JUMPTASTIC

I hate forwards as much as the next person, but someone sent me this and I had to share. Maybe my downstairs neighbors will hate me, but me thinks I need a jump rope of my own. Check out these jump ropers!

Supposedly jumping rope is one of the best overall workouts you can get. If you jump rope for 15 minutes you can burn about 250 calories. WOAH!! (although 15 minutes straight of rope jumping would probably seem like an eternity!) It's cheap, a nice way to recapture some childhood fun, and it packs a lot of punch in a small amount time!

Do any of you jump rope for cardio?

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PS. On Wednesday I did not eat a giant breakfast muffin at a meeting because I thought of all of you and how I need to practice what I preach. So thank you!!!

Making the Most of the Next Six Months

First, did I wear my dress at opening this weekend? No I didn't. I could have worn it, but I didn't feel 100% confident in it. (A lifetime-long pooched belly is hard to work off, sometimes I think no matter how toned and tiny I get I will still have one.) While girdly/spanx-y type aids may be great in general, I felt like for goal purposes, that it would be a bit of a cheat. I have just a little ways to go before I'll surely be able to wear my dress with pride. I could wear it for closing or to some upcoming holiday parties-there are options. Here are some before and afters.

THEN

NOW

THEN

NOW

THEN

NOW

So I'm getting close.

With six months left to work toward my ultimate goal, I want to fully embrace the time I have left. Like I've always said, this journey is about toning up both my outside and inside, so I am happy to continue forward with two strong tools to help with both: Kind Food and Soul Food.

Kind food:  Like I mentioned last week, I dove into reading The Kind Diet and learning about the benefits of a plant based diet. I have to say that I am really enjoying exploring all of the delicious, healthy, and very satisfying foods associated with kind of eating. There are so many dishes I was already eating that were basically in line, I've just done some tweaking like using soy butter instead of a chemically spray and adding in some essential whole grains that I had been leaving out because I've had the fear of carbs instilled in me like so many people. My favorite delight thus far is freekeh wheat. I stumbled across this at Trader Joe's and gave it a try since it was a whole grain, had a rad name (I like to say "give me some of them freaky wheats"), and the ingredients list contained only two simple things: freekeh wheat and water. It is delicious!!!! Add a dash of sea salt and a little soy butter and it is just amazing paired with some organic beans or sauteed greens. I am stocking up since you never know when TJs will stop carrying things (when they stopped carrying canned curried chick peas a few years ago I was decidedly destroyed.)

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Soul food: I am signed up to begin a monthly women's seminar in January that focuses on the spiritual life cycle of a woman. I am super thrilled about it and can't wait. Think of it as a place to learn all about yourself. How cool is that? There are sections on self esteem, clearing out old blockages from past negative experiences, appreciating yourself, exploring your life's goals. Sound like therapy? Well, I guess it kind of is, the leader is actually a licensed clinical therapist. Ain't no shame in that game. I can't wait to tell you about it next year.

Anywho, now that my show is up and running. I can begin to commit fully to exercise again. I have to admit, I've had three weeks without a proper work out. I've hung in there with some maintainance: arms circles, leg lifts, good eating, but as far as solid workouts, I was so insanely busy with work and the show that sleep was actually the healthier choice. I remedied all of that Sunday with a nice workout on the elliptical finished off with some good belly blasting leg lifts. I am so happy to be on track and thrilled that I was not winded or exhausted. Phew! I am so happy to be back on the work out track and continuing to tone up!!!

I hope all of you are well, and know that I'll be right here with you as we head into high holiday season and all the food temptations it will bring! We will survive!

The Kind Diet

With my life at such a grueling pace right now and two bouts of sickness in four weeks (the last week of October I was riddled with sinus headaches and migraines for five days), I really feel the need to get on track with taking care of myself and being good to me. My skin is stupid dry (I've fallen off the fish oil wagon-I just keep forgetting to take them), I have really dark circles under my eyes, and I'm achey. I need some TLC inside and out. Enter an interesting read that I have been anxious to get my hands on! The Kind Diet by Cher Horowitz herself Alicia TooAdorableForWords Silverstone.

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I won't call this a vegan book, but rather a book about all of the benefits of a plant based diet and why animal products can be bad for you and the environment (there is a difference to me). The word kind refers to eating foods that are good to your system and friendly to the environment on the way to your mouth. I'm such a cheese and egg head that I don't know if I could ever adapt to losing all animal products, but I am really open to what the book has to say. It's written gently (aka the animal cruelty stuff isn't as graphic as some rougher literatue I have read-I get it, I don't need to read every gory detail) and Alicia, as a former meat eater, totally understands what it's like to change your diet. She speaks from experience about what it feels like and how wonderful a vegan life style has made her feel.

Veganism intrigues me (but can also seem a little rash and possibly unhealthy), and I wanted to read this book to see just how one is supposed to get essential nutrients when eating this way, and she does a great job of explaining it. She covers all the questions I had such as where you get calcium and protein, how eating so many carbs will not make you gain weight (you eat tons of beans and whole grains in this lifestyle), and even openly addresses "fartiness" and pooping (yes she actually uses the word fartiness-love it).

In addition to going animal product-free the kind way of eating also eliminates processed foods and white sugars. It's extreme (epecially in the land of fast foods and disgusting degrees of how we overwork ourselves), but Alicia claims it changed her life, gave her beautiful skin and hair, and has made her feel light and healthy. So far I really love that the book seems to focus on what you gain-awesome new foods and dishes to experience- instead of bombarding you with all of the things you have to kiss good bye. Because she knows that this is a serious life change, she presents three degrees of transitioning: flirting (maybe cutting out a meat meal or two each week or switching to whole grains and noting how you feel), vegan (no meat or dairy), and superhero (no meat, dairy, or processed foods). I've basically been a flirter for almost two years and have brought down my cheese consumption a lot since the spring to help ease my hot liver.

Bethenny Frankel mentions in Naturally Thin that if there are a lot of ingredients in a packaged food that you can't pronounce, then it's probably not a good investment. The Kind Diet follows a similar principle and sort of equates quality foods to gasoline. You can put regular ol' gas in your car, but it runs oh so much better on higher quality fuel. You can eat foods that are hard on your system, but you'll run so much better on nutrient rich, high quality, unprocessed foods. Makes sense. If we spend extra money to give our cars the good stuff-why not our bodies?

So I am making efforts to focus on fueling with kind foods and respecting my insides. Sunday afternoon I cooked up some kind lunches to enjoy during my upcoming busy week (I have some day trips for work for a huge project on top of rehearsals and an opening weekend of shows. Ooof. My two worlds have colided most unpleasantly this week.) My personal pre made meals include: Tofu and black beans marinated in soy sauce over whole wheat cous cous and quinoa. Accorn squash and parsnip steamed and mashed like potatoes (it's so good) with kidney beans, and tofu and veggie sautee with cous cous. All super flavorful and good for me on so many levels.

We'll see how incorporating some better quality foods aids in putting a spring back in my exhausted step!

Half Way There

Tuesday marked my six month mark (and my half birthday). The time has flown by. First things first, my monthly results:

Oct 3rd Waist (at belly button): 31.5 inches

Nov 3rd Waist (at belly button): 31 inches
Down 1/2 inch! Down 2.5 inches total!

Oct 3rd Hips: 36.5 inches

Nov 3rd Hips: 36.25

Down 1/4 an inch! Down 2.75 inches total!

Oct 3rd Arm: 11 inches around
Nov 3rd Arm: 11 inches around
No Change (but I really think I am exchanging it for muscle).
Down 3/4 inch total!

Oct 3rd Thigh: 22 inches around
Nov 3rd Thigh: 22 inches around
No Change. Down 1 inch total!

Now for the six month pics. Suprisingly, posting these was not easier than posting them last time. I thought I would be over it and confident, but I still feel exposed and vulnerable. However, I think it's really important to share. First you'll see Day One, followed by the Six Month Mark. And yes, I got new curtains in my livingroom :)

Then  Now

Then   Now

I didn't share my back pic in May, because I was embarrased, but the pics show some telling results, so I am sucking it up and sharing, because there is nothing to be ashamed of-these are just progress shots, I'm not done yet!

Then Now

So, although I dreamed of being further along after so many weeks of effort, I think I represent the many women who are very busy, don't have personal trainers, private chefs, and expensive pre-made food services, or have hours to work out everyday. I am a real woman on this journey! (However, I think a personal trainer and private chef sound dreamy!) I also need to celebrate the fact that I've lost 7 inches of mush off of my body, I am much firmer, and my clothes are loose. That's a great feeling!

I've realized that since I am someone who has always been chubby (and at times clinically obese), I don't have that picture in my head of what I will look like when I reach my goals. I've never been in shape and thin. I have never seen myself slim and svelt with muscle tone. I've neer been able to wear an outfit that shows off my legs because my thighs have always been jiggly and doughy. The goal pictures in my head are of other people and what I hope I can look like. I have to make sure to manage those expectations since we're all different and the look of my fit bod will be unique to me. Unfortunantely I will never be able to look just like fitness inspiration Janine although I can definitely use her as motivation!

I would say the two biggest factors that have contributed to what I have achieved thus far are:

Support and Being Picky

Support:

You fabulous motivating followers are always in the back of my head when I have tough decisions to make, and the first group of people I want to tell about successes. I appreciate you!!

My hubby and pals: I feel very lucky to be surrounded by people who are supportive of my plight and accept when I turn down junk food offers and don't pressure me to overindulge.

Being Picky:

I am a pickier eater than I have ever been. For the most part I only eat or drink something if I really want it. If I am not really enjoying something I typically stop, because it's a waste of calories and will only doom me in the end (even if it's not a seemingly detrimental high cal treat). I think this is a great habit to form, and it keeps me from mindlessly eating everything in sight when I am stressed out and helps me pay better attention to my food.

So there you have it. I am half way there. There is still a long road ahead, but I haven't given up, and I am glad so many folks have stuck with me.

Up Next: Embarking on a new way to nourish myself inside and out and really care for myself. I'm very excited to talk about this!

I Am In Fact Still Alive: Updates

Hello All:

Wowsa-I am a busy girl! Between the day job, a hectic job related day trip last week, rehearsals, and life, I am barely fitting in breathing and sleeping. In some ways this is great, because I have no time to over indulge. In some ways this is bad, because I am super stressed out and sometimes feel as though I could have an emotional binge at any moment.

Yesterday the day job celebrated Halloween. Of course, temptation roared it's head as we kick off a season of eating that doesn't end until Easter!

Surprisingly, it wasn't at challenging as the doughnuts! I sampled one of the pretzel rods dipped in some white chocolate and called it a day. Hmm...maybe it's getting easier.

Today I was gifted (or cursed) with four King Size chocolate candy bars. I gave one away and haven't touched the others. I am feeling particularly crazy and panicked and kind of hungry right now, so I should want to tear into one, but I really don't. Maybe those old habits are breaking afterall!

There are several odds and ins that I need to address:

Q: BB30, isn't your next measurement day and 6 month pic post due soon?

A: Yes, on November 3rd, and I am nervous! Even though I have six months to go and this will just be a check in, and I made it through the hardest part of taking the original shot, being photographed in a bikini is still scary!

Q: Doesn't your show open soon and thus time to sport your goal dress.

A: Yes, and I am nervous about that too, but will come clean and show pics regardless of the outcome. I am keeping the faith though!

Q: Why aren't you posting very often?

A: Because I am lame and manage the little time I have poorly.

Q: How are you dealing with being so busy and exercising?

A: I suppressed it and kept pushing forward until had a melt down on Saturday. Who knew one shrinking girl could produce so much snot?

Q: What are these leg lifts, arm and tricep goals you show in your weekly goals?

A: Oh those. Although I have been pretty good about my cardio and still averging about three workouts a week, I have been trying to do some simple toning moves everyday.

Leg Lifts: Lying on my back, starting with legs up, keeping them staright and bringing them down as close to the floor as possible, then bringing them back up. Good for the belly. I try to get in at least 20 a day. This week I have already skipped somedays, but I have been pretty diligent otherwise.

Arm circles: Good ol' gym class arms circles. Arms straight out in a 'T' position, making 100 small toning backward circles. I noticed my arms weren't slimming down so I wanted to give them some attention. This is easy, seems effective, and quick to do (I can even do them back stage).

Triceps: After getting on track with regular leg lifts and arm circles, I decided to throw in some daily tricep curls. I did fine last week with this new addition, but have failed miserably this week. No matter, still four days to get some in and four days are better than none!

Tricep Curl

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Q: Are you noticing any differences in your bod?

A: I am actually am starting to feel slimmer. As the temp drops and I pull out my fall/winter clothes from last year I see and feel that they are undeniably bigger. It's really rewarding! And in the vein of too much information, I am going to mention my unmentionables and share that I have to start buying new undies, because friends, I have saggy drawers! I can also no longer avoid an updated pro bra fitting! Okay, twist my arm and make me go girly shopping! (Although I could use some help finding the time to get this done.)

I must sign off and head to rehearsal land.

Love and whole grain goodness,

BB30

Tastes of Fall

Saturday after rehearsal I had myself a solo soup date and made a few pots of various deliciousness to freeze in individual containers for healthy low cal lunches (Tip Alert). One concoction stood out from the rest and I knew I had to share. For the mere cost of 29 cents a pound I had purchased a little butternut squash at my favorite produce store. The result: Divinity.

Please make yourself a big ol’ bowl of this nutrient rich, pallet pleasing delight:

BB30's Simple and Slammin' Butternut Squash Soup

You’ll need:
1 small butternut squash
½ a medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped or grated
2-3 cups of vegetable broth
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Spray, Soy Butter, or the like

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Cut the Butternut squash in half and scoop out the seeds and membranes with a spoon.

Place the squash face down in ½ an inch of water and microwave for 10 minutes. When it’s done you should be able to easily scoop out the cooked squash.

Sautee the onion and garlic in a non-stick skillet with some butter spray (let the onion work a few a minutes before adding the garlic-burned garlic is just plain narsty.)

Add in the cooked squash and a hearty sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg (ginger is also good if you have it).

Add in the veggie broth. (Always good to start with just a cup and work your way up depending on the consistency you prefer.)

Give it a quick stir to combine.

Take out your trusty immersion blender and blend away until it’s creamy. (If you don’t have an immersion blender-1) WHY? THEY'RE AWESOME! 2) You could put it in a food processor or even a blender.)

FEAST.

Mind you this doesn’t make a ton since I used a small squash, but it’s easily adjusted with the size of you gourd.

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Reasons why you should eat this:

1) It tastes like autumn and will fill your soul!

2) It is ridiculously easy to make.

3) It is ridiculously yummy to eat.

4) It is low in calories.

4) Butternut Squash is oh-so-good for us.

Why Butternut Squash is oh-so-good for us:

According to wholeliving.com, butternut squash is full of antioxidents and fiber, rich in betacaratine and vitamin C, and it contains other nutrients that promote heart and bone health, and ward off arthritis and asthma. I'll have a bowl of that please! You'll also be eating with the season which I am told is a wonderful way to make sure your body gets what it needs.

What's Sweet and Doughy and Adds to Your Middle?

As you all know I "daylight" in an office job while pursuing my acting career. And as you all know, offices are dangerous places for the figure as there seems to be an obsession with food at meetings. I present to you a pictorial of what I was met with first thing off of the elevator this morning.

You are correct friend. This is in fact a 15 foot table lined with a multitude of doughnuts in glazed and coated variants that would blow your mind. Fresh baked. The smell was intoxicating. It was brutal. Sure those green and red figures in the middle are some apples and pears, but DID YOU SEE THESE DOUGHNUTS!! Guh! How could I not have one bite? They were so beautiful, so perfect, so sugary. These weren’t generic everyday doughnuts. What’s a girl to do?

(See I'm not joking-literally right outside of the elevators!)

Photos by my pal Mandy. See her artistic photography here. Be warned that there are some nudey patooty shots!

Well, this girl thought of her goals, thought of how hard of a sugar crash she would take, thought of how much time on the elliptical it would entail to work one of these puppies off, and she turned her shrinking hiney around and WALKED AWAY is what she did! Even after five months of practicing restraint and defeating my ice cream craving demon, how was it so difficult to resist this sweet doughy vixen? Because doughnuts taste awesome, that’s why. BUT, I thought of Bethenny and the Naturally Thin principals. Did I have enough to spare in my diet bank account to leave me enough for the rest of the day? Was I really being true to me and knowing thyself and recognizing that the bites would be delicious but not worth the headachey crashing feeling I was guaranteed soon after? Was I being balanced since I’d had an apple and peanut butter already at breakfast? Can you tell I’ve been revisiting Naturally Thin lately? I’ve been jumping around in it reading different parts each day on the ride to work as kind of a daily affirmation of keeping healthy eating habits in line.

Do I always resist treats? Heck no, but I also know that I can have a bite or two of homemade fresh picked apple pie (made with Splenda-and unbelievably good) or a little ramekin of chocolate chips and stop there. I cannot eat just a bite or two of a doughnut. So I don’t. Not until I can get that under control. Maybe later after thinking about it and really assessing what I want, if I still feel like something sweet and chocolatey I will have a few Raisinets or something. I’ve been trying to give myself time between the initial craving for questionable eats and actually indulging in them. The result is that oftentimes I get over it and save the calories. For example, yesterday afternoon I had an overwhelming desire for a Charleston Chew. So gooey and chewy and comforting, but definitely not calorie conscious (although a little bit of a better choice according to Bethenny). I held off and told myself that if I really wanted one later, then on my walk to the train home I would stop in at the corner store and get one. When the time came the craving was gone and my limited elliptical time before rehearsal was spent burning fat and not wasted simply burning off an impulsive treat.

Have you had any triumphs over temptation lately? How'd ya do it?