Operation Get Fit!

Hi guys, how are you all doing on OGF? So far, so good over here. I have lost a pound this week and I could not be happier!

Here are the stats:
Current Weight Loss: -21 lbs
Goal: 4 lbs to go!

Oh my goodness, I cannot believe I only have four pounds to go and then I'll be at my goal weight. Eek! So exciting! It. is. so. close. When I get there I'll show before and after pics and reveal my starting and ending weight.
But for now, I'm pleased with losing a pound. It sure beats maintaining and gave me the motivation I needed to finish what I started.
I have been really good this week watching everything I ate and since the weather has been absolutely gorgeous I have been running outside and going on walks with Garth after work. Gosh, I missed our evening walks together. I could not be happier spring is here! As for running, I don't love it. I'm not a runner. I'm really slow. I actually don't enjoy the act of running. But I do enjoy how awesome I feel after and I really enjoy being outside again.
I learned something this week that I think helped me lose. This may be common sense to most of you, but it wasn't to me: You cannot exercise to eat more. Sure, I keep a food journal, but I take the weekends off and I would eat a lot more than normal because I felt I earned it because I worked out. I read that is not why you should exercise, nor is it healthy. We should exercise to keep our body healthy and eat to nourish it. Period. Not have a Snickers or eat a bag of Cheez-its because I worked out for an hour. In reality, that mentality was sabotaging my workout efforts.
Like I said, this is probably really obvious, but for me it was really important to hear. I can't workout and then eat like crazy because I didn't earn it. I still have to be careful with what I eat. So I took that to heart this week and it really paid off on the scale.

Operation Get Fit!

I'm moving OGF to Fridays because that has become my weigh-in day. I like weighing in on Fridays because I like to have a cheat meal or two on the weekends and it gives me 5 glorious days to get back on track. Last week I was so busy answering your questions I didn't get a chance to post, but I maintained last week. I was slightly disappointed because I had been really good, but it's better than a gain, right?
This week started rough, hence the cake post below. Garth and I hardly ever have dessert and you guys know I don't bake. I'm not a big sweets person, but this cake is my weakness. I made it for some company we were having, but there were soooo many leftovers that Garth and I couldn't let go to waste. Despite devouring the cake, my eating was good and I was working out every day. I got on the scale this morning expecting (hoping!) to maintain but to my surprise I lost a pound!
Here are the stats:
Current Weight Loss: -20 lbs
Goal: 6 to 11 lbs to go!
WOOHOOO!!! I finally reached the beautiful TWENTY mark and it feels great. But I want to talk about a thought that has been plaguing me lately - fear. I'm finally starting to feel at peace with my body, but at the same time I'm at a weight I haven't been at since high school and I am petrified I'm going to gain it all back! I know this may sound silly but it's really freaking me out. I have heard so many stories of people being within 5 to 10 pounds of their goal and sabotaging everything. I'm trying to push the thought out of my mind and to just keep doing what I'm doing because slow and steady will win the race. Have any of you guys thought this way? Am I being totally irrational? Please tell me this is normal.

Operation Get Fit!

Things have been a bit crazy here so I'm behind on OGF, sorry friends. So how has your week been going? This week has been hard because I have been catering a bunch of meetings which means a lot of leftover food tempting me. Not to mention Garth's birthday celebrations all weekend with friends and family. This week was all about temptaion, but I kept counting calories and focused on "everything in moderation." I'm not gonna lie though, it was tough documenting two slices of pizza, especially when that equals 640 calories! That doesn't leave many calories for dinner, but I make sure to enjoy every. stinkin'. bite.

Here are the stats:
Current Weight Loss: -19 lbs
Goal: 7 to 12 lbs to go!

I lost a pound and I'll take it. I've mentioned this before, but a co-worker and I have become accountability partners and we have both lost about the same amount of weight. It's nice to have someone going along the journey with you for support. Another perk is we both buy different workout videos so we can swap, which is what we did yesterday. I gave her my Jari Love Slim and Lean video and she gave me her Jari Love Get Extremely Ripped. I tried the video for the first time yesterday and it is hard core. It's interval training (1 min cardio, 3 min weights) and I was so tired afterwards and today I am sore. My legs ache and my shoulders are incredibly sore. I love it though and can't wait to do it again tomorrow!
I said I was going to talk about some new recipes today, but we were just not home much at all this past week so I'm planning on doing that post next week and hopefully losing another pound so I can make it an even 20 pounds lost!
Also, thanks for all your questions! These are great and I can't wait to start answering them. I love that you are even asking Garth questions and emailing questions too! Garth and I will answer them over the weekend so feel free to ask any other questions you would like here or by email. Thanks!

Weight Update.

It's been a long time since I gave a weight update so I thought now was as good a time as any. I can't believe this but I am STILL maintaining. I know this is better than gaining, but seriously it's been months and I cannot lose these last ten pounds.
I'll drop two to four pounds but then gain it back. Case in point - last week I worked out every day and counted calories and GAINED a pound. This week I ate pizza twice and popcorn at the movies and LOST a pound. It doesn't make any sense.
But all that to say, I am trying to focus on how I look and feel and not on the fickle scale. I try to remember I'm building muscle and my pants are loose. Not to mention the fact that I lost sixteen pounds and I've kept it off for months! I really need to stop beating myself up and agonizing over the last ten and be content in all my body can do and has already accomplished.
I know it's unrealistic to try and lose the last ten during the holidays. So my goal for this month is to continue maintaining by working out regularly and eating in moderation. But come January 1 I WILL lose these last ten!!
Just for fun, I'll share my workout plan with you:
Sunday - Biggest Loser Cardio Max
Monday - Get Ripped
Tuesday - 30 min on treadmill and 15 min Biggest Loser Yoga
Wednesday - Get Ripped
Thursday - 30 min on treadmill and 15 min Biggest Loser Yoga
Friday - Results Fitness
Saturday - Biggest Loser Cardio Max
I highly recommend all of these videos. I am really starting to see definition in my arms, abs, and legs and I'm loving it.

New Workout Videos: The Verdict.

First up, Slim & Lean. I adore this video! I worked up a good sweat and my arms and legs were shaky after doing this. And, oh my gosh, I was incredibly sore the next day! I love that there is no jumping because I can do this video in the mornings and get my workout over with for the day which I love. AND the best part? Since there isn't any aerobics Garth will do it with me! Love it.

Next up, TBL Cardio Max. I'm doing this video like I did the Shred - 10 days at level 1, 10 days at level 2, and 10 days at level 3. I'm on day 5 of level 1 and I am loving it. I sweat and I am sore afterwards, which makes me a happy camper! I don't think it's as difficult as the Shred, but it's different moves and I know I need to switch it up. Level 2 is with Jillian so I am excited about what fun she has in store (insert sarcasm). So I will keep you posted on this one!

The verdict? Success!

Weight loss by the numbers.

I can't believe I lost 16 pounds, and then plateaued. But instead of complaining about it, I'm going to celebrate how far I've come:

I went from a size 8 to a size 6.
I went from a 32 inch waist to a 26 inch waist.
I can do 80 push-ups in a row.
I can run 4 miles without stopping.
I can do the Shred without gasping for breath and dripping with sweat.
I can hold the plank (for what feels like an eternity) for as long as Jillian and Bob make me.
I have muscle definition in my arms, legs, and my abs.

Now I just want to lose ten more pounds and to do this I need to switch up my workout. Thanks for all your great advice on videos! I did extensive research last night on all these videos. I read countless reviews on Amazon before deciding on my choices. Good workout videos are important to me because I enjoy working out and doing videos more than I love running or going to the gym. I want good videos that will get me results and I don't want to waste money on bad videos again.
So the videos I chose were:

The chose these because they fit into my lifestyle the best. I have rented Jari's Get Ripped video and loved it. It was an intense workout and I was seeing results, but the one I'm getting was reviewed to be even harder so I knew I had to have it. The best part of the video is I can do in the mornings because there is no jumping.

I feel the Cardio Max is a great addition because it will give me all the jumping and planks I could ever want. The reviews said this was a really intense video and that is what I want. I think these two videos will bring the intensity I'm craving so I'm excited!

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Workouts: A Review.

Day One.
I started with the bootcamp video and did the low-impact version. Sgt. Jay has a completely different personality than Jillian and Bob which was refreshing. His moves were also different than Biggest Loser videos which I was happy about. It was a much needed change.
The low-impact version was about 35 minutes and I wasn't dripping with sweat or shaking like I am from my other videos. So I did the extras - Ab and Arm Assault, and the yoga intro. I thought it was strange (and frustrating) that I worked up a sweat with the bonus features. The arm and ab workouts felt like assault. My arms were burning and some of the ab moves were really tough. I really enjoyed the yoga intro as well. It was 20 minutes long and it had some new moves I haven't done before.



Day Two.
I guess being sweaty or shaky doesn't necessarily mean you didn't have a great workout because this morning I hurt everywhere. My abs and arms especially hurt, but it also hurts to walk.
Today I tried the Cardio Dance. I begged Garth to not sneak in to watch me because I just knew I would make a fool of myself trying to follow along with the girls. And I did. With moves like the "cat walk" and "sexy walk" I was sure to make them look anythinig but awkward. I knew from that point on this video was not for me. I missed Jillian Michaels, she would NEVER make us do a sexy walk.
By the end of the workout I had not been out of breath once and I was not sweating at all. I was very disappointed in this video and do not plan on doing it again. This video just reaffirms why I was not a cheerleader in high school and I just don't need that reminder again.

Day Three.
I liked the Bootcamp Low Impact so I was sure the High Impact would be even better. Wrong. The moves were elementary and I don't like that we don't do many reps. I actually enjoyed the Low Impact moves better because they were all new to me. At least I broke out in a sweat, but again, I was not shaking or gasping for breath like in my other videos.

The verdict? I miss Jillian and Bob. I was disappointed in the lack of difficulty in these videos, but I did enjoy Sgt. Jay's motivational speeches. He would say things like "If you wanna be a hottie you gotta get the body." Hilarious.
So please, if you know of some intense videos (other than The Shred) that you like, can you recommend them? I need something different and more difficult. Thanks!!

Workout like a cheerleader.

I'm getting pretty tired of my Biggest Loser videos and think it's time for a change. I'm super excited because I just pre-ordered these 2 new videos:Hurry up, Oct. 6! I can't wait to try them out and give my review. Like, totally.

Switching it up.

A co-worker and I have been accountability partners the last 5 months. We talk every day about our workouts and food intake. It has been such an encouragement to have someone go through the same things with you and to keep you accountable and notice changes. We did the Shred together and then started running at the same time and we have both lost 15 pounds. We have become addicted to Biggest Loser DVDs and rotate them. She is doing my BL Yoga and I am doing her BL Power Sculpt and, oh my word, it is intense! I do it at 6a.m. three times a week and it just does not get easier. My legs and butt ache, and my arms feel like jelly! I thought Jillian was tough, but Bob kills me! The endless squats leave my legs shaking and I am starting to hate push-ups. BUT I keep doing it because I am noticing my arms and legs getting muscular. Even Garth is noticing. On a walk yesterday, I got in front of him since a car was coming and Garth was like "WOW! Your legs look really muscular!"
So, I recommend this video. I think I might even buy it once we trade back. I have only lost a pound, but I did lose 2 inches off my waist! I'm trying to focus more on inches than weight right now since I'm gaining muscle. And thanks for your sweet comments yesterday about my hair and telling me I look skinny. You guys make my day!!!

Switching it up.

I've done it. I have hit that plateau and cannot seem to make the numbers on the darn scale decrease. I'm trying not to get discouraged and decided to switch up my routine.
The place we moved is very close to my parent's house so I have been running my old 4 mile route again. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy running. It's so refreshing to run after doing work out videos for so long. I don't have to think, watch someone else, or have them tell me what to do.
I wake up at 6 a.m. and enjoy the quietness of the morning, watch the sun rays escape through the branches, hear the birds chirp, see bunnies hop, and hear my shoes padding the pavement. I even saw a Great Blue Heron and deer.
On the weekends and days it's raining I do The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga. I love it! I did not expect to be dripping with sweat afterwards, and really sore the next day. I highly recommend it.
So hopefully by switching up my routine I can start to see the numbers drop again. Supid last ten pounds, why are they always the hardest?!

Weigh Up!

I have been alternating between the Shred, running and Results Fitness everyday. I haven't been counting calories because I was feeling restricted and just plain sick of writing everything down. So I moderated my portions and made sure I was only eating when I was hungry. Since I haven't been counting calories I was afraid I wasn't losing.
But it's working!! I lost 2 pounds last week and 3 pounds this week! That is 5 pounds in 2 weeks and a grand total of 13 pounds lost!!! I haven't seen that number on the scale since Garth and I had our first date 3 years ago. I went into this whole weight loss thing to lose 10 pounds and I'm over that goal and can hardly believe it!
As it goes, you always want more. more. more, right? Well I'm below my goal and I want to lose another 10. I still don't feel totally comfortable in a bikini yet so I want to lose just another 10 and then I promise I'll be sastisfied and I'll post before and after pictures.
I do better with weight loss when I have motivation. And right now my motivation is looking great in a new dress for a wedding we're going to July 11. So far so good.

COOL.

This morning while doing my workout video I punched. myself. in. the. face. By accident, of course, and it hurt. Sometimes I am just too cool. There are no words.

70

Last night I was telling Garth how I did 70 push-ups during a work-out video, to which he replied, "are you sure? I don't think you did 70." Oh no he didn't. I had to prove to him I could do 70 push-ups, so off the couch I go and Garth starts counting. Mind you, I have already done 70 push-ups this morning and now I'm doing another set of 70! My arms are shaking as I finish the 70, and just to spite him, I do another 10. So that is 80 push-ups to prove my husband wrong. Plus 70 from this morning is a grand total of 150 push-ups, and my arms hurt like heck today.

Life after the Shred

Welp, I just finished my tenth day at level 3. Those 30 days went FAST! I lost about 8 pounds total and am liking the new definition I have in my arms, legs and abs. I still want to lose another 10 pounds or so before I feel comfortable in a bathing suit. So now what?
I will probably buy another Biggest Loser workout video because they work! But in the mean time, I'll keep doing the Shred, but spice it up. I'll do levels 1 and 2 for 10 days and then levels 2 and 3 for 10 days. After that, maybe I'll pair a level with running. I want to keep using the Shred, just intensify it, because I want to keep gaining muscle and losing weight. What have you done after you finished your 30 days?

Shred Update - Day 24

I am on my 4th day of level 3 and I am STILL sore!! It's tougher than the other levels, but I am enjoying it the most. I really have to push myself to keep going, especially during the rockstar jumps. If you don't know what those are, you're lucky! At the end of the video I am literally dripping with sweat. Gross, I know, but that is the kind of workout I like! I really feel like I burned a ton of calories.

Last week I maintained and I was happy with that because I didn't eat great. Seriously, food is my weakness and I struggle with self control because I love food so much. I ate chili cheese fries and pizza last week. But worse than that, I ate a WHOLE bag of Cheetos (baked!!) by myself. How did this happen? Blame it on a stressful week, but Garth and I had a glass of wine after work. We usually only drink on the weekends, and this is why. It's kind of a "give a mouse a cookie" epidemic with me. I drink a glass of wine and I want some cheese to go with it, thus, insert bag of Cheetos. So, how the heck did I maintain? Icontinued doing the Shred, and I even added in some running and kickboxing with the Shred to balance the Cheetos, pizza, etc.

This week I am back on track. I have been serious about working out everyday and serious about keeping my calories under 1200 and writing everything I eat down. It sounds simple, but it is hard and it is worth it. I lost another 2 pounds this week!!! Garth said he is really noticing definition in my abs and that my abs are looking flat. He even said my legs were thinner and more defined. And I must say, I agree with him! My hard work is paying off and I'm loving the results.

Level 2

Level 2 of the Shred is so hard. I miss level 1 A LOT. I hurt everywhere. My abs. My arms. My legs. I don't think my shoulders have ever burned like this before. Jillian is insane. I am dreading doing this again tomorrow...

Shred Update

I have been doing the 30 Day Shred for 10 days now. I know everyone does it differently, but I am doing 10 days on level 1, 10 days on level 2, and 10 days on level 3. So I start level 2 tomorrow, yikes!
I am really enjoying the work out, it's tough and I LOVE that is it is only 20 minutes! It def makes it easy to fit in everyday. I have also been eating a lot healthier and I don't eat after 6:00 anymore. Garth has been very supportive and strict with his eating as well, which makes it a lot easier.
The result? I have lost 4 pounds so far and I am loving how loose my clothes are becoming! I'll keep you posted as I start level 2 tomorrow.

Runnin' and Runnin'

Ok so did I ever tell you how much I HATE to run? With a passion. But when the weather is so darn gorgeous I suck it up. Though I feel like I'm going to die while I'm running, I feel so good now! I ran 3 miles. I won't tell you the time because I don't even know. I'm slow, but there are a lot of hills. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I'm continuing to eat well, count my calories, and exercise everyday. I haven't weighed myself because I read in Fitness magazine not to... for at least a month. I think this is good advice because when I weigh myself and I'm not where I want to be I get mad and give-up for awhile...and eat without counting calories. If I weigh myself and I'm pretty close to my goal weight I get really excited and I eat. It's a lose-lose situation so I'm just doing what I'm doing and I'll weigh myself in a few more weeks.
Let me tell you though, I put on my work pants yesterday and they were really lose. I was ecstatic!!! Seriously, it put me in the best mood all day long.

Get Ripped!

So after a week of fried food, beer, wine and Cheez-Its I'm back on track! I don't think I gained too much weight over vacay because Garth and I were determined to make this an "active vacay." Which meant we tried to be outside moving as much as possible...er...as long as we could bear the coldness. But I didn't count calories and I loved every. single. second. of. it. But as soon as we got back I started counting again and exercising. I'm not gonna lie though, I'm too scared too weigh myself. But I'm doing really good with eating and working out everyday and I will weigh in next week.
Our video store rents fitness videos for free so I thought I'd spice things up and rent one. The one that caught my eye was titled "Get Ripped and burn 1000 calories!" 1000 calories? I couldn't resist trying it.
It was the toughest workout I have ever done! It was an hour of torture. Muscles I didn't even know I had ache. But it was worth it! I will be renting this again.
It's circa 1980 and the instructor, oh she's craaaazy. At one point she says "Lets have a push-up party!" and then we proceed to do 70 push-ups. I have done it twice this week and that is enough for now!

Honesty IS the best policy

First off, thank you all sooooo much for your sweet comments! They all meant so much to me! You all rock and I'm so glad we're friends!!

Ok, I'm honest on this blog. That is why I need to tell you that I did NOT make that recipe last night. Garth laughed...a lot when he read yesterday's post. I had every intention of making it too! BUT Garth's class was cancelled so I begged him to bring home sushi and that sweet husband of mine did!!! Maybe I'll make it tonight...

In other news, in my attempts to finish getting rid of these last 10lbs I have been calorie counting and I started my new workout video, Results Fitness. Let me tell you - it kicked my butt!!! I am so sore today and loving it.

FYI: Garth is supporting me in this but he by no means says I need to lose weight! That boy is always telling me how beautiful I am and that I don't need to lose anything. How cute is he? I adore him, but I'm doing this for me because I want to be more toned.

And since I'm being all honest here, I was at Meijer this morning at 6:30a.m. buying fruit for a meeting I had to cater and I spilled oranges EVERYWHERE. I should not be allowed to grocery shop that early, I am way to flustered. There are nice people at Meijer at that time of day though and I had help picking them all up.