Well I've done it... I've officially hit my 50 pound weight loss mark! I've lost only lost a few pounds in the last couple weeks but it was enough to get me to a big milestone. I've also recently discovered that I've gone down 4 pant sizes. Most of my clothes are practically swimming on me but I have bought a couple things to tide me over in the meantime. I'm hesitant to buy anything at all because I'm not to my goal weight yet and when that day comes I won't feel as bad for buying a whole new wardrobe.
I gained muscle mass and lost fat again. Also, something I realized yesterday is of the 50 pounds I've lost 35.4 pounds of it was fat. Gross, but yay! I've been having a REALLY hard time lately eating enough and as a matter of fact for a few days I think my body went into starvation mode. I had only eaten about 600 calories (bad, I know!!!) and the next day I actually gained a pound!? They say that is why breakfast is so important and that you shouldn't go more than 15 hours without eating. If you eat dinner at 5:00 pm, skip breakfast, and don't eat again until 12:00pm the next day, at that point your body is already in starvation mode and it stores every ounce of fat that you feed it.
Needless to say, I've started eating 6 small meals a day again. I've also read that this keeps your metabolism up and working for you throughout the day. It will still be hard getting to 1200 calories a day but I'm going to get creative and make it happen.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
After one of my last posts it occurred to me that A LOT of my friends and family (insert: practically everyone) has lost weight and or is getting in shape recently. I can think of 1, 5, 8 people off the top of my head at this very moment! Do you know what that means? That means that I need to do a post about YOU! Your motivation keeps me going. Your tips and tricks work for me too! Everyone is on the Shapeup Journey together and if we keep each other pointed straight then we will all succeed!
Here's what I need from you:
1) Leave me a comment with your name and how much weight you've lost or how you've gotten in better shape recently, or in the past even! Please be sure to include how you've gotten to where you are now and what all you think has worked for you
2) If you'd rather not leave a comment in a public forum, feel free to email me at shapeupjourney@gmail.com. Tell me the same thing, how much weight you've lost or any new muscles you have recently acquired. Also how have you gotten there so far. Feel free to include before and current pictures if you like!
I'd also like to know how you maintain your weight now if you're already at your goal... as we'll all be there eventually!
After I gather everyones info, then the next post is going to be all about YOU and your successes! It will be major kudos to you and we will all gain the knowledge of what has worked to help get you in shape. Like I said I can think of about 8 people off of the top of my head right now so if you're one of those 8 I better be hearing from you (J., L., S., E., A., N., N., M., H., A., D., A., N., K., J., A... that's a lot more than 8 right there!)
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Inspiration... or Not...
I read the BEST quote today and I can't help but share it with you all. It speaks to something that I've been struggling lately and I think it's really opened my eyes (I hope).
"When friends tell you how awesome you look, drop the, "I still have more to go", crap. You worked hard and you deserve the compliment!" Jillian Michaels
I can't even being to count the number of times I've said that lately. It's as if my subconscious takes over and I immediately feel the need to defend myself. Yes I've lost 47 pounds but I'm by no means skinny yet. So in my mind, people still see me as fat and if I tell them "thanks, but I still have more to go" then that makes the fact that I'm not to my goal weight yet acceptable. Since I'm working toward it and have come this far it makes me less accountable for the fact that I'm still technically "overweight
I forget the fact that I've lost 47 pounds (47 pounds!?!). My husband can tell me 100 x's a day until he's blue in the face that I am looking amazing. I hear him but I don't believe him yet. What is wrong with me? Trust me... I'm NOT fishing. Sometimes, I honestly, truly, 100% have a hard time believing that I look "amazing" (even writing that makes me cringe). Yes I know I've dropped 4 pants sizes, almost 10 inches from my hips and waist, and not to mention 47 pounds. But it seems like when I look in the mirror the fat side of my brain kicks in and I can only see how far I have to go yet, not how far I've come
I have a feeling it's because I'm a woman and I over analyze everything to death and probably because I'm an overachiever and "it's just not good enough!" yet. Either way, my brain need serious help because gosh darnit I HAVE COME A LONG WAY! *self... are you listening?!*
FYI: I'm not looking for comments either telling me how great I look. I'm just throwing these thoughts out there into the world, getting them down in writing, and hoping for the strength to overcome them on my own.
"When friends tell you how awesome you look, drop the, "I still have more to go", crap. You worked hard and you deserve the compliment!" Jillian Michaels
I can't even being to count the number of times I've said that lately. It's as if my subconscious takes over and I immediately feel the need to defend myself. Yes I've lost 47 pounds but I'm by no means skinny yet. So in my mind, people still see me as fat and if I tell them "thanks, but I still have more to go" then that makes the fact that I'm not to my goal weight yet acceptable. Since I'm working toward it and have come this far it makes me less accountable for the fact that I'm still technically "overweight
I forget the fact that I've lost 47 pounds (47 pounds!?!). My husband can tell me 100 x's a day until he's blue in the face that I am looking amazing. I hear him but I don't believe him yet. What is wrong with me? Trust me... I'm NOT fishing. Sometimes, I honestly, truly, 100% have a hard time believing that I look "amazing" (even writing that makes me cringe). Yes I know I've dropped 4 pants sizes, almost 10 inches from my hips and waist, and not to mention 47 pounds. But it seems like when I look in the mirror the fat side of my brain kicks in and I can only see how far I have to go yet, not how far I've come
I have a feeling it's because I'm a woman and I over analyze everything to death and probably because I'm an overachiever and "it's just not good enough!" yet. Either way, my brain need serious help because gosh darnit I HAVE COME A LONG WAY! *self... are you listening?!*
FYI: I'm not looking for comments either telling me how great I look. I'm just throwing these thoughts out there into the world, getting them down in writing, and hoping for the strength to overcome them on my own.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Congratulations!
Congratulations to my handsome, motivated, and athletic husband! He has been losing weight steadily for months now yet recently had hit a very frustrating plateau...
Back In February he was 5'11" and approximately 200. As of today he is 5'11" and 179CONGRATS BABE!
He had been hovering around 181 - 182 for about 3 weeks and I am so proud of him for sticking with his routine and breaking through. What is he most excited about? Having Wii Fit not say "Wow! You're overweight!" If he loses 1 more pound it will say "Wow! You're normal!" (speaking of the BMI ranges).
He's been increasing his weights steadily on the bench press and incline press, he is running 3 miles two to three times a week, he is getting some serious abs, and as always his legs and especially calves are solid muscle!
It's true what they say too... couples that workout together stay together! Going to the gym, eating healthy, and getting in shape has really been great for our marriage. We thoroughly enjoy working out together and pushing each other if need be. Above all, we're there for one another and support the other however we can.
Again, CONGRATS LOVE!!
Back In February he was 5'11" and approximately 200. As of today he is 5'11" and 179CONGRATS BABE!
He had been hovering around 181 - 182 for about 3 weeks and I am so proud of him for sticking with his routine and breaking through. What is he most excited about? Having Wii Fit not say "Wow! You're overweight!" If he loses 1 more pound it will say "Wow! You're normal!" (speaking of the BMI ranges).
He's been increasing his weights steadily on the bench press and incline press, he is running 3 miles two to three times a week, he is getting some serious abs, and as always his legs and especially calves are solid muscle!
It's true what they say too... couples that workout together stay together! Going to the gym, eating healthy, and getting in shape has really been great for our marriage. We thoroughly enjoy working out together and pushing each other if need be. Above all, we're there for one another and support the other however we can.
Again, CONGRATS LOVE!!
Happy Monday!
Something to get your week started off on the right foot!
Motivational Quotes for Your Healthy Lifestyle
Motivational Quotes for Your Healthy Lifestyle
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wiiiiii
To say that I exercise a lot would be an understatement. I am in the gym 6 - 7 days a week, and I work out for 1.5 to 2 hours at a time. On the rare days that I can't make it to the gym (and even on most days that I do) I am doing my Wii Fit at home, today is my 60th day! and more recently I am doing my Wii Active.
Wii Fit is made by Nintendo and utilizes the Wii Fit Balance Board. There are 4 different training parts that include 1) yoga 2) strength 3) cardio 4) balance games. Even if I don't train on my Wii Fit I still try to do a "Body Test" every day. This consists of 3 parts: 1) you stand on the balance board and it measures your BMI and weight (it charts your progress) 2) you complete two body tests (steadiness test, balance test, agility test, etc.) 3) it uses your real age and your test result to produce a "wii fit age" (I have been anywhere from 22 - 50 years old, average is about 29, p.s. I am 28).
Yes, it is true... the Wii Fit makes fun of you a bit, and I have been known to talk back to it a time or two. "Too busy to work out yesterday, eh?" It also tells you "Wow. The agility test it definitely not your strong suit". It's all in fun though and if anything it makes me strive to prove it wrong. The Wii Fit also promotes a little healthy competition between my husband and I. Did I say healthy? I meant to say that it's pretty much my mission in life to get #1 on EVERY training game because currently I seem to hold the #2 spot on EVERY training game.
I just got the Wii Active; it's made by EA Sports. I have heard very good things about it from my friend (Hi friend!). The thing that I notice and love right off the bat is that instead of training one at a time (and inevitably staring at the other person from the couch) my husband and I can train simultaneously and what's even better, we can compete head to head! It's funny, the trainer kept saying "Great job keeping each other motivated!" We laughed because I think we were trying to mess each other up! On a more serious note, there are about 25 different "exercises" ranging from bicep curls and bent arm rows to incline skating and tennis drills. The first time I tried the Wii Active I completed one of their 20 minute circuits and let me tell you, I needed a shower BEFORE heading out to the gym. It was a pretty intense workout! Today started Day 1 of my "30 Day Challenge". I don't know what happens at the end of 30 days but it should be interesting. One more thing that I like about the Wii Active is it takes the guess work out of training. On the Wii Fit I have to choose from a menu of exercises and I find myself doing the same ones over and over. This picks your circuit for you and it increases the intensity for you as you get better.
Overall I love Wii Fit AND Wii Active. I have 60 days worth of data and graphs on the Wii Fit Body Test and it's fun to look back and see how much weight I've lost. It also has great games and challenges and makes working out fun. As far as the Wii Active, it seems like it's also fun but at the same time not. I'm definitely going to have a love/hate relationship with it. I am still going to the gym every night, but I am working out for 30 - 45 minutes a day on the Wii either first thing in the morning or on my lunch break. Should be a killer 30 days! Stay tuned...
Wii Fit is made by Nintendo and utilizes the Wii Fit Balance Board. There are 4 different training parts that include 1) yoga 2) strength 3) cardio 4) balance games. Even if I don't train on my Wii Fit I still try to do a "Body Test" every day. This consists of 3 parts: 1) you stand on the balance board and it measures your BMI and weight (it charts your progress) 2) you complete two body tests (steadiness test, balance test, agility test, etc.) 3) it uses your real age and your test result to produce a "wii fit age" (I have been anywhere from 22 - 50 years old, average is about 29, p.s. I am 28).
Yes, it is true... the Wii Fit makes fun of you a bit, and I have been known to talk back to it a time or two. "Too busy to work out yesterday, eh?" It also tells you "Wow. The agility test it definitely not your strong suit". It's all in fun though and if anything it makes me strive to prove it wrong. The Wii Fit also promotes a little healthy competition between my husband and I. Did I say healthy? I meant to say that it's pretty much my mission in life to get #1 on EVERY training game because currently I seem to hold the #2 spot on EVERY training game.
I just got the Wii Active; it's made by EA Sports. I have heard very good things about it from my friend (Hi friend!). The thing that I notice and love right off the bat is that instead of training one at a time (and inevitably staring at the other person from the couch) my husband and I can train simultaneously and what's even better, we can compete head to head! It's funny, the trainer kept saying "Great job keeping each other motivated!" We laughed because I think we were trying to mess each other up! On a more serious note, there are about 25 different "exercises" ranging from bicep curls and bent arm rows to incline skating and tennis drills. The first time I tried the Wii Active I completed one of their 20 minute circuits and let me tell you, I needed a shower BEFORE heading out to the gym. It was a pretty intense workout! Today started Day 1 of my "30 Day Challenge". I don't know what happens at the end of 30 days but it should be interesting. One more thing that I like about the Wii Active is it takes the guess work out of training. On the Wii Fit I have to choose from a menu of exercises and I find myself doing the same ones over and over. This picks your circuit for you and it increases the intensity for you as you get better.
Overall I love Wii Fit AND Wii Active. I have 60 days worth of data and graphs on the Wii Fit Body Test and it's fun to look back and see how much weight I've lost. It also has great games and challenges and makes working out fun. As far as the Wii Active, it seems like it's also fun but at the same time not. I'm definitely going to have a love/hate relationship with it. I am still going to the gym every night, but I am working out for 30 - 45 minutes a day on the Wii either first thing in the morning or on my lunch break. Should be a killer 30 days! Stay tuned...
Monday, June 15, 2009
Workout Mixx
I thought I would share my current workout with all of you. Please keep in mind, that this changes about once a month, and sometimes more often if I hear a new song that I must add. For the most part I would say there are many genre's of music that keep me pumped for a workout.
Just last week I was walking on the indoor track at my gym, and I had no intention to run that day. "Gonna Make you Sweat" by C + C Music Factory came on and the next thing I knew I was off and running. I actually did my best lap during that song, less than 2 minutes which meant I was running between 5 and 6 mph. I have some rap, and I have some pop. I also recently discovered a lot of workout compilations. Basically, it's albums that have been remixed with popular songs to a fast workout tempo.
I have songs from the following workout compilation albums:
Carmen Electra's Ultimate Workout Mix, Vol. 1 and 2 Top 40 Hits Remixed
The Biggest Loser Workout Mix - Top 40 Hits, Vol. 1 and 2
The Biggest Loser Workout Mix - Modern Rock Hits
The Biggest Loser Workout Mix - Country Hits Remixed
Most of the albums are mixed with 60 minutes of non-stop music, so the songs flow seamlessly into each other with no breaks. This gives my DJ husband a break from mixing all of my songs together for me!
I recently added a lot of BEP (Black Eyed Peas), their newest album is LOADED with fast tracks and they definitely keep me going. No matter what new songs I add though I always put one song in particular first. This song starts me off on the right foot and makes me remember why I am putting myself through 6 grueling workout a week in the first place. It is definitely my inspiration song!
What song is your song"? I'd also like to see some of your playlist too! We should always be looking for new ideas, it keeps our workouts fresh
Proud - Heather Small (Biggest Loser theme)
Let it Rock - Kevin Rudolph
Gonna Make you Sweat - C + C Music Factory
Skake It - Metro Station
Electric City - BEP
So What - Pink
Just Dance - Lady Gaga
Sexyback -Justin
Womaizer - Britney
Ugly - Bubba Sparxx
Sugar - Flo Rida
Party All the Time - BEP
Don't Cha - PCD
Ooh Lawd - DJ Smurf
Pocket Full of Sunshine - Remix
Stop and Stare - Remix
Love Song - Remix
Love Stoned - Remix
No One - Remix
Stronger - Remix
Apologize - Remix
Big Girls Don't Cry - Remix
Gimme More - Remix
I don't Wanna be in Love - Remix
Break it Off - Remix
Need You Tonight - Remix (oldie but a goodie!)
4 Minutes - Remix
All Summer Long - Remix
Bleeding Love - Remix
I Like the Way - Remix
Sorry - Remix
Honky Tonk Badonkadonk - Remix
Better Life - Remix
All I Want to Do - Remix
Somebody Like You - Remix
First Time - Remix
Into The Night - Remix
My Humps - BEP
Ring-A-Ling - BEP
Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani
Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado
Get into Something - Jen E
I Like to Move it Move it - Reel 2 Reel
Lose Control - Missy Elliot
Salt Shaker - Ying Yang Twins
Pump up the Jam - Technotronic (reminds me of my younger skating rink days!)
C'Mon 'n Ride the Train - Quad City DJ's
I Gotta Feeling - BEP
I'm a Slave For You -Britney
Rock That Body - BEP
Fergalicious - Fergie (I LOVE "I be up in the gym, just workin' on my fitness"!!!)
Something that I like to do is press pause when my workout is over. Believe it or not I do not work out for 4 hours and 7 minutes every day (total time of this playlist). This way instead of starting over at #1 for every workout I can hear all the songs every 2 or 3 days. Some days I do start out at "Proud" but after I hear that song and get my momentum up I will move further down the list.
I have spent hours combing the internet, googling "workout playlists", looking on Amazon for workout cd's, etc. What I found is that different songs, and different genre's motivate different people. I have yet to find someone's playlist that works for me and my workouts. This goes to show you that your workout playlist has to be your own. You can sample songs here and there and from others, but ultimately you have to listen to what will keep YOU going during YOUR workout.
"I look into the window of my mind. Reflections of the fears I know I've left behind. I step out of the ordinary, I can feel my soul ascending. I am on my way, Can't stop me now, And you can do the same." Heather Small
Just last week I was walking on the indoor track at my gym, and I had no intention to run that day. "Gonna Make you Sweat" by C + C Music Factory came on and the next thing I knew I was off and running. I actually did my best lap during that song, less than 2 minutes which meant I was running between 5 and 6 mph. I have some rap, and I have some pop. I also recently discovered a lot of workout compilations. Basically, it's albums that have been remixed with popular songs to a fast workout tempo.
I have songs from the following workout compilation albums:
Carmen Electra's Ultimate Workout Mix, Vol. 1 and 2 Top 40 Hits Remixed
The Biggest Loser Workout Mix - Top 40 Hits, Vol. 1 and 2
The Biggest Loser Workout Mix - Modern Rock Hits
The Biggest Loser Workout Mix - Country Hits Remixed
Most of the albums are mixed with 60 minutes of non-stop music, so the songs flow seamlessly into each other with no breaks. This gives my DJ husband a break from mixing all of my songs together for me!
I recently added a lot of BEP (Black Eyed Peas), their newest album is LOADED with fast tracks and they definitely keep me going. No matter what new songs I add though I always put one song in particular first. This song starts me off on the right foot and makes me remember why I am putting myself through 6 grueling workout a week in the first place. It is definitely my inspiration song!
What song is your song"? I'd also like to see some of your playlist too! We should always be looking for new ideas, it keeps our workouts fresh
Proud - Heather Small (Biggest Loser theme)
Let it Rock - Kevin Rudolph
Gonna Make you Sweat - C + C Music Factory
Skake It - Metro Station
Electric City - BEP
So What - Pink
Just Dance - Lady Gaga
Sexyback -Justin
Womaizer - Britney
Ugly - Bubba Sparxx
Sugar - Flo Rida
Party All the Time - BEP
Don't Cha - PCD
Ooh Lawd - DJ Smurf
Pocket Full of Sunshine - Remix
Stop and Stare - Remix
Love Song - Remix
Love Stoned - Remix
No One - Remix
Stronger - Remix
Apologize - Remix
Big Girls Don't Cry - Remix
Gimme More - Remix
I don't Wanna be in Love - Remix
Break it Off - Remix
Need You Tonight - Remix (oldie but a goodie!)
4 Minutes - Remix
All Summer Long - Remix
Bleeding Love - Remix
I Like the Way - Remix
Sorry - Remix
Honky Tonk Badonkadonk - Remix
Better Life - Remix
All I Want to Do - Remix
Somebody Like You - Remix
First Time - Remix
Into The Night - Remix
My Humps - BEP
Ring-A-Ling - BEP
Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani
Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado
Get into Something - Jen E
I Like to Move it Move it - Reel 2 Reel
Lose Control - Missy Elliot
Salt Shaker - Ying Yang Twins
Pump up the Jam - Technotronic (reminds me of my younger skating rink days!)
C'Mon 'n Ride the Train - Quad City DJ's
I Gotta Feeling - BEP
I'm a Slave For You -Britney
Rock That Body - BEP
Fergalicious - Fergie (I LOVE "I be up in the gym, just workin' on my fitness"!!!)
Something that I like to do is press pause when my workout is over. Believe it or not I do not work out for 4 hours and 7 minutes every day (total time of this playlist). This way instead of starting over at #1 for every workout I can hear all the songs every 2 or 3 days. Some days I do start out at "Proud" but after I hear that song and get my momentum up I will move further down the list.
I have spent hours combing the internet, googling "workout playlists", looking on Amazon for workout cd's, etc. What I found is that different songs, and different genre's motivate different people. I have yet to find someone's playlist that works for me and my workouts. This goes to show you that your workout playlist has to be your own. You can sample songs here and there and from others, but ultimately you have to listen to what will keep YOU going during YOUR workout.
"I look into the window of my mind. Reflections of the fears I know I've left behind. I step out of the ordinary, I can feel my soul ascending. I am on my way, Can't stop me now, And you can do the same." Heather Small
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Week 16 and Vitamins
Week 16 has come and gone. Did you know that a lot can happen in 16 weeks? A student can finish one semester of college in 16 weeks. A pregnant woman is already in her second trimester and can usually start to feel her little one moving by 16 weeks. In 16 weeks the USC Trojans can finish one football season. And apparently, I can lose 47.3 pounds in 16 weeks!
At this point in my journey I am so close to having lost 50 pounds, that I can taste it (pun or no pun, you decide). I will definitely be there on my Week 18 post, but until then I will share my numbers from the past two weeks.
I had a very good 2 weeks and I averaged almost 3 pounds of weight loss per week. I decreased my body fat by almost 1% and increased my muscle by almost 1%. Most importantly I lowered my BMI another point, bringing my total lost BMI points to 8. Overall I am pretty satisfied and I am so close to the -50 pound mark that I am sure it will only be a matter of days.
Now that all the boring stuff is out of the way, there has been something that I've been meaning to write about for a while now. Vitamins. Wait, what? That is borning too?
Do you take vitamins? I do and I think most people overlook them, when really they should be the most important part of your day. Here's a list of the vitamins that I currently take:
High Potency Multiple Vitamin & Mineral (vit a, vitc, vit d3, vit e, thia, ribo, niac, vit b6, folat, vit b12, biotin, calci, iron, phos, magn, zinc, copper)
Organic Flaxseed Oil + Omega-3
Sugar Free, Orange, Fiber Tablets
Prenatal Tablets (vit a, vit c, vit d, vit e, thia, ribo, niac, vit b6, folic acid, vit b12, calci, iron, zinc) {no, I am not pregnant but folic acid is very important if you plan to become pregnant. I've actually been taking these vitamins for over a year and they help with other nutrients I need too}
In the past I have taken "Women's One-A-Day, Weight Smart" and I absolutely loved those pills. They had a small amount of Guarana Seed and Green Tea and I found that (TMI alert) they kept me regular. I was advised to stop taking them while I am taking my Vitamin B12 shot though as the Guarana may interfere. Also, these pills have caffeine and I stopped drinking caffeine back in January.
At one point I was also taking Eccinachea, but stopped after I found myself still getting sick. The same goes for Vitamin C pills and Calcium. I was taking a separate pill for both and I found that between my multi-vitamin and prenatal pills that I was already getting my daily value, so I stopped taking these as well.
Basically, I am a huge proponent of daily vitamins. True, if you are eating a healthy and well balanced diet then you should be getting most of your daily vitamins and nutrients. But taking a pill will ensure that you do so it's no longer a guessing game. Also, not everyone enjoys fruits and vegetables. My husband for example, is not a fan of most fruit. By taking vitamins, he can get his daily value of Vitamin C even without eating an orange a day.
At this point in my journey I am so close to having lost 50 pounds, that I can taste it (pun or no pun, you decide). I will definitely be there on my Week 18 post, but until then I will share my numbers from the past two weeks.
I had a very good 2 weeks and I averaged almost 3 pounds of weight loss per week. I decreased my body fat by almost 1% and increased my muscle by almost 1%. Most importantly I lowered my BMI another point, bringing my total lost BMI points to 8. Overall I am pretty satisfied and I am so close to the -50 pound mark that I am sure it will only be a matter of days.
Now that all the boring stuff is out of the way, there has been something that I've been meaning to write about for a while now. Vitamins. Wait, what? That is borning too?
Do you take vitamins? I do and I think most people overlook them, when really they should be the most important part of your day. Here's a list of the vitamins that I currently take:
High Potency Multiple Vitamin & Mineral (vit a, vitc, vit d3, vit e, thia, ribo, niac, vit b6, folat, vit b12, biotin, calci, iron, phos, magn, zinc, copper)
Organic Flaxseed Oil + Omega-3
Sugar Free, Orange, Fiber Tablets
Prenatal Tablets (vit a, vit c, vit d, vit e, thia, ribo, niac, vit b6, folic acid, vit b12, calci, iron, zinc) {no, I am not pregnant but folic acid is very important if you plan to become pregnant. I've actually been taking these vitamins for over a year and they help with other nutrients I need too}
In the past I have taken "Women's One-A-Day, Weight Smart" and I absolutely loved those pills. They had a small amount of Guarana Seed and Green Tea and I found that (TMI alert) they kept me regular. I was advised to stop taking them while I am taking my Vitamin B12 shot though as the Guarana may interfere. Also, these pills have caffeine and I stopped drinking caffeine back in January.
At one point I was also taking Eccinachea, but stopped after I found myself still getting sick. The same goes for Vitamin C pills and Calcium. I was taking a separate pill for both and I found that between my multi-vitamin and prenatal pills that I was already getting my daily value, so I stopped taking these as well.
Basically, I am a huge proponent of daily vitamins. True, if you are eating a healthy and well balanced diet then you should be getting most of your daily vitamins and nutrients. But taking a pill will ensure that you do so it's no longer a guessing game. Also, not everyone enjoys fruits and vegetables. My husband for example, is not a fan of most fruit. By taking vitamins, he can get his daily value of Vitamin C even without eating an orange a day.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Has it REALLY been 10 years?
This past weekend was my 10 Year HS Reunion. Having officially survived the reunion marks one of the goals off of my list that I started back in March. I'd like to share a few thoughts on that night and on growing older.Was I the same weight that I was in HS? No. Was anyone the same weight they were in HS? Maybe a few... Did I feel confident and sexy the entire night in my -41 pounds body? YES!
I certainly believe the statistics that say attending a reunion is on the "Top 5 Reasons to Lose Weight" list. Although I was not the same weight I was in HS I still felt on top of the world because I've been working out and eating healthy and have lost 41 pounds in the past four months to prove it. I think had I started getting back in shape maybe 6 months or 1 year ago I DEFINITELY would have looked the same way I did 10 years ago. But you know what? It didn't matter that I wasn't... because the confidence that I've gained in the past 4 months really shined through anyway.
During my senior year in HS I was working out at the gym 2 - 3 days a week. I was co-captain of my HS tennis team and that meant tennis practice 4 days a week and matches 1 day a week. My doubles partner and I also made it into State semi-finals and although we didn't actually make it to state, we sure worked our butts off to get as far as we did. I worked 40 hours a week at a Tanning Salon, which required me to be up and down all day cleaning tanning beds. Not to even mention I was only 18 years old!
A lot has happened in 10 years. I was a girl then, and now I'm a woman. I'm a wife and a working professional. I strive to be a best friend, a great daughter, and a good sister. I have a roof over my head and have been blessed with an amazing husband, who loves me no matter what. Yes, I am 10 years older but I am also 10 years wiser. I was nervous about what people would think about me, and if they would notice that I had gained weight since HS, but that soon all went out the window shortly after arriving. I realized even if I had gained weight, nobody cared. I was afraid the same HS small mindedness would be there, and it wasn't. There were a lot of hugs and smiles, and reminiscing of the old days.
I wouldn't change a thing about the last 10 years; it has shaped me into who I am today (pun intended...)
Then and Now!
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