Thursday 31 May 2012

New Program to begin tomorrow

I hope you have been enjoying these past few days.  I have been enjoying them to a certain extent, but have found that my days lack focus and meaning when working out is absent.  For this reason, I am beyond excited and ready to start my next chapter in my journey.  That is - Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred (hereinafter known as 30DS).

I am beginning this program tomorrow, June 1st.  I will do each of the levels for 10 days each, with no rest days (there are 3 levels).  I will continue to report on my feelings and my experience with the workout, as well as reporting on my meal choices.  It's been said that food is the bulk of weight loss, and if I can nail that then I will be able to lose the weight.  So I will continue to report on food.

My bicep, post BR
My beginning figures are from my 90-Day BR (see post from May 28th).  I will start with a weight of 165 and the measurements as identified in the post.  My goal is to lose 8 lbs this chapter.

Feel free to follow me on my blog and add me as a friend on myfitnesspal.com (user jfaure23) if you are interested in viewing my food log and exercise diary.  I use MFP as a tool to record my calories burned and eaten, and as a way to identify trends in my eating and exercise habits (and the results that come of those habits).


For now, nighty night,
Peach


The 'official' side by side for the end of the program.  My Start photo for 30DS.

Monday 28 May 2012

Day 90 - Body Revolution Results!

I completed the program.  It was 90 days and it flew by, and this is what I have to show for it.

Final Workout: Cardio 3

As soon as I could this morning, I ran down to the basement to have my way with Cardio 3... for the last time.  I used weights at the beginning and dropped them when we started the plank moguls.  I didn't pick them up again because this workout is enough on its own for me, no added weights needed.  At the end of the first circuit the thought crossed my mind that I really didn't need to finish, what could 20 more minutes of this actually do for me?  But the thing is, this entire program from start to finish is made up of these 30 minute moments, which collectively gave me the results you see below.  Sure it sounds small, but the results are huge.  So stay with it.  Do your day right, from start to finish.  And FINISH STRONG!

With this program, I lost 20.5 pounds, and a total of 33 inches off of my body.  I went from a dress size 14 to 8.  And might I add, I FEEL GREAT!


Results for Period End Change
FINAL Ph2 Ph1 Start FINAL - Ph2 FINAL - Start
Weight (lbs)     165.0      172.0      174.5      185.5            (7.0)            (20.5)
Upper chest (")       34.0        35.0        36.0        37.0            (1.0)              (3.0)
Bust (")       36.0        37.5        38.0        39.5            (1.5)              (3.5)
Midriff (")       32.0        33.0        33.5        36.0            (1.0)              (4.0)
Upper arm (")       11.0        11.0        11.5        12.0               -                (1.0)
Waist (")       29.5        30.5        32.5        35.5            (1.0)              (6.0)
Upper hip (")       36.0        37.0        39.0        41.0            (1.0)              (5.0)
Lower hip (")       38.0        40.0        41.0        43.0            (2.0)              (5.0)
Upper thigh (")       24.0        24.0        25.5        27.0               -                (3.0)
Mid thigh (")       20.5        21.5        22.0        22.0            (1.0)              (1.5)
Calf (")       15.0        15.5        15.5        16.0            (0.5)              (1.0)
Dress size            8           10           12           14               (2)                 (6)
 Total weight lost (lbs)              7.0             20.5
 Total inches lost              9.0             33.0


Altogether I am wowed by the process.  While I was trying to follow Jillian's meal plan at the beginning, by the end and pretty much for all of Phase 3, I was following my own meal plan and trying to stick with 3 meals and one afternoon snack each day.  I try to buy organic when I can, and I definitely try to buy foods that have no preservatives or artificial ingredients.  This is good not only for me, but for my kids.  I believe that eating as naturally as possible gives kids the best possible chance for focus and development.

So this is the end of my BR journey, but join me as I start my next - Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred for the month of June!

Keep on keeping on, and finish strong!

90 Days Ago

Today!  After completing the 90 day program.  May I also add that 3 children came out of this body!
Peach

Sunday 27 May 2012

Day 89 - Final Days

Funny thing happened at softball today.  One of the kids had sent a ball over the fence and landed on private (commercial, unused) property.  Isaac was able to crawl through a hole in the fence to get to the other side.  The surprising thing was that I was also able to lay on my back and pull myself through the tiny hole as well, rather gracefully I might add.

Today's Workout: Workout 12

I said I was going to do this workout unmodified.  I did this workout unmodified.  You read right.  Completely unmodified.  I did all those plank moves with reverse flies and rows IN FULL PLANK and kept my hips straight as well as I could.  I did it all.  This time around, I kept the dvd going at the very end and I received the applause that I earned for completing this program.  To think that I have only to finish one more Cardio 3 workout is incredible.  I almost feel a bit unprepared for what will come afterwards.  I've done this program for 3 months, for a quarter of a year, an entire season!  My body is definitely stronger, and I know that I will need to keep this up.

Today I took the family to Prime 360 for a breakfast buffet to see good friends whom I haven't seen in so long, and more importantly to celebrate Ash's birthday.  The food was great, and I kept myself to just one plate of food.  I had initially grabbed an apple cinnamon muffin, but wrapped it up to go when I found out that there were cinnamon buns.  My husband brought me one (yes, just one).  This meal was a combination breakfast and lunch.  For afternoon snack, I grabbed a nutrigrain bar just before softball.

For dinner, I wanted to eat up some of the spaghetti sauce I prepared yesterday, so I made french fries with grated cheeses and the spaghetti sauce.  I kept mine to one serving, with 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce, and 1/4 cup of the grated cheese.

No dessert for me tonight, but I am soaking my feet and enjoying a Crown and diet coke.  Celebratory?!  Absolutely.

So tomorrow is the last day of my chapter.  I will be providing final measurements and will perhaps post my before and after pics.  I hope all my American friends enjoyed their memorial day long weekends, and I hope my Canadian friends enjoyed their regular weekends.

As Jillian says, FINISH STRONG - and I plan to!

Nighty night,
Peach

Saturday 26 May 2012

Day 88 - Happy Birthday little William!

Last time with workout 11.  That's inspiring!

Today's Workout: Workout 11

It was going to be a busy day today, with W's birthday and party and visitors.  I tried to get to bed early last night, but it ended up being past midnight by the time everything was done and the cake was decorated.  The power went out again last night and our clocks were all off, so it was about 1/2 hour later than what I thought.  I still managed to get everything ready though.  Everything except the workout!  That didn't come until after W was in bed.

I am happy to be done this one.  It is hard!  My legs are like jell-o.  It may be because I did it end of day rather than beginning of day.  Circuit 1 is brutal with the static lunge jumps.  I did the full scorpion pushups.  I modified the plank tricep extensions by dropping to my knees after a few in full plank.  The three-part pushups I also modified to my knees.  Recall I said I was going to go unmodified for the last time around.  I tried, but my arms were jell-o too and wouldn't hold me up.  Always room for improvement.  Right?!

Here we are, I can see the horizon and I can see where I still need work, but I am so happy with how far I have come so far.
Yum!  W enjoying his bday lunch!

My meals were not complete today.  For lunch I had two cheeseburger sliders with a handful of cheesies and some popcorn.  I also had two small (1" x 2") pieces of chocolate cake with chocolate pudding (yummy!).  For dinner I had a serving of whole wheat spaghetti and 1/2 cup of homemade spaghetti sauce (bolognese with mushroom and basil).  A caramel drumstick for dessert, and some wine.   So, as you can see, no breakfast, no real afternoon snack, and lots of snacks.  Food is important!  I am going to a brunch tomorrow morning and will get back on track with meals come Monday.  Breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner.

Hope you are all enjoying your weekends, especially for you Memorial Day celebrationers!

Nighty night,
Peach

Friday 25 May 2012

Day 87 - Getting ready for the weekend

It's hard to come to grips with food... not sure whether I control it or it controls me!  I'll go with I control it!


Todays Workout: Cardio 3

I did cardio 3 first thing this morning to get it out of the way, otherwise I am doubtful that I would have had time tonight.  It's W's birthday tomorrow and we've got ourselves a little spiderman party to attend to!  Lots to do in preparation.  When I did cardio 3, I walked slowly to the basement because I was trying to tell myself all the reasons why I could put it off until later.  But I knew there would not be a later.  Once the disc was in and I was in it, there's no stopping.  I am at Jillian's command when that dvd is on.  I meant to only sweat a little, but that's one more thing I cannot control, because by the end it was as though I just stepped out of a sauna.

I also did choose to use 3lb weights for the first few moves again.  That workout sure is a challenge, and unbelievable to me how much can be accomplished in such a short time.

I have just one more cardio 3 to go.  In fact, just three more days to go.  Monday will be my last day with this program and I will also provide my final weigh-in.

I'm happy to hear that Catherine will be doing Ripped in 30 when she finishes the program tomorrow.  I am quite excited to learn of her experience with that dvd.  She said that others noted it was more difficult than BR so is a great next step.  I will be doing the 30 Day Shred, and am unsure how I will find it.  I honestly feel so changed.

I'm hitting the hay now.  Big day tomorrow!

Nighty night,
Peach

Thursday 24 May 2012

Day 86 - Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast

It`s nice to be recognized for the little things I do for others and the community.  It`s also nice to have my hard work recognized with respect to this body revolution.  I got both today.

Today`s Workout: Workout 12

This morning at 8am was the volunteer appreciation breakfast at my oldest sons school.  Free childcare was provided, and the kids were kept in a separate room no less, so I didn`t even have to think of them as I mingled with friends and had a leisurely breakfast.  If I could do this every day, I would!

After breakfast, myself and a couple other moms walked over to a park for the kids to play for a bit.  William was very helpful with a 19-month old baby boy, helping him up the structure and waiting for him at the bottom of the slide.  I imagine what he will be like for baby G when he gets older.  I also managed to get the front garden done.  All plants planted, beds weeded, soiled, and mulched.  W helped with that as well.  He`s so eager to help, I hope he doesn`t grow out of it.

It was a bit of an off day because of the breakfast.  It means I didn`t have my standard breakfast, and I didn`t get my exercises in this morning.  It also meant G didn`t get his morning nap when he usually does.  I had a strange appetite for lunch but had to run some errands, so we ended up having happy meals again.  Dinner was a mix of crackers with leftover artichoke dip from yesterday along with a blueberry banana muffin.  Weird.

I ended up doing my exercises later in the evening which seems harder.  I had a good burn but kept my modifications as in previous workouts.  I will try to do unmodified for my last time on Sunday.

I`m glad this day is over and I can get ready for the next.  I am aiming for a great sleep tonight, especially since tomorrow is Cardio 3 (brutal!).

One more thing... this evening Isaac had has first soccer game of the season and scored a goal! He was so proud.  Then he play goal for the second half and although he let one in, he saved a few good ones too.

A great day.  Get a good sleep, I`ll see you tomorrow.

Nighty night,
Peach

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Day 85 - Happy Anniversary!

I wonder when it will stop surprising me when I put on a pair of shorts that I haven't worn in years and they fit... What a feeling!  Losing weight is so worth it.

Today's Workout: Workout 11

This is the home stretch.  I have to do this workout just ONE MORE TIME.  I did well, same as ever.  I had to modify a couple of the moves.  I have to do the pushups with the resistance cable on my knees rather than in full military press.  Although I do use 5lb weights instead of JM's recommended 3lb weights when we do the tricep kickbacks in plank (Yay me!).  I still find circuit 1 painful!  The weighted standing lunges with shoulder presses are so hard!  My quads feel like they cannot move when I am midway through.  This time around when doing the Crab kicks for the cardio, I did double time when JM had Kenta do double.  The last time I do this workout (on Saturday), I am going to go all in.  I am going to try unmodified.  She keeps saying I can do it, and this time maybe I can.

I am still figuring out my next steps.  I think I will begin JM's 30 day shred beginning June 1st and finishing the last day of June.  You are welcome to join me on this journey as well, as I tone the rest of my body and try to lose those last 10 - 15 lbs.  As the finale approaches I will fill you in on my plan.

It is our anniversary today, and feel I ate well considering.  During the day was no real challenge.  It was nothing new, all things I've had before.

Breakfast: Blueberry Banana Muffin and coffee
AM Snack: A cup of almond milk with a scoop of light chocolate protein powder
Lunch: Chicken soup with egg noodles and half of a grilled havarti and tomato sandwich
PM Snack: A quarter cup of acai-infused blueberries covered in dark chocolate

 

Dinner: Pan-seared cod with lentils and grilled veggies (zucchini, tomato and onion) and sour cherry peach pie for dessert,... and a few glasses of white wine

So, a wonderful day :)  My HRM is telling me that I burned just over 3200 cals so far today, thanks to my JM workout, a walk around the block, some gardening, and lots of moving.  I should still have about 750 calorie deficit.

And tomorrow is my favourite workout #12.  I have also been invited to the school for a volunteers breakfast at 8am, with free childcare!  I will be showing up with all three kids in tow.  Have a great night to all, and don't forget why you are here, why you keep reading my blog.  You are looking for motivation and change, and it starts with you.  Make up your mind and get going on it!

Nighty night,
Peach

Tuesday 22 May 2012

Day 84 of 90 - Last official day of rest

I wanted to work out this morning and had a difficult time sipping my coffee and reading the newspaper instead.  Indicators of a lifestyle change.

Rest Day

Not much to report on a rest day, except that every calorie counts when I do not exercise.  As I mentioned in my opening inspiration, I did want to exercise today but didn't.  It's just as important to rest these muscles as it is to work them hard on the other days.  I had a wonderful visit from my friend and ran some errands.

For breakfast I ate a Blueberry Banana Muffin while I sipped my coffee and read the paper.  It helped too that W felt like sleeping in a bit today.  A busy weekend sure helped that!








Since we were out running errands, I took my little man to McD's for lunch where we both had a cheeseburger and apple slices.


For afternoon snack I enjoyed a nonfat latte with a quarter cup of mango acai trail mix.  So very satisfying and what a caffeine kick the latte provides.

Dinner was a new concoction.  I prepared salmon fillets served alongside a quinoa salad with vegetables.  I also warmed up a french baguette and served with butter.  After dinner, I had a few calories left over and indulged in a drumstick caramel cone.  I could have had two of them, but twice hubby told me no after I said I was going to get one.  My good choice was denying that urge and drinking more water.  What was yours?

Tomorrow begins the last 6 days of my journey.  I am ready for this.  Bring on workout 11.

See you tomorrow!  Nighty night,
Peach

Monday 21 May 2012

Day 83 - Happy Victoria Day!

End of week 12.  This means I am one week away from finishing my program!  

Today's Workout: Cardio 3

This workout is meant to make you sweat!  It also helps that it is 30 degrees outside and sunny, and no a/c turned on yet so the house is quite warm.  This means I sweat even more!  I did it all.  I pushed hard, each move, I didn't miss a beat.  It was well worth it because I burned close about 550 calories.  It feels so good to finish.  This is what is driving me to the finish line.  The satisfaction of completion.  Where are you on your journey?  What is your finish line?



I had a satisfying day for meals.  Breakfast began with coffee and a Blueberry Banana muffin.  I took these up to the cottage on the weekend and mum had one - she said she liked them very much!  Now, I just need to send her the recipe.


For lunch I used up some mushrooms, red onion, green pepper and prepared an omelette, with a quarter cup of shredded four cheese blend.  I fill the omelette using egg whites which is a great lower-cal option to fill up on.  Also, lots of veggies helps.  The omelette came in at 300 calories and was very filling.

No afternoon snack today, unless you count the Smirnoff Ice I had after gardening.  Something so satisfying about a cold bottle after working outside and working up a sweat!

Dinner was outdoors tonight since it was so hot in the house.  I prepared hamburgers served with sauteed onions and mushrooms, sliced cheddar, tomatoes, onions, and bbq sauce.  I also served a caesar salad prepared with calorie-wise caesar dressing, real bacon bits and parmesan.  On top of this, I had a corn on the cob with melted butter and salt.  Oh, it was satisfying.  It was a wonderful Victoria day.

I would also like to welcome Prince Charles and Camilla to Canada... I hope that you enjoy your visit!

Nighty night,
Peach

Sunday 20 May 2012

Days 80, 81, and 82 - Lazy Cottage Days

Did I say lazy?  There's no rest at the cottage... at least not when we're first opening it up, and when I bring my JM dvd's with me!

Workouts Cardio 3, Workout 11 and Workout 12

I have not yet missed a day of my workouts.  Mum was privileged to witness my attacking Workout 11 yesterday morning at the cottage.  Good thing I didn't shake the cottage too much or Papa was going to send me out with the mosquitos and black flies!  I am feeling so improved, and am very excited to go back and try other workouts.  This program is a body changer.  It will make you stronger.  It does everything Jillian says it will do, as long as you are willing to put in the work.  It needs to be done each day, and it needs everything you've got that day.

Each workout is getting better.  I am able to do a bit more than I was last time.  Today I did the reverse flies in a plank IN A PLANK for the first set and on my knees for the second.  I was also able to do the wheel pushups better than last time.  I hit the same numbers (7 first time, 4 second) but I was stronger and could hold it longer.

I watched what I was eating this weekend, and kept portions under control.  I am loving my HRM watch, because I know with more certainty how many calories I am burning.  It seems that most days I am burning between 2700-3000 calories.  This is in line with the calculators I have used, and makes me more confident that I am eating the right amount to lose weight.  I knew that 1200 calories was not enough for me.  I am much more satisfied to be taking in 2000 calories and know that I can still lose weight while being active.

To see what I was eating, visit my profile at myfitnesspal.com, username jfaure23.  I will be back on track tomorrow with pictures and lists of my food intake.  In terms of weight, my last weigh in on Thursday shows that I am 164 lbs, which is down 31 pounds since starting to lose weight in January, and 20+lbs since beginning Body Revolution.

I hope every one is enjoying their long weekend.  Exercise doesn't take a break, does it?  The end result will be worth it.  Remember to make one good choice each day, what was yours?  If you haven't done it yet, you can do it now!  Have another glass of water if you are short, go for a quick 15 walk around the block, put back the potato chips.  It's up to you.

See you tomorrow.

Sweet dreams, nighty night,
Peach

Thursday 17 May 2012

Day 79 - "Cranky" still Exercises

Even on an emotionally spirited day, exercise can have it's place.

Todays Workout: Workout 12

This workout always surprises me.  I  always expect it to be harder than it is.  I still burn 590 cals doing it (it is a challenge!) but I modify some of the moves.  This time around, for the first set of planks with arm raises, I did them in full plank, but in the second set I dropped to my knees.  Even on my knees it was a workout.  And, guess how many wheel pushups I did this time?  Yes, that is right, you guessed it!  SEVEN!  Yes, first time round I did seven of them before having to hold.  Second set I could only do 4 again, but I held it.  Every time my body lifted I was impressed with myself.

I love my little heart rate monitor.  Last night, once I set my sleeping heart rate (by resting, taking the setting, and then taking the watch off) I put the watch down on my nightstand until the morning.  I did my cardio workout, and also took a long walk to the walk. On this walk I had to push the baby as well as push W on the stroller, so my heart rate is about 110 for most of the way.  All I can say, is looking at my HRM I have burned 3241 so far today.  It has been an active day.  And I have kept my calories in to 1900 (on MFP I am set to eat 1530 cals per day plus my exercise cals which end up being about 330 from my JM workout).

I mentioned that I was cranky in my opening inspiration.  And I was!  It didn't matter what it was, I felt like snapping.  It seemed that nothing was easy today.  I went to the park on my walk with W and G, and when we got there W was happily playing but G just wanted to be pushed in his stroller.  He just was not happy sitting still.  I have been having such problems with my cell phone, I decided that I would erase it all and start again.  So going to my contacts list I was to save them all to the SIM card so they keep, but turns out I had multiple duplicates of the same contact.  When I say multiple, I say about 50 duplicates.   So there I was, with 1100 contacts and ONE-by-ONE trying to delete them -- all while G is screaming.  I eventually got through them all, then took G on his walk while W played at the playground.  I need a new phone though, even my husband says it's ridiculous.

Meals were GREAT today.  My goodness.  I say that because twice I visited Timmies and tempted myself with a donut or timbuts but instead chose nothing but a coffee.  Breakfast was a Blueberry Banana Muffin with coffee.  I took a scoop of my protein powder mixed with almond milk after my workout.  For lunch I had a weight watcher's smart ones pizza (380cals) and a diet coke.  Dinner was a chicken breast, with whole wheat rice and broccoli, french baguette and butter - total cals about 480.  And a few glasses of white wine.

I relaxed by the end of the evening, after talking to hubby. He even fed baby G for me while I ate dinner to help out.  Tomorrow we are heading to the cottage and I am looking forward to the weekend.  I will be bringing my weights and videos with me so that I can continue my exercises.

I cannot believe how close I am to the end of this program.  Thank you for your comments and supports.  It helps to keep me on track!

Stay focussed, you've got this!

Nighty night,
Peach

Wednesday 16 May 2012

Day 78 - Feeling All Right

Last night's demonstration of self-control has increased my appetite... for self-control.

Today's Workout: Workout 11

I am officially in the home-stretch of this program.  Less than two weeks away to finish.  Does it ever come quickly!

What a rockin' day it was!  We had no errands to run, so I was able to putter around the house all day and prepare my report for parent council meeting this evening.  My mom also surprised me by a visit just after lunch and she stayed for afternoon.  Finally!  We were able to catch up and hang out.  I love those visits.  You know how there are just those people that you feel totally comfortable with?  My mom is one of those people, so I feel lucky and blessed to have that.  Part of the desire to have a daughter lies in this connection that I cannot and will not get elsewhere.  I am selfish, and I want to have a connection like that with (and for) my daughter.  I am pleased that we continue to inspire each other to continue with our daily battles of the bulge and moving our bodies into shape.  She is also on a body revolution, and is close to finishing Phase 1 (you can read her blog at www.gwenny61.blogspot.com). 

The workout was great this morning.  I was feeling off with a bit of tickle in my nose and throat, but hot coffee soothed that and I was able to push hard for the workout.  My heart rate monitor told me that I burned about 580 calories doing this workout (way more than MFP's calculator for circuit training).  JMs workouts are incomparable to other workouts in that she forces you to get your heart rate up and keep your heart rate up, even after the workout is finished.  Even after finishing and cooling down, I continued to burn at an accelerated pace while my heart rate slowly came back down to my resting rate.  I burned an additional 100 calories (maybe more), through that.

I continued to modify a couple of the plank moves.  For example, the pushups using the resistance cable I completed fully on my knees.  Same with the chatarunga holds, I did those on my knees as well.  But I still held it, and I still felt it.  I love the way this workout ends with the russian twists and planks with knee raises. Once again, by the end, there was sweat pouring off of me.

I stayed true to my meals today.  Breakfast was a Blueberry Banana Muffin with my coffee.






For lunch I had a can of beef barley soup and half of a grilled havarti with tomato sandwich.  I love the flavour of this sandwich and find the 1/2 size perfect.

Afternoon snack was a nonfat latte with 1/4 cup of mango acai trail mix and a 100-calorie bag of chocolate pretzels.  Dinner was leftover steak with potatoes and veggies.  All these meals were very satisfying.  And I topped it off with a caramel drumstick cone after my meeting (310 cals). My total calories for the day was 1900, before exercise.

Back to workout 12 in the morning.  How will the wheel pushups go?  We will soon find out.  Get your rest so you can take on tomorrow.

Sleep well, nighty night,
Peach

Tuesday 15 May 2012

Day 77 - A well needed rest day

I stayed away from any evening snacks even though my tummy feels like a hollow pit.  I consumed about 1700 calories today, so it's not that I'm hungry, I'm just used to ALWAYS eating.  

Rest Day

Even though it's a rest day, it just means I'm not doing a JM workout.  Today I met my good friend at the park for a coffee while W played.  It is always so nice to do that, so we will make it a weekly visit now that the weather is much better.  We walked over and back, and it was about 25 minutes of brisk walking.

Yesterday while out shopping, I picked up a heart rate monitor watch which calculates calories burned using ECG currents.  I am planning on taking a baseline read over the next week.  I feel it will be an invaluable tool on my weight loss.  I must always eat less than my daily figure shown on the monitor.  I start the timer when I go to sleep and mark down the daily calories burned in my journal.  I will take a daily average.  So far it seems accurate to what other calculators have provided me.  For example, I have one more hour of baseline reading to do tonight, and it shows I have already burned 2,160 calories today.  It will likely end at about 2250, which appears to be in line with my estimates provided by Fat2Fit using a lightly active profile.  That is encouraging.

I was happy with my meals today, mainly because of my lack of evening sweets, which I usually crave.  I held my own and (sort of) happily drank up my water.

Breakfast: Banana Blueberry Muffin with coffee
Lunch: Cheeseburger and apple slices from McD's
PM Snack: Small Timmies Peach Mango fruit smoothie, 1/2 vanilla dip donut
Second PM Snack: 1/4 cup of Mango Acai trail mix
Dinner: Beanies and Weanies

I didn't take much in the form of pictures today.  I hope to get some good sleep and hit Workout 11 hard tomorrow morning.

So my good choice was walking instead of talking the van.  My second good choice was not going down to the freezer to grab a Caramel Drumstick Cone (oh my yum).  What did you do today?

Nighty night,
Peach

Monday 14 May 2012

Day 76 - Wine Tasting on a Monday night

My back and body is so sore today, likely from all the activity of the weekend.  Pain is (sort of) good.

Today's Workout: Cardio 3

How many more times will I be doing this workout?  That's right, just four.  Two more weeks!  I am thrilled that you are enjoying reading my blog.  If what you need is a reminder of the ups and downs that daily life throws our way, then I suppose that is what my blog does.  I am not able to follow the suggested meal plan that Jillian provides.  In fact, I often go way off of what she recommends.  I am doing what feels right for my body, day by day.  I love her recipes, but they are not always quick.

I had to use my shirt to dry off my neck and face a few times during todays workout.  I did not use extra weights at the beginning as I did last time, and the reason was because my back is sore and I couldn't imagine doing weighted windmills at the very beginning.  The good news is that even after three weeks of doing cardio 3 I am still working up a sweat, it is still intense.


For those contemplating this program or who are already in it, recall that it is broken into three phases.  The first two phases are 4 weeks long (or 28 days), which means the last phase is 5 weeks long (or 35 days).  This means that workouts 11, 12 and cardio 3 are done for 3 weeks instead of just the normal two.

After the binge-fest that was my mothers day weekend, it felt good to get back on to healthy eats.  I had a Denver Omelet for breakfast (from JMs meal plan), whereby I substituted green pepper instead of red, and I added a mushroom to the mix.  Also, instead of ham, I used turkey breast. If I had thought of it, I would have used turkey bacon or chicken bacon, or any other low-cal bacon.




After working out and showering, I made myself a protein shake by mixing a scoop of my light chocolate whey powder with a cup of almond milk.  Smooth and very satisfying.

I really wanted to get lots of veggies today at lunch to offset all the carbs on the weekend, so I prepared a mixed plate of celery, carrots, cucumber, a hard-boiled egg, a can of tuna, a light babybel cheese, and up to 2 tbsp of low fat ranch dressing.  Not high in cals, but very filling given the variety.





I had some bananas that needed to be eaten up, so I made another batch of muffins.  To keep cals low, I made Jillians Blueberry Banana Muffins.  These are great and very tasty.  I used greek yogurt today instead of plain regular yogurt.  And while I usually like to add chocolate chips instead of blueberries, I wanted to reduce my sugar a bit.  I made a dozen and froze them since they take just 30 seconds in the microwave to thaw.  For my afternoon snack I had one Blueberry Banana Muffin with a nonfat latte.

 


A couple hours later, I was a bit peckish in advance of our wine tasting tonight, so I had a serving of mango acai trail mix.  I found these at my local CostCo and I love the textures and perfect balance of sweetness.  It has tiny yogurt chips which are sweet, along with dried fruits and salty almonds.  This is a nice way to go instead of reaching for 2 (or 14) cookies!  Serving size is also good at 1/4 cup.

My husband and I are part of a wine-tasting group, introduced to us by my husbands parents. This group has been meeting for many many years, and we are the third generation to join in.  We meet seasonally, about four times each year at rotating houses.  There is usually a theme to go along with 6 presented wines.  The benefit of these meetings is that it provides an opportunity to try wines we may not have tried otherwise, and to perhaps develop clues as to what wines we prefer over others and why.  Tonight's theme was Australasian (wines of Australia and New Zealand).  The three red wines were served alongside a dinner of roasted lamb, potatoes cooked with a hint of lime, and a garden salad perfectly dressed.  The white wines were presented with dessert - a strawberry meringue pie (no crust, just meringue) and very tasty!  I had a sampling of all the wines, perhaps a total of 5oz red and 5oz white.  One plate of the main course and two pieces of the dessert...  Just terrific!  I unfortunately do not have any pics of the dinner, but it was certainly enjoyed, as was the company.

Rest day tomorrow.  I am likely going to the park with a good friend to sip on a latte while W plays and we chat.  It's going to be another hot one!

Even though it is a rest day, I will try to do one active thing tomorrow.  It's all about choices, right?!  What will you do tomorrow?

Nighty night,
Peach

Sunday 13 May 2012

Day 75 - A little R&R

Funny thing happened to me in the shower this morning... I didn't wobble or fall when I was washing my feet.  This means I am more balanced.  One leg? No problem!

Today's Workout: Workout 12

Happy Mother's Day!  I hope all the moms out there spent the day happily enjoying the things you love most.  I was awoken this morning to the fire alarm going off as Isaac prepared me blueberry pancakes all on his own (well, daddy was there with him supervising).  I pretended to go back to sleep when they all clamoured up the steps and opened the door to the bedroom figuring out what to do with the tray.  Husband says, "One of you needs to wake her up," and so W puts his head next to mine and says, "Wake up, mommy."  So sweetly.  Hubby remembered coffee and piping hot maple syrup which W warmed up for me.  It was great that it was so hot as it kept the pancakes nice and warm!  Newspaper, coffee, pancakes, fabulous.

I took 45 minutes enjoying breakfast and reading the paper before heading down.  My plan was to feed baby G at 10 and then finish workout 12.  Plan was executed to a T.  I do love this workout.  I love it because it's easy to psyche yourself out of some of the moves, but there's no need to.  At this point I can do them, and if I can't do all of them, I can modify the rest.  Hold onto your seats faithful readers... this morning I was able to complete FOUR of the WHEEL PUSHUPS in each set.  I felt so good, and when I couldn't push any more, I held the move.  These are those upside-down pushups, beginning on my back and moving up into a bridge pose with the crown of head on the ground.  One surprisingly difficult move was the plank with weighted arm raises.  Only using 3lb weights I did have to drop to my knees.  I could do the move if I swayed my hips as I raised the weight, but I felt a better burn when I dropped to my knees and kept my body in a straight line without pivoting my hips on the raise.  I love how circuit 4 is a gentle finish.  I cannot wait to hear their applause for me when I really am finished.  15 more days.

Steak with sauteed mushrooms, onions, caesar salad


Oh food.  I am glad this weekend is over and I can get back to not having to administer self control offset with pangs of guilt when I do give in.  After my workout, I fed baby once again as I was about to head out to my first softball game of the season.  For lunch, I ate the second half of the sandwich I had ordered yesterday while out with the ladies.  I brought the two older boys with me today, as I. wanted to play with other boys who would be there.  And of course, W just wanted to go hang out with his older brother.  It was great to get out into the field again and hit the ball again!  We ended up losing... 15 to (ahem) nil, but we all played hard, and we had lots of newbies to learn to play with.


Telling ghost stories.


The evening was just wonderful.  We had steak grilled on our outdoor fire pit, with sauteed onions and portobella mushrooms, oven roasted new potatoes, caesar salad (low fat version), and corn on the cob.  Topped off with a cinnamon bun for dessert... AND a few s'mores by the fire.  How lovely, it couldn't have been more perfect.


S'Mores!


So what a day!  It was active and busy with lots of food and I am ready to begin this week.  Time to get the scheduling done for the week.  I want  you to think about that one change you will make tomorrow on your journey, as simple as it may be.  Is it a walk?  Is it forgoing the extra cals for some lighter cals?  Forgoing the chocolates that somebody brought to the office?  Or perhaps just having one instead of five.  It's all about choice and all about you.  So get planning and get on your journey!

Nighty night,
Peach

Saturday 12 May 2012

Day 74 - Happy Mother's Day!

It is hard to measure success when you compare where you are today with where you were yesterday.  But looking back along the journey it is evident!

Today's Workout: Workout 11

I find that this workout begins gently, then peaks after circuit 2, then eases up into the final circuit.  The moves are still challenging, and I do need to modify on some.  I go to my knees for the pushups with the resistance cable over my back.  I can do all of the scorpion pushups!  The cardio moves are not too much.  Since I've done it twice already I think for the next time around I will add some 3lb weights for some of the cardio.  It's doable.  And I just know I will get to that point where I can do all the moves - I have two weeks to perfect them when I finish the program!

I have been thinking about what to do once this program is over.  I estimate that I will have lost 20+ lbs and many more inches.  Unbelievable!  Starting tomorrow, I play softball every Sunday, and beginning May 28th, I play beach volleyball every Monday.  That means I will be doing 2 intense sports each week.  I have been debating beginning Jillian's 30 day shred, and one of my MFP Friends mentioned Ripped in 30 (another one of JMs workouts) which may be better since my body is more advanced after the Body Revolution.  I am leaning towards beginning one of these programs on June 1st, to finish on June 30th.

A shout out to Trina who just finished her last day of BR!!  WOOOT!  I cannot wait to read about your results and what your plans are now that you are finished.

Food was a compromise today.  I had a terrific breakfast consisting of a Blueberry Banana Muffin, along with a scoop of protein powder and skim milk since it was after my workout.  I had a fabulous lunch date with my darling K and J, and selected a homemade turkey sandwich on multigrain bread served with brie and apple.  A side salad came with it, with balsamic vinaigrette on top.  I ate just half the sandwich and salad, and brought the rest home.  Late afternoon I had a quarter cup of trail mix which consisted of almonds, cranberries, dried apricots, blueberries infused with acai, and yogurt chips.  I love this snack because it satisfies my sweet tooth.  I had forgotten I picked it up the day before last, and had I remembered I may not have binged on those cookies yesterday!  Lesson learned -- always keep good satisfying snacks in the house.

Dinner was a hodge podge of wonderful creations, as I was at my mum-in-laws to celebrate papa's retirement.  There were lots of puff pastries filled with yummy things, and veggies and dip, and tomatoes and mozza on skewers, and some white wine.  I could not even hazard a guess at cals, but I feel I did okay.  I could have done much worse, and the 'old' me likely would have!

So here we are.  Tomorrow is mother's day, and so far my kids and husband have been terribly thoughtful.  Today while I was out at lunch, they went out and purchased cinnamon buns and pancake mix (sweethearts they are!) as well as lots of things for the garden - potatoes, sunflowers, raspberries, strawberries, and even watermelon!  My husband remembers me talking about my grandmother, who used to tend to lots of potatoes and raspberry bushes, and have a storage of them for the winter.  I am not as talented as she, but I would love to try my hand and have told him how much I would love to succeed at it, so I very much appreciate their gesture.  The kids were so excited when I came home so that they could show me all that they bought.  Oh!  They also picked me up another pink pair of gardening gloves... so thoughtful!

I am excited for my breakfast in bed tomorrow, but I do promise to do Workout 12, just not sure when yet.  I play softball at 1pm, but have nothing else scheduled for the day.

I hope all you moms out there are able to take some time for yourself.  I just finished soaking my feet with a margarita scrub and foot creme and they feel fabulous and soft.  My legs are achy from this mornings workout, and it makes my feet feel even better.

Nighty night,
Peach

Friday 11 May 2012

Days 72 and 73 - Giving up is not an option

Even if I can't do something, I can do SOME of it.  I can do the best I can do for the moment, and it's enough.

Yesterday's Workout: Workout 12; Today's Workout: Cardio 3

Oh, my.   I love workout 12.  The perfect blend of difficult with focused moves.  Some moves were completely off the radar.  I am thinking of the Reverse Pushups (or are these the Wheel Pushups)?  Either way, I start on my back and try to do a push up this way.  I unfortunately cannot lift my body in this position, so I flipped back to doing straight up military pushups.  And I almost couldn't complete those!  I am a work in progress.

I was scared that abs weren't going to get a viewing in this workout, but my Jillian pulled through and abs made an appearance.  I loved the Star with the Hollow Man (like Snow Angels).  I could do those.  I loved how the cardio sequences were just right, not too cardio extreme but enough to pump my heart.  I did love this workout.

Today's cardio was bang on.  I used weights when I first began (just 3s) so that for the first eight moves or so I had weights in my hands.  But I worked up such a sweat by the end of the first circuit that I dropped the weights going forward.  Perhaps I will add them for longer next time.  The difficulty is that there are so many plank moves in this series that I cannot hold weights the entire time.

I am looking forward to completing this phase.  2.5 weeks to go!

I am already making plans for when I finish.  I play beach volleyball on Monday nights, softball on Sundays, and I think I will start the 30 Day Shred on June 1st, or June 10th (depends on if I need a little break).

In terms of food, I feel like I've been in control of meals, except for the 14 cookies I ate this afternoon.  Talk about deja vu.  Killed about 1100 of my daily calories (and that's A LOT!).  Stop it Jessica, stop it!!  We all go through this, we do get beyond it.  It's my way of saying I'm in control of my body.  Ha!  Take that!  I can still eat 14 cookies if I want to, and you can't do anything to stop me.  Jessica, get over it!

Yesterdays meals include

Breakfast: Tim Hortons egg white breakfast sandwich with ham and cheese, medium coffee with 2 milk
Lunch: slice of whole wheat bread with butter, 1 cup of arugula, cherry tomatoes, celery, prosciutto
Dinner: Boston Pizza Lemon Salmon with grilled vegetables, 3 all meat chicken wings and 2 slices of pulled pork pizza

Todays meals

Breakfast: Slice of whole grain toast with peanut butter, 1 cup of Acai Fruit smoothie
Lunch: Can of vegetable fiesta soup with 1/2 whole grain tomato sandwich with havarti
PM Snack: 14 flipping raspberry creme cookies
Dinner: Um, is it bad to say nothing.... ?

So today was really bad in terms of accomplishing my goals, but tomorrow has to be better.  It will be.  Stay tuned, keep with it.  Each day is progress :)

Nighty night,
Peach

Wednesday 9 May 2012

Day 71 - New workout, inspires me to finish strong!

A day of good is often followed by another day of good.  It's just so addictive!

Today's Workout: Workout 11

What a workout it is!  I love at the beginning how Jillian says this is probably the hardest workout she's ever put together.  Freaked me out before I even started.  And you know, there were some terrible and difficult moves in there, but I could modify and it gives me something to work towards.  I am less than 3 weeks away from finishing.  How fast does the time go?!  (That's a lot rhetorical)

The warmup was good.  I could do all of it, and nothing stood out.  Circuits 1 and 2 were almost torturous, but do-able.  The scorpion planks... oh my.  I could do the push up and lift my leg back but not sure how far it was coming.  At least I was doing them!  I loved the Statue of Liberty's with a jump in Circuit 3.  I loved all the cardio intervals.  I did not love the Crab Kicks, but I did them.  Some of them at double-time even.  Chatarungas were killer.  As were the Pushups with the Cable (added resistance).  Those were done on my knees, and even then were difficult!  Also, I loved the Planks with Tricep Kickback, and I thought I would dread those.  I'm not a plank girl, but perhaps I'm becoming one.  Is it possible that this program is changing my mindset, changing what I think my body can (and cannot) do?

I ate well today.  A lot of the standards, but they were healthy, and yummy.  My variant would be dinner, which was made for the kids mostly, but I had some.

Tomato and Avocado Pita (306 cals)


Breakfast: Blueberry Banana Muffin, coffee
AM Snack: Scoop of light chocolate protein whey powder with 1 cup of almond milk
Lunch: Tomato and Avocado pita
PM Snack: Some smarties (thanks W!)
Dinner: Cheese tortellini with mixed green/yellow beans, slice of whole wheat bread


Cheese tortellini with Green/Yellow beans (525 cals)




Baby G enjoying his exersaucer



















Back to cardio 3 tomorrow.  We all have dentist appointments first thing in the morning, which means I likely will not get my exercises in until before lunch or the afternoon.  Unless I get them done after the 7am feed.  I would prefer that, but it may not happen.

Have a great day to all.  Remember to make that one choice for the better -- you will know it when it faces you!

Nighty night,
Peach

Tuesday 8 May 2012

Day 70 - No pitfalls today

It's so easy to cheat yourself.  It's easy to eat the foods you know you're not supposed to and don't need.  I do not have a lot of will-power, but I had enough today to put down foods before I put them in my body that I didn't need. 

Rest Day

YES!  Here I am, getting ready to tackle the final half of phase 3.  Tomorrow morning I will be doing Workout 11 for the first time.  Historically, the odd-numbered workouts are harder since they involve lots of plank and shoulder work, and this is my weakest area.  I am enthusiastic though to see what it's about and cannot wait to fill you in tomorrow.

A few weeks ago I had increased my net daily calories to be 1750.  So far, I believe it is going well.  Since making that change, I have dropped another 7lbs after sitting still for a few weeks.  Not only that, but it helps to keep my cravings in check, it gives me room to play with my diet.  While I still enjoy the meals in the meal plan provided by Jillian, I appreciate the opportunity to go my own way and develop habits that extend past this program.  Remember that you are in control of what goes in your body, being off of a meal plan means you are 100% responsible for those choices.  Nobody else will tell you what to eat (and therefore what not to eat).

Soup and half a grilled cheese & tomato sandwich (409 cals)

I enjoyed my meals today, and skipped out on afternoon snack since I finished W's uneaten second slice of pizza at lunch time.  I was able to make a dinner that the family would enjoy while being entirely conscious of what it consisted of, and therefore how many calories was in it and that I was consuming.













Meatballs, mashed potatoes, baguette, salad (650cals)


Breakfast: Banana chocolate chip muffin with coffee
Lunch: Organic chicken soup with egg noodle, half a grilled havarti and tomato sandwich
Dinner: Beef meatballs (10) with mashed potatoes, gravy, lingonberry sauce, french baguette and caesar salad


After dinner, I did finish the rest of the salad (made with low cal dressing) and had three more slices of baguette with butter (50 cals for the salad plus 150 cals for the baguette and butter).  I came in under my calories today and drank lots of water.  Most of all I am pleased that I stopped myself after eating dessert (chocolate pingouin) and did not eat anything else.

I'm ready for a good sleep tonight!

Sleep well, we'll see you tomorrow.

Nighty night,
Peach



Monday 7 May 2012

Days 68 and 69 - Making one good choice a day

I am 3 lbs away from my wedding weight (currently 166lbs, wedding weight was 163lbs).  There is life beyond exercising and dieting. 

Yesterdays Workout: Workout 10; Today's Workout: Cardio 3

I mentioned that there is life beyond exercise and dieting in my opening inspiration.  That is because there comes a point where the changes that you are making in your life, and the choices you are making, are no longer just about the exercising or just about what you are eating.  It is about feeling good and looking great without thinking about food and when your next exercise session will be.  There comes a point where you don't even need to think about it because you are too busy with the rest of your life.  I hope you make it to that point.

It was my last day of Workout 10 yesterday.  I do not know if I am ready for what the next workouts have in store for me, but I am leaving these workouts feeling like I did them justice and I am ready.

Today in cardio 3, I noted that I have improved in a few of the moves since the first time.  Specifically, I am thinking of Cannonballs and Crab Kicks.  Both of these moves I felt like I flailed with at the beginning, and while I still struggle, my form is much better and I am pushing through the moves successfully.  What moves have you noted the greatest improvement in?  Often, they are the ones we dislike the most when we first encounter them.

Veg soup with half grilled havarti (456 cals)
Meals have been excellent... but really, all I am thinking of is the incredible roast my mum-in-law prepared for us for dinner last night.  Incredible.  Divine. Five Star Quality.  Amazing.  Did I take a picture?  The sad answer is no... but that's only because you don't need to see it.  Imagining it is enough!  (Tasting it is better!)

Breakfast: Banana chocolate chip muffin, coffee
Lunch: Hearty garden vegetable soup with half of a grilled havarti and tomato sandwich
PM Snack: Banana chocolate chip muffin
Dinner: Roast beef, carrots, garlic mashed potatoes with cretonese, bread pudding, red wine






Todays meals were also fairly good.  I did enjoy a lovely picnic in the park with my good friend Evelyn today (hence the McD's!).  We help to motivate each other stay on track, and it helps that we have lots to talk about!

Breakfast: 2 slices of turkey bacon, one fried egg, banana chocolate chip muffin, coffee
Lunch: Cheeseburger happy meal with apple slices, iced coffee made with milk
PM Snack: Nonfat latte, banana chocolate chip muffin
Dinner: 2 slices of multigrain thin crust chicken rustica pizza, dairy milk with almonds

I appreciate hearing about how you are all doing on your journeys, and am looking for body revolutionaries who are new to the program.  Let me know if that is you so I can add you to my page and read about  how you are finding the program.

Make one good choice each day!

Nighty night,
Peach