Current Challenge

Drink @ least 8 cups of water every day.
See post here
for more details.

Friday, May 15, 2015

10 Ways to Find My Happiness Again

So, I'm sitting here at almost midnight on a Friday night.

I think I'm having a mid-life crisis.

I weigh the most I've ever weighed in my life...non-pregnant. I feel 'stuck' in my job, which is my own personal business. I am getting terrible sleep (yeah, it's midnight, remember?). My skin has the worst acne I've ever had. I am not a patient, fun-loving, mom I used to be. To be honest, my relationship with my husband is in a lull, too. I am just in an overall funk.

What's missing?

Is this because I'm nearing the big 3-0 in a month and a half?

Is it because we are moving in a month?

Is it because I just am overwhelmed and need to simplify?

I think it is a combination of all of those things and a few others if I am truly honest with myself. I think the number one thing affecting me being my physical well-being (aka sleep, diet, and weight/health). I know I am getting OLDER, but I have never felt it more than I do in the past 6 months.

So, I've been brainstorming over the past few weeks what changes I need to make. There are already some big changes coming up as we move to another state for my husband to start with yet another residency (luckily the last one though)! Here are my top ten changes I need to make to be ME again:

1. Sleep
Get a decent amount of sleep each night... BUT not only this, get up earlier. I remember a time a little over two years ago when I felt the BEST I ever had. The biggest change I'd made in my life was getting up earlier AND...

2. Working out daily
I got up early and first thing- went to the gym or for a run. I worked out first thing. Before anyone else in the house was awake. I made me and my health a priority. It was amazing and I FELT so much better. It was great to feel so happy and productive. Getting up early just gave me that jump start to the day and got my workout out of the way early so I could keep my focus throughout the day to...

3. Eat GOOD foods
After my workout I would make sure to clean house a bit while I made my smoothie or breakfast. This start to my day set the tone for the rest of the day. I didn't have 'guilt' either if I splurged a little here or there because I'd already got my workout in for the day.

4. Devotionals
I need to make time to focus my day and my family's day around Christ. I KNOW as I have done this the day just seems to go better. The kids are happier. I feel more patient. I feel more guided and directed. I feel connected to my greater purpose. It is so important to keep an eternal perspective on life, especially when things get hard, which they ALWAYS do. Taking time to do this transforms my experiences or those 'trials' though and helps me learn cheerfully through them.

5. Simplify
I am so sick of cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. I recently purged 10 HUGE garbage bags full of clothes between my 5 year old, my 3 year old, and myself. And we still had closets and dressers full. That's a bit ridiculous and makes me realize why I ALWAYS had laundry to clean. It makes me realize that there are SO many other material ways we can simplify too: toys, dishes, clutter and random homeless items that never really have a spot so they just keep getting moved from one place to the next. I refuse to move so much purpose-LESS junk with me.

6. Get Away
I've realized that I have a love-affair with traveling. I recently went to Bali, solo, for about a week and a half. It was a life-changing experience. Since I haven't been able to stop thinking about other places I want to see, things I want to do, etc. My husband has always wanted to sky-dive. It scares the bee-gee-bees out of me, but if it is something he wants to do, then he should do it before he gets too old to enjoy it, right? My kids LOVE road trips. We sit at home all day doing so little though. THIS needs to change.

7. Decrease screen time
...For both me and my family. I know that the more I am connected to a screen the more my quality of REAL life decreases. It is a hard truth to admit to ourselves and an ever harder truth to live it seems for me. I am always walking around with my phone in hand and love binge-watching a good show on Netflix, but let's face the reality-horn here (whatever that is)... it adds NOTHING, zip, zero, zilch, to the eternal quality of my life unless it is intentional time (which is VERY seldom if we are honest, yet again, with ourselves... or it begins as intentional and then we get lost in the world of pinterest or Facebook).

8. Increase outside time
It is so important to spend time outside in nature. What is sad is that I am surrounded by amazing beautiful trails, forests, and biking paths and I've only taken advantage of them one single time so far this spring. Sad. I know. As we connect with nature we are able to feel more calm, peace, and grounded. We are able to get back to the truly important things. (Idea: I need to combine 6, 7, and 8 and go camping with the family for the weekend!)

9. Structure CAN be good!
I am NOT good at structure. There was a time when I was, but it hasn't been lately. Kids thrive with structure though and adults aren't much different. I know that having set hours for work will make me feel more balanced. I work during those hours gung-ho and when the time is done, I am clocked out and with my family. That is that. It makes everyone so much happier when balance is achieved. I also loved it when I planned out meals. Oh my goodness that made 5 o'clock pm so easy. I knew what was for dinner, things were already thawed, in the fridge, or whatever. I didn't have to think about it or over stress. Having that structure in for dinners was SO nice.

10. Create & Learn
Take time to make things. Pick up paints. Pick up pens, paper, pencil, whatever it may be. Create. Sit at the piano and play. Practice. Read new books. Study. Take notes. Expand my mind. These are all things that have been sorely lacking the last year unfortunately and I think my inner-creative-soul aches for this.

So... there you have it. My list of 10 things I need to do to find my true peace and happiness again. THAT is what I am going to be focusing on the next 6 weeks... to start. Starting with my physical health. So... Good night and here's to a new tomorrow!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Update

For the past three weeks I have worked out 6x/week and watched everything I've been eating. I have definitely seen the transformation slowly starting. I am doing it this time.

I did throw my back out though and am definitely needing to modify my workouts to accommodate that cruelty. It hurts. Oh well. Life goes on.

I haven't been able to work on my handstands as a result though. I hate how it seems that when you can't do something, you want to do it so much more. Know what I mean?

I have lost a few pounds. Nothing major yet. I do feel my clothes fitting looser though already. Not much, but enough that I notice. I don't know what will come of my mommy tummy/wrinkles/stretch marks and how they will affect my results. I will try to post some progress photos soon. For now, I'm pushing forward each day and seeing the tiny results.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

My goals

This year I have several goals. I feel they are reasonable and attainable as well. Three or four of my 13 resolutions for the year are fitness related. They include:

1. 120 lbs
2. Break 20% body fat
3. Run/do a race/fitness competition
4. Do a handstand unsupported

Starting weight is about 141 lbs. My scale says my body fat is about 29-30% (at the beginning of the year). I can do a supported handstand for about 15-30 seconds, although I haven't actually timed it.

I got a gym membership for a meager $12/month at a gym that had everything I need to succeed. I have gone every morning this week so far.

No failing this time around.

I'm doing it.

(Photo was taken December 29, 2012.)

Thursday, January 3, 2013

A new personal challenge

It has been a little over a year since I had a baby last. I have been working the last two months to get in better shape and now that it is the new year I am ready to dedicate more time and energy into it. The baby just woke up now though and I have to go be a good mommy. I'll post more details soon on my plans and progress.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Tonight's Workout

I made sure it was quick and simple because I was so busy CLEANING house all day. (Yeah, that is a major workout for a pregnant person! Ha ha!)

Here's what I did:
* Modified Push Ups- 2 sets of 10
* Plies- 3 sets of 15
* Squats- 2 sets of 20
* Standing Leg Extension- 2 sets of 15 on ea. leg
* ABC's w/ toes- 1x ea leg
* Leg Adbuctors- 2 sets of 25 on ea. leg

I'm going to go and take a nice relaxing shower and then stretch for about ten minutes before climbing between my nice, clean bedsheets. Ohhh... nice.

PS- I've got a doctor appointment in the morning! I'll have to see if I gained the right amount of weight over the last 2 weeks.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Fun & Relaxing Day

So, as I've gotten bigger with this pregnancy, exercise has gotten harder. I lose my breath or get tired legs for a few seconds after climbing a flight of stairs longer than the ones in my house. It is awkward to bend down and I avoid doing so as much as I can (which doesn't make for a clean house sometimes... ha ha). I am achy or sore without even 'working out'.

Tonight I was able to get in some dancing- cha-cha-style- via a belated Valentine's party. My husband got all into it and was so cute to watch. He can make everyone laugh and I ADORE that about him. It wasn't too much of a work-out, especially when I think of what I'm capable of doing 'un-pregnant'.

My husband and I also went and walked around the mall and people-watched today (our main intent to go to the mall was  for a free pretzel offer). That was fun, but oh-boy, my feet hurt after we left.

So, what am I supposed to do with a body that isn't what it used to be? I am going to pause and come up with a few answers for myself.

1. Regular Walks
(Not in heels, a dress, and with a purse obviously.)

My midwife advised against me running/jogging anymore in my pregnancy at about the beginning of month 7. (My last walk/jog was at about 6.5 months along for the record.) I get too sore afterwards where I pulled my muscle at month three. I'll have to stick with walking. NOW... here's the thing with walking. I am not a walker. It takes so long and I get jealous when I see people running around me. I don't get my adrenaline rush. I DO get Braxton Hicks Contractions (BHC's) though. That just means I have to slow it down even more or stop. Boo! I try to carry my weights (1# wrist bands or 3 or 5 pounds dumbbells) when I remember to increase my heart rate. Those tend to bring on the BHC's even quicker. Boo again! But, I have no other choice, so I will continue with my walks. I do about 2 miles 2-4x a week. (I'm hoping to increase it now that I'm COMPLETELY done with school.)

2. Strength Training

 I have a few exercises that I do regularly. This pelvis/wall-squat like thing (I can explain it in further detail if anyone wants) that my midwife taught me. It helps to strengthen the back and core muscles to help with labor and help prevent so much back pain. It actually feels amazing and relaxing to do. 

I also try and work out my arms regularly, but we only have 3 & 5 pound weights. (I also incorporate arm exercises w/ weights into my walks when I remember.) I figure this will all help me as I'm picking up and carrying around a little baby in a few short months... woah...

I also love glute, leg, and lower body exercises in general. I have been told that I'm getting 'curvy' and 'filling out' all over (meaning my butt since my arms are the same size)... Thanks Mom. So, I try and do squats or wall squats, lying leg ad/ab-ductors, calf raises, and hamstring exercises. (Again, if anyone wants further descriptions on what any of these are, lemme' know.) I'm trying to keep the dimples off my lower cheeks... not that I have any on my face to start with though.

3. Stretching

Oh yoga, how I love thee... I haven't done yoga since about my 24th week though. I was doing it about once a week before then. I definitely need to start this again. I am sure that there are a few good websites for prenatal yoga and there are LOADS of DVD's at my local library I could check out too. I just need to do it. I know that this will help in relieving those aches and pains, tight ligaments and muscles, and everything. I always wanted to be one of those cute prego-yoga-moms... here's my chance and I'm letting it slip by! Now that I actually look pregnant I haven't been doing it. Time to change that.


SOOOO..... 
In conclusion, I've decided that it's time to step it up a notch. I want to be in prime labor & delivery condition. It will only benefit my baby and me in the long run. I have nothing holding me back anymore. (I'm referring to no  more school/homework/studying.) My husband and I have a desire to be fit and healthy examples together. He's doing so much better and I need to kick it up so as soon as I'm able, I can catch up with him. I don't have any specific numbers or goals other than to exercise daily. Even if it is just stretching and a few strength training exercises. No excuses! 

Here goes to a healthy finish to this race I'm in... or whatever... ha ha!

PS- I weighed in this morning and although I'm not positive what it was... I'm thinking it was 154.8lbs. This means an even 20 lbs that I've gained. Yesterday was my week 33 mark... not to shabby. I'll be right on the money if I keep gaining as I should. My goal was between 25-35lbs, but keeping closer to about 28lbs if I am able. :)

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Yummy...

Pass word on fellow bloggers...

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Can't beat that!


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Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Today's Exercise Notes

I was feeling just crappy all-around. So, I did something about it. 

I went power walking (it kills me not to be able to run anymore) and carried 5 pound weights in each hand for the first 1.25 miles. Felt okay, but I'll feel it tomorrow I KNOW! I only did about 2 miles too. I tend to get tight/crampy abs when I do too much (my midwife said they're Braxton Hicks contractions) so, I have to be careful and take it easy. 

I also did some strength training exercises last night and tonight. I'm gonna' tone up my arms, butt, and legs as much as I can. That way I'll just have my core muscles to re-shape once this little girl is here. That's my goal at least. We'll see what really happens. 

I'd better go drink my protein shake... that's another thing I have to do since my hair started falling out due to lack of protein in my diet. Oh the joys/sacrifices. It's not too bad though... flabbiness, hair falling out for a few weeks, and heartburn are my only complaints. The flabbiness is my fault though, not this baby's. Same with the dang pulled muscle that haunts me still when I do too much. I'll have to make some changes I guess.

Today's Weigh-in

I'm 30 weeks and 3 days along today. Only 9.5 more weeks to go.

This morning's weigh-in: 151.6 lbs.
Starting weight: 134.8 lbs.

Total weight gain so far: 16.8 lbs.

I've been consistent with weighing myself in the mornings wearing the same clothes. My weight increases each week, and it's hard, but I know that it's a good thing. I'm probably going to gain about a pound a week from here on out. Which will leave me around a total weight gain of 26-27 pounds. Chances are I'll gain a couple more at the end when my little girl really starts putting on the weight (plus I have a feeling I'm going to go past my due date) so I'm aiming for around 30 lbs. This is healthy and smack dab in the middle of my goal. (Which was to gain 25-35lbs throughout this pregnancy.)



I haven't been able to run, but I've been trying to walk 2-3 miles, several times a week. I've used some hand weights here and there when I walk to help get my heart rate up, but sometimes it's brought on Braxton Hicks contractions (at least my midwife told me that's what they were). So, I was told to try and take it easier to not induce those. I do some minor strength training at home 1-3x a week. (Modified push-ups, bicep curls, wall squats, cat-cow exercises for my pelvis, calf raises, etc.) It's hard not to be able to do what I used to, but I'm trying my best to maintain. My strength, endurance, and everything is so different than what it used to be. I bet it doesn't help that I've got a uterus growing up under my ribcage and taking my lung space up. Oh well. I do enjoy it, and it's only a short time I'll get to experience this.

I need to keep up though since this will help me so much when I deliver. My goal is to deliver naturally without any pain medications. I can do this!

Just for fun... here's a prego pic (that doesn't even make my belly look as big as some others did) from January 28th (a day short of 30 weeks) that my husband took of me.


Reminiscing...

So... in looking at pictures I have from before I was prego... I miss that body. Mind you I love why my body is changing right now, but I worry about after this pregnancy and how long it will take me to get back. I want to be able to feel sexy again. I don't think I've once felt "sexy" since being pregnant. Beautiful, yes... sexy, no. I look at this picture of my hubby and I on the beach in Maui and the tone in my legs and butt and skinny waistline... I'm jealous of my old self. Ha ha.

My body is going to be different after giving birth I know. I try to stay positive, but it gets hard with so many changes. I can't run anymore-as of about 2 weeks ago (due to too much strain on the muscle I pulled at 3 months along). It's hard. I sound selfish... I know.

This is difficult when I look at myself naked in the mirror or have people comment on how big I'm getting. It is a blessing to know that I am growing a little girl inside me though. One that I will devote my life to. She will change my life and probably my perspective on so many things. She will teach me. I know I'll be a different person spiritually and emotionally after she is finally here.

Until then, I'm just going to get bigger and bigger by the week. 

Monday, January 4, 2010

A New Year

This morning I weighed in at 146.2lbs.
So far a weight gain of about 11.4 pounds. Not a lot, but still on the right track. :)

This year I plan to gain more weight and then lose it quickly. (Obviously after our little girl is born!) I also plan to be intentionally active. This means doing exercise on purpose and not just counting 'nesting' as exercise. I'll be a bit lenient when I go into labor and a day or two after though depending on how things go. Ha ha!

So far I'm feeling great. Both my husband and I are aiming to increase our fruit and vegetable intake (love, love, love 'em) and to be move active together. This year I will be moving to a new state and will be having new experiences. I'm anxious and nervous all at the same time, but more than anything I'm excited for the change!

I don't know everything that the year holds in store for me, but I do want to be the best me I can! This year is going to be amazing... I can feel it already! :)

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Update

So... wow...
Time is really flying!
Just a few small things to mention.

I've gained about 10-12lbs so far and am in week 25 right now. I started out at 134.8lbs and yesterday when I weighed in I was at 145.6lbs, but it varies from day to day. Feeling healthy and great nonetheless. I was reading about weight gain during pregnancy this morning. One point it made that stuck out was that mothers who gain 20lbs or less tend to have low birth weight babies. As a therapist (I can say that now since I'm done with my Masters degree!), I know that low birth weight has a high correlation with other issues down the road physically, sensory, and socially. I don't want to take that risk, so I'm going to aim for 25-30lbs of healthy weight gain still.

I can't believe in less than 15 weeks our little baby could be here! We found out a while back that we are having a baby girl! So excited!

Since I pulled my muscle in my crotch/low abdomen area I really have had a difficult time running. I was able to go a few days ago and it felt great to relieve my stress and just push 2 miles out. I was sore that night and the next day or two, but that's much less than it has been in the past. I may need to start picking up a light run again. My mile-pace isn't super fast anymore, but it's the movement my body craves. I'll speed up again after baby comes, I'm sure. My body just can't seem to function without running for some reason! :)

My husband did get me a nice vintage beach cruiser! I love it! I went on a nice long ride today while he ran (I can't keep up with him anymore) for about 50 minutes! (Yes,... he ran that long! See what motivation I have to be fit and healthy! I love it!) I was a little sore after, but was fine a few hours later. I am so happy to have a new outlet for exercising. I don't have access to a pool and it's too chilly to swim right now, so biking, running, walking, and whatever else I can think of are my options.

I did do a meager 9 strength training exercises that only took about 15-20 minutes today too. Sad part about it... my legs started cramping up when I went to transition to my last exercise (I was in a kneel sit). I couldn't help but laugh at how pathetic that is for me. I don't realize what doing squats and cleans (not power cleans) with dumbbells can do with the added weight from pregnancy. Ha ha! Oh what things I have to learn. My goal is to continue with various strength training exercises daily combined with some form of cardio (even if it is just some heavy duty cleaning... i.e. nesting... on some days). I realized today that I truly need to work if I want to maintain what I have.

Well, it was supposed to be short, but it wasn't... oh well. Maybe I'll just post my workouts on here so I can track daily what I'm doing for my fitness throughout this pregnancy! We'll see! ;)

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Just a midweek goal check!

I've been drinking a gallon a day (abt 128oz) of water!
I've worked out every day for at least 20 minutes!
I've been tracking my calories!

I've only ran once. My body can only take so much running at a time now. It takes about two days to recuperate after a run and that's with trying to make the run easier. I think I'm just going to have to implement more walking into my lighter days (NOT Tuesday or Wednesday for sure...) and see if I can catch up with my mileage goal. So far I'm only at 3.2mi. That's only from one day though. (I've done yoga or prenatal exercise videos the other days.)

I'm very pleased with my goals nonetheless. I like marking them down (on my little list on the fridge) daily. It just helps me feel as though I accomplished more. It also helps me to focus on one week at a time versus longer periods of time. I can do this!

I feel charged and ready to go. My belly feels bigger than ever and I will NEED to take another picture to update it. I definitely popped out more this week and am starting to really look pregnant instead of just chubby. I'm 20 weeks (1/2 way done baking this baby) on Friday of this week! WOW... time is flying by!

Here's to a great rest of the week! 

From SUNDAY 11/15 (GOALS for week 11/15-11/21)

I feel like I've been letting things slide lately because of how swamped I've been with my clinical rotations. I've only got 5 more weeks of my rotations though and then my excuse will be gone. I want to have some good habits developed by then though! (That will be 24 weeks prego!)

So, here are my goals for this week. I'm hoping to check in at least to log my calories daily, so maybe I'll be able to post a few mid-week updates.

1. Track Calories Consumed daily. (I want to be eating more fresh & raw fruits and veggies!!)
2. Drink 120 oz a day!
3. Work out 5x this week! Whether it's a walk, run, prenatal exercise video or whatever... do it!
4. Walk/Run 15 miles

I think I'll start with those goals. I can do it. I need to hydrate my body more and just be chugging water constantly. I have been HORRIBLE at drinking enough fluids for my body lately! I'm counting today. I've been drinking my water and have already logged my calories. I wrote my goals down and they are posted on my fridge now as my reminder. I've been feeling really frumpy, gross, unattractive, plump and who knows what else this week.

Note to self. I started this pregnancy around 134.8lbs (not as low as I wanted, but oh well... that was my most current weigh-in prior). This morning I weighed in at 139.2lbs which means a gain of 4.4lbs so far. I'm already at week 19 and 2 days so I'm feeling pretty good about that. I need to make sure I'm doing the things to keep my insides healthy and my muscles toned though. It will help me feel better all around I bet.

Here is to a great week! 

Saturday, November 7, 2009

FYI....

I'm pregnant & due April 10, 2010! We couldn't be happier and are so excited for all the fun and exciting changes going on in our lives! I'm feeling great so far and keeping up with my diet and exercise. I'm about 4 months along and have only gained about 5 pounds so far (depending on the day). I feel great though and am trying to take care of my body as best as I can so that I can drop right back down to my pre-prego weight quickly. We'll see how the second half of this pregnancy goes though. :) If you want more details, feel free to ask for an invite to my personal blog. Just leave your e-mail  below. :) Thanks for all the support!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

I feel HUGE!

I'm really really just mad right now.

This is my last month:
* No energy.
* Out of breath, weak, and tired oh-so-easily when I run or do anything. {If you know me... this is not like me!}
* I'll call it "24-hr bloated-ness"
* No longer fit into my regular jeans 'cuz I'm too big.
* My "fat pants" are getting really tight on me.
* Headaches that really bug me more often than I'm used to.

I seriously just want to cry...

I need someone to kick me.

If I could afford to get a personal trainer to just yell at me and keep me on track I would, but there is no way I could afford that.

I'm having a really frustrating time with this if you can't tell.

I have never felt out of shape more in my life. Even when I weighed 15-20lbs heavier I was still able to run easier and had more energy than I do now. What is my problem?

I need help. Please!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Happy Birthday to ME!!

Yay!

So, my birthday present to myself is my health. I feel amazing so far and just plan on continuing my journey to better health.

Start Weight Loss Goal: 17.6lbs
Previous weight to go: 14.2lbs
This morning: 13.2lbs

Woo-hoo! I know that the first few pounds usually come off faster than the last ones. I'm liking how this is going so far though! Yes, I intentionally weighed-in the morning of my birthday versus the day after because I do plan on enjoying my birthday dinner a bit!

Yesterday I went on a run. First one in a while. HOT & HARD. It's amazing what not running for a few weeks can do to your physical fitness levels! I was able to bust out about 2.33 miles still, but it was difficult. I had to start walking when I felt my head begin to pound from a headache. I've been doing a few strength training exercises at home, but I don't think they are enough to make a huge difference just yet.

I was at the library w/ my DH yesterday evening and tried looking up information regarding female strength training. What I found is that almost every book designed for women was "fluffed" up and simplified. The books designated for males were loaded with so much more beneficial information and exercises that were more challenging. That's what I'm looking for. The problem is that the strength training plan designed for the men focused on the chest, shoulders, and butt. I would rather focus on my legs, butt, abs, and arms. I don't want my chest to shrink anymore! Ha ha!

I'm excited to implement the exercises though and write-up my own strength training, stretching, and cardio routine that will follow my goals and hopefully prove successful!

I'll let you know how it goes!

For now, I'm going to go and enjoy the rest of my Birthday!
(Down 1# was a nice birthday gift to myself I'll have to admit!)

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

I Refuse!

I refuse to be unhealthy before/after childbirth.
I refuse to be overweight/obese after childbirth.
I refuse to be a "couch" babysitter.
I refuse to contribute to the growing obese children population.
I refuse to be lazy.
I refuse to make excuses to why I can't go for a walk or do some exercise while I'm pregnant.
I refuse to gain any more weight.
I refuse being at risk of diabetes.

This all stops now! Being overweight is really tiring, where did my energy go? I'm such a slug. Ok Karisa, point me in the right direction. I need to get back into shape. Teach me the ways of fitness.

Progress Already!

I weighed myself on Monday morning instead. Honestly, I wanted to see a "difference". Ha ha... I'm bad I know. BUT.....

I saw a difference. Initially I had 17.6lbs.
I only have 14.2 more lbs to go now!
That's down 3.4lbs!

Of course that does include the difference between weigh-in times. I'll be doing my weigh-ins in the morning now to maintain consistency.

I've been strictly monitoring my calories. I've been making sure that I'm getting the adequate amount of calories from protein to help build muscle. Only problem is that I haven't done much in the working-out arena lately.

I'm sure once I start doing that I'll be able to see greater improvements in my tone. I'll get on that...

This is basically going to be my journal for my "journey to fitness" (or weight-loss).

PS- Tomorrow is my birthday! I've already planned a yummy healthy low-cal dinner. (My mom makes whatever we want for dinner on our birthday. Yum!)


PSS- It definitely won't be this! ;)

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Starting fresh

This morning I was able to get up and work w/ a client. It felt good to get back into the swing of things. I love working w/ other people because it is just motivating. I've gone walking (w/ neighbors) the last few days and again this morning. I'll probably do a run later today because it is just beautiful, overcast, and asking me to.

I'm hoping that the scale will be happy with me on Sunday. I've been drinking loads of water yesterday and today. (As noted by my hundreds of trips to the restroom.) I honestly think I've already drank OVER 50oz of water this morning alone.

I haven't been tracking my calories strictly, but I have been eating a lot of fresh and/or homemade food. Yummy... Gotta' keep pressing forward.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
A lack of exercise can cause fatigue, weakness, and lethargy. It all makes sense, but it's so hard to get out of a funk once you're there. Just get up and go for a walk. Don't worry about putting on work-out clothes or anything, just go. Just get up and do some jumping jacks. Right now! And then, go for a walk, do some lunges, and come back and feel much better about yourself. You'll also have just increased your energy expenditure which will mean you should have a bit more energy to expend tomorrow. Happy exercising!