” at me that I wasn’t supposed to be doing cardio.  For some people it may sound nice to be the trainer and just have to watch people sweat and be tortured, for me… I was tortured last night.  I felt like I was being deprived of a good workout because so far I don’t feel like this program has presented me with one.  I am definitely being challenged mentally and I can’t help but feel down.  I know its only been 2 days… I mean sheesh, that’s nothing….but my mindset is really suffering right now.  So, my challenge continues.  To be able to alter my body and mind to adapt with new programs.  Day 3 here I come!

My Meals:  Another difficult part of this program for me is the meal plan.  I am having trouble consuming the amount of food specified in the meal plan, and today I found myself just skipping some of the items.  Well…that resulted in me only consuming a NET total of 643 calories after entering my calories burned from a workout.  Fitness Pal gave me an alert that I was not consuming enough and that my body may go into starvation mode and hold on to my calories, therefore causing me to not lose weight which is a goal of mine.  I will have to really focus on eating the exact amount that I am instructed to no matter how difficult it is for me.  I am happy with the meal planning that I am doing even though it is causing me to go thru 10+ Tupperware containers a day for Lane and I…it is definitely worth it and keeps me from reaching for the nearest bag of chips or heading out for a drive thru meal. 

So….I know it may seem that I am being pretty harsh but I committed to being honest in this blog.  In no way am I discouraging anyone from trying to challenge nor am I discrediting the success that this challenge can bring, merely expressing my thoughts as I go thru this process.  Typically there is only one person who hears my frustrations with my daily “health” struggles….and who knows maybe she is the only one reading this so she has to continue to be the person I vent to LOL, but at least we are saving on text messages.  (smile)  I am encouraged each time I read my own blogs and when I see that my page has been viewed or I receive a positive text or comment from a friend motivating me.  Like I committed to, I will continue to be honest and fingers crossed…my honesty will soon be shouting “LOOK AT HOW FIT I AM!!!!”