Progress, baby!

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My progress may not me the same as yours, and that’s okay.  Progress is the goal.  Consistency is key.

I am sore and hate every second of it, but am walking on air!  Another three pounds, gone!  Another few inches, gone!  While my official measurement day is a week away, I decided to take a peek.  After this past few days of pain, I needed something to make me feel like the work is paying off.  It’s paying, baby! 

Clean eating + working as hard as I can = progress.  My progress may not me the same as yours, and that’s okay.  Progress is the goal.  Consistency is key.   It took me a long, long time to learn that.  It finally clicked and things are moving in the right direction.

I will get through this.  I will continue to work within safe parameters while working hard.  I will continue to get stronger.  I will continue down this path.

Here’s to finding the path that is yours.  And finding success on it.

Until next time, peace.  

Party, party!

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Oz is my boy!  He’s getting older but is still a puppy.  

So I set a first set of goals. – and beat some!  I’ve hit or surpassed my goals for my hips, waist, arms, and body fat!  Yes!  I’m getting closer on weight, thighs, and blood pressure! Yeah, baby!  

I need to set some more, but first, celebration!  With time outside on this gorgeous day.  With my fav walking buddy.

Peace, all.  

Changes

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**This is a crosspost from my SparkPeople blog.**

Happy 2013!  What are your plans on this first weekend?  Changes are on tap for me and mine.

My workout plans included Les Mills Combat, but my body has other ideas.  I wasn’t going all Combat for every workout, but once or twice a week with Tai Cheng, 10 Minute Trainer, and yoga in the mix.  But my back, shoulder, and hip have decided that that’s not going to happen.  I have to pull back and go gentle.  So Tai Cheng with walking and occasional strength training is the new plan.  I’ll still hit the gym with hubs on occasion, but the bulk of my plan is on the gentler tip.

My food plans included a low gluten veggie menu, but my tummy said nu-uh.  I cannot have some things without major tummy distress.  So the fab cake I made, although nummy chocolate vegan goodness, is off the table for me because I used wheat flour.  I also need to watch the starchy stuff for the same reason, so it’s a lower carb veggie menu for me.  I’m still on the PCRM Vegan Kickstart, but doing my own menus.  100 net grams of carbs seems to be my max, so I’m sticking with that.   That is high as far as most low carb people are concerned, but it’s my top average overall.

No bad changes, just necessary ones considering my body and what works best for me.   And that’s what it’s all about right?  Doing what’s best.

What are you up to?

Until next time, peace.

Vegan Kickstart 2013

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Yep, it’s that time again.  New year, new start and all the jazz.I’m doing another PCRM Vegan Kickstart this year but this one will be a little different.  I’m doing it gluten-free. 

The kickstart focuses on a low-fat, high nutrient plant-based plan.  It’s easy to go vegan while enjoying snack foods and fattier fare, but it’s not the healthiest way to do it.  You can trust me on that.  Unlike past years, the kickstart is ongoing,  A new group starts on the first of each month. I like this change.  If you join late you can always jump in from the start the following month and go from there. 

Check out the Vegan Kickstart on Facebook and main site for ideas on making it easier and to see what others are doing.  To see what I’m doing, check out my Independent Team Beachbody Facebook page, Vegetarian Examiner page, or Tweet with me.  I’ll share recipes, menus, and my exercise plan for the day. 

So, are you in?  Other plans? 

Until next time, peace. 

Semi-Wordless Wednesday: It’s Here!

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I am a happy wahm!  It’s supposed to be an early Christmas present, so I haven’t completely unwrapped it.    This gift of health is especially timely since SC was named one of the unhealthiest states yet again.  We have got to end the trend, and it starts now.  Today, very day, one meal at a time.  Are you with me?

Until next time, peace!

More on my former doc

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I have not made me feelings for my former doc private.  She was so horrible to me that I feared going to another doc even when my blood pressure spiked to near-stroke levels.  A few days ago we had to review health insurance info and physician’s info was required for our file.  We included her info only because we haven’t found a new primary physician yet.  While Googling her address and phone number, I found a review site and could not believe what I saw.  Several people reported similar treatment and she seems to have gotten worse.

Does that change my opinion?  No.  She is supposed to help patients, not ignore, abuse, or ridicule them.  She may have gone off the deep end, but that is no excuse for her behavior.  I do wonder if I could have saved some people from her lack of care if I had reviewed her.   But I know I was (and may be still) too hurt and angry to make my point without seeming like I am bitter.   I’m not bitter.  I’m sad and angry.  I avoided help when I really needed it due to fear of being put down and accused of being crazy, lazy, or just looking for pain meds.

Yep, still too angry to review her.

 

December!

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I love this time of year.  Yes, it’s somewhat stressful, but it’s kinda chill at the same time. People are a little less grouchy and my kids are particularly well-behaved.  As if one month of the super straight arrow role will make a difference on present day.

I usually gain a few pounds during the holidays, but not this year. I am moving down and keeping on track. I will end the month smaller and fitter than I started it.  My plan:

– Exercise 7 days a week.  That includes walking at least 3 days, Beachbody workouts, and yoga.  

Shakeology daily – as a shake or in a recipe.  

– Clean eating with one cheat meal as week – if I feel like one.  

This is a simple and effective plan.  Keeping flexibility in the type of workout will keep me from getting bored. Including a cheat meal (not a cheat day) in my eating plan makes it more doable for my life without guilt.  And Shakeology is a no-brainer.  It makes a yummy mocha, delicious smoothie, and killer vegan chocolate mousse.  It’s one less meal to plan and makes it easier for me to avoid temptation.   

What are your fitness plans for December?  

The thrill of victory

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First off, Go Gamecocks!  Nice game last night.  Sorry, Tigers.

(Remember, I’m a Cubs and Raiders fan – I don’t get much opportunity to celebrate.)
Hubby and I decided to start a friendly competition.  He joined a gym and focuses on working out there.  I work out at home but join him once or twice a week at the gym. I’m also eating cleaner than he is and having Shakeology every day.  We took our measurements on October 26 as our starting point.  We did not set any particular goals. Well, I did – I wanted to beat him, lol.   Guess what – I did! 

11 1/2″ inches lost overall (neck, chest, waist, hips, arms, and thighs).  
YES!  He lost 3″ and immediately said I won because I’d been working longer.  We started on October 26, buddy.  Suck it up and deal!  I love you.  

This is huge for me because he loses weight easily while the scale tends to laugh at me.   That’s alright.  I have what I need to stay motivated and focused:

Shakeology Chocolate Mousse?  Yes, please! 

  • Shakeology – every day.  Breakfast, lunch, lat dinner on crazy days, a snack, or dessert.  
  • A mix of my favorite programs – Tai Cheng, 10 Minute Trainer, Turbo Jam, and Rockin’ Body.   (And some are on sale right now for the holiday weekend).
  •  Nearly-new clothing in my closet that I love and cannot wait to get back into.
  • Visions of a future with less pain and better health.



I know I’ll end 2012 stronger and fitter than the beginning.   What about you?

Until next time, peace.