Second Chances

I've been gone for awhile.  Been a tough year, had a mini mid-life crisis. LOL

My kids are in 12th and 11th grade, graduating soon and leaving for college.  My husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary and I got a new job in April. Did I mention that I have 2 teenagers, 15 months apart in age! All this sounds like great things, and they are, I know I am truly blessed and count my many blessings daily.  These are also HUGE milestones in my life that has caused me to do a lot of self evaluation and sometimes that can be tough.  I am recognizing the hard truth that the time is going to pass whether or not you do the things you say you are going to do or not. I turn 40 in 2015 and I have come to the conclusion that unless I start DOING the things I say I want to do, that I will be sitting right where I am now when I turn 50.  That is something I do NOT want to happen.

Let's get started together!  What are some of your BIG goals for 2014? Here are a few of mine, please share yours!

1. Lose 60lbs
2. Scuba Diving Certification
3. Attend Team Beachbody Coach Summit in Las Vegas in June

Girls Day!

#NoBoysAllowed

Saturday was a fun filled day!  First it started with spending the early afternoon with my daughter at Oceans of Fun.  This is special mom and daughter time.  We have fun being knocked around in the wave pool and going round and round in the lazy river.  We are able to just talk and talk and there are no interruptions from the phones, text messages or others.  It is great!

After getting my Vitamin D dose for the day I got ready to head out with the big girls, Denise & Rebecca.  We ended up at NoRTH in Leawood, KS.  Modern Italian Cuisine with freshly made pasta - OOOH it was good.  We spent a few hours there chatting over dinner and drinks. 

We decided the evening couldn't be over yet!  We headed back to Rebecca's place to continue the chat fest and have Rebecca do Denise and I's nails.  You have to follow Rebecca on Instagram to get tons of great #NailArt ideas!  I forgot to take a picture of Denise's nails but they looked just like this, Mickey/Minnie Mouse inspired.

Ended the evening at home, snuggling up to my littlest baby girl. :)

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Vanilla Shakeology is here!



So super stoked for Vanilla Shakeology!  It has been a long time in the making.  Honestly, I didn't think it would ever happen.  So proud of Beachbody for staying true to the formula and not bending on the integrity of Shakeology.

  Click to learn more about Shakeology or order yours today!  

New Round of TurboFire.

TurboFire Day 1

 

2013 Team Beachbody Coach Summit

Who is your favorite celebrity trainer?

7,000 Coaches at the 2013 Coach Summit Super Workout!
#endthetrend

Who's house??
Chalene Johnson and crew killin' it in Vegas at #CoachSummit

Live workout with Tony Horton at 2013 Coach Summit.

Joel & Jericho from Les Mills Pump at 2013 TBB Coach Summit.

Shaun T's new workout, T25, live at coach summit.

Leandro from Brazil Butt Lift.

Day 69

Today is day 69 of 2013.  How is everybody doing?  It has been up and down for me.  Not to worry, I am still here. :) I know I haven't been posting everyday.  Honestly, there isn't much to post about.  My life is pretty boring! HA. 

It has been a little crazy in my house the last few days. Have not been online much at all. I am starting a temp job tomorrow that will last 4 weeks.  I will have what they are calling a "working interview" tomorrow morning. I will know by noon if they are even going to keep me around for the full 4 weeks.  Excited and nervous! Not sure, but I believe there is a possibility for this to go full time. Either way, I am excited to be doing something and will have some money coming in!

Snacks and food are prepped for the week. I will slice a fresh apple everyday to go with my cheese stick for one of my snacks. Already chopped the cucumbers, turkey and hard boiled eggs for my daily salad at lunch, this will make it really quick and easy to put together my salad in the mornings.

Day 63

Great day yesterday.  Productive, worked out, logged my calories, drank my water.  Other than that was pretty boring.  Nothing new to report.  Did meet with my women's bible study group.  That is always nice.  Only 2 more weeks and we will be done with the James study, Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore.

Have a daily challenge going with my Fit Group on Facebook.  We all have to post a picture of one of our meals or snacks everyday. 

Here is mine for day 63, http://ow.ly/i/1CDTp. 

Day 61

I realized something yesterday, it was a day I had set as a goal date and I didn't reach my goal.  I had told myself I was going to lose 20lbs by March 2nd.  What did I do, I immediately called my Mom who is in my fit challenge group and my biggest supporter.  I reached out to her because I didn't want any negative talk in my head to derail me and I knew it could.  Plus, in the past I never reach out to someone, I just bury my emotions and eat food to cover it.  Well I know that doesn't work so I figured I better do the opposite!  She was great, just like I knew she would be. 

If 20lbs was the bulls-eye my arrow hit the grass!  So you know what I am doing?  I am picking up another arrow and taking aim again.  I have set a new goal for April 7th....lose 10lbs. 

Today's goals...
1.  Drink 128 ounces of water
2.  Reach out and encourage someone

Today is a rest day so I am going to get busy cleaning.  My house needs it! 

Don't forget tonight 8pm/7pm central, The Bible Series airs on The History Channel. 

Day 60 of 365 Days of Blogging!

Set 2 goals for myself yesterday, 1. to drink 128 ounces of water and 2. to complete Les Mills Pump Extreme.  1 out of 2 ain't too bad, right!  I completed my workout but only drank half of the water I was supposed to. 

Today's goals:

1. Workout (Les Mills Flow)
2. Drink 128 ounces of water!

If you haven't noticed, I am changing up the way I post each day.  Before I was waiting till the end of the day to try and summarize what I did and sometimes it was 11:30pm before I was able to post.  I mean, I did have to kind of wait for most of the day to be over!  Now, I will post the next morning about the previous day (which will be the title) and include goals for the current day.

Last Night was Ladies Night at Antioch Bible Baptist Church. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to go to a Ladies Night and I am so glad I went. It was a lot of fun and they put on a great program. The theme was "Live on the Red Carpet" and some of the Ladies' husbands were there in their tuxes, minus the jackets, passing hors d'oeuvres and opening the door and greeting us.  Very special!  They had paparazzi taking pictures and a great dinner served before the program started.  We had speakers talking about photography, makeup, entertaining versus being hospitable, prayer and after each topic they gave away freebies to everyone and drew names for some bigger prizes.

Program and my goody bag.
(Appetizer dish, lip gloss, scarf and prayer socks)

Willie Robertson from Duck Dynasty and Kim Kardashian
from Keeping up with the Kardashians presented the ABBC awards.

Beyonce', Taylor Swift, Cher and Dolly Parton opened the show!

Day 59 - Turning the corner.

Think I am finally turning a corner this evening.  Was in a funk today, just allowing the stress of my personal situation get the better of me.  I kept reciting Philippians 4:6 (NLT) "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." 

Was great that I had some people reach out to me today, one including my Mother.  Love you Mom!  It is great to surround yourself with people who love and support you so you can reach out to them or even better they reach out to you, even when you don't ask them to.

Got a lot to do tomorrow! Planning my day now and making my to do list. Tomorrow is Pump Extreme and I will be getting it done!! Plus, I have an interview tomorrow morning. Pray for me! And then to end the evening we are having Ladies Night at my Antioch Bible Baptist Church. Should be lots of fun!

For my health and fitness goals I am going to be making a few small goals for myself each day.  Trying not to do it all at once.  Tomorrow my 2 goals are:

1. Complete my Pump Extreme workout
2. Drink 128 ounces of water

{Hugs}

Day 58 - Beloved

Beloved,

You are precious to Me. You always have been and always will be. I love you and will always love you.

My creation of you did not stop when you were born into this world. You were not finished then, nor are you finished now. You have far to go. But if you grow weary, remember I am with you and I will carry you. You have so much to discover! May you find joy in each thought that connects you consciously with My life within you.  May you discover wisdom with each feeling that brings you a clearer understanding of your own spiritual identity.

Each time you face a challenge with faith, you help to light up the world with sacred awareness.  And what a light of hope you are! So, My beloved, let the light of My spirit within you shine as you continue to learn and grow, to hope and trust. Yes, I am with you - always.

"I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever." Psalm 52:8

Day 7 of Daily Word for Women

Day 57 - Life Interrupts.

I have been struggling the past week.  I have had some serious personal issues that have taken the wind out of my sail.  I need to be there for someone else right now and it has taken the toll on me emotionally and I haven't been working out or watching what I eat.  I know, right now, the right place for me is to be there for this person.  I love them with all my being and I wouldn't have it any other way.   I will regroup and get back in the game this week with my health and fitness AND still be there and support my loved one. 

I put my faith and trust in the Lord, in all things.

Day 55 - The Oscars!

2013 Oscar Winners

---

Winners are highlighted in red.

BEST PICTURE
Amour
Argo
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Django Unchained
Lincoln
Les Miserables
Life of Pi
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty

BEST DIRECTOR
Ang Lee, Life of Pi
Benh Zeitlin, Beasts of the Southern Wild
David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
Michael Haneke, Amour
Steven Spielberg, Lincoln

BEST ACTOR
Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln
Denzel Washington, Flight
Hugh Jackman, Les Miserables
Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook
Joaquin Phoenix, The Master

BEST ACTRESS
Naomi Watts, The Impossible
Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty
Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook
Emmanuelle Riva, Amour
Quvenzhané Wallis, Beasts of the Southern Wild

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained
Philip Seymour Hoffman, The Master
Robert De Niro, Silver Linings Playbook
Alan Arkin, Argo
Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Sally Field, Lincoln
Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables
Jacki Weaver, Silver Linings Playbook
Helen Hunt, The Sessions
Amy Adams, The Master

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Argo
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Silver Linings Playbook

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Amour
Django Unchained
Flight
Moonrise Kingdom
Zero Dark Thirty

ANIMATED FEATURE
Brave
Frankenweenie
ParaNorman
The Pirates! Band of Misfits
Wreck-It Ralph

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Amour
Kon-Tiki
No
A Royal Affair
War Witch

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
5 Broken Cameras
The Gatekeepers
The Invisible War
How To Survive A Plague
Searching for Sugar Man

CINEMATOGRAPHY
Anna Karenina
Django Unchained
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Skyfall

COSTUME DESIGN
Anna Karenina
Les Miserables
Lincoln
Mirror Mirror
Snow White and the Huntsman

FILM EDITING
Argo
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty

MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
Hitchcock
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Les Miserables

PRODUCTION DESIGN
Anna Karenina
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Les Miserables
Life of Pi
Lincoln

ORIGINAL SCORE
Anna Karenina
Argo
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Skyfall

ORIGINAL SONG
"Before My Time," Chasing Ice
"Everybody Needs A Best Friend," Ted
"Pi's Lullaby," Life of Pi
"Skyfall," Skyfall
"Suddenly," Les Miserables

SOUND EDITING
Argo
Django Unchained
Life of Pi
Skyfall(Tie)
Zero Dark Thirty(Tie)

SOUND MIXING
Argo
Les Miserables
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Skyfall

VISUAL EFFECTS
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Life of Pi
The Avengers
Prometheus
Snow White and the Huntsman

ANIMATED SHORT
Adam and Dog
Fresh Guacamole
Head Over Heels
Maggie Simpson in "The Longest Daycare"
Paperman

LIVE ACTION SHORT
Asad
Buzkashi Boys
Curfew
Death of a Shadow
Henry

DOCUMENTARY SHORT
Inocente
Kings Point
Open Heart
Redemption
Mondays at Racine

Day 54 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Pinned a great short article from Shape today, "Your 6 Biggest Diet Mistakes."



Source: shape.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Day 53 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Have had some personal stuff going on the past few days and haven't worked out.  Have kind of been an emotional wreck. 

Day 52 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Snow Day!!

Day 51 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging



Day 50 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Today was a cardio day on my Les Mills Pump schedule.  Was able to get to the new Aspen Athletic that opened by my house.  It was really nice because I took my daughter.  First time we have ever been to the gym together. 

 

My baby girl!

 



Day 49 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

I had Les Mills Pump - Flow (yoga) today.  So happy to have this one today, because I am so sore from my longer and higher rep Pump workouts! Tomorrow is 60 minutes of cardio and Aspen Athletics just opened their new location, which is closer to me, so I will be checking this out tomorrow.

Day 48 - Praise!

Happy Sunday!

Day 47 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Did a partial workout this morning (Combat). I say partial because I got 20 minutes into it and I wasn't even breaking a sweat. My heart was not in it. Plus, every punch I did hurt my chest and arms they were so sore from last night's Les Mills Pump Revolution workout.  So with that said, I went ahead and showered and had my Strawberry Vegan Shakeology for lunch. I was going to pull out some Brazil Butt Lift tonight when I got home from spending the afternoon with my mom, thrift store shopping, but I took a long nap instead.  I think I could have slept all night! 

Now I am going to do today's bible study for The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?  I am really loving this study.  They have put together audio and video that go with every day's reading.  I am only on day 5 but I highly recommend this to everyone.

Day 46 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Made a confession on Facebook this morning...

Got to confess...I did horrible yesterday. Went out for a Vday lunch that ended up not being on plan that spilled over into the evening. Caculated the damage this morning, ugh, it was bad. Not happy with myself. Just screwed up weeks worth of work! I am Super focused today and will be for the next 6 weeks.

I feel so thankful and appreciative to all the kind words of support.  I know this isn't a sprint but a marathon and there will be slips along the way.   I swear I subcousiously do this because I don't think I deserve to lose the weight. No matter, I am so refocused today!

Went to JoAnn today and bought some foam board so I can start working on my new "vision board".  A few weeks ago I went to a local good will shop and bought a BUNCH of magazines for 25 cents each.  It will be a work in progress, but here is what I have so far.  Do you have a vision board?  Take a picture of it and share with us at http://www.facebook.com/fitclubkc.  

More goodies that I got when I was at JoAnn.

I also wrote out a list of things to do when I am feeling "bored" or any of the other emotional reasons why you eat instead of actually eating. These are in random order.

• Sew
• Knit/Crochet
• Beading
• Bible Study 
• Paint my nails
• Vacuum
• Clean some part of the house
• Laundry (Really, there is always something to clean and laundry to be done!)
• Take a bath
• Call a friend on the phone
• Go workout
• Blog about it

I will continue to add things to this list.  Want to be prepared! I would love to hear some of the things you do to distract you from emotional eating.  Please share!

Just got done doing Les Mills Pump - Pump Revolution.  It was a late workout, but still got it done!  There is a very high possibility that I will not be able to move tomorrow! 

Day 45 of 365 Days of Blogging

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

 

Here is a special Valentine's Day treat just for you. 

Chocolate Shakeology Pudding:

1½ scoops Chocolate Shakeology
1 ripe avocado
1 large banana
1 cup almond milk
1 tsp. lemon juice

 PREPARATION: Mix all ingredients in blender until smooth. If pudding is too thick, add a bit more almond milk. Pour into 4 small individual dishes and refrigerate for an hour. OPTIONAL: Garnish with strawberries and raspberries.

 

 

Day 44 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Got some bad news today.  Difficult part was I had to stay cheerful in the midst of it.  Need to stay positive and pray that things will start going mine and my families way. 

(Luke 12:22-31 ESV)
And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

Today was Les Mills Pump.  Tomorrow is another rest day and then I have to bring out the big guns for Pump Revolution on Friday!  I am pumped and scared. :)

Day 43 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Today was my rest day. :) Have Pump & Burn tomorrow and then Thursday is another rest day and then watch out because Friday is Pump Revolution. That is like 60 minutes and 800 reps!

 

Time to start thinking of our March and April Challenge Groups.  The March Challenge Group is going to be all up to you!  We have LOTS of great programs to choose from; Body Gospel, Les Mills Combat, Les Mills Pump, Insanity, Insanity The Asylum, P90X, Power 90, Slim in 6 and Body Beast to name a few.  You pick the program and do it in your own home but show up in our Facebook Challenge Group everyday for support and accountability.  I will take you through the whole 90 days!  And when we are done you can enter The Beachbody Challenge with a chance to win cash prizes and you will receive your free t-shirt for completing the program. It's a win win!

 

Now I have a real treat for my Turbo girls and guys.  The April Challenge Group is for Turbo Fire only!  Turbo Lovers Unite!  I love, love, love this workout.  Go to http://www.FitCoachAmanda.com and send me a message or leave a comment below with your email address if you are interested in joining the March or April Challenge Group. 

Click to order the Turbo Fire Challenge Pack.  Challenge packs come with your chosen workout program, Shakeology HD and a Team Beachbody Club membership, plus free coaching and support from me!

If you don't know what Turbo Fire is all about, here is a sneak peak. 

Day 42 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging.

Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version (NIV)
 

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

⁶ in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.

 

This is a special scripture to me, one that spoke directly to me when I was "searching" to understand last year.  March 1st 2012 I accepted Christ in my life.   I don't know it all, but I don't have to.  I trust in the Lord with all my heart with all things. 

 

Bible study was tonight and we are doing a Beth Moore study on the Book of James, James Mercy Triumps.  My one take away for last week is "Love our neighbors as ourselves." This law is above all others.  If you do this one you would automatically do the others; shall not kill, shall not steal, shall not commit adultry...As Jesus Himself siad, "I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another", John 13:24.
 



Day 41 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging.

Had a beautiful time at service this morning.  Wish I could start everyday with my church family giving praise to the Lord and learning about His Word. 

Yesterday I had 1827 calories and 10 carbs and I lost 1.8lbs on the scale this morning.  I had more carbs today because I made this brocolli cheese casserole thing. No recipe to follow, I was just throwing what I had together. It is a "low carb" dish, but brocolli does have more carbs, 1 bag birdseye steamfresh has 16 carbs. Brocolli is good for you and has lots of fiber so I am completely okay with having it while low carbing.  Normally during induction you wouldn't have it. So today I will hit 1826 calories and 30 carbs. I know this is about consistency. I just got to do it everyday in a way that I will stick to it.  It is okay if I only lose 2lbs a week or even 1, although I really want more! LOL 

 

Even though I lost 1.8lbs on the scale this morning, I am still 1 pound away from where I was when I took my freakin "cheat" meal which caused me some struggles a few days later in the evenings. So I count the loss and am happy, but not really "counting" it till I get back to where I was before. 

 

Something else that has been giving me a hard time lately is my ongoing job search.  It is really hard to continue day after day looking for work, submitting resumes and not getting called.  I am putting my faith with God and trusting Him that the right thing will find me.  I just need to be patient and keep putting myself out there.

 

So who else is watching the Grammys!  Loving some of the perfomances.  Big fan of Fun, Mumford and Sons and Justin Timberlake.  Excited that he has a new album coming out. 

 

Cheers!

Day 40 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Saturday!!!!  Spent the day close to home thinking of all of my north eastern friends snowed in and watching the updates on the news.  People kept posting pictures on facebook of the snow drifts and conditions in their area.  A lot of people couldn't even open the front door the snow was so high.  One lady posted that she had to climb out the window so they could shovel a path to the door.  I did hear that the did not beat the snowfall record.  Amazing!

Back to Low Carbing today, only had 10 carbs for the whole day.  My sugar cravings are finally starting to subside after 3 full days of being back on plan.  So thankful! Today was Les Mills Pump - Flow, which is a nice stretch/yoga dvd.  After doing 3 days of longer strength workouts it was needed.

Got to hangout with my cousin, Shannon, tonight.  Love having her living in KC now AND she is only a few minutes from my house.  Bonus!  We were able to catch up and watched a movie together, TED with Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis.  Parents, just because one of the lead roles is a teddy bear does not mean it is for children.  Let me repeat, this movie is NOT for kids. 

A couple quick observations about the movie...

1.  There was a whole lot of pot smoking going on but no munchies.  What is up with that? 
2.  Also, for a 35 year old, who smokes pot at 9am with his teddy bear and is late for work all the time he sure was "buff".

Day 39 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Les Mills Pump & Shred today and day 2 of the Fat Fast.  Going back to normal Low Carbing tomorrow, no matter the results on the scale.

Watching Mad Men, the episode where Betsy gives birth to her 3rd child, sitting here counting my blessings that I did not give birth in the 60s! 

Day 38 of 365 days of Fitness Blogging

As I mentioned yesterday, the previous 2 days I did great all day till the evening and then I went off plan.  It has been hard for me mentally to get back my momentum that I had before my "cheat" meal.  As a result I am now up 2.6lbs.  Most likely that is water weight since I only had 4 cups of water yesterday AND chinese for dinner.  I am determined to stay on track tonight and break through and get the ball rolling again!  It might be a while before I take a planned cheat day/meal again.  Thinking I am just not ready for that in this stage of the game. 

My meal plan on most days is no to low sugar, no wheat, keeping my carbs low and my protein and fat at moderate levels.  Right now I am trying to get through one single day on the Fat Fast plan.  A Fat Fast (also called the Atkins Fat Fast), is a tool that low carbers who are metabolically resistant can use to get themselves quickly into ketosis. Ketosis means that our bodies are using stored fat for energy. The fat fast is also used by many low carbers to break a weight loss plateau or as a means of forcing themselves to get back on track when they have gone off-plan. This is ONLY to be done for 3-5 days.

If you are interested in learning more here are a few links: CarbSmart Fat Fast and The Fat Fast.

The key is to keep each meals fat precentage to 80-90%.  1 fat gram equals 9 calories.

For example, 1 ounce of macadamia nuts is 203 calories and 21 grams of fat.  That means 93% of the calories is from fat.  This is a perfect snack on the Fat Fast. 

I hope tomorrow to report a loss on the scale!

Les Mills Pump Sports Attack and Hard Core Abs completed today.

Cheers!

Day 37 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Take the time to watch this. CHOICE. Change your life.

 
Today is Les Mills Pump & Shred.  Now in to phase 2 of Les Mills Pump and having longer strength training workouts.  Really sculpting the muscles now!

Today and yesterday eating wise did great all day till the evening and then just ate with the family, which isn't the best for sure.  Still hitting my calorie goal but no where close to where I want to be with my carbs.  And when my carbs are high I don't see a loss on the scale.  Really need to get that back on track.  Taking that "cheat" meal last week has really thrown off my momentum both physically and mentally.  Really thinking it wasn't worth it.  Back at it tomorrow!

Cheers!

Day 36 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Today I did Les Mills Pump Combat and Hard Core Abs.  Great workout!  Love being able to mix up my cardio with this workout.

Made this video today to help some of my friends who are new to MyFitnessPal.com.  Wanted to keep it short and simple.  Still have questions?  Let me know and I will address it in an upcoming video.

Day 35 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

I know this post is coming really late in the day.  Didn't get home from Bible study till 11pm.  Today was Pump & Shred.  Really feeling it, just had a rest day and feel like I could use another one. lol

This week we studied James 1:2-18.  I want to share James 1:2-4 with you an an excerpt from Beth Moore's study.

2. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3. for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Greek word for "perfect" (teleios) describes "that which has achieved or reached its goal, objective, purpose" and, therefore, "full-grown" and "fully developed."

Out of God's astounding grace, a very imperfect person can still receive a delightfully perfect gift precisely because it's perfect for her.  God's gifts are given with goals.  They're perfect because they're perfecting.  They don't just give today.  They give toward every tomorrow.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

No matter how BIG or small your trials remain steadfast!

Make it a great week!

Day 34 Super Bowl Sunday

Sunday Praise

For all of you that have grown up without a father figure in your home, have peace in knowing you have a Holy Father who knows your name and loves you very much.

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I calll his name

Listen to song on YouTube.

Today is a rest day for me.  My DH and I went to the movies, date time. We watched Lincoln. Have no fear, I brought my own snacks. :) Great movie.  For a bit I forgot I was watching an actor and really felt like I was watching Abe Lincoln.  Daniel Day Lewis is an excellent actor.  I was moved to tears several times.  This movie isn't for everyone, but if you are a history buff I definitely recommend going to see Lincoln.

Super Bowl Sunday

Did you know, second only to Thanksgiving, Super Bowl Sunday is the second biggest day for food consumption in the U.S.

Roughly 28,000,000 pounds of chips are consumed, which if laid end to end would stretch for 293,000 miles. 90 million chicken wings, and 8,000,000 pounds of guacamole are consumed during the Super Bowl. If all the guacamole consumed was to be spread over a football field the spread would be 11.8 feet deep, and all this food is washed down by 325.5 million gallons of beer which is enough to fill 493 Olympic swimming pools! 

There are no Super Bowl snacks in the house this year.  Let me be honest, I am usually the only one eating it every year.  It is an excuse for me to totally gorge myself with all my favorite junk foods. I don't need it!  To top that I am not even watching the game. -gasp- For all of you that are, I hope you enjoy yourself and maybe make 1 or 2 healthy dishes.

Cheers!

Day 33 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Whew, don't know why, but it has been a really long day.  At 6pm I was ready for bed!  Just doesn't feel like a Saturday night at all. 

Had my massage today.  Very relaxing and loved having my muscles loosened up.  Not something that I would justify the expense for all the time, but it was a nice treat.

When I arrived back home guess what was waiting for me!

Front of hoodie.

Back of hoodie.

Thanks to Sean for organizing and getting us our great team shirts. 

While we are on the subject of Les Mills Pump, today was Flow.  Got to tell you I had intended on going to the gym early this morning but instead of hitting the snooze button on my alarm I hit the "dismiss" button.  So I didn't make it.  Plan b, I was going to do one of LMP's cardio DVDs at home, however, when I logged in to the SuperGym I discovered that my workout today was supposed to be Flow.  Score!  Kind of happy about that, because really after my massage I wasn't in the mood to do anything else.  It was a nice way to "end" my day. 

Cheers!

 

Day 32 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Official month one results for Les Mills Pump

.....(drum roll)....

down 9.2lbs and 9.25 inches.

<<applause>>

I am very happy with my month one results!  Not only with the numbers, but I am also seeing significant improvements in my Pump workouts and my cardio workouts.  I am setting Monday February 18th as my goal to start my Couch to 5k training.  I plan to incorporate this program on my Les Mills Pump "walk" days.  Can't forget I have a June 1st 5K race to participate in.

With all of that said, I am doing it tonight, going off plan! For the past two days it seems to be all I can think about and it is driving me crazy! After a month of doing it, I think I can have some pizza and drinks. Just going to do it and get it over with so I can focus hard during February. I know it will cause a stall for the next 2-3 days, but that is okay.

I did complete my workout for today which was Pump & Burn.

Cheers!

Day 31 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

I made it a full month!  31 days of posting everday.  31 days of following my Les Mills Pump workout guide and eating right!  Feeling pretty good about myself right now.  Will be posting stats tomorrow.

Whenever I felt like skipping a workout or eating something I shouldn't I remembered my "why"and reviewed my goals.  I have my goals posted on my fridge so I can look at them everyday.  It really does help!

Did 60 minutes of cardio at the gym today.  Got there by 2:30 pm and avoided the late afternoon rush.  Come 4 pm it starts to get crazy busy.  Not only do you have everyone coming straight from work but some of the classes are starting. 

My legs were burning when I first started, they were pretty tight from yesterday's Pump squat and lunge tracks.  Had to mentally keep pushing past the discomfort. I did it and they felt pretty loose afterwards.  I want to express it wasn't a feeling of pain. I wouldn't push myself if I was injured.

If you enjoy reading this blog, I’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend, or sharing it on Twitter or Facebook. Thank you!

Day 30 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging.

Week 5 of Les Mills Pump Schedule

Wednesday 1/30, Day 1 – Pump and Shred     
Thursday 1/31, Day 2 – Hard Core Abs, Walk (45 minutes) I will do 60 minutes of cardio at the gym.
Friday 2/1, Day 3 – Pump and Burn
Saturday 2/2, Day 4 – Flow, Hard Core Abs plus I will do 60 minutes of cardio at the gym.
Sunday 2/3, Day 5 – Rest
Monday 2/4, Day 6 – Pump and Shred

I am pretty "Pumped" about my results this week. I lost 5.2lbs, that brings my total so far for the month to 9.2lbs! Really happy that I didn't give up on myself when the scale wasn't moving. Stayed consistent and my body rewarded me on it's time not mine.

Tomorrow is my 30th day on the program. I will be doing my 30 day measurements, pics, etc on Friday morning and will be doing a video update Friday afternoon.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.”  ― Henry Ford

To have lasting change you need to do more than eat right and exercise.  Yes, that can and will give you the results right now, but don't short change yourself.  You must work on your inner self, your personal development.  Otherwise, there is a chance that you will go back to the behavior that got you where you are. Most times this is the toughest part of the process.  Don't give up on yourself, you are worth it!

Day 29 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Today I did Les Mills Pump Flow.  Technically it was on the schedule for yesterday, but I did cardio at the gym and then today and tomorrow they had a mistake on the calendar and scheduled back to back Pump workouts.  Of course, I don't want to do back to back strength workouts so this worked for me to break it up and not hurt myself.

Yesterday it wass in the 70s, warm and beautiful.  Today was rainy and chilly.  Love Missouri weather!

Picked up some great books today!  One is for my bible study meeting on Monday nights.  Yesterday was my first session and it was great.  The ladies are so wonderful and really made me feel welcome. It is such a blessing to be able to study the Word with others and grow in my knowledge and relationship with God.

 

 

The next goody I got was this great book of Bible promises, I got it to use in my daily life and devotional time. It was on sale, I do love a sale. :)

 



View today's food journal.

Day 28 of 365 Days of Fitness

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

This is one of my favorite scriptures.  I always try to figure it all out, do it all myself, worry about what is happening or not happening.  This reminds me that God is in control, that I don't have to know or understand it all, to put my faith with Him.  That He is there and is making the path straight for me. 

Today I completed 60 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes on the elliptical and 30 minutes on the stationary bike.  Took a picture today of me in all my sweat glory.  If you look over my shoulder you will se my friend Jennifer on the stairmaster from hell.  :)

Day 27 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Les Mills Pump - Pump & Burn completed today.  This workout I could really tell a difference with my strength and endurance.  I felt stronger, the squats were deeper, I was able to go to the end of the set and finish the last 5 wide pull rows with the trainers on TV.  It was an awesome feeling.

View food diary.

Day 26 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

Woke up super early this morning, well for a Saturday anyway.  Needed to drive my daughter to work.  It is nice getting up early on the weekends, you get so much more accomplished.  Even my hubby got up early with me.  Had some training webinars that I had been wanting to take and I was able to complete them

Worked out at Aspens today.  Forgot my ear phones and had to keep pushing myself to go harder and longer.  Listening to pumped up music really helps to give you that extra boost during your workouts. 

Me on my way to the gym.

 

After I got home and showered I took a nap on the couch.  Was really tired and needed the extra sleep.  When I was at the gym I noticed while working out that my chest sounded congested when I breathed, you know that deep rattly sound.  And now my nose is running.  Hoping it doesn't turn in to anything worse as I have nursery duty tomorrow night at church. 

 

Last night I participated in "Friday Night Sew-In".  Spent hours sewing last night and really enjoyed myself.  Definitely need to make more time for the things I enjoy.  If you want to see pictures and read about my FNSI results head over to Homemade Gone Wild. 



Day 25 of 365 Days of Fitness Blogging

When I logged in to MyFitnessPal.com today, this is what greeted me...

25 days and still going strong! 

 

Worked out today, did 60 minutes of cardio at the gym.  Really glad I got my workout done early as I started my cycle today.  The cramps are killer!  Not feeling my best this afternoon at all.  I do think Midol is a miracle drug. Made my afternoon bearable. If you haven't tried Midol and you have bad cramps, back ache, etc. you should definitely try it.

Normally I have really bad PMS, very moody.  I am not exaggerating, it's bad.  This should be reason enough for me to continue to exercise and cut out the sugar and processed food because there was no PMS this time.  No hormonal crazy person!  Amazing how kindly your body treats you when you treat it right.

 

Tonight I am going to spend a little me time and join my ladies in Friday Night Sew-In.  It is a virtual way a group of us, all over the world, on the internet spend time sewing "together".  Then we all post the next day and share what we worked on the night before.  I bet it has been 4 months since I have joined in, maybe longer.  Can't wait to get my sew on!

 



 

View my food diary.