The Diva's Are On Facebook!!

I just created the group on Facebook for us!! If anyone didn't get invited let me know but I think we're all on there. I'm excited to see us all on there and am hoping it will help motivate each of us as we head towards summer!! :)

Workout Divas on Facebook

Hey Divas!!

I just had a thought and I thought I'd run it by you guys. I have a friend on Facebook that just invited me to a private fitness group and I love it. You can get emails when someone posts on there and you can keep it all private or make it for anyone to see. So...what do you think about the Diva's starting a group on Facebook? I know for me I spend more time on FB whereas I forget about the blog and only check maybe once a week.

I just thought I'd throw that out there and get your two cents. Hope you guys are doing well!!!!

Christi: Help Diva's!! I Need Motivation!!

OK I seriously need some motivation!! Help Divas!! LOL

I got the a-OK to start training last Friday. Since then every day I've found excuse after excuse to not work out. It's awful! I've got a membership to a gym and am pretty much flushing that money down the drain right now. It's only two weeks before I'm 30 which you would think would motivate me but its depressing me even more.

What do you do when you have the mental motivation but not the physical strength to JUST DO IT??

Maybe its time for another fitness minutes challenge??

Christi Before/After Pics!!

I heard someone say they wanted some pics so here ya go! I did a post on Spark People a few weeks ago with these pics so I thought I'd post some here too for motivation. Here is picture of me when I was in the 160-170 range...My best friend and me are trying to motivate each other and he talked me into taking a picture of myself in my new size small shorts. I still hate my thighs but I am trying to be more accountable so I took the picture...
I am still amazed at how far I've come! I hate taking full body pictures but I do have to admit that the pictures never lie so I think I'm going to try to start taking pictures every month. Right now I'm trying to get the nerve to take a picture of me in the bikini a Spark friend sent me for my 30th birthday...did I say it was a STRING BIKINI?!!

I know I look better than what I did but to me I still see so much work to be done. I didn't tone at all during my weight loss and I regret that more than anything.

*****************STREAK UPDATE************************

I haven't been awesome at logging all my food this month but this past week up until today I've been doing great! I found a new app on my android that makes logging your food a breeze and its really helping to hold me accountable. I'm still logging on Spark too which helps a lot but in a pinch I always have my phone and even though I do have the Spark app on my phone it lags on me big time and this other app streams really quick so I can log, see where I'm at as far as fat/calories, and that's that.

I am still wanting to start the Crazy Sexy Diet but funds are nil. I had to quit Home Depot and am now jobless. The nutrition job is at a standstill due to insurance issues and there is no telling when I'll start so right now I'm frantically searching for a graveyard shift job to get me through until the nutrition gig is a go. Please keep me in your prayers as far as the job thing.

I will try to get better about checking in here more. I miss you guys so much and definitely need the motivation. :)

♥♥♥

♥Laura

JK- Update on the sTrEaKiNg!!

Hello Divas!  I may not be able to finish this post for now...I just wanted to say "hi" and I'm so proud of everyone! 

My streaks have gone pretty well...  I like to look at the glass as half full... Even though my streaks haven't lasted more than a few days yet, even with the interruptions I manged 5 workouts last week and healthy eating -most- of the time!  I'll try to post details soon! 
Thanks for your accountability and support!

STREAKS/GOALS

Hahahahaha I'm updating again! Here are my streaks/goals for the month of March. I am getting a late start but better late than never!

• Tracking and staying within my calories

• Exercising everyday!! (I made a goal to run 60 miles in 4 weeks)

• Drinking 3 cups or more of green tea a day (on top of my daily water consumption)

• Taking my daily vitamins

Phew thats a lot, but I'm holding myself to it!

I hope you all are doing well!!

{{HUGS}}

Laura

Laura Update

Yayyyyy!!! Eujean!!! Congrats on your weight loss! Christi Congrats on the new job, you will do amazing!! Oh and send me your address and I will get your goodies off to you. :D

As far as an update for me I am still STRUGGLING with my thyroid. :( I am exercising like crazy and trying to be careful with my diet. My STREAKING will be.... to journal and stay within my calories EVERYDAY! (starting Monday) I am still trying to cut back on my sugar intake & I set a new goal to run 60 miles in 4 weeks!

Hugs to you all!

Laura

EP - WW update

Well I finally decided to join Weight Watchers. I officially joined last week and today was my first weigh in! I have to tell you that I have been sick all week. Usually that would mean that MOST people LOSE weight - well for me - being sick makes me ALWAYS GAIN WEIGHT. A ton. So this past week - knowing that I needed to count points and stick to my new healthy lifestyle - I "TRIED" to be good with my eating this past week and I guess it worked! Today was my first weigh in and I lost 3.4 lbs! Trust me - no one was more shocked then me. I do have to add that TOM was visiting last week as well - (time of the month) but I still weighed less then my original weight before TOM. And even though I am not big into the meetings each week at WW - I have to say that it really helps me focus for the upcoming week and helps me realize that I can do this for another week. The biggest benefit of WW is that it really helps me be really aware of what I'm putting in my mouth. So lets see what happens this week. I am still a little sick but I'm on the tail end of it - and hopefully means I can work out!
Hugs to you Divas!E ~

Christi: I'm Streaking!!

***********FIRST AN UPDATE***************

On February 26th I sprained my back at work which is why I haven't been on here. I've been in so much pain its not even funny and even though my doctor says its better for me to get up and move it is SO hard because of how much it hurts. :( Luckily there is no nerve damage or anything but I am out of workout commission until I get a release from my doctor. This of course has pushed me back into my depression so I'm on yet another emotional roller coaster. What kill me will only make me stronger right?

I still have a lot of personal issues going on as well. My ex is fighting for joint custody of our boys and is fighting the divorce, work has been a lot of political bs, and my home life is strained big time (living with my mom/step dad and two small boys is not always a happy home) but I am pushing on.

Not everything in my life is bad right now though...I GOT A FULL-TIME JOB!! Guess where? A brand new nutrition center!! I am actually going to be working with dieticians and health specialists AND leading a few fitness classes and get paid for it! WOOHOO!!! The office won't open until April but I am going to be running the entire office. I am both scared and excited at the same time. I'll be sure to keep you guys updated.

************NOW ABOUT MY STREAK*****************

Since fitness is beyond limited I am going to do a nutritional streak instead. My streak for March is going to be tracking my food on SparkPeople and I'm hoping here in the next few weeks to do the Crazy Sexy Diet detox. So mine is all about the grub. I definitely want to make healthier food choices and watch my sugar intake and as of the 1st I've cut out coffee. Instead of having coffee every day I'm going to treat it as a special treat I can have every once in awhile. I've replaced my daily cup with herbal tea. :)

I'm excited to hear what everyone else's streaks are!!

Workout Divas March Challenge: Let's Streak....!

And Febuary's workout winner is: Christi!  Laura "sat" this one out, Eujean's injured, and Mags is a new mummy. CONGRATS Christi!  I think Laura owes you a cute water bottle full of her favorite things!!  Thanks Laura! :)  I think I kinda sorta got second place, but honestly my family has been sick again and I randomly worked out, and didn't even track it!  Lame, I know.  SO, I guess since Fizz Tabs were going to be the second prize donated by ME anyway, I will just get myself some more! :) 

Okay, so I have an idea for March... Since we are all over the place with different schedules, and different goals are attainable to us... I say we make March a month for new/better habits and STREAK!  For example, I'm starting a new streak today of working out...and counting calories on weekdays... (I'm still avoiding sugar, but had a weak moment yesterday, that I'm not ready to talk about, lol)  So, my personal streak challenge could be summed up as a tracking challenge.  And even if I only make it 4 days I have the rest of the month of march to try to top that with a 7 or 10 day streak!  These can be for the sugar fast, they can be for ANY HEALTHY GOAL you have in mind!  I want everyone to announce YOUR personal streak goal in your next posts!

You don't have to get really detailed with your streaking challenge, unless that is a motivator for you.  I just want everyone to have fun with it and make this our healthiest March ever! Remember, it's about beating YOUR personal best!  Summer is just around the corner and we all want to be fit and healthy to enjoy it!  Comments, questions, ideas and suggestions are welcome!!

Christi Day #7 & OMG Sweet Stuff

First let me say that I am SOO proud of you guys with the sugar thing. I'm not sure if it was taking on this challenge or the fact that TOM is fast approaching but I have been craving the sweet stuff like no other! Imagine my horror when I am checking out at Target with my organic mixed greens, organic carrots, healthy granola bars, and *gasp* Double Stuffed Oreos...yea...those stores with their sugary displays! LOL I finally had to take them to a friends house to escape the temptation but next time I'm over there I'm sure I'll hunt for them. I always thought I was addicted to just chocolate but nope! It's sugar: any form, shape, or fashion! LOL

So that's it with the sweet stuff update. I guess its all about moderation for this sugar lovin' gal. I haven't gained any weight (still haven't checked the inches but I'm sure I've gained. I've felt very bloated the past few days) so I see that as a plus.

******FITNESS UPDATE******

Not doing the greatest here as well BUT I did get 45 minutes on the elliptical so I'm going to TOOT my horn! TOOT!! TOOT!!

And for those of you that are on Facebook regularly YES I am BACK!! I have been fighting this depression by myself for TOO long! When I was down before my FB peeps always cheered me up so I am back and I have felt so honored all the love I've received just being back for a few hours. I missed you guys SO much!

OK so back to the fitness minutes...

2/22 Elliptical: 45 minutes

Total Challenge Workout Minutes: 478 minutes

I'm working tomorrow night which means no gym for this gal BUT my goal is to get in a quick Insanity workout but we shall see. Until next time ladies!!

JK- Update

Sugar free, workout minutes, weight loss... We are into challenges galore! LOVE it!  I'm not winning any of them, by any stretch of the imagination...but, I'm still feeling the motivation from these challenges fueling my progress.  So, here are my updates:

Sugar Challenge: After reading EP's last post, I don't feel quite as guilty...I've been continuing to have my protein smoothie with natural peanut butter, and although low in natural sugars they are not sugar free!  I figure if that's the worst thing I'm having, that is a BIG improvement!  I did have ketchup the other night, and a little bit of homemade jam containing fructose.  (My husband has been baking bread, and he tried biscuits over the weekend...I am a sucker for biscuits or toast with jam and butter! It is whole wheat bread, and it's the bomb!)  So, I'm not losing weight on this sugar challenge, but the headaches have gone away and so have the massive cravings for the most part... I think this is my day 5 and I feel great about turning down desserts multiple times over the weekend.  (TAKE THAT chocolate chip brownie cheesecake!)  And I totally have you Divas to thank for it, when I wanted some dessert so bad I could taste it, I just thought of you and it helped me sail through the craving! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I'm going to try to keep doing better and better, might not even have one drop of jam this weekend...

Workout minutes challenge....crickets chirping...  Yep, that's about it this week. But, I really want to do better and get my head back in the game, I'm using my old standby excuse...don't even have to dust this off I use it so often: busy.

Weight loss challenge... I guess Laura has told me game on, so here I am.  I have gained another pound since the holiday weight gain and this snowball has gotta melt!  I'm hoping to lose all 7 lbs A-S-A-P!  Laura, I love you, but you're goin down this time!  I think this will mean I have to stay away from the oven fresh bread....you think?  :)   This is the challenge I feel most confident in, I better take advantage of the momentum!

So, that's it.  Hope y'all are having a stellar week!   TTYS!

MM - Update

Hi Ladies!

I just realized how long it's been since I last posted!  I love reading all of your posts :) You ladies are AWESOME!

I've been doing GREAT. I'm down 10 lbs since mid-January! YAY me! I haven't really been working out because: 1) I'm lazy; 2) Still trying to juggle life with 2 kidlets; 3) I {and the 2 kids} were sick a couple weeks ago, and I can't get back into the swing of working out again.

But I'm feeling really great and a lot more comfortable with my food choices.  Here's what I'm realizing about my "dieting personality, about food and my toxic relationship with it:

1. Food isn't my best friend and it isn't my enemy. It's just food. And EATING food {in proper portions!} will allow me to find my comfortable weight.

2. Deprivation breeds rebellion. I have the kind of personality that if you tell me I CAN'T have something, it's all I want. I'm learning that if I allow myself to have something, I really savour the portion or sometimes I don't even want it at all.  But the mere fact I'm deliberately depriving of it is the driving factor in obsessing about it. You'll NEVER catch me on Atkins again.

3. Slow and steady wins the race. I'm still nursing my 11 week old, so I can't lose weight quickly as it deleteriously affects my milk production  THIS IS A GOOD THING. Usually when I'm on a fad diet, I get so excited about dropping 20 lbs in a couple weeks, then the diet becomes unsustainable -- they ALWAYS do -- and I "fall off the wagon" only to gain the weight back {and then some!}.  Right now, I'm dropping .5 - 2 lbs per week and I'm eating REAL foods I enjoy {I eat chocolate and chips almost daily!} and I'm eating a TON of fruits and veggies.

4. Weighing myself everyday is CRAZY. But I still do it. I'm trying to stop because it only makes me anxious and puts me in a bad mood if I'm .5 lb, or alternatively makes me over-elated if I'm down 2 lbs. Once a week is enough. I'm trying to NOT throw myself into a tailspin over silly water weight.

5. I need to give myself more love and more credit. I'm a total self-hater. I say terrible and mean things to myself.  Even when I was 135 lbs, I would constantly write in my journal that I was such a cow. Oh, what I'd give to be a 135 lbs again. I'm learning to be grateful for my body, even at this size. I can move - I can jump - I can walk - I can even run - I can dance - I can give my kids kisses - I am worthy of love. YES, even at my current weight. This way of thinking is totally radical to me.

I'm really looking forward to hitting the gym soon and getting out on the roads to train for my half-marathon in May.  Anyway, I feel like I've got a good momentum going, and I just want to continue going in this positive and healthy direction.

EP - update

Wow. It'll be a week tomorrow! So here is my update.

First - I had some diet coke the other night. Only a few sips. It was not real sugar, but the fake stuff, but still. I was dying. I had to have a sip.

Second - Sugar is in EVERYTHING. I had dinner last night - I made chicken parmasagne (minus the parmasagne) and I TOTALLY didn't even THINK that the sauce I made probably had sugar in it! It is nearly impossible to avoid.

Third - Because of what happened last night, I have decided to modify my challenge. You can consider me in or consider me out of the challenge - and I take absolutely no offence at all because I totally understand that if you are going 100% cold turkey, then it's only fair that I do my own little challenge. Anyways, I am still going to avoid sugar. For example - candy, chocolate, pop/soda, cake, cookies etc. Those are the most obvious (but oh so hard) things to avoid. So I am definitely not having ANY of that. But I am having a hard time with no ketchup, no Thai chili sauce that I use for my cucumbers, and pasta sauce. So here is my challenge. I am going to avoid all sugar - that is obviously sugar. But starting this week, I am going to have a tiny bit of ketchup with my omelette, and a little Thai chili sauce with my cucumbers and a little pasta sauce with my pasta.

Conclusion - this is really hard. It's a crazy hard challenge but I am so glad I am doing it. THANK YOU DIVAS for joining me in this challenge. Honestly - knowing that you are doing it WITH ME - has made this possible. It has kept me sane :) THANK YOU!

Cheers to another week!
E ~

Christi Day #6 & The Sweet Stuff

I just finished a quick Insanity workout since I have to work tonight and I am feeling pretty darn good! I've been logging all my foods (even yesterday which was B-A-D...cake...Arby's...bad...) and realizing that I do consume quite a bit of sugar. My migraines are coming strong and hard so maybe this isn't the right time to quit sugar cold turkey SO...I'm going to start with something small: no chocolate. This in itself is HUGE for me.

Hi. My name is Christi...and I am a chocoholic...

LOL Seriously. Chocolate is my drug. My comfort. My peace. But NO MORE!! My goal for the rest of February is to continue the fitness minutes challenge AND no chocolate (and if I do cave and need the sweet stuff it has to be high quality dark chocolate that costs way too much money! LOL).

So here are my minutes for today:

Insanity DVD: 50 minutes

Total Challenge Workout Minutes: 433 minutes

Jerrica update & confession

Okay, so I didn't really start the sugar free challenge on the day I said I would...well I did, but I caved.  TOM came to visit and Valentine's chocolates, and I am WEAK!  So, I started on the 16th.  You guys totally read my mind and answered my questions about how hard core this sugar fast is...so we're not just cutting out desserts?  Hehe... The only sugar I've had is in my natural peanut butter there are a few grams, but I guess since you are and for the sake of clarity, I'm gonna cut that out too.  My protein shakes have a few grams of sugar so I will figure something else out for breakfasts for this month.  I have been grumpy and feeling the cravings just like you guys, but we can do this.  I know from experience the first few days are the toughest and then you will just have little rough patches here and there!  I don't have my calendar in front of me to count up my exercise minutes, it's downstairs and I gotta run!  But, I will post them next time!  And...I think it's safe to say Christi is winning! :)  You go girl!  ttys!

Laura Update

Hi ladies,

Well I have decided to sit this competition out, because I won the last one. I have still been working out like crazy. I have to it keeps me sane! I just wish there were more hours in the day to get everything done!!!

Tuesday morning I weighed myself and was still 154! I actually burst out crying and my husband was like WTH woman??? I explained my situation to him and then he proceeded to give a huge long lecture that I eat to maintain and I need to change my diet! I cried some more and was furious with him.... how insensitive of him. Just because he can eat anything he wants and still look great! (lol)

He reassured me with a big hug and told me I could totally do this and that he would help me. To be honest I did not feel any better. I am soooooo SICK of being stuck in this rut, it is so depressing!

So, I am too cutting out sugar for 30 days and yes the headaches have too set in for me too. Wow I had no clue how much sugar affected your body. I am going to have some fruit but not a lot. I am rally missing my yogurt and my protein shake! I can do this!!!

I did weigh myself this morning and I am 152!! Woohooo! I only have a zillion more to go to get down to 135.

I know I should not look at it this way but..... My daughter, who will be 16 next week and I are the exact same height and she weighs 122. Ughhhhhhh it just makes me feel obese! I know you are all rolling your eyes right now, ya she is 16 but seriously I feel like I just cant make any progress with my weight loss, and it SUCKS BIG time!!

Heres to NO sugar, a clean healthy diet and plenty of exercise!

Hugs

Laura

Christi Update!!

Thank you so much guys. I'm not sure what is going to get me out of my funk but I have managed to push myself a few times and get in some decent workouts so here's my update:

February 11th: I logged 2.7 miles on the TREADMILL

40 minutes

February 13th: I literally sped walked the mall with one of my best friends for almost four hours. I normally wouldn't track this BUT like I said my friend SPEED walks. My legs were actually achy by the time I got home so I count that!

Mall Sprinting: 240 minutes

February 15th: Started my first Insanity workout and could not make it through the whole thing. I am STILL sore so I know this workout is HARD CORE!

Insanity Cardio: 41 minutes

February 16th: 3.35 miles on the treadmill

62 minutes

Total: 383 minutes
Total Challenge Workout Minutes: 430 minutes

**********************

As far as the sugar challenge I too am going to join the band wagon BUT I am gradually going to make the change. I tried going cold turkey yesterday and ended up with the worst migraine I've had in a long time. SO today instead of my normal coffee with sugary sweet liquid creamer I am having Tazo Vanilla tea plain. Yum! I already feel a headache coming on so Ibuprofen here I come but I know that even small changes will make a big difference later right?

Let's keep rockin' ladies!!!

EP - Sugar-Free Challenge Day 3

Well - Day 1 was BRUTAL for me. I was beyond cranky and all I could think about was sugar. I am determined to do this challenge though and I have been really paying attention to what has sugar in it. EVERYTHING has sugar in it! I have been so limited to what I can eat, it's been mostly veggies and protein! But I am literally anything I want that doesn't have refined sugar in it - so I don't ever feel hungry! I am down 3 lbs today - and I'm sure most of it has to do with water retention, but it is enough to motivate me to continue doing this. Eventually I would like to cut out all sugars in my diet permanently and follow my family's example. My dad and my aunt are SO good at literally eating NO sugar in their diet. My dad has had a sugar-free diet for about 23 years or so. He is SOOO disciplined!

I am really excited to include exercise with this sugar free challenge as well, but I need to wait until my ankle heals. It totally stinks, but oh well.

Hope you Divas are doing well and are healthy and happy!

Cheers,
E ~

JK - Sorry I've been totally MIA

Hi Ladies,

I can't believe the 15th is right around the corner!  Does anyone else want to bump the competition to the end of Feb?  Laura is already whoopin up on us, and Feb is a short month anyway?  ;-) Feedback please! I'm not trying to cheat.... but, I really wanna get back in the game!!

I've been SUPER duper busy, and a tiny bit lazy...so I did my elliptical 3 times last week and twice this week...and that is all.  I'm not feeling toned and tight like I want.  Spring is around the corner, I started receiving catalogs in the mail with spring merchandice and bathing suits!  YIKES!! 

So, I'm thinking about going back to the 30 Day Shred, or the gym, I just need some sort of new workout motivation that will help me get toned.  I'll try to be in better touch this week.  Again, let me know what y'all think about extending this competition...

TOTAL minutes: 225

ALSO, I just told Eujean in a comment on her last post...that I'm going to commit to NO SUGAR AND NO WHITE BREAD/FOODS FOR 30 DAYS!  It was part of my diet regime late in the fall and let me tell ya: It works!  Anyone else want to jump in?  Wish me luck! 

EP - AHHH!

AHHHH!!! I have gained HALF of what I have LOST! Yes. I have almost gained 20 lbs back. I am at 18 lbs. WHAT?! That is CRAZY!!!! How did I let this happen to me AGAIN?!!! It just seems seriously unbelievable. But it's happened. I am in a bit of a panic mode right now - but what's the point, right? No need to panic (unless it burns calories...just kidding).

So this is me kind of freaking out. I am thinking of joining WW (weight watchers) and try the whole points thing. I have never done it before, and I don't know if I am into the whole points counting thing, but it can't be any harder then counting calories, right?

Wish me luck! Oh! And to help myself, I am totally cutting out refined SUGAR (for at least 1 month). No white anything and no sugar. I need to get back into being HEALTHY.

Have a wonderful weekend and have a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY ON MONDAY!! :)

Hugs,
E

Fighting Depression

What do you do when the last thing you want to do is workout? When all you feel like doing is crying and it takes all your energy just to get out of bed in the morning? That's me right now.

I don't know how to beat it and it feels like things are just getting darker and darker. Does anyone have any advice to help me break out of this rut?

The Prize & My Day #5

Finally here it is... the prize! It's a Nalgene water bottle filled with all of my favorite healthy snacks. I hope everyone is doing well.

I did 60 minutes of spinning today! :)

Total Challenge Workout Minutes: 266 minutes

Hugs,

Laura

Laura Day #4

Hello ladies,

I have not had much sleep in the past few days, my daughter is really sick. I did get out to the gym today for a quick 45 minutes though! I also put together the "prize" I promise I will post a pic tomorrow. For sure I promise!!!

Exercise for 2/9:

Kickboxing: 45 mins

Total Challenge Workout Minutes: 206 minutes

Laura Day #3

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! It is snowing hard here in Colorado so I did not make it to the store to get a new water bottle. I promise I will do it soon. The prize will great I guarantee it. :)

I did make it to the gym early today before the storm set in.

Exercise for 2/5:

2 mile run: 21 minutes

NTC Workout: 45 minutes

=66 minutes

Total Challenge Workout Minutes: 161 minutes

Hugs

Laura

Christi Day #1

So I had to wait a few days to start Insanity. The personal drama in my life has reached new heights and the first thing to suffer is my workouts and food. I'm not one of those people that eat when I'm depressed. I'm actually the opposite and I have to force myself to eat. I've actually lost five pounds this week because of it. I'm sure some women would love that but for me its not good. I'm already at my goal weight so when I lose I start to look sick and my energy level is nill.

Yesterday I decided I was going to push past the depression and I did the Insanity fit test...O..M..G... Let's just say they don't call it Insanity for nothing! LOL I woke up SORE today and I didn't even do a full workout! The program comes with a calendar so if I follow it to a T (which I do plan on doing) I should be done by April 6th which is a month before my 30th. I'm scared/excited! LOL

Since I am DETERMINED to win this next round and give Laura a run for her money!!! (Thank you again for the motivation Laura. You are truly inspiring)

Here's my stats from Thursday, February 3rd:

Insanity Fit Test: 30 minutes

Random Dancing: 17 minutes

Total: 47 minutes

Total Challenge Workout Minutes: 47 minutes

Laura Day #2

Hello all!

Today I got to chat on the phone with Jerrica, she is so sweet, and I am more motivated than ever! I bought the prize today for our round 2 and I think you all will love it. I will post a pic tomorrow. :D I will say even though I am providing the first place prize, I am not going to back down on my workouts. Soooooo get moving ladies!!

I did workout today and stayed within my calories! I hope you all are doing well. :)

Exercise for 2/3:

NTC Workout: 45 minutes

Total Challenge Workout Minutes: 95 minutes

Thank You!! Day #1 Laura

Woohooo! I am so excited that I WON! Thank you Jerrica for providing the awesome prize. I never win anything so I am super excited. Yes, I will provide an extra prize to the winner of the next round. I am so glad we are doing this challenge it is making me go that little extra!

Yesterday I did not workout at all and I skipped out on kickboxing this week to let my arm heal. It feels almost 100% so I decided to workout today. :)

Happy Exercising!

Hugs,

Laura

Exercise for 2/2

Biking: 20 minutes

NTC Workout: 30 minutes

= 50 minutes

Total Challenge Workout Minutes: 50 minutes

Congrats to our WINNER LAURA, and more about this months challenge...

Hola Divas!

Just wanted to give a quick shout out to our January champion: CONGRATULATIONS LAURA!!  Great job, kudos, and I wanna be like you when I grow up! :-)  I just need to know if you prefer Pomegranate or Citrus, then you can start enjoying the benefits of these awesome fizz tabs asap! 

In her last post, Laura has graciously volunteered to donate a prize for the next drawing...I think I will still give the winner fizz tabs to up the stakes. There will be a 1st and 2nd place this time Divas! Looks like our amazing Laura was averaging 58 minutes per day for the last challenge, so that is the number we want to beat, right? I'm already two days behind! (I prefer the two week increments, seems less daunting, any thoughts?) 13 more days to go.......!!!

My workouts this week have been poor, it's been a snowed in lazy kind of week.  Well, anything but lazy... More like clean the house like crazy and get everything done in case the electricity goes out.  Thankfully so far we've had our power, so I feel blessed.  I gotta run.

Christi is Bummed :(

Working two jobs and raising two kids alone, dealing with a divorce, and normal life stress and drama hit hard this past week. I couldn't have fit in a workout even if I tried and I am not exaggerating. :( I am beyond upset with myself ...

BUT...

Today starts a NEW month and another NEW beginning! A new workout friend of mine gave me Insanity and today starts my 60 days of INSANITY!!! LOL I am going to add these workouts to my normal gym workouts (I'm hoping anyway). My goal is to get the workout in after I take my son to school and before I go to work. Now if I get the Nutritionist job I'm going for that will have to change but that's my plan for the time being. :)

I'm so excited about the February challenge and I'm proud for trying my best on the January one. I might not have won but I think I still deserve a treat SO I'm buying a new sports bra!! Woohoo!! LOL

I'll be back with my Day #1 of Insanity!!!!

Laura Day #9

Hi ladies!

Well, do not call me the winner yet until we get all the tallies. :) Well Eujean I feel your pain!!! I woke up Sunday with a torn muscle in my deltoid, my upper shoulder??? I do not know what I did but that means no weight training for me or kickboxing. Booooohoooo! I did run today. Eujean I hope your ankle feels better!

I loved this challenge, thank you Jerrica and would like to throw in something to the prize pool for the winner of the next challenge. :)

Exercise for 1/31

Running 2 miles: 24 minutes

Challenge Total: 524 minutes

Hugs

Laura

Challenge is over today!/ Jerrica update...NEW CHALLENGE!

SIGH!  It's been a crazy day.  I had to take Addy to the dentist pretty early.  Everyone around here is freaking out because of the "worst blizzard Missouri has had since 1912"  I had to go stock up, just incase... (I'm not the freaking out type, but they're predicting ice which can mean no power... Boo!) 

I haven't worked out since Friday.  I had great intentions but the weekend was just went back and forth between busy/relaxed then got away from me, and I found no motivation.  I am SO glad we did this challenge though, because I worked out 5 times last week anyhow!  That feels amazing!

I'm making an early prediction that Laura has won, but I'll wait to throw the confetti and see if anyone else posts before the days end. I know I will be too busy tonight cooking and doing all my weekly housework before the storm hits, just incase.  I -may- not be able to post again for a few days, if we have no power, I have no blogger.  My iphone doesn't hold a great charge, should be fine, but I've never found an app to use to update blogger??  Also, if we have no power: I have no dvd player or elliptical...I was just thinking: How will I work out?  I'll have to use my imagination and my OWN motivation!?!  What!  LOL!  Should be fun, I'm determined. 

I'm liking the two week time frame for now, so I'm suggesting a NEW WORKOUT MINUTES CHALLENGE!! WOOOOHOOOO!! Feb. 1-15... So we can all feel even more sizzlin for Valentine's Day! <3<3<3

I did another 45 on the Elliptical last Friday so...
My CHALLENGE TOTAL was... 390 minutes!

Love you Divas!  Have a great week!

EP = SSA

What does SSA stand for? Stupid Sprained Ankle. LOL. I sprained my ankle pretty badly this past Wednesday night - but then by Friday I was pretty sure I was doing much better. So much better that on Saturday I was planning on working out. It didn't happen because of our busy schedule - but then yesterday - I re-injured my ankle and now it's swollen, in pain and just beautiful. So - I guess I need to take it really easy. This STINKS for working out - but I am going to try and just do weights tonight - since my ankle can't do a whole lot.

You ladies are doing awesome! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! It's MONDAY!!! :) It's a new week!

xoxo
E

Laura Day #7 & #8

Hi ladies,

My TOM is right around the corner and all I can do is eat. UGH! I am still working out which is my only saving grace. :)

Exercise for 1/28

NTC Workout: 30 minutes

Exercise for 1/29

Walking: 60 minutes

= 90 minutes

Challenge Total: 504 minutes

Hugs,

Laura

EP ~

I worked out yesterday for 50 minutes :)

30 minutes weights
20 minutes elliptical

Today I have been travelling all day - looooong day at the airport today (with delays - ahhh!) but I'm finally in NYC and tomorrow my plan is to walk a TON around the city - and hopefully even hit the gym at the hotel.

You ladies are doing amazing!!! I love this contest :) I am behind but I am motivated - so that is progress :)

Total for Challenge: 100 minutes

Laura Day #6

Hello all!

I felt like I ate like crap today but I stayed with in my calories?? I have a question... Do you all eat back your exercise calories? I eat some, sometimes. Just wondering. Here are my totals for today.

Hugs

Laura

Exercise for 1/27

NTC Workout: 45 min

NTC Abs Workout: 15 min

=60 mins

Challenge Total: 414 minutes

LOVE this motivation! (Jerri - Day 6)

 Hi Ladies!  You're my inspiration today! I literally did not work out at all yesterday, and no good excuse...just a case of the blues and stress.  Today though, I logged on to the WorkoutDivas and saw all your progress.. I felt like such a slacker!  But, in a good way. :-)  SO, I worked out.  Love every single one you for that: MUAH!

Teusday Elliptical 45 minutes
Wednesday 0 minutes :(
Today Elliptical 45 & Yoga 30 :)
While I was doing my yoga, I could literally feel the tension from stress in my back, I feel sooo much better!  Why don't I learn this lesson: working out helps release stress!!

CHALLENGE TOTAL= 345 minutes

I'm gaining on you Laura...why did I have to skip my workouts yesterday...now I'm a day behind!  I hope your instructor doesn't make you do extra abs today!! ;-) 

Laura Day #5

Hello ladies!

I'm loving this challenge, it helps so much. Today was a kickboxing day. My class is usually 45 minutes long, but a few of the ladies in my class would not stop talking while the teacher was trying to instruct so he made us do 15 mins of abs at the end. BONUS!! :D Only I would be happy about that.

I hope you all had a great day!

Hugs

Laura

Exercise for 1/26

Kickboxing + abs: 60 minutes

=60 mins

Challenge Total: 354 minutes

Christi Day #4

Updating from Monday!

Exercise for 1/24:
Treadmill (5K Training) & Leg Strength Training: 78 minutes

Total for Challenge: 240 minutes

I took yesterday off so I could go out for a friends birthday. Yes, I indulged but OMG did I have fun! I think we all need that every once in awhile right? ;)

Today's goal: Hit the gym for more 5K training and more leg strength training

Laura Day #4

I am so upset! I had to cut another 1 1/2 inches off my hair today. :( I had to get all the frizz out, it was really bad. It looked like a perm went bad but just at the ends. I know it's just hair, but now it's really short. It looks awful. Oh well it will grow back right. Anywhoooo.... I ran today even though it was freezing outside and I got my husband to run with me. :)

Exercise for 1/25

Running 3 miles: 31 mins

=31 mins

Challenge Total: 294 mins

Hugs

Laura

Laura Day#3•YAY FOR MONDAY!

Well, I took a couple of days off from exercising this weekend, and I indulged a little with food. I don't feel bad about it though... it happens. That is why I LOVE Monday's too, it's a fresh start!

Here are my totals for today!

Exercise for 1/24

Kickboxing: 45 min

Walking at a high incline: 15 min

NTC Workout: 45 min

= 105 mins

Challenge Totals: 263 mins

Anotha day, Anotha dollah

Just checkin' in! My title makes no sense. Buuut, I did workout today and for that I'm thankful!

Yesterday 45 E.
Today 30 Y. & 45 E.

Plus previous 105 =
Challenge Total: 225!!

Christi Day #3: I'm the StairMASTER

I love Friday's! One thing I don't love about Friday's is that my day care at my gym closes early (6pm). I usually make excuses about not going and then miss out on a good workout. This last Friday I wasn't having it so I hauled my tush up there as soon as E was out of school...and I am so glad I did.

64 minutes on the STAIRMASTER baby!!!!

Good gosh the burn was amazing AND I get to log in a few more points to get me closer to the FIZZY!! I WANT that prize this month!! LOL I also want to be that much closer to losing the rest of the fat off this ol' body.

I've been doing good as far as nutrition. I have had my cheats here and there but I am getting a lot better about watching portions, making healthier choices, and I have managed to maintain my weight for another week: 132 lbs!!!

I also went to a new sports nutrition center that opened up near my home on Saturday and talked to the owner about getting my body fat percentage down and we both agree that a fat blaster might be my best option. I am also going to do a detox (which was a New Years goal anyway) but am waiting on my next paycheck to afford the one that I want. May 10th will be here before I know it and I want to give myself the best 30th birthday present ever: a fit, happy Chris!!

Exercise for 1/21:
Treadmill (5K Training): 64 minutes

Total for Challenge: 162minutes

EP - I HEART Mondays :)

Mondays are probably one of my most favourite days of the week. I just love getting going and starting the week off with a bam! :)

I worked out today for 50 minutes and burned 650 cals! I love the elliptical. I was sweating a ton and my face was tomato red when I was done. I am actually planning on working out some more tonight - because my goal is to work out 1 hour every day - so I will update this post later on. I am planning on catching up with you ladies!!! Or at least try to catch up half way :) 

Today's Total (so far): 50 minutes

~EP~

FREE STUFF!! So fun.

I decided this is what I'm giving the winner.  These Nrg2go Fizzy Tabs are Uh-Mazing!  They're sweetened with Stevia. (Completely natural doesn't mess with the old blood sugar.)  Give you a great boost of energy before a workout, after a workout, or anytime you need a boost. (FYI, don't take them before bed!)  They're loaded with the B vitamins, and even help to balance your Ph, which I'm a fan of being Ph balanced, aren't we all?  lol  Sooo, the winner for January gets to choose between Pomegranate, or Citrus... I like both, I'm no help at all. :-)  Happy workouts.  (I think next month I'll have a first and second prize.)

Jerrica's Challenge Update

E, I totally understand...I have been so super busy too.  It's at totally legit excuse!  No worries here!!

I finally worked out yesterday, felt good about that.  But, my eating has been unhealthy.  Let's just put it nicely and leave the labels like "BAD" out of it, although that is really how I'd best describe it! Only because I know what healthy eating is!!

Laura, you never cease to inspire me.  You can always bore us with the details of your stress!  That's one reason we're here.  Goodness knows I don't hold back!

Christie, good to see you on here, this is so fun!  I'm proud of you for hitting the elliptical, it's my standby, love to hate it.

Where's Maggie...it's not like she has anything better to do than blog... ;-)  It's cold here too, motivation is hard to come by these days.  Hope everything is well and you're just enjoying that precious baby every chance you get.

So, I did get up early and work out this morning already. (Not by choice, but eh what can you do!?)

Jillian Yoga Meltdown 30 minutes.

+ yesterday yoga 30 & elliptical 45

Challenge TOTAL = 105 minutes

* I might update and add more if I can hit the elliptical today... I want this challenge.  I guess one of you will have to reward me when I win. ;-)  Just kidding, but I was shocked I'm not TOO far behind the pack yet...kinda stoked about that.  I'm going to give Laura a RUN for her money...get it?  Total pun intended.

EP-WOAH!

Hey ladies! WOAH! Laura and Christi - you guys are blowing it out of the water!!! I LOVE IT. I'm the complete opposite. I have been really busy - and I know that is SUCH an excuse - but I have not hit the gym since this past Monday! So I am pretty sure I'm losing in this competition - but I promise that once this weekend passes - I will be back to hitting the gym and working out at home :) 

I have been inspired by what Jerrica said - and I know you're not doing it anymore - but I have decided to start counting calories again. I was even thinking of signing up for Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem - but I thought that I could do this calorie counting business on my own! :) So I have started again today. I don't know if I'll do it forever, but it's just good to count for now so I get an idea of how much I'm taking in. 

So good to see you all on here again - and Christi! Welcome back!! :)

Hugs,

E

Laura's Day 2

Good Morning ladies! I am sorer than poop this morning. I am loving my Nike Training Club workouts. They totally kick my butt. Yesterday I...

Exercise for 1/20:

Ran/walked: 15 minutes (just a warm up)

NTC Workout: 45 minutes

= 60 minutes today

Total: 158 minutes

I'm not sure I am going to be able to workout today. I have to clean my whole house top to bottom. (does that count??) My daughter has the Winter Formal for school this weekend and about 30 kids and their parents will be at my house Saturday night for pictures. FUN!

Happy Exercising!

Hugs,

Laura

Christi Day #2: 5K Training

I had the most amazing workout yesterday. Yesterday was a 5K training day so I'm supposed to do 3.12 miles at whatever pace I feel comfortable. Last week I was doing 1 minute @ 4.0mph and 1 minute @ 5.0mph so this week I upped it to 2 minutes @ 4.2mph and 2 minutes at 5.0mph. I started getting a pain in my side early on but I just breathed through it and got in the zone and finished my 5K time in 40 minutes. Not my best time BUT I will have to admit that this was definitely one of the easiest training days I've had in a long time. I did walk the rest of it and logged 68 minutes and burned 605 calories. Woot!!!!

Here are my stats for today:

Exercise for 1/20:
Treadmill (5K Training): 68 minutes

Total for Challenge: 98 minutes

Christi Day #1: I Love Me A Challenge!!

Thanks Laura for rescuing me out of la-la land!! LOL I spend so much time on Spark People that I forget about my Diva's!!

I am BIG TIME into competitions and since I have zilch as far as moolah I could use a nifty little prize. Lucky for me, I did manage to squeeze in 30 minutes on the elliptical last night despite the fact that I felt like I was going to either (a) puke or (b) pass out the entire time BUT I treated my hard work with a 20 minute gab fest with my sis in the hot tub...just what the doctor ordered.

Today I am feeling better though the nausea refuses to go away. I've felt this way for weeks and I cannot for the life of me figure out what's up (and no...I'm not preggers so don't even go there LOL).

I want to hit the gym but we're expecting freezing rain in DFW so if the roads are driveable I'm there and if they aren't...well...I guess I'll have to motivate myself to do a workout DVD...ugh...lets hope for this challenge the rain stays put and I can make it to the gym! Hahaha!!

I promise not to be a stranger...

And now I'm off to have something warm for lunch. Me + cold weather = no bueno :(

Toodles!!

Exercise for 1/19:

Elliptical: 30 minutes

Total for Challenge: 30 minutes

Laura's Day 1 of Workout/Minute Challenge & Update

Hello ladies I have missed all of you so much! Congrats Maggie on your beautiful baby girl, Congrats Eujean for your husbands acceptance to a school in the states! Congrats to Jerrica for diving into a cool new business venture in skin products. I hope Christi comes back!

I am so grateful for each and every one of your friendships, motivation, and inspiration! {{MUAH}}

I am ready to ship this body of mine into shape. I have had a rough couple of months but won't bore you with all the details. Most of it has to do with my thyroid. Grrrrr it's a never ending battle. I was diagnosed with hashimoto's disease 6 years ago and had to have my thyroid radiated. So I am on medication to simulate thyroid function for the rest of my life. Somehow I dipped really low, gained about 10 pounds, my hair went fuzzy/frizzy so I had to chop it all off and my mood, well lets just say I have been happier. NOT fun! At first I thought I was pregnant LOL!! Ahhhhhh, with an almost 16 year old I am not about to start over!!

I got my medication adjusted and so far I have lost 5 pounds. I have been working out a lot and trying, trying, trying my hardest to eat within my calories and healthy. Some days are better than others.

My current weight is 149. I want to get down to 135 really, really bad. Grrrrr I wish it was easier, but I'm determined. I exercised a lot today but I could have eaten better.

Exercise for 1/19:

Kickboxing: 45 minutes

Walking at a high incline: 23 minutes

NTC Workout: 30 minutes

= 98 minutes of exercise today! :)

Thank you Jerrica for staring this challenge! It's just what I needed.

Hugs,

Laura

Who can log the most workout minutes 1-19 thru 1-31 ??!!??

I haven't lost any weight in January...Still have that infamous "holiday gain" looming in my favorite jeans. I did start to see a drop in the scale, but it's back up.  For now, I guess I just wanted to check in and say howdy.  I need to get myself together.  Started counting calories this week, but lastnight I refused to count.  Let's just say, supper through bedtime wasn't pretty.  I got a little stressed and I totally use food as a crutch, gotta work on that.  Ideas? 

I'm posting to see who wants to jump into a little friendly competition. Let's see who can log the most workout minutes the rest of January? I'll provide the prize, I'll post more details SOON! Lets have a steller rest of  January!

Ps. I'm gonna warn you, I have a feeling we're all going to have to get up early to beat Laura!

Still here! Jan 3 & 4, 2011 - MM

Sorry I missed yesterday. It was a super-duper busy day.  

Today has been difficult in that my Little A has been crying all day. Unfortunately, I didn't workout today. Boo. Tomorrow is another day.

Here are my meals for today:

Breakfast: 12 grain toast w/ pb, yogurt & orange juice

Lunch: 1/2 c light veg soup, 8 Kashi crackers w/ 1 light Laughing Cow cheese, mini garlic pickles

Snack: 1/2 c. whole wheat spaghetti & veggies sauce, apple, 2 squares of chocolate

Dinner: chicken, baby spinach, 2 mini potatoes

January 2, 2011 - MummyMaggie

No weigh in - I'm not going to torture myself over the daily fluctuations...
No formal workout - it's Sunday! {but I still may go for a nice walk!}

Breakfast:

• 12 grain toast w/ 1 tsp reduced fat pb, banana

Lunch:

• 1 grilled cheese w/ reduced fat cheddar, sweet potato puree, 2 chocolates

Snack:

• brown rice ball

Dinner:

• pancake w/ sweet potato puree & 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 c yogurt, 1 c mangoes, ground flax

January 1, 2011 - MummyMaggie

Part of my 2011 Fitness Goals is to be accountable, so regular blogging should suffice. Here's how the first day of 2011 went...so far...


Workout: 4.1 K run
Weight: 233
   
Breakfast:
- 1 slice 12 grain toast w/ 1 tsp of reduced fat PB, 2 clementines, 1 c. low-fat yogurt

Post workout snack:
- banana in a wrap w/ 1/2 tsp pb

Lunch:
- 1 homemade chicken fajita with garlic sauce & reduced fat cheddar, 2 clementines

Dinner:
- homemade taco salad with avacado!