WorkOut Wednesdays #2

Unfortunately Week 1 of the 12 Week Challenge did not go exactly like I had envisioned. But seriously, does every thing EVER go like it was planned. I hope and pray that it does for you, however, in my world, things rolling out smoothly without any kinks is a very rare thing. That is okay though, I adapt easily and move right along.

Here's the reason that the challenge will be adapting. My sister, Kristen, the personal trainer, flaked on the challenge. We were supposed to start it last Monday (and this time it was HER idea so I thought that she might stick with it & follow through... not the case). As you all know on Wednesday I posted about it. I need accountability to motivate me to workout & that did it for me! I wanted to have something to bring back to you today and share.

So beginning last Tuesday I felt like a stalker. I called Kristen 7 times each day (7 is my lucky number), asking her if she could read me her list of exercises that she keeps in her notebook. She always has it... she logs what she eats, how often she nurses, how many diapers she changes, and her exercises among many other things. However it wasn't ever convenient for her to read them to me... she would take the time to read to me what she ATE, but not the exercises. I didn't want to harass her, so I wasn't pushy (I probably should have been). I gave her many opportunities (we would often talk for thirty minutes each phone call), but as I said before, it wasn't convenient. So all that to say, I gave up on her 12 week challenge on day 6 and went out bought a few fitness magazines and decided to Banish Cellulite in 15 minutes a day and Lose belly fat now and Get fit for under $30. I began torturing, oops I mean training myself.

So far I have been more than pleased with these workouts. It has only been a few days but they seem to be REALLY working because I can't walk normally. I resemble a pregnant penguin at the moment because I can't lift my legs to walk. And for some reason I am VERY happy about this!! You can tell I am still in the excited stage about working out.

I have been drinking more water which is HUGE for me. This was probably my greatest downfall as far as health was concerned. I'm sure this was the root of many of my problems, but I am now doing my best to get this lactic acid to move through my body. In addition to working out I have started rolling my lazy booty out of bed early in the morning to walk my dog. This has helped tremendously, because I am still too tired to notice that my body is sore, and today I noticed a huge difference later in the afternoon as I was stretching.

Due to the holidays (I have to blame it on something), my diet was not the best. I cheated and had some chocolate covered strawberries, and french silk pie... and a Twix. Well it was Valentine's day... except for the Twix... I have no excuse for that one. I had no will power. Other than that, I have done better with watching my portions. Portion control can make a world of difference for me, let me put it this way... Some people's husbands have endearing nicknames for them like "Honey", "Sweetheart", "Love", well the nickname that Corey had for me was "My Big Eater" and he told every waiter & anyone that we shared a mean with about this loving name of mine. Unfortunately, I couldn't deny it, nor did it bother me. Heck, I may have even been a little proud, as if I was a little child that just finished everything on their plate and sporting the big proud smile to match. I stay pretty active so my eating didn't hurt me too bad, however when I am trying to cut pounds cutting my portions (not the number of times) that I eat can make a difference.

As far as snacks this week, I have been sticking to Soy Nuts (Corey, get your mind out of the gutter... I'm sure all that he say was the word "Nuts"). Seriously honey roasted Soy Nuts which I have found at Reasors (local grocery store) for my 10am snack and then after lunch I also have a 3pm snack which is usually a yogurt or dairy of some sort.

To help Motivate me I use the reward system with myself. Each person is different... you might be the type of person that rewards yourself all the time... so it won't mean as much. You chose what works best for you. If I stick to the diet then I get to splurge one day and have something sweet. If I stick to the workout then I will pamper myself. Hey, I can give a great pedicure! :-) If I get to the point that I get to move down a pant size & get to break out a box of clothes then I just might have to have some "Me time" to celebrate. I like books & movies. Those are not things that I do for myself very often but when it's a reward I don't feel guilty for taking that time for myself.

In the Fitness magazine, I found some delicious sounding recipes that I will be trying this next week. If they are any good, I will definitely pass them along, but for now here is the menu:

Healthy Menu

Coriander Teriyaki Flank Steak
Orange-Curry Grilled Turkey Tenderloins
Chutney Chicken

Easy Healthy Menu

Whole wheat pasta with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and fresh herbs
spinach salad with prosciutto, pecans, and dried cherries