The Shred-Day 4 and a little yoga with that

Can’t believe another Friday has come and almost gone……

I am happy that the local forecast calls for low to mid 90′s starting today through next week.  The weather has been a lot cooler lately and I was fearing that fall was making its arrival already.  So, I get to enjoy hot weather for at least another week or so.

I did do The Shred today (day 4).  It’s difficult but I feel like I really got a workout even though the workout itself (level one) is only 22 minutes long plus a warm-up and cool down.  I know it says a 20 minute workout, but I timed it and it’s more like 22 minutes not including warm-up/cool down.

I’m working out my push-up issues.  I’m still doing them “girly” style (using my knees) but the form is better and I can feel I’m getting a little better at them.  Hopefully by the end of the 30 days I can at least do a couple of military style push-ups (regular ones).

While I still had my exercise “high” I decided to pop in another dvd before it faded away.

amazon.com

Yes, Ali McGraw-Yoga Mind & Body.  I haven’t done this dvd for a long long time.  I have done yoga poses recently but not a 45 minute routine.  And, as I realized……there is a huge difference!!  It was harder than I remember, but then again I was in better shape last time I attempted it.  Although I had a hard time doing a couple of things, I did finish it and that makes me happy.  My body feels better and I know that I will definitely be doing this routine again….and on a more regular basis.

So, I weighed myself this morning.  I wasn’t going to but thought, why not??  Let’s find out where I’m at for the week.  Well, so far I’ve lost 2 lbs this week.  I was surprised and very very very very happy!!!!  Can you tell I’m happy??!! lol

As for what I’ve eaten today:

breakfast: 2 Pop Tart pastries (woke up late) and Venti sugar-free Cinnamon Dolce Latte

lunch: whole grain spaghetti w/ grated parmesan cheese

dinner: 1 turkey burger (2.25 oz), 1 cup grilled eggplant/squash, whole grain spaghetti w/parmesan cheese

dessert: 1 cup Breyer’s Snickers ice cream (yes, I caved)

I am no longer ravenous and only eat when I’m actually feeling hungry.  I’m trying to keep myself very busy so I don’t start grazing–that’s where the problems start!

As for water I have been SO thirsty today.  I drank 4 cups by this afternoon, which is like the old me!!  I have gotten to my 8 cup goal and hopefully I’ll get in another cup before bedtime. Now THIS makes me so very happy!!

Finished reading The Carrie Diaries.  I’ll post a review tomorrow.  I’ll give you a hint……it’s mostly positive.

I started reading another book today….Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin.  So far I like it.  Although I’m only through Chapter 2, a lot has happened and I am already hooked.  It was hard to put it down but I really had a lot to do today.  So, can’t wait to read a little more tonight.  I know I’ll be done with it by tomorrow.  Then I’ll start Something Blue…..yes, I have both books.  I checked them out of the library.  I was on a wait list for both, as well as The Carrie Diaries.  I’m reading them before all of the other books because I know I won’t be able to renew them if I can’t get through them by their due date.

Actually checking books out of the library, rather than buying them, has been a good thing for me (especially when I’ve gotten them after being wait listed) since I know there’s a deadline and if I can’t finish by that date……too damn bad for me!!  I have tons of books all over my house that I’ve purchased over the years waiting and begging to be read.  But since I own them, I know I’ll eventually get around to them……or will I???

Well, the San Francisco Giants baseball game just ended….they lost to the San Diego Padres and I am exhausted!  I really hate Friday night TV because there is nothing on except Say Yes To The Dress on A&E.  So, that’s what I’m going to watch until bedtime.  And, maybe do a little reading….

And, of course, the movie I have been waiting for has finally opened:

I will definitely be seeing it this weekend….probably tomorrow.  And, in the meantime, Oprah is re-airing the Eat Pray Love show with Julia Roberts today.  Well, I missed it this afternoon, but it’s on again in about 20 minutes on a local Sacramento channel and then again at 1:00 am on ABC.  Yes, I already saw it……but I just have to see it again before I go see the movie!!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Day 2 of 30 Day Shred

First off, I will admit that I took the weekend off from exercise and watching what I ate.  But I’m over it now, felt a little guilty and have started fresh this Monday.

I actually woke up this morning and did The Shred.  Yes, it’s shocking since I truly dislike getting up and exercising in the a.m.  My body hurt and I was still partly asleep when I did the routine.  But, I am happy to say, that I did complete it and my body didn’t hurt afterward.  It actually felt better.

The push-ups still suck, but I’ll eventually get over it and master them!!  Well, that’s my plan anyway.  My knee’s hurt at the beginning of the routine when I had to do the jumping jacks (both in the warm-up and in the 1st part of the workout).  But, by the end of the routine (the last circuit of cardio) when I had to do the jumping jacks again, my knee’s were fine.

I don’t know why, but I am not really wanting to run so much at this time.  I did the same thing at around the same time last year.  I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but running doesn’t interest me.  But I know it’s only temporary so I’m just going with it and doing what I feel like doing.  So, right now I will concentrate on Jillian Michael’s 30-Day Shred and getting back into a regular yoga practice.  Then I will add things when I feel up to it.

Today I’ve eaten only when hungry:

breakfast: Shredded Wheat with 1% milk

lunch: Venti sugar-free Cinnamon Dolce Latte (actually this was going to be a snack, but I was full after I drank it–around lunchtime–and am now only getting hungry again!)

***I haven’t eaten dinner yet. Below is what I’ll be eating***

dinner: Turkey meatloaf, Summer Squash, and dinner salad.

dessert: watermelon (yummy!!) and maybe an It’s It ice cream sandwich during the SFGiants game?!

I haven’t decided on the It’s It, yet.  Depends on whether I finish my To Do List for today.

I still need to drink more water.  I think that’s why I’ve been getting headaches and haven’t really felt well.  I’m dehydrated, yet again.

Sleeping hasn’t been an issue, although I have had 1 night of insomnia recently.  Overall, I’ve been getting 6-7 hours of sleep a night with a couple of 8 hours thrown in.  And that’s straight through the night, which is awesome for me!!

Well, off to work on my patio and get dinner ready.  Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend and a Happy Monday!!

Back to The 30-Day Shred: Day 1/Level 1

Yes, you read that right, I am starting all over again–yet again!  I’m going to do Jillian Michael’s 30-Day Shred.  But, hopefully this time, I will do all 30 days!

Well, of course I am starting on level one again.  It’s been quite a while since I’ve done this workout, and to be honest, it’s been quite a while since I’ve exercised in general!!

I was a little nervous to start this workout again.  My body has been tight since it’s been on hiatus so I figured I would have a horrendous first workout.  Luckily, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.

I, for the most part, kept up with the cardio–MUCH better than the first time around!  The strength part was good, but I did lower the weight amount and it definitely helped…in a positive way.  The push-ups were still a struggle but I will improve.  My goal is to be able to do a “regular” push-up instead of the “girlie” push-up (using my knee’s).

What spurred me on to finally come back to exercise?  Well, it could be:

1) the fact that my body is so tight that it’s hard to do anything, or

2) my kinda crappy mood lately, or

3) my utter lack of energy…which isn’t like me, usually I have a lot of energy!

OR

4) the fact that I gained back ALL, yes I said all, of the weight I had lost.  I am sad to report I now weigh 174 lbs.  The most I’ve ever weighed is actually 175 lbs.  I’m both embarrassed and saddened by this fact.  OR

5)  I really missed working out

Honestly, it’s all 5 of the above!!  Yes, it’s true.  I bitch and moan, but in reality I always feel better after working out.  And, it also makes me want to improve my eating so I don’t negate the workouts.  My mood has already improved dramatically today.

As for my eating, the past month I have not been eating well.  I went on a– well I can’t really call it a frenzy or a binge– but I really did eat so much more than I normally ever do.  The worst part was that I never felt full.  But whatever it was is over and I am back to eating normally so I have a fridge full of fruits and veggies, turkey meat, and overall healthier choices.

Today so far I’ve had to eat:

breakfast: Shredded Wheat, strawberries, & 1% milk

lunch: Venti sugar-free Cinnamon Dolce Latte (On a side note, I have cut back on these.  I no longer have them every day, but only 2-3 times a week).  My goal is to only have them 1-2 times a week.

Snack: 1 Wasa cracker, 2 Tbsp peanut butter (skippy), 1 tsp apricot jam

for Dinner tonight I plan on having a  turkey burger on rye bread w/mustard and horseradish (just a little of both to wet the bread) turkey meatloaf (well, one slice anyway!), sauteed squash (zucchini, crookneck, pattypan) and a salad w/olive oil & balsamic vinegar dressing.  Then, for Dessert I plan on having watermelon w/ 1/2 cup Ben & Jerry’s Fro-Yo Cherry Garcia.

I tried Ben & Jerry’s Fro-Yo Chocolate Fudge Brownie recently and although it’s a little icier (lighter) than the regular ice cream, I fell in love.  Even better, the calorie’s and fat grams are less.  I don’t feel deprived at all.  Don’t worry, Ben & Jerry’s won’t be an every day thing, just a treat once or twice a week.  I just bought the Cherry Garcia today so I thought I’d try it out.

As usual, I still need to work on my water intake.  I’m nowhere near 8 cups for the day and the headache I’ve had all day is a testament to my dehydration.  Why is this such a problem for me??? Ugh……but, like the push-ups, I will conquer it!!

Wishing everyone a great weekend!!

It’s Tuesday & Biggest Loser Finale is tonight!!

Last night around 10:15pm my electricity went out and when I called the electric company the recording said it was due to “damaged equipment” and it would either come back on or there would be updated info by 12:45am.  At 12:30am I called back and the automated system said on or update by 1:30am.  I was still up then so I called and the recording said on or update at 5:00am.  Okay, I give!! I blew out the candles and went to sleep.  I woke up at 7:15am and my livingroom and office lights were on.  Yay, electricity is back!!

I got up and ate breakfast:  1 cup of Shredded Wheat and 1 cup 1% milk.  I did some housework (it never ends!) including laundry.  Left to go run some errands and my mom called and invited me to lunch.  I had a cheeseburger and fries, but only ate half and took the rest home!!  It was  a nice enjoyable lunch and our server was super nice!!  Always take good care of your server if he or she is good!  They are sometimes few and far between nowadays!!

It had been overcast all morning and by the time we were leaving the restaurant the rain had just started.  The rest of the afternoon it rained, or poured–depending on which side of town you live on. It’s a perfect day to do housework…my house is looking shiny!

My mom called me a little while later to let me know my dad called her to let her know that one of my cousins was just diagnosed with cancer.  They think it was work related–something about paint fumes.  I am shocked and saddened….I hope they caught it in time.  So, my mom and I ended up on the phone forever and hung up just in time for the SFGiants game.

And, as for my dad calling my mom–my parents are divorced and have been for many many years!  I am one of those lucky people you never hear about who’s parents were able to set aside their problems and put the kids first!  My parents get along great!! My step-dad and dad also get along very well.  I know….when does that ever happen??

So, I never got a chance to do my workout today…..that’s as in Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.  I feel bad about it so while I am watching the Biggest Loser finale I will be doing some ab work and lunges/push-ups/etc…

Never was able to watch Real Housewives of New Jersey last night since my electricity went out.  So, I need to play catch-up.  As for Biggest Loser, who do you want to win??  I don’t know because I love them all.  I hope Koli gets to the finals….although I love Daris too.  Honestly, this is the first season I will be super happy for whoever wins!!

30 Day Shred-Day 9

Well, this is day 9 of doing the Shred. I only have 1 more day for Level 1 and then I’m moving on to Level 2.  I’m excited to try a new workout!!

Well, after watching my SFGiants lose, yet again, to the Oakland A’s I was more than ready to do my workout and expend the frustration I was feeling as a SFGiants fan!  I did the routine following the advanced trainer, well except the push-ups–I still use my knees!!!  The only time I had problems today was towards the end doing the arm raises w/weights.  But, like I’ve said before I’ve always had weak arms and I’m doing my best to strengthen them up!

Well, I am off to watch Celebrity Apprentice and eat dinner.  I have wanted to see Bret Michael’s win this thing since the very first episode.  I was so happy to see him make it to the finals…..a few times I wasn’t sure he would make it!

30 Day Shred-Day 5 & my eating habits

I just finished day 5 of the Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred.  I am now at the halfway point of Level 1.  I ended up taking yesterday off from The Shred.  I ran earlier that day and was planning on doing the workout after the San Francisco Giants game.  Well, the game went into extra innings and by the time it was over, I could barely keep my eyes open.  On top of that, I noticed a small knot above my left ankle. Yes, that’s the ankle I keep having problems with.  It wasn’t swelling, more like a tight muscle.  Anyway, I guess things happen for a reason?! Thanks SFGiants!!

I have been lethargic most of today.  This weather–right now it’s 63*F and 72% humidity–is terrible.  It’s overcast and seems to get more humid with each passing day.  If I wanted all of this humidity I would move to the other side of the country!!

I felt like a failure because I missed yesterdays workout.  Missing scheduled workouts cannot become a habit because I don’t want to be that person anymore.  Maybe that’s what I needed because even though I was lazy from this crazy weather, I was actually looking forward to doing the Shred today!

I went into today’s workout with enthusiasm and, yes, energy!  It’s the best workout I’ve had to date.  I feel so much stronger….even the push-ups are getting a lot better!!

Normally, I watch the timer on the dvd player and count down how much longer I have (sad but true).  Today was the first time I didn’t look at the timer and was surprised when I heard Jillian say we’re almost done!

Now, if I could only get my eating down I would be in business!!  Seems I always eat a great dinner and snacks, but breakfast and lunch….not so good.  Let’s just say I was so lazy I had ice cream for breakfast!  It was Breyer’s  Snickers flavor.  Oh so good, but oh so bad for me!  I have just been skipping lunch all together, mostly because I haven’t been hungry.  I’m not really sure if that’s so bad!?  If I’m not hungry, do I still have to eat??

My snacks normally consist of either Yoplait Light yogurt fat-free, a Fuji apple with 2 TBSP peanut butter, or Yoplait frozen smoothie.  I love milk and do drink more than the average person…..I  drink 1% milk since I dislike non-fat.  I rarely drink soda…and by rarely I mean maybe twice a year! And that soda consists of either 7-Up or Mugg’s Old-Fashioned rootbeer only!!

Today I went and got 2 big boxes of Shredded Wheat cereal.  This has been my favorite cereal since I was a child.  Yes, really!! All you have to do is ask my brother and sister.  They still bring up the fact when we were kids when my mom asked us what cereal we wanted they always said the popular, sugary ones and I would say Shredded Wheat.  Guess what my mom bought us?  Starting tomorrow, it’s Shredded Wheat for breakfast.

My dinners are always good!  Last night I had a piece of baked fish…white roughy (w/a little lemon juice, pepper, tiniest bit of kosher salt, & 1/2 tsp melted butter) with 1 cup of steamed broccoli w/a dash of “It’s A Dilly” seasoning.  While that was cooking I ate 1 small artichoke (I had steamed a few the other day) with a homemade dip using Best Foods Low Fat mayo with lemon juice, pepper and a tsp of “It’s A Dilly” seasoning.

“It’s A Dilly” seasoning is from McCormick and is salt-free.  It’s a blend of dill, lemon & seasonings.  The actual ingredients are dill weed, lemon peel, onion, garlic, dill seed, & jalapeno pepper.  I read that it’s been discontinued for almost 2 years, but I just bought some at the beginning of this year at the grocery store?!  Anyway it’s a great seasoning to have on hand. I use it a lot!

Well, I’m off to have dinner……fish, broccoli and artichoke.  I make enough for a couple/three days.  Makes my life easier!!

The Shred-Day 3 AND Running

Well…..let me start by saying that I probably should have done Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred first!! Let me explain what happened…….

I went for my run today.  It was 74*F and 45% humidity.  I was wearing the wrong top (a 100% cotton L/S shirt) but luckily, at the last minute, I changed my bottoms from long pants to shorts.  I changed my schedule to run 2 minutes/walk 2 minutes X 10.  I planned on doing 3 miles today but cut it short because I became dehydrated and didn’t bring water with me (yes, again!).  I ended up doing 7 of the 10 and 2.1 miles.  I also increased my speed a bit. I could definitely feel it in my legs!! They were sore, but a “good” sore. And, I don’t think I have ever sweat that much from running!!  Thanks humidity!!

However, earlier tonight I did Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred.  Unfortunately, when I planned out my day I didn’t take into consideration the changes I had made to my run and how it may, or may not, affect my other workout.  My knee’s were still sore from my run and it made a slight difference!

I do have to say, though, that there was a slight improvement in my push-ups! Well, at least the first set.  I was able to do decent “beginners” push-ups without stopping the first time around, but then when I did the second set of push-ups I could barely get through them!  But, to me, that’s improvement! Even the first set of arm raises later in the program were a little easier the first set!

I finished feeling exhausted but happy that I was able to get two workouts into one day!! And, yes, I was smiling at the end!! Bring on Day 4!!!

I am troubled by my dehydration.  I used to drink plenty of water, but in the last year or two I know I haven’t consumed enough water daily on most days.  Each day I tell myself I’m going to drink at least 8 cups of water, but normally it’s been more like 4.  I know that if I plan on all this running and working out I need to make sure I drink plenty of water or I’m going to make myself really sick…..or worse!!

The Shred–Day 2

I decided to blog about my workouts in a public forum because writing it in a journal for “my eyes only” hasn’t really been enough of a motivation to stay committed.  I figured that if I put it out there for anyone & everyone to read it would make me stay on track because the alternative, quitting in public, is too darn embarrassing!!  Whatever works, right?!

So, I did do my second day of Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred–Level 1.  I wasn’t sore from yesterday which is a good thing!  I am finding that each time I do this workout parts of it get a little easier so I am doing part of the routine following the “beginners” trainer and part of the routine following the “advanced” trainer.  Hopefully, by day 10 of this level I will be following the advanced trainer throughout.  Fingers crossed!!

The push-ups are still nearly impossible–but I keep trying!  The only part that seemed harder was the dreaded arm raises using the 5 lb weights while doing side lunges.  My arms were burning so bad I could barely stand it!  But Jillian is right there motivating me on……

I again finished this workout with a smile on my face…….very sweaty, but with a smile.  Now, that’s what counts!! If I’m smiling, it means I can’t wait to do it again…..burning arms and all!!!