The Biggest Loser Diary

Holy canoli - was last night a roller coaster or what? I'm still in the midst of organizing all of my thoughts for my installment of The Biggest Loser Diary, but here are a few Biggest Loser clips courtesy of NBC just for you! :)

Ask the Trainers: Bob & Jillian reveal the access the players have to the outside world and how it influences the players along the way.



Week 3 - Observations: Coach Mo accuses the rest of the players of forming alliances.



Week 3 - The Ultimate Temptation: The players face the ultimate temptation of cupcakes!



Week 3 - Antoine: Check out how Antoine looks today and his answers to your questions.



Week 3 - Sean: Check out how Sean looks today!



The Biggest Loser Wii Game: Get a preview of the new game here!



xo,


P.S. For my international readers, Laura at NBC gave the following response when I asked her why you are unable to view the video clips: "For legal and contractual reasons certain NBC.com content is not currently available to international viewers. We'll be sure to update our home page if/when that changes -- and we will let you know! No time frame yet though, unfortunately."

P90X Day 30: Core Synergetics

Daily Weigh-In: 0.4 lbs
Total P90X Weight Lost: 14.4 lbs

I've actually be looking forward to this day - Core Synergetics! This is my first time trying Core Synergetics since beginning P90X, and it's nice to see something "new".

Okay seriously, I must have really flipped out when I'm thinking the P90X Recovery Week meant I'd be taking it easy this week! Tony Horton - Core Synergistics is totally wicked!

I mean - prison cell pushups?? And plank to chaturunga runs (aka mountain climbers)?

TONY HORTON, YOU ARE ONE CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY MAN!

xo,

P90X Day 29: Yoga X

Daily Weigh-In: 0 lbs
Total P90X Weight Lost: 14 lbs

Ahh ... my first non weight loss day. It's not a gain, it's not a loss, but I'll take maintenance! I still can't believe I lost weight consistently for 28 days .. 14 lbs in 28 days. Yowza!

xo,

Mental Monday

10 Fit Foods for Fall

We all know the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. They contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients to keep our bodies running in peak condition. Study after study shows that people who consume the most fruits and veggies are less at risk for a host of illnesses, including heart disease and cancer. And so, farmers' markets have started cropping up all over and supermarkets have begun expanding their produce sections to accommodate the increased demand. In some places, fast-food restaurants are giving way to community garden plots. Even the White House lawn has been tilled and planted.

Apples. An apple a day can keep the doctor away in more ways than one. Studies have shown that apples can help lower cholesterol, manage diabetes, and prevent several diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, and asthma. Make sure you don't peel the apple. The peel contains quercetin, an antioxidant shown in a Finnish study to reduce heart disease and inhibit tumor growth. The skin also contains insoluble fiber; the flesh contains pectin, a soluble fiber. While apples are great on their own, they also make great crunchy additions to salads or tasty additions to baked dessert treats. Did you know apples were originally native to Kazakhstan? That makes Borat their second-best export.

Corn. Generally, our society eats way too much corn. It's in almost every food we eat, especially in its most nefarious form—high fructose corn syrup. It's easily America's number one crop. But fall is the time when we get the harvest of the tastiest sweet corn. Besides being delicious, in its unprocessed state, it's actually quite healthy. A food study at Cornell University showed that ferulic acid, an antioxidant produced when sweet corn is cooked, is another heart disease and cancer fighter. It's also a good source of vitamins B1, B5, and C, folate, and fiber. Besides eating it on the cob, try corn in salads or as a colorful, crunchy addition to a salsa.

Cucumbers. Normally, we don't see cucumbers until they've been pickled and sliced and added to two all-beef patties and a sesame seed bun. Cucumbers are very low in calories (just 4 calories per ounce), a natural diuretic, and thought to help prevent pancreatic, liver, and kidney diseases. They contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. The skin contains silica, which helps strengthen connective tissue. And they're not just for eating. The juice makes a great skin lotion. Those spa ladies with cucumber slices on their eyes aren't doing it for nothing. The juice reduces swelling not just for eye bags but also for burns and skin disorders. A tasty way to eat cucumbers is my Russian grandmother's simple recipe of thinly sliced cucumbers, low-fat yogurt, thinly sliced onion, and chopped dill (she actually used sour cream too, but we won't go there).

Eggplant. Eggplants contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and also high levels of antioxidants, including nasunin, which has been shown to protect cells from free radical damage. Eggplants also contain terpenes, which are believed to help lower cholesterol. Eggplant is a very versatile ingredient in all kinds of cooking, including Italian, Indian, and Chinese dishes. It can be baked, stewed, or sautéed, among other cooking methods. One thing to watch out for is that the flesh of the eggplant is highly absorptive, so if you fry it in oil, it will soak it all up. One cooking technique is to lightly salt sliced eggplant before cooking it; then let it sit for a half hour and rinse the salt off. This will cause the cell structure of the eggplant to contract, making it a little less "spongey." My mom's been dealing with a bumper crop of eggplant from her backyard garden and has been putting eggplant in everything. A recent success was replacing the pasta in her favorite lasagna recipe with thinly sliced eggplant. It absorbed the tomato sauce instead of the oil and made the dish richer and creamier.

Grapes. There's been much written about the benefits of wine, and the harvest for the 2009 vintages is beginning. But you don't have to get loaded to get the benefits of grapes. In their unfermented state, they're a great source of vitamins A, B6, and C, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and fiber. Like apples, they contain the antioxidant quercitin. They also contain resveratrol, which has been shown to reduce blood clots and protect arteries from free radical damage. Generally speaking, the darker the grape, the higher the antioxidant levels. Grapes are great snacks and low in calories. They make great additions to salads, or you can freeze them for a warm-weather treat.

Okra. This may be the most intimidating ingredient on this list. Many people are put off by okra's bristly outside and somewhat slimy inside, but it has a lot of health benefits that should make you take a second look. It's full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. And it has great gastrointestinal benefits. Its high mucilage content, which thickens stews and gumbos, also helps absorb cholesterol, toxins, and bile and has a gentle laxative effect. Its seeds also contain amino acids and protein. It is also believed to be good for the skin and hair. It has been said that Cleopatra ate okra as part of her beauty regimen. Okra is great in soups and stews or lightly sautéed as a side dish.

Pears. This is my favorite fall food. The biggest, juiciest pears start showing up in farmers' markets right about now. Besides being a great source of stains on my shirts, they have high levels of vitamins C and K, copper, and fiber. They contain even more of the soluble fiber pectin than apples, which can play an important part in digestive health and lowering cholesterol. Pears have also been shown to reduce kidney inflammation and colitis. Asian pears, which are crunchy like an apple, are also in season now and contain the health benefits of both fruits. Pears are great plain, broiled, or poached. Asian pears can be shredded as a healthy addition to a slaw.

Peppers. Whether you like them spicy or sweet, now is prime pepper-picking time. Fiber-rich peppers have high levels of vitamins A, C, and K, with red peppers containing the highest levels. Red peppers, like tomatoes, are also good sources of lycopene, which studies show may be linked to cancer prevention. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, which has been shown to help prevent ulcers and lower cholesterol. Plus, hot peppers can help ramp up your metabolism. I can't think of many dishes that couldn't be improved with a little peppery zip. Soups, stir-frys, salads . . . I even had some chocolate cayenne ice cream that was pretty good.

Raspberries. Raspberries are some of the healthiest, but priciest, berries out there. So now when they're in season is the most economical time to enjoy them. Raspberries contain several flavonoids called anthocyanins, believed to have antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent fungal and yeast infections and aid with irritable bowel syndrome. A Netherlands study recently showed that raspberries had 10 times as many antioxidants as tomatoes. Like apples and pears, they also contain high levels of pectin. While they're great as snacks and desserts, think about trying them in a salad.

Tomatoes. The big new star of the tomato nutritional profile is lycopene. This carotenoid has increasingly been shown to be a powerful antioxidant that may play a big role in preventing cancer and heart disease. They are also great sources of vitamin C. And for those of you who don't care for raw tomatoes (as George Carlin said, they look like they're in the larval stage), tomatoes lose very little of their nutritional value when cooked. So they can be enjoyed stewed, in sauce, and even as ketchup (although we recommend a ketchup free of high fructose corn syrup and low in sodium). This is a prime time to seek out tomatoes at the farmers' market. Especially exotic are the heirloom varieties that come in yellows, greens, purples, browns, and reds. They can make a beautiful multicolored and antioxidant-rich salad.

If you can't get to the farmers' market, you just can't stand eating fruits and vegetables, or you don't have the time to get your recommended number of servings each day, fear not. Try out Shakeology®, the new shake from Beachbody® that contains more than 70 healthy ingredients. It takes the guesswork out of nutrition. It's the Healthiest Meal of the Day®.

Written by Joe Wilkes
Published September 2009



Don't forget to enter the "Dee Rocks Our Socks Off" Health Magazine subscription giveaway!

xo,

P90X Day 28: X Stretch

Daily Weigh-In: -0.2 lbs
Total P90X Weight Lost: 14 lbs

This is going to be a crazy week - all the stress of the past few weeks have led up to this week, as we have 34 major clients coming in Wednesday through Friday for a HUGE client event. It kinda makes me happy that I goofed, so this is my P90X Phase I Recovery Week!

xo,

Former Fat Girl of the Week - UPDATE

I'm sure you all remember Former Fat Girl of the Week - Dee, and how inspirational and motivational she is. Well, fasten your seltbelts everyone, because she's about to rock your socks off with more motivation and inspiration!

The Health Magazine Feel Great Weight Program has begun, and Dee's journey has debuted in this month's magazine issue! Dee needs YOUR inspiration and motivation as she continues her journey - please visit her blog and leave some love!

In honor of Dee and her amazing accomplishments ... drumroll please ... I am pleased to announce a giveaway for all you lovely readers ... the "DEE ROCKS OUR SOCKS OFF" Health Magazine Giveaway!

Here's what you need to do:

  1. Leave a comment here on this post to enter the giveaway with your favorite motivational quote.

  2. Earn an additional entry by visiting Dee's blog and sharing your favorite motivational quote with her. Then come back here and let me know.

  3. Earn an additional entry by posting a link to this contest on your blog. Then come back here and let me know.

  4. Earn an additional entry by following me on Twitter and tweet about this contest (just copy and paste the following): Dee rocks our socks off in the @goodhealth Feel Great Weight Program! http://tinyurl.com/ydyckwh RT @FormerFatGirl
Simple, no?

The contest period will run from today, September 26th through Friday, October 2nd. Winner will be drawn by a random number generator on Saturday, October 3rd.

Good luck everyone! And most of all, go get 'um Dee!!

xo,

    P90X Day 27: Kenpo X

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.2 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Lost: -13.8 lbs

    I just realized I goofed! I am in Week 4, Day 6 and I'm supposed to be in a recovery week! It's not a big deal - all it means is that I'm kicking butt an extra week, and my P90X experience will now be a P97X experience :)

    I've decided to finish up this week as it's just tomorrow, then take on my recovery week.

    xo,

    P90X Day 26: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

    Daily Weigh In: -0.2 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Lost: -13.8 lbs in 25 days!

    We took another hit at work this week - we're facing no raise in 2010 (again) and another unpaid furlough, so on top of the craziness at work I vented about yesterday, I know have this in the back of my head. I tell you, it's stressful!

    First and foremost, I am extremely thankful that I still HAVE a job, even if I am one person now covering 2.5 individual positions, and expected to perform as if I'm 2.5 people even though I'm JUST ONE PERSON. But anyway, I am very grateful I HAVE a job, and even better, that I still actually like what I do, despite the added stress.

    I tell ya, it was really getting to me - I have not been like myself at work ... I've been very abrupt, curt, and not-so-smiley as usual. My job and what I do is a reflection of myself. So despite having 2.5 jobs and the knowledge that I will most likely never get it ALL done in a normal workweek, I take it personally when I cannot complete all of my projects, or if someone asks me for assistance or a report and I can't complete it right away. I feel like a failure. Harsh, but true.

    This will sound TOTALLY stupid, but I finally realized that I'm just one person. I can only do what I can do. I can only control what I can control. For a control freak and General Manager of the Universe wannabee, this is very hard for me to say. LOL

    However, once I really acknowledged and BELIEVED in it, things are looking much better. I started this new attitude yesterday, and it was miraculous! The job hasn't changed, the responsibilites haven't changed, the situation hasn't changed. But I have.

    I think this is something that we will all go through - not necessarily about work, but it could be a family situation at home, or what we're going through on our wellness journeys.

    Regardless of everything that is going on, the ONE THING we can count on to be able to control and manage - is ourselves. Think about it ... I hope it helps you as much as it's helped me!

    xo,


    I love helping people achieve their wellness and fitness dreams as an Independent Beachbody Coach. There is NO COST to you for me to be your Coach. Contact me for more information!

    P90X Day 25: Yoga X

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.2 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Lost: -13.6 lbs in 24 days

    TGIF!! Boy oh boy, am I happy it's Friday! The past week and a half have been insanely busy at work, and it's spilled into my non-work life - most particularly, my online life. I apologize for the sketchy posts lately, and for the lack of my visiting YOUR blogs in awhile! My cup is overflowing with being a mom (and a single mom at that), working upwards of 60 hrs a week, managing my P90X every day, running Operation Fat Blaster and our Biggest Loser challenge, blogging (I now also have a family blog and knitting blog - yes I'm crazy), and everything else that it is that I'm doing.

    As crazy as it's been, I am so thankful I have P90X, OFB and all of you to turn to :) GROUP HUG! lol

    xo,

    P90X Day 24: Shoulders & Arms; Ab Ripper X

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.4 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Lost: 13.4 lbs

    Today has been a GREAT day. Especially compared to the past few weeks ... what's different? Well, I woke up today and made the choice that I will be happy and productive and not let anyone rain on my parade.

    I've found that people who are unhappy are SO unhappy that they will go out of their way to bring down the happy people. They're so overflowing with negativity that it spews out of them and attempts to infect you with it.

    In your weight loss journey, you will certainly come across people in your life that are not supportive and will attempt to detrail your hot tamale train. There are many reasons why they do this, but I'll give you this bottom line ....

    If you are taking control of your life in a responsible and healthy way, God Bless you and keep on going. You're on the right track, and don't let anyone say or do anything to make you feel guilty or like you're doing something wrong. You can do it!

    xo,

    P90X Day 23: Plyometrics

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.4 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Loss: -13 lbs in 22 days!

    I LOVE PLYO! Here's the amazing Tony Horton talking about Plyo ...



    Plyo was my "treat" after a pretty horrible and beastly day. There's nothing like the rush of endorphins and a bucket o' sweat to make you feel like you can do ANYTHING!

    xo,

    The Biggest Loser, NBC and Me

    I'm pretty excited to share that I was contacted by NBC via Twitter and was offered exclusive clips, recaps, interviews, etc each week to post on my blog for all of YOU amazing readers to view!

    The clips today feature the two-minute replay to help you catch up if you missed this week's episode, Tracey's release from the hospital, Bob's motivational pep talk with a very frustrated Amanda, and Sean's ability to drop the humor and get serious about his health. I think this will be GREAT for my international friends - especially Marcelle and Fran! :)

    Enjoy!

    xo,


    Week Two: Miss the episode? Here's a Two-Minute Replay to get you caught up!



    Tracey's Release - Tracey is nervous to head back to the ranch.



    Amanda's Frustration - Bob gives Amanda a much-needed pep talk.



    Sean the Funny Guy - Sean hopes to lose the pounds without the humor.



    P.S. It was pointed out that these clips are also available on the official NBC website so my use of the word "exclusive" may be moot. However, I never declared these clips to be exclusive to ME and ME alone :) I said the clips, recaps, and interviews were exclusive. And that's NBC talkin', not me. ;) The fact that I was contacted by NBC to share these with you on my blog is still pretty gosh darn cool!

    The Biggest Loser Diary

    Yeah, so I have the most beastly case of PMS east of the Mississippi, and it kinda spewed into my Biggest Loser Diary ... the snarkiness didn't even hit me until my daughter read my notes and said "Geez, Mom, it's a little mean tonite" LOL

    So.

    I will not post my recap. I thought about rewatching the episode and posting a new Biggest Loser Diary, but quite honestly, I don't have another 2 hrs to spare sitting in front of the tv.

    Instead, I'll just post the moments that really stood out to me.

    So here we go!!

    7:07 "It will be done," Coach Mo.

    7:11 "The Ultimate Truth = Calories In vs Calories Out," Jillian. AMEN to this!

    7:16 "I've seen people gain weight because of stress," Bob-alicious. Hm, Bob's been watching me ...

    8:32 "How long have you been unhappy?" says Bob to Shay. I totally feel every word she is saying.

    And that's it. LOL With their amazing weight loss this week, I wonder if the "Dreaded Week 2" will turn into the "Dreaded Week 3"? I mean, Jillian did tell Bob, "Let's hit them this week, and deal with it in Week 3." Anyway ... what did you think about this week's episode?

    xo,

    P90X Day 22: Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X

    Daily Weigh In: -0.4
    Total P90X Weight Lost: -12.6 lbs in 21 days

    Call me crazy, but I feel like my total weight lost should be higher. I realize I've lost essentially 4.2 lbs a week, which is AMAZING, but when in comes to weight loss, who DOESN'T wish they could lose MORE in a shorter period of time?

    It took my entire life to hit my all time high of close to 300 lbs. I'm only one year and 27 days into my weight loss journey, and my results over this past year are pretty damn good, I must say!

    Anyway, I needed to get that off my chest and give myself a pep talk :) Hope you don't mind!

    Today's workout was Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X. I'm getting pretty "good" at Ab Ripper X, of course, my version of "good" is compared to what it was like for me 21 days ago. There are still modifications I can do that will whip all the smugness right off my face LOL And call me crazy, but I'm looking forward to it!

    xo,


    If you're interested in P90X or other Beachbody products, I'd love to hear from you and help you achieve fantastic fitness milestones!

    Mental Monday

    How to Cut Back on High Sugar Foods

    The American Heart Association recommends a drastic cut in the amount of added sugar we consume, from the current average intake of 22 tsp per day down to 6 tsp for women and 9 tsp for men. Teens' current sugar intake is even higher, at a shocking 34 tsp, so they have even more cutting back to do! Do you know how much sugar you are consuming everyday? Do you know where sugar is lurking?

    Sugar in Your Food
    Dessert is not the only place you'll find sugar. Sugar lurks most in soda and sweetened beverages.

    High-Sugar Drinks:

    a large Slurpee (40 oz): 21 tsp of sugar
    a bottle of regular soda (20 oz): 13 tsp
    a bottle of regular iced tea (20 oz): 10 tsp
    a can of regular soda (12 oz): 8 tsp
    a bottle of Vitaminwater (20 oz): 8 tsp
    a small iced cappuccino (12 oz) : 8 tsp
    a tall Frappuccino blended coffee (12 oz): 7.5 tsp
    a small Slurpee (12 oz): 6.5 tsp

    Other High-Sugar Foods:

    1 cup of Ben & Jerry's All Natural Chocolate ice cream: 10 tsp
    a Kit Kat candy bar: 5 tsp of sugar
    Yoplait Whips yogurt (4 oz): 5 tsp
    a Haagen-Dazs ice cream bar with chocolate coating: 4.5 tsp
    a cup of Kellogg's Honey Smacks cereal: 4.5 tsp

    * The above numbers are rounded. One teaspoon of sugar yields about 4.2 g of sugar.

    What Added Sugar Really Means

    Added sugar is empty calories - that means it provides no nutrients other than calories. An average 22 tsp of sugar intake means we are all eating about 352 empty calories in sugar every day. No wonder we have a problem of obesity in this country! With a 350-calorie quota, you could have eaten a 6-inch sub sandwich plus fruit!

    The Bottom Line

    It makes perfect sense to cut down your sugar intake, whether it's for your heart, blood sugar, or weight. Since we need 6 - 8 glass of liquid a day and drinks are the major source of added sugar, look for low-sugar (or sugar-free) beverage alternatives, like water, homemade iced tea, milk, and brewed tea or coffee. There's nothing wrong with using sugar to enhance food flavor, as long as it's in reasonable amount. And it's fine to add sugar to your tea or coffee - since most people just add 2 to 3 tsp per cup, not 13 tsp like you'll find in soda! There is also one very compelling reason to cut your sugar intake from 22 tsp to 6 tsp a day - it will help save 270 calories a day, which means losing 14 pounds in just 6 months!

    Written by Gloria Tsang, R.D.
    Published in September 2009 on HealthCastle.com




    xo,

    P90X Day 21: X Stretch

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.4 lbs
    Total Weight Lost: -12.2 lbs in 20 days!

    I hope everyone is doing well - it's exciting to hear from so many of you regarding your interest in P90X. I just want to be clear that if you would like ME to be your coach, you will need to order your products directly from my website. If you go directly to the Beachbody website or order it from the infomercial, you will be randomly given a coach. :(

    I must confess ... when the alarm went off this morning, I pretty much slapped it off my nightstand, and went back to bed LOL Now, I'm wishing I had just bitten the bullet and got up to workout. My afternoon is shaping up to be rather busy, which means I'll be working out late tonite. Granted, today is a choice between rest and X Stretch, but I haven't taken a rest day with P90X yet ... I feel a bit like a slacker if I don't do X Stretch, so it'll be a late night date with me and Tony pushing play!

    xo,


    "Hard work has made it easy. That is my secret. That is why I win." Nadia Comaneci

    P90X Day 20: Kenpo X

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.2 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Lost: -11.8 lbs in 20 days!

    Okay seriously, how cool would it be to be a contestant on American Gladiators? I swear, Kenpo X totally makes me think of Gina Carano, which makes me think of American Gladiators LOL I think I'd totally get my butt handed to me on a plate, but seriously - getting my butt kicked by Gina Carano would be pretty darn cool! LOL

    Today's a rest day from my half-marathon training, and while I normally would have run anyway, I'm feelin pretty lazy! So ... to run or not to run?

    xo,


    "The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.” Walter Bagehot

    P90X Day 19: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.2 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Lost: -11.6 lbs in 19 days

    You know, I'm starting to get a wee bit scared. The P90X workouts are still killer and extremely challenging, but I can feel myself getting "used" to them. When I worked out with my personal trainer, that feeling meant a big change up and a whole lotta hurtin' was around the corner.

    Which is totally true - I have just 9 days left of Phase I and I couldn't be happier with my results thus far!

    Just remember - following the P90X program also includes nutrition! If you want amazing results, you have to be 100% committed!

    xo,


    "When it comes to eating right and exercising, there is no 'I'll start tomorrow.' Tomorrow is disease." Author Unknown

    P90X Day 18: Yoga X

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.2
    Total P90X Weight Lost: -11.6 lbs in 17 days!

    You know, I really cannot believe I'm 18 days into P90X. It has become such an "easy" fit into my life. All I do is roll out of bed, brush my teeth, weigh-in, then go push play. It really can't get much easier than that ... all I have to do is buy a treadmill so I don't have to go anywhere for my runs when it gets cold outside! 'Cuz nothing beats running outside! :)

    We're still accepting participants in the Biggest Loser: OFB Style challenge if you need an extra push! C'mon and check us out!

    xo,

    P90X Day 17: Shoulders & Arms; Ab Ripper X

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.2 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Lost: -11.4 lbs in 16 days!

    I really feel like I can see more definition in my shoulders in just 16 weeks. Maybe it's all in my imagination, but when I look in the mirror, they just look, broader, but leaner too. Pretty cool :)

    I've been getting alot of comments on how great my weight loss has been as well, and I want to be sure to tell everyone that my nutrition is spot on, and CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN. No amount of exercise in the world will give you long term results if you're eating crap!

    My double am workouts are going well - I killed a 4 mile run after P90X and really pushed myself to go as fast as I could. Which isn't that hard to do as the mornings are getting darker and darker. My overactive imagination coupled with my weird fascination with horror flicks makes me think there are Night of the Living Dead zombies hiding in the shadows ready to eat my brains LOL

    Hope all is well - I'm so happy it's FRIDAY tomorrow!

    xo,


    If you're interested in P90X and would like more information, just contact me!

    P90X Day 16: Plyometrics

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.8 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Lost: -11.2 lbs in 15 days!

    Yay!! It's jumping bean day! LOL I heart me some Plyo!! Don't get me wrong, it's TOUGH, and I never thought I could EVER jump that much in an hour. In fact prior to P90X, I never did! LOL But Tony Horton is just so much fun and his playful personality just jumps right out at you in the DVD.

    Plyo was followed by a 4 mile run in my neighborhood. I really don't like that the days are getting shorter. I was almost tempted to run with a flashlight, but my neighborhood is really safe - no one really comes into our subdivision unless they live there, and you can't cut through my neighborhood to get anywhere, so traffic is really light at that time of the morning. I ran along the golf course boundaries, so it was kinda hilarious to see deer and other critters out on the green!

    I'd like to invite everyone to visit one of my most amazing clients and friend, Lori-Ann. She has lost 100+ lbs to date, and is working on another 100+ lbs. I can't wait to follow her transformation - she is already an inspiration to me!

    xo,


    I would love to help you transform your life - whatever your goals may be, I can offer you the support, motivation, and the right tools to get you there. Contact me and let's get started today!

    The Biggest Loser Diary

    I am a huge LOST fan, and there's this guy named Daniel that does a Dairy recap of sorts after every epidose. It's isn't so much a recap of the show, but a dairy of his thoughts and observations while watching the episode.

    I thought I'd do something similar with The Biggest Loser, it may turn out completely lame-o, but here you go-o!



    7:01 "Do you want to get healthy or get fatter and sicker?" "These people aren't like you. They ARE you." So says Bob-alicious

    7:02 YAY! Dan is back! Of course we already knew that because Jillian spilled it over the summer on her radio show.

    7:03 "Don't ever say you can't do something." So says Bob-alicious. I'll say (or not say) whatever you want me to say Bob ;)

    7:04 What a wimp. I'm already crying LOL "This is your life. What are you going to do with it?"

    7:06 Meghan screams out - "I love that book?" Huh, what? Oh, Sean is reading Giggle Giggle Quack Quack to his child.

    7:09 Uh-oh, the bus is pulling over and they aren't even at the ranch yet. Hey, that looks like where the BL7 Final 4 did their marathon.

    7:10 Yup. It's the final mile of the BL7 marathon. Contestants will race the final mile. First person to cross finish line will get immunity, plus gets to pick their partner for the season, PLUS their partner gets immunity.

    7:11 Ali has a surprise. Who's in the car that just pulled up? My money's on Dan. Meghan points out that they already showed Dan getting out of that car within the first three minutes of the show. I'm so proud of my 8-year old!

    7:12 Commercial break. Commercials for Chili's, WalMart groceries, and the Meatball movie. I wonder how many food commercials will air tonite?

    7:16 So who's in the car? Is it a bird? A plane? Bob-alicious or Jillian? No, it's Dan. Duh.

    7:18 Ready, set, go! My money's on Dan to win.

    7:19 "I want to do great things someday. It starts with doing great things for myself." Allen

    7:21 Oh yeah, Dan wins. He ran 1 mile in 14:17. Snap.

    7:23 Anyone else kinda freaked out by the way Tracy's acting? I mean, they already showed us she gets medivac'd off the beach in the first 3 minutes of the show, but still ....

    7:24 Yep, there's the medivac for Tracy. Mo also goes to the hospital.

    7:25 Commercial break

    7:28 "This primetime lineup is brought to you by McDonald's" LMAO

    7:29 Whew - Tracy and Mo are ok, but will stay in the hospital for a few days for observation.

    7:30 Time to choose partners! Contestants have one hour to share their stories and get to know one another.

    7:32 Yes, I am crying again.

    7:34 I'm still crying. God bless Abby, I have no idea what I'd do if that happened to me.

    7:35 Commercial break again. Thank goodness. I'm gonna go hug my kids and tell them I love them.

    7:38 They pick teammates:

    Orange: Dan & Shay
    Green: Allen & Abby
    Pink: Amanda & Rebecca
    Gray: Rudy & Dina
    Red: Antoine & Sean
    Brown: Liz & Danny
    Black: Alexandra & Julio
    Purple: Mo & Tracy (still in the hospital)

    7:41 Dun dun dun ... time for the first weigh-in!

    7:41 Hubba hubba, there's my Bob-alicious again! Holdupwaitaminute ... they're like already split into "teams" on the risers by Bob and Jillian. When did that happen? Oh yeah, they are being trained by both Bob-alicious and Jillian this season. That spoiler came out this summer too.

    7:42 Amanda, says "Help me." Jillian says, "You have to help yourself." LOL

    7:43 "There are 4 guys over 400 lbs already." Jillian

    7:44 Commercial break. WTHeck, it's only been 5 minutes and it's a commercial break already?

    7:48 Shay weighs in at 476 lbs, the heaviest contestant ever. "OMG, this girl is big," says Bob-alicious. Nice, Bob.

    7:51 Yep, contestants will be trained by both Bob-alicious and Jillian.

    7:52 First workout with trainers. "I lied. Do 3 more." So says Jillian. Mwahahahaha

    7:53 Oh I want to try one of those treadmill ladder thingamabobs!

    7:54 "All you have to do is change your mind. It's a choice. Make a choice." Jillian.

    7:55 OMFG, Shay quit! Poor Dan! Oh wait, Jillian spilled this over the summer on her radio show, so I already know Shay is coming back.

    7:55 Commercial break

    7:59 Shay came back, just like Jillian said she would.

    8:01 Mo is back from the hospital - yay! Tracy is still in the hospital, that girl doesn't look good. Hope all is ok with her!

    8:02 Contestants visit Dr. H & the team. I wanna do one of those Bod Pod tests!

    8:03 Is it just me, or does Rebecca remind you of Amy C from Season 6??

    8:08 Commercial break.

    8:12 "Last chance workout, b*tch!" Jillian. LMAO Bring it on crazy woman! Yes I actually yelled that at the tv. My kids think I'm nuts.

    8:14 "There's no crying over tractor tires." So says Jillian to Julio. Love it!

    8:15 Ooooo ... Bob-alicious is talking. What did he say? I am so distracted by his amazing blue eyes. I can still remmeber what he smelled like when I met him and hugged that hunkalicious man. Yes, I'm crazy.

    8:16 "Dreams come true through sweat and pain." That's deep, Sean!

    8:17 "F*ck Ow" says Jillian to Alexandra. Hmm ... looks like there will be a confrontation between Jillian and Alexandra! Yep, there they go!

    8:18 Walk to the weigh-in. Dun dun dunnnnn ...

    8:18 Oh yeah, NBC is totally feeding my Bob-alicious addiction with a gratuitous shot of Bob-alicious running. Hmm, he runs to the gym. And I know what gym he teaches spin at. I am so moving to California, Sarah! lol

    8:19 Commerical break.

    8:22 Ali announces only 1 person from the team below the yellow line will go home. I wonder if this is a set up that Tracy won't be back so Mo will get a new partner??

    8:23 The weigh-ins ..

    Daniel -12 lbs; Shay -17 lbs.
    They're safe with immunity.

    Amanda -6 lbs; Rebeca - 18 lbs
    Anyone else shocked that Amanda "only" lost 6 lbs?

    Rudy -28 lbs; Dina -8 lbs
    Go Rudy!

    Antoine -18 lbs; Sean -22 lbs
    "You can do anything." Antoine

    Liz -10; Danny -24
    Right on Granny of 9!

    Allen - 19; Abby -15
    "Death doesn't scare me," Abby. Awe, Abby made Jillian cry.

    Julio - 13; Alexandra -13
    Huh, Julio "only" lost 13 lbs. Same as his partner who's a female and much lighter than he is.

    Mo - 19 lbs
    Good for Mo for saving the team!

    8:43 HEY! It's Mikey from Season 7 in a Jennie-O commercial!

    8:46 Julio and Alexandra are up for elimination. My vote's on Alexandra going home, but I personally would have voted for Julio to go home. He cries over tractor tires. LOL

    8:48 Deliberation. "Don't just look at numbers. I want people to think I am more than a number," Allen. My daughter chimes in, "That's really nice, but they should vote out Julio because he weighs more and is a bigger threat." That's my girl!!

    8:49 The votes are in.

    Purple - Alexandra
    Pink - Julio
    Red - Julio
    Orange - Julio
    Brown - Alexandra
    Blue - Alexandra

    8:50 Commercial break. It's up to Green to decide who's going home. I say they vote for Alexandra.

    8:55 Yep, Green votes for Alexandra. Looks like the "old" contestants voted off the "young" contestant and the "young" contestants voted for the "old" contestant.

    8:57 "You can push beyond and amazing things can happen. It's really important to believe in yourself because no one can do it for you. Success isn't determined by how many days you're on the ranch. Success is the determination you have in your heart." Alexandra

    8:58 Wow, Alexandra has lost 60 lbs and is halfway to goal. She says she will be at goal at the finale, and is inspiring her mom and sister. You go girl! Wait, what's this about a crush on someone on the ranch? Hmmm ... is it Dan or Antoine?

    And that wraps up my first installment of "The Biggest Loser Diary". What did you think of the premiere? I hope you enjoyed it!

    xo,

    BETRAYED!

    Today's post title perfectly captures what I felt when I first saw this.

    xo,

    P90X Day 14: X Stretch

    Daily Weigh-In: -1.2 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Lost: -9.6 lbs in 14 days

    I woke up extra early today to get in my X Stretch. I've decided to follow the P90X Doubles program, and I decided today's a good day to wake up early to get my body used to the earlier wakey-wake time.

    What's the P90X Doubles program you ask? Well ... it's basically 2 P90X workouts per day (in addition to my half-marathon training). I am so completely fired up to get off the weight loss train by December 31, 2009. I want to go into 2010 and beyond AT GOAL, focusing on my new healthier lifestyle in maintenance mode, and not worry about constantly losing weight! Maintenance will take a whole new mindset, and I'm looking forward to the "forever" part of my transformation journey!

    xo,


    "Thomas Edison dreamed of a lamp that could be operated by electricity, began where he stood to put his dream into action, and despite more than ten thousand failures, he stood by that dream until he made it a physical reality. Practical dreamers do not quit." Napoleon Hill

    I would love to help you transform your life - whatever your goals may be, I can offer you the support, motivation, and the right tools to get you there. Contact me and let's get started today!

    Mental Monday

    I'll admit, the following article describes my dieting history perfectly. I now find myself in Skill Five - the newness of the new me is waning and motivation to keep on keeping on is waning. This is when I remind myself that not only has my hard work helped me to lose 110+ lbs, but I'm off my high blood pressure and GERD medications, my insomnia is 99% gone, and I've also healed my fatty liver. Results like these are priceless!

    xo,


    Weight Loss 101
    Sometimes we start losing weight, but we never finish. We ditch another diet. We throw in the towel on our exercise efforts. Maybe it's from outside pressure; sometimes we aren't ready to lose weight. Whatever the cause, it is not at all uncommon.

    That doesn't mean you're destined for failure. Even if you've started and stopped 100 times before, this time doesn't have to end the same way.

    By putting some important skills to use, you will find it a little easier to stick to your weight loss efforts than if you rely on sheer will alone.

    Skill One: Reward Yourself

    One of the best ways to stay motivated throughout your weight loss journey is to reward yourself with non-food rewards that you will look forward to and enjoy. It can be something tangible (a new book) or something intangible (no less important), such as a lazy Saturday of watching movies in bed.

    By marking a goal -- say, each five pound loss -- you will begin to correlate reaching your goals with a pleasurable experience. When simply seeing the scale numbers change loses its "buzz," that special treat will keep you going.

    Skill Two: Track Your Progress and Portions

    Whether you keep a spreadsheet on your computer or simply jot down your stats in a notebook, keeping an eye on your progress will keep you motivated. You can track your weight, measurements, or BMI -- it is up to you. By looking back at how far you've come, you're less likely to revert to old habits.

    Additionally, if you keep careful records, you will be able to catch slip-ups in your calorie counting or exercise habits that, left unchecked, could cause a major plateau or weight gain.

    Careful record-keeping includes closely monitoring portion sizes -- what many say is the most important long-term weight management key. Over-doing portions of even healthier foods can mean the difference between long-term weight loss success and eventual failure. Keeping a food diary is the best way to keep on top of what you're eating.

    Skill Three: Master Emotional Eating

    To achieve long-term weight loss success, you will have to come face-to-face with any emotional eating habits by asking some important questions: Do you overeat when you're angry? Do you splurge on an extra serving of dessert when you're feeling frustrated?

    Being honest with yourself is the only way to get the true measure of your emotional eating triggers. Without facing them, you will always be less likely to be in control of your weight.

    Skill Four: Prepare for the Pushers

    There will always be people who encourage you to go off your diet "just this once." That's not really a problem until "this once" becomes time and time again. If every time you see someone you go off the rails at their suggestion, it may mean you need to distance yourself or have a serious talk with about your weight loss efforts.

    Peer pressure doesn't end when you get older; it's ever-present if your friends and family correlate enjoying time with you to eating with you. Plan non-food activities with loved ones and work hard to resist temptation when you're in an environment where food is part of the festivities.

    Skill Five: Remember, It's About Health, Too

    In a recent Web poll, 65% of About.com's visitors said they were losing weight for appearance's sake; only 35% said they were doing it for their health. To be honest, that surprised me quite a bit, considering how great an impact weight loss has on health and overall quality of life.

    The thing is, your slimmer self will become your norm. The compliments about your weight loss will die down. Once you've worn that "new and improved" size for a while, the thrill of trying on the clothes in your new wardrobe will start to fade. Shopping outside a plus size store, if you're doing so for the first time, will be exciting only for so long (or until your credit cards are maxed out). So, if you ask me, it's not all about looks.

    When motivation to stick to your new eating and exercise habits wanes, and a quick glance in the mirror doesn't do the trick, considering the many health risks of obesity probably will get you going. By maintaining a healthier weight, you are more likely to live a longer life with fewer medical problems. Wearing a smaller size is just the icing on the cake; a happier, healthier life is the ultimate reward.

    P90X Day 13: Kenpo X

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.2 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Lost: -8.4 lbs in 12 days

    Ooohhh yeah, time to channel my inner Gina Carano and take out the bad guys with Kenpo X!



    I know, I know, I need to get my daily photos posted. I promise I'll get them done on Monday!

    xo,


    I would love to help you transform your life - whatever your goals may be, I can offer you the support, motivation, and the right tools to get you there. Contact me and let's get started today!

    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: Sharon
    Age: 25
    Blog URL: Shrinking Sharon
    Occupation: Writer - currently in marketing but looking to move into publishing/editing or possibly non-profit work!

    How often do you exercise?

    About 4 days a week or so. If by "exercise" you mean "official working out that entails donning a sports bra," then my answer is 3-4 days a week - my friend and I run Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, and usually on Saturday we either run in the morning or I go by myself at night. Sometimes I take walks on non-running days, and sometimes I randomly burst into fits of dancing around the house when a great song comes on the radio.

    Sharon says, this is the picture that when I saw it,
    I thought, "whoa. time to make changes."
    Taken end of June, 2009.


    What is your favorite workout?

    Right now it's running! I never ever ever in a million years thought I'd be a runner. Past fits of semi-dedicated running were suffered through, never enjoyed, and never leading to any long-term results or even short-term improvement. But that's how it goes when you're home from college for the summer, and you run with your friends for 15 minutes before going out to ice cream!

    This time around, having embraced the experience of working out as a way to get in touch with my body's natural operations, to notice the benefits of fueling it correctly and to enjoy the process of challenging and strengthening it, running has turned into more than a gritted-teeth means to an end. I've learned that my mind is stronger than my body, and that if my goals are reasonable, I don't have to give up as soon as my legs or lungs start to complain at me. I'm getting addicted to the fresh energy, good mood, and feeling my tough, tired legs on the days that I run, and I love setting running goals that would've been laughable two months ago, and I love meeting them soon than I ever would have believed feasible...Even when I'm hating the moment of running (like during the last lap of a mile when I'm seeing spots!) I love knowing that it's hard, but I can do it. My very very modest running success has had a revolutionary effect about how I feel about myself and my other life goals, too, which I never expected.

    Other work-out things - I try to do some crunches and push-ups in the evenings while I watch TV. And I have some Striptease Aerobics and Bellydance DVDs that are so much fun!

    Sharon today, 25 lbs lighter!


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

    So hard to pick just five! Somethings like garlic, onions, tomatoes, olive oil, go in to nearly everything I make, from stirfry to salads, and some things like milk and eggs and bananas are always in the kitchen - I'll stick to the newer things I've gotten addicted to.

    • Nonfat yogurt - I use it as a substitute for EVERYTHING from sour cream to mayo.

    • Quinoa - oddly named power grain that I had never heard of - but it's versatile and yummy. I also love Bulgar.

    • Eggplant

    • Zucchini - I've always loved it, but now I'm learning so many ways to make it yummy without smothering it in cheese.

    • Ground turkey
    Please tell us what your nutrition program is like ... what would a typical day's meal plan look like?

    At the very beginning, my plan was to eat healthier foods and avoid crappy ones, but I didn't ban anything. Instead I focused on each individual choice - "Do you really want McDonald's right now? Sure, you can have it, but do you want it badly enough to choose it right now?" It was really, really difficult to break my emotional reliance on food, especially if work was stressful, or I was lonely or bored, or felt I deserved a reward. But once I toughed through a few of those moments, they built up behind me - "Do you really want McDonald's right now, after you've been making good choices all day?" And then the days built up - "you've worked so hard to stay on track all week - are you sure you want to detour yourself with fat and grease?" And I learned how enjoyable real, fresh, healthy food is and how much nicer it makes your body feel, and the "fake" food cravings diminished,. The emotional side of eating is something I'm still learning to deal with, but the cumulative effect of so many discplined choices and happy scale numbers is quite a wall of support.

    Once I got a handle on the mental side of my destructive eating impulses, I was ready to move on from just avoiding bad things to actively seeking good ones. My general plan:

    • 1200-1500 calories a day (I've recently upped this to 1500-1800, now that I'm running more)

    • Power carbs: find alternatives to white foods - choose brown rice, whole wheat pasta, sweet potatoes

    • Make sure carbs and protein are in balance throughout the day. Lots of beans, lean pork chops and chicken breasts. If one meal is very carby, the next should be high protein

    • Tons of fruit and veggies - 5 a day!

    • Small portions - be aware

    • Eat slowly, pay attention to when you're satisfied, enjoy each bite as it comes.
    I'm not a slave to my calorie count or my food rules, having a rough structure of what I am and am not "allowed" to have helps me evaluate each choice or temptation - "What impact will this have on my eating day? is it worth it?"

    Typical weekday menu:

    Breakfast: oatmeal with fruit mixed in. Sometimes just oatmeal and applesauce. Sometimes with banana and peanut butter. Often with berries and a dollop of lowfat yogurt.

    Morning snack: Banana

    Lunch: Leftovers from last night's dinner

    Afternoon snack: Fruit with protein - apple and cheddar cheese, grapes and almonds, or sometimes a bit more lunch if I didn't eat the whole thing

    Dinner: I really enjoy cooking! I usually divide what I make into two or three servings so I have a couple of lunches. Some favorite meals: pork chop with brown rice and zucchini, big green spinach salad with lots of veggies and boiled egg, lean chicken breast and sweet potato, zucchini "pasta" with olive oil and tomato, whole wheat pasta with chick peas and parmesan.

    Evening snack: Sometimes a bit of ice cream, sometimes yogurt with nuts and berries...depends on when I'm hungry, how hungry I am, what I've already had.

    Weekends vary a little - I usually make an omelette with veggies and a piece of whole wheat toast or whole wheat english muffin for breakfast, and eat at less structured mealtimes than I do during the work week. Usually end up having at least one dinner out, often Fridays because that's my weigh-in day and I let it be a bit of a "cheat" day, so I might get pizza with a friend or something. In that case, I usually try to stick to reasonable portions.

    I do not stick to ANY of this religiously, at all! These are more the guidelines I try to bear in mind and the habits I've fallen into that allow for success. Above all , I'm working on remaking myself into a healthy lifestyle, so it has to be flexible for real life. I have to work hard, also, at not dwelling on mistakes or weak moments - having leftover pizza first thing after work instead of the healthy meal I planned to cook is not the best choice, but it's not a sin. Eating a handful more of pretzels than I really needed is not a federal offense. It's ok. Move on to the next time to make a choice.

    What is your favorite motivational/inspirational quote?

    One of my favorites is a comment from the classic Christmas movie, 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' - "There are more important things than comfort: self respect!"

    Ok, so it's a little taken out of context - I think the movie is sending us the message that we should accept who we are, and Rudolph's dad says that to him unkindly. But it's a funny little reminder to me that what's important is not always fast or easy. Accepting myself is not an excuse for failure. For a long time, I lied to myself that "this is just the way I am, it's ok to be heavy" because I was scared of making uncomfortable changes. But I'm learning now that it's actually so much more comfortable to be living a way that I can be proud of, and constantly improving myself, not because I think I'm so awful that I must change, but because I deserve to be stronger and faster and smarter and happier. Comfort through food is really so much more miserable than comfort through building self-respect. Food comfort is really not very comfortable at all.

    How do you find balance in your life?

    I wouldn't say that I've found it yet - but I'm learning how to work for it. I think it comes down to setting effective priorities and developing the self-restraint to follow them. I need to identify the big things that I want for myself and my world, then figure out what's in the way, then have the self-discipline to say no to the moment for the sake of the hour. My liberal arts professors always talked about the danger of "choosing the good over the great" and I'm learning to understand how that relates to reality. Balancing what I want now with what is really important to me. That's the hard part.

    Last 5 songs listened to on your iPod/mp3 player

    C'mon C'mon - Von Bondies
    I'm On A Roll - Over the Rhine
    I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
    Orange Wave - Deastro
    Shattered Glass - Britney Spears

    What is your greatest accomplishment?

    I hope my greatest accomplishment is always ahead of me! Right now, though, I think I'm most proud of doing so many things that I thought were impossible - I get up before dawn to run! I can run two miles without walking! And I'm proud of facing up to my emotional reliance on food, and sticking with it when it got chaotic and overwhelming and scary. I'm proud of learning to assume I can do things, rather than assuming I can't. I'm proud of setting new ambitions for my life that are scary. I'm proud of learning to be proud of myself. And I'm proud of each day that I stuck to the choices that I want to be making when I didn't want them in the moment - I'm not done with anything, and even when I hit my goal, I have to keep my commitment to this lifestyle so that i can stay healthy and happy and strong.

    What do you love most about your body?

    Oh this is a tricky one! Hmmm let's see. I like my legs - they're very long, and they've always been the last thing to get fat and flabby when I've put on weight, and they slim and tone up very quickly.

    Sharon, an incredible inspiration!


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

    I'm running my first 5K on Sunday, September 20! It's a dawn run through a historic Detroit cemetery, and I'm both excited and terrified.

    This summer, when I decided it was time to stop accepting less for myself and make a change, I set the goal of New Year's Eve for goal weight, which would be a rate of about 2 pounds a week. I chose that goal because the timeline seemed reasonable, but strict enough to keep me on track. And for New Year's I will be in New York City with several of my dear friends from around the country, so it's the perfect occasion to buy the kind of dress I've never been able to wear and celebrate a new year with the new me.

    I'm still on track for that, at about the halfway point for weight and timeline. At first I just wanted to lose 60 pounds, not realizing the myriad of other benefits that would come along with healthy, intentional eating and regular exercise! Now I know that even if I haven't quite hit the magic number by that point (I'm moving from Detroit to NYC in about a month, so that might throw a bit of a halt on things while I'm in transition), if I remain on track as well as I have so far, I will be in the best shape of my life, physically and emotionally, and I will be full of energy and excitement for the future!

    Any words of advice you'd like to share with someone sitting at home, reading your interview, wishing/hoping/wanting to change?

    I think a weight issue or unhealthy lifestyle is something that you won't change until you're truly ready. It's like potty-training or a drug problem - no matter what other people are doing to prod you towards it, or how much you like the idea of change. you have to be ready, really really ready. When that lever clicks in your mind and it's more upsetting to stay the way you are than to change, you'll be unstoppable.

    That being said, I do have some advice for the moment when you're ready -

    Don't set any limits, good or bad. Don't make grand statements of never eating such-and-such again, and don't assume that certain habits or accomplishments are just not possible for you. Focus on the making the good choice that's in the moment in front of you, whether it's a big one or a small one. Let the little choices escalate, and soon you'll be doing things that you never would have considered. Focus on what you're adding, not what you're missing. Don't be afraid of failing - failure isn't permanent. It's just this moment. You made a bad choice - oh well! Don't dwell on it; just note why this time was rough and move on. Don't obsess. And don't be afraid to do it your way. It's your body and your life. And be flexible - life is unpredictable. If you find an approach to fitness and health that's working, commit to it - but don't be so dependent on it that you fall apart if something gets in the way of it one day or the next. Commit to your goal, not to your method. And celebrate your successes! Set lots of tiny goals and feel proud of yourself for accomplishing them! It's hard and scary to change your life - and you're doing it! You're brave!


    Sharon, I am so blessed to count on you as one of my inspirations! I met Sharon through my weight loss social network, Operation Fat Blaster, and she's been motivating my socks off ever since :) Please be sure to visit Sharon's blog, Shrinking Sharon!

    xo,

    P90X Day 12: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

    Daily Weigh In: -0.8 lbs
    Total P90X Weigh-In: -8.2 lbs in 11 days

    Listen up dear reader, do not try this at home ... Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X immediately followed by a 5 mile run.

    After last night's late workout, I decided to do my P90X and half-marathon training back to back this morning because the day is going to be a busy one.

    It was brutal!

    I just got back from my run, and boy oh boy was that one of the hardest runs I've ever done - I was running so slow towards the end, I think I was running backwards LOL

    I'm off to fix myself a larger than normal recovery shake! Keep pushing play everyone!

    xo,


    I would love to help you transform your life - whatever your goals may be, I can offer you the support, motivation, and the right tools to get you there. Contact me and let's get started today!

    P90X Day 11: Yoga X

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.2 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Loss: -7.4 lbs in 10 days

    While today wasn't quite as hectic as yesterday, I once again find myself getting ready to push play quite late at night. My mornings are reserved for my half-marathon training because it's nicer to run in the cool mornings than hot afternoons, but I'm really not liking these late night workouts. BUT ... I'm pushing play because I committed myself to 90 days with Tony Horton, and I'm not gonna give up on myself!

    Plus, it's Yoga X - one of my favorite workouts! :)

    xo,


    I would love to help you transform your life - whatever your goals may be, I can offer you the support, motivation, and the right tools to get you there. Contact me and let's get started today!

    P90X Day 10: Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X

    Daily Weigh-In: -1.0 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Loss: -7.2 lbs in 9 days!

    You know, it's been one of those days ...

    I woke up, didn't feel well, but pushed myself to get up and complete my half-marathon training (4 miles today). Then I had to get ready for work and get the kids off to school. Work was crazy, but that's the new normal for me ... got a call from the health room at 11 that my son had a fever, and was in quarantine because the H1N1 virus has hit his school. Oh joy.

    I picked him up and went straight to the doctor's office where they drugged him silly for his fever, and drew blood for the H1N1 virus. Initial reports are that it's the regular flu (thank HEAVENS). I got him settled at home, then had to rush out to drop my daughter off at a cheerleading clinic, then came back home to take care of my son.

    Three hours later, I picked up my daughter - she and her friend ambushed me at the gym door saying I'm always saying we'll have a playdate "next time", so I caved and brought them both home for a quick dinner, drugged my son again, then dropped the girls off at tumbling class.

    Came back home to check on my son (who's been passed out in bed all this time), then went back to pick up the girls from tumbling, drop her friend home, came back home, fixed dinner for my son (homemade butternut squash soup), helped my girl with her homework, gave her a bath, washed her hair, got her in bed, read a story with her.

    I check on my son - he's finally cool to the touch, it must be one of those 24 hr bugs, thank Heavens! He says he wants to take a shower, so while he's in the bathroom, I look around his bedroom and can't believe what a mess it is and can't help myself from picking things up and tidying his room. He came out hungry again, so I fixed him a sandwich, then tucked him back into bed, where he's now passed out again.

    Then I thought I could finally relax, so I sat at my computer ... I checked my fish in the Facebook App "Fish World" (don't ask lol), checked email (gosh you guys have been busy!), went to Operation Fat Blaster to encourage my girls with our upcoming The Biggest Loser: OFB Style challenges (starting next week, check us out!), and now I'm here, realizing I have to get my P90X Shoulders & Arms and Ab Ripper X workout in. And it's 10:04pm.

    So I don't know what you would do after a day like today, but I'm gonna go push play! Right NOW!

    xo,


    I would love to help you transform your life - whatever your goals may be, I can offer you the support, motivation, and the right tools to get you there. Contact me and let's get started today!

    P90X Day 9: Plyometrics

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.6 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Loss: -6.2 lbs in 8 days!

    You know, I was a pretty normal, active kid. As most, I was 15 lbs overweight at any given time. I played soccer, I ran around and chased boys, I rode my bike, I walked to school (uphill both ways - which is actually possible where I grew up), was in the marching band ... so yes, I'd say I was pretty active.

    But never, in my most "active" of childhood days, did I ever jump around as much as I do with P90X Plyometrics! I literally have to lock the kitty in the basement and shoo the kids outside because I need to focus completely on the workout - you're jumping around so much, there is no way I can have the kids, the kitty, and their friends and toys and books lying all over the place!

    I really need Plyo today to get rid of an abundance of stress - it was one of those days at work (I'm telling you, the level of stress I'm facing is almost becoming the new "normal"), and all I could think about while driving home was pushing play!

    Here's to hoping everyone pushed play today!

    xo,


    I would love to help you transform your life - whatever your goals may be, I can offer you the support, motivation, and the right tools to get you there. Contact me and let's get started today!

    Wordless Wednesday



    xo,

    P90X Day 8: Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.2 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Lost: -5.6 lbs in 7 days

    So last week Betsy joked that she's afraid of a workout that has an "X" in its name LOL You know, I have to admit, typing out Ab Ripper X, or Yoga X, or X Stretch does make me feel might fit and fierce!!

    This was my 2nd time doing Chest & Back and I pushed myself up to go up to the next set of weights - oh yeah, did that do the job! I always sweat buckets after a P90X workout, but sheesh, I think I coulda cured the drought of a small country after today's workout!

    I definitely feel my tummy area isn't quite as bloated - but that could be with the passing of TOM too. Either way, I'll take it! I know I'm behind in posting my daily photos, I promise to get them up by tomorrow!

    xo,

    Mental Monday

    When it comes to nutrition vs exercise, I'll be honest, I'll pick nutrition. It is much easier to create a 100 calorie deficit with nutrition than to burn off 100 calories with exercise. I still strongly believe that a healthy life is a balanced partnership between nutrition and exercise, but hope the following article will help you with easy ways to cut calories during your day.

    xo,



    Cutting Calories Made Easy

    You watch what you eat and exercise, so why is the scale still your worst enemy? You may be eating more calories than you think. Consuming just 100 extra calories a day for a year can add up to a 10 pound weight gain, so those little slips can be a big deal!

    To avoid scale creep, try substituting healthier choices that have fewer calories, but maintain flavor. Cutting calories can be easy - it's a matter of making a few simple substitutions over the course of a day. Watch out for these worst calorie-packing offenders you may not even realize are sabotaging your weight management plan!

    Cutting Calories in the Morning

    Love your morning fog lifter? A grande size cafe mocha made with 2% milk contains about 260 calories. Slim down your drink by ordering the smaller tall size made with skim milk, and you can save around 100 calories. With the rich flavor from the chocolate syrup, you won't miss the 2% milk. Bonus: Always ask for your drinks without whipped cream - it saves you almost half a day's worth of saturated fat.

    Bagels have gotten bigger! A specialty shop blueberry bagel with 2 oz of cream cheese adds up to about 530 calories. If you have only half the bagel, and fill out your breakfast with a side of fruit, you'll cut about 115 calories, plus get a healthy dose of vitamins from the fruit.

    Cutting Calories in the Afternoon

    What are you drinking with your lunch? If you're cracking open a canned soft drink, chances are you're gulping down around 140 calories before you even unwrap your sandwich. Simply eliminating a single daily soft drink, at 140 calories per can, will save you 51,100 calories a year! Need more convincing to give up your favorite soft drink? Those 51,100 calories from your daily soda translate into nearly 15 pounds over a year's time! Can the soda, and pair your lunch with zero calorie water instead. If it's the fizz you like, try calorie-free flavored seltzer water.

    At snack time, it's easy to use up an entire day's worth of discretionary calories (100-300 calories) with one push of a vending machine's button. You can break the vending machine habit by bringing your own lower-calorie snack from home in anticipation of the afternoon snack attack. You'll be cutting calories but keeping your afternoon snack.

    Cutting Calories in the Evening

    At dinner, serve your plate at the kitchen counter with reasonable portions. Research suggests that if food is served on the table family style, people continue to eat even after they are full. Skipping seconds if you're not really hungry for them is a simple way to cut unnecessary calories.

    If you enjoy an occasional nighttime snack, take the time to measure out a serving and put the container away. It's easy to eat more than a serving if you and the box are in front of the T.V. Four handfuls of snack crackers can quickly turn into a 500 calorie diet buster! Mindless noshing can add up to big calories before you can say "commercial break."

    The Bottom Line

    Cutting calories doesn't have to be an insurmountable task. If you make small changes to everyday habits, such as cutting calories from "extras" or second helpings, you may find that your scales quit creeping.

    Written by Beth Sumrell Ehrensberger, MPH, RD
    Published in September 2007



    Join my team!

    I'm looking for 5 motivated individuals to join my Beachbody team! You too can get paid to get fit, and help people achieve their health and wellness dreams!

    Join me on a free, informational webinar tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8th at 8pm EST / 5pm CST for more information about the amazing and exciting Beachbody Opportunity - we're getting ready to take off and this is the time to join! Contact me for details!

    xo,

    P90X Day 7: X Stretch

    Daily Weigh-In: -0.8 lbs
    Total P90X Weight Lost: -5.4 lbs in 1 week!

    The 7th day of each week during P90X are optional - you can do the workout of the day, or take a rest day. I chose to do the workout - X Stretch, and am soooo glad I did! I'm glad that the 7th day falls on Mondays for me as they are usually the craziest days of the week for me at work. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I'm actually looking forward to next Monday so I can do X Stretch again!

    Before I go, I found this clip of Chalene Johnson talking about responsibility. It's really quick and extremely motivating, so please watch it before you go!



    Need I say more? I'm taking responsibility for my life. Are you?

    xo,


    I would love to help you transform your life - whatever your goals may be, I can offer you the support, motivation, and the right tools to get you there. Contact me and let's get started today! You can also click here for more information.

    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: Sarah
    Age: 32
    Occupation: SAHM
    Blog: Mommy Elephants Adventures and Washing Away the Gain

    How often do you exercise?

    I try to do some kind of activity 5 times a week! Mostly I am walking with my son in a jogger, but I've also started the couch to 5K program, so I am doing that a couple days too.

    Sarah and her beautiful family at Disneyland.
    Sarah is in the 180s in this photo.



    What is your favorite workout?

    Working out in the weight room, but I have yet to make it back to the gym since having my son.

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

    • Egg Beaters

    • 99% Fat Free Ground Chicken

    • Peanut Butter

    • Luna Bars

    • Fat Free Milk


    Please tell us what your nutrition program is like ... what would a typical day's meal plan look like?

    Breakfast - Every morning (unless I'm in a serious rush) I have 1 c. hash browns or 3 oz of sun-dried tomato pesto oven fries, with 2 strips of 98 % FF turkey bacon, and 1/2 c. of egg beaters. I use a little olive oil spray in a pan and cook everything separately in the pan. It's a tasty egg scramble basically. Very filling!

    Lunch - Depending if I am in a hurry, or if I don't feel like preparing anything I eat a frozen meal, otherwise a sandwich, or my latest and favorite meal is a salad with baby greens, grilled chicken breast, cucumbers, and avocado. Then I make up a mixture of dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and water and use that for dressing.

    Snacks - Luna bar or fruit. Whenever I have a craving for a sweet I eat a white chocolate macadamia or cookies and cream luna bar. Only 180 cal and takes care of the sweet tooth.

    Dinner- We eat a lot of the 99% fat free ground chicken. A few months ago we came across it after always eating the ground turkey. Let's just say I haven't had any 98 % FF ground turkey in a long time. The chicken is so moist, and I really like the flavor. So some nights I grill chicken burgers without buns, and some nights we have tacos with the ground chicken. With a little one it's all about what's fast but still tasty and healthy. If we are having tacos I like to make my own salsa with tomatoes from our yard.

    Sarah walking her handsome lil' boy.
    Sarah is in her 160's in this photo.


    What is your favorite motivational/inspirational quote? This is awful but I don't have one.

    How do you find balance in your life?

    I just make time for the things important to me, and I find time to take care of me. My son always comes first, but I don't neglect myself either. My health affects him too! It's important to me to live a healthy lifestyle, and for him to see I am happy.

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

    I don't listen to my iPod anymore. It's been well over a year and half. This will sound totally crazy, but I listen to Baby Genius (classical music) on my iPhone while running. It's relaxing and puts me in a good mood. I find that I run and take in all of my surroundings with joy. Cheesy I know, but it's true.

    I found I was getting annoyed with music ... does that mean I'm getting old?! In all seriousness I love music, but just not while walking or running outdoors. In the gym is different, but I haven't made it back there yet, my workouts are outside right now.

    What is your greatest accomplishment?

    Having my son, and then losing over 50 lbs of the baby weight in 5 months. I didn't wait long to get back into good eating habits. I indulged while I was pregnant because I knew myself, and I knew I would get rid of the baby weight. I had the confidence from the beginning to do it.

    Sarah and Max in Minnie Mouse's kitchen.
    Sarah is 140lbs in this photo.


    What do you love most about your body?

    That I'm comfortable in it. There isn't any body part I like more, I feel great overall.

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

    I have my first 5K in October that I am training right now to run the whole thing. My husband is joining me, and says he wants to stick with me. I think it would be awesome if we ran the whole thing without walking!! I also want to start going back to the gym to tone up my arms and legs in the weight room. Hopefully I'll be blogging about that real soon! :D

    Sarah and her family.
    Sarah is 138 lbs in this photo.


    Any words of advice you'd like to share with someone sitting at home, reading your interview, wishing/hoping/wanting to change?

    Don't give up! You control yourself, no one else. Make time for yourself, and don't beat yourself up when you feel like you failed with food on a meal. Remember each meal counts, so if you go way over your calories on one meal, it doesn't mean you have to throw in the towel for the whole day and start new the next day...start new with the next meal!!


    It is a huge honor and delight to feature Sarah as my Former Fat Girl of the Week! Sarah was one of my first blogging friends when I started blogging a few years ago, and she has been incredibly inspirational and motivational since the first day we "met" :) I love Sarah's outlook on life, and as a new Mom, Sarah is an incredible role model for other new moms out there, even for "old" moms like me! Please be sure to visit Sarah's blogs Mommy Elephants Adventures and Washing Away the Gain

    xo,

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