Saturday, July 20, 2013

I'm so happy!!!!

A little while ago Steve had gotten me some Jillian Michaels DVDs.  One of them is a beginner front body workout, and another is the beginner back body workout.  I did the back body workout this afternoon.  It was intense, but really, really doable.  I am so excited.  I think I finally have a plan to get strength workouts in three times a week.  I'll still go to my Monday double class, and then on Wednesdays I'll do the front workout, and Saturday the back workout.  It's a real plan, and I'm happy.

Of course, Steve wanted to know what I'll do about personal training.  If we can afford it, I'd still like to do the every other week sessions.  It's such an amazing workout, a DVD could never come close.  But now, I feel so much better that I have a plan for the rest of the time.  I didn't realize how much this was bothering me, until I found a solution I liked.

This all leads in to my gratitude of the day. Hands down, I am so thankful that Steve is so supportive of this journey.  He has never once complained about me going to the gym, or given me a hard time about picking up things I let slide.  He has been more supportive than I could ever hope for.  And now, with finding these DVDs for me, he gets extra bonus husband points.  Now, I'm not saying he's perfect, but I really appreciate everything he does to make sure I have every chance of being successful on this journey.  How could I ask for more?

Food:  Great, if anything a little bit low
Exercise:  JM Back Body DVD
Gratitude:  Steve!

Friday, July 19, 2013

Finally Friday!

I love Friday.  It has to be my favorite day of the week.  After a long week or work and stress, there is just nothing like the feeling I get after unwinding at yoga.  It's intense, but relaxing at the same time.  To be honest, the Friday class is not as demanding as the other classes, but in some ways I get more out of it.  I never have to rest in this class, so I get to participate 100%.  So for me, it's better.  And, by the time final relaxation is over, I've worked hard, and released a lot of tension.  I can't think of a better way to end the week.

Today, I am grateful everything I have.  My Aunt is organizing a shoebox campaign, and our family is donating a couple boxes for those who have less than us.  When you realize how such a small contribution from our family can make a difference for another person, or family, then you realize how truly blessed you are.  We certainly aren't wealthy, but we have a roof over our head, clothes on our backs, and a lot of things we do take for granted.  And, the feeling you get from doing something to help others can't be beat.  So, lots to be grateful for today!

Diet: 100% on track
Exercise:  1 Hour Yoga
Gratitude:  For everything we have, and having the ability to share.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Low Key Thursday

I decided to keep things low key again today.  I did half an hour of easy intervals on the elliptical this afternoon.  It actually felt good to move my legs, and the intervals made me feel stronger.  So, I think it was a good plan.

I'm beginning to think that I do really well with very low carbs.  When I add too many in, even if they are healthy, things tend to fall apart.  So, I need to remember to keep focused on the low carb, ketogenic diet.  And, I think my body likes it.  I'm starting to feel a little more energetic, and I am sleeping well again.  This can definitely be a good thing.

Today, I am grateful for friends and family.  When I realize that others don't have the same level of support I do, I feel so sad for them.  Everyone should have people in their lives who love them and want what's best for them.  I am lucky to have that in spades.  So for that, I am truly, truly grateful.

Diet:  Great
Exercise:  30 minutes intervals on the elliptical
Gratitude:  Friends and Family

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Quiet Day, Then Yoga

I decided not to do a personal training session today because my legs were still really, really sore from Sunday.  I think I strained my hamstring, or something similar.  So, a strenuous workout wasn't in the cards. 

But, yoga was perfect.  She did a flow with planks, side planks, and cobras.  It was definitely intense, and I'm sure I'll be feeling it in the morning.  Wow.  But, the bad news is that halfway through the workout, my knee started giving out. I was able to complete the workout, but I couldn't put full weight on the one knee. 

When I got home, I took an ibuprofin and put some ice on it.  I'm sure it will be better tomorrow, but I don't like this.  I am able to keep exercising, and I will.  I just need to make sure it's gentle and let my legs heal.  Frustrating!

But, there are plenty of things to be grateful for today.  The main one is that Michael is back to having a string of perfect days at school.  Whenever he is doing well, my mood improves and it seems like I can handle anything.  So, I am hoping this streak lasts for a while.

As far as my diet, I'm doing really well.  Once I got all the carbs out of my system, it's been a lot easier to stay away from them.  And, I ordered some ketostix from amazon.  They should arrive sometime tomorrow.  Once I get the ketostix, I will confirm that I am in ketosis, and then I'll try adding a few more veggies into my program.  As long as I can stay in ketosis and not have carb cravings, it would be great to add in more veggies.

So, that's the report for the day, with a quick summary:

Food:  Great
Exercise:  1 Hour of Yoga
Gratitude:  Michael's perfect day streak.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Year 2! The last 365 days were just a warm up!

I am so excited to be starting the second year of this journey.  And starting it strong!  This morning I weighed in at 296.5.  It's not the lowest I've gotten, but it's an improvement over the last month or so.  And, it means the scale is moving in the right direction.  I'll take it.

Steve took the before/now picture.  I love that I can SEE the progress I've made over the last year.  And, I can see how far I have yet to go.  But, I have big hopes for year two.


I'm tweaking my program just a little bit:

Diet:  Full Ketogenic diet.  Very few carbs.  As much organic as we can possibly afford.

Exercise:  6-7 hours of exercise a week.  If I do two hours on Monday, then I can take both Tuesday and Thursday as rest days.  But, if I am feeling strong, more exercise is always good.  I'm loving my mix of strength training, cardio, and yoga.  I will definitely stick with that.

Gratitude:  I want to go back to remembering at least one thing to be grateful for each day.  It's such a positive, uplifting way to end the day.  I need this.

Accountability:  I will post my weight every Monday morning.  I need the accountability of reporting it.  If it goes up a little, it will mean I try harder the next week.  NOT the end of the world.  I will take a new picture the first Monday of of every month.  Of course, if I'm traveling, I'll have to adjust.

Flexibility:  I will NOT beat myself up if I'm not absolutely perfect. I will do my very best, but I cannot expect more than that.  And, when I am traveling for a vacation, I will probably take a few days off.  The body needs rest, and I definitely need a vacation.  Unfortunately, my next planned vacation doesn't happen until November.  I can make it.

Support:  I will keep up this blog, and my facebook page.  I really appreciate everyone who reads these and comments.  Your support is what keeps me going.  And, I wouldn't be able to do this at all without Steve.  He is he one who makes the time so I can exercise.  If that isn't true love, I don't know what is!

So, that's it.  What do you think?

Todays Results:
Weight:  296.5
Diet:  100% on track
Exercise:  1 hour muscle challenge class, 1 hour yoga
Gratitude:  My friends and family who support me.  Just seeing all the likes and shares on my facebook page today made me smile from ear to ear.  Thank you!



Sunday, July 14, 2013

Day 365 - One Year Complete!!!!

This has been an amazing year!  I can't believe today marks it so perfectly. I did the Biggest Loser 5K RunWalk with several friends of mine from the Biggest Loser Resort Niagara, and from work.  It was an amazing experience.  However, it was also really, really hot.  I didn't do as well as I was hoping, but I did finish.  And, considering how hot and tired I was, I am taking that as a complete victory.  Two of my friends did the entire 10K.  I don't know how they did it, but they have my eternal respect!

I will post a few pictures of the 5K, and our party afterwards.  Tomorrow, I will post the official year end before/now picture.  And then, I'll kick off year 2!



Friday, July 12, 2013

Day 363 - Yoga and Excitement

Friends that I met at the Biggest Loser Resort Niagara are starting to arrive in the DC area for the big 5K/10K Run/Walk this weekend.  I am so excited to see them!  In some ways it seems like we just left the resort.  In other ways, it seems like forever.  I am so looking forward to catching up with everyone, and getting in a great walk, too.  This is going to be an amazing weekend!

But, just like every Friday night, tonight was my Friday Night Yoga class.  It was a really good class, as usual.  I worked really hard, and was dripping sweat.  But, by the end, I was completely calm and relaxed.  I know that's the way it's supposed to work, but for me, it seems like magic.  I've never had anything else calm me as much as this one class does.  Nancy will always be my hero because of how well I sleep on Friday nights!