Twitter Question of the Week

Fridays at Secrets of a Former Fat Girl is Twitter Question of the Week day, and I want to hear from YOU! There is so much we can learn from one another, and this is a great place to show us your sparkle!

Want to join in? Just follow me on Twitter, and watch for the Twitter Question of the Week (posted by 8am CST on the previous Wednesday). All replies received via Twitter or Facebook by 10am on Friday will get posted with a link back to you!

What's the #1 song that puts you in the mood (to workout)?

  • Kristie says: Boom Boom Pow! Black Eyed Peas.
  • Kelley says: Jump Around by House of Pain
  • Bette-Sue says: Hairspray!
  • Chris says: Guns & Roses Welcome to the Jungle, Gnarls Barkley Run and Miley Cyrus The Climb, and YES I do listen to Miley Cyrus
  • Deanna says: It takes two - Rob Base
  • Tigg says: Pitbull's song "I Know You Want Me" or Black Eyed Peas "It's Going To Be A Good Night"
  • Geraldine says: "The Climb" by Ahmir is a great inspirational song that puts me in the mood on those mornings when I don't want to face it.
  • Amanda says: This Ain't a scene, It's an arms race - Fall out boy
  • Carlos says: california love by tupac and dr dre. "It's all good from Diego to the Bay"
  • Valerie says: Best beat 4 working out: "I know you want me" by Caille Ocho (sp?)
  • Ryan says: Confrontation by Damian Marley that song is pure motivation
  • Audra says: Depeche Mode 'just can't get enough'
  • Shauna says: I Love Myself Today" by Bif Naked...great beat and lyrics!!
  • HyperStrike Fitness says: anything by TOOL
  • Franciska says: Madcon - Begging
  • Amateur Endurance says: Nelly - Heart of a Champion
  • Melissa says: that would be eye of the tiger
  • Tigerlilly says: Shakin Hands by Nickelback
  • Merrill says: Black Eyed Peas I Got A Feelin
  • Christi says: I have/had two cd's, one was the soundtrack to Shark Tale, and the other A Knight's Tale.....they got me movin' movin'. Now I have some Christian CD's that get me movin and praisin!
  • Trina says: Theme from Rocky brings me back from the Brink of Giving Up! A song that puts me in the mood Prodigy Breathe

Here's my #1 song:

  • Speed of Sound by Coldplay, followed by pretty much anything by Coldplay, followed closely by Single Ladies by Beyonce :)
Wow - we had a TON of participation this week! Thank you so much for your answers - I'm always looking for new songs for my iPod to get me through a workout, so I can't wait to add these to my playlist!Next week's Twitter Question of the Week is going to be a sensitive one and sure to spawn a great debate! Please be sure to check out everyone's blog and/or follow them on Twitter! You all ROCK!


Just a quickie post today ... I got up early with every intention of splurging on a 5:30am spin class - I have seriously missed my Friday morning spin classes - the instructor is so AMAZING! She plays the BEST music and is so upbeat and energetic, I fly right through the class. The spinning studio is really cool - the walls are painted black with a dayglo pattern in neon colors, and they use black lights LOL We even have a disco ball :) It's really fun!

But I "heard" Melissa and Lucas in my head telling me to take it easy, so I just went for a lesuirely walk around my neighborhood instead. I know, I know - rest means no workouts, but I just had to go out and do something! Everything was completely calm and peaceful, and it was very invigorating. There were several other walkers out and about, and it was nice to stop and chit chat with them for a little while. All in all, I walked for about 45 minutes or so.

My shoulder/neck is a smidge better. I took a pain pill last night (I simply couldn't sleep, and it got to the point where I couldn't turn my head to the right without pain) and it worked like a charm! It feels a little better this morning, but I'm not sure if that's still residual from the pain pill or if it's really feeling better after my non-upper body workout yesterday. I'm not complaining!

I'm working a half day, then the kidlets have their back to school physical exams - my girl is thrilled that she isn't up for any shots this year whereas my son is bummed because he's due for 2 immunizations. LOL I have fond memories of running and screaming down the hallway at the Pearl Harbor Dispensary (don't know what it was called that and not hospital) when it was time for my shots, so I can completely understand where they're coming from!

After our quick trip to the doctor's office, we're headed to Chicago to pick up my race packet at the Rock N Roll Half-Marathon Health & Fitness Expo. I was tempted to catch the train down because parking is $19 at the McCormick Center (and my kids LOVE riding the train), but decided to drive instead so we can swing by Arlington Heights and make a stop at the promised land - Mitsuwa Marketplace - on the way home. We are completely out of rice, and my kids will "die" if we don't buy some. Today. Like RIGHT NOW. LOL

We eat brown rice at home, and only one brand will do - Shirakiku Sukoyaka Genmai Brown Rice. Yes I realize it's $27.99 for a 15 lb bag, but it's healthy and delicious, and if we're going to eat rice every day, this is the rice for us. We have a Zojirushi rice cooker that we cook our rice in - it's fantastic, the rice cooks in about 20 mins, and then keeps the rice warm. I grew up cooking rice this way, so watching people cook rice on a stove is just plain weird to me. We cook 5 cups of rice at a time, and it last us about 3 days (my kids eat homemade fried rice every morning for breakfast). I've tried several different brands of brown rice, but this one is the best. It's soft and has a mild, nutty taste. It's also STICKY! In our house - if it ain't sticky, it ain't rice!

So that's all for now ... I'll post some photos on Facebook later tonite of the Health & Fitness Expo and our trip to Mitsuwa's if you wanna take a looksie!

xo,


"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things." Albert Einstein

An apple a day ...

First of all, thank you all so much for your kind comments on my blog - it's very gratifying to get your comments and really motivates me to keep on keeping on!! I try to respond via email or a comment back on your blog for every comment I receive. Love you all so much!! :)

In my quest to cook 99% of all meals in my own home, I was thrilled when my gal pal Kristen gave me her food dehydrator when she got a new one for her wedding last year (she also gave me her bread machine too - love you girl!) I finally got around to using the food dehydrator - my son and I made dried apples and they came out SO YUMMY!!

We took 3 apples, and used one of my most favorite kitchen gadgets - my Pampered Chef Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer - to get the apples ready.

Sidebar - if you eat as many apples as we do, this gadget is well worth the investment! My kids LOVE using it (I also bought the wooden stand shown in the photo) and the apples come out so amazingly thin. It actually spiral cuts the apple, so that makes it even more fun to use, and sometimes I'll put the apple peels into a simmering pot of water on my stove to freshen the house with a nice aromatic apple scent - all natural, of course!

Anyway ... we sliced the apples in half (once they were peeled/cored/sliced) and lay them out on the trays. I was really surprised to find that three apples took up all three trays!


We let the dehydrator run for about three hours before I checked it. I had a feeling the thinner slices would dehydrate a lot quicker (that and the kids were so anxious to see what they looked like that 3 hours felt like 3 days) LOL

We checked it at just the right time, in fact a little too long - but they were absolutely delicious!


After a taste testing our entire batch, we decided to set our slicer/corer/peeler to a thicker cut for future batches. I want to do cherries, strawberries and bananas next :) Whodathunk this could be so easy??




Well, somehow I managed to #(#** up my neck and shoulder. It started hurting on Friday, and I've been managing the pain with icy hot patches and ibuprofen. I know DOMS usually peaks on Day 2, but we're now on Day 7, so I stopped at the Urgent Care clinic on my way home last night. I was happy to see my regular doctor was pulling a shift at the clinic, so I made sure to request her when I checked in.

Short of getting an xray or MRI, we suspect it's a muscle strain, and possibly pinched nerve. The action plan is to continue with the icy hot patches, lighten up on my upper body workouts, and add massage. She also gave me a prescription pain killer - just a few steps up from OTC ibuprofen for the pain. She was concerned about my half-marathon being 3 days away - not that walking/running exacerbates the pain, but more so that the pain would hamper me from doing my best.

My doctor also knows I have a high tolerance for pain (I went through 23 hours of labor with my son before I asked for any meds), so me coming in saying I have a sore neck and shoulder is pretty significant to her. I haven't taken any yet, but will start taking it tomorrow if the pain hasn't subsided yet. It's all good though ... it's not debilitating, more just a pain in the neck. Literally. LOL

Yesterday was supposed to be a rest day for workouts, but I did manage a 4 mile walk on my lunch hour. :) This morning should have been a total body strength/endurance workout, and I went to bed intending to rest and sleep in, but my eyes popped open at 4:45am and I was itching to get active, so I went to the gym and did some lower body work:

5 min warm up on stair climber

A1: Hamstring curls on stability ball
A2: Walking side-squats with resistance band around my ankles
A3: Steps ups on bench
A4: Sprints on the recumbant bike
* Repeat this circuit 3 times

B1: Walking lunges across the basketball court
B2: Box jumps
B3: Russian Twists
B4: Wall sit
* Repeat this circuit 3 times

I finished up with 10 mins in the hot tub LOL I'm not sure if I should have done so much lower body work 3 days before my half-marathon, but will definitely take it easy tomorrow and Saturday. It's just crazy how being active has become such a part of my life - I can't skip a workout, even when I want to! LOL

xo,


"What I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it." Unknown

Wordless Wednesday



xo,


"The best inspiration is not to outdo others, but to outdo ourselves." Anonymous

Inspiration to the Extreme!

I spent Sunday morning cheering on a few friends in a sprint triathlon. I have to admit part of me was itching to jump in on the fun ... until I saw the bike course was on a country highway IN TRAFFIC. I was a nervous wreck watching the ride because of the numerous near-collisions between bikes and cars!



My friends kicked major butt - 3 were doing their first sprint triathlon and 1 had done the Trek Women's triathlon with me 2 weeks ago. She said although this tri was shorter in distance for all events, she felt it was a harder course.

They also had concurrent "normal distance" and Olympic distance races going on at the same time - on the same course - so that was rather interesting to watch.

As I waited at the finish line, I was speechless watching all the finishers - from old to young, to fit to flab, to strong to so pale I thought she was going to pass out - all had smiles on their faces as they crossed the finish line.

One triathlete in particular moved me to tears ... watching this young triathlete cross the finish line brought a HUGE cheer out of the crowd, and there were many folks surreptitiously wiping away a tear or two. I did manage to wind my way over to her and spoke with her and her mother (who did the triathlon at her side). I won't share any personal details at her request, but do have permission to share this photo with you all.





All I can say is that when I'm feeling like I have nary a friend in the world, that everyone's against me, and that there is no hope left, that I will never ever reach my goal, that it's too hard, too difficult, not worth it ... I will bring this moment back into my mind and give myself a good swift kick in the rear! This amazing young woman has overcome much more than I ever have, and she had the courage and tenacity to complete a triathlon. If this isn't the epitome of inspiration, I don't know what is!






So this week is a taper week for me as my HALF-MARATHON is THIS SUNDAY! :) Yikes! I'm feeling really good about the run, nowhere near as panicked as I was for my triathlon (thank Heavens!)

Workout yesterday was a spin class in the evening as I had to get to work super early and couldn't make my HIIT cardio workout with TrainerGuyGumby. I really truly enjoy my personal training workouts, but realize how much I've missed my group cardio classes. I believe I work out just as hard with my trainer as I do in my cardio classes, but the classes are much more fun :)

Today's workout will be a total body strength/endurance workout on my own later this evening as I had to be at work super early again today, and here's the plan:

5 min warm up on elliptical

A1: Squats with bicep curls into overhead shoulder press w/ 12 lb dumbbells
A2: Captain chair crunches on bench
A3: Overhead lats on bench with 10 lb dumbbells
A4: Leg curl & hip up combo with stability ball
* Repeat this circuit 3 times

B1: Step ups on bench, with overhead shoulder press with medicine ball
B2: Russian twists with medicine ball
B3: Pushups
B4: Lunges across gym basketball court w/ 15 lb dumbbells
*Repeat this circuit 3 times

30 mins swimming with the kids

I'm slowly getting used to the idea of working out on my own, and am rather enjoying it. I truly appreciate all that my personal trainers do for me and helped me to achieve, but being on my own is rather liberating :)

xo,


"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them." G.B. Shaw, Mrs. Warren's Profession, 1893

Mental Monday

As a single mom financially supporting myself and my two children, without the benefits of child support or government assistance, I am queen of bargain shopping. Before I embarked on our clean eating lifestyle, I'd fall into the trap of buying unhealthy foods for my family because they were "cheap". I mean, when you can buy Hamburger Helper @ 10 for $10, and cheap ground beef for $1.19/lb on sale, how can you say no? That's 10 dinners for only $2.19 each. >Once I educated myself on clean eating, I was surprised to see how affordable it truly can be. Especially considering the cost to my health and that of my children's was priceless.

The following article address four different women trying to diet and survive with the shape of the economy as it stands. Which woman do you most personify with?

xo,


"The greatest wealth is health." Virgil

Is the economy making you fat?
Four financially stressed women learn to curb binges

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have a co-conspirator in the war on your well-being: Duncan Hines. During stressful times, overeating is practically our national therapy. In fact, nearly 50 percent of people say they soothe frayed nerves with unhealthy meals, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association in Washington, D.C. Ultimately, calorie overload —and the weight that results — only adds to our feelings of helplessness.

The solution: Take control of your diet. “You don’t have power over the financial markets, but you have complete autonomy when it comes to your eating,” says Heather Bauer, R.D., of New York City. Curbing your binges will also give you a sense of confidence — which may carry over to how you handle your finances. We found four women in dire need of diet makeovers and helped them learn to manage financial stress without Mallomar meltdowns. Read on for their winning strategies.

The stress gobbler
Emily Stern, 28, editor in New York City
Pounds gained since the market tanked: 15

Carb-heavy suppers calmed Stern while her company downsized but cost her a jeans size. And although she kept her job, she inherited the work of her laid-off colleagues. “After a long day, I’ll watch TV while noshing on cheese and have a big spaghetti dinner.”

Plan for pasta. Stern craves carbs at night because they lift serotonin levels — which makes her feel relaxed, Bauer says. Rather than ditch carbs altogether, Stern should seek balance, Bauer suggests, by choosing protein-and-produce-based breakfasts and lunches and saving healthy carbs such as brown rice or whole-wheat bread for dinner. “It’s easier to resist temptation in the morning, and you’ll want the comfort at night,” Bauer says. Plus, including lean protein such as dairy, fish, beans or tofu at every meal will fill her up, so she’ll eat smaller portions of starch.

Limit your triggers. Finding a relaxing, unplugged postdinner activity such as reading, journaling or taking a walk may help Stern say good-bye to her late-night snack habit, which is tied to television watching, says Jennifer Louden, a personal coach on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Stern can also fill her fridge with portion-controlled versions of her favorite snacks. A Laughing Cow Mini Babybel Light (50 calories, 3 grams fat) will satisfy her hankering for cheese without completely blowing her calorie budget.

The cheap eater
Paige Donner, 41, writer in Los Angeles
Pounds gained since the market tanked: 15

Unsteady pay and fewer assignments have turned this freelance journalist into a bona fide food bargain hunter. “I’m buying whatever organic food is on sale, whether it’s healthy or not,” she says. “Last night I was making macaroni and cheese, thinking, Am I so broke that I’m really eating this?” Donner also often goes nearly all day without eating. “I won’t plan ahead and then realize it’s been eight hours since my last meal, but stopping for a green salad seems too expensive.”

Redefine cheap eats. Donner equates healthful food with high-end salads and smoothies, and nothing else, says Jackie Newgent, R.D., of New York City. “Don’t shy away from inexpensive canned and frozen produce and protein. It’s packed at its peak and can last up to a year,” she says. Try canned beans, peas, salmon and tomatoes, and stock up during sales. Create your meals around these nutritious foods, rather than indiscriminately buying whatever is marked down.

Stash snacks. “It’s best to have smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, rather than one big meal at night,” Newgent says. Using this strategy can help Donner avoid starving all day, which sets her up to overdo it come dinnertime. Donner should eat a healthful breakfast such as oatmeal and then pack a few protein-rich mini-meals such as whole-wheat crackers with hummus or a homemade trail mix containing dried fruit and nuts and munch every three hours to stay sated and energized.

The burned-out binger
Natasha Fenster, 33, real estate agent in Stamford, Connecticut
Pounds gained since the market tanked: 45

This overworked mom juggles two jobs while raising her sons, ages 3 years and 10 months. “I’m so exhausted and depressed that I eat and eat and eat,” Fenster says. “I was stunned to realize I’ve regained all the weight I lost after my two pregnancies.”

Make breakfast in a flash. Fenster eats a bagel with peanut butter or Nutella nearly every morning. “They’re cheap and convenient,” she says. But they’re also weighing her down: A bagel with 2 tbsp Nutella adds up to 540 calories! Newgent suggests starting the day with a 150-calorie English muffin and a scrambled egg instead: “Once a week, while the kids sleep, Fenster can cook a skillet of eggs, put them into the muffins and freeze them.” She can nuke one low-cal combo each a.m. for a punch of filling (cheap!) protein.

Break the stress cycle. The more worried Fenster feels, the more carelessly she eats. When she panics about her finances, she should write down her specific fears and research solutions, Louden says. Once she gathers information, life will feel more manageable. Fenster can also stop buying treats and instead set out bowls of fresh fruit so she has lean bites on hand when she needs a nosh.

The social glutton
Rebecca Collins, 28, student in Newtown, Pennsylvania
Pounds gained since the market tanked: 5

Collins headed east from Los Angeles to begin a career in green consulting, but her switch was ill-timed. “No one is hiring,” she says. She lives at her parents’ home to cut costs and spends much of her downtime overeating. “I can’t resist my mom’s home cooking,” she says. After long days of job hunting, Collins goes out to dinner and drinks with pals to lift her spirits, which hurts her wallet and her waist.

Put on your chef’s hat. “One pitfall of moving home is we regress to childhood behavior, which for Rebecca means letting her mom do the cooking,” says Willow Jarosh, R.D., of New York City. Collins should shop with Mom to take ownership of her own eating and cook calorie-conscious fare for the family, such as veggie and bean burritos or chicken stir-fry.

Host a healthy happy hour. “We tend to drink more when we’re stressed because it relaxes us. But it loosens inhibitions and stimulates appetite,” Louden says. Support is crucial, so Collins should throw a healthy potluck or work out with pals and, when she goes out, pick lighter fare such as sushi and sip seltzer. Her bank account and her body will benefit.

Smart Bites Smart bites for under a buck

Brown rice
22 cents per 1/2 cup
Women who eat more whole grains tend to weigh less, studies show.

Raisins
27 cents per 1-oz box
Snack on these antioxidant-rich sweets or toss them into salads.

Snap peas
28 cents per cup
Net nearly half of your daily veggies for a little more than a quarter.

Green tea
31 cents per bag
Brew polyphenol-packed tea instead of buying bottled to save $1 per cup.

Broccoli
33 cents per cup
Steam this cancer fighter and add to stir-fries or serve as a side.

Plain yogurt
37 cents per 1/2 cup
Buy a 32-oz tub and mix a portion with fruit for a high-calcium snack.

Bananas
39 cents each
Their potassium helps lower blood pressure and protects bones.

Black beans
42 cents per cup
Drain and rinse canned legumes to enjoy 15 g protein per tasty cup.

Whole-wheat penne
50 cents per serving
Top with jarred tomato sauce for a cheap meal in minutes.

Apples
71 cents each
Flavonoids in apples may help your heart, and one has only 100 calories.

Lentils
80 cents per cup
One satisfying serving supplies 35 percent of your daily iron needs.

Sweet potatoes
99 cents each
They offer filling fiber (4 g per spud) and vision-guarding beta-carotene.

Written by Hallie Levine Sklar
Published June 2009



Note from Michelle: I agree with all suggestions the writer gives in this article with the exception of using jarred pasta sauce. Yes it may be cheap and quick, but is so chock full of sodium and preservatives! Your best bet is to make your own sauce ... it's really simple and much healthier.

Former Fat Girl of the Week

Former Fat Girl of the Week is a place for us to come to celebrate and learn from the success and achievements of one another. Former Fat Girls of the Week are regular women like you and me, living normal lives, but are extraordinarily inspirational. This is their time to shine, and I hope you are as inspired by them as I am.




Name: Jennifer
Age: 32
Occupation: Wife
Blog URL: http://www.jensjourney.com/



How often do you exercise?

5 - 6 days a week

What is your favorite workout?

Running and Biking

What 5 food items are "must haves" in your kitchen?

  • Ezekiel bread

  • Ground Flaxseeds

  • Greek Yogurt

  • Fresh berries

  • Peanut or almond butter


What is your favorite motivational/inspirational quote?

"I shall shape my future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me. Or I can be lost in the maze. My choice. My responsibility. Win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny." - Og Mandino



How do you find balance in your life?

Through the support of my amazing husband, who is my best friend, coach and ultimate motivator.

Last 5 songs listened to you on your iPod/mp3 player

  • Mon Ami by Giresse

  • Heaven Sent by M1

  • Going The Distance from the Rocky soundtrack

  • Viva La Vida by Coldplay

  • The Flute Remix from Fit for Life


What is your greatest accomplishment?

Overcoming the fear that I would never lose this weight and be able to race again. It was a fear I had to deal with by taking things one day at a time and slowly I became the girl I once knew years ago before I gained all my weight.

Now I feel as if I am living my ultimate dream! All the hard work was worth it the second I crossed the finish line of my first race after loosing almost 70 pounds, it was a moment I will never forget.




What do you love most about your body?

My overall strength, my height and my legs.

Are you working towards a particular goal we can support you in (upcoming races, etc)?

Yes! I have another triathlon coming up August 16th as well as a half marathon on October 18th.




I find Jen so amazingly inspirational - I love Jen's athleticisim and drive to succeed, and Jen's before and after photos left me awestruck and at a loss for words. Did you know she will have completed four triathlons this year alone?? Please be sure to visit Jen's blog - I highly guarantee you will be as inspired as I am!

xo,

Operation Fat Blaster

So this week's mission is to do a little recon on the "enemy" - and post a photo of the things that blocking our way to success.

Here's my photo ...



I am my own worst enemy.

It's not the chocolate or the ice cream or the gym or the multitude of drive through restaurants on every corner. It's me.

I choose to self-medicate myself with food. I choose to overeat or binge or give up on myself. I'm the one that tells myself I can't do something or I am a failure. I choose to still listen to the namecalling and teasing of my childhood and wear them like some sort of badge of valor.

I've never been this close to goal before - usually at this point, I'll self-sabotage myself because I give up on myself and somehow get afraid of succeeding. I'm so used to failing, it's hard to break out of my "comfort zone" and succeed.

I'm seeing this through this time - I've hit 100 lbs lost, and will not stop until, well, I'm not stopping. Even when I hit my final goal, I'm going to keep on keeping on - it's going to be a fight to maintain my healthy habits, but I'm not giving up on myself anymore!

I now choose to believe in myself. I choose to make healthy choices - not because I want to lose weight or look better or get into a certain size outfit - I choose to make healthy choices because I can.



Today was my first workout on my own since March - I thought my personal training sessions were supposed to end yesterday, but I'm getting another 4 weeks!! BigBossTrainerGuy said they'll bump me down to 4 days a week instead of 5, because he feels I'm overtraining and combined with my stress and lack of sleep, it's a recipe for a plateau. I'm just happy and thrilled that they aren't over yet and will make sure to do my very best for these final 4 weeks!

Working out on my own went pretty well - I have to admit that when the alarm clock went off, the first thought was "Well, no one's waiting for me at the gym, so I can just skip" (See what I mean about being my own worst enemy?) I didn't listen, though, and got myself out of bed and went to my other gym to workout. It was actually pretty nice - although I'm a morning person, I'm not much of a conversationalist in the early mornings, so I was able to truly focus just on myself.

My workout took longer than normal, mostly because I had to move all around the gym to do my various exercises. The personal training gym has everything right there for you to use, and you don't have to wait in line for them. I decided to go even earlier to the gym when I'm on my own, and be a little selfish by setting up all my stuff around an area just for myself. I need to move from one exercise to the other fairly quickly to keep my heartrate up, and by going really early, I'll avoid the gym being crowded.

Here's what I did today:

5 min warmup on elliptical

A1: Squats with bicep curls into overhead chest press with 12 lbs dumbbells
A2: Captain chair crunches on bench
A3: Overhead lats lying on bench with 10 lbs dumbbells
A4: Crunches on bosu trainer (couldn't find a dyna disc)
* Repeat this circuit 3 times

B1: Pushups
B2: Seated rows on rower machine (not quite the same as doing them on the cable machine)
B3: Leg curls with stability ball
B4: Hip ups on medicine ball
B5: Walking lunges across basketball court holding 12 lbs dumbbells
* Repeat this circuit 3 times

I finished up with 20 mins of HIIT on the treadmill.

All in all, it was a great first workout on my own. I wish I had a workout partner but Marcelle lives too far away ;) and I honestly don't know anyone that works out at my gym. Wait, that's a lie - I do know several dads of my daughter's friends, but I'm not working out with her friend's dads ... that's just weird! LOL

I hope everyone has a great day - we're headed to Kristen's new house on the lake! I'm super excited and ready to have some fun :)

xo,


"It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not." Author Unknown

Twitter Question of the Week

Fridays at Secrets of a Former Fat Girl is Twitter Question of the Week day, and I want to hear from YOU! There is so much we can learn from one another, and this is a great place to show us your sparkle!

Want to join in? Just follow me on Twitter, and watch for the Twitter Question of the Week (posted by 8am CST on the previous Wednesday). All replies received via Twitter or Facebook by 10am on Friday will get posted with a link back to you!

What is the craziest fad diet or diet gizmo you've tried?
  • Kelley says: I got my ears stapled by a Chiropracter to decrease my appetite. I wore them for 4 months. It didn't help.

  • Amanda says: Crazy fad diet would have to be just skipping a complete meal. Crazy gizmo that I bought would be AB Roller.

  • Brianne says: Greek diet to loose 20lbs in 20 days. I ate a lot of meat and salad and no fruit! One day got to have pasta and feta.

  • Betsy says: I bought this after watching an infomercial at 2am. Something similar to this thing, but not as expensive (read: cheap, flimsy, ridiculous). Then of tons of crazy diets: T-Factor Diet, Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach, 5 Factor Diet, Fat Smash, Slim Fast... I'm sure many more that escape me at the moment.

  • Kristie says: Phen Phen. (sp?) Basically speed.
Oh the extreme things we'll do when the answer is so simple and crystal clear - eat clean and exercise! Here's my answer:

  • Probably the craziest fad diet I've done is the Master Cleanse Diet. I lasted 2.5 days before I caved in. I have no idea how some people stay on it for a few weeks! My craziest diet gizmo is the U-Gallop. My mom bought it for me this past Christmas, and yes I actually use the thing a few times a week, and yes I feel really silly using it. I have to say I do feel like it is helping me tighten up my core and inner thigh area, but I am working out with a personal trainer 5x a week as well, so I can't really say if this thing works definitely or not. If anything, it's a great conversation starter!
Thank you all for participating this week!




Hey hey, it's my birthday and I'm *cough cough mumble mumble* years old today!



And guess what .......

Drumroll please .......

Uh huh ... keep drumming ....

Oh yeah ... good news is coming up ...

Yep, just a little bit more ...

Are ya ready?

I HIT MY 100 LB WEIGHT LOSS MARK TODAY!



OH YEAH!!! I weigh myself every morning, so seriously, I stepped on the scale like I was on auto-pilot, saw the number and stepped off. Then I was like WTF??

So I stepped on again.

Same number.

Stepped off the scale, picked it up, shook it a little, then stepped on it again.

Same number.

Stepped off the scale, wiggled it into a different spot on my bedroom floor (maybe the other spot was uneven or something), and stepped on it again.

Then the screaming began. LMAO

My daughter ran into my bedroom all freaked out - when I explained why I was screaming, she hopped up on my bed and started jumping and bouncing around LOL (My son slept through all of this lol) I had my daughter step on the scale to make sure it was reading right, and it's spot on.
Sweet baby Jesus ... I've lost 100 lbs!!! Well, 100.2 lbs to be exact ;)

And the weigh-in basically set the tone for the rest of my morning ... my girl woke up my son so they could "surprise" me with breakfast in bed, and made me strawberries and blueberries with yogurt and a bit of Kashi Go Lean Crunch! They know their mama well, and made sure to measure out all the ingredients according to serving size. Way to go kidlets!

My daughter then brought out a special box that Jeannie and Carrie sent me waaaay back in March - it was a top secret box that was only to be opened when I hit my 100 lb loss goal. It was so exciting to FINALLY open it! Well, it was exciting to watch the KIDS open it! LOL

Carrie did such an amazing job packing the box - there were pretty gerbera daises artfully arranged with two wrapped prezzies and two letters - one each from Jeannie and Carrie. I wish my kids had been a little more civilized before they tore into that box so I could have snapped a photo ... but here's the "aftermath" ...


I got a sweet water bottle - it's way cool and even has a dial to track how many bottles you drink during the day, and a Nike+!!!!! Thank you Jeannie and Carrie!! I can't WAIT to try my Nike+!! My iPod isn't the right generation to use the adapter, and my son's iPod Nano - which was the right generation - went through the washing machine, so it's out of service. I intend to upgrade to an iTouch 32GB (which is compatible with the Nike+) but that's not for a few months. I really want to start using my Nike+, so I'm going to splurge some of my birthday money on a Nike+ Sportsband so I can get started right away. Wheeee!!!!

I'm now off to the gym for a HIIT cardio workout with TrainerGuy. The kids are whispering quite loudly about some sort of scavenger hunt they need to put out for my birthday while I'm gone. I better scoot out of here so they can get to work. :)

I hope everyone has a grand day! Operation Fat Blaster team members - be sure to visit our new Headquarters to get the scoop on our first Special Ops Mission of the Week!

xo,


"The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." Lucille Ball

Fortune Cookie Wisdom

*** IMPORTANT UPDATE ***

I've created a social network for Operation Fat Blaster - please visit our new Headquarters and join in on the fun!

*** And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming ***

With the grandparents in town, we eat out ... ALOT. They think they're doing me a favor by taking us out to eat instead of cooking. I've tried to explain that I really don't mind cooking for everyone, and don't mind the Grandpa's cooking at all (in fact I love it a little too much),but they insist upon taking us out to dinner every night.

Tuesday's dinner was a cup of tomato basil soup and a 1/2 oven roasted turkey sandwich from Baker's Square. Wednesday was dinner at Stir Crazy, and I had the right price/right size Kung Pao Chicken with brown rice. I know from experience that the "right size" portion is still too big, so I asked our server to wrap up 1/2 of my entree before they even brought it out to me. The kids and grandparents had a banana & vanilla ice cream won ton and chocolate-mandarin orange fondue for dessert - I had a banana dipped in the chocolate-mandarin orange fondue just to appease my sweet tooth, and it was just enough to make me feel like I indulged in something naughty :)

What's asian food without a fortune cookie at the end? You won't believe what the fortune in my fortune cookie said ...

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Take that step today."

How cool is that?

It's kinda silly that I can find so much meaning and validation in something so simple like the fortune in my fortune cookie. Why do we do that? Why is it so easy to believe in something like a fortune cookie, and give it so much strength and meaning, but we struggle to simply believe in ourselves?

If you're reading this ... I want you to know that I believe in you. I may not even know who you are and this may be your very first visit to my blog, but I believe in you. Whatever your heart desires, whatever it is that you are striving for, I believe that you already have everything you need deep inside of you to achieve your goals.

There are so many things I wanted to do, but didn't think I could. But once I took that tiny leap of faith - and believed in myself - I saw that there is nothing I can't do. And there is NOTHING you can't do either. Just believe in yourself - and get ready to work HARD to achieve your goal.

I'm bringing it ... are you?

TrainerGirl modified my total body strength/endurance workout this morning, just to shake things up and have a little fun ...

5 minute warm up on recumbant bike

A1: Squats with overhead chest press using 15 lbs dumbbells
A2: Overhead lats on bench using 10 lbs dumbbells
A3: Captain chair crunches on bench
A4: Boxing & kickboxing for 1st and 3rd circuits, Sprints on recumbant bike for 2nd circuit
* Repeat this circuit 3 times

B1: Pushups
B2: Crunches on dyna disk
B3: Standing upright rows @ 45 lbs
B4: Alternating lunges w/ knee lift
*Repeat this circuit 3 times

I pushed myself up on that wall again, and got super nauseous after the 3rd B circuit ... had to sit and breathe for a few minutes before I pushed myself to do extra credit - 15 minutes of HIIT on the elliptical. The nausea passed by the time I got home (thank heavens)! I have to say I feel really hardcore when I workout so hard I get nauseous! Actually throwing up would be kinda cool once it was all done with ;) LOL I'd be all - HA, IN YOUR FACE, FAT! ROTF

I'm going to try to get in 30 mins of swimming after work in the hotel pool before we head out to dinner. Man, eating out is so overrated!

xo,

"Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you haven't planted." David Bly

Wordless Wednesday




xo,
"Water is the only drink for a wise man." Henry David Thoreau

Join Operation Fat Blaster TODAY!

You all are so AWESOME!! I can't believe the level of excitement my fun little project has created! SWEET!



I'm seriously not one for a lot of rules and stuff - it's like the more rules there are, the more likely I'm not going to follow them, you know? And I don't like to force my rules on anyone else because I just don't work well that way - I only succeed when I follow my own rules, you know?

I mean, I know what works for ME, and what works for ME may not work for YOU, and bottom line - I want YOU to succeed. This is YOUR challenge, YOUR rules, YOUR life. I honestly believe if YOU do this for YOU, doing what works best for YOU, then you're more apt to succeed and maintain your success!

So, there won't be any real hard and fast rules that you must follow to join Operation Fat Blaster. Ok, I lied ... there is just ONE rule ... or maybe it's actually TWO rules ...

Whatever it is that you decide is your goal ... I want you to GO FOR BROKE! You know what you want, I'm fairly sure you know what you need to do in order to get it, so go do it! No excuses, just do it!

So ... here's what you need to do to join Operation Fat Blaster:

  • Leave a comment below letting us know you're in. I'll be adding you to the blogroll based upon your comment below.
  • Create a post on your blog - title it "Operation Fat Blaster: (insert your goal here)". Share your goals and your action plan, and just post once a week or so on your progress and let us know how you're doing!
  • If you'd like to add the Blogroll to your blog, look over to the far right sidebar - scroll until you see "Operation Fat Blaster!" and copy and paste the code from the text box into a new gadget on your blog (assuming you're using Blogger). Posting the Blogroll is not mandatory, but it sure would be nice!
  • You can also download a badge here and here. Again, displaying a badge on your blog isn't necessary, but it would be fun.
  • If you're adding the Blogroll code to your blog, there is no need to display an individual badge as the Blogroll code contains a badge. But maybe you're just cool like that and want to do both? lol
I really like Carlos's comment about "Special Ops" so I'll put my thinking cap on and come up with weekly challenges - they won't be mandatory and are just for fun - and the winner(s) will get major bragging rights ;) Who knows ... there may be surprise giveaways along the way?!?! You never know what can happen when there are no rules! lol

xo,


"Hell, there are no rules here - we're trying to accomplish something." Thomas Edison

Operation Fat Blaster: The Final Forty-Five Pounds!

ICK! Stepped on the scale today, for the first time in almost 2 months, and I'm UP 5 lbs. Guess I finally broke out of my plateau - but in the wrong direction! Doh!

Well, I'm not standing for any of this gaining weight nonsense, and will be bringing it like it's never been brought before. I am so ready to begin this new chapter of my life, but first, let's recap the first three chapters ...

a severely obese woman in September 2008


to 90 lbs lost by March 2009


to maintenance and becoming a triathlete in July 2009


And now this next chapter is aptly titled ..

Operation Fat Blaster: The Final Forty-Five Pounds!




Pretty cool, eh? I wonder if I can get Takeshi Kaneshiro and/or Chris Pine to play my love interests (hey I can have more than one guy madly in love with me, can't I??) Hmm ... let's throw in Robert Pattinson, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Bradley Cooper too, while we're at it! ;) I'd totally want Kae Whang to play me :) She's such an amazing woman!! Smart, strong, and FIERCE!

Anyway, it's important to me to put my goals and action plan in writing, and what better place than here on my blog? So here it goes!

Nutrition
  • Eat Clean (duh!)
  • Protein & veggies at every meal
  • Minimal traditional starches
  • 99% home cooked meals
Personal Training 5x week
  • 2 days cardio
  • 2 days strength/endurance
  • 1 day yoga
Triathlon 2010 training
  • Swim 2x week
Sleep
  • In bed by 9am NO MATTER WHAT for a minimum of 8 hrs of sleep each day
  • Get the kids involved with household chores so I can get to bed on time
Stress Management
  • Start using the amazing massage chair my Mommy got me for Christmas.
  • Self-hypnosis before bed every night
  • 15 mins guided meditation after work Monday - Friday
I'll also start weekly weigh-ins and photos to track my progress. It'll be FUN!! I have a few social functions coming up that I'll need to navigate through (nutrition-wise) ... my ex-in-law's are actually in town (I picked them up a few hours ago), and while they're here, we eat. A lot. The dad is a retired fire captain, and we all know firefighters are amazing cooks, plus he cooks all my favorite dishes from Hawaii, so the key word will be MODERATION for the next two weeks while they're here. I also have my half-marathon coming up, so that will be a day of non-home cooked meals, and I have a luau at the end of August, and a wedding over Labor Day.

The old me would have said "Fuggehdabboutit" and waited until all of these events were done before I started. The new me realizes that there will never be a "perfect time" to start a new program. I know what I want, I know what to do to get it, and goshdarn anything that tries to get in my way!!

Want to be a member of the Operation Fat Blaster Team? Email me and I'll send you the button for you to proudly display on your blog! Just let us know what you want and how you're going to get it. We'll cheer you on every step of the way!

Be sure to leave a comment and let me know if you're joining in on the fun!




Workouts so far this week have been very challenging - my grace week after my triathlon is over, and I'm giving everything I got in my workouts ...

Monday was a cardio with TrainerGuyGumby ... why is he called TrainerGuyGumby?

Sidebar: My personal training gym is just that - it's just a gym that only does personal training. There can be only 3 clients & trainers working out at a time. I actually workout with 3 different guy trainers and 2 different girl trainers. I'm going to try to differentiate between them for you - so far, you've "met" BigBossTrainerGuy, TrainerGuyGumby, CrazyTrainerGuy, and TrainerGirl. I'm still thinking about how to differentiate between the two girl trainers with words that will really do them justice ...

Anyway ... TrainerGuyGumby is called that because of the way he stretches me out during our workouts - I swear he tries to push and pull and twist me into ways any human body should not be pushed, pulled or twisted! There is a method to his madness, and I have to say I feel really amazing after our stretching sessions ... at least after I untangle my limbs and can start feeling my fingers and toes again! :)

So, Monday was HIIT on the elliptical. I think TrainerGuyGumby went a little nutso on me because he was constantly playing with my sprints - with the timing, levels, speeds and heartrate, I honestly can't even tell you what we did, because he lost me after the first 4 minutes. All I know is that it was 30 mins of the hardest HIIT training ever, and I was completely drenched when we were done! We followed up with light core and the gumby stretching session. I also got 30 mins of swim time in after work with the kids. My breast stroke is coming along, I really need to figure out the whole exhale with my nose under water thing. That part sucks the most!

Today was total body strength/endurance with TrainerGirl ...

5 min warm up on elliptical

A1: Squat with bicep curl into overhead chest press with 12 lb dumbbells
A2: Lat raises while in bridge position on stability ball with 10 lbs dumbbells
A3: Captain's Chair crunches on bench
A4: Leg Curl with Hip Ups on stability ball
* Repeat this set 3 times

B1: Pushups
B2: Upright Rows on cable machine, 45lbs
B3: Crunches on Dyna Disc
B4: Lunges with overhead chest press on functional trainer
* Repeat this set 3 times

I seriously hit the wall during my 2nd set of B exercises, right after my the lunges with overhead chest press - TrainerGirl knows how to get the most out of me, and I was up on that wall ready to hurl my breakfast all over the gym floor ... it's not a pleasant feeling to have in the middle of a workout, but I was all like "Rock on!" when I was done! :)

xo,

"I have learned this at least by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours." Henry David Thoreau

Mental Monday

I know all too well how difficult it can be to break through a plateau ... the following article includes great suggestions and tips on how to shake things up, but the most important thing you can do to break through your plateau is to NOT GIVE UP! Whatever it takes, however long it takes, do not lose sight of your goal, and keep on keeping on!

xo,


"Yesterday I dared to struggle. Today I dare to win." Bernadette Devlin

Top 10 To Breaking Through Training Plateau

Starting your weight loss programme with gusto, losing a few pounds and then finding that your progress has come to a dead stop is a natural and common occurrence for many dieters. This plateau is a result of the body's constant need to maintain equilibrium.

When you start a new diet or fitness plan, you usually consume fewer calories but also burn more through exercise. As you're expending more energy than you take in, your body burns those few calories for energy first, then you begin to burn stored fat quicker than before, when your calorie intake was higher.

Your body, lie a finely tuned machine settles into this new pattern of outgoing and incoming calories and gradually adjusts by burning fewer calories in order to safeguard its reserves. The result? Weight loss slows down as your body tries to retain fat stores so it can use its reserves as sparingly as possible.

It's at this point that you'll notice your eating and exercise efforts aren't producing results and that you can't seem to shift the weight any more.

In order to break through the plateau, you have to do few things: alter your eating habits and change your exercise programme in a way that challenges your body.

Add resistance training to your program.

A wonderful way to boost your metabolism and break through to the next level of weight loss is by incorporating aerobic exercise into your program, such as 30 minutes of walking three to four times a week. (If you are 35 years or older, or haven't exercised regularly, begin with 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a week.)

In addition, weight training with free weights or machines several times a week can help increase muscle mass, which in turn allows you to burn more calories faster.

Studies show that weight training can increase your metabolism overnight by five to 10 percent. Working out can increase your metabolism for up to 21 hours after an
intense workout.

Look out for hidden carbohydrates.

If your weight loss progress seems slow, look out for carbohydrates that might be sneaking their way unnoticed into your diet. Sugar can lurk in the most unexpected places such as ketchup, salad dressings, teriyaki and barbecue sauces. Watch out too for cornstarch, sugar or milk solids in many processed foods such as gravies, or sauces on frozen vegetables. Avoid "low-fat" foods where flavor is enhanced by sugar and other carbohydrates. Besides, don't be afraid of heart healthy monounsaturated
fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocado. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are quite beneficial as well. A little bit of fat will slow the entry rate of carbohydrate into your blood stream, keeping blood sugar stable and helping to reduce hunger, mood swings, and cravings.

Try keeping a diet journalfor a couple of days of EVERYTHING you eat and drink. You may quickly discover the hidden carbs that are keeping your weight-loss progress stuck and be able to eliminate them and move past your plateau.

Go high protein, low carbohydrates.

Unless you are eating enough protein to maintain your lean muscle mass, you are likely to have lost weight already from both your fat stores and muscle. Women need to eat approximately 100grams of protein a day in order to preserve their muscle tissue during a weight loss program. If you have lost some muscle during your weight loss program so far you will need to focus on protein so your body can build muscle, which requires more calories to sustain, which will in turn, kick start your weight loss again.

Needless to say, any weight loss program you choose should be one that preserves your body's muscle and this does not happen!Get clear on your ultimate weight-loss goal.

Be sure that your weight-loss goal is realistic and that your expected rate of weight loss is reasonable. If you are on a heath enhancing, nutritionally rich weight loss program you can expect to loss one to two pounds a week. Each body has its own ideal weight and size.

Don't compare yourself to anyone else, but listen to your body and notice what feels best for you. A simple way to approximate your ideal weight is by referring to a Body Mass Index calculator.

Drink to burn up.

It's vitally important to replenish your fluids by drinking plenty of water on your weight loss program. An inadequate supply of water in itself can slow down your weight-loss. Carry water with you wherever you go throughout the day.

For additional weight-management benefits, add a high quality aloe concentrate to your water to help keep your digestion in top shape. Keeping well hydrated not only helps you burn fat efficiently, it also helps control hunger.

Change Method of Doing Exercise

Another way to get past a plateau and force further gains is to simply do the already effective exercise, but change how you do it or use different equipment. For example, if you have been doing Front Shoulder Raise exercises with dumbbells, try using a barbell to perform the same Front Shoulder Raise, or do the cable version of the Front Shoulder Raise. One important strategy is to keep switching the way you do each exercise.

So for example, if on Day 1 when you train your chest, you use a barbell for the Bench Press, the next time either use dumbbells or a machine to perform the same exercise. This is a great way to add variety to an exercise you enjoy doing but still keep your muscles "guessing", forcing them to continue making great gains.

Try new exercises

The human neuromuscular system adapts to specific movement patterns, it is advisable to change your training exercises occasionally. If you have been walking for a long time take up running or jogging. Choose activities that you genuinely enjoy, and exercise at an intensity that challenges you.

Similarly, if progress comes to a halt in the Bench Press exercise, then either the Incline Bench Press, Flys, or Dips can serve as excellent substitutes to "shock" your muscles and promote further progress. Although all of those exercises target the chest muscles, the different movements require different muscle-fiber recruitment patterns that will stimulate further strength and development.

Be Flexible

Whichever eating or exercise plan you choose be sure to adjust it accordingly depending on how you feel and how your body responds. Don't ever blindly follow a rigid diet or exercise routine based on someone else's rules and guidelines. Be flexible and focus on small positive changes. Balance, moderation, and common sense are key.

Maintain the right attitude

The final, perhaps most important, component of weight loss success is your attitude. Pay special attention to your mental and emotional connections to food and exercise. If you find yourself sitting on the sofa, watching television and eating ice cream rather than working out, ask yourself why. There has to be some benefit to it, some payoff that, at the time anyway, seems greater than your long-term goal of health and fitness. You have to identify and acknowledge your fitness downfalls before you can do anything to change them. Remember that you can’t continue doing the same thing the same way and expect different results.

If what you’re doing is not working, make changes!

From http://www.womensfitness.com/


Coming tomorrow ... my 3 step plan to bust out of my plateau!

Former Fat Girl of the Week

Former Fat Girl of the Week is a place for us to come to celebrate and learn from the success and achievements of one another. Former Fat Girls of the Week are regular women like you and me, living normal lives, but are extraordinarily inspirational. This is their time to shine, and I hope you are as inspired by them as I am.



Name: Deanna
Age: 38 (39 in September)
Occupation: Laid Off Recruiter....Any one have a job for me??

Deanna before - June 2008


How often do you exercise?

At least five days a week – I want to up it to six days – I think I will be more successful if I exercise 6 days – I don’t think the 6th day needs to be major hardcore but something like swimming with the kids, biking, or just playing tag but something!!!


Deanna before - March 2008


What is your favorite workout?

I love to run but excited to start really working out – and lifting so I plan on figuring out what is really my favorite in a few weeks!!!

What 5 food items are "must haves" in your kitchen?

What is your favorite motivational/inspirational quote?

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Deanna now


How do you find balance in your life?

Exercising, hanging with family and friends

Last 5 songs listened to you on your iPod/mp3 player:

I actually don’t have many songs on my Ipod under 200 but the songs that really help me through a tough run are:

  • It Takes Two – Rob Base
  • Right Now – Van Halen
  • Single Ladies –Beyonce
  • Tiny Dancer – Elton John
  • Let’s get it Started- Black Eyed Peas

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Besides a successful marriage, and two painfully adorable boys, I have lost 23 pounds in over a year and ½ and kept it off. In prior weight loss attempts, I wouldn’t of stayed this dedicate for so long - normally it would be all back on because I would of gotten frustrated and depressed.

I’ve been fighting really hard to keep it off, and love that I have accomplished that so far. In addition to that, I would also have to say that the 181 mile 12 person relay road race was a major accomplishment – I ran 15.5 miles over 24 hours in three separate legs with little to no sleep, and I kicked major ass!



Deanna running in her 181 mile relay race!


What do you love most about your body?

My legs, boy-oh-boy are they strong!! My sister pointed out a muscle that I never even noticed on the back of my thighs...it’s all because of running, and I love to see my body develop!!!

Are you working towards a particular goal we can support you in?

Besides various 5k and 10k’s, a half marathon, a 60 mile bike ride and 50 mile relay race all before October 2009, I was also selected by Health Magazine to be part of their Feel Great Weight Program for 6 months.

The story is... I will be given a personal trainer 2x a week and a free 6 month membership to Equionox Gym, I will be working with a nutritionist for a customized eating plan, and other coaches. My weight loss will be tracked for 6 months in the magazine with a photo shoot every 4 weeks to do a before and after. I will be writing a short weekly blog that will be posted on the website and be interviewed by a writer each month. I will be styled by a stylist a few months into the program for my changing body... and other perks and benefits along the way!! The issues will be from October 2009 to May 2010. The program starts in tomorrow – July 20th!! I am so excited I can't stand it!!!



Deanna and her family now.


Congratulations Deanna on all of your achievements and successes! You are such an amazing Momma, and are definitely inspiring me to get out there and RUN! I can't wait to follow your progress in Health magazine, where people will discover what I've known all along - that you are a strong, determined, and inspirational woman!

In fact, dear readers, watch for the very first Secrets of a Former Fat Girl giveaway where YOU can WIN a one year subscription to Health Magazine, just in time for Deanna's makeover debut! In the meantime, please visit Deanna's blog, The Unnatural Mother!


xo,

Family Fun Day

I was late to my workout this morning with TrainerGirl because of FACEBOOK! Gah! It's amazing how Facebook can just suck up all of your time and make it feel like it was only a few minutes!

I was expecting a yoga workout this morning due to a convo I had with BigBossTrainerGuy yesterday, but TrainerGirl put me through a total body strength/endurance workout instead ...

5 min warm up on elliptical

A1: Squat with bicep curl into overhead chest press with 10/12 lb dumbbells
A2: Lat raises while in bridge position on stability ball 8/10 lbs dumbbells
A3: Captain's Chair crunches on bench
A4: Leg Curl with Hip Ups on stability ball
* Repeat this set 3 times

B1: Pushups
B2: Upright Rows on cable machine, 45lbs
B3: Crunches on Dyna Disc
B4: Lunges with overhead chest press on functional trainer
* Repeat this set 2 times

We were only able to do 2 sets of the B exercises (because I was late), but also added on an additional 15 reps of A1 at the end. The leg curls/hip ups combo is still a challenge, but I was able to get all reps done without rest today. I stayed for extra credit after my workout - 15 minutes of intervals on the elliptical on my own. With my triathlon behind me, I'm in full on fat blaster mode!!




After my workout, I came home to get ready for a day at the zoo with the kids. I packed a lunch and snacks, and we were out the door by 9am. It was an extra special trip to the zoo because a new giraffe exhibit just opened up and giraffes are my girl's favorite animal. I surprised her with tickets to feed the giraffes and she was absolutely beside herself with excitement!



My girl feeds one of the giraffes a Rykrisp cracker.



My son and the young male giraffe check each other out.


We've been to the zoo 6 - 8 times since we moved here, but this is the very first time that we walked through the ENTIRE zoo. In the past, by the time we walked from the parking lot into the zoo and through the primate house, to the aquariums and small mammal house, I'd be tired and sore and ready to leave, after less than 90 minutes. Today - we were at the zoo for 6.5 hours! It was so amazing to have so much energy to spare, and to walk that long without any aches or pains.

The absolute best part was watching the joy on my children's faces - we went through areas of the zoo that I had never ever gone through before. They were so excited to show me things I haven't seen before (but they had with school field trips and summer camps, etc). It really broke my heart to realize how much my obesity has prevented me from living life. I have missed out on so much with my kids ...

But not anymore!!


My reason for everything!


xo,

"Making the decision to have a child – it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." Elizabeth Stone

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