Starting back at 1

Funny how time flies. I haven't posted anything since January. To be honest, I didn't even remember that I had mustered up enough motivation to post back in January. So delinquent. *tsk, tsk*

So, quick recap of Jan. - May: Exercised fairly regularly through March, because I was going to Cancun. Then vacation indulgence set in. Then post-vacation laziness. In my defense, I exercised in April and May - just not regularly. Between work hours, and frequently getting sick, I wasn't keeping a regular routine.

But during that time, I did manage to join my office gym. I gave up my NYSC membership because it was kind of expensive and I just wasn't using it. My work gym offers great rates and the equipment is like the equipment you'll find in any other gym. They even offer classes. So I figured, why not? It's very convenient. I usually get to work early anyway, so there's no longer an excuse for not being able to make it there.

Fast-forward to this week. I've made it a point to bring in healthy lunches and have been increasing my water intake. Yesterday morning I started Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred again. It's a good workout and, since it's been so long since the last time I used it, there's not really any muscle memory to water it down. I woke up early (4:30 am, to be exact) again today and did it again. When I got in to work, I went to the gym and outdid myself on the elliptical. I ran 4 miles! It's amazing how much of a boost dancehall music gives me. Thank you, Pandora, for the free tunes! :)

And now, I'm drinking a fruit smoothie that I made before I left the house (8oz. coconut water, 1 banana, 4 strawberries, 5 pineapple chunks, and a handful of blueberries). I really feel like I could keep running. But, I have to refocus and shift my attention to work.

Until next time!

xo

Happy new year!

Hope you all thoroughly enjoyed the holiday season. Mine was quite busy. A little hectic, really. But I enjoyed spending time with my fam.

And now, I'm back on my grind...

I've been exercising here and there, but haven't held a consistent routine since June (yikes!). So my bro and I have made a health pact to eat better and become more active. He signed up for boxing lessons, and I plan to take a samba class once a week (in addition to my morning workout).

This morning I got up and popped in Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred. The dvd worked for me last time, so I figured I'd try it again. There are 3 levels, each only 20 minutes so I can ease my way back into the routine; but it's a great workout so I'll see results. There was a time when I thought I needed more aerobics, but it is actually a nice mix of strength, cardio, and abs. Perfect for getting me started.

The tricky part will be Level 3. It's really intense, and I never made it through the full 10 days last time. But I'm gonna do my best this time around. I'll definitely keep you all posted. :)

All the best for 2013! I hope you all find the determination and resources to make your dreams and goals reality.

XO

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Long time no hear!

Goodness! It's been a year plus since my last post, and boy do I have a lot to fill you in on.

Like everyone else, I've been busy, busy, busy. This also means I've been (quite obviously) delinquent with my posts and updates. But I have lots of stories about my ups and downs, and persistent determination.

I have some vacation time coming up soon so I promise to take some time and fill you in on all the details. In the meantime, why not refresh your memory, starting from Day 100?

a pic from earlier this summer

Silliness

Haha! Just this morning I was thinking to myself that I need to cut back on cheese again. And ice cream. Not that I've been having that much, but enough for me to notice the effects on my sinuses and skin (battling hives and sinus infection as I type). Then I see this in my horoscope:

Aug 9, 2011

Today's Wellness Horoscope for Taurus

Presented by Horoscope.com

When you have found something in your diet you'd like to improve on, give yourself adequate time to adjust mentally as well as physically. For instance, if dairy is very prevalent in your diet, don't eliminate it all together! This kind of enthusiasm is counter-productive. Try backing off of ice cream and cheese, while still relishing your morning latte. The whole self needs to be able to distinguish what is going on. Instead, gradually convince yourself of why and how you will reduce dairy in your diet.

It amused me and I thought I would share. :)

Aside from the occasional cheese (and ice cream), I've been doing pretty well with my eating habits. I've worked fruits back into my diet and have been drinking loads of water (too hot not to). Still could do better with the veggies though. I'm gonna try one of Wendy & Jess's recipes this weekend to make my veggies more appealing.

Still maintaining my 16lb loss. :)

Healthy Summertime Dips & Side Dishes

A couple weeks ago a friend posted a link on fb to the blog, Food Heaven Made Easy with Wendy & Jess, and I decided to check it out. Loved!

Wendy and Jess are two young ladies, both nutritionists, who are on a mission to show brown communities that we can prepare and eat tasty, healthy food on a budget. Their first video, "$10 Meal Time," drew me in, so I was very excited to see that they've posted a new video, "Herbal Healing." Check the link, or watch it below.

I really admire what they're doing - especially their purpose behind it. Can't wait for more from these ladies!

Episode 2: Herbal Healing from Food Heaven Made Easy on Vimeo.

Quick Bikini Body Exercises

Came across this article from "The Hollywood Trainer," Jeanette Jenkins. In it, she shares 5 Moves for a Bikini Body, complete with videos and explanation. These moves are simple to do at home, will get your heart pumping, and won't require a lot of time.

I meant to report back on the M100's - the 3 minute workout I posted about last time. Yes, it was as intense as it looked! I only did it on two occasions, and it took me longer than 3mins to get through it each time. That's because I went at a more moderate pace than the guys in the video. Exercises that require a lot of jumping make me really dizzy, really quickly so I was trying to avoid passing out by taking my time with it. I still got my heart rate up, but I paused between each circuit to recover. Def a great quick cardio.

Talk about a quick workout!

I came across this 3 minute workout on YouTube this morning (while searching for "abcentric exercises"). This routine was put together by a black belt Jiu-Jitsu coach from Boston. The guys in the video say it's perfect for burning fat. It looks INTENSE!

I wanna try it!! I know nothing beats a decent workout; but, for those days when I can't even spare 20mins, it would be great to fit in a 3min workout and still see/feel results.

I'm gonna do it this evening and report back.

Inspiration: Jill Scott

Ms. Scott is looking wonderful and vibrant these days. I hear her new album is really good too.

Jill Scott - post 63lbs

Story

So what's the new game plan?

WEIGHT & MEASUREMENTS

Take on Day 1, Day 10, Day 20 and Day 30

EXERCISE

Morning Exercise: Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred – 20 mins

Midday Movement: Walking & Stretching – 10 mins

Evening Exercise: Yoga or Core Toning – 15 mins

FOOD

*Drink cup of hot lemon water before consuming anything else (flushes out the liver – can use ½ real lemon or a couple splashes of lemon juice, to taste -- doesn't have to be every morning)

*Breakfast w/in one hour of waking up

*Small, healthy meals approx. every 3 hours (drink 20 mins before eating)

*Drink as much water as body can tolerate per day (as tolerance increases, add another glass…continue increasing in this way – goal is to build up to drinking half your weight in water per day, in ounces – e.g. @ 130lbs, you’d drink 65oz. per day)

*Can flavor water w/splash of lemon or other 100% fruit juice for excitement (no Crystal Light or other processed goods)

*Lean meat – no skin

*Love brown (sugar, flour, rice)

*Healthy carbs – brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, steel cut oatmeal

*Aim for 2-3 servings fruits each day

*Aim for 2-3 servings veggies each day

*Only 1 handful of unflavored, whole roasted nuts per day (too much can raise cholesterol)

*Increase fiber gradually to avoid bloating/constipation (start out every other day)

*Aim for 8hrs of sleep each night

*No alcohol

*No fried food

*No unhealthy snacks

*No juice or soda (except for occasional 100% cranberry juice)

*Cut back on/Gradually eliminate adding sugar to tea or coffee

*Limit/Eliminate processed foods (i.e., prepare fresh as much as you can)
*Follow 7 days a week (no "cheat" days)

Sample Schedule w/Meal Ideas

4:40am   - wake up/exercise -20 mins 30 Day Shred

5:40am   - breakfast -cup hot lemon water (no sugar) options: -steel cut oatmeal, ½ grapefruit -scrambled eggs w/turkey bacon -spinach omelette

9:00am   - mid-morning snack -water options: -apple and yogurt -hard boiled egg -mixed fruit

12:00pm  - lunch -10 mins walk/stretch -water w/splash of lemon  (or other flavor) options: -grilled chicken, brown rice w/ grilled broccoli and cauliflower -sushi -turkey sandwich on whole wheat w/lettuce, tomato, avocado and honey mustard

3:00pm   - late afternoon snack -water options: -nuts w/craisins -pita chips w/hummus -orange and grapes

7:00pm   - dinner -water w/splash of cranberry juice options: -salmon and asparagus -grilled chicken salad w/mesclun lettuce, walnuts, granny smith apple, feta cheese, raisins and fat free raspberry vinaigrette -stir fry veggies and whole wheat pasta

9:30pm   - yoga/abs/bed -15 mins abs/stretch

Days 7 through 1 & beyond - Ultimate Cliff Hanger

Sooooo...Um, yeah. It's been a minute. A very hot minute!

I'm so sorry for leaving you hanging with my progress, but life just got completely hectic. So hectic that I haven't even exercised consistently for the past 2+ months. Now that's not to say that I haven't exercised at all. I have - just not as much as I would've liked. Not being lazy or anything, but I really have been that busy and that drained from being so busy.

But I'm trying to manage things better. Because, if I don't take care of myself...well...you know the drill.

So what have I been doing since I last wrote? Well, I've been walking to and fro the office (instead of taking the bus from the train) to maintain some kind of physical activity. And, when I've been able, I turn to Cardio Core Express for a quick cardio boost. I've also been doing a pretty good job of maintaining a healthy diet. So all has not been completely lost!

Oh, and I did finally try 6 Week 6 Pack. I was majorly disappointed! Not because it was a wack workout, but because it was a strength training workout. I thought it was a cardio workout that focused on the abs (similar to Cardio Core Express), but I was wrong. It's a core strengthening workout that incorporates some cardio - but not enough to get my heart pumping in the way that I wanted.

The verdict: 6 Week 6 Pack is a great core workout (trust - I felt it the next day!), and I will go back to it once I get closer to my target weight. But, for now, I'm shelving it to continue focusing on shedding lbs/burning fat.

And now, the news you've been waiting for: Since I began this self-challenge, I have lost a total of 13lbs.

I'm actually amazed that, after not working out consistently for so long, I've managed to maintain the weight loss. But that's the power of healthy eating for ya! I feel so much better when I put good food into my system. And so sluggish when I eat unhealthy things. I've fallen off a bit on eating as much veggies as I was before, and drinking enough water has always been a challenge, but I'm a work in progress. :)

I haven't re-taken my measurements recently, so I can't update you on those numbers, but I can give you two funny, if not slightly embarrassing stories (well one is anyway).

So I was going to a sound clash with E one night, but was running late. The weather had suddenly become blazing hot so jeans were not an option. As I was getting ready, I decided to put on a trusty outfit because I knew it fit well and looked good - no preening in the mirror or multiple outfit changes necessary. E had already gone outside so I put it on, hopped in the passenger seat and did my makeup as we drove along. We got to the venue and I had to go to the bathroom. When I got in there I was horrified! I saw myself in the mirror and my clothes looked super baggy, like they were about to fall right off of me. In my rush to get out the door I never paused long enough to notice that I looked like a motherless child - lmao!

In one sense, I was pleasantly stunned to see that I had made so much progress and hadn't even realized it. It actually felt good to know that what had once been a curve-hugging outfit was now completely loose. But then I still had to make it through the night, and I felt really sloppy. So I found a spot (E was the emcee for the night so he was up on stage while I was in the crowd) and kept miself steady fi di night! LOL!! I enjoyed myself just the same (who cares - it was dark!), but made a serious mental note to never run out the house without giving myself a once-over in the mirror again - lol.

The other story is not embarrassing really, but it does show that it hasn't completely sunk in that I've lost this weight...I went to this clothing store (you know the one ladies, where everything is super cute, runs super small, and the sizes don't go past a certain number) to browse around. To my surprise/delight I found several items in my size. I went to the dressing room to try them on, not expecting much (remem, most everything there runs small), but to my surprise everything was actually a bit too big on me. I needed a smaller size. Well that made my day! So now I just have to make sure I keep it up.

As a matter of fact, I'm starting 30 Day Shred all over again. And I'm doing it with my bestie. She had started a while back, but fell off so now we're doing it together. Starting tomorrow Monday.

I never did finish Level 3 so I'm hoping to get through all 30 days this time. And, although I complained about wanting a higher level of cardio, I can't front - I had great results using Shred. I felt healthy and toned.

So I'm gonna start going to bed early again to get enough rest and have enough energy to wake up pre-dawn. :) Either way, I'm enjoying the season!

Days 11, 10, 9 & 8 - Strike a pose!

Been wanting to post for the past couple days, but Blogger's been down. So now I'm doing a rushed post before I leave the office for the weekend.

I gave up on trying to get up before dawn this week. Getting rest is more important. And I've still been eating well. Tomorrow is Saturday so I'll have all day to try 6 Week 6 Pack at my leisure.

It's been a long time since I've posted a pic...I really did mean to keep you more visually updated, but better late than never, right?

lunch time stroll in NYC

The angle isn't the most illustrative of change for those of you who don't know me; but for those who do, you can def tell I've dropped a few. :) I promise the next time I post a picture it will be more weight-loss-esque. :D

Til next time...XOXO

Days 17 through 12 - No rest for the weary.

Happy Monday!

No change in my hectic schedule. No exercise since last report. But I have been eating well - nothing fried or too sugary...getting fruits and veggies in. Also, I found the 6 Week 6 Pack dvd that I was looking for, so I'm pretty psyched about that. When I start up again, it'll be good to do something new so I won't be bored. Here's the product description: 

Get ripped, flat abs in 6 weeks with America’s toughest trainer, Jillian Michaels. Forget boring sit-ups – Jillian’s ab-shredding system will chisel the midsection with her winning combination of core-focused cardio circuits and ab-toning exercises. 6 Week Six-Pack includes two dynamic 30-minute workouts plus warm-ups and cooldowns. Start with Level 1 for three weeks, then advance to Level 2 for increased intensity and fat burn. Stick with it and see dramatic results!

Sounds right up my alley! A good core-focused cardio workout is hard to find. Which is why I liked Cardio Core Express - it got my heart pumping and focused on my problem area all at once. But I was getting a bit bored of it (had also used it before I started this new, 100-day push), and I think my body was starting to get used to it too. So I hope Jillian doesn't disappoint with 6 Week 6 Pack. I'll check in again once I've actually tried it.

Day 17 - 10 More Hours -Err Minutes- Please!!!

So yesterday evening I searched high and searched low for the Jillian Michael's 6 Week 6 Pack dvd that I'd bought before starting. Could I find it?? Noooo! So I was a little annoyed, because I don't know how I managed to hide it from myself, but figured I'd get up and do Cardio Core Express (which I was trying to avoid because I'm getting a little bored with/used to it now).

Went to bed at 9pm. Woke up at 4:20am. Back to bed at 4:21am and overslept until almost 6am. Just couldn't do it. *sigh* Tomorrow's another day...

Days 31 through 18 - Caught in the shuffle of life...

Sheesh! These past two weeks have been hectic (to say the least!), clearly evidenced by the fact that I have not posted a thing since Day 32. Lots has been going on so (apologies) writing has been the furthest thing from my mind. And, I'm sure you're wondering, my blog hasn't been the only thing to suffer. My workout routine has pretty much gone down the drain. I've either been too exhausted or not at home, so my 4:30am fitness plan was not cutting it.

I did kinda sorta keep up my eating habits, but I won't pretend that comfort food wasn't involved. In any case, I did not go buck wild crazy...so, even though I've only exercised twice in the past two weeks (using Cardio Core Express both times), I've been able to maintain my weight by eating relatively decently.

Not enough water though. Whenever I know I'm gonna be here and there, I am very conscious of the amount I drink...not wanting to be caught without a place to "go." So I'm trying to regulate that this week as well.

I can def feel the difference in my body though. I'm back to having low energy and feeling sluggish. I'm eager to shake it off.

I attempted to get up and exercise this morning, but was so exhausted and stiff that I shut my alarm off and crawled back into bed. Sounds old-lady-ish, but I'm gonna try and hit the hay at 8pm tonight. I need to recoup. And it may give me a fighting chance at an early start tomorrow. I'll see how I feel...and I'll keep you posted.

How about you all? Have you been keeping up with your health and fitness routines? Spring has definitely sprung, friends. Hope all is well!

XOXO

Days 36, 35, 34, 33 & 32 - Life as usual...

Nothing new to report. Still keeping up with my combined routine. And I'm still very excited by the fact that I'm starting to fit into more and more jeans that have been packed in the back of my closet for the past couple years. My stomach is still my biggest challenge, but I'm working on it so I'm not too worried.

How have you all been getting on with your routines?

Day 37 - Core Basics

Toning your "core" is every bit essential to your health as it is to fitting into your jeans.

Your core (or the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex) is made up of 29 muscles, which include your abdominal, oblique, upper and lower back, hip flexor, gluteal and pelvic floor muscle groups. It also includes the diaphragm, hamstrings and muscles that support your spine.

This core group is literally your body's center of gravity - where you draw your strength, stability and stamina. By strengthening your core muscles you will:

1. improve your posture
2. improve your balance
3. help prevent lower back pain
4. help avoid back injury
5. help improve your range of movement
6. improve your overall physical ability and performance
7. reduce incontinence and improve bowel movements

Those are fantastic benefits, which become more and more important as we move up in age. Regular exercise can stretch and improve flexibility in the core. Check the YouTube videos below for some great core exercises. Make sure you warm up and stretch before-hand, and cool down and stretch afterwards. Enjoy!

Beginner:

Core Workout for the Absolute Beginner

with Yuri Elkaim

Intermediate & Advanced:

Home Ab Workout - Exercises for Six Pack Abs

with Jim & Joanna

Days 39 & 38 - Working it with Slim in 6

I am happy to report that I've gone down a pant size. And, to date, I've lost 10lbs.

I incorporated Level 3 of 30 Day Shred into my weekend workout, but have been doing Cardio Core Express from Slim in 6 every other day during the week. I really like this workout from Debbie Siebers. There's enough cardio for me to work up a sweat and feel like I'm burning fat. This workout also incorporates a lot of standing ab work, so I also feel like I'm focusing on my problem area.

Debbie suggests using 3lb hand weights, but says you can also do the workout without them. I've done both - with and without - depending on how I'm feeling on a given day. It's a 30 minute workout so it's also easy to fit into the day.

I've also been doing her Slim & 6-Pack, which is intense. It's 15 minutes of mat work, utilizing some traditional moves as well as some more advanced moves. The time goes by quickly enough, but you definitely get a good core workout in by doing it.

I was hoping to do some more running now that spring has arrived, but it's been so nasty outside that I've been sticking to my trusty dvd's. How about you all? What's been your workout of choice to keep you fit, healthy and strong?

Days 42, 41 & 40 - Feeling Strong

The escalator in the subway was out this morning and, after I walked up 3 long flights of stairs, I realized I was able to do it without so much as a huff or a puff. I'm definitely getting stronger, which was one of my major goals.

Before I started this blog, I had gotten to a point where I was constantly feeling tired, or sick, or just plain ole run down. I couldn't even walk up a flight of stairs without losing my breath (and sometimes even feeling dizzy) and, to me, that's not ok. As my belly grew, my ability to breathe decreased. So it wasn't only that the extra weight was visually displeasing to me, it was more a matter that it was literally physically uncomfortable and challenging (to say the least). Add that to the fact that so many different things run on both sides of my family (i.e., heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer), and the fact that I needed to make a change became crystal clear. So I made the active decision to do something about it.

I know I get a bit impatient and frustrated from time to time, but moments like this morning keep everything in perspective. I'm focused on a long-term, healthy lifestyle. Sure, I'd love to put on a bikini, but I'm definitely not going to starve myself to fit into an unrealistic size...Thin is not for me! Healthy is more my target. :)

On that note, here are a couple yummy and healthy meals from last week.

last Wednesday's lunch (from the cafeteria):
salmon, asparagus and mushrooms (the mushrooms were soooooo good!)

Sunday's dinner (à la Chef E):
red snapper - stuffed and ready to be steamed

in the pot, ready to cook

steaming away

And here are some fun pics from a quick run to Petland...

awww...parrot kisses for E

she was a playful little baby

I think she was trying to nest in my hair and it tickled - lol ;p

Hope you all enjoyed the weekend thoroughly. It's Monday, back to the working grind...Stay focused and make the most of it! :)

XOXO

Days 47, 46, 45, 44 & 43 - Spring is in the air!

I'm pretty happy with my progress this week. I'm back on track.

I think part of my problem a couple weeks ago was that, in addition to feeling tired and drained, I was trying to implement too many things all at once. It was way too much and I started getting frustrated. Add that to lack of energy, and I felt like my efforts were getting me nowhere.

So, for me, simpler is better. I'm back to focusing on exercising and eating in a way that will make the most sense for me...a healthy lifestyle that I can sustain.

I've been keeping up with Cardio Core Express in the mornings, but I plan to get back to Level 3 this weekend. Call me crazy, but I'm kind of excited to feel the burn again. ;)

My bestie decided to try 30 Day Shred and I'm so excited for her! She doesn't have much to lose at all, so I know she'll see results quickly if she sticks to it. My suggestion to her was this: Do the first two levels daily (i.e., Level 1 for ten days straight and then Level 2 for ten days straight), because they're manageable enough to work through without needing a break.* Level 3 is intense so you'll need days of rest in between. So the momentum you build in the first twenty days should balance out with the breaks you'll need in the last level. Just my opinion.

It's fun to have someone doing the same program as me, even though we started at different times. My cousin in Florida is on her workout grind too, but she's doing a different program...Spring is in the air, folks, and I for one do not plan on hiding behind cardigans, scarves and loose tops for yet another season! I'm taking a stand and I'm glad to have people standing with me!

Meanwhile...Have you seen Vanessa Hudgens on the cover of Shape Magazine?? That is all the motivation one needs! LOL

Before I run off and grab some lunch, I'd like to give a big welcome to my newest Cut the Cheese subscriber, Tamara! You're the first non-family member to follow my blog - lol - so I'm very excited - haha! I hope you find the info that I share useful. Feel free to chime in or suggest topics anytime. ;)

That's it for now, friends...I hope the rest of the day finds you happy and motivated. Bon weekend!

XOXO


*Disclaimer: This was my suggestion to my friend because I know her. Only my suggestion - not medical advice. You know your body best. If you try this (or any other) workout series and you feel like you need a day or two of rest in between, give your body the time it needs. You want to make sure you're careful about your weight loss methods. And, as they say, consult your doctor before you try any new routine.

Day 48 - Up and at 'em!

Got up about 9 this morning and repeated yesterday's workout. I'm glad I did it as soon as I got up, otherwise it wouldn't have happened. It's so easy to fall victim to Sunday luxuriation - lol. You know what I'm talking about...You indulge in some R&R (for me it's reading a magazine cover to cover and/or catching up with the DVR), convincing yourself you'll get the workout in later. But then you get hungry...but you're not finished with your DVR...so you tell yourself, "OK, I'll have a light breakfast, digest as I watch TV and then get going in another two hours." Ha! That's a joke because, before you know it, it's noon (maybe later) and you have to take care of some other errands before work the next day. And the workout falls victim to luxuriation. ;p

But not this Sunday! I got up...I got at 'em...and I had a great hour-long workout!!

How about you folks? Did you get your heart rate up at all this weekend? What kind of routines did you do?