In my last post I talked about hitting the program bigtime because I'll be wearing a swimsuit in a short while (4 days from right now, that is). .... then I looked at my schedule and saw that last week was week 8, which is a 'recovery' week. This basically means I was scheduled to do all cardio or yoga or stretch - no strength training. Hmm. So that's the way things bounce - no big deal. Last week was also an adjustment in my schedule, as I'm no longer obligated to a second job for a minimum of an hour after my regular full-time job... . which leaves me with more time each evening for a workout etc. One would think this is a good thing, and I would tend to agree. But the drawback to having more time available is that I found myself 'dinking around' too much thinking I have all kinds of time (that I didn't before) and practically dinking myself into not being in the mood to work out - thus having to force it in order to get it done. Of course I'm always glad I've done it once I'm working out, but I let my mind get too distracted. Wierd feeling. Evidently until a new schedule is 'in place', I need to be focused about what I do when, and create a new 'habit' for when I work out each night (aka: immediately upon getting home). I'm just a creature of habit I guess!
Even though it wasn't on the schedule, I decided to do the legs and back workout and Ab Ripper X this past weekend, Saturday (because my lower body needs the most help if I'm preparing for swimsuit wearing!). It's a tough workout, though I'm really not so much a fan of all the pullups. (Seriously. Still climbing 'that mountain' on the chinups!! I'm just not built for them or something. ... . but moving on.) As an aside, I had gotten a different type of recovery drink Friday because I had run out of the previous kind I was using. ... . supposedly this one has a bunch of good stuff that the other one didn't, like unrefined sugars and cortisol-lowering agents and one of the cartinines (L, maybe?) in addition to glutamine and the right ratio of protein/carbs for postworkout muscle recovery. It's more expensive, I know that much - so ouch on the pocketbook, it had BETTER be superior to the one I was using before, right?! It doesn't come in orange flavor, which is my fave, but I guess watermelon is ok too. It was pretty good - I took it after my workout Saturday. And here's the thing. .. .. .I'm definitely feeling soreness more than I did before. Not that I don't want to feel ANY soreness, mind you, because feeling it means I'm definintely working and making progress. But... ... I am not sure I'm impressed with this other formulation as much so far, namely because the previous formulation seemed to stave off soreness a LOT better. Hmmm. I guess I'll give this one a shot for a while (certainly paid enough for it, dammit) or at least until it's gone and see how it performs long-term before I decide if I'll return to the previous kind.
One thing I'll admit is that my nutrition is definitely off during the weekends. At work during the week I'm on a pretty set schedule - so it's easier for me. (again, noticing I really do better with a schedule or 'routine') At home or on the go on the weekends is different - I just kind of eat when I'm hungry or when the munchies strike me. Still healthy and clean eating for the most part, but just not as regularly as during the week. For munchies I absolutely love these things called 'Nut Thins', which are actually a gluten free food (a good friend who has to eat gluten free turned me on to them a while ago, and then a few months ago I saw them at Wal-mart - hello easy, not having to go to a health food store to get them - and I got irrevocably hooked on them). They are made with almonds and nuts versus the usual wheat and preservatives/additives that all the regular cracker varieties are made with. They have the best 'crunch' to them - I go through them like water practically. They need to make the box bigger! or more crackers in the box maybe! :) And they aren't fattening and don't have any trans fats etc. The cheddar cheese kind are the bomb!! I have to reign myself in on these, or I'll sit down and eat a whole box practically!
As to overall progress.... . I can see the muscle coming through. Slowly but surely. VERY SLOWLY. Replacing fat with muscle is a slow, slow process. There is no magic pill - it takes time and dedication, I am learning this. AND it takes longer when you're not 18, too - big difference!! We're such an instant gratification society and I admit I can be the WORST about it - it's a struggle to be patient on this front. True, it took me a long time to get out of shape and put on the goo in places I definitely don't want it. ... so it is going to take a long time and a requisite amount of work to burn it off. I have to say that definitely I can see an improvement in the appearance of cellulite in places that I have always been loathe to even look at, let alone bare to the world! But it is definitely encouraging as hell to have a look and think, 'HEY! That's definitely not as awful-looking as I remember it being!!'
I think that definitely once I've finished up the lean 90 days I'm going to take a week or two off like you're supposed to, and then turn around and go right into the classic program. The classic has a lot more strength training, thus hitting the muscles a lot harder for faster muscle gain. ... . . maybe doing the lean program was my 'warm up', whipping me into shape for the rigors of the classic. I'm scared of plyo, to be quite honest with you - it looks way intense! I have to be careful with my knees so we'll see how that works out when it happens.
Just keep seeing that "5 pounds of fat versus 5 lbs of muscle" in my head, and remember that replacing fat with muscle is a slow process. .... . but sooooo worth it!!! We only get one life and one body, so taking care of it should be a priority. As an aside, I read Lance Armstrong's "It's Not About The Bike" in about a day and half's time (couldn't put it down once I got started - sooo good) and I have a major crush on the man - which is nothing new, he's always impressed me ..... . sure he's brash and a bit abrasive at times, but I admire that he knows who he is, accepts it, and doesn't apologize for it - once he sets his mind to achieving a goal there is no stopping him and I admire that drive and that focus. He was blessed with a major VO2 max advantage over the average person, but I'll tell you what... .. he lived through the life-altering, life-and-death struggle that is cancer, and he came back and kicked ass. ... . what's not to admire about that?! His story inspires me, though obviously not to be a cyclist but to work hard for what I want - it's important to find and draw from inspiration in our lives - it keeps us moving forward toward positive things.. .. . .
Monday, August 23, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Oh Abs, Where Art Thou?
I know you're in there somewhere, I can feel you. And I know that you are getting stronger, b/c I am better able to complete more reps each week doing Ab Ripper X, especially the moves that you once said, 'no way, not happenin' about. So, please, please - do a girl a favor and show yourself soon!
Okay so enough of my love letter to my abs. (hidden as they may be - ha!) The rest of me needs to catch up also, b/c the rest of me is going to be sporting a swimsuit on the beach for about 4 days in two weeks. While I am very excited about this little mini-vaca b/c it promises relaxation, sun, sand, boating and jet-skiing...... . I am also experiencing the usual 'stage fright' and anxiety about wearing next to nothing in public!! In bright, unforgiving sunlight no less! Aaargh. So just give me another 6 months and I'll be ready!! OH wait. Six months from now the lake will be frozen over. Riiiiight.
Such a catch-22. What's a girl to do?! Guess I will have to work even harder the next two weeks, to see if I can't bring about more changes. Yes, I can see it now. ... every time I feel my muscles burning and filling up with lactic acid and I want to stop from the pain. .. . I will push on for a few more reps b/c I will envision myself practically naked in the bright, bright sunlight.
Oh yeah, and I'd better see about getting a tan, too. Haven't decided whether that will be a spray-on tan, or the real thing. I have reservations about the real thing b/c I'm so fair I'm convinced I'm a poster child for skin cancer if I court the real thing. But tan fat definitely looks less hideous than white fat..... . so some kind of 'tan' is not really an option. Must. Happen.
Eating well is definitely just a habit these days, and that really feels good. I'm not going to be so rigid that I'll never go out to lunch with friends or coworkers or have dinner with a good girlfriend and not eat normal stuff (like sushi and wine! yay!). I mean, nobody's perfect and I know there will be times that I will eat an 'off' meal, and that's okay. As long as it's every once in a while and not every day of course! But get this.. .. . .last weekend I suggested to my husband that we go get a late lunch at Pepperjax - one of our fave places (Philly cheesesteaks to die for!). So we headed up there on the motorcycle (sweating to death the whole way b/c it was 5,000 degrees Farenheit, which is par for the course every day lately) and I told myself, Wow, it would be soooooooo easy to just fall into the old mindset of 'I can indulge this one time and it won't be that bad/hurt me.' (in other words and in this instance that would mean having a whole sandwich and fries with that.) But then.... I thought of my hard work and all the eating right that I do on a daily basis, and I also thought about how SLOW this process has been as far as my body adapting and showing changes.. .... why would I want to set myself back that drastically?! I think I looked up the nutrition info on the full sandwich and fries once (Weight Watchers style, so in points) and to do both would be about, oh, 25 points. Which is more than a whole day's worth of points if you're doing WW! So obviously, as yummy as this stuff is, it's killer fattening!!!
My husband can down it (two sandwiches sometimes, in fact!!) and it's no biggie. He's 6'2" and Mr. Lean with great cholesterol and overall health despite his penchant for red meat, eggs, bacon/sausage, butter, and everything else you think would have his cholesterol climbing. He's also a 'guy' (no, really? I would have thought this was obvious Anj?!! lol) which means his body stores fat a lot less easily than mine! So me + killer fattening = fat me. Not so good for me or the ol' self-esteem! So I told myself that I would have half a sandwich (Hooverville could have the other half, b/c usually I give him whatever I can't finish on my plate anyway!) and maybe pick at a couple of his fries but NOT get my own order of fries.
What's funny about this scenario is that when we walked in to the place and got up to the counter to order (they cook it in front of you) THERE'S A P90X INFOMERCIAL ON THE OVERHEAD TV!!!!! How's that for irony!!? How's that for my little hint of the day, saying, "Good job girl, only do half the sandwich instead of pigging out today!!! EVERY day is a choice to keep choosing healthy!!"
Life is such irony sometimes. I have to say I wasn't even faltering or severly wavering in my resolve ..... . but to have that, of all things, on the TV at that restaurant precisely when I am there ordering... .... well... .. . I'll let you take your own meaning out of that. :)
Sincerely,
Planning to Keep Bringing It
(or there is a very public hell to pay when I hit the beach!! Oh the PRESSURE!! lol)
Okay so enough of my love letter to my abs. (hidden as they may be - ha!) The rest of me needs to catch up also, b/c the rest of me is going to be sporting a swimsuit on the beach for about 4 days in two weeks. While I am very excited about this little mini-vaca b/c it promises relaxation, sun, sand, boating and jet-skiing...... . I am also experiencing the usual 'stage fright' and anxiety about wearing next to nothing in public!! In bright, unforgiving sunlight no less! Aaargh. So just give me another 6 months and I'll be ready!! OH wait. Six months from now the lake will be frozen over. Riiiiight.
Such a catch-22. What's a girl to do?! Guess I will have to work even harder the next two weeks, to see if I can't bring about more changes. Yes, I can see it now. ... every time I feel my muscles burning and filling up with lactic acid and I want to stop from the pain. .. . I will push on for a few more reps b/c I will envision myself practically naked in the bright, bright sunlight.
Oh yeah, and I'd better see about getting a tan, too. Haven't decided whether that will be a spray-on tan, or the real thing. I have reservations about the real thing b/c I'm so fair I'm convinced I'm a poster child for skin cancer if I court the real thing. But tan fat definitely looks less hideous than white fat..... . so some kind of 'tan' is not really an option. Must. Happen.
Eating well is definitely just a habit these days, and that really feels good. I'm not going to be so rigid that I'll never go out to lunch with friends or coworkers or have dinner with a good girlfriend and not eat normal stuff (like sushi and wine! yay!). I mean, nobody's perfect and I know there will be times that I will eat an 'off' meal, and that's okay. As long as it's every once in a while and not every day of course! But get this.. .. . .last weekend I suggested to my husband that we go get a late lunch at Pepperjax - one of our fave places (Philly cheesesteaks to die for!). So we headed up there on the motorcycle (sweating to death the whole way b/c it was 5,000 degrees Farenheit, which is par for the course every day lately) and I told myself, Wow, it would be soooooooo easy to just fall into the old mindset of 'I can indulge this one time and it won't be that bad/hurt me.' (in other words and in this instance that would mean having a whole sandwich and fries with that.) But then.... I thought of my hard work and all the eating right that I do on a daily basis, and I also thought about how SLOW this process has been as far as my body adapting and showing changes.. .... why would I want to set myself back that drastically?! I think I looked up the nutrition info on the full sandwich and fries once (Weight Watchers style, so in points) and to do both would be about, oh, 25 points. Which is more than a whole day's worth of points if you're doing WW! So obviously, as yummy as this stuff is, it's killer fattening!!!
My husband can down it (two sandwiches sometimes, in fact!!) and it's no biggie. He's 6'2" and Mr. Lean with great cholesterol and overall health despite his penchant for red meat, eggs, bacon/sausage, butter, and everything else you think would have his cholesterol climbing. He's also a 'guy' (no, really? I would have thought this was obvious Anj?!! lol) which means his body stores fat a lot less easily than mine! So me + killer fattening = fat me. Not so good for me or the ol' self-esteem! So I told myself that I would have half a sandwich (Hooverville could have the other half, b/c usually I give him whatever I can't finish on my plate anyway!) and maybe pick at a couple of his fries but NOT get my own order of fries.
What's funny about this scenario is that when we walked in to the place and got up to the counter to order (they cook it in front of you) THERE'S A P90X INFOMERCIAL ON THE OVERHEAD TV!!!!! How's that for irony!!? How's that for my little hint of the day, saying, "Good job girl, only do half the sandwich instead of pigging out today!!! EVERY day is a choice to keep choosing healthy!!"
Life is such irony sometimes. I have to say I wasn't even faltering or severly wavering in my resolve ..... . but to have that, of all things, on the TV at that restaurant precisely when I am there ordering... .... well... .. . I'll let you take your own meaning out of that. :)
Sincerely,
Planning to Keep Bringing It
(or there is a very public hell to pay when I hit the beach!! Oh the PRESSURE!! lol)
Friday, August 6, 2010
We'll See How This Goes.....Not a Good Start So Far
Ok there's a lunchtime bbq today at work. .... everyone brings a side dish etc. and so there is an absolute deluge of food here today!!! Greeeaaaaatttt. I already added an extra protein to my normal morning portions - so I'm good and full and hopefully won't be tempted by all this 'stuff'!! I feel a struggle coming on, however. .....
Soo.... we also get to wear jeans today (if we paid our donation to charity) and it really doesn't help that when I pulled on my jeans - though it has been several months since last wearing jeans - they really didn't seem to fit any differently than last time I remember putting them on. Hellooooo depressing. I mean, I'm one of those that goes on how my clothing fits (especially pants, jeans) to REALLY gauge my weight and changes in weight or whatever. So AGAIN, here I am, fighting with the depressing realization that maybe nothing is changing despite all my hard work!?!?!?!? I mean, was I having some sort of vision issue the day I looked at my day 1 and day 30 pictures and thought I saw differences?!?!? Here I THOUGHT things were going well, right?! Maybe I'm flippin' delusional. Ugh, Ugh, and flippin' triple UGH on this. FOR REAL?!?!?
I've had people tell me that my face definitely shows change. You know, I'll take it, b/c it's SOMETHING I guess. But confession time here - the face is the last place I really care to see results. I mean, FOR REAL, what about every OTHER place that needs to slim down????? If it's true that you 'lose fat everywhere at once, not just in specific areas', then why is my face the ONLY place showing loss??
This whole weight loss/fat burning thing is just so overwhelmingly confusing and frustrating beyond reason. I suppose it doesn't help that I'm not 18 with the metabolism of a bird. But still. A body is a body is a body - if it's calories in versus calories out and that's just how human bodies work, WHY ISN'T IT WORKING FOR THIS HUMAN BODY?????
But I can't continue thinking/feeling this or I'm just setting myself up to eat a bunch of crap today that isn't going to help me out one bit. I've resisted the offer of donuts twice already this morning, just need to stick to my guns and resist the evil.
Wish me luck. Peace out.
Soo.... we also get to wear jeans today (if we paid our donation to charity) and it really doesn't help that when I pulled on my jeans - though it has been several months since last wearing jeans - they really didn't seem to fit any differently than last time I remember putting them on. Hellooooo depressing. I mean, I'm one of those that goes on how my clothing fits (especially pants, jeans) to REALLY gauge my weight and changes in weight or whatever. So AGAIN, here I am, fighting with the depressing realization that maybe nothing is changing despite all my hard work!?!?!?!? I mean, was I having some sort of vision issue the day I looked at my day 1 and day 30 pictures and thought I saw differences?!?!? Here I THOUGHT things were going well, right?! Maybe I'm flippin' delusional. Ugh, Ugh, and flippin' triple UGH on this. FOR REAL?!?!?
I've had people tell me that my face definitely shows change. You know, I'll take it, b/c it's SOMETHING I guess. But confession time here - the face is the last place I really care to see results. I mean, FOR REAL, what about every OTHER place that needs to slim down????? If it's true that you 'lose fat everywhere at once, not just in specific areas', then why is my face the ONLY place showing loss??
This whole weight loss/fat burning thing is just so overwhelmingly confusing and frustrating beyond reason. I suppose it doesn't help that I'm not 18 with the metabolism of a bird. But still. A body is a body is a body - if it's calories in versus calories out and that's just how human bodies work, WHY ISN'T IT WORKING FOR THIS HUMAN BODY?????
But I can't continue thinking/feeling this or I'm just setting myself up to eat a bunch of crap today that isn't going to help me out one bit. I've resisted the offer of donuts twice already this morning, just need to stick to my guns and resist the evil.
Wish me luck. Peace out.
Monday, August 2, 2010
A Good Day!
Today is a great day! I had my hub snap my 30 day pictures last night. ... .and at first I didn't think there was much to be happy about. You know how last week I was struggling, thinking nothing was happening (that I could SEE). Well, I put the pics side by side and compared. .. and YES!!!! There ARE definite changes!!!! Obviously not as drastic as Miss I Want It Now (ahem: me) would prefer. .. but there IS something happening! So as you can imagine I'm pretty darn excited about it.
I made it through last week, which I have to admit was feeling pretty darn tough to stay with it. My motivation was low, but I kept up with the workouts and the nutrition without doing anything detrimental to myself or the program. ... . though it was definitely difficult. I told myself, 'what else would I be doing and how would I feel if I did that?' (aka: skip workouts, eat bad stuff). ... and knowing the alternative to being good and how that would make me feel (aka: WORSE) kept me going, putting on my workout clothes and pushing play. And now, coming out the other side (aka: feeling good about it all again, motivated etc.) I am SO glad that I didn't let myself get derailed like I have let happen so many times in past.
At the end of last week, Friday, I watched the DVR of a show I've started watching lately, involving one particularly hottie doctor who was once on ABC's The Bachelor. [:> Evil grin] That particular day they were talking about body fat and body composition and all of that. I figured, hey, I've heard it all before, right? Well for the most part I have (we all have - the hard part is putting it into practice on a daily basis!!). But the thing that really got me and motivated me was. ... . they showed physical examples. ... a visual model of what 5 pounds of FAT looks like.... a big, nasty glob of goo roughly the size and shape of your shin from ankle to knee - gross! And then they showed what 5 pounds of MUSCLE looks like. HELLO, it is the size of your closed fist!!! Okay, so who wouldn't be struck by that extreme difference?! I know I was. Who doesn't want the 5 pounds of muscle and the smaller, tighter amount of space it takes up in your body (under your skin) compared to the alternative? HD (Hottie Doctor) also emphasised that diet really is the majority factor in how your body looks. .. . . . and that was another thing that really stuck with me out of this particular episode/show.
Rounding out the week was the Legs/Back workout (with Ab Ripper X). Tough workout. I am stronger every week but some days I just have more oomph to 'Bring It' and I worked out hard and seriously felt the burn in the lower body (still working on those pull-ups - yikes!). Then Saturday I knew I wanted to get out and go running/walking. I took the same route that I did last week (mile of gravel and the mile of hilly paved road). This time I ran the first/gravel mile, then I walked the steep uphill portions of the paved road and ran the downhills or flat portions for the next mile, turned around and did the same returning on the hilly road, and then I ran the whole gravel mile home!! Felt AWESOME (well, as awesome as pushing oneself and sweating to distraction in the humidity/heat can feel, that is - lol). I knew I had worked hard b/c I was feeling it the rest of the evening. I'll tell you what - I was one sore/stiff gal (all lower body, where I certainly need it!) late into the night and most of the day yesterday. Even after my usual recovery drink, which in this case I desperately needed after all that activity and sweating. But it felt GOOD for sure. :>
Just finished making a bunch more copies of my little daily portions cards that I use to track what I eat daily. This really helps me stay on track with my portions and combinations. I'm all set to keep the ball rolling!!! Excited!
Oh, and another "Win" - I resisted the Krispy Kreme glazed donuts and the birthday cake at the office today! They were just sitting in the kitchen, ripe for the plucking, no one else around to see. ... . but I had my mind set that I wasn't even tempted. I kept seeing that 5 pounds of fat in my mind. .. ... So I have to give myself kudos for that - b/c I haven't always resisted in past, but today is MY day to make the good, healthy choice, and I DID IT!
CARPE DIEM people! Today is a GREAT day!!
I made it through last week, which I have to admit was feeling pretty darn tough to stay with it. My motivation was low, but I kept up with the workouts and the nutrition without doing anything detrimental to myself or the program. ... . though it was definitely difficult. I told myself, 'what else would I be doing and how would I feel if I did that?' (aka: skip workouts, eat bad stuff). ... and knowing the alternative to being good and how that would make me feel (aka: WORSE) kept me going, putting on my workout clothes and pushing play. And now, coming out the other side (aka: feeling good about it all again, motivated etc.) I am SO glad that I didn't let myself get derailed like I have let happen so many times in past.
At the end of last week, Friday, I watched the DVR of a show I've started watching lately, involving one particularly hottie doctor who was once on ABC's The Bachelor. [:> Evil grin] That particular day they were talking about body fat and body composition and all of that. I figured, hey, I've heard it all before, right? Well for the most part I have (we all have - the hard part is putting it into practice on a daily basis!!). But the thing that really got me and motivated me was. ... . they showed physical examples. ... a visual model of what 5 pounds of FAT looks like.... a big, nasty glob of goo roughly the size and shape of your shin from ankle to knee - gross! And then they showed what 5 pounds of MUSCLE looks like. HELLO, it is the size of your closed fist!!! Okay, so who wouldn't be struck by that extreme difference?! I know I was. Who doesn't want the 5 pounds of muscle and the smaller, tighter amount of space it takes up in your body (under your skin) compared to the alternative? HD (Hottie Doctor) also emphasised that diet really is the majority factor in how your body looks. .. . . . and that was another thing that really stuck with me out of this particular episode/show.
Rounding out the week was the Legs/Back workout (with Ab Ripper X). Tough workout. I am stronger every week but some days I just have more oomph to 'Bring It' and I worked out hard and seriously felt the burn in the lower body (still working on those pull-ups - yikes!). Then Saturday I knew I wanted to get out and go running/walking. I took the same route that I did last week (mile of gravel and the mile of hilly paved road). This time I ran the first/gravel mile, then I walked the steep uphill portions of the paved road and ran the downhills or flat portions for the next mile, turned around and did the same returning on the hilly road, and then I ran the whole gravel mile home!! Felt AWESOME (well, as awesome as pushing oneself and sweating to distraction in the humidity/heat can feel, that is - lol). I knew I had worked hard b/c I was feeling it the rest of the evening. I'll tell you what - I was one sore/stiff gal (all lower body, where I certainly need it!) late into the night and most of the day yesterday. Even after my usual recovery drink, which in this case I desperately needed after all that activity and sweating. But it felt GOOD for sure. :>
Just finished making a bunch more copies of my little daily portions cards that I use to track what I eat daily. This really helps me stay on track with my portions and combinations. I'm all set to keep the ball rolling!!! Excited!
Oh, and another "Win" - I resisted the Krispy Kreme glazed donuts and the birthday cake at the office today! They were just sitting in the kitchen, ripe for the plucking, no one else around to see. ... . but I had my mind set that I wasn't even tempted. I kept seeing that 5 pounds of fat in my mind. .. ... So I have to give myself kudos for that - b/c I haven't always resisted in past, but today is MY day to make the good, healthy choice, and I DID IT!
CARPE DIEM people! Today is a GREAT day!!
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