1 word... PINKBERRY! If have been lucky enough to have visited a Pinkberry then you know that it's the most delicious frozen yogurt ever created. No, I am not exaggerating either. These frozen yogurt shops started popping up all over LA and I always refused to go there initially because I assumed they were just the latest LA trend. Eventually I gave in, and I can honestly say that I now CRAVE this frozen yogurt. It's not like any fro-yo I had ever had before.
It's not like ice cream, it's not even like TCBY frozen yogurt, those are both very sweet tasting. Pinkberry has a distinct and very tart taste. It tastes like plain yogurt and will even make your lips pucker from the tartness. The tartness is what makes it unique as well as the fresh fruit toppings that you can sprinkle over the top. My favorite? Strawberries.
Why in the world am I going on and on about frozen yogurt on a fitness and weight loss blog you ask? Not only is it delicious, it's also very healthy for you, that's why!
1. Healthy
2. Nonfat
3. Packed with live and active cultures to help regulate digestion (containes active live cultures: s. thermophilus, l. bulgaricus, l. acidophilus)
4. Packed with calcium and protein
5. 1/2 cup (4 fl. ounces) is only 100 calories!
6. Fresh fruit toppings including kiwi, raspberries, pineapple, strawberries, bananna, mango, and blueberries
You can imagine my sadness when we moved to Las Vegas and I realized that there were no Pinkberry's here. You can also imagine my husbands embarressment when I grilled the Pinkberry cashier by asking him when they were opening one in Las Vegas, and why they hadn't already. True story.
You might now be wondering why I am telling you about this at all if you live in Vegas and you can't even run out tonight and get one? Well, my friend, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery... HELLO U-SWIRL!
I saw a commercial for U-Swirl a couple weeks ago and the decor on the commercial looked a lot like Pinkberry's decor (modern, new age, funky, awesome). I sent my husband about 8 text messages the moment I realized there was a Pinkberry knock off in vegas finally and insisted that we had to find it soon.
That's just what we did on Sunday night for dinner. We went on a hunt for U-Swirl frozen yogurt and to our luck it's realtively close to our house! Buffalo and Washington - if you're familar with the Summerlin area. The taste was JUST like I remembered, however they have a lot more flavors. Pinkberry only has 3 flavors to choose from (although I'm not sure why anyone would like anything besides the tart?) My husband is not a fan of the tart so he lucked out and was able to mix 4 flavors together (sugar free chocolate, regular chocolate, cake batter, and chocolate chip cookie dough)
They weigh your frozen yogurt and charge you based on the total weight, including toppings. The store was very clean and friendly, and they have a really nice patio with umbrella's so you can enjoy your frozen yogurt outside.
If you live in LA... RUN, don't walk, to your nearest Pinkberry.
If you live in LV... RUN, don't walk, to your nearest U-Swirl.
Monday, April 27, 2009
30 Day Challenge
Most of you read my very first post, if you didn't you can read it here. I talked about my "30 Day, Don't Eat Out Challenge" where I ate every single breakfast, lunch, and dinner at home for 30 days. It was surprisingly easy and not only was it very healthy but also saved us a lot of money! I have been trying to think of another challenge that I wanted to try and I have finally come up with a new one "Go to the Gym Every Day for 30 Days".
I realize that going to the gym every single day for 30 days might be quite a stretch but I think it's do-able nonetheless. When I told my husband of my plan at first he said he didn't think it was a good idea because your body needs to rest at least once a week. Then when I told him it would only be for 30 days, he was OK with it if I promised to rest at least 1 day a week after the 30 days were up. I just finished Day 4 and so far so good. I basically have to plan when I am going to the gym ahead of time and work my schedule around going to the gym as opposed to working the gym around my schedule.
So, Friday I went to the gym at the same time I usually do... after work and dinner somewhere between 5:00 and 6:00. On Saturday we had company staying with us for 1 night and they were due in about 3:30, so I went to the gym at 10:00 am. Our company left on Sunday morning and I went to the gym about 2:00 pm, that way when I got home I could relax for the remainder of my Sunday. Today I went to the gym at my normal time, 5:00, and got home about 7:00. Tomorrow, I have plans to play tennis with a friend at 6:30, BUT I still plan to go to the gym with my husband and his friend at 8:00.
A problem may arise if I decide not to push myself very hard. I will have to overcome those days and push myself just like every other day. For example, in a typical days workout, I will do:
1. at least 45 minutes of cardio
2. sometimes I do 1 hour of cardio
3. 15 - 20 minutes in the weight room
a. 1 day I will do 4 - 5 ab machines
b. 1 day I will do 4 - 5 leg machines
c. 1 day I will do 4 - 5 arm machines
I can hear myself now "you only need to do 30 minutes of cardio today, since you haven't missed a day in 2 weeks!" Those will be the thoughts that I will need to push aside, otherwise it's not really called a "Challenge" right? My goal is to workout for 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours every single day for 30 days. Simple.
I also do not plan to let myself make excuses. For example, I could easily skip the gym tomorrow since I will be playing tennis with a friend for an hour but since my challenge is not called "Go to the Gym Every Day for 30 Days, Except on Those Days When You do Something Else Physical" I will still need to go. I also go trampolining occassionally with friends and I do the Wii Fit almost everyday. Those are all just bonuses and do not count for real gym time.
Do you have any challenges that you set for yourself? Did you attain your goal? Can you commit to one of the 2 challenges that I have mentioned on here? Let me know if you take one of the challenges, I can try to help keep you motivated during your 30 days! I'd also like to see what other challenges you can come up with, as I'm running out of ideas.
I realize that going to the gym every single day for 30 days might be quite a stretch but I think it's do-able nonetheless. When I told my husband of my plan at first he said he didn't think it was a good idea because your body needs to rest at least once a week. Then when I told him it would only be for 30 days, he was OK with it if I promised to rest at least 1 day a week after the 30 days were up. I just finished Day 4 and so far so good. I basically have to plan when I am going to the gym ahead of time and work my schedule around going to the gym as opposed to working the gym around my schedule.
So, Friday I went to the gym at the same time I usually do... after work and dinner somewhere between 5:00 and 6:00. On Saturday we had company staying with us for 1 night and they were due in about 3:30, so I went to the gym at 10:00 am. Our company left on Sunday morning and I went to the gym about 2:00 pm, that way when I got home I could relax for the remainder of my Sunday. Today I went to the gym at my normal time, 5:00, and got home about 7:00. Tomorrow, I have plans to play tennis with a friend at 6:30, BUT I still plan to go to the gym with my husband and his friend at 8:00.
A problem may arise if I decide not to push myself very hard. I will have to overcome those days and push myself just like every other day. For example, in a typical days workout, I will do:
1. at least 45 minutes of cardio
2. sometimes I do 1 hour of cardio
3. 15 - 20 minutes in the weight room
a. 1 day I will do 4 - 5 ab machines
b. 1 day I will do 4 - 5 leg machines
c. 1 day I will do 4 - 5 arm machines
I can hear myself now "you only need to do 30 minutes of cardio today, since you haven't missed a day in 2 weeks!" Those will be the thoughts that I will need to push aside, otherwise it's not really called a "Challenge" right? My goal is to workout for 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours every single day for 30 days. Simple.
I also do not plan to let myself make excuses. For example, I could easily skip the gym tomorrow since I will be playing tennis with a friend for an hour but since my challenge is not called "Go to the Gym Every Day for 30 Days, Except on Those Days When You do Something Else Physical" I will still need to go. I also go trampolining occassionally with friends and I do the Wii Fit almost everyday. Those are all just bonuses and do not count for real gym time.
Do you have any challenges that you set for yourself? Did you attain your goal? Can you commit to one of the 2 challenges that I have mentioned on here? Let me know if you take one of the challenges, I can try to help keep you motivated during your 30 days! I'd also like to see what other challenges you can come up with, as I'm running out of ideas.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Ouch!
I have not been blogging a lot lately because I've been somewhat sick. It started out as severe allergies, then morphed into a semi-cold, then back to allergies. With that being said I have missed quite a few days in the gym in the past week or so. I've still been eating right but the last couple weeks have really proved to me how important going to the gym really is! I don't think I have gained any weight but I know I haven't lost as much as I could if I had been working out.
OK, I bet you're wondering why I have titled this post "Ouch!" when I haven't even been working out right? Well, since I haven't been in the gym too much in the past 2 weeks when my friend suggested that we go to a Body Pump class at our gym I said "Sure!" I have done many classes at the gym and I was both excited and nervous about Body Pump. Excited because I have lost so much weight so doing a class should be easier, I've also been in the gym so much lately that working out is actually fun! I was nervous though, because it's been a while since I've done a class and of course the obvious nervousness of not knowing what to expect.
Can I just say... THANK GOODNESS MY FRIEND WAS THERE! She had done this class before and showed me where to stand, what equipment to grab, heck even how to put the stuff together! The teacher seemed really nice and my nervousness was wearing off. We got all set up and decided how much weight to put on our bar. I really liked that! I could start out with less weights, then add or remove weights during the class.
In case you've never been to a Body Pump class, it's basically a very intense weight lifting class set to music, with lots of reps and very little sets. The teacher leads you through a handful of basic moves, varying them by lifting faster, slower, holding your position, etc. The moves work your arms, chest, back, abs, calves, glutes, hamstrings, thighs. Now you are starting to understand the "Ouch!" huh? I started out on fire, I had a lot of weight of my bar, I was keeping up with the instructor, I was feeling the music, I felt awesome.
I think about halfway through is when everything really started burning. Don't get me wrong, it was a good burn but WOW. At one point she had us laying on our back doing bench presses and to be honest when she said down, my arms would not cooperate. Or if they did cooperate and press downward, then they would not come back up. When all was said and done I was very proud of myself for pushing through the pain and keeping up with her to the best of my abiliy.
Was I sore after the class was over? YES
Was I sore the next day? YES
I am still sore 2 days later? YES
I am ever going to go back to another Body Pump class? YES
I definitely recommend taking the class if you ever get the chance. Just remember the pain will subside eventually!
OK, I bet you're wondering why I have titled this post "Ouch!" when I haven't even been working out right? Well, since I haven't been in the gym too much in the past 2 weeks when my friend suggested that we go to a Body Pump class at our gym I said "Sure!" I have done many classes at the gym and I was both excited and nervous about Body Pump. Excited because I have lost so much weight so doing a class should be easier, I've also been in the gym so much lately that working out is actually fun! I was nervous though, because it's been a while since I've done a class and of course the obvious nervousness of not knowing what to expect.
Can I just say... THANK GOODNESS MY FRIEND WAS THERE! She had done this class before and showed me where to stand, what equipment to grab, heck even how to put the stuff together! The teacher seemed really nice and my nervousness was wearing off. We got all set up and decided how much weight to put on our bar. I really liked that! I could start out with less weights, then add or remove weights during the class.
In case you've never been to a Body Pump class, it's basically a very intense weight lifting class set to music, with lots of reps and very little sets. The teacher leads you through a handful of basic moves, varying them by lifting faster, slower, holding your position, etc. The moves work your arms, chest, back, abs, calves, glutes, hamstrings, thighs. Now you are starting to understand the "Ouch!" huh? I started out on fire, I had a lot of weight of my bar, I was keeping up with the instructor, I was feeling the music, I felt awesome.
I think about halfway through is when everything really started burning. Don't get me wrong, it was a good burn but WOW. At one point she had us laying on our back doing bench presses and to be honest when she said down, my arms would not cooperate. Or if they did cooperate and press downward, then they would not come back up. When all was said and done I was very proud of myself for pushing through the pain and keeping up with her to the best of my abiliy.
Was I sore after the class was over? YES
Was I sore the next day? YES
I am still sore 2 days later? YES
I am ever going to go back to another Body Pump class? YES
I definitely recommend taking the class if you ever get the chance. Just remember the pain will subside eventually!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Week 8
Today is April 16th been on my personal "ShapeUp" journey for 2 whole months! In the past 2 months I have lost weight steadily, I know this because today my amazing husband told me "I am so proud of you hun, your weight is just melting off!". I know this also because I have pants that won't stay on, I have gone down 2 sizes in clothing, when I look at my face in the mirror it looks different, and most importantly I feel better inside and out.
I can honestly tell you that there is no better motivation for shaping up and losing weight than seeing results week after week and with that being said, here are my "official" numbers for Week 8:
I've lost 30.3 pounds of Total Body Weight
I've lost 3.10% of Total Body Fat (%)
I've lost 21.7 pounds of Total Body Fat (lbs)
I've gained 3.10% of Total Muscle Mass (%)
I've lost 8.6 pounds of Total Muscle Mass (lbs)
I've gained 2% in Total Body Water (%)
I've lost 4.1 liters of Total Body Water (ltr)
I've lost 5 points in my Total BMI
Side note: 2 months ago, my blood pressure was 110/84 and today my blood pressure is 110/74, I have lowered my diastolic number by 10 points.
Some things that have helped me in the past 2 months:
1. I try try to eat at least 1,200 calories a day
2. I try and drink at least 50 ounces of water a day
3. I signed up to walk/run a 5K in May (training!)
4. Going to the gym takes priority over everything else
5. I have not eaten any fast food
6. I have not drank any soda
7. I have not consumed any alcohol
8. I eat fresh fruits and veggies every chance I get
I can honestly tell you that there is no better motivation for shaping up and losing weight than seeing results week after week and with that being said, here are my "official" numbers for Week 8:
I've lost 30.3 pounds of Total Body Weight
I've lost 3.10% of Total Body Fat (%)
I've lost 21.7 pounds of Total Body Fat (lbs)
I've gained 3.10% of Total Muscle Mass (%)
I've lost 8.6 pounds of Total Muscle Mass (lbs)
I've gained 2% in Total Body Water (%)
I've lost 4.1 liters of Total Body Water (ltr)
I've lost 5 points in my Total BMI
Side note: 2 months ago, my blood pressure was 110/84 and today my blood pressure is 110/74, I have lowered my diastolic number by 10 points.
Some things that have helped me in the past 2 months:
1. I try try to eat at least 1,200 calories a day
2. I try and drink at least 50 ounces of water a day
3. I signed up to walk/run a 5K in May (training!)
4. Going to the gym takes priority over everything else
5. I have not eaten any fast food
6. I have not drank any soda
7. I have not consumed any alcohol
8. I eat fresh fruits and veggies every chance I get
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Confessions...
I have had a bad few days so I guess you can consider this blog post a confession of sorts. I have been really hungry for about 5 days now and I don't know why? I am tracking my calories on Nutridiary and from what I can tell I have been getting at least 1,200 calories a day and even 1,600 on Sunday!! *gasp* Thankfully, I think last night was my breaking point but I still feel guilty.
Tuesday night: According to my calculations I was already at 1,150 calories by dinner time so I skipped dinner. I went to the gym and came home to curl up with a new book I got in the mail to kill time until Biggest Loser started at 8:00. Well, by 7:30 my stomach was pleading for food and I tried telling it to shut up because it was too late in the day to eat. I felt myself get up off the couch and shuffle into the kitchen, I figured "if it's healthy it doesn't matter too much?". I went for a pear in the fruit drawer and just when I was about to take it out I spotted the "100 calorie sugar-free Jello" container. I was craving something sweet, and that did the trick... for a minute. I quickly downed about 6 ounces a water, crap that didn't help much, back to the kitchen. I grabbed a 70 calorie rice crispy treat that I had received in my Easter basket. SUGAR galore but 70 calories right? (insert: sobbing). Biggest Loser was starting in about 2 minutes and darn it I didn't know if I was hungry anymore or just wanted something to do with my hands!? 3rd trip to the kitchen and I heated up a 100 calorie pack of microwave popcorn. While eating my popcorn I downed approximately 24 more ounces of water and finally no more trips to the kitchen. So, my grand total was 270 calories between 7:30 and 8:15 pm... OH THE GUILT!
I go to my bi-weekly doctor's appointment tomorrow for a weigh in so I will have the official results tomorrow night, but I felt the overwhelming urge to weight myself this morning and the guilt was eating me away. I figured I had gained at least 5 pounds over the past week and to my complete surprise I had lost 2! So my unofficial weight loss in the past 2 weeks is -6! This does not make 3 trips to the kitchen at 8:00 at night OK by any means but it reminds me that my metabolism is changing and while 1,200 calories a day is a good number to shoot for it's not the end of the world if I go over occasionally because I am working out 6 (6!!) days a week now.
A friend posted this link today and although I could have used it last night, I will refer back to it when I feel tempted in the future:
http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2006/11/50-things-to-do-instead-of-snacking.html
50 Things to do instead of snacking
1. Imagine the new healthier you
2. Walk around the block
3. Call a friend
4. Make a list of your Top Ten Reasons to Lose Weight
5. Make a To Do list
6. Turn on music and dance
7. Jot a thank you note to someone
8. Go to bed early or take a nap
9. Read a book
10. Blog or journal
11. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure
12. Plan a healthy meal for your family
13. Surf the Internet
14. Finish an unfinished project
15. Walk your dog, pet your cat, feed your fish
16. Brush your teeth
17. Balance your checkbook
18. Say a prayer
19. Chop veggies to keep on hand
20. Give a massage
21. Clean out a junk drawer
22. Play a game with your kids
23. Try a new route on your walk
24. Drink a glass of water
25. Kiss someone
26. Try on some of your clothes
27. Look at old pictures
28. Rent a video
29. Wash your car
30. Take a hot, soothing bath
31. Update your calendar
32. Work in your yard
33. Start your holiday shopping list
34. Count your blessings
35. Write a letter
36. Fold some laundry
37. Check your e-mail
38. Give your dog a bath
39. Send a birthday card
40. Meditate
41. Hug someone
42. Rearrange some furniture
43. Light a fire or some candles
44. Put your pictures in an album
45. Plan a trip (real or imaginary)
46. Straighten a closet
47. Clean out a files
48. Visit a friend
49. Clean out your trunk
50. Do something nice for someone
Tuesday night: According to my calculations I was already at 1,150 calories by dinner time so I skipped dinner. I went to the gym and came home to curl up with a new book I got in the mail to kill time until Biggest Loser started at 8:00. Well, by 7:30 my stomach was pleading for food and I tried telling it to shut up because it was too late in the day to eat. I felt myself get up off the couch and shuffle into the kitchen, I figured "if it's healthy it doesn't matter too much?". I went for a pear in the fruit drawer and just when I was about to take it out I spotted the "100 calorie sugar-free Jello" container. I was craving something sweet, and that did the trick... for a minute. I quickly downed about 6 ounces a water, crap that didn't help much, back to the kitchen. I grabbed a 70 calorie rice crispy treat that I had received in my Easter basket. SUGAR galore but 70 calories right? (insert: sobbing). Biggest Loser was starting in about 2 minutes and darn it I didn't know if I was hungry anymore or just wanted something to do with my hands!? 3rd trip to the kitchen and I heated up a 100 calorie pack of microwave popcorn. While eating my popcorn I downed approximately 24 more ounces of water and finally no more trips to the kitchen. So, my grand total was 270 calories between 7:30 and 8:15 pm... OH THE GUILT!
I go to my bi-weekly doctor's appointment tomorrow for a weigh in so I will have the official results tomorrow night, but I felt the overwhelming urge to weight myself this morning and the guilt was eating me away. I figured I had gained at least 5 pounds over the past week and to my complete surprise I had lost 2! So my unofficial weight loss in the past 2 weeks is -6! This does not make 3 trips to the kitchen at 8:00 at night OK by any means but it reminds me that my metabolism is changing and while 1,200 calories a day is a good number to shoot for it's not the end of the world if I go over occasionally because I am working out 6 (6!!) days a week now.
A friend posted this link today and although I could have used it last night, I will refer back to it when I feel tempted in the future:
http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2006/11/50-things-to-do-instead-of-snacking.html
50 Things to do instead of snacking
1. Imagine the new healthier you
2. Walk around the block
3. Call a friend
4. Make a list of your Top Ten Reasons to Lose Weight
5. Make a To Do list
6. Turn on music and dance
7. Jot a thank you note to someone
8. Go to bed early or take a nap
9. Read a book
10. Blog or journal
11. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure
12. Plan a healthy meal for your family
13. Surf the Internet
14. Finish an unfinished project
15. Walk your dog, pet your cat, feed your fish
16. Brush your teeth
17. Balance your checkbook
18. Say a prayer
19. Chop veggies to keep on hand
20. Give a massage
21. Clean out a junk drawer
22. Play a game with your kids
23. Try a new route on your walk
24. Drink a glass of water
25. Kiss someone
26. Try on some of your clothes
27. Look at old pictures
28. Rent a video
29. Wash your car
30. Take a hot, soothing bath
31. Update your calendar
32. Work in your yard
33. Start your holiday shopping list
34. Count your blessings
35. Write a letter
36. Fold some laundry
37. Check your e-mail
38. Give your dog a bath
39. Send a birthday card
40. Meditate
41. Hug someone
42. Rearrange some furniture
43. Light a fire or some candles
44. Put your pictures in an album
45. Plan a trip (real or imaginary)
46. Straighten a closet
47. Clean out a files
48. Visit a friend
49. Clean out your trunk
50. Do something nice for someone
Monday, April 13, 2009
SkyMania
Are you looking for a way to mix up your workout at the gym? Is 45 minutes on the treadmill 6 days a week becoming boring? Well then, welcome to an indoor trampoline-ing at SkyMania! (and no, I am not getting paid for this blog post)
I was introduced to a few months back and this is certainly one way to mix up your workout! I have been to "Skymania" about 4 times now and every time has proved to be more fun than the last. The basic premise of this fun center is to jump on trampoline floors, jump on trampoline walls, play dodgeball, do flips, tricks, and there is even skyaerobics.
A 30 minute session will cost you $6.00 and 60 minutes will cost you $9.00. The first time I went I thought "I wanna jump for 60 minutes! How hard can it be?" For the record... 60 minutes is hard. I am not 12 years old anymore, nor do I have the stamina and energy that I did when I was 12 so jumping for 60 minutes straight is quite exhausting. The next 2 times I went I jumped for 30 minutes and I felt like I could still jump longer once my 30 minutes was up. The last time I went I jumped for 60 minutes again and it was much easier than my first visit.
Fact: Jumping on a trampoline for 1 hour burns approximately 300 calories
I have a handful of friends that I go jumping with about once a month and we always have a blast. We find different ways to make it fun and pass the time like:
1. regular jumping
2. booty drop competition
3. (trying to do) flips
4. 360 rotations
5. (trying to) jump off the walls
I highly recommend this place as it is an excellent work out for your heart/cardio, legs, arms, and abs. At the end of your session you will definitely be sweating and feelin' the burn.
Happy Jumping!
(http://www.skymaniafuncenters.com/)Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Are YOU the biggest loser?
I don't know if you've had the chance to watch the show "Biggest Loser" but if you haven't then I highly recommend you do. It comes on NBC every Tuesday night at 8/7c and trust me it will be a great 2 hours! My husband and I have been watching this show almost since it first came on and although the format has changed a bit since the beginning, it's still pretty amazing.
I can remember watching it a few years back and crying at least once during every single episode. Crying you ask? Yes, crying. The changes these contestants make, the sacrifices they endure in order to better themselves and get healthy was unbelievable and inspiring. Contestants would continually drop 5, 10, 15 pounds a week and when they stepped on the scale for their weigh-in each week I would hold my breath and hope with all my might that they did well. When they did well I would scream and clap and cry because my heart would burst with happiness for them. So inspirational, so motivating those people.
I am talking in past tense only because we have noticed the format change some over the last few seasons. It seems to be more about game playing now and less about losing 100+ pounds and changing your life forever. We even stopped watching the show for a while because it seemed to have lost the magic. Good people, real people, who were overweight and obese didn't make for good television apparently. It seemed the producers started picking the overweight and obese people who wanted to win $250,000.00 more than they wanted to lose the weight.
This season, seems to be a good mix of both so we started watching it again. There are still a few contestants left who I'd like to just scream at... "Don't you realize there are people who would give their right arm to be in your shoes! People who can't even get up off their chair and can only watch you whine and complain week after week?" But for the most part most people on this season are committed to making lifestyle changes. As it gets closer and closer to the end of their time on the ranch, their results are already breathtaking. Take Tara for example, a former model. She came to the Biggest Loser ranch weighing 296 pounds... and now she's down to 186. 100 pounds in 12 weeks!?! Amazing.
The show is such an inspiration to those that watch it. Sure we don't all have time to work out 8 hours a day, every day. We don't get the luxury of having our refrigerators stocked with fruits and veggies and chicken and every single low calorie and healthy food imaginable. We don't have 2 world class trainers monitoring our every move and kicking our butt in the gym day in and day out. We also can't all afford the "Body Bugg" that you wear on your arm and it tracks your calories +/-. But you know what we do have? We have our family. We have our jobs, our friends, our kids, our home, our parents, and our significant others whenever we want them. Once you are chosen for the Biggest Loser you have to give up ALL of that for as long as you're on the show. No, they don't get to visit you every week, or call you every night. You are allowed zero contact with them whatsoever, unless the show does the occasionally challenge where you win a phone call with them, or an hour with them in the same room, but that is rare. So yes, losing 100 pounds in 12 weeks seems amazing to us, but they sacrifice A LOT to get there.
Did you know my sister and I tried out for the Biggest Loser? It was about a year and a half ago. They were looking for the next "Biggest Loser Couple" (husband/wife, co-workers, sisters, best friends, etc.) We thought we had a chance... pretty, funny, spunky. We actually made it past the first audition in Las Vegas and received a "call-back" for a 2nd audition in Los Angeles. Well, apparently we either didn't impress the casting directors on the 2nd try or we just weren't "big" enough to be on the Biggest Loser... we like to think it was option #2! Everything happens for a reason though, and look at us both now! I've lost 24 pounds in the past 6 weeks and she has lost 17 pounds. We made our own Biggest Loser ranch at home!
I downloaded the theme song that plays during their opening credits and I even had it as my ring tone for a while. Every time my phone rang and I heard those words it reminded me that I too can be a big loser! Now, I have it on my iPod and it's 1st in my work-out play list that I listen to at the gym. Just the first few notes of the song get me pumped and motivated and seems to start my work out on the right foot every time. I have added this song on my sidebar, so go take a listen if you haven't already. Oh, and start watching the Biggest Loser, you will fall in love with each person and strive to work as hard as they do on a daily basis.
What have you done today, to make you feel proud?
I can remember watching it a few years back and crying at least once during every single episode. Crying you ask? Yes, crying. The changes these contestants make, the sacrifices they endure in order to better themselves and get healthy was unbelievable and inspiring. Contestants would continually drop 5, 10, 15 pounds a week and when they stepped on the scale for their weigh-in each week I would hold my breath and hope with all my might that they did well. When they did well I would scream and clap and cry because my heart would burst with happiness for them. So inspirational, so motivating those people.
I am talking in past tense only because we have noticed the format change some over the last few seasons. It seems to be more about game playing now and less about losing 100+ pounds and changing your life forever. We even stopped watching the show for a while because it seemed to have lost the magic. Good people, real people, who were overweight and obese didn't make for good television apparently. It seemed the producers started picking the overweight and obese people who wanted to win $250,000.00 more than they wanted to lose the weight.
This season, seems to be a good mix of both so we started watching it again. There are still a few contestants left who I'd like to just scream at... "Don't you realize there are people who would give their right arm to be in your shoes! People who can't even get up off their chair and can only watch you whine and complain week after week?" But for the most part most people on this season are committed to making lifestyle changes. As it gets closer and closer to the end of their time on the ranch, their results are already breathtaking. Take Tara for example, a former model. She came to the Biggest Loser ranch weighing 296 pounds... and now she's down to 186. 100 pounds in 12 weeks!?! Amazing.
The show is such an inspiration to those that watch it. Sure we don't all have time to work out 8 hours a day, every day. We don't get the luxury of having our refrigerators stocked with fruits and veggies and chicken and every single low calorie and healthy food imaginable. We don't have 2 world class trainers monitoring our every move and kicking our butt in the gym day in and day out. We also can't all afford the "Body Bugg" that you wear on your arm and it tracks your calories +/-. But you know what we do have? We have our family. We have our jobs, our friends, our kids, our home, our parents, and our significant others whenever we want them. Once you are chosen for the Biggest Loser you have to give up ALL of that for as long as you're on the show. No, they don't get to visit you every week, or call you every night. You are allowed zero contact with them whatsoever, unless the show does the occasionally challenge where you win a phone call with them, or an hour with them in the same room, but that is rare. So yes, losing 100 pounds in 12 weeks seems amazing to us, but they sacrifice A LOT to get there.
Did you know my sister and I tried out for the Biggest Loser? It was about a year and a half ago. They were looking for the next "Biggest Loser Couple" (husband/wife, co-workers, sisters, best friends, etc.) We thought we had a chance... pretty, funny, spunky. We actually made it past the first audition in Las Vegas and received a "call-back" for a 2nd audition in Los Angeles. Well, apparently we either didn't impress the casting directors on the 2nd try or we just weren't "big" enough to be on the Biggest Loser... we like to think it was option #2! Everything happens for a reason though, and look at us both now! I've lost 24 pounds in the past 6 weeks and she has lost 17 pounds. We made our own Biggest Loser ranch at home!
I downloaded the theme song that plays during their opening credits and I even had it as my ring tone for a while. Every time my phone rang and I heard those words it reminded me that I too can be a big loser! Now, I have it on my iPod and it's 1st in my work-out play list that I listen to at the gym. Just the first few notes of the song get me pumped and motivated and seems to start my work out on the right foot every time. I have added this song on my sidebar, so go take a listen if you haven't already. Oh, and start watching the Biggest Loser, you will fall in love with each person and strive to work as hard as they do on a daily basis.
What have you done today, to make you feel proud?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Week 6
Week 6 has come and gone in my Shapeup Journey. Although I didn't see significant results from Week 4 to Week 6, I just have to keep reminding myself that's it's the results from Week 1 to Week 6 that actually matter.
Week 4 to Week 6 Totals
I've lost 2.1 pounds in Total Body Weight
I've lost .20% in Total Body Fat
I've lost 1.5 pounds in Total Body Fat
I've gained .20% in Total Muscle Mass
I've gained .6 pounds in Total Muscle Mass
I've lost 0% in Total Body Water
I've gained .4 liters in Total Body Water
I've lost 0 points in my Total BMI
Overall Totals
I've lost 23.4 pounds in Total Body Weight
I've lost 2.30% in Total Body Fat
I've lost 16.7 pounds in Total Body Fat
I've gained 2.30% in Total Muscle Mass
I've gained 6.7 pounds in Total Muscle Mass
I've lost 1% in Total Body Water
I've lost 3.3liters in Total Body Water
I've lost 4 points in my Total BMI
I have to keep reminding myself not to get discouraged because some weeks are going to be bad. I can do everything the same (eat right, work hard at the gym, etc.) but at the end of the day it's up to my body and my metabolism to cooperate. Above all, I just have to keep pushing forward and work out my frustrations in the gym.
I have let a few things slack and I have acknowledged these things and will try harder to incorporate them in my day.
1. I have not been getting as much water as I should. At first I was drinking 80 - 90 ounces of water a day, lately I'm lucky to get 24 ounces in. I bought two 52 ounce water bottles and I am going to drink at least one of those a day.
2. I slacked off on tracking my nutrition on a daily basis. I have started using Nutridiary again religiously and haven't missed a day of logging yet.
3. I was not getting enough calories (I blogged about this last week). I am at the point where I sometimes have to force myself to eat. I was getting around 800-900 calories a day. I have made it a point to get at least 1,200 calories a day and I haven't been under 1,200 since last Saturday.
On a completely different note... I finished Week 1 of my C25K program!!!! I did the first two days on the treadmill and afterwards it felt like my shins were popping out of my leg and I had bricks strapped to my calves, so I decided to move to the track for my final day. Here's what Week 1 looked like:
5 minute warm-up
1 minute run
3 minute brisk walk
1 minute run
3 minute brisk walk
1 minute run
3 minute brisk walk
1 minute run
3 minute brisk walk
1 minute run
3 minute brisk walk
1 minute run
3 minute brisk walk
1 minute run
3 minute brisk walk
1 minute run
5 minute cool-down
I am happy to report that I completed the entire 39 minutes on the track! I ran for a total of 8 minutes, walked for 31 minutes, went around the track 14 times, and completed a little over 2.5 miles. I'm hurting today but it was SO worth it! Sunday starts Week 2!
Week 4 to Week 6 Totals
I've lost 2.1 pounds in Total Body Weight
I've lost .20% in Total Body Fat
I've lost 1.5 pounds in Total Body Fat
I've gained .20% in Total Muscle Mass
I've gained .6 pounds in Total Muscle Mass
I've lost 0% in Total Body Water
I've gained .4 liters in Total Body Water
I've lost 0 points in my Total BMI
Overall Totals
I've lost 23.4 pounds in Total Body Weight
I've lost 2.30% in Total Body Fat
I've lost 16.7 pounds in Total Body Fat
I've gained 2.30% in Total Muscle Mass
I've gained 6.7 pounds in Total Muscle Mass
I've lost 1% in Total Body Water
I've lost 3.3liters in Total Body Water
I've lost 4 points in my Total BMI
I have to keep reminding myself not to get discouraged because some weeks are going to be bad. I can do everything the same (eat right, work hard at the gym, etc.) but at the end of the day it's up to my body and my metabolism to cooperate. Above all, I just have to keep pushing forward and work out my frustrations in the gym.
I have let a few things slack and I have acknowledged these things and will try harder to incorporate them in my day.
1. I have not been getting as much water as I should. At first I was drinking 80 - 90 ounces of water a day, lately I'm lucky to get 24 ounces in. I bought two 52 ounce water bottles and I am going to drink at least one of those a day.
2. I slacked off on tracking my nutrition on a daily basis. I have started using Nutridiary again religiously and haven't missed a day of logging yet.
3. I was not getting enough calories (I blogged about this last week). I am at the point where I sometimes have to force myself to eat. I was getting around 800-900 calories a day. I have made it a point to get at least 1,200 calories a day and I haven't been under 1,200 since last Saturday.
On a completely different note... I finished Week 1 of my C25K program!!!! I did the first two days on the treadmill and afterwards it felt like my shins were popping out of my leg and I had bricks strapped to my calves, so I decided to move to the track for my final day. Here's what Week 1 looked like:
5 minute warm-up
1 minute run
3 minute brisk walk
1 minute run
3 minute brisk walk
1 minute run
3 minute brisk walk
1 minute run
3 minute brisk walk
1 minute run
3 minute brisk walk
1 minute run
3 minute brisk walk
1 minute run
3 minute brisk walk
1 minute run
5 minute cool-down
I am happy to report that I completed the entire 39 minutes on the track! I ran for a total of 8 minutes, walked for 31 minutes, went around the track 14 times, and completed a little over 2.5 miles. I'm hurting today but it was SO worth it! Sunday starts Week 2!
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