Zumba Enigma

My Monday ended with a blissfully fun Zumba class that included one Bollywood Style routine which I LOVED. I want to take some Bollywood dance/fitness classes but the only places I can find in Chicago are super inconvenient (aka I will easily find reasons not to go). It's just such fun to dance it all out. The instructor picks great music and creates really fun routines. If Christina Aguilera is singin' I want to be dancin'!

Tuesday night the Zumba class was later with a different instructor. I knew it was going to be a guy and was interested to see how that would go. In walked a dude. A big tall manly dude (with a teddy bear face). Teddy RuxMAN was going to teach Zumba? The music started and he moved so well and so fluidly. He must have thought I wasn't enjoying myself because I kept catching glimpses of my face in the mirror and I looked so baffled. Surprisingly his routines were much cutesier than the other instructor's. I can't accurately describe what an enigma it was. This football player was in touch with his hips, dude could Zumba.

Last night I tried Yoga Sculpt. Again, thank goodness I've done some yoga before because in true form there was no instruction. There were some adjustments here and there, but it was everyone for themselves. Yoga Sculpt is just what it sounds like: Yoga with some small weights. I used only 2lb weights since I wasn't sure what I was in store for. I could have easily done 3 pounders. I was feeling wussy since my opposite arm is starting to hurt in the same way my old injury did. Get thee to acupuncture! I definitely broke a sweat and feel like I got a good workout from the class. It's the most interesting thing offered in the 5:30pm classes on Wednesdays, so I bet I'll go back.

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I'm feeling motivated by all of the nice lean muscle I'm seeing during my workouts lately. I guess with Bikram the room was dim and I was so focused on form and breathing that I didn't really get to take a good look at myself. There's a long lean woman in here and she's coming out! It's exciting. With all of the shaking and such in Zumba I definitely see that I really need to do dips and curls everyday. I have some serious under arm I-was-once-chubby jiggle. Having some shoulder and tricep muscle actually makes it stand out worse! In all (ok 80%) seriousness. Does anyone have a Shakeweight? Are they effective?

Taking the Bull By the Horns

This week I have taken the bull by the horns and got myself back on track:

Sunday: Bikram
Monday: Bikram
Tuesday: Bikram
Wednesday: 3 mile walk
Thursday: 3 mile walk
BAM!

I've also made sure to stay aware of my calorie intake and have been evening cocktail-free all week.

In your face, scale!

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Frown

So yesterday I boarded my scale after not checking for a couple of weeks, and it was a bit scary. I've gained some weight. There, I said it. It was hard to see, and I can maybe attribute a pound or two to muscle I'm gaining from Bikram (Ten classes so far-woohoo!), but I think really I've just been having too many calories. Even healthy foods can plump you up if you're not careful-I think I've been having too many nuts for snacks at work. I also need to lay off the wine and other cocktails and the chocolate chips. Although I am not downing any of these in crazy excess, they aren't calorie free. I had intended to skip Bikram yesterday, but after the news I promptly booked an afternoon class and headed to the grocery store to get salad fixins and lots of veggies for the week. I went to class and sweated out my toxins then went home and had some very lightly sauteed brocoli, carrots, onions, celery, basil and sage (from my very own garden)and tofu with a big ice berg and spinach salad full of daikon, tomatoes (from my very own garden) and cucumbers. I also had a slice of toasted soy flour bread rubbed with a garlic clove. I feel cleaner. I packed a big salad for lunch today at my day job along with an apple and a cucumber/tomato salad for snacks. The key is not necessarily eating less, just making better choices.

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It's hard not to feel sorry for myself at a time like this and think, "It's no fair that I can't eat like a normal person without gaining weight! How can I come so far only to start destroying it? How can people complement me on my arms and say I've look like I've lost weight the day before, but the scale report crazy numbers? Wahhh it's not fair!" The answer is: Nope, it's not fair. It is not fair that I've had to struggle for so long, even when I've slimmed down so much. It's simply an issue I have to deal with. Some people have drug problems, some people have spending/money problems, I have food/weight problems. No sense in stressing out over this (even though it's hard, and I am admittedly shaken up). I know how to get back on track, and I will do just that. Lots of clean food this week and making sure to move daily. Wednesday my husband and I start rehearsals together for a show (hooray for getting to see each other) and the rehearsal space is a nice 1.5 mile walk each way, so we plan to take advantage of that.

I feel like it's important to share this little stumble, because this is a life long journey full of ups and downs. It happens to all of us.

My Exercise Journey

I had a request to give some more details about my exercise journey.

First, I hate exercising. I really hoped that by this time I would be hopelessly addicted. Alas, even when I know I will feel great afterwards, even though it’s exciting to conquer things I haven’t been able to do before, even though it tones me up and makes my squish disappear, I do not enjoy it. I truly wish I did. I enjoy the results of traditional exercise, but not the act itself. What I enjoy is the kind of exercise that doesn’t feel formal. I enjoy moving. If weather, money, and time permitted I would do the following all of the time: take dance classes, hike, and kick box.

I think some of this stems from being such an overweight child. If you recall, by kindergarten I weighed 75lbs. By the time I was in 4th grade (about ten years old) I weighed 148lbs. I know this because I distinctly recall going to the doctor toward the end of my fourth grade year. I even remember what I was wearing-a white t-shirt and crazy orange elastic waistband shorts (because when you are as chubby as I was and under five feet tall, this is all that fits you). I remember hearing how much I weighed and knowing it was bad and being humiliated inside. Shudder. I wasn’t athletic at all. I couldn’t run with any kind of speed, I attempted two unsuccessful summers of trying to play softball, I tried going to a little basketball camp, and I couldn’t ride a bike until I was eight. Now that I think about it, more than anything I was just embarrassed to be seen. I jiggled, I flopped, I was bigger than some adults, I felt like I looked ridiculous and I didn’t want other kids to laugh at me. Thus, I think I developed this self imposed limitation that I couldn’t do athletic things simply because I would be laughed at and I would embarrassed. Does that make sense? Somehow I found dance and I really loved it. I had fun, the other girls were accepting, and I was good at it. This was the kind of exercise I enjoyed. I think this is why I have a love for Richard Simmons. Sweatin’ To The Oldies 2 was fun. I enjoyed it. I can still remember some of the moves to this day. I didn’t feel judged. There was Jane Fonda in her signature striped leotard making me feel horrible because she was an adult who under weighed me by pounds and pounds and then there was Richard Simmons who speaks so sweetly and jubilantly encouraged me to dance and “shake off those fat cells.” (A phrase I still think of every time I am going through a tough exercise routine)

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But I digress. Cut to my journey from the past eleven months. Having been on a yo-yo up and down weight battle all of my life struggling with same 25-30lbs and feeling unathletic, I wasn’t sure what the best way to begin was. Months prior I had taken some dance classes and worked out on my home elliptical machine to work off some medicinal weight gain and that got me to a decent starting point. I hadn’t been a good exerciser for about four months and I felt like I was back at square one with fitness. So…. I just moved. I made a vow that I would just start slowly by moving every day. I would take a walk after work for a few miles and/or spend 15 minutes on my elliptical. That’s how it began.

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Once I had gently reintroduced exercise I started testing the waters by trying a two week magazine fitness jump start that involved a lot of walking/jogging intervals, then committing to exercising at least three times a week (typically 20-30 minutes on my elliptical), followed by an overly ambitious attempt to burn way to many calories in one week. The first few months were spent mainly on my elliptical machine. While this is always good cardio, I was bored and knew that I should be giving some attention to my abs and belly so around August I started incorporating some pilates into the mix (and the occasional date with Jillian Michaels).

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Some days were better than others but on the whole I was at a steady 30 minutes three times a week situation. By mid September I was getting overwhelmed, had reinjured my bum arm and went a whole week without exercising. I was getting busy with rehearsals for a show, so I went back to basics and vowed to move every day. In my opinion this is the best place to go back to when you’ve fallen off the exercise wagon. After getting back on track I was soon deep in the heart of rehearsals and didn’t want to lose steam so I made sure to do leg lifts and arms circles every day since I could do those at rehearsal. You have to squeeze toning in when you when you have two jobs folks! Around November and the time of my opening, I’d had a light few weeks exercise wise, but I still did whatever I could with the very limited time I had. I think this is key. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF SMALL WORKOUTS. Every little bit adds up!

By December I had upped my number of workouts and started doing longer sessions and vowing to make at least two workouts each week one hour long. At this point I was doing mostly cardio/strength combo workouts from Exercise TV. (In December I also embarked on clean, animal free eating which really helped my bod and stamina.)

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In January I knew I had only a month and half or so before I would be consumer by long rehearsals, so I began working out four + days a week and for one hour each time. I did mixes of strength training workouts (like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Boot Camp, Jackie Warners interval training and pilates).

In March and April I hung on for dear life as I worked full time at my day job during the week and had four hour long rehearsals each night. My main exercise those weeks was walking to and from rehearsal. If all else fails, walk to your destination instead of drive-it keeps you moving and healthy! Now, I am just squeezing in whatever I can with the three days a week I do not have a show. I’ve jogged a couple of times with my husband, done some time on my elliptical (although my new elliptical is no bueno), and continued to walk as much as I can.

So really that was much more of a recap, but the basics are: I did what I could when I could and kept going no matter what and kept chnaging up what I did.

And So It Begins...

Well, actually it began Sunday. Rehearsals for my next show that is.

TOO MUCH TO DO: The big balancing act starts once again. Monday I was blessed with a Work From Home day, so I had plenty of time to get in a workout since I had no commute. Yesterday began the tricky “just make it work” method of trying to squeeze in exercise on limited time. It was tough. I need some minutes when I get home to have a snack (because I am usually really hungry when I get home) and relax a bit before jumping into a work out. I did okay during my last rehearsal process, but there were some rough weeks with no time for exercise which I definitely can't afford in these last months. One thing in my corner is that the rehearsal space is a mere 15 walk from my apartment. I can use all of the time savings I can get!! One thing NOT in my corner-the death of my elliptical machine on Sunday. This is no good! While I was on it on the belt on the wheel broke and according to my husband, it doesn’t look repairable. While I try to get variety and have been more devoted to full body workouts and core/ab workouts, my trusty elliptical is always a great way to get in some big calorie burn quick. UGH! This was going to be a key to success with my new rehearsal schedule. I say at times like this that getting up early to work out is the best option, but it's really hard for me. Getting up is tough, yes, but I also get nauseous when I exercise in the early morning.

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TOUGH TIMING: This week we are beginning at typical 7pm start time, but next week it gets even hairier as rehearsals begin at 6:30pm. Yowsa. That is early enough for a full time day jobber without having to throw in exercise, so it will be a big challenge! We also go later than a typical rehearsal schedule, so I will be getting home around 11pm each night at the earliest on the weekdays. So goes the life of an actor still depending on a day job, but I must say that ultimately I am so very thankful to have acting work. Our lovely director said that she once likened being an actor as to be a ditch digger during The Great Depression. It's hard work and you don't get paid well (one day I will, but not right now) but if you complain there are hundreds of people who would love to have your job. Now mind you I understand that this is an extreme comparison. It’s more like “balancing a day job and cultivating an acting career is like being a ditch digger….” We actually enjoy our acting career. Not a perfect analogy, but you get my drift.

HAIR: Speaking of my career, I recently got time with my print agent who agreed to meet with me regarding a change with my hair. I have what I call "beachy" hair. Not curly, not straight, just wavy (which can mean terribly frizzy especially in the dry MidWest) and loooong. We discussed coifing a more polished look to open me for more print opportunities. My hair is younger looking than I am and I need to look more my age. I have been contemplating a major hair change for a year now and have been scared to do it (Hello! PSYCH 101-using hair to cover up and hide), but I know it must be done to benefit my career and embrace a new decade in my life. (Plus my new show takes place in the 1930s, so it's a must for a proper 'do.) It’s also going to look great! I’m embracing my new slender self and will not hide anymore! So I am headed to the salon on Saturday after rehearsal and will have my hair cut.

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Here is some background on my fear of shorter hair. I'm embarrassed in a way to share some of my terrible insecurities from the past, but they are a part of journey to become the person I am today who thinks I am super important and loves myself enough to spend a whole year cultivating my health and fitness, so it's relevant to mention. I basically have two pictures in my head when it comes to me with shorter hair. One is my junior year high school picture and one is a series of photos taken while on a road trip my freshman year of college. In both of these photos my hair is about chin length, terribly styled, and truly unflattering (along with terrible 90s clothing and caterpillar eyebrows). More so, I'm just embarrassed of how I looked and embarrassed that I’m embarrassed-make sense? While I won’t be going this short on Saturday, there is a little nervous part of me that has kept me from taking this leap in fear that I’ll somehow be transported back to this awkward insecure look. However, I know that I am no longer that same insecure pudgy girl who was sad and unhappy with herself. I am BB30 and I rock everyone’s face off ! It's thrilling and nerve racking, but mostly I am excited to make this change for me. I feel good about it! Another component is that I will have to go back to the land of daily hair rollers which I abandoned ten years ago. This means I’ll need more time in the morning-add that to the list of things to squeeze into my day! My thoughtful husband gifted me with some rad hot pink fast heating rollers to help me out. They heat up 75 seconds!

CLOTHES: Since my body has been changing I am in need of a new wardrobe. I've been finding it really difficult to find pieces I like. Shopping makes me tired! In the past two Saturdays I have tried on 24 things and only ended up with four. All of this took several hours. Whew. This weekend when I shopped I put the longest layers of my hair in a little bun in the back of my hair to see what clothes would like with my new look. I loved it. I loved the way I looked with new hair and clothes that fit. I loved that I loved myself! I loved knowing that my hard work is paying off. What a great feeling. Since I am addicted to TLC's What Not To Wear I always imagine that Clinton and Stacy are watching me shop haha!

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Have you had a busy schedule pose a challange to get in your work outs lately?
Do you love What Not To Wear Too??

It's In The Bag

First, I'm getting nervous y'all! I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and like I'll never be able to firm up my remaining jigglies in three short months! I begin rehearsals for a new show in 1.5 weeks and each night begins earlier and goes later than a typical rehearsal schedule, so I really may not get a lot of opportunity to exercise. I have a good rhythm of cooking a big pot of something for lunches during the week, so I don't think it will be too much of an extra hassle to prepare grab-n-go dinners to have handy as well. Heck, maybe it will be helpful since I won't be home being tempted to snack! I just need to make sure to pack enough-I definitely had to do some trial and error to perfect how much food to bring with me to get me through a  work day. In fact, I'll share with you my typical lunch bag:

AN APPLE

I always eat breakfast at home, but I typically feel hungry again by 10:30am or so and I eat a fiber filled apple to tide me over until lunch.

LUNCH BOWL (I change it up, but lately this is my standard.)

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  I take a big rubbermaid container and fill it up with chopped, calcium rich, figure friendly greens (typically mustard, turnip and/or collard-there are some great pre chopped mixes out there, but fresh is of course magical and there isn't extra waste with packaging and such). I give it a shake or two of sea salt and some pepper, because greens are bitter and need a little something.
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  Then on top of that I layer between 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup of a pre-cooked whole grain such as red wheat berries (soooo delicious), quinoa, kamut flakes (so oaty and comforting), millet, or barley.
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  On top of that I layer between 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup of beans such as black, kidney, pinto, or if it's today-mung beans (I think the word mung bean is so weird don't you?). Sometimes I use canned beans, but I try to cook them ahead from dry if I can.
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  I'll throw in random seasonings for taste and variation like Tony's Creole Seasoning, cumin, or turmeric. I typically add in herbs and a little olive oil to my grains when I first cook them so they're ready ahead of time.
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  Sometimes I sprinkle in roasted flax seeds for some nutty Omega 3 action.
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  Come lunch time I will put my container in the microwave for about three minutes and the greens get nice and cooked under the grains and beans.

A BAGGIE OF BABY CARROTS

As yummy and satisfying as my lunch bowl is I get hungry again around 3 or 3:30pm. (Apparently I'm a metabolic machine now! Hahaha) So, I enjoy a baggie of baby carrots-more good-for-you fiber! Sometimes I'll bring some hummus along (but just a little bit-no more than two tbsps) My carrots and apple are interchangeable-sometimes I want my carrots in the morning and my apple in the afternoon.I listen to what my body says it wants first.

Get thee to Bed Bath and Beyond and get a couple sets of these I use them all of the time!

What else, what else? I have let two tough broads into my work out life lately. Meet the saucy Jeanette Jenkins and loveably feisty Jackie Warner:

I have done Jeanette Jenkins' Exercise TV 45 minute Kick Boxing workout a couple of times now and it's a great overall strength and cardio routine. I like it very much and feel really bad-ass and cool when I do it! They don't have it available to peak at online or else I would share :(

Did any of you watch the reality show Work Out on Bravo? Jackie Warner and her fierce abs were the star of that show, and I've been doing two of her works outs (one longer and one just focused on abs), because she knows what's she's talking about!

Click here for a snippet from the longer one.

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Be sure to keep me posted if you find a great work out dvd you think I should try!

Happy Monday!

BB30

Is It That Time Again Already?

Here are my latest measurements:
Jan 3rd Waist (at belly button): 30.75
Feb 3rd Waist (at belly button): 30 inches
Down 3/4 inch! Down 3.5 inches total!

Jan 3rd Hips: 36
Feb 3rd Hips: 36
No Change. Down 3 inches total!

Jan 3rd Arm: 10.75 inches around
Feb 3rd Arm: 10.75 inches around
No Change. Down 1 inch total!

Jan 3rd Thigh: 21.75 inches around
Feb 3rd Thigh: 21.75 inches around
No Change. Down 1.25 inches total!

Hey 3/4 inch in my waist ain't too shabby! I am a little surprised that after so much hard work and additional workouts over the past month that I haven't shaved off a little more, but I am seeing tone and definition, so that is awesome and most important.

I am definitely battling some harsh winter blues right now, but I know I would be in an even worse place mentally if I wasn't eating kindly and cleanly and exercising. I've started taking a B-12 supplement in hopes for a boost. One thing about not eating meat and dairy is that you miss some B-12. This isn't a loop hole in the system, it is because our soil today isn't as rich and healthy as it used to be. It's so overtreated now that all of the healthy bacteria that houses B-12 is missing and we're left with animal guts (literally) as the only place to get it instead of in our vegetables. So I take a dropper of liquid B-12 most days. Have the winter blues hit you?

Only three months left folks until I have vowed to feel fit and confident enough to wear a bikini. It's exciting and motivating and terrifying all at the same time! The hardest area is the ol' abs. I feel like I can't do enough ab work! I remind myself that I am working through a lifetime of squish and to be patient and kind to myself about it!!

Wins

I've had some wins lately that I'd like to share.

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Energy! I have a lot more. I'm finding that I get bursts of energy throughout the day that I haven't had in a long time. My schedule has been really hectic and having an energy boost from all of the clean food I am eating has been helpful to keep me from crumbling under the pressure. Yesterday for example I worked, went to an afternoon work function, had a surprise call back for a show, and had a holiday party to attend later that night. Holy moly, what a long day! BUT I felt more equipped with the stamina to do it!

I dined out for lunch! At my work function I was faced with my first time of being at a restaurant and attempting to eat animal product free. It was a nicer restaurant that didn't have a standard "big salad" to order, so I thought maybe I will have them tossed some salad greens together for me or order some side veggies cooked without butter. I was okay with that since I know choosing clean foods right now is really benefitting my health. When I mentioned that I was trying to go the vegan route and asked if could I have some sides of veggies, the waiter said it was no problem he would make something for me. The result: I was served the most succulent dish of squash, zucchini and other veggies in a delicious tomato ragu with a side of fresh green beans. It was a delight and I felt very satisfied and full. I can do this!

I feel deflated (in a good way): By reducing my processed food intake I feel less puffy, less salty, and lighter!

I'm also enjoying trying new whole grains. My current love is barley. It's terribly nutritious and I love how it's like super soft brown rice. So nutty and light and comforting! I like to top it with steamed kale (another current love.)

Saturday I made a recipe from The Kind Diet, a delicious Eggplant Chana Masala. It was really easy and made a ton of stew so I was able to eat it for a few meals over the weekend and freeze some in individual containers for lunches this week. My husband also liked it a lot!

Last week I exercised in some way everyday but Friday (I was out the door at 7:45am and didn't return until after midnight-fair enough I'd say). So I came near my week's goal. This week I want to make sure to get in two full hour work outs. I've got to get my workout lengths up to boost this gettin' lean mean machine!

Dressed to be Motivated

So………..As the months move quickly along my bikini bod goal has been feeling sort of COLOSSAL. My motivating audition was a bust (not even a call back-sigh), so I am pretty bummed about that. Enter my new mini goal, a goal within a goal if you will.

Whilst perusing a consignment shop display at a street fair with my visiting besties this weekend, I stumbled upon a charming vintage inspired dress (I think it comes from Anthropologie). The size was questionable and ambitious, but it looked possible, and it was so adorable that I threw caution to the wind and bought it. Friends, the fit was pretty darn snug. Snug as in it was successfully zipped once then I was afraid to push it lest I break the zipper. BUT it’s definitely an inspiration to work hard and make my way into it which feels very attainable and like much less of an overwhelming challenge than getting an athletic bikini body feels at the moment.

So I present my stepping stone goal: Dress By Opening.

My new show (that I started rehearsals for Monday night-yay) opens on November 13th. With the time frame ( 6-7 weeks) and the dress’ tweediness it makes for the perfect fall event to wear my goal dress to. It will also hit just after the six month mark (when I will post updated bikini pics). Here are some shots so we can compare later when it WILL fit!

The Before:

This dress is precious, no? It satiates some of the Mad Men costume lust I have been experiencing. Side note: If you haven’t, please watch Mad Men, you know, only if you enjoy crazy good “it’s all about what’s not being said” acting and writing that will blow you away.

I think it was good to see some pics like this in general because although I was sad (and admittedly embarrassed) that it didn't fit, I can see definition in my back that I haven't seen before, because, well, I can't see my back :) It also helped me form my goal for the week: Work on those lower abs/belly. Last night I did lots of leg lifts and really noticed how much strength I am gaining. I can get my legs just inches from the ground and shoot them back up now. I definitely could not do that a few months ago. So, there are many positives that have come from my too-tight purchase.

In other news, I am feeling a bit less scaly but not sure if I owe it to Fish Oil or one of the remedies that Dr. Mom has recently mailed me. Maybe a combo. My arm/neck/shoulder are still hurting after having to lift so many heavy crates during an office move two weeks ago. Hoping it gets better with rest so I don't have to go through the Physical Therapy regimen again. I have a massage scheduled for Friday so maybe that will give me some relief.

So there you have it. In a month and half I WILL sport my new dress at my show opening….and away we go!

Achy Breaky Me Or Ramblings of A Bleary BB30

I must make a confession: I did not work out last week. There I said it. It's out there. I ate fine and did ride my bike and was active, but I did not have an actual workout for seven days. BUT today, despite the difficulty, I got back on the proverbial horse and did an On Demand Bun and Thigh Yoga routine as well as my fave Lizbeth Garcia Pilates routine.

We were moved to different locations on our floor last week at my day job which involved packing a multitude of boxes and lots of lifting. Needless to say, my bum arm that was doing so well is very angry. I am achy from all of that as well as stress.

Another confession: I abhor not being in the writer's spirit and articulating myself better at the moment, but better to write a stream of consciousness to document my weary state than to write nothing at all.

Weary. This is the perfect word to describe me right now. Drained+exhausted+achy=weary.

Where is the energy exercise is supposed to bring me on this tiring day? Today it feels like a chore more than a treat.

A Third Confession: I am embarrassed to be so publicly negative. However, this is an important part of the journey: The part where I am not sure I can make it. The part where I need a break. We all go through it and I wouldn't be keeping an honest account of my journey if I didn't bear it all.

Which brings me to my goal for this week (which I used as my goal for last week as well): Keep Positive. I felt as though I was in need of mental challenge rather than a physical challenge. I am trying to stay positive throughout this grouchy, overworked, frazzled time. Instead of letting myself get too down and let negative BB30 seep in saying, "this is it, I can't go any further," I am telling myself that one day my slump will be over and focusing on remembering that I am merely in a personal rough patch and it WILL come to an end.

Have you hit a slump lately? What have you done to pull yourself out?

Plateau

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I feel like I have hit a plateau. Not necessarily a progress plateau, because my measurements prove that I am shrinking, but more of a mental plateau. I have routinely exercised an average of three times a week and continue to follow a balanced Naturally Thin way of eating, but I am feeling a little bored. I've made efforts to combat this by adding variety to my work outs by introducing strength training and varying my cardio, but the repetiveness of work-dinner-exercise-sleep-repeat is getting to me. I also cannot seem to break up with my scale. It's like an abusive relationship-I keep going to it hoping that this time it will be different, but it is always the same cruel unchanging scale. I have to admit that it's hard to let go of the vanity of seeing my weight go down. I must remind myself constantly that it's just not the time for that, and weight loss will come when it's supposed to. The real time to worry will be when my measurements stop changing. Easier said than done!

Over the past couple of weeks I've had some extra edible and drinkable indulgences and I feel myself falling into some old bad habits, so this week I am going to keep an eye out for those extra calories that I don't need and really asking myself if I need them. Plus I want to make sure to get in four days of exercising.

Here's to you week 16!

Measurements Part Tres!

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Here we are, the third day of the month, Measurement Day. Let's get to it!

May 3rd Waist (at belly button): 33.5 inches
June 3rd Waist (at belly button): 33 inches
July 3rd Waist (at belly button): 32.5 inches
August 3rd Waist (at belly button): 31.75 inches
Down 3/4 an inch! Down 1.75 inches total!

May 3rd Hips: 39 inches
June 3rd Hips: 38 inches
July 3rd Hips: 38 inches
August 3rd Hips: 37.5
Down 1/2 inch. Down 1.5 inches total!

May 3rd Arm: 11.75 inches around
June 3rd Arm: 11.5 inches around
July 3rd Arm: 11.25 inches around
August 3rd Arm: 11 inches around
Down 1/4 inch! Down 3/4 inch total!

May 3rd Thigh: 23 inches around
June 3rd Thigh: 22.75 inches around
July 3rd Thigh: 22.5 inches around
August 3rd Thigh: 22 inches around
Down 1/2 inch! Down 1 inch total!

Slowly but surely gang! Maybe my scale isn't moving, and maybe I didn't have a stellar exercise week last week (I didn't get in the lengthier workouts I was aiming for, just a couple of shorties), but the measurements don't lie! What a great way to start the day!

This week my goal is to add variety to my workouts. As we know I am doing lots of cardio, but have only just started adding in some strengthening with ab work. I want to try to incorporate a variety of exercises this week and focus on strengthening.

Spread It

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I wanted to share with you a delightful addition to my breakfast.

I am not a sweets in the morning kind of girl, but lately I have been craving a little jam with my toast (awesome Today's Temptations Low Carb High Fiber toast-mmm). While a little processed jelly from the jar isn't going to hurt anyone, there is just such a difference in a real fruit spread. Last weekend my mother in law gave me a bit of some homemade raspberry preserves that a friend of hers made. It was so fresh and delicious. Inspired by that, yesterday I turned to the frozen berries I have on hand in my fridge for my daily fruit bowls. I took a little handful of strawberry and dark cherry slices and put them in a small ramekin with some Splenda and popped it in the microwave for a minute or two. I mashed it with a spoon, put it in the freezer for a few minutes to cool down, and then spread it on my toast for the most enjoyable fresh fruit spread ever!!!! I really didn't even need to add any Splenda at all, because the natural fruit juice is sweet enough as it is. This morning I did it again with a few frozen blueberries and blackberries and left out the Splenda. Oh mama! So fruity and fresh and divine and tons healthier for me! Please give it a whirl!

Today I prepped my fruit bowls, this week adding banana slices back in with lots of blackberries. Each week the bowls are a little different based on what I can get at a great price. Variety is key!! I've also prepped some delicious soup to freeze in containers for grab-n-go lunches. My day job office is so cold that hot soup for lunch is perfect. It warms me up and fills me up in a low cal way! Do you do Sunday food prep for your week?

One good thing about Sundays is that it's Ruby day. Do you watch Ruby on the Style Channel? It's the reality show that documents the weight loss journey of southern belle Ruby Gettinger. She started her journey at almost 500lbs (although in the past she has weighed up to 700lbs) and is now at the 350 mark. She is doing it all through diet and exercise (no surgery), and she is so charismatic and lovely. Ruby is someone you just want to be friends with and I admire her for putting herself out there for the world to see!! If you don't get the Style Channel you can watch her on Hulu: www.hulu.com/ruby

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Over the week I did well with my goal of incorporating more core work. I did three good workouts this week-two days including the addition of a full abs workout to my elliptical time and one day doing various crunches on my own after elliptical time. My goal for this week will be to continue to incorporate core work and to lengthen my workouts a bit to start burning more calories and upping my endurance!

I also got some nice news on Friday. I have a new acting gig. I will begin rehearsals in September for a fun original script with some hilarious people. It should be a great time, and I am glad my dry spell is over!

A New Motivation

I have been a woman of my word and have incorporated more core work into my regimen this week. I’m proud about that.

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I must again sing the praises of On Demand Fitness, because it gives me the opportunity to test drive a variety of workouts. I get bored easily, and mustering the drive to get up and exercise is tough enough for me as it is, so I don’t want to make it twice as hard by doing the same monotonous thing over and over. (I can stick with the repetitiveness of the elliptical because I am catching up on a variety of DVRd goodness while I do it.) Explore On Demand fitness options if you have them! Try Hulu.com as well! You can actually find my ab workout from yesterday there: http://www.hulu.com/six-pack-abs

Recently a new motivation to stick with balanced diet and exercise has presented itself. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to audition for a production with a highly regarded company in a show that is so dear to my heart to say the very least. In general this piece requires physical stamina and body confidence, so while my expectations are managed about being cast (as they always must be in show business), I am thrilled that I have advanced notice to push myself a little harder and be ready for anything the audition process throws my way. I want to be as strong and confident as possible so I can walk out feeling wonderful about this audition.

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Have you had any new motivations this week?

I also seem to have an insatiable desire for cereal as well as sautéed purple onions. No, I’m not pregnant.

What are your wacky food wants this week?

To the Core

My week was good. I got in two workouts on the elliptical, and on Saturday I met my goal of incorporating some core work when I turned on ExerciseTV and paired a little Pilates Abs workout with revisit of Back 2 Bollywood.

Tuesday I had a good triumph with restaurant dining. My husband and I met at a Turkish restaurant we had been wanting to try and instead of ordering one of the ho-hum vegetarian dinners that would have left me dissatisfied and angry and wishing I'd gotten something better, I used my Naturally Thin tools and opted for a small appetizer and a cup of lentil soup as my meal. Although pan fried, my delicious hot appetizer was just what I wanted (savory zucchini, feta and tomato disks), and it was small so I could have some delectable bites and be completely satisfied without breaking the calorie bank!

Today I made my weekly fruit bowls and instead of banana slices and grapefruit chunks I worked in beautiful dark cherries and grapes for some variety. I cooked up some delicious veggie chili full of healthy squash, zucchini, eggplant, purple onion, and bit of black beans that I put into individual containers and froze as grab-n-go lunch options for this week.

For my Week 12 goal I will continue to incorporate core work into my exercise routine. I liked the pilates workout because it was gentle enough not to cripple me the next day, but powerful enough that I definitely felt it. I think I will go in that direction for now as my core strengthening method.

What are your favorite ab workouts?

My Date with Jillian and Sarina

I am about to begin getting ready for some Independence Day festivities, but before I do I wanted to share with you the details of a date I had this afternoon with two lovely ladies! I knew I needed to get in a workout today, specifically a non-elliptical based work out per my goal for the week.

I began with some overall strengthening and intensity with Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred. Jillian (of The Biggest Loser) takes you through a brisk and effective work out that she claims will save you hours half-arsing it in the gym if you give her 20 minutes. I was nervous at first since my arm/neck/shoulder are just now beginning to feel better after the rotator cuff debacle, but I used the skills I learned in physical therapy to be mindful of disengaging my shoulders by not letting them tense up and use the appropriate muscles. I did well. I was even able to do push ups!!! I really thought I may never be able to do them again!


Thanks amazon.com.
I craved some more sweatin' and turned to Fit TV On Demand for something new and fun that could help me feel the burn. I set my sights on BOLLYWOOD! I have never tried Bollywood dancing before, and I am so glad I did! It was really fun and proved to be a good challenge for my arm/neck/shoulder. The workout uses lots of arms in the air which can possibly be detrimental to folks like me who have the bad habit of tensing up our shoulders. What's great is that the beautiful instructor, Sarina Jain, constantly reminds you to keep your shoulders down! This dance workout was such fun and I loved learning a new form of dance. I can't wait to do it again!

Thanks exercisetv.com
If you want to see a clip of the workout go here:
http://store.exercisetv.tv/p-2182-masala-bhangra-workout-back-2-bollywood-volume-6-video-download.aspx#video

Wrap With Me

Hello Week 8!

So how'd I do this week? I did not burn 3500 calories exercising. I came to the realization that this was a bigger goal than I was ready for, but hey, this journey is about learning. So, what else did I learn? I learned that I CAN burn 1900 calories through exercise in one week if I put my mind to it.

Here is how it was broken down:

Tuesday 500 cals
Wednesday 500 cals
Thursday 550 cals
Friday 400 cals

Yesterday I did a ton of errands so I was up and moving and active, but not doing concentrated exercise.

I got myself up and exercising four days over the last week. That's great! No jeers for not meeting my huge goal, only cheers for what I did accomplish. Negativity is how I've approached every other weight loss/fitness journey. Not this time!

Allow me to share a great portion control lesson I learned yesterday. So, I actually slept in on Saturday (a great feat for me-unfortunately I can't get off of the internal work clock on the weekends). So, breakfast came around 10:45am. I had an errand to run soon with the fella, so I needed something quick but with some substance, because it would be a few hours before I would be eating again. I was strapped in the grocery department, so I went with a little spinach, cheese, and tomato wrap.

Thank you 11streetsaladworks.com!

I have been obsessed with fresh tomatoes this week (mmmm they just taste like summer), so I had part of one left as well as some spinach that was on it's last leg before Dumpsterville. I keep my breads in the fridge to prolong their life (it seriously works) and I had some whole wheat tortillas on hand. I knew there were some carbs in my future, so I needed to mindful of that as well-gotta balance those starches. Taking some Naturally Thin advice, I practiced some portion control. I used half a tortilla and made a little warm wrap (no doubt I sprinkled in some Tony's seasoning-oh yessss). I wasn't so sure it would do the trick, but it was super delicious, and much to my surprise it actually filled me up! To be honest, I don't eat a ton of starchy breadsy carbs, my main carbs come from other places like fruit and beans. So, the whole wheat tortilla really stayed with me (warming the wrap and adding spice helped too). Point being, I totally thought I needed way more food than I actually did. I got a complete serving of bread, vegetable, and a little protein, and I was good to go on so much less than I assumed. Love that!

My goal for Week 8? Burn 1900 calories through exercise (we all know I can do it!).

Did you make any discoveries this week on your fitness journey?

A Goal and a Poem

So, what’s the sitch for week four? A combo of a food goal and an exercise goal. I’m sure you’ve heard of people toting the value of not eating after 9pm (this played a part in my bestie’s triumphant slim down for her wedding), so I am going to give it a whirl, and for the rest of the week I will close the kitchen after 9pm. I will also aim to get in three strong workouts. I know these will need to take place today, Friday, and Saturday since I have a class after work followed by seeing a play tomorrow.

Positive of the Day: At the ol' day job our kitchen is connected to our copy room. Thus today when I went in to make a copy and happened upon a slew of leftover lunch meeting food (including brownies-a serious weakness) I turned my soon-to-be-fit arse right around and sought out another copy room, so I would not be tempted.

I leave you with this:

Ode to Veggie Chili by BB30

Oh veggie chili, thou art a perfect luncheon treat,
One cup of you is fiber filled and oh-so nutritious to eat.

Vegetable and beanie goodness keep my belly full,
So I am not so hungry later fighting the midday pull
To the vending machine with its Grandma’s Cookies
Whose chocolate dough is just the shiz-nit.
No way, Vendy, I don’t need you-I am on a deadline to get-fit!

So bring on the protein, bring on the tomatoes,
Iron, potassium, and vitamin C!
Leave out the rice (but brown’s okay), the beans are carb enough for me!

Don’t forget the zucchini with its folates and Vitamin A,
Add in some zinc filled carrots, maybe some onions, and call it a day.

Dash in some herbie goodness like some basil in the pot
And don’t forget the tumeric-cause damn girl, your liver’s hott!

Oh veggie chili, you’ve taken my heart-it’s gone away, it’s stolen.
But I do wish you were a bit gentler and nicer to my colon!

Birthday Blog Part One

Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday BB30!
Happy Birthday to me!

Alrighty gang, it is officially my birthday.

My day has lots of fun in store including a special breakfast made by my adorable hubby, a day at the museum looking at dinosaurs and a cool pirate exhibit, and a birthday dinner.

Of course birthdays go hand in hand with food treats, but in a way this is a great way to incorporate balance right from the start. Somewhere in my day of celebrating I will throw in a dose of my week one goal: MOVE EVERY DAY.

Yes, I decided that my main goal for the first week of my one year challenge will be to make the effort to exercise in some way every day whether it be an additional walk, time on my elliptical, or a work out DVD. I think this is the perfect way to gently reintroduce myself to working out and kick off my journey!

I am feeling lots of emotions as I stand at the starting line: excitement, nervousness, fear, pride, anxiousness, and curiosity. I am reminding myself to take this one day at a time, to be forgiving, to stay positive and to enjoy the ride.