Day Ten
There's nothing like a step aerobics class to truly make you feel like an uncoordinated idiot! Luckily, the class was led by one of my oldest friends here in Sierra Vista, so at least I had a sense of humor about it! One of my goals was to work on my cardio and I think Thursday evenings I can make the class. I used to attend Cathe's class, oh...I think maybe 4 years ago (yikes)!
At the gym, you have to key in your member number when you walk in and the computer will make sort of a bell-tone sound to confirm you are an active member. For some reason, when I keyed in my number (I was shocked to remember it), the sound seemed really loud! Fortunately, no spotlight came down or flashing sign to say "OMG, You Are Back, It's About Time"!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Welcome to Day 10!
Woo-hoo giving a shout out to Day Ten of the 24-Day Challenge! What does Day Ten entail? It means this morning, the Herbal Cleanse box is empty! I guess I did it correctly! Day Ten is the same as the past three days, in the morning, it's the Pro-Biotic capsules, Fiber Drink and Spark. It's that easy!
I will do a weigh-in tomorrow morning to see what my weight loss is for the first 10 days. I am hopeful for at least a 2-pound loss, which is normal for a weekly weight loss. If I can keep that pace, that means I could hit my 75 pound weight loss goal by this Christmas.
I know that the one big component that I need to kick up a lot is my cardio. Walking a little over a mile every morning before work won't cut it and I know that.
I will do a weigh-in tomorrow morning to see what my weight loss is for the first 10 days. I am hopeful for at least a 2-pound loss, which is normal for a weekly weight loss. If I can keep that pace, that means I could hit my 75 pound weight loss goal by this Christmas.
I know that the one big component that I need to kick up a lot is my cardio. Walking a little over a mile every morning before work won't cut it and I know that.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
24 Day Challenge - Cleanse Phase
For those of you visual learners...here is a great video clip outlining the 10-Day Cleanse portion of the 24-Day Challenge.
Something to Admit!
Day Nine
My Tuesdays are usually my insane days starting with my early 4am wake-up, into work at 5am, pick-up Evan from his morning session at Pre-K, drop-off Evan to his afternoon session at Pre-K, allergy shots, pick-up Evan from daycare and community band rehearsal. Oh yeah, I have 8 hours of work in between those times.
Yesterday, after picking up Evan, he decided he wanted his favorite for dinner, Little Caesar's Cheese Pizza. T and I were shocked the first time watching him devour almost half of a pizza by himself (he won't eat crust though). We have struggled with Evan's lack-of-eating issues, so if the boy wants to eat half of a pizza, go for it!
I got the usual, cheese pizza for Evan and a pepperoni pizza for T and myself. Driving home with the warm pizzas, the yummy aroma made me snap! Yes, I am admitting, I ate 1/3 of the pepperoni pizza!!! I could have stopped after 1 piece, but I had to eat more and it wasn't because I was hungry. It just smelled good!! So scary how aromas can hit those triggers in us!!
In doing this 24-Day Challenge, I have to be honest with myself and I don't want to hide that I binged on pizza for no other reason than it smelled good and I wanted to eat it!! My biggest thought afterward was...aaaarrrgh I have to get weighed in after Day 10 and I'm going to have all this water retention from all the sodium! But alas, I have to come to terms that this weight struggle is more than the 10-day cleanse or 24-Day Challenge; it will be a lifestyle change that I will have to deal with on a daily basis for a long time. There is no quick fix, it will be a combination of good nutrition, portion control and exercise. I can't binge on pizza everyday, but if I have a binge every once in a while, it will be o.k...I just have to get back on track.
For Day Nine (and it actually started yesterday with Day Eight), the packets are getting less and less! Now it's an easy morning routine for Day 8, 9, & 10: two Pro-Biotic capsules on an empty stomach and then Fiber Drink with Mandarin Orange Spark added in (the Spark addition is my twist to it) with breakfast. I am sticking with my oatmeal for breakfast since it's easy and filling.
For my busy life, I am happy that this supplement regimen is very easy to follow. I am very excited to start MNS system on Day 11. This phase of the 24-Day Challenge will be the long-term support to my weight loss journey!
My Tuesdays are usually my insane days starting with my early 4am wake-up, into work at 5am, pick-up Evan from his morning session at Pre-K, drop-off Evan to his afternoon session at Pre-K, allergy shots, pick-up Evan from daycare and community band rehearsal. Oh yeah, I have 8 hours of work in between those times.
Yesterday, after picking up Evan, he decided he wanted his favorite for dinner, Little Caesar's Cheese Pizza. T and I were shocked the first time watching him devour almost half of a pizza by himself (he won't eat crust though). We have struggled with Evan's lack-of-eating issues, so if the boy wants to eat half of a pizza, go for it!
I got the usual, cheese pizza for Evan and a pepperoni pizza for T and myself. Driving home with the warm pizzas, the yummy aroma made me snap! Yes, I am admitting, I ate 1/3 of the pepperoni pizza!!! I could have stopped after 1 piece, but I had to eat more and it wasn't because I was hungry. It just smelled good!! So scary how aromas can hit those triggers in us!!
In doing this 24-Day Challenge, I have to be honest with myself and I don't want to hide that I binged on pizza for no other reason than it smelled good and I wanted to eat it!! My biggest thought afterward was...aaaarrrgh I have to get weighed in after Day 10 and I'm going to have all this water retention from all the sodium! But alas, I have to come to terms that this weight struggle is more than the 10-day cleanse or 24-Day Challenge; it will be a lifestyle change that I will have to deal with on a daily basis for a long time. There is no quick fix, it will be a combination of good nutrition, portion control and exercise. I can't binge on pizza everyday, but if I have a binge every once in a while, it will be o.k...I just have to get back on track.
For Day Nine (and it actually started yesterday with Day Eight), the packets are getting less and less! Now it's an easy morning routine for Day 8, 9, & 10: two Pro-Biotic capsules on an empty stomach and then Fiber Drink with Mandarin Orange Spark added in (the Spark addition is my twist to it) with breakfast. I am sticking with my oatmeal for breakfast since it's easy and filling.
For my busy life, I am happy that this supplement regimen is very easy to follow. I am very excited to start MNS system on Day 11. This phase of the 24-Day Challenge will be the long-term support to my weight loss journey!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Rambling Judgement on Smoking (Ignore If You Wish)
I had to post a rambling just because it is something that really strikes me to my core. I know I am being very judgmental and I apologize but I hope that someone who reads this will get the urge to stop smoking.
I grew up in a smoking household: smoking parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles. Essentially everyone was a smoker. The ironic thing is that neither I nor my 2 older sisters turned into smokers. This morning, as I did my 4 little laps around the track, I could smell the faint odor of cigarette smoke.
During my morning walk, I share the track with soldiers who are either doing PT or doing a morning formation. No doubt the cigarette smoke was coming from some of the soldiers waiting to form up for PT. In this day and age with all the bad news there is about smoking, why would someone choose to smoke? The cost alone is insane! It makes you smell bad, your clothes smell bad, kills your tastebuds, and it is wrecking havoc on your insides. Lung cancer, COPD, pneumonia, emphysema, heart problems, vascular problems, premature death...I could go on and on about what smoking will do to you.
I know...if you are a smoker it's the same old "no one's gonna tell me what to do"! Seriously, there are people around you who care about you and would like you to be healthy and live a long life. A life cut short by smoking could have been prevented which makes it all the more tragic for the people left in its wake.
As someone who has personally witnessed what years of smoking does to a person (the premature death of my mother and chronic sickness of my father), I challenge YOU....stop today, no excuse, do it for your family, do it for yourself.
I grew up in a smoking household: smoking parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles. Essentially everyone was a smoker. The ironic thing is that neither I nor my 2 older sisters turned into smokers. This morning, as I did my 4 little laps around the track, I could smell the faint odor of cigarette smoke.
During my morning walk, I share the track with soldiers who are either doing PT or doing a morning formation. No doubt the cigarette smoke was coming from some of the soldiers waiting to form up for PT. In this day and age with all the bad news there is about smoking, why would someone choose to smoke? The cost alone is insane! It makes you smell bad, your clothes smell bad, kills your tastebuds, and it is wrecking havoc on your insides. Lung cancer, COPD, pneumonia, emphysema, heart problems, vascular problems, premature death...I could go on and on about what smoking will do to you.
I know...if you are a smoker it's the same old "no one's gonna tell me what to do"! Seriously, there are people around you who care about you and would like you to be healthy and live a long life. A life cut short by smoking could have been prevented which makes it all the more tragic for the people left in its wake.
As someone who has personally witnessed what years of smoking does to a person (the premature death of my mother and chronic sickness of my father), I challenge YOU....stop today, no excuse, do it for your family, do it for yourself.
Yikes! Day Eight!
Day Eight
Starting to come out of my funk and was shocked to realize this is Day Eight of the 24-Day Challenge! Yikees! Reflecting back on my first week on this program...the good...the bad...and the ugly. Seriously, not a whole lot of bad and ugly to report on! I will weigh-in on Day 11 and post the results (of course).
The good so far:
- My dependence on Diet Coke is gone.
- My energy level is WON-derful and it sustains throughout the day.
- My headaches are gone.
- I am eating more often and healthier without deprivation.
- I am drinking more water (see "The bad" below).
- I am rethinking my relationship with food.
The bad:
- I truly feel waterlogged and bloated from all the water I've been drinking!
To recap the basics of this 24-Day Challenge, the first 10 days consist of the "cleanse" phase and the following 14 days start the Advocare MNS System, which is a daily regimen of nutritional supplements and also meal replacement shakes.
Starting to come out of my funk and was shocked to realize this is Day Eight of the 24-Day Challenge! Yikees! Reflecting back on my first week on this program...the good...the bad...and the ugly. Seriously, not a whole lot of bad and ugly to report on! I will weigh-in on Day 11 and post the results (of course).
The good so far:
- My dependence on Diet Coke is gone.
- My energy level is WON-derful and it sustains throughout the day.
- My headaches are gone.
- I am eating more often and healthier without deprivation.
- I am drinking more water (see "The bad" below).
- I am rethinking my relationship with food.
The bad:
- I truly feel waterlogged and bloated from all the water I've been drinking!
To recap the basics of this 24-Day Challenge, the first 10 days consist of the "cleanse" phase and the following 14 days start the Advocare MNS System, which is a daily regimen of nutritional supplements and also meal replacement shakes.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Always a Roadblock to Test Your Resolve
Day Six
Many of you know through my Facebook post that on Saturday, we had to let go of our 14-year-old German Shepherd, Max. His health started deteriorating on Tuesday and the vet did not give him favorable prognosis. So hard to say goodbye to your first "child".
In times like this, when a roadblock is thrown in your way, need to hunker down and push through it. The shock of everything has left me pretty much with no appetite and I know I've been off my water consumption for the weekend. I'm just chalking this up to a really bad weekend and will get back on the saddle tomorrow.
Many of you know through my Facebook post that on Saturday, we had to let go of our 14-year-old German Shepherd, Max. His health started deteriorating on Tuesday and the vet did not give him favorable prognosis. So hard to say goodbye to your first "child".
In times like this, when a roadblock is thrown in your way, need to hunker down and push through it. The shock of everything has left me pretty much with no appetite and I know I've been off my water consumption for the weekend. I'm just chalking this up to a really bad weekend and will get back on the saddle tomorrow.
Friday, March 25, 2011
A Change with Day Four
Day Four
Wow! Where did this Friday go? Completely forgot to do a quick write-up this morning! Today is Day Four of the 24-Day Challenge, which brings a change for the next few days. Instead of the morning Fiber Drink, I substitute in a packet of two pro-biotic capsules to bring that good bacteria back.
I did get out to the track this morning and walked my four laps on the outside lane. During that time in the morning, I share the track with soldiers doing their physical training (PT) programming. The Army PT program has changed so much since I was in. Now, they work more on core strength training versus the basic push-up/sit-up/running when I was in. Even when I was in the military, I wasn't in the best of shape and our PT program basically trained us to the PT test. We didn't get a well-rounded PT program but just the basics to make sure we passed each section of the test with at least 60%/points. I remember how frustrated T was with the PT test since he would max out his push-up and sit-ups but fail his run by a few seconds. So technically, he would fail the PT test with a 259, but I would pass with a 180. I think it is different now for the PT standards.
I definitely need to kick up my PT portion of this challenge!
It's starting to get lighter earlier now, which is nice. But truly, this morning, I could feel the temperature go down as the sun started to come up!
I'll post later tonight after the soccer game to see how my energy will last!
Wow! Where did this Friday go? Completely forgot to do a quick write-up this morning! Today is Day Four of the 24-Day Challenge, which brings a change for the next few days. Instead of the morning Fiber Drink, I substitute in a packet of two pro-biotic capsules to bring that good bacteria back.
I did get out to the track this morning and walked my four laps on the outside lane. During that time in the morning, I share the track with soldiers doing their physical training (PT) programming. The Army PT program has changed so much since I was in. Now, they work more on core strength training versus the basic push-up/sit-up/running when I was in. Even when I was in the military, I wasn't in the best of shape and our PT program basically trained us to the PT test. We didn't get a well-rounded PT program but just the basics to make sure we passed each section of the test with at least 60%/points. I remember how frustrated T was with the PT test since he would max out his push-up and sit-ups but fail his run by a few seconds. So technically, he would fail the PT test with a 259, but I would pass with a 180. I think it is different now for the PT standards.
I definitely need to kick up my PT portion of this challenge!
It's starting to get lighter earlier now, which is nice. But truly, this morning, I could feel the temperature go down as the sun started to come up!
I'll post later tonight after the soccer game to see how my energy will last!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
End to Day Three!
A much better eating day today, but I still think I need to eat more I think! No headaches and no hunger pains! Thanks to the suggestions from others who have done this 24-Day Challenge, between meal snacking will be easier! I think in my food planning, I was going too far into the low-carb mind-set and forgot that I can eat starchy carbs (but I have to choose multi-grain versus plain white flour). Huge thanks to Ashley's Mom for suggesting snacking on Cheerios. That crunch will help!
Wow I drank a lot of water today! Feeling a bit waterlogged!
Food List
- Bfast: oatmeal, banana
- Lunch: Turkey Sandwich
- Dinner: Leftover spaghetti w/ meat sauce, 2 slices of whole grain bread
- Snack: Apples, Cheerios, dried fruit and nut medley (from Costco)
What I need to work on
- Need to get my menu planned out! (Grrr, still a work in progress
- Gotta find more time for exercise!
AdvoCare Products Used (not in chronological order):
- Slam (afternoon)
- Spark (bfast)
- Fiber Drink (am)
- Herbal Cleanse packet (pm)
- OmegaPlex (dinner)
Wow I drank a lot of water today! Feeling a bit waterlogged!
Food List
- Bfast: oatmeal, banana
- Lunch: Turkey Sandwich
- Dinner: Leftover spaghetti w/ meat sauce, 2 slices of whole grain bread
- Snack: Apples, Cheerios, dried fruit and nut medley (from Costco)
What I need to work on
- Need to get my menu planned out! (Grrr, still a work in progress
- Gotta find more time for exercise!
AdvoCare Products Used (not in chronological order):
- Slam (afternoon)
- Spark (bfast)
- Fiber Drink (am)
- Herbal Cleanse packet (pm)
- OmegaPlex (dinner)
Welcome to Day Three! Not a Good Night :-(
Day Three
I had a terrible night last night, not due to the new nutrition and exercise regimen, but due to our oldest dog, Max. Max just turned 14 last week and health-wise, isn't doing the best. We've had issues with him losing his bodily functions, and last night was the 2nd night in a row that we had to deal with him losing #2 in a bad way. T has been great and has been the clean-up guy since I have to get up super-early. Max and Sadie both have been essentially "banished" to outside during the day. It just makes me sad since the inevitable is around the corner.
On a brighter note, I did walk over 1 mile this morning! I am fortunate to work right beside the main field house on post with an 8-lane track. I completed 4 laps on the outside lane, which calculates out to 1.1 mile! In the past I have used a website to calculate/convert my laps to distance. I'll post it as a resource link: http://www.eracewalk.com/CalcTrac.htm
With Day Three...this morning was the last of the Fiber Drink mornings until day eight, I believe. I decided to add my orange Spark into the Fiber Drink and it made a BIG difference. It gave it a bit more of a Tang flavor (if you remember that drink from days past).
Last night I planned out all my snacks and had everything lined up so I wouldn't forget them this morning. After I walked I cooked up my oatmeal at work (I did add a packet of Truvia for a little sweetness). For today I have grapes, bananas, apples and a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread for my snacks.
A had another little victory last night when the hubby actually took a sip of my fruit punch Spark. It truly tastes like Hawaiian Punch and he agreed. I am a little bummed that the hubby isn't joining me on this 24-day challenge. From the outside, I can see he is so stuck in the spin of the work grind and making poor drink/food choices and little exercise. He's just not open to change at this point. I need to keep working at it and chipping away that outer shell.
Some thoughts from yesterday that I forgot to post. On Wednesdays, I drop Evan off at day care (since his special preschool isn't in session on Wednesdays). My usual routine is to then swing by Carl's Jr. for either the Steak and Egg Burrito or Breakfast Burger along with a large Diet Coke. Yesterday, I broke that habit! Even on some of my early work days, I would hit up the drive-thru (I was usually the first customer of the day at 0445). Adding it all up, I'm saving about $120 just from cutting out the fast food breakfast! Sweet! It was odd, though, not having that big Diet Coke as I was driving into work. I'm a car-drinker (if there is such a term). Whenever I'm in the car, I always have to have a drink with me (non-alcoholic of course). Such an odd feeling of not having that drink to rest my hand upon in the cup holder!
I had a terrible night last night, not due to the new nutrition and exercise regimen, but due to our oldest dog, Max. Max just turned 14 last week and health-wise, isn't doing the best. We've had issues with him losing his bodily functions, and last night was the 2nd night in a row that we had to deal with him losing #2 in a bad way. T has been great and has been the clean-up guy since I have to get up super-early. Max and Sadie both have been essentially "banished" to outside during the day. It just makes me sad since the inevitable is around the corner.
On a brighter note, I did walk over 1 mile this morning! I am fortunate to work right beside the main field house on post with an 8-lane track. I completed 4 laps on the outside lane, which calculates out to 1.1 mile! In the past I have used a website to calculate/convert my laps to distance. I'll post it as a resource link: http://www.eracewalk.com/CalcTrac.htm
With Day Three...this morning was the last of the Fiber Drink mornings until day eight, I believe. I decided to add my orange Spark into the Fiber Drink and it made a BIG difference. It gave it a bit more of a Tang flavor (if you remember that drink from days past).
Last night I planned out all my snacks and had everything lined up so I wouldn't forget them this morning. After I walked I cooked up my oatmeal at work (I did add a packet of Truvia for a little sweetness). For today I have grapes, bananas, apples and a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread for my snacks.
A had another little victory last night when the hubby actually took a sip of my fruit punch Spark. It truly tastes like Hawaiian Punch and he agreed. I am a little bummed that the hubby isn't joining me on this 24-day challenge. From the outside, I can see he is so stuck in the spin of the work grind and making poor drink/food choices and little exercise. He's just not open to change at this point. I need to keep working at it and chipping away that outer shell.
Some thoughts from yesterday that I forgot to post. On Wednesdays, I drop Evan off at day care (since his special preschool isn't in session on Wednesdays). My usual routine is to then swing by Carl's Jr. for either the Steak and Egg Burrito or Breakfast Burger along with a large Diet Coke. Yesterday, I broke that habit! Even on some of my early work days, I would hit up the drive-thru (I was usually the first customer of the day at 0445). Adding it all up, I'm saving about $120 just from cutting out the fast food breakfast! Sweet! It was odd, though, not having that big Diet Coke as I was driving into work. I'm a car-drinker (if there is such a term). Whenever I'm in the car, I always have to have a drink with me (non-alcoholic of course). Such an odd feeling of not having that drink to rest my hand upon in the cup holder!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Day Two (Just About Complete)!
Day Two is almost in the record books. A much better day for eating, although I still need to fit more snacks in between meals. I did o.k. at lunch, we did Quiznos and I got a raspberry chicken vinaigrette salad. It was a full size salad and it was surprisingly good!
My afternoon got a little off somehow and I wasn't able to drink as much water as I had hoped. I am catching up as we speak (chug)! I made it to the grocery store to start planning out snacks. Picked up some simple items (bananas, apples, strawberries, grapes, walnuts, almonds, whole grain bread, deli turkey).
Grrr...exercise did not happen again today, keeping that on my list of things to work on!
Ahem...now to speak briefly about the "cleanse" portion of this regimine (feel free to walk away now if you don't want to hear details)! Just kidding, I'm not going into all the details...but what I found is...if you eat, it will do its magic gently! Feeling good, not crampy like other cleanses I have done (this is definitely not in the "colon-blow" range like others)!
Food List
- Bfast: oatmeal, banana
- Snack: apple
- Lunch: Quiznos Salad
- Dinner: Chicken, green beans, 2 slices of whole grain bread
- Snack: Apple
My List to Work on From Yesterday (keep working it)!
- Need to get my menu planned out! (Umm, sorrta worked out)
- Gotta find that exercise time! (Didn't make it again today)
AdvoCare Products Used (not in chronological order):
- Slam (am)
- Spark (lunch and pm)
- Catalyst (am)
- Fiber Drink (am)
- Herbal Cleanse packet (pm)
- OmegaPlex (dinner)
My afternoon got a little off somehow and I wasn't able to drink as much water as I had hoped. I am catching up as we speak (chug)! I made it to the grocery store to start planning out snacks. Picked up some simple items (bananas, apples, strawberries, grapes, walnuts, almonds, whole grain bread, deli turkey).
Grrr...exercise did not happen again today, keeping that on my list of things to work on!
Ahem...now to speak briefly about the "cleanse" portion of this regimine (feel free to walk away now if you don't want to hear details)! Just kidding, I'm not going into all the details...but what I found is...if you eat, it will do its magic gently! Feeling good, not crampy like other cleanses I have done (this is definitely not in the "colon-blow" range like others)!
Food List
- Bfast: oatmeal, banana
- Snack: apple
- Lunch: Quiznos Salad
- Dinner: Chicken, green beans, 2 slices of whole grain bread
- Snack: Apple
My List to Work on From Yesterday (keep working it)!
- Need to get my menu planned out! (Umm, sorrta worked out)
- Gotta find that exercise time! (Didn't make it again today)
AdvoCare Products Used (not in chronological order):
- Slam (am)
- Spark (lunch and pm)
- Catalyst (am)
- Fiber Drink (am)
- Herbal Cleanse packet (pm)
- OmegaPlex (dinner)
Day Two!
After posting to the blog last night (much later than I had hoped to be up)...I truly felt some hunger pains coming on. From last night's post you saw I definitely did not eat enough throughout the day (which is a surprising change for me)! Despite the little bit of hunger pain I went to sleep easily. The Slam and Spark I consumed throughout the day did not leave me jittery and I was able to fall asleep easily.
When I woke up this morning, I was definitely ready to eat! Truthfully, I had a little bit of a dry mouth and a little bit of a headache. I started the same routine as yesterday, except this time, Wednesday mornings aren't an early wake-up day (I get to sleep in until 0600am, yippee)! Evan doesn't have his special preschool classes on Wednesdays, he goes to Imagine Day Day all day instead.
I took my thyroid medicine upon waking and completed my morning routine. Still no movement from the cleanse yet! I did my Slam (fruit punch flavor) for my morning pick-up and I waited to brush my teeth until after the Slam. The Slam did taste so much better without the toothpaste flavor, so suggestion...Slam first, brush later. I shook up my fiber drink and chugged that down. The viscosity still isn't the best, but it's only 8oz, so it goes down quickly! I finished up my morning routine and ate my oatmeal about 30 minutes after the fiber drink with a big glass of water. Walking out the door, I fell very full (almost sloshy) and the headache and hunger pains were gone.
Aside from my Tuesdays being crazy, today will also be a test. It's usually lunchtime with the hubby at a fast food joint (he said I can choose the location) and my four allergy shots (2 in each arm every week, the joys of high desert living).
I have to get some exercise in today...truly, I could have made the 0530am spinning class this morning, but I didn't do it! I need to relook the fitness class schedules and see what I need to do (would love to do some yoga to center myself)! In the past, the 2 things that worked for me to lose weight were: running and low carb. I dread the low carb since I love fruit and after a while I tire of the bacon and cheese. I'm not a running fan either (especially since I am carrying too much weight now).
Alright...cheers...here's to Day Two (chug water)!
(I realized this morning I forgot to post last night that I also took the Omega Plex at dinnertime.)
When I woke up this morning, I was definitely ready to eat! Truthfully, I had a little bit of a dry mouth and a little bit of a headache. I started the same routine as yesterday, except this time, Wednesday mornings aren't an early wake-up day (I get to sleep in until 0600am, yippee)! Evan doesn't have his special preschool classes on Wednesdays, he goes to Imagine Day Day all day instead.
I took my thyroid medicine upon waking and completed my morning routine. Still no movement from the cleanse yet! I did my Slam (fruit punch flavor) for my morning pick-up and I waited to brush my teeth until after the Slam. The Slam did taste so much better without the toothpaste flavor, so suggestion...Slam first, brush later. I shook up my fiber drink and chugged that down. The viscosity still isn't the best, but it's only 8oz, so it goes down quickly! I finished up my morning routine and ate my oatmeal about 30 minutes after the fiber drink with a big glass of water. Walking out the door, I fell very full (almost sloshy) and the headache and hunger pains were gone.
Aside from my Tuesdays being crazy, today will also be a test. It's usually lunchtime with the hubby at a fast food joint (he said I can choose the location) and my four allergy shots (2 in each arm every week, the joys of high desert living).
I have to get some exercise in today...truly, I could have made the 0530am spinning class this morning, but I didn't do it! I need to relook the fitness class schedules and see what I need to do (would love to do some yoga to center myself)! In the past, the 2 things that worked for me to lose weight were: running and low carb. I dread the low carb since I love fruit and after a while I tire of the bacon and cheese. I'm not a running fan either (especially since I am carrying too much weight now).
Alright...cheers...here's to Day Two (chug water)!
(I realized this morning I forgot to post last night that I also took the Omega Plex at dinnertime.)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day One Complete!
Reflecting back on Day One, not a whole lot to report on, aside from the change of eating and drinking routine. I am admittedly the worst when it comes to drinking water! I think I only drank 64 ounces out of the suggested 90+ ounces, not too bad for me. I think I now have it planned out with my work schedule (32oz. during the am/32 oz. during the pm and the last 32oz. at home in the evening). Whew...I'm gonna be one hydrated chick!
My vibe throughout the whole day was very mellow, which was awesome (no caffeine headaches or crashes)! My appetite was under control and I was in the zone! I resisted the chocolate offer also (another little victory)! By the late, late afternoon I really could tell that I had not eaten enough during the day. Tuesdays are my insane days with community band rehearsal starting at 6pm. I generally don't eat dinner (need to change that). I definitely did not do good planning for my meals since I grabbed a leftover Slimfast snack bar as I was heading out the door (note to self: NOT GOOD)!
I just took the Herbal Cleanse packet before bed, which has a blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs. I assume this will get me "going" since I didn't have much get-up-and-go today.
So in hindsight...not a good food day, I need to eat more! The great thing about this regimine is that it simply asks you to eat "clean"...cut out the junk we all know is bad for you, but don't deprive yourself! I am finding so much of my overeating is out of boredom; or I feel the need to snack alongside Evan. I can't use Evan as a guide since the boy needs to eat more!
Food for the Day
- Bfast: Oatmeal
- Work Snack: Apple
- Lunch: Lean Cuisine (too much sodium I know!)
- Work Snack: Banana
- Home Snack: 1 Ritz Bit with Cheese (because Evan told me I had to eat it)
- Dinner: Slimfast snack bar
Drinks for the Day
- Water
- Orange Slam (for my am jolt)
- Grape Spark
- Cherry Slam (to get me through rehearsal and being up since 4am)
AdvoCare Products for the Day
- Slam
- Spark
- Citrus Fiber Drink
- Catalyst (3 late morning + 3 late afternoon)
- Herbal Cleanse packet (3 pills)
My List to Work On:
- Need to get my menu planned out!
- Gotta find that exercise time!
My vibe throughout the whole day was very mellow, which was awesome (no caffeine headaches or crashes)! My appetite was under control and I was in the zone! I resisted the chocolate offer also (another little victory)! By the late, late afternoon I really could tell that I had not eaten enough during the day. Tuesdays are my insane days with community band rehearsal starting at 6pm. I generally don't eat dinner (need to change that). I definitely did not do good planning for my meals since I grabbed a leftover Slimfast snack bar as I was heading out the door (note to self: NOT GOOD)!
I just took the Herbal Cleanse packet before bed, which has a blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs. I assume this will get me "going" since I didn't have much get-up-and-go today.
So in hindsight...not a good food day, I need to eat more! The great thing about this regimine is that it simply asks you to eat "clean"...cut out the junk we all know is bad for you, but don't deprive yourself! I am finding so much of my overeating is out of boredom; or I feel the need to snack alongside Evan. I can't use Evan as a guide since the boy needs to eat more!
Food for the Day
- Bfast: Oatmeal
- Work Snack: Apple
- Lunch: Lean Cuisine (too much sodium I know!)
- Work Snack: Banana
- Home Snack: 1 Ritz Bit with Cheese (because Evan told me I had to eat it)
- Dinner: Slimfast snack bar
Drinks for the Day
- Water
- Orange Slam (for my am jolt)
- Grape Spark
- Cherry Slam (to get me through rehearsal and being up since 4am)
AdvoCare Products for the Day
- Slam
- Spark
- Citrus Fiber Drink
- Catalyst (3 late morning + 3 late afternoon)
- Herbal Cleanse packet (3 pills)
My List to Work On:
- Need to get my menu planned out!
- Gotta find that exercise time!
Good Morning Day One!
Welcome to the world of Day One on the Advocare 24-Day Challenge! Last night I had to do a little bit of preparation to get all my products in order since my clarity at 0400am is a bit cloudy! There's really not a whole lot to prepare now that I have it all worked out! I had to text Ashley (my sponsor) to make sure I had the products straight since looking at the combination of products, I was worried that all the products weren't going to play nice in my tummy in the morning!
Logistically, I had to work out when to take my morning products in conjunction with my thyroid medicine (which I need to take on an empty stomach). The cleanse directions say to take the AdvoCare products upon waking, but I decided to stick with my thyroid medicine routine and then take the cleanse products after my morning shower/getting ready routine.
I slammed an orange Slam at 0441am and it tasted good. I wouldn't say great, but I think the toothpaste taste in my mouth made it more bitter tasting than it really is. I will have to try it again tomorrow morning pre-toothbrushing! I then took 3 Catalyst capsules (I'll post about what that is later) and chased it all down with the 8oz. citrus fiber drink. Ashley warned me ahead of time to just chug it all down, since it tends to thicken the longer you nurse it! The taste was fine...I've tasted a lot worse fiber drinks. I liken it to a really thick orange juice (but not as sweet as orange juice). I didn't feel the need to gag when drinking it...bonus!!
After getting to work (about 30 minutes after the morning routine), I made myself some instant oatmeal at work and I am hanging in there just fine! Must remember to drink water!! According to information on the AdvoCare website, this cleanse is "gentle and uneventful"!
So far, so good!
Logistically, I had to work out when to take my morning products in conjunction with my thyroid medicine (which I need to take on an empty stomach). The cleanse directions say to take the AdvoCare products upon waking, but I decided to stick with my thyroid medicine routine and then take the cleanse products after my morning shower/getting ready routine.
I slammed an orange Slam at 0441am and it tasted good. I wouldn't say great, but I think the toothpaste taste in my mouth made it more bitter tasting than it really is. I will have to try it again tomorrow morning pre-toothbrushing! I then took 3 Catalyst capsules (I'll post about what that is later) and chased it all down with the 8oz. citrus fiber drink. Ashley warned me ahead of time to just chug it all down, since it tends to thicken the longer you nurse it! The taste was fine...I've tasted a lot worse fiber drinks. I liken it to a really thick orange juice (but not as sweet as orange juice). I didn't feel the need to gag when drinking it...bonus!!
After getting to work (about 30 minutes after the morning routine), I made myself some instant oatmeal at work and I am hanging in there just fine! Must remember to drink water!! According to information on the AdvoCare website, this cleanse is "gentle and uneventful"!
So far, so good!
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Dreaded Initial Weigh-In!
O.k...I had to debate whether or not to post the dreaded "before" pictures on here. Do I really want all my fatness out on the internet for the world to see? It takes me back to an infamous line (by Anthony Michael Hall's character) in one of my favorite movies from the '80's, Sixteen Candles. Yes, I am really dating myself here...along the lines of: "I can just see the thing getting duped a thousand times and winding up on cable somewhere". Insert "internet" in place of cable!
I decided to post the pics since I need to held accountable! I let myself get this fat and I have to see what I am at this point in life! So here I am in all 211.5 pounds of my fatness! Seriously, people let me get this big?? I look like an Oompah-Loompah! I had to do the typical "before-picture looking miserable-face"!
Hey, my feet look small though!
I'm a roly-poly!
Yes, these are my feet with the hard to miss bunion-ectomy scars! And yes I know I need a pedi in a bad way!
Just for my record keeping, here are my measurements that will be rechecked in 10 days:
Neck: 15"
Left Arm: 14.5"
Right Arm: 14.5"
Chest: 40.5"
Waist/belly-button: 45.5"
Hips: 48"
Left Thigh: 27.5"
Right Thigh: 27.5"
Left Calf: 15"
Right calf: 15"
Pant Size: 18
Weight: 211.5
I decided to post the pics since I need to held accountable! I let myself get this fat and I have to see what I am at this point in life! So here I am in all 211.5 pounds of my fatness! Seriously, people let me get this big?? I look like an Oompah-Loompah! I had to do the typical "before-picture looking miserable-face"!
Hey, my feet look small though!
I'm a roly-poly!
Yes, these are my feet with the hard to miss bunion-ectomy scars! And yes I know I need a pedi in a bad way!
Just for my record keeping, here are my measurements that will be rechecked in 10 days:
Neck: 15"
Left Arm: 14.5"
Right Arm: 14.5"
Chest: 40.5"
Waist/belly-button: 45.5"
Hips: 48"
Left Thigh: 27.5"
Right Thigh: 27.5"
Left Calf: 15"
Right calf: 15"
Pant Size: 18
Weight: 211.5
My First Full Day Diet Coke-Free!
Today was my first 0400am day Diet Coke-Free and on Spark! It's the little victories! I remember a while back I tried to wean myself off Diet Coke and I got the worst headache. I must report, no headache today!
The day started off pretty typical, a little bit of yawning in the early morning hours. I drank an Orange Spark on the way to work at 0445 and followed it with lots of water. I had another Pink Lemonade Spark while at home on mid-morning break with Evan and another in the late afternoon (I think it was Orange). For tomorrow morning, I am going to try the Slam instead first thing in the morning to get that energy up right away and see how that works.
I am still eating a normal routine, but adding in more fruits to snack on. I did not snack on any Dove chocolate today either at work! Those hunger pains just weren't there! Once I start the 24-Day Challenge tomorrow I will have to pay closer attention to what I am eating though.
When I left work at 3pm, I can truly say that my body didn't feel like I had been at work for 2 days straight. Since my day starts so early, I tend to get that jet-lagged feeling around 3pm...I didn't have it today and felt really good when I left work.
WINNING, so far!
The day started off pretty typical, a little bit of yawning in the early morning hours. I drank an Orange Spark on the way to work at 0445 and followed it with lots of water. I had another Pink Lemonade Spark while at home on mid-morning break with Evan and another in the late afternoon (I think it was Orange). For tomorrow morning, I am going to try the Slam instead first thing in the morning to get that energy up right away and see how that works.
I am still eating a normal routine, but adding in more fruits to snack on. I did not snack on any Dove chocolate today either at work! Those hunger pains just weren't there! Once I start the 24-Day Challenge tomorrow I will have to pay closer attention to what I am eating though.
When I left work at 3pm, I can truly say that my body didn't feel like I had been at work for 2 days straight. Since my day starts so early, I tend to get that jet-lagged feeling around 3pm...I didn't have it today and felt really good when I left work.
WINNING, so far!
Kit and 24-Day Challenge Arrived Today!
Woo-hoo...some excitement! My kit and 24-Day Challenge box arrived by FedEx today while I was home on my morning break. Took some pics to capture this moment which will put me back on the road to good health! Yes, I know I am a little dorky!
This is the $79 kit you get when you enroll as an AdvoCare Distributor (even if you just want to get the products at a 20% discount like I am doing right now). You get $50 worth of product, so it's a great deal and it gives you a sampling of the 2 best products, Spark and Slam. Both of which will be used up by me, for sure!
Such a cute big blue box!
These are the distributor kit product contents:
But wait! There's more! Check under the products and here is all the literature you get with the kit!
My 24-Day Challenge (not included in the distributor kit, but I got it at a 20% discount using my distributor status)!!
This is the $79 kit you get when you enroll as an AdvoCare Distributor (even if you just want to get the products at a 20% discount like I am doing right now). You get $50 worth of product, so it's a great deal and it gives you a sampling of the 2 best products, Spark and Slam. Both of which will be used up by me, for sure!
Such a cute big blue box!
These are the distributor kit product contents:
But wait! There's more! Check under the products and here is all the literature you get with the kit!
My 24-Day Challenge (not included in the distributor kit, but I got it at a 20% discount using my distributor status)!!
Welcome 4am Again!
Ugh, back to the old grind as Evan's Spring Break ends today. Saying hello to 4am wake-ups again (only 36 more days of school, must take joy in the little victories)! This is the first morning using Spark instead of my typical Diet Coke morning. I already had my Spark enroute to work this morning and I am still hanging in there! We'll see where I am around 9am!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Luvin' My Ben & Jerry's
Oh where, oh where has the weekend gone??!! I totally binged today on Ben & Jerry's Karamel Sutra! My thought process was...well, I'm going to start my 24-day challenge this week, so I better eat it now!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Even my Avatar is Fatter!
I pulled out my Wii Fit Board and had to laugh at what it told me..."it's been 736 days since your last weigh in"! Wow! Over 2 years! Crazy! I went through the weigh-in process and it calculated I gained over 30 pounds since that last weigh-in. The Wii gently informed that I didn't hit my goal weight...well duh! I really enjoyed seeing my avatar get fatter too! Had to laugh seeng my avatar looking at itself in all my increased fatness! So I reset my goals and let's see where we go from here!
Friday, March 18, 2011
I Need a SPARK!
I had a life-changing encounter on February 19th with a product named Spark...o.k...lame, I know! O.k...take two, on February 19th I met Ashley Boucher while we were vendors at a flea market. She is an AdvoCare distributor. You may ask, what is AdvoCare? In a nutshell, it is a company that markets world-class nutrition products for weight loss, energy and performance.
Their signature product, Spark, is an energy drink that replaces coffee, sodas and energy drinks like Monster and Red Bull. I am admitting right now to an addiction to diet sodas (especially Diet Coke and Diet Chery Coke Zero...yum)! I know I need to break my habit! These sodas are just not good for me, I know that!
After meeting Ashley and learning a quick run-down on the products, I kept the thought in the back of my mind about using the products. I'm a skeptic when it comes to weight loss...mainly since it never seems to work for me. There is something different about AdvoCare, not sure what it is yet, but it's a gut feeling.
Ashley invited me to a get-together at her house last Tuesday. I couldn't stay long; but for some reason, something clicked in my brain. On a whim (which is usually how I roll), I became a distributor that night after being reassured by Ashley that I don't have to worry about sales minimums. I can simply buy the products at a wholesale discount (sweet). Now, you may be reading...here we go...Jen's gonna try to sell me something! On the contrary...I want you to keep reading this blog and decide for yourself. I am going to blog every step of this journey to 135 using the AdvoCare products (the good, the bad and the ugly)!
My 24-Day Challenge Kit arrives on Monday, so this weekend will be my last weekend of drinking and eating unhealthy! Are you up for a challenge??
Their signature product, Spark, is an energy drink that replaces coffee, sodas and energy drinks like Monster and Red Bull. I am admitting right now to an addiction to diet sodas (especially Diet Coke and Diet Chery Coke Zero...yum)! I know I need to break my habit! These sodas are just not good for me, I know that!
After meeting Ashley and learning a quick run-down on the products, I kept the thought in the back of my mind about using the products. I'm a skeptic when it comes to weight loss...mainly since it never seems to work for me. There is something different about AdvoCare, not sure what it is yet, but it's a gut feeling.
Ashley invited me to a get-together at her house last Tuesday. I couldn't stay long; but for some reason, something clicked in my brain. On a whim (which is usually how I roll), I became a distributor that night after being reassured by Ashley that I don't have to worry about sales minimums. I can simply buy the products at a wholesale discount (sweet). Now, you may be reading...here we go...Jen's gonna try to sell me something! On the contrary...I want you to keep reading this blog and decide for yourself. I am going to blog every step of this journey to 135 using the AdvoCare products (the good, the bad and the ugly)!
My 24-Day Challenge Kit arrives on Monday, so this weekend will be my last weekend of drinking and eating unhealthy! Are you up for a challenge??
Thursday, March 17, 2011
What Am I Tired Of?
My list of things I am tired of:
- Having to buy larger pants
- Having to buy larger shirts
- Not being able to find clothes in my size
- Having to waste money on buying bigger clothes
- My knees cracking when I get up
- Running out of energy on the soccer field
- The excuses for not exercising
- Drinking so much diet soda
- Overeating
- Aging prematurely
- My inability to stick with an exercise regimen
- My inability to stick with a diet regimen
- My inability to make good food choices
- My lack of energy to cook
- My inability to cook
- My lack of time to prepare healthy meals
- My quickness to turn to fast food
- Turning into the "fat" mom
- How I look in pictures
- How I look in the mirror
- Moving from one thing to another quickly without savoring the journey along the way
- Not being able to be in the moment
- Giving of myself to others and forgetting "me" time
- Not being able to say no to Dove chocolate
- Not being able to turn away from the cookies and treats at work
As my journey progresses, I hope I can remove many of these!
- Having to buy larger pants
- Having to buy larger shirts
- Not being able to find clothes in my size
- Having to waste money on buying bigger clothes
- My knees cracking when I get up
- Running out of energy on the soccer field
- The excuses for not exercising
- Drinking so much diet soda
- Overeating
- Aging prematurely
- My inability to stick with an exercise regimen
- My inability to stick with a diet regimen
- My inability to make good food choices
- My lack of energy to cook
- My inability to cook
- My lack of time to prepare healthy meals
- My quickness to turn to fast food
- Turning into the "fat" mom
- How I look in pictures
- How I look in the mirror
- Moving from one thing to another quickly without savoring the journey along the way
- Not being able to be in the moment
- Giving of myself to others and forgetting "me" time
- Not being able to say no to Dove chocolate
- Not being able to turn away from the cookies and treats at work
As my journey progresses, I hope I can remove many of these!
Why 135?
How did I come to the number 135? One downfall you hear a lot is to not fixate on a number. I need a number; a need a goal. Do a search on BMI and you will find many on-line calculators that will happily tell you how overweight you are. Well now, I am told I am in the "obese" category with a BMI of 33.9 (anything over 30 is considered obese for my 5'6" average height).
I truly can't remember the last time I weighed 135. I don't think I even weighed 135 when I was in the military (I am thinking I was in the 140's then). I was always borderline on my weight and had to be taped (but always passed). I chocked that up to my "large" frame.
Using one BMI calculator (http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/body.htm) of what a "healthy" weight range is for my height and age shows: "Medical Recommendation: 118-155". Yikes! 118 at the low end is kinda nuts!! 155 at the high end; but for some reason, I don't like the 150's, not sure why!
O.k...140's....hmmm for some reason those weight ranges don't settle with me either. It's almost like...o.k...you're doing sooo good, but did you poop out at the end and couldn't get into the 130's? Apologies, now I'm starting to sound a little crazy (which I don't want).
135...right in the middle of what is considered a healthy BMI for my age and height...sounds good; all odd numbers. There must be something good in those numbers!
I truly can't remember the last time I weighed 135. I don't think I even weighed 135 when I was in the military (I am thinking I was in the 140's then). I was always borderline on my weight and had to be taped (but always passed). I chocked that up to my "large" frame.
Using one BMI calculator (http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/body.htm) of what a "healthy" weight range is for my height and age shows: "Medical Recommendation: 118-155". Yikes! 118 at the low end is kinda nuts!! 155 at the high end; but for some reason, I don't like the 150's, not sure why!
O.k...140's....hmmm for some reason those weight ranges don't settle with me either. It's almost like...o.k...you're doing sooo good, but did you poop out at the end and couldn't get into the 130's? Apologies, now I'm starting to sound a little crazy (which I don't want).
135...right in the middle of what is considered a healthy BMI for my age and height...sounds good; all odd numbers. There must be something good in those numbers!
210: Gotta Start Somewhere
2-1-0...wow over the 200 mark. Bold as it is to post that weight, I don't really want to "own" it. How does one get to 210 especially when one thinks they are active and healthy? Hmmm, let's think...little exercise and eating junk!
What are my other excuses? Had a baby in 2006 (almost 5 years ago, bad excuse); had double foot surgery in 2009 (almost 2 years ago, bad excuse); lots of family life changes in the past two years (can't wallow in that forever and it wouldn't be what AJ or Mom would want me to do). Sounds easy...I'll just exercise more and eat less junk food! Sounds easier said than done in my world.
O.k...let's make a plan for this. I'm not sure how it will all work out but I have to make time for me. I am so lucky to live in a part of the world where the weather is decent year-round (little known secret of southern Arizona). No snow, rain and slush to use as an excuse. I have to get out and move more! Maybe I need to start using that gym membership I am paying every month?!
What are my other excuses? Had a baby in 2006 (almost 5 years ago, bad excuse); had double foot surgery in 2009 (almost 2 years ago, bad excuse); lots of family life changes in the past two years (can't wallow in that forever and it wouldn't be what AJ or Mom would want me to do). Sounds easy...I'll just exercise more and eat less junk food! Sounds easier said than done in my world.
O.k...let's make a plan for this. I'm not sure how it will all work out but I have to make time for me. I am so lucky to live in a part of the world where the weather is decent year-round (little known secret of southern Arizona). No snow, rain and slush to use as an excuse. I have to get out and move more! Maybe I need to start using that gym membership I am paying every month?!
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