More Of The Same

So last week I posted about how on Sunday, I started feeling way better and that was true... for a few days anyway. Monday rolled around and my upper lip started to swell and my energy was pretty low, but I was able to workout out at Annie's. After that my week went down hill, let me give you a run down -

• Sunday- Worked out doing the 6 week six pack and felt pretty good.

• Monday- Lip started swelling and had low energy but worked out with Annie, Chantel and Helena (via skype). We did the 'awesome' dance workout...

• Tuesday- Felt really crappy and spend most of the day barley moving but had an energy rush in the evening and used it to do the 6 week six pack.

• Wednesday- Was my birthday and I felt the worst yet! I couldn't do anything but my wonderful husband made my day spectacular by taking care of me, playing games with me and cooking me a wonderful dinner. He spent the whole day doting on me! I didn't workout, hey it was my birthday!

• Thursday- Decided not to workout, I wanted to see if working out was hindering my ability to get better.

• Friday- Couldn't get out of bed.

• Saturday- Wasn't much better.

As you can see my week has been super productive... Through it all I have had cold-like symptoms (I probably have a cold) and have had a swollen lip with a what looks like a 'cold sore' but worse... much worse.

As far as the challenges went, I did pretty good! I tried a new workout with Annie, Chantel and Helena, we picked it because of its awesome cover. I drank tons of water, like crazy amounts, at least 12 cups a day.... I have been trying to stay hydrated! I didn't write up a theme for myself (I was in bed most of the week) but I did think of one. I recited it everyday and I am going to write it up soon. My theme changed a little from when I first came up with it, originally it was 'Do It Today So You Don't Have To Do It Tomorrow' that is something that really helps me to just get stuff done. Thinking about the fact that if you don't do it now, you will still have to do it but you don't know what factors are going to come up later to make it harder or impossible get done 'later'. I changed it to 'Do It Today So You Have The Choice Tomorrow' That better stated it for me, you do it today because you still have a choice of when to get it done but if you wait, you just made your choice not to have a choice tomorrow. So in a nut shell it is just smarter to do it today :) both themes are what I have been trying to 'live' by and it is working well so far!

Challenge week 4!

New Here?

Each week we get 2 new challenges. Always a physical and then either an emotional or nutritional one. Challenges are posted and started Sunday. They go through Saturday. Next time you blog, tell us how you did! Be honest! Do good? Do bad? How do you feel?

Physical Challenge!

Heart Rate!
Get your heart rate up three times this week for a half hour, that doesn't have to mean a full on workout but something as simple as dancing in the kitchen when you cook or walking briskly as you shop!

Nutritional Challenge!

Fruit Bowl! Have a fruit bowl on your counter? Fill it! Make a conscious effort to have a fruit everyday! If you see it out on your counter, you are more likely to grab it!

I need a nap. A nice, 3 week long nap.

What is with everybody getting sick?? You'd think it was still winter or something.

We got a huge snowstorm earlier this week, and I turned back into a hermit. Last weeks warm weather was so inviting and exercise-inducing. But this cold weather just makes me want to crawl into a dark cave (made out of blankets) and sleep the next few weeks away.

I went running once last week. That seems pretty standard, huh? And I have no plans to repeat that torture. Not ever. Or, at least, not until it gets warmer out.

That's kind of everything I have to report. Now if you'll excuse me, my warm bed is calling.

-Helena

Feeling good

Alright, well I ran once, but I didn't get to it the second time. 

I tried, but I just couldn't get my feet to move.

They really hate running...

But I did do it the one time, and I'm thinking I might try it again sometime even if it isn't a challenge. I kind of want to make myself learn to enjoy it.

I read the article too, and it was really good, and I really enjoyed it. They are all points that I want to continue to work on. Last week I was focusing on #4 mostly, because I definitely need to challenge myself more; mind and body. 

I think I did pretty good. 

Sure, I only ran once, but I didn't let that discourage me. I did other things to challenge myself and I'll continue to do so. One thing I'm working on is waking up around 7:15 every morning and staying up.

That's pretty big for me, because I love staying up late.

But I've been learning a lot about how very important it is to not over sleep, and wake up early.

Not to mention that waking up early helps increase your spirituality  and we're told to do so in D&C 88:124

Even though it's a hard habit to make and keep, it is so worth it.

I feel so much happier, healthier and alert since doing this.

Except I think I'm getting sick... again. 

There's a bug going around or something, but I'm trying to use the secret and repeat over and over that I'm healthy and not getting sick. 

We'll see if that works :-)

Happy Birthday!

Jillian says Happy Birthday Amber! She got you and Oral B toothbrush.Sorry it's not wrapped.

Challege week 2 recap!

This week went CRAZY fast for me! Already Tuesday again?!!?

So running/jogging. I did it once in the parking lot. And didn't complete the other one. (lame) I did jog/walk. It was not as bad as I thought!

Reading the article and applying it. That was harder for me, but I did it. I tried to focus on tip one. I can accept myself for who I am now and who I want to become.

Happy Week!

Well...

This past week I didn't exactly ace... Things started off with Valentines day, I decided I would do an extra workout on Saturday, so I could take the day off and spend my evening with my husband. No big deal I knew I could easily make that up... I didn't, however, account for getting sick :( It was bad... I could barely get out of bed, let alone do my normal workouts and the physical challenge of running twice! I was able to do one workout on Tuesday with Annie and Chantel (Helena wasn't available) but that was before I really got hit with whatever it was I caught! Even though I was physically unable to work out, I still felt like I was letting myself down. I had been doing so well with the 6 Week Six Pack Program and now I have to go back a week and start it over. I know I shouldn't, but I really feel like I somehow failed. I did, however, read the article like we were supposed to and I really enjoyed it. Those are some of the things I have been trying to do in my life, so it was nice to see I'm on the right track! Yesterday (Sunday) was the first day I felt up to doing a workout, so I jumped right back into my 6 Week Six Pack, even though it was harder than it normally is, it felt so good to be working out again! I am now feeling almost completely better, so I have have high hopes for this coming week!

challenge week 3!

New Here?

Each week we get 2 new challenges. Always a physical and then either an emotional or nutritional one. Challenges are posted and started Sunday. They go through Saturday. Next time you blog, tell us how you did! Be honest! Do good? Do bad? How do you feel?

This week we are doing three challenges! Can you do it?

Physical:

Switch It Up!
Do a workout that you normally don't, it could be running, dancing or an unused DVD but break away for the norm and spice it up a little!

Nutritional:

"I will drink water, and only rarely have sugary drinks" Add fruit to your water! Check the labels. Sugar? Try to stay away!

Mental Challenge:

DO you have a theme? Come up with a theme for yourself. Type it up,make it look cute, put it in a frame. Put it somewhere you can see it and repeat it daily.

What we should do next week...

How about a little Jazzercise?
I vote we do this exercise next week.

It's too good to pass up.

I'm liking tip #5...

Howdy folks.

Things have been going well here in Pittsburgh.

Despite Valentines Day.

Normally, I would be sitting around eating cookies and chocolates and pink-colored everything. But this year is different.

This year I'm eating cookies and chocolates and pink-colored everything while standing.

And while helping people pack and clean and carry furniture. Which I am counting as today's exercise because I was definitely sweating by the end of that two hour session.

Have I mentioned that I'm a good friend?

Now, about this weeks challenges.

The Physical Challenge. The going jogging two times? I've got it covered. I mean, I haven't done it yet, but I still have two days. It's gonna happen. Probably.

The Emotional Challenge. I clicked through to read The Body Confidence Techniques article, planning to skim it quickly and write something fast: "Great pick, totally love it!" etc.

But then points 1 and 2 grabbed me, and wouldn't let go.

Maybe because I spend a terrible half hour this evening trying on outfit after outfit, getting more and more angry with every glance in the mirror. Every shirt I threw to the ground, and then stamped on because it was either that, or scream, and I didn't want to scare my neighbors.

We all have things we dislike (sometimes intensely), and want to change about our bodies. I know I do. And we all have days when we look in the mirror, and all we see are the flaws (or is that just me?).

But focusing on those things, and letting them get us down? All that gets us is a lack of confidence, and a hatred towards mirrors. Towards what we see in the mirror.

This article is all about loving yourself, and strutting your stuff. It's about accepting your body, and loving it, then challenging it, and showing it off.

And that sounds a whole lot better to me.

Confidence is sexy.

I am sexy.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go celebrate it. Thanks tip #5....

(Ow!Ow!)

-Helena

First week back in the game!

I did pretty good this past week, but not perfectly.

I did alright with the snacks, however I did break the rules and have an unhealthy snack... but just the one!
If that makes it any better :-)

When I watched Netflix on my actual television I did great with working out!
However, I usually watch Netflix on my computer while I was working on a paper for my writing class and during those hours, I sat... I didn't work out! But I was multi-tasking if that helps ;-)

As you guys know, I took a few years off of school, and even though I'm just taking the one class it was really stressing me out. I've worked so hard on this paper that I turned in today, but I was stressing more than I should have, and I was letting little things get to me.

So, that's why I didn't rock the challenges, however my paper is done and handed in and I will manage my time better for the next one :-)

I haven't done any jogging or running yet. I'll have to do that tomorrow and the next day though!
Has anyone else done the running yet?

Nailed It!

I didn't post yesterday (my assigned blogging day) because of Valentines Day, so even though I will be posting on Annie's day, I still wanted to let you all know how I did!

The challenges were to get rid of junk food and eat healthy snacks and to workout while watching TV (at least during the commercials)

I didn't have any snacks to really throw out at home but I did stock up on some good stuff, I got a ton of fruits and veggies and also I made smoothies to eat at work for when I got hungry (I added ground up oatmeal, it made them super filling and thick)

I, like Annie, used my balance ball to sit on as I watched TV (a good core workout) I would sit on it the whole time and then on the commercials I would lift weights. My husband looked at me like I was crazy as I started lifting weights but I kept at it anyway :)

My week of workouts went well too!

Monday- Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred (with Annie, Chantel and Helena Via Skype)

Tuesday- Jillian Michaels, Six Week 6 Pack (I was already so sore from the Shred...)

Wednesday- Jillian Michaels, Six Week 6 Pack (I started to get sick that day so my energy wasn't as good)

Thursday- Jillian Michaels, Six Week 6 Pack (I was definitely sick, I had to fight to be able to stick through the whole workout but I did it!)

Friday- Nothing, I had an unexpected visitor come over, so I wasn't able to workout (turned out to be a good thing because I was really sick)

Saturday- Jillian Michaels, Six Week 6 Pack (normally this is my day off but I was making up for taking Friday off. I still wasn't feeling great but I did it!)

Challenge week 1 review.

Don't watch TV on the couch! A couple times I caught myself doing it and then said NO! I got a new Big balance ball and spent most TV watching minutes on it. (rolling around) when I got tiered of that, I would sit and lift weights, or sit in the chair with my feet on the ball and bounce, hip circles or leg stretches. It was super fun!

Healthy snacks! I did a lot of Popsicles this week. Fruit ones. Lime, my favorite. I also did some homemade salsa, and cut up citrus.

Challenge week 2!

New Here?

Each week we get 2 new challenges. Always a physical and then either an emotional or nutritional one. Challenges are posted and started Sunday. They go through Saturday. Next time you blog, tell us how you did! Be honest! Do good? Do bad? How do you feel?

1: Physical

Go for a run, or a jog for at least 15 minutes, and do that 2 times this week! You got this!! If you are having a hard time doing a constant run or jog split it up! 1 min jog, 1 min walk. Alternate!

2.: Emotional/Mental

Read this article on body confidence.

How does it effect you? Does it make you change your mindset and how you feel about yourself?

Have a great week!

22 miles!

I had a goal to wear my fitbit (pedometer) everyday this week. I put it on every am and took it off right before bed. Guess what? I walked 22 miles this week! I usually average around 16-18 so it's not a huge jump but still cool! I mapquested that. It is equal tot he distance between my front door and IKEAs! That is a long walk!

The Mysterious 51%

Last time I mentioned that I want to do the 80/20 diet and have 51% of my meals be raw

I didn't explain why I chose 51%, because I thought I'd keep you guessing ;-)

Michael and I have been learning a lot about processed foods and the things our bodies need to function ideally. And one thing's for sure, our bodies need to detox from all the junk we ingest.

This is kind of gross, but I've heard of people who have lost up to 15 pounds a day through using the bathroom (I did warn you that it's gross) once they started eating raw vegetables, it helped their body to get rid of toxins. Toxins will come out however they can right?

And while I don't need to get rid of quite that many toxins, it will still help :) I would encourage you all to include more raw foods in your diet as well

So why 51%? You can read here to find out :-)

This week I haven't done quite as good in the raw food department, though I have been eating at least one meal a day that is entirely raw (thank goodness for green drinks)

I've also decided that this week I would work on different areas of my body for a little bit each day, in addition to working out at least twice a week. Yesterday I did some thigh exercises and today I worked on my abs. I'm thinking tomorrow I'll work on my arms :-)

I've been doing pretty good with the not staying still while watching tv, but not so good on the healthy snacks... but I'll do better for the rest of the week :-) Tonight I took my own advice and had an orange popsicle when I was feeling the sweet tooth.

How are you guys doing on the challenges?

What are some ways you detox?

Recipes!

Since this week is Healthy Snacks, I thought I would post a few recipes I found this week! Enjoy!

Broiled Grapefruit

and

Baked Zucchini

We also tried something new for dinner tonight. Jimmy made fun of it saying it was a rice wannabe but it was good.

Learn about it here

My Weekly Update

I decided to start this last week off strong, season 3 of our challenge has just started and I wanted to get a running start. We didn't have a challenge last week, so I can't report on that, so instead I'll fill you all in about my week of workouts!

Monday

Pilates with Annie, Chantel and Helena (via Skype)

Tuesday

Jillian Michaels, 6 Week six pack. It was hard but I felt accomplished

Thursday

Jillian Michaels, 6 Week six pack. It seemed to be a little easier but still really hard

Friday

Jillian Michaels, 6 Week six pack. I felt like I might die if I kept doing it but I pushed through the pain... and there was a lot of pain...

Saturday

My day of rest, and man did I need it!

Sunday

Pilates, it felt good to do something that was a little more low impact and refreshing. Though it was still hard, especially with how sore I still was!

Season 3 Challenge week 1.

New Here?

Each week we get 2 new challenges. Always a physical and then either an emotional or nutritional one. Challenges are posted and started Sunday. They go through Saturday. Next time you blog, tell us how you did! Be honest! Do good? Do bad? How do you feel?

Challenge 1: Physical

Don't watch TV on the couch! If you are watching a show, exercise during it! Lift weights, walk in place, stretch, anything that will keep you fro sitting still. Too much? Do it during commercials only. You can still get a workout in those 2 1/2 min breaks.

Challenge 2: Nutritional

Healthy Snacks!
Stock your house with healthy snacks this week and get rid of anything unhealthy that will tempt you to eat it instead of your new healthy alternatives! Let us know what you stocked up on so we can maybe do the same!

Fine...

I will do it too... The 80/20 that is. Dave said if I choose that one, I am doing the anti-diet because we already eat 90/10 but I needed to choose and I was running out of time! I would really like to do the Blood type diet but the extra cost of getting the book and finding out my blood type just isn't in the budget right now. I will try and find a way to put a good twist on it though... If I come up with anything I'll let you guys know :)

I'm excited about this season, I have already started working hard but I can't wait to really kick it off with all of you!

What can I say? I am a follower....At least 51 percent of the time.

I'm gonna do the 80/20 diet, too.

After all, everyone else is doing it, and I don't want you guys talking smack about me behind me back.

(I'm looking at you, Annie.)

And yes, Tel, I would love to hear your raw ideas. While I might not eat 51% of my diet raw, I would totally be willing to try munching on some uncooked food.

...Just not uncooked meat. Because that's dangerous.

And even though tapeworms make you skinny, some things are just not worth the grossness...

-Helena

PS. Chantel- you said you are going to eat 51% of your food raw. What the heck? 51 percent?? Is that like, half of your meal plus an extra raw pea?

I've decided!

It took me a while to decide what diet I'd like to follow, it was a little difficult, I've never done a diet before, and I wanted to include Michael in the decision because whatever I choose Michael will be following as well -at least some of the time ;-)

They all sound like they are really good diets, way to make it difficult guys :-P 

The blood type diet sounds interesting, but I don't know my blood type yet...

So I've decided I'm going to do the 80/20 with a twist. I want to add a stipulation for myself that 51% of the meals I eat be raw. It's healthy and helps your body detox more than almost anything else which is so important with all the crappy stuff we put into it.

If anyone else wants to start implementing more raw foods in your diet let me know and I can post ideas and we can help each other :-) 

So, that's what I'm planning on doing! I'm going to use some of the websites that were posted in the diet info to help get ideas for the 80%. 

I'm excited for this challenge, and I know that as we help and motivate each other we will all be able to stick to our chosen diets and succeed!

I'm late!!

I know, we've moved on. But here's a little post that was supposed to go up last week.

I need to apologize. I have been suffering from blogging burnout.

Even on my own blog, Life in the Pitts- which is crazy, since for a year and a half I was posting every single day!

...Which might be why I burned out.

Over and over again I'd get in front of my computer, and just sit there. I had stories to share, but, well, they just wouldn't come out.

After a while I started feeling guilty for not blogging. And so I started avoiding even looking at the computer.

Which left you all hanging.

Instead of trying to make up for this last season in one post, I will just write out the basics of how I did.

I lost weight.

YES.

I lost 15lbs before Christmas. Not quite the 20 I was looking for, but I am not complaining.

...Of course, I gained back 5 of those pounds over the holidays.

But as of today, I am weighing in at 10 pounds less than the start of this season. I think that's pretty darn awesome.

I did it by trying to eat healthier, eat less, drink water, and exercise often. I wasn't doing all the challenges, which probably disqualifies me from winning. But for me, the best prize was on that scale this morning.

This time around, I am going to try and do better. To keep up that weight loss, and participate.

And I think I'm going to win.

Bring it, girls.

Season 3!

I am pumped! Let's do this! I am so excited this round. Even more than others. Not sure why but I'll take it! So I picked a diet........

I'm excited for the 80/20. I think that will be the easiest. But I like the stoplight one too. Maybe nextime. Another goal of mine is to wear my fit bit and chart my food and exercise daily. (Don't know what a fitbit is? I'll tell you later.) :)

Thanks for following us! We hope you have so much fun and believe in yourself!

Thank goodness for a new season!

For the last week and a half or so whenever I'd visit the blog on my laptop this is what I would see:

Annie's picture would never show up, and Amber's turned into this random picture, and sometimes it would be two little kids... it was weird...

But now that we have a new season, this is what I see:

It's nice to see your lovely faces again :-)

Season Three

Time sure does fly!

I'm psyched about season three, and I'm looking forward to trying to stick to a diet. 

I've never really done that before :-)

One thing I heard recently, and I'm not sure if it's 100% accurate, but I read that the average person needs to workout three times a week for 20-30 minutes in order to maintain their weight

That really puts it into perspective for me

I thought I'd pass that on, in case we're part of that average, then we might just need/want to step it up a notch... Something to think about.

In any case, I am really excited to get things going again, and get cracking on some challenges!

What are some ways you guys are going to stay motivated?

Here are some tips I found online

A goal I have for this season is to get slight ab definition.

Nothing drastic, don't worry! 

...ew.

I am not a fan of the bulky muscles :-P

I'm thinking more like Jillian Michaels and not more defined than that

Anyway, that's one of my goals. 

I'd love to hear some of yours!

AND I haven't decided which diet I'm going to do yet... I'll post again when I decide :-)
Have you chosen yet?

Diet Plans, You Choose!

Out of the 4 diet plans listed below, each 'contestant' will pick one to follow for the next three months! And the diets are-

The Blood Type Diet

This whole diet is based around the idea that different blood types require different things. If you are a type O you should be eating differently than if you are type AB. The idea is appealing if you are looking for some specific ideas of what you should and shouldn't be eating.

Things You Will Need-

You will need to know your blood type (you can by an at-home test for $9)

You can buy the book or find most of what you need by looking online or on the author's website. They have some of the do's and don't's for your blood type.

My Pyramid Plan

This diet is based around the food pyramid that we all know and love. You get to put in your information (weight and height) and it customizes a pyramid just for you! This diet is appealing if you want to stick to the basics but still have a plan that is built just for you.

Things You Will Need-

Go to the My Pyramid website and type in your information, then get started with your custom pyramid!

80/20 Diet

This diet is based around the fact that you can't always eat 'the best'. Sure...you try, but instead of beating yourself up about eating a cookie, you go for the 80/20 ratio. 80% of your day's intake is good for you and 20% is not as good for you. It doesn't mean you get to just eat junk for the 20%, rather you should shoot for a really good 80% and don't stress over the other 20%.

Things You Will Need-

Nothing, besides a determination to eat well and not stress about a few treats here and there!

Stop Light Diet

This diet is base on the idea that foods fall into three different categories:

1. Green - go ahead and eat all you want
2. Yellow - use caution with how often and how much you eat of theses
3. Red - stop and don't eat these often

The goal is to stick with mostly 'Green' foods and being cautious or avoiding the 'yellow and red' foods. This diet appeals if you want to follow a pretty straightforward approach to what you should and should not be eating.

Things You Will Need-

There are a ton of websites out there that can help in knowing what 'color' your food is. This website separates everything by type of food, this one separates the food by meal (breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner) and there are many more if you go looking. There are also three books by Rick Gallop: The GI Diet, Living The GI Diet, and The GI Diet Express. They look good but aren't necessary to start this diet. If you have an Android phone, you can also get and app for called 'Calorific'. It is free and lets you track how many or each 'color' you have eaten and has lists of different 'color' foods.

By the end of this week, all of us will pick a diet plan and blog about our choice so all of you will know our plan!

Season 3!

And we are back! Did you miss us? Our next season of Reasons To Lose starts now!

While this month brings new changes with our Reasons To Lose rules, we are keeping some of our old ones like -

• Blog at least once a week (if you go too long without, you are disqualified from winning)
• See who, in a 3 month period, can push the hardest
• Each contestant gets to choose their own workout plan
• Try to do all the weekly challenges (no disqualification if you don't or fail at them)

Now we have some new rules like -

• Pick a diet plan and stick with it for the next three months
• Each contestant will give $25 at the end of this round, the winner of this season wins $80
• Whoever completes the most challenges and blogs about them wins $20
• The winner will be determine by a vote, each contestant will make their case as to why they should win and then we will all vote to see who we think the winner should be

Our goal is to motivate each other and reach our personal goals, whether it is to lose weight, get healthier, tone up, or just feel better about ourselves! Hopefully by reading this blog you will be inspired to do the same and reach your own personal goals, whatever they may be!