Day 17

Turns out there was no reason to dread yesterday's cardio workout! I rocked that elliptical right off it's gliders! I'm guessing that maybe my legs were just exhausted since Wednesday was basically the only day they had off. I had a lovely lower body lifting session today and then it will be cardio again tomorrow...but I won't be dreading it this time, I swear!

We had our last yoga class on Sunday night and it was so much fun! He tried to teach us handstands, but after feeling like I was going to fall on my face in Spriderman Pose, I didn't even bother trying! We did a modified Wheel pose (so sue me if I used blocks and the wall!) and he said I did it perfect! That made me very happy and made me want to learn how to do it without the modification. It's one of those ones that is harder than it looks!

Yikes! This version looks way hard!

We got a free pass to use for a class there now that we've "graduated", but I'm a little intimidated since we never got to the part on how a class actually flows. I think I might try a podcast or video at home first! Any suggestions?!

I'm finally starting to feel a little more at home in the kitchen and whipped this up for dinner...

Tofu Bites & Sauteed Veggies! YUM!

So Yummy! I'm glad the kitchen isn't the scaresville it used to be! Although, I still can't do much in there, but let's just take it one day at a time!

I would show you all the lovely things I ate today, but you'd be bored...not to mention the fact that I almost eat the same thing every day on this BFL plan! So, let me at least spread it out over a few posts!

It was weigh in day over at the Sisterhood...down one more pound!

Day 16

Enter Week 3! And still going strong! I can't believe how well things are going so far. I was mostly afraid that I'd lose the food battle, but that has been the least of my worries. On Sunday, my free day, I didn't even know what I wanted to "splurge" on! It feels so great to be putting good things into my body and not be afraid to eat. I can finally trust myself...for the moment ;)

While the food thing is going very well, I'm starting to dread cardio. I knew this day would come. As a matter of fact, today is cardio...and I haven't gone yet. Normally, I'd have already been to the gym by now. Here is the problem of the moment: I'm bored on the elliptical, but it's still kicking my hiney all over the place so I don't want to abandon ship yet for another machine. What is a girl to do? I told myself I would change everything up at the 4 week point so I'm trying hard to stick to that plan...but it's hard right now. Then again, no matter what machine I'm on, I'm supposed to push myself to the limit and I'm sure that's never fun! Ew!

So, wish me luck in surviving today's cardio monster! I'll have a yoga update tomorrow...goodness gracious is that stuff tough!

Day 12

So far so good, folks! 12 Days and no mess-ups yet! Of course, this is usually about the time I start to fall apart, but I can only hope for the best!

If you would have told me that I could survive 6 straight days of working out, I'd have laughed in your face! But here I am...I'm doing it! I feel stronger. I feel tighter. I feel like I can finally suck my gut in again :)

I can tell that the food is going to get very old, very fast with this program. It is all about lots and lots of protein. Being a vegetarian AND a less-than-stellar cook, I'm limited to say the least. Protein powder has become my best friend and I have put it into things that even surprise me! Tofu and eggs are my other weapons of choice and well, that is about it! If you have any new fun ways to use make these, let me know because I'm already getting bored!

Although, I have found a new love...THESE!

So Yummy!

I kept seeing them around the blogosphere, but had never tried one. I'm usually a Balance Bar, Clif Bar type of girl. Lo and behold, they were on sale at Whole Foods and I decided to give them a whirl. Hello, yumminess! I've only tried the Cashew Cookie flavor so far, but also bought the Cherry Pie & Coconut Cream Pie. They will have to be a free day treat because I can totally see me getting carried away if I make them a regular daily habit!

Finally, it's time for another challenge over at the Sisterhood! It's a Shrink-A-Versary! Since I'm already well on my way, why not join on up?!

Well, I think it's time to settle in for a good scary movie and try not to fall asleep before it's over. Have a great night, folks!

BFL - Week 2

Apparently, I like readying blogs a whole lot more than I like writing them! Sorry 'bout that!

Week 1 of the Body for Life Challenge went perfect! There was no cheating, even while attending a party with lots of yummies and spending an evening out. I had to plan ahead a lot and make sure I brought whatever I needed to get me through. The key to getting my workouts in is to do them on my lunch. That means no having to wake up early...I hate mornings!...and no having to worry about fighting with yourself after work when you feel too tired. I can't believe that I never did this before! And the best part is that the gym at the office is really small and if you go during peak times you would never be able to have access to the equipment you need, when you need it, but when I go around 10:30am it is completely empty except for maybe one other person. Perfection!

The scale said I've only dropped a pound for the week, but with Aunt Flo arriving yesterday, I'd say that is great! Plus, I know this is a process that my body is still adjusting to. Can't wait to see how things look after 2 weeks...but let me not get ahead of myself here! This is not easy and it takes a lot of effort. I will keep focused on each day. One day at a time, folks!

Body for Life Challenge

Well, thanks to this lady, I've decided to embark on the Body for Life Challenge! Oh yes, I'm probably crazy :)

For the past two weeks, I've been totally on track without even the urge to cheat. And that is mainly the reason I think I'm ready. BFL is a 12 week butt kickin'! It's about major weight lifting (which I love, love, LOVE) and short, but intense cardio (which I can't stand!). You balance six small meals with protein and healthy, unprocessed carbs. I'm going to have to work at this part since I'm a vegetarian. Creativity with getting that much protein into my diet is going to be a must!!

Today's meal plan:

Meal 1 - Shredded mini wheats w/ soy milk
Meal 2 - Oatmeal w/ 1/2 scoop protein powder & cinnamon
Meal 3 - pasta w/ veggies and baked tofu
Meal 4 - Myoplex Lite shake
Meal 5 - Apple w/ Peanut butter
Meal 6 - Egg Beaters scramble with sauteed veggies & 5 dark chocolate covered almonds :)

The workout? Well, this plan requires 6 days of working out, 3 weights, 3 cardio. On the off day, you get to eat whatever you want AND be lazy! How great it that?? I currently have a yoga class on what is supposed to be my "off" day, but I figure that is a good way to get all relaxed and stretched out after a hard week of work outs!

Today's workout is Upper Body:

Chest - Dumbell Bench Press & Dumbell Flyes
Shoulders - Dumbell Press & Front Raises
Back - Lat Pulldowns & Dumbell Rows
Triceps - Seated Press & Kickbacks
Biceps - Concentration Curls & Hammer Curls

Sounds like a good time, right?? I'll let you know how it goes!

5 Meals a Day

Wow...I can't believe how much easier the whole food situation is when I'm eating the 5 small meals per day. For one, I'm never hungry. That is huge! Usually, I go from starving to stuffed and back again...and I hate both of those feelings! Right now, I'm usually not even hungry when I'm onto my next meal (basically eating every 3 hours) and the meal is never big enough to make me feel stuffed. If I can just hold out for a few more weeks, this may begin to come more naturally and not take so much dang planning :)

Still walking a lot due to no other choice =P I have yet to find the motivation to actually "workout". This is the longest I've ever gone in over a decade without working out and I can't figure out what the problem is. Food is key, but if I really want to tone up and be shorts/bikini ready, I've got to get myself back in the gym! I wonder what it's gonna take...

A Month Later...

Here we go again! Take 10!

Well, for starters, the lease on my car was up Monday and I decided to give it back to the dealership and be automobile free...this will result in a whole lot more walkin' for this lady! I'm back to working on 5 smaller meals a day so I don't go crazy at one meal and find myself at the end of the day with dinner still to go and already past my calorie budget. Today has been great:

Meal 1:
Decaf Iced Grande Mocha (okay, this isn't a meal, but bare with me)
Meal 2:
Greek Yogurt mixed with Cinnamon Pecan Special K...yummy!
Meal 3:
Subway 6" veggie on wheat w/ lite mayo
Meal 4:
Baked Lays & banana

No idea yet what I'm going to have for dinner, but so far I've been very satisfied and not hungry. I have to go walk the dog, hit the grocery store, then walk home. Lots more exercise to come this evening, whether I like it or not!