I'm back too!

Hi Divas!  I still want to set some goals and accountability/contests with the Divas blog.  I know we were kicking around a few ideas earlier this year, and then life just happened to all of us!  But, here we are again.  New Year, we are still all on fire to make workouts a priority and I'm glad to be back at it!  I don't have much time to update right now, but I'm definitely going to be thinking of creative ways.  I may even buy a prize and come up with a contest to put a fire under us.  Suggestions would be appreciated!? (Any little type of gear, dvd, or workout you've been wanting to try?)  And what kind of workouts are you planning to do in this New Year?  Leave comments on this post, please!

I'm Back!!

Hey peeps! It's Christi...remember me? LOL I am so sorry that its been so long since I've been on here but I've had a lot going on the past six months.

Six months ago I left my husband. The situation was not a good one and even though it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do I know that in the end I will be better off. Needless to say, I've been on an emotional roller coaster that has me totally spent.

On the plus side it has also helped me hit my goal weight. I'm now officially at 135lbs and have a fresh focus to get toned. I turn 30 on May 10, 2011 and I WILL have the body of my dreams and I need you guys to help me with that.

I will be back to give more details of my plan and hopefully to get some help and support but I thought I'd pop in and let everyone know what's going on with me. :)

I promise not to be a stranger!!

End of the Year Push

So - it's near the end of the year! I can't believe it. I don't have too much to show for except a few love handles that have gotten bigger. So I am going to this last month and a half to try to lose 5 pounds. I know - sounds so low - but honestly - with the holidays and travelling I'll be doing - 5 lbs will be great.

I have started up with my beloved Tracy Anderson again. This time - it is her 30 day method - and I LOVE the DVD. The other two that I have are awesome but super super time consuming and HARD. But this video is a condensed version of it - and I love it. I already started this past week and I am SO SORE! I will write up again and give you an update. But I love her. She is my favourite! My husband watched me working out this past week and thought it was brutal but awesome. I'm excited to see the results. Obviously no matter how much I work out - if I don't eat well nothing will come of it - so I will be trying to follow the diet she gives in her book as well.

Cheers,
E

Brutal

Wow. It's been a long time since I've posted on here.

The past few weeks have been AWFUL as my pookie and I have been sooooo sick. We are on our third week of being sick and we are finally starting to feel better.

I hope you are all doing well. It's been quiet here on the blog so I thought I would say hi.

I am honestly not sure how much longer I will be blogging on here. Is anyone else interested in taking this blog over as the main blogger? I am thinking of doing a personal blog on my own - as like a journal entry - but I will keep you guys posted about that.

American Thanksgiving is around the corner! I'm sure you guys are busy getting ready for that :)

Hugs to all the Divas :)

xoxo

Losing Weight Ain't For Sissies!

I know...-ain't- ain't a word, and I would never use it. ;o) I cheat ALL the time on the weigh-ins, Laura... I always make these vows to weigh only once a week, etc...and I give in after a couple of days! I feel like for me, it's an accountability, because whether I'm doing good or bad, that scale can't lie. I mean, I have to remind myself that I can't literally gain 5 lbs of fat within a matter of days, it's physically impossible and it's usually bloat from overindulgences, sodium, and the like. But, I'm still on the clean eating wagon. And......Drum roll please.........I broke into the teens...yes it's true. It's something I haven't seen in forever! I'm so happy. Some of my jeans are starting to kind of almost fit! I think I'll probably lower my goal, since this is going so well and I'm feeling so great eating like this. But, for now: 119, 4 lbs to go!

CLEAN EATING IS KING!

At least for me, this has been true. I think at different points in my life (teen years, and before kids) I could probably lose a few without eating that well. But, now it's ALL about the food! I mean, I know it's just logical, mathematics...calories in and calories out... Why is it so easy to forget how food makes me feel when it comes to fitting in my clothes, sluggishness, headaches...? It's so not worth it. (Keep telling yourself that, Jerrica!! As I resist a marble cake with milk chocolate icing sitting on my kitchen counter)

Honestly, my cravings have diminished. My complexion has improved. My energy has also improved. Every morning, it is so much easier to wake up and stay awake. I'm feeling great! I think I already told you, but my eating is consisting of alot of lean protiens (All kinds of fish, turkey, chicken, eggs) and lots of veggies, and 1 serving of fruit per meal. I'm cutting out snacks (just for this weight loss phase) for the most part, unless I feel hungry which I really haven't. And I've stuck with my usual whey protein smoothie for breakfast, since I put my Nanogreens and my protein powder also has a lot of my daily vitamins in it, along with fiber (ground flaxseed, usually.) If I'm really hungry I have a bigger portion, if I'm not very hungry a smaller one. Simple as that. No counting calories or points or measuring. (I am controlling my portions, but I know enough about it to know the difference.) I take that back, I do measure my salad dressing.

So, here are a few of my favorite things these days:

Love, love, love my nanos! Can't say how much better these make me feel. Sounds crazy, I know...there are a dime a dozen "vegetable powders" that are gross. One person described the taste of these as a little bit "banana like" I didn't taste that, but mixed with a little ice, frozen fruit, or a banana, and protein powder they taste great! Did I mention I love 'em?

I know that truly "Clean eating" diets don't even use salad dressing. But, since I'm doing my own thing, I get to use current fave: Newman's Light Italian! I like this so much, I eat it every day, sometimes twice. And you can understand all of the ingredients, no yucky chemicals and a fraction of the number of ingredients compared to most salad dressings. I like it a lot.

I bought a serving of this Quinoa Salad at a local healthfood store called MaMa Jean's. I'm going to be honest, it didn't look like much. Sort of tabouli like, but I'm trying to "behave" so I sampled it and got it...the more I ate the faster I kept eating....it was sooo yum! I cannot quit thinking about this salad! I bought a box of Quinoa at the grocery store, now I NEED this recipe! Anyone have one?

O.K. I Cheated w/ A Mid Week Weigh In!!

I had too it was killing me! I'm glad I did because I am down 2 1/2 pounds!! Woot Woot! 147 as of right now. I plan on keeping it off too. 12 more pounds to go till I'm at my goal.

Laura

Laura Update

UGH I49.5 today! But I ate like crap last week. Seriously I need a shot in the arm of will power. I keep telling myself I can eat clean, I can eat clean. It's Monday and I'm geared up to go for an awesome week. I had kickboxing (which I'm in LOVE with) today and I ran 4 miles. Here's to Mondays! Keep it up ladies!

Don't be discouraged Eujean, running outside is not for all people. Guess what, I CANNOT do yoga, my body just does not bend in those type of ways. Believe me I have tried.

Big Hugs

Laura

Letting go - and blast to the past

So how is my running outside you ask? Hmmm - not so good. After attempting to run outside last week - my asthma flared up so bad - with continuous pain in my lungs - so I have come to the very sad conclusion that running outside is just something I cannot do. I physically just can't do it - at least not in the cold. So - I'm letting go of this goal. Letting go...with lots of sadness...but nevertheless just letting go.

Instead - I decided to go back to my roots from 7 years ago. Yup - a blast to the past. Yes - I decided to start up HOT yoga again. I went this past Saturday I said the following: "Oh. My. Goodness. THIS is why I haven't done it in 6 years....because I want to DIE!" LOL. It was an awesome work out - I have never seen my knees sweat before hot yoga - but it happened again - and it was 90 minutes of heeeat! But I did it. And I am doing it again this Wednesday - and then again on Friday and Saturday. Wish me luck. I have bought an unlimited monthly pass - so I have no choice but to go. On the days I don't do hot yoga -I will be hitting my elliptical.

So quick update on my weight. Laura - I'm about to make you feel MUCH better. I am up to 149 lbs. Yes. It's true. I have gained 11 lbs back from last year. It's official. NOTHING IN MY CLOSET FITS. LADIES. I AM NOT EXAGGERATING. Everything I bought this past May - yeah. Doesn't fit. Nothing. So I am 5'3 with 149 lbs on me and back up to a size 8 - border lining small/medium - and yeah. Feeling a little - ummm - not so good about myself. Lol. Actually - I wish I felt worse - then I wouldn't have eaten that puff pastry I baked yesterday. Nevertheless - I lose weight in the winter and gain weight in the summer - so I am looking forward to hibernating at hot yoga and on my elliptical this winter and hopefully melting this weight off.

I have been loving CUCUMBERS lately ladies - it's so delicious with some sweet chili sauce. Yum.

Hope you're all doing great. 

(((HUGS)))

E.

Photoshop Effect

Hey Ladies!

I just thought I'd share this video with you on this beautiful day! Maybe you've already seen it? I'm a member of this website, and although I don't use it like I have spark in the past, I still receive emails from them and I'll watch the videos sometimes. Today I was watching a few recipe videos. I LOVE the videos these girls post! So, I wanted to let you know I'm down a couple more pounds...it is ALL about the healthy eating. I've been doing good on "clean eating" and it is starting to really show, I think...! So, I hope you're all having a great workout week and I'll TTYS!

Jerrica

Update

So I am fluctuating between 149 and 150 now. I'll be honest and have not been strict with my diet like I wanted to be. I am going to try really hard and stick to my diet in the next coming weeks.

Hugs

Laura

Day 2

So the recommendation was that I don't run everyday - but start off by running every other day. So today I was suppose to walk for 30 minutes. I definitely did that the grocery store. lol. But instead I "walked" (really walked and ran) on my elliptical today for 30 minutes. Tomorrow - I am at the hospital for an appointment so I won't be running outside - but I will be running on my elliptical :)

Day 2. Done. Tomorrow - Day 3. Wish me luck :) Hopefully on Day 5 I will be running outside again.

Cheers,
E

Day 1

I actually went running outside today. Okay - so don't laugh. I have jogged outside several before - but not on a consistent basis. The last time I ran was probably over a year ago. And before that? Many years ago. So - today was Day 1 of my running journey. I did some research online and they suggested that beginner runners start by walking for 2 minutes then running for 1 minute and then repeating that 10x. I ran with my daughter in her stroller - so I only did it 6x. We were at the park for 25 minutes and then we went running for another 20 minutes. I came back exhausted. My legs were even shaky! And my daughter is NOT a little person - so it was quite the pushing while running.

Overall?

I loved it. I am excited to go and do it again tomorrow. I know it's not a long time - and it's really only 10 minutes of running - but I am just going to keep persevering. It was a lot of work for me today. I am looking forward to actually running on my own starting next week while my princess is in school.

On the downside - I could not stop eating the chocolate my husband brought back from London. Hmmm. It's a good thing I ate pretty much all of it so it can't happen again tomorrow. LOL.

Hope you're all doing well.

Cheers,
E

Mid-Week

I wish I could say I have been 100% - unfortunately I would be lying if I said that. I didn't get to work out yesterday because I was putting my baby's bed set together for about 5 hours. My dad and mom came to help for about 2 hours. I had a little set back by myself though - my drill stopped working at one point - and then I also made an error when putting some pieces together - so I had to screw every tiny little hole by hand - so after another 3 hours - I decided I was exhausted - and working out was the furthest thing from my mind.

In terms of eating - I haven't been following the menu 100% (because I didn't have most of the ingredients yesterday actually) but I have been eating pretty healthily. Today I ate super healthy (except for a few french fries I had tonight) and have been LOVING the smoothies I've been having all throughout the day. For lunch I had a deconstructed rice wrap - so mostly just veggies with the chili sauce. It was delish!

Today I went grocery shopping so I should be able to follow my recipe plan 100% from hereon out. I am super excited. I know I won't lose any weight this week because my "time of the month" is this weekend - so I am already bloating and was super heavy on the scale this morning. I have gained so much weight - none of my clothes fit! AH! Anyways - I am excited for fall. I am even thinking of starting to run outside once my pookie bear is in school in another week and a half! :)

Cheers,
E

Menu For Week 1

You can following along or make your own! Here it is if you want to follow along.

MENU FOR WEEK 1

Monday

Breakfast:
Whole Wheat English Muffin with Eggs, Cheese and Chicken Bacon

Snack:
Smoothie (Blueberry)
Baby Carrots

Lunch:
Cobb Salad (Lettuce, Tomato, Egg Whites, Corn, Bell Peppers)

Snack:
Banana
Cucumbers
Sunflower Seeds

Dinner:
Egg White Omlette (Bell Peppers, Onions, Zucchini)

Tuesday

Breakfast:
Kashi Go Lean Cereal

Snack:
Cucumbers & Dip
Baby Carrots

Lunch:
Rice Wraps (Chicken, Cucumbers, Carrots, Bell Peppers) with Sweet Chili Sauce

Snack: 

Smoothie (Blueberry)
Soy Nuts

Dinner:
Pan-Seared Chicken with a Balsamic glaze
Steamed Broccoli (or Carrots or a Salad)

Wednesday

Breakfast:
Oatmeal

Snack:
Smoothie
Banana

Lunch:
Chicken Caesar Salad

Snack:
Fat Free Cheese Slice
Boiled Egg Whites

Dinner:
Chicken Rotisserie

Thursday

Breakfast:
Same as Monday

Snack:
Cucumbers
Baby Carrots
Cheese Slice

Lunch:
Tilapia (Broiled)
½ cup Basmati Rice
Salad

Snack
Smoothie (Blueberry and Banana)

Dinner:
Fajitas

Friday

Breakfast:
Oatmeal

Snack:
Smoothie

Lunch:
Chicken Fajita Leftovers

Snack:
Cucumbers
Fat Free Cheese Slice
Baby Carrots

Dinner:
Baked Salmon with Black Bean Salsa and Quick Corn Saute (clean eating mag volume 3)

Saturday

Breakfast:
Same as Monday

Snack:
Smoothie (Blueberry Banana)
Soy Nuts

Lunch:
Lean meat sandwich

Snack:
Fruit
Baby Carrots

Dinner:
Turkey Burger or Chicken Burger
Salad

Sunday

Breakfast:
Oatmeal or Kashi Go Lean Cereal

Snack:
Baby Carrots
Goldfish Crackers
Soy Nuts/Sunflower Seeds

Lunch:
Whole Wheat English Muffin with Egg, Cheese OR Homemade Pizza

Snack:
Smoothie

Dinner:
Roast or Chicken or Fish Dish or Korean Dish
Salad

Hello World.

Well - here I am world. Yup. Back rolls and all. I was pulling my shirt towards my stomach so that you could see the whole deal. I am hiding nothing. :)

Well - as you can see I have a lot to work on. I found out last week that I am actually SHORTER then I thought (nobody ever wants to know that) so my BMI is even higher then I thought. It was a sad day. Anyways - I am 5'3 (not almost 5'4 like I thought) and I am about 146 lbs or so. This is honestly the heaviest I've been in about 1.5 years. It stinks.

To be honest - I didn't work out this past week. My hubby had the week off so we were pretty busy catching up on a lot of things to do - like getting our car fixed - buying our princess a new bed set - we went away this past weekend ETC so life has been busy. But we can always try to find ways to be healthy even when life gets really crazy. SO this week I have TWO challenges.

FIRST - I challenge you all to make some kind of Menu. I have made a 2 week Menu Plan which I will TRY to post up. I am not exactly sure how it'll work - but I'm going to try so you can see what I am eating.

SECOND - It takes 3 weeks of doing something everyday to turn it into a habit. I am going to to work out 6 times this week - Monday to Saturday. So I challenge you to do the same. Even if it might be some light exercising - at least you are doing something. And a lot of little somethings add up to a lot :)

Cheers,
E

Just a Little Set Back

Mondays are my weigh in days and after a weekend of indulgence because of my birthday, I am up 1/2 of a pound. So I am at 149.5 UGH, but it just reiterates that food trumps exercise. Back to the grinding stone, I want to be down at next weeks weigh in! Here is a cool site I found That's Fit - Diets, Fitness and Wellness

I hope you all have a great week.

Hugs

Laura

JERRICA! 8.29.10!!!

You can actually feel free to laugh!  I personally like to "look at the bright side" or find the humor in every situation.  Also, don't be weirded out if my starting weight might sound "low" to you. *Remember, I'm a  petite person and this weight is closer to overweight (10 more pounds and I'm "overweight") and a good 20 pounds from being underweight at my height!

Laura, I've discovered how difficult it is to take your own before picture, but like you I couldn't think of anyone I felt comfortable asking to take these!  I know I didn't "bare" my cellulite.  Trust though, it's there. My before pictures instead highlight some different kind of areas I'm more equally concerned with right now.




Example A: The Muffin Top.  I am shocked every time I go out and see beautiful women/girls walking around sporting the muffin top.  (Why do they cut jeans so low that now it feels super awkward to wear jeans that come any higher?)

Example B: Back view of said "muffin top."  And you really can't see because of bad lighting in this picture, but I am POURED into these jeans, they look painted on in the baby-got-back. 

Example C: Side view: gut.  (Note: I don't wear these jeans, and they're nothing crazy like a size zero...they're my "skinny" size 6 American Eagle Bootcuts...I have them in four washes and I just want to be able to wear them in public again! AE also runs a little big, imho.) Ps. Yes, I am sucking it in.

Example D: Again, not the best view, but these are what I lovingly refer to as my "mom arms"...some people refer to them as bat wings.  It's this hangy down little flap that you have, even when you're flexing, as seen in this picture...sort of.  Oh, and this also show cases my nice one pack stomach yet again.

I'm an impulsive weigher...at least once sometimes twice a day I weigh myself.  Today I'm averaging 125.  When I wore these jeans very comfortably I was fluctuating around 115.  So, that's my first goal!  (-10 lbs.)

I'm going to count calories (worked successfully in the past), focusing on getting in my 5 a day fruits and veggies, and wholesome organic eating.  But, if begin feeling the need for more accountability in this area I'm going back to Weight Watchers (I'm a lifetimer) after the holiday weekend and craziness!  I love food so much, but I'm with Laura: Ready to quit yo-yoing and keep my eye on the prize! 

"Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels."

For my workouts, as you can see, my main worry is slimming and toning...  I might post before shots of my legs next go around, because they will be a work in progress and are my biggest "trouble" spot for sure!  (Yes, even worse than the muff...the muff you can hide...but with cellulite you can run but you can't hide it!) OH yeah, workouts...!  I plan to hit the elliptical 5 days a week and also do weight loss yoga minimum of 3x per week. 

I'm a "sparker" too, my username is JERRICA1, if you wanna find me as well!  I'm going to use that, plus the "loseit" app on my Iphone to track my calories. 

Alright!  Here goes somethin!! :-)  Keep up the hard work Divas!

TTYS!
Jerri

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LAURA!!!

Happy Birthday Laura!!! We hope you have an AMAZING birthday because you are an AMAZING woman!!! :) You are so inspiring and motivating and absolutely gorgeous. And not to mention incredibly talented. Hugs your way from Toronto!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Motivation!

♥ Laura

Healthy Living Blogs

I just wanted to share with you ladies a few blogs that I'm following.

They aren't "weight loss" blogs per se, but instead focus on wholesome, healthy living: making fitness a priority, eating real, wholesome food, and being kind to yourself.

First is a local blogger here in our part of Ontario, Oh She Glows.  She posts photos and recipes of all her meals, updates on her training, and also runs a vegan bakery!  Very inspiring.

Next is Healthy Tipping Point. This woman is amazing.  She also blogs about meals and fitness, but in a realistic, achievable way.  She also has website and newly released book called Operation Beautiful, which is all about loving yourself and treating you and your body with respect.  She was recently on Good Morning America to promote her book.

Another favourite is Eat Live Run.   She blogs about her adventures in both food and fitness too, and has the prettiest photos!

There are a million of these types of blogs, but I seriously heart these three.  Even when I'm eating Taco Bell on the couch because I'm too tired and pregnant to cook a proper meal, these blogs inspire me to at least try to be a little bit healthier :)

This is it...

Ya, ya do not laugh!

Do you know how hard it is to take your own before picture?

I wouldn't dare ask one of my family members to take it.

They would just pee themselves laughing at me. :)

Oh and try not to notice my dirty bathroom mirror. Eaaakkk!

Soooooo my SURPRISE... I have lost in one week... 6 pounds!! I have 14 more pounds to go to be at my goal of 135! Woohoo :D 14 sounds so much better that 20.

The start of the new ME! After battling/yo-yoing with my weight for years, it's finally time to take charge. My new philosophy is to Eat to Live NOT Live to Eat, which is an extremely hard concept for me because I LOVE food. It is one of my passions, hence my cooking blog Del•ic•ious. Which from now on will be featuring healthier recipes! :)

I started my journey last week, I weighed in at 155 with the goal of getting down to 135 by November. I am exercising daily usually with one day off to let my body rest during that week. I have upped my calorie intake to 1,200 - 1, 500, I usually stay on the low side, BUT... I am eating 6 meals a day 3 meals and 3 snacks. The key here is to never let my body get hungry and start to store the dreaded fat. I am boosting my metabolism and staying in "burning fat" mode.

I am not eating what ever I want either (my old mentality was, if I'm working out I can eat what I want) BIG NO, NO! I am eating more protein, I have cut out the bad carbs like bread and pasta, and limiting my intake of good carbs, like fruits, and high carb veges. I am eating a lot more vegetables, and limiting my cheese intake and NO sweets, sniff sniff. Actually, I would much would rather feel the pleasure from having a lean healthy body that that 5 minute indulgence of that fatty cheesecake. Whew that was hard to say! ;)

A huge eye opener to me in my diet was my sodium intake! Sodium just packs on the pounds, yes it is just water weight but it's weight, and I don't want it! A pound is a pound. Restaurants have very HIGH sodium in their foods. Guess what I'm not eating out anymore! Why, it is sabotage to your body and diet. I agree it's convenient and yummy, but totally not worth it! Plus the serving sizes are enormous. No wonder obesity is a problem.

SparkPeople is a great place to keep track of all of your nutritional values. At the end of the day it will even make a report of your food intake and grade you. My user name at SparkPeople is LAURAEDAVIS if you want to look me up.

Well, there it is ladies, my goals, my eating habits, my journey to become one HOT mama! I am so excited and feel super lucky to have you all take this journey with me. :)

Hugs,

Laura

Posting

Lets get this in the books ladies! I am going to start. August.23.2010 with my before pics along with my goal, a challenge and a little surprise! Then we can rotate weeks after that. How does that sound? Everyone sign up which week best suits them.

Aug 23: Laura

Aug 30:

Sept 6:

Sept 13:

Sept 20:

Sept 27:

Woohoo, super excited!

Hugs

Laura

Here's to motivation!

I'm completely aware that these women are celebrities, olympians, and fitness professionals...but, they're also moms!  I think it's good to shoot for the moon, because even if you miss you might just catch a few stars on the way. (no pun intended (stars) lol)  SO, here's to reminding myself what my goals are! 

•Motivation•

We all have one chance at life with one body. Our bodies are our temples, right? This is "MY" motivation, to be the healthiest, fittest, and strongest I can be with my one body!

Hugs, Laura

Motivation and Consistency, Consistency & Motivation...

Sooo, I'm seeing a theme...we've all been going through a lot of ups and downs about our attitudes towards our weight in general... Ugh!  I'm tired of this being the "story of my life."  I'm ready and willing to make the changes to keep HEALTHINESS a top priority! I know it's going to take commitment and consistency, even when my motivation wanes. ('Cause it will!)  My friend and local doctor posted this quote (From this blog: http://blog.extremefitnessresults.com/2010/06/how-bad-is-a-cheat-day/) on her fb status: ‎"What makes people successful at exercise is force of habit." I love that!  And i found the article interesting too.  What would you ladies think about making our blog more interesting, trying to build up a following?  It might be the motivation we all need?  I was thinking like before and after photos, more structured postings with weekly themes, giveaways?  I just know I want to commit to something, I'm ready for results!

Laura Update

No weight loss this week???? I am so frustrated!

Laura

EP-weekend

So I worked out 3times this week and I will be working out again today to make it the fourth time! This week has been pretty good for eating as well but my sleeping has been off. I love using my elliptical at home - it has been so convenient. I also did a work out DVD though when I want to mix things up! Hope you're all doing great!

Cheers,
E

EP- Mid-week Check up!

So I worked out Monday for 60 minutes on my elliptical and yesterday I got in 45 minutes. Today I am hoping to do another 60 minutes of elliptical work out. My girlfriend suggested that I focus on inches rather than weight - so tomorrow I am going to measure myself and reveal the truth!!! Eeeek!


Salad for lunch today and I think I will make some soup for tonight!!! :)

Cheers,
E

Checking In

Checking in...

After one week of vigorous exercise and NOT concentrating on my diet, I am up 0.5 pounds UGH is right! I'm done with being in denial, it is true DIET does trump EXERCISE! I'm tired of maintaining between 150 and 155. I am going on a strict diet of HEALTHINESS! Do you see that, yes it's a sign!!

Here's to week two, 135 here I come! :)

Hugs

Laura

EP - Monday

I echo Laura's post. I am starting at my highest weight right now - around 147 lbs. UGH! How can I possibly weight this much?!!! And lets not forget I am 5'3!! I am starting the working out today. Eating well and working out :) My goal today is work out for 45 minutes and to sleep by 10:30 p.m. and to be up at 6a.m. If I don't wake up at 6am every day it is impossible for me to get my work out in.

There's only a few more weeks of Summer!!! Lets optimize it and look hot for the Fall :)

Cheers,
E

Ooooooohhhhh

I LOVE the new look of the blog! It looks clean and fresh, awesome!

I feel like such a looser that I have not been around here in awhile. I am back now and have been working out daily. I am in the mood to go all the way here and get down to my lowest, 135. Eaaaakkkk! It is going to take a lot of discipline but I am determined. I have put on a few pounds this summer, YUCK and I want it off and then some. My starting weight 154 and I have officially started Aug 1st. Who knows how long it will take? Should I put a deadline on this?

I hope you all are awesome!

HUGS

Laura

I need a goal.

I guess it's the summertime blues...I don't know why I'd be blue, I really like the summer!!  But, I'm just really tired of yo-yo-ing on the scale back and forth.  I guess it will be my life long thorn in the flesh: to learn to maintain a healthy weight.  Eujean, I was looking through some of your pictures you recently posted, and you look great!!  Well, I'm not really feeling anything interesting or particularly inspirational for this blog post, so I guess I'll just ask a question:  Any fresh advice?

EP - Woo hoo! It's a new week!

Hello! I am finally back from traveling and today I actually worked out! It's impossible for me to work out while I travel - so I am glad to be finally back at home. I worked out on  my elliptical today for 45 minutes - and I ate pretty well today. I am learning to eat more small meals throughout the day and I've been doing pretty good with my water intake :) Tomorrow I am out of town so I will be packing lunch with me so that I don't eat anything bad.

For late night snacks I have been consuming watermelon all July. It is amaaaazing. Mmmm. I love love love watermelon. I do have to wake up in the middle of the night but I'd rather do that then eat something carby. :)

Hope you're all doing well! My goal tomorrow is to wake up early and hit the elliptical before I go out for the day.

Cheers,
E

New Look

Hey Ladies!

I thought it was time to update our blog look (and because the template we were using was dissapearing on Friday? At least that's what it said) so I just changed it. There are quite a few templates to choose so if you guys want to browse and change it to something else - go for it! I just changed it to something that blogger was offering. It looks clean and fresh.

Hope you're all doing well and enjoying the sun!

Cheers,
E

EP - Bouncey bouncey - go away - come again - never!

I HATE bouncing all over the place with my diet - my work out regime - and with my schedule. This past week has been all of the above. My diet has been mainly good - until the weekend (blasted weekend! lol) and I worked out once this week. However - I know that my diet is KEY to my losing weight - because I have lost about 2 lbs so far in the last week and a bit without lifting a finger really. I worked out once this week for about 20 minutes on my elliptical. Our schedule has been crazy (it's always crazy in the summer isn't it?) and this coming week will be no exception as we are flying to a few places this coming week (NYC and Boston). However I am determined to eat well. I am going to commit to working out 4 times this week though so I can boost my weight loss.

We can do it ladies! I've miss you all and I hope you're enjoying the sun!!!

Hugs,
E

Hello My Friends

Hi ladies! Sorry I have been absent, I miss all of you sooooo much! I really do think about you all daily. I have been sooooooooooo busy with Claudia's golf and work I have not had 2 seconds for anything else. Yes, that means working out to, I have been trying to workout but it has been very sporadic. I am trying though, and counting down the days until Claudia goes back to school (which is Aug 16th) and I can get back to the gym everyday. UGH!!!! I hope you all are great and are living each day as healthy as you can be. Love ya!

Hugs

Laura

Summer Time!

Hi Ladies!  Hope you've had a great holiday weekend...I know E & Maggie had Canada Day on the 1st, and the rest of us have been celebrating on the 4th.  We had a really great one, lots of cook outs, lots of less than healthy choices to choose from...but, I had fun and enjoyed hanging out with family and friends and that is what is most important.  I haven't been able to make it back to my combat fitness class in over a week.  Instead though I've been doing my Bootcamp workout dvd, 4 times last week and twice this week so far.  I'm feeling a difference overall because my workouts have been regular for over a month now.  (Regular for me being 3-5x a week)  BUT, my healthy eating is the missing piece of the puzzle.  We ate at my favorite restaurant 3 weekends in a row, in June.  Crazy!  We go for months without being able to snatch a date night away, and I guess we just took advantage of the fact that we were in that neighborhood!  I know it will be a while before we can again, so I don't regret it.  But, it did keep me from dropping any weight.  (Well, combined with my normal Sunday Dinners and birthday celebrations with family!)  So, I'm determined to drop the weight TODAY!  (Well, not all in one day, but no more excuses)  My sister and I have entered into a friendly agreement, a bet if you will...to see who can get to our goal weight first...we both have about ten pounds.  The only disadvantage I have is breastfeeding, whereas she can do some crazy strict eating I really can't.  But, I think I just said no more excuses so wish me luck in kicking my sister's bootie! :-)  E, I'm stealing your idea...I think I'm going to quit weighing daily...maybe after I get to this first goal I'll change to just using my waist size...I'm a little addicted to the scale, so we'll see.  Hope you're all having a great summer as well!

EP - Monday - Lessons Learned

These last 3 weeks have been good - and also have had a few bad moments - so here are a few lessons learned.

Lesson Learned #1: I can not eat just 1 chip. It's either none or 1 BAG. I choose none from now on.

Lesson Learned #2: I can not just eat 1 french fry. Like lesson #1 - it's either none or all. I choose none from now on.

Lesson Learned #3: Prepping my meals the day before does WONDERS for me. Stick with it.

Lesson Learned #4: Recording my daily diet really helps me see what I am doing right and what I am doing wrong.

Lesson Learned #5: Sleeping early and waking early has made a huge difference in my life. Sleeping late and waking up late - same effect but in a negative way. Stick with the sleeping early and waking early :)

Lesson Learned #6: Listening to my body and taking a break when needed does not need to have guilt attached to it. It has been liberating.

Lesson Learned #7: I am stronger than I think I am :)

Those are 7 of the lessons I learned this week. Wish me luck for this week!

Cheers,
E

EP - UPDATE!

Well I have been doing pretty well since I wrote here last. I have been working out on my elliptical and using my Tracy Anderson DVDs. I am prepping my meals every day and having been using the new recipes from my magazines and have been liking the versatility in my diet. I have been taking my vitamins every day as well and my water intake has increased dramatically and have been doing pretty good with the 8 cups a day. I also bought Tosca Reno's EAT CLEAN DIET COMPANION book to keep track of my 6 meals a day - and it's been really good. I realize I don't eat nearly as much vegetables as I should be!

NEW news is the that I have NOT been going on the scale every day! lol! It was impossible for me NOT to do before - but now I barely ever weigh myself. I have no idea what my weight is right now but I have been feeling pretty good. I am just going to go by my waist size. I have also decided to no longer focus on a week by week goal - but a month by month goal - so that I keep working on it throughout the month instead of just throughout the week. That is more realistic and this is week 2 and feel great.

Something that I DID decide to do is to cut out sugar. Yes. Completely cut it out. It is still a working process but I have been doing pretty well. There is diabetes in my family and so with my recent health issues I have decided to take that family issue seriously and have decided to do an overhaul in my diet. No sugar (although I am not a sugar person to begin with) and to make sure that I don't eat anything fatty. My parents are super healthy eaters (especially my dad) and so when I have to decide what to eat - I just ask myself if my dad would eat it.

For breakfast I am now eating my smoothies or KASHI GO LEAN CEREAL and it is delicious! It's only 200 cals (plus cals for skim milk) but it's around 215 cals or so and it is delicious and filling. I also have egg whites with it as well.

So overall this week has been going really well. I am excited to see what size I'll be in mid-July. I am realizing that working out from home requires much more self-discipline and organization - but I am enjoying the challenge and am finding that I am really loving it.

I'll post again in another week!
Hope you're all doing well!!!

Cheers,
E

EP - Monday June 14, 2010

WOW. I have not written on here forever!!! Well - part of the reason was because I was in NYC and was sick - then my pookie bear was sick - then my hubby got sick - then I got sick again - and now here I am back home. CRAZY vacay - wasn't too much of a vacay...!

I gained about 4 lbs while I was there - aaaaand I have lost almost 3 of the 4 lbs and I've only been home for 3 days! Crazy. FOOD is a huge factor in losing weight.

I finally found a magazine that I LOVE that I am subscribing to - and it's called CLEAN EATING. I LOVE it. They have great recipes and really helps you focus on eating clean. Today was day 1 and although it wasn't easy (and I snuck in a few cookies) it wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. It really comes down to planning your meals and then prepping them ahead of time.

I have given up on making a goal...lol...I am just going to try to do my very best to be more healthy - including working out - AND resting. I am going to listen to my body more - and here goes!

I have made a H2O and Vitamin checkmark on my calendar for every day I remember to drink enough water and take my vitamins. Two things I am bad at doing.

Hope you're all doing well! I can't believe it's already middle of JUNE!!!!

Cheers,
E

JK - early-Junish ;)

Dunno why it feels like I drag my feet to post on here!! I've been super covered up with this yard sale stuff...plus all the other stuff we do... :) Summertime has really hit the Ozarks in full force, it feels like July here already!! Today was a nice one though, overcast skies, but no rain. I just wanted to update you ladies on something new and exciting in the workout department for me, I started a new Women's Combat fitness class at the place where my husband does MMA and Jui-Jitsu class. It's brand new at this club and I said I'd like to do it, and he signed me up for it. Finding a way to get there is like choreography, and it feels a little ridiculous to pay a babysitter for me to go to a workout class...but I'm gonna give it a month and see how it works out. The instructor has been easing us into the program, last week we did a lot of stuff with a medicine ball, and tonight was circuits with medicine ball, jump rope, punching bags, dummies, kick boxing, etc. It's kind of hard core. He said tonight was just 40% of what we're working up to doing normally! After all those lunges and squats I'm sure my legs will be screaming in a day or two! I feel excited about the possibilities if only I can make it work with our schedules! Wish me luck with that. TTYS!

CT 06.03.10

Good gosh! It feels like forever since I've been on here! I've been doing pretty good considering how insanely busy I've been lately. Still trying to get my 30 minutes in but the first of the month has me fired up to do even more.

Did I tell you guys I got the P90X program? Well, I did!! I actually won it and it is O-M-G! I want to add it to my regular gym routine so I am working on a schedule right now.

My clean eating is going pretty well. I am getting better about eating every 3 hours and last night I made my first "clean" meal: a tuna casserole. It turned out pretty good! I'll have to tweak it a bit the next time I made it but Todd and the boys (well just Eric, Dylan is anti-food right now) seemed to enjoy it. I am hoping to get the whole family eating clean by the end of the year. I guess I'm on my way! :)

That's pretty much it for me today. Today is jogging day and if the boys are good I'm going to take them swimming at the gym. Our gym has a huge outdoor pool and they've been begging me all week to go so today just might be the day.

Have a great Thursday everyone and I'll try not to be a stranger. ;)
Christi

JK Back In Black (Mizuno's that is)

Yep, I've got my new running shoes on...have had them on all morning. It is only 10 though, right? I get distracted easily, I think I mentioned i have ADD. It's like I decide I'm going to exercise, so I have to run upstairs to get my shoes. While on the way upstairs I hear the baby crying, OH I forgot to change her wet diaper. While in her room I notice her hamper beside her changing table is full. I dump it down the laundry shoot and run down to the laundry room to sort some laundry and start the first load of the day. I then realize the girls dumped a lot of eggs under the table during breakfast so I sweep the kitchen, the phone rings and I answer it because I haven't talked to my cousin in ages! We talk about fitness which leads me to remember my Diva's and get on my computer!! Here I am. :) I'm on a total sugar/bread fast, basically eating clean, it's going REALLY well, DAY 5...almost hate to mention it and jinx myself...this weekend is a holiday weekend, after all...and we all know how much I love excuses to eat sugar! I've dropped a few pounds, but hate to count them as weight loss until I start eating "normally" again, don't want to get my hopes up! It has made me realize how completely addicted to sugar I had become, the first three days were difficult! Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend! I'm going to hit the elliptical...after I get Ava dressed, and feed Sadie of course... LOL!

EP - Wednesday May 26, 2010

Well - this is week 2 here in NYC and it's been another week of no sleep so far. I have no idea how I'm doing weight wise - but honestly - right now all I care about is sleep. I feel like I have new born again! Lol! Okay - so maybe not that extreme, but my pookie bear is NOT sleeping at night - and definitely doesn't want to nap. *sigh* Sleep and rest has so much to do with good health - and ofcourse energy to work out.

We have been walking around NYC for at least an hour a day - that counts as some form of working out right?

Hope you're all enjoying the beautiful weather. I am excited about Diva Maggie coming out to join us in NYC this weekend!

Cheers,
E

MM - What I've been up to...

Ladies! It feels like it's been forever. I follow your updates and successes with utter jealousy.

As you ladies probably already know, I'm expecting #2! I'm about 3 months along now.

I've had major morning sickness {which of course lasts ALL DAY!} and exhaustion. I'm hopeful that I will soon come out of my nausea fog.

With my 1st pregnancy, morning sickness lasted until 5 1/2 months. Yikes.

I was hitting the gym about 4x/week until Week 9. Then the morning sickness kicked in with a vengeance.

Anyway, sorry for the complaints. I'm so hopeful that the warm weather and bright morning sun will inspire me to workout this pregnancy.

Thanks for all your inspiration!

O.K. Don't Laugh!!!

This is so not like me but.... I bought the Insanity dvd workouts! I loooove them!!! They are super hard and I am super sore! Perfect for all the traveling I do. I can just pop them into my laptop and get my workout. :)

Hugs

Laura

CT 05.20.10

E-I hope you're feeling 100% soon!!

Today was one of "those" days. You know the kind. You want to workout and every thing that could get in the way DOES get in the way. BUT I am saying NO MORE and am going to do a quick 30 minute workout DVD before tonight's activities start.

So, what's up with me? Well, yesterday I bought The Eat-Clean Diet: Recharged. I have debated buying this book for awhile now and decided to take the plunge and hop on the eating clean bandwagon. I'm excited!! I've had several friends try this plan and have lost tons of weight and have incredible energy and I want that!!!! :)

Last week I only lost 1 lb and tomorrow is weigh in day so keep your fingers crossed!!!

EP - Wednesday

And ofcourse I start working out - and ofcourse I get sick. Ofcourse! lol.

Well - I am sick here in NYC and can't think straight past the sickness. Hopefully I recover quickly so that I can get back to working out and enjoying this beautiful city.

Hope you're all well and healthy!

E ~

EP - Tuesday

I hit the gym this morning at 5:30am. I woke up 4am this morning (I've been waking up so early every day - it's been driving me crazy) and decided that I should just go and work out. I didn't do a crazy intense work out. In fact - it's probably my lightest work out in about 2 years. I worked out for 1 hour and only burned 400 cals - but I was happy I was even ON an elliptical...lol.

Thanks Laura for your inspiration!!! You are so hardcore and you are so committed to yourself. It is inspiring and I hope to follow in your footsteps!

The hard part about being away from home is that I have to eat out everyday. So my goal is to eat lots of food - but GOOD food. Veggies - salads - good protein - light pasta meals etc. I am not going to scrimp on any food group - just eat more veggies and watch  my portion.

Cheers,
E

Laura's Update 5.17.10

UGH!!! Gained 2 pounds back...WTH! Well it's back to the grinding stone. I knew I shouldn't of had that yummy fried rice and a glass of red wine last night. Here's to week 3 of my diet. Wish me luck!! Have fun in NY Eujean, I wish I was there. :)

Hugs
Laura

EP - New York, New York

Well ladies - I took a break this week because of my scary episode on Sunday. I have been resting a ton - mainly at my parents because I have been extremely tired to do anything. My body was in recovery mode. I am pretty much 100% back to normal and happy to report it! :)

I am now off to New York for over a month - and my focus? That's right - LOSING WEIGHT. I weighed around 144lbs this week- I have been steadily that weight for the last 6 months. We finally bought an elliptical (which I love) but now that I'll be in NYC for over a month - I will be making sure that I eat healthy AND work out as much as possible. It is going to require superior focus and routine - but I know I can do it. I'm going to start off by drinking 3L of water a day. I am SO bad with drinking enough water....so I'm going to start there :)

I'm so glad you've joined us Christi! :)

Hugs,

Eujean ~

JK 05.13.10

Well, I don't have much time. I was just commenting to Laura that I can't wait until I'm 3 weeks into my healthier eating ("diet") and hopefully 5 lbs. down!! I've worked out 3 days in a row. (Could it be the beginning of a streak?! I'd like to think so!) And today I actually kept it under 1500 calories, which is perfect for me while I'm nursing...why can't I behave like this every day? It should be so easy, I mean I get extra calories right now!! I'm crazy. So, hope everyone else is having a fabulous week. Painting tomorrow, eating good shouldn't be a problem, it's the working out I'm trying to figure out how to fit in... Night!

Laura Update 5/13/10

So I am 1 week into my 3 week diet and I have lost 5 lbs.!! I am at 148, yes I started I 153 ewwww!! I am so excited :D Yay for green tea and watching what I eat, oh ya and exercise! I hope you all are fabby!

Hugs

Laura

JK 5.12.10

Here is the other part of my Mother's Day present...(not including the custard cake and marbled mint fudge...that I now have to run off...) So, I am a huge nerd! My hubby and girls took me to my favorite little Japanese Steak house, Nakatos...it was -super- yummy! Then they told me they wanted to take me shopping...we shopped til we dropped...Okay, I could have shopped more, but they dropped! Anyway, shoe store was the last stop...I had in my head that I wanted Asics, as I've had a few running friends recommend them. I tried on a couple of pairs, and by this time Sadie was getting fussy in her stroller...Housten said he'd go walk the mall for a minute while I checked out...I got home and realized that I had not bought a pair of Asics, but Mizunos, which I'd never even heard of! Have you girls ever used these? I just know that they felt the most comfortable in the store. Hope they hold up good! And on a side note, I saw this tshirt, didn't buy it...but I thought it was hilarious!!

I don't know how many of you saw on facebook, but I took a tumble on my treadmill, I feel better today...still a little sore...but I'm not going to give up. (I'm going to use the elliptical todoay instead though!) Here's to losing those muffin tops! :) I will be finishing up on painting tomorrow. Yay! Have a great week Diva's!

Christi's Story

This is me on my birthday last year: May 10, 2009 I weighed 185lbs...my highest weight ever. When I was pregnant with both my boys the highest I hit WHILE PREGNANT was 185. Last year I was not pregnant....just sick and tired of being sick and tired.

So, I went online hoping and praying I could find something that would work this time. Not like my failed attempts at Weight Watchers, South Beach, and the other many fly-by-night weight loss attempts. Then I came across SparkPeople.com and my life changed forever.

This is me in March (sorry I don't have a more recent pic...sad, huh?) with my son, Eric. I have lost AND KEPT OFF 35lbs!! I am past my half way mark and it feels fantastic BUT now is the hard part...I need to TONE UP BABY!!

I also have a confession to make...I am SCARED OF WEIGHTS!! LOL!! It's true! I've done weight training machines and used dumbbells before but they still intimidate so I am hoping becoming a Workout Diva will help me break my fear of strength training (and if you know of a good routine let me know).

My goal is to be 135lbs and fit by my 30th birthday which is May 10, 2011 and I know I can do it with the help of my girls!! :)

A little background: I am a wife to my wonderful husband, Todd and mother to two insane little boys Eric (5) and Dylan (3). I am a stay at home mom but also work a part time job with a financial services company. I love to stamp and actually met Laura from her stamping blog. In my *spare* time I love to read and just got a Nook for my birthday and am in LOVE!!

Thank you to Laura and the entire Diva team for inviting me to join your family. It means the world to me. :)

Christi

WELCOME CHRISTI!

I'd like to welcome the newest DIVA to our blog - Christi! Please tell us a little bit about yourself!!! We are thrilled to have another Diva join us :)

Hugs,
Eujean

JK 05.07.10

Hello Divas!!

So, I have not worked out. My weight's the same. I feel out of shape. Today is the first day I've had a break from painting in over a week! Yeah! So, I'm exhausted. I'm pumped to get into a new workout routine, new walls new me. LOL! That's it in a nutshell. I wanted to let you know that I think of you all every day too, and I'm not giving up on becoming the healthiest most fit version of Jerrical, and I'm not giving up on you three either! Take care, big hugs. See you on Facebook! :)

EP - Wednesday

I did it. I actually worked out yesterday! :) I did 45 minutes on the elliptical - but I'd have to say about 17 minutes of it didn't count as much because my girlfriend JUST called as I got on the elliptical - so we chatted while I worked out. I only burned about 85 cals in 17 minutes - so it doesn't say very much does it? LOL. But the rest of the time I worked out really hard - and I was sweating buckets by the time I was done.

I am working out this evening again - and hopefully another 45 minutes.It will be late - again. I am running around doing some errands and doing my nieces make up and hair for her prom in June (we're doing a run through of everything) so I'll be home late!

Today I have a shake again for breakfast - salad for lunch and chicken for dinner :)

Cheers,
E

Laura Update 5/4/10

Happy Anniversary Eujean, I am so excited for you and your new elliptical! I am really struggling to find the time to come on here, sorry ladies! I do think of each and everyone of you daily though.

Sooooo I ran 4 miles outside today! Yay me :D I also have been drinking a LOT of green tea. My mom has lost 30 pounds drinking green tea and walking and she is in her 60's. Heck if she can do it I can do it! I am still at 150 UGH but, I feel great I am in a size 6 and in jeans a 28! Woohoo!! I would LOVE to get down to 135-140 MAX! We leave for Florida in 3 weeks and I am determined to at least try to get there in that 3 weeks :) We will see.

I hope you all are well,

BIG {{HUGS}}

Laura

EP - Tuesday

Alright ladies - today is the day! I finally got my elliptical and it's all setup and ready to go. My first workout will be tonight. I don't have a TV set up yet so right now I am just going to read magazines. I tried it out today for about 10 minutes - right after it was set up - and I love it.

I have been eating pretty well too. I have been sticking to egg whites and smoothies for the morning - and another smoothie for a snack and some lean protein and a salad for lunch and another lean protein and greens for dinner. Tonight I am having some chicken and salad for dinner. I love having my blueberry banana smoothie in between - because it really keeps me going! I always have problems with my water in take - so I need to really work on that.

Hope you're all doing well!!! I will report tomorrow about my workout tonight.

Cheers,
E

Magazine

What's your favourite Health/Fitness Magazine? I have subscribed to WOMEN'S HEALTH for the last 2 years - and I am looking around for a new Magazine maybe. Share your thoughts! :)

EP

I have to echo Jerr's thoughts. I have not bee working out as much lately and I have been MIA on here! My husband and I bought an elliptical as an anniversary present - so I am going to pump up the work outs and blast all this fat! lol. That is the plan. The machine arrives tomorrow evening - so I am excited to start the work out tomorrow! This month is my birthday month - so I am making the goal to blast 5lbs by June. I am still at 144lbs - so by June my goal is to be 139lbs. :) I am trying to be realistic as I will be in NYC for half of the time so...yeah :) Cheers!

JK - 5.02.10

Could it be May already? No way! This past week definitely flew by for me! I'm back again. I want to say "FOR REALZ!" ... Will I mean it? I hope so! I've been feelin' sooo tubby and outta shape...I think it's mostly the outta shape part that bothers me. I don't really care what my weight is as much as body fat % and how tight and tone everything is. (Those last two go hand in hand, as we all know!) So, I'm trying to get back at this...this week will be another crazy and weird schedule, finishing up painting...I'm trying to do a little organizing as I go too. I hope next week will be back to normal. I can't lie, my eating has not been great. Workouts? One last week...but I painted alot, does that count as physical activity? I hope so, because I've been totally exhausted and I'm sore! So, here's to keep on keepin on! I always have these lofty intentions of setting am alarm way early and working out before anyone else gets up...and then my body says: "Must sleep while babies are sleeping!" I'll let you know how that goes! :) How are ya'll?

Jump Rope

Hello All!! I have been so crazy busy these last few weeks - and finally - I am back to my normal routine!

Yesterday I tried using a jump rope as part of my exercise. Woah was it a lot of work! But it was great! I only did about 10 minutes. I stopped after hurting my foot really badly with the jump rope (I whipped it really hard about 7 times - I had to stop after the last whip! Note: wear socks when jumping indoors! lol) But today I am going to try to do another 10 minutes. It was hard to do even 10 minutes! I feel so out of shape! (Wait - I am!!!)

This weight is taking forever to come off - and I don't know if I will make my birthday goal - but I'm trying.

Cheers,
E

Laura Update

I feel like a total slacker, you all are awesome! I just have been so busy I will start post regularly again I promise!! I did workout today :)

Hugs

Laura

EP - Wednesday

I know what you mean Jerr!!! I hate that I am being so inconsistent and all over the place!!! But life happens - and some weeks will be better than others. I love coming to this blog because I always know in the back of my mind that I have to "report" myself here and that if you girls are still doing it - I can do it too. Even if it takes way longer than I want - I know I will get there - eventually!!! :)

Today I went to the gym and burned 550 cals. It's my first time this week. It's been a really stressful week for me. It was nice to be able to burn some of it off at the gym today. I realized that if I can burn 500 cals a day - I will lose at least 1 pound a week. IF I am eating well (forgot to add that part). So if I am eating well - and burn 500 cals a day - I can lose at least 1 lb a week.

My birthday is around the corner which is a huge motivator. I am DETERMINED to lose 5 more pounds by then! I just need to be under 140. I don't even care if it reads 139.8 - but I just need to be under 140.

I started this weight loss journey in 3 years ago - and my goal was to be a specific weight by the time I was 29 and 30. I am turning 29 this year - and I am soooo close to my goal!!! I have had to adjust my goal with time- I really wanted to be 136 lbs by my birthday (that goal was over a year ago) but life happens so my goal now is just to be under 140. I was 138lbs last year on my birthday so I want to reach close to that.

Today - I had a blueberry-banana smoothie - worked out - and for lunch I will be having some chicken lettuce wraps with lots of veggie. For dinner - I am having a chicken salad and in between I will be having some more blueberry-banana smoothies.

Hope you're all enjoying the beautiful weather!

Cheers,
E

JK Craziness

So, I'm thinking of having a yard sale, the clutter has caught up with me and I'm sick of it!! I'm going to paint almost my entire house (inside) next week, so this week I'm doing some major prep work! I'm sorry in advance for being MIA. I saw a blip on tv about the Jenny Craig spokeswoman who completed the Boston Marathon, she looks so good...I seriously thought about joining Jenny Craig just to get the last of this baby weight off!! (Yeah! I know, crazy!!) I'm just really tired of not sticking with anything, I have an adult version of ADD When it comes to this weight loss business these days. I haven't always been this way! OH, and I haven't ran since last Friday when I burnt my foot! I shut it in the George Foreman Grill...Okay, that's not really what happened. (I stole that from an episode of The Office, I make myself laugh, forgive me!) So, I always make my girls eggs in the morning, I had a little bit of hot olive oil in a skillet, and I was trying to make my shake at the same time, and my oil started smoking so I moved it real quick and it splashed directly onto my foot! It's ALOT better already, but it was like a repeat of the whole broken toe thing around the holidays! Oh well. I gotta keep on truckin' for tonight. My eating has been okay, weight has stayed the same. I need to get back on the fitness and clean eating wagon, wish me luck! Good luck to you three!

EP

Today I had a low-cal grilled cheese sandwich. I know I know - that's not the greatest thing to have for lunch - but insteading of using real cheese - I used the fat-free Kraft Cheese slice. It was only 30 calories for one of the slices - so it was better than having the real stuff for 180 cals (or probably more).

I have lost 1.5 lbs. It's coming off slowly ladies - but it's coming off. I have less than 1 month till my birthday!!! I just want to lose 5 more lbs by mid May - can I do it?!!!!

E

EP

Well - I only got to work out 3 times this past week - but hey! That's 2 more times than the week before...lol.

I actually bought a jump rope this week (which my husband is taking so I'll have to purchase another one) but it was really fun using it (for the short time I had it).

I also borrowed a Korean and Indian cookbook this week from the Library - so I am really excited to try them out. I LOVE Korean (since I am Korean) but I don't really know how to make a lot of it.. I know a few recipes but that's about it. So while I'm hanging out with my Grandma this week - I am going to try to make some California Rolls. WISH ME LUCK!

My plan for the week is again to use Jillian Michael's DVDs and maybe throw in a Tracy Anderson or two. :)

Cheers,
E

EP - Eyeliner for Divas

Well - we have to look beautiful while we work out at the same time - right ladies?

So I am sending some eyeliner to each of my Diva. It is too good not to share. It is from the Joe Fresh Line - and it's the product in the middle. Does it not look EXACTLY like the MAC Rapidblack Penultimate? It is. I have tried them both and they are exactly the same.

On a side note - I haven't been able to work out the last 2 days - but I have been doing pretty good with my diet. They say 80% of weightloss is your diet! So I am drinking lots of water and trying to avoid sugaaar - my arch enemy :)

Enjoy the eyeliner ladies!

Magic Bullet & Vitamix

I just purchased this magic bullet and my husband and I love it!!! It is quick and great for making drinks - and this is what I have been drinking in between my meals. I throw in some frozen blueberries (from Costco - 1 bag is under $10 and the bag is huge!) 1 piece of ice and 1 cup of water and half a banana and some splenda! It is delicious! If I want to go wild I add a splash of skim milk and some goat yogurt. It is delicious - low cal and keeps you regular! lol! I also love that it is small and easy to clean. The only down side to the Magic Bullet is that it really doesn't crush ice. And it doesn't make things super smooth - everything is still very pulpy and has a lot of texture (which I don't mind so that's not so bad).

My mom just purchased the Vitamix and it is awesome. After trying hers and loving it so much she bought me one as well! Mine is coming in the mail as I type! It should be here next week (hopefully). I tried using my mom's and it is amazing. Did you know that if you just throw in some peanuts and blend it - it will make you peanut butter? I saw my mom do it and it is AMAZING! I also love that the Vitamix annilhilates the ice. It makes the drinks suuuper smooth and there is absolutely NO pulp. If you throw in some strawberries - you won't even find a little strawberry seed. It's just so powerful. I also love that I can make soups in it. Mmmm - so healthy and delicious! :)

I will decide after I have the Vitamix in my home and try it - if I want to keep the Magic Bullet. I like that the bullet is small and convenient - but it definitely does not crush up the ice. But the Vitamix is huge. So I might just keep both. Either way - I love having a super blender. It has changed my diet and has increased my options for "snacks". I always start off with a blueberry smoothie in the morning and have 1 or 2 more throughout the day. I also love that it increases my H2O intake. I will keep you posted about what I decide to do!

Cheers,
E

JK - DVD Review

Okay, so I'm obviously totally copying Eujean's idea to talk about a work out DVD. I was actually just looking at the selection of new workout DVD's that Jillian Michael's has out (At Walmart) and remembered I had this one that I've hardly ever used, not to mention "The 30 Day Shred" (Also, by Jillian, which I loved summer before last.) and "Weight Loss Yoga" (With Bob) also a big favorite of mine. So, I decided to save my money and use these again. (For now!) I did the level 1 of the Boot Camp workout, they have it set up where you can do the "Maximum Results Program" and so for week one I do the warm up, level 1, and cool down. It's not as hard as the Shred, not yet anyway. But, it felt like a good work out, especially since I'm kinda outta shape. It incorporates weights and quite a few lunges and squats, which I like and need! The people doing the workout on the dvd don't really seem in sync with eachother or Bob, which for some reason is kind of annoying to me...I'll probably get over it. The music is so quiet you can hardly hear it, but it's kind of a weird music that reminds me of Star Trek for some reason, so that's okay by me. So, there's the review. I think I'll try to do this for at least the 6 weeks maximum results program, just to see how it works. I like "programs" that increase in difficulty, it's like a no brainer way to make progress...with my busy schedule I need that!

I logged back on to SparkPeople.com lastnight, read some inspiring stories... (that is where Laura and I met, actually!) They've really updated the site a lot and I had fun looking it over. And I used it to log my calories today, stayed within my range, I feel really great about that! So today is a new beginning of the super fit me...just in time for bikini season! Hey, should we do some before and after pictures as a challenge? (Not necessarily in a bikini!! Infact, I'm not prepared to share that with anyone, much less the world wide web!) Let me know if you have any ideas? And I'm feeling a lot more energetic and back to my "old self" lately, that's a good thing.

EP - DVD Review

This is the DVD that I have been using this week. I have used it twice - and I am dead at the end of it each time.

This is definitely not a DVD for beginners. It is hardcore aerobics and it is definitely going to banish the fat off. I used it the first time on Monday and yesterday I was so sore - that I just walked as  my exercise. I used it today and I am exhausted! LOL.

I really like that this is a high cardio work out DVD. Not to mention that Jillian Michaels does not give you even 30 seconds to break and rest in between. It is a hardcore cardio work out with no breaks! It's great.

I really like this DVD and will continue to use it. I am trying to work out at home more often so that I am prepped and use to doing it for my long trip  in NYC. I will only be able to work out indoors in NYC so I am getting use to using DVDs. Wish me luck for tomorrow :)

Cheers,
E

Woot Woot!!

Happy Birthday

Maggie!!!

Hugs,

The Divas

April Challenge

Holla Divas!!!!!!! What's up, what's up, what's up?! It's good to see everyone is still kicking. High five to Eujean for "actually" making it to the gym even when she didn't want to be there! And I like your idea about veggie prepping the night before! Yay for you Laura, at least someone is losing weight on this, a workout blog! LOL! And MM, consider US your intervention. Step away from the Rolos! Remember, admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery! ;)

I went to our health doctor yesterday, I just finally admitted I needed to be more pro-active about my health and this kind of "funk" I've been having since having Sadie. I mean she's 6 months old and it's time for the baby blues to be over about now. I can keep chalking it up to having 3 little ones, or I can do something about it. So, the appointment went really well. He was very encouraging and it pretty much ended up being a back to the basics of health pep talk and prescription. So, my challenge for April is to make taking my new supplements a habit (lifestyle change, if you will.) by taking them every single day for my overall health mentally and physically!

I also made a little challenge between me, myself, and I to avoid sugar at all costs for at least the rest of the month. I don't think it helps my mood swings, and definitely doesn't help my figure! My husband and his twin brother have a birthday monday so that means birthday parties starting tomorrow evening! (Plus I have a niece and nephew with birthdays, on my hubby's side) In this family there will ALWAYS be a birthday party and a celebration and an excuse to go over board. The eating at birthdays is the same as the holidays! We will not be having little sissy hamburgers at our cook out tomorrow night, it will be steak and ribs and fried potatoes! (Oddly most of the people in his family are not over weight!?) So, anyway! Enough rambling. I've worked out two days in a row on the elliptical. (Christmas miracle right here, give me a sugar free cookie!) LOL! Talk to you Diva's again soon! Have such a nice weekend!

EP - I'm alive! :)

I actually went to the gym today and actually worked out for 45 minutes! I SOOOOOOO didn't want to be there - but I'm glad I went. I burned over 500 cals in 45 minutes - not so bad considering how BAD I've been at going to the gym.

I am totally up for an April challenge. My personal challenge for April is to cut up veggies every night for the next day. I need to prep my food or else I don't do well with my eating!!!

Hugs,
E