I'm so proud of my man!

In the past, Barry, who I love more than I can possibly express, has been my enabler. What whatever reason (and there are several options), he would just "go along" with what I said I wanted to eat. Even if my plan was for chicken, rice and veggies, if I suddenly felt like A&W, then we had A&W (they do something to the Root Beer when you have it in the restaurant.

Anyway, tonight we had a couple of stops to make and nothing readily available for dinner and we were both very hungry (I was bordering on woozy) ... we stopped at our local Shoppers and Barry had gone into A&W to use the bathroom. He met me at Shoppers and we were discussing dinner and I suggested A&W (I didn't really feel like it; I'm not sure what my motivation was) and he said no. I couldn't believe it. But I was so proud. I think it's 'cause he has more faith in me these days and the past week or so has been really rough that he didn't want to see me slide back into my old habits.

So we went to Health Plus, I grabbed some vitamins and a really healthy bar and ate it on the way home. Then I made dinner. Mac and real cheddar and some carrots. Not the best meal but a damned site better than a Mozza Burger, Onion Rings and Root Beer (probably would have put me at about the 1,500 cal mark for 1 meal (my DAILY allotment is 1,300). I'm sure I had more mac and cheese than I should have but it was the lesser of 2 evils.

Plus I feel like I've grown a spare tire in just one week.

Visited chiro (been having back trouble the past week) and he said it was important to keep working out (which I did this morning ... cut WAY back on my weights and I'll take it a little easy the rest of the week with the weights then ramp it back up again next week if all goes well (which it will).

I shall bid you all adieu for the night ...

I think the pain is gone...

I think it's gone finally. There's still remnants but I think I'm a lot better. I had a good day today. Ate well, actually did my workout, updated my journal.

We had friends over for brunch this morning ... had a great time. But still kept very close to my schedule.

Yes, it is possible to achieve your goals ...

It would be so easy ...

to slip back into old habits that is. It occurred to me this morning as we were coming home from Sobey's, that it would be so easy for me to just slip back into old habits ... poor eating, lack of exercise, fighting depression....

but I'm kinda stubborn. and I refuse to give up or give into the "old" self. It's taken me too long and too much hard work to get where I am.

My back started at me on Thursday morning and hasn't let up. My chiro helped with the worst of it on Thursday but I've beena little incapacitated since then.

so tomorrow's the beginning of a new week. I'm determined to get my neck and back into shape again. If I'm a little uncomfortable, so be it.

We have friends coming from brunch tomorrow ... nutrition will be a little challenge but I'm going to chart it now so I'm track in the a.m. 7 am - I'll be up doing cardio and yoga. And take it one day at a time!

So have faith ... if I can get back on track ... you can do it too!

it's how you react ...

Today was interesting. My upper back seized up on me. That was exciting. Came home and I think I failed to close the freezer properly 'cause the door was open. I kinda lost it. Didn't eat dinner properly. Barry was out.

I don't handle stress all that well. I tend to eat. Poorly. Anyway ... hopefully I'll be moving better tomorrow.

I'm really looking forward to this week being over. Poor nutrition, moderately acceptable workouts.

Thankfully tomorrow's the end of the week.

Later!

rollercoster week...

how appropriate with the CNE in town. Started rough, got better, today was crappy. I'm hoping a lot of it is lack of essential fatty acids. I'll be back on it Friday. YAY! It's been a tough week and I've kinda lost my momentum. But I'll get it back. It's tough. I'm tougher. I refuse to give in to "crap" happening.

I've come a long way. I used to just say, hey I blew it, and an entire day, week, month, year would go by before I tried ot get back on track.

Not this time baby! This is too important. To me, to Barry, to my fans LOL (just a little tongue in cheekiness ... please do NOT take that last comment seriously.

Anyway, I'm tired and need my snack so I'll chat tomorrow.

a better day today ...

I finally feel like I'm back on track. I know I wasn't away for long, but it would have been so easy ... so I guess I just want to say ... NEVER give up ... NEVER quit ... 'cause it's so worth going after your dreams. And YOU are totally worth the effort.

Go for it!

time to get serious.

So Friday was a write off.
Saturday ... OMG ... alcohol was more of an issue with food. I was actually ok with the food part mostly but 3 martinis and a couple of large glasses of Baileys and yeah, it was a write off.
Then came Sunday ... missed my regular workout. Did a brisk 45 minute walk then was couch potato for the afternoon and evening. Eating was off.
Monday morning ... alarm didn't go off. Yeesh! Didn't have the right foods. Ate out for dinner.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
I realized that I really don't like such a disorganized, unhealthy lifestyle.
So tomorrow I get back on track. Healthy diet. Intense workout. Enter in my journal.

It just hit me. It was a year ago today that my Mom died. Perhaps that's why the destructive behaviour the last few days. She'd be proud of what I've accomplished so far. But I've got such a long way to go. So I'll get back at it and get it done.

The weekend

So I've discovered that the longer I eat clean and healthy, exercise and generally take care of myself, the harder it is to have an "unclean" day. B's bro and girlfriend came over Saturday evening, had a few drinks, ribs & salad for dinner, plus a couple of little desserts, plus a couple more drinks and lots of laughs. Got to bed much later than normal for me.

But I got up Sunday morning and went for a 40 minute walk 'cause I couldn't do my usual workout. But at least it was better than nothing. Tried to keep brekkie fairly light and healthy but my eating's been off. My whole system's been off today.

And my darling Dante (the youngest cat) tried to jump up on me and his back claw got me and he slid off me and left about a 4 inch gash in my leg. Lots of Polysporin and it seems to be doing ok so far. His claws got clipped that morning. But he didn't do intentionally so I can't be upset with him.

So tomorrow's a new day ... I'll be back on track ...

Have a great day!

This is exciting ....

We're under a tornado watch right. At least it's downgraded from a warning. But it's windy. Nasty storm just ripped through town ... we're without power but thankfully we have battery backups on everything important. Except our fridge and freezer. We'll have to remedy that at some point.

Anyway, I almost blew my nutrition all to hell today. But I was strong. I'm a very visual person and I saw a picture of a drumstick ice cream cone and knew a friend had some in the freezer but it turns out there was only one and he offered it to me but I declined. Then I read the "nutritional" information. OMG ... can we say SUGAR RUSH! Holy crap. Out of 38 grams of carbs, 33 of them were sugar. Am I ever glad he only had one!

Anyway, things are good. looking forward to the weekend. Only 1 more 4:15 a.m. wakeup and circuit training. Whew!

Until tomorrow ... keep up the good work!

it was a better day today

And that's how it goes sometimes. Yesterday was terrible ... today was great. I'm tired though. Getting through to each meal was a little tough. 1300 calories a day isn't a lot but that's what Karam wants me to do so I guess I'm doing it....Circuit training was great. It keeps the workouts interesting which is so important ... otherwise boredom sets in, you lose interest and the next thing you know, you start slacking and then it's a downhill slide.

So keep it interesting, change your workouts every few weeks ... keep it fresh.

Until tomorrow!

yes, you're allowed a crappy day ...

so it started out pretty good but went downhill ... I was so stupidly tired today ... too many teas, lunch was too heavy...just a chicken sandwich but the bread was very heavy...came home and had a chocolate squirrel (inside joke with B). Probably didn't drink quite enough water. Had some crappy news at work which didn't help with the squirrel (not a real squirrel just so you know) and the humidity was awful. But it seems a little better tonight. Oh yeah, did I mention the woman in her 50's who was wearing a rather offensive perfume and stood right beside me on the GO train? So yeah, my day was kinda crappy.

But at least I got to come home to my hunny, had a pretty chilled night tonight, watching SYTYCDC, got some new jewellery from my sis which is gorgeous.

So even if you have a crappy day and maybe don't stick with the program 100%, do your best and tomorrow is another day ... we'll just do better tomorrow.

until then ...

continuing effort

Nothing earth shattering today. Just tried to get through this heat and humidity. Felt nauseous most of the day but got better at home. Go figure.

I just wanted to say as well that one of the reasons I started this blog was to help others and to provide an example of "if I can do it, so can you". It's not a medium to say "look at me, see what I've done" ... it's simply a way for me to share with others my journey and to help inspire.

I hope I can accomplish this.

Starting Over

So today was the first time that I had my pictures taken, took my measurements and had my BIA and meeting with my naturopath. So today is day 1 of the next 12 weeks. So November 7, 2009 is my goal date. I finally feel like I'm focussed and have all the elements in place. All my ducks are in a row now. Even though the BIA results were not what I wanted, I am making progress. I'm into smaller clothes, my energy is much better, my attitude is hugely better and I know I'm on the right track.

So I'll keep doing what I'm doing and K's going to check further into what could be the problem. And I'll do my detox and stick with it for its duration and hopefully that will help.

So never give up. If something isn't working, figure out what it is that's the problem, with help from someone if need be, and make the changes and keep going....

So I'm falling asleep ... until tomorrow.....

i really blew it today

it started and lunch and just kinda continued all day. I really gotta this under control. Tomorrow's free day but I think I'm gonna take it easy and try to make up for all this nonsense.

I'm off to nappy time shortly so I shall bid you a good night and a fabulous weekend ... should be amazing.

Chat Sunday....

i learned a lesson today

I always have a protein shake and blueberries or some other type of carb right after my circuit training. After my cardio, I don't eat until breakfast, about an hour later.

It would appear that I need to eat even after a cardio. All I've done today is eat. So tomorrow I train, have my protein shake, get ready, have brekkie and espresso, then go to work. And eat ONLY what I have planned to eat.

Let's hope this works.

And my naturopath is coming over Saturday for a reassessment and a meal plan. Can't wait!

Keep on keepin' on!

hot humid weather

I love summer but this hot humid weather sucks. Drained the life out of me. It's a good thing I work out in the middle of the night. Or at least that's how it seems sometimes. That's why it's so important to figure out what works for you. For me, I work out at 4:30 a.m. I was talking to a friend of ours tonight and he prefers to walk or cycle at night. While "they" say that working out in the morning is better for fat burning and consistency, ultimately it's better to work out later in the day than not at all. I tried for so long to get into a routine at night but when you work out 6 days a week, it's a challenge. It didn't work for me. I think there might have been one or 2 days when I wasn't feeling my best over the past 5 months that I actually missed a workout. I can't remember the last time I was so consistent. And I vary my workouts which help a lot.

I'm really looking forward to meeting with my naturopath to discuss the training but most important the nutrition. I really do need some direction and then I'll take off with it.

I'm gonna to get a new wardrobe ..... boo hoo (yeah, right). It actually occurred to me today that my shorter winter coat is actually going to be way too big on me. Which kinda sucks 'cause I love it. But this is a good problem to have. LOL

Anyway, I'm tired, watching SYTYCDC and having my evening snack.

Until tomorrow .....

summer's here ...

I've really enjoyed the summer so far, except for the rain of course. Until now. OMG the humidity the past couple of days. I think I underdid my water intake today. I felt ok for most of the day (of course I was in an air conditioned (well, sort of) office). Did not feel well when I got home and we had stopped to pick up a BBQ chicken at Sobey's and it was going to be another 20 minutes so I grabbed a Knorr instead and that wasn't the smartest thing to eat but I'll just behave myself the rest of the evening. I actually don't even feel like eating so that works. I just gotta make sure I drink. Water, water and more water. I get tired of it by the evening 'cause I've usually drunk about 3 litres or so by the time I get home at 6.

I am determined to achieve the goals I've set for myself. Some days are good, some not so much. Tomorrow will be better.

But never give up on your dreams and goals. You gotta fight for what you want.

Cravings ...

So I had this chocolate craving that's been following me since Friday. I thought I took care of it. It came back with a vengeance today. I was in Shoppers and made the colossal mistake of going down the wrong isle. So I picked up a dark chocolate bar with hazelnuts. It's my weakness. Nutella is not allowed in my house. I'll sit and eat the whole freeking jar without even thinking about it. And then feel like total crap and wanna throw up. So I had 2 squares and then felt like crap. It passed but man, it was not worth it.

I'm finding that the longer I eat well the worse I feel when I eat stuff I shouldn't. Which is great on one hand but kinda sucks when I have a treat. Barry's brother and his woman are spending the weekend so we can kick back, enjoy, have some adult beverages and nobody has to worry about drinking and driving. This'll be interesting.

I had a great workout this morning though. Tough but good. Tomorrow's cardio and yoga. YAY! It's a little easier on the body than circuit training.

SYTYCDC starts tomorrow night! YAY! It'll be interesting to see if they have another Nico this year.

We started watching Defying Gravity. It's interesting but it's starting to put me in mind of Lost ... in space ... LOL that's thanks to Barry. He's just such a witty guy.

On that note ... good night!

another workout week

I was actually pretty good yesterday, even though it was my free day. Didn't actually have anything in the way of "junk" food but I didn't work out (played slug all day reading), didn't have to record anything or worry about balance. But I still ate pretty healthy.

Today started off well with a good cardio/yoga workout. It's amazing how much easier it is to stick to my nutrition. I'm not sure what happened. But it seems to be going well now. And I haven't had a coffee in 2 weeks, although I am getting a little help from a supplement. I'm not sure if it's any better, other than the fact that I'm not consuming cream or sugar. Not too active otherwise ... felt kinda crappy this weekend ... but I feel like I'm coming out of it.

Lost the satellite signal altogether so I'm thinking we're storming upstairs. I'm in the basement ... it's great ... I don't know what's going on up there and I'm ok with that. LOL

S.C. - yes I was aware that Nico is playing Neuryev. He's been a busy boy ... even got engaged.
Did I mention before that Jeannine won???? YAY, YAY, YAY! It was a toss-up for me between her and Brandon. He was a little more talented but her growth was through the roof. I'm just happy Kayla was in 4th place.

Tony - sorry bud ... not gonna get a long rant out of me but obviously I have been a little chattier today. I got LOTS of sleep Friday (10 hours I think) .. haven't done THAT in quite a while and I really needed that.

My naturopath is coming one night this week for another assessment and to set up the correct nutrition. He wants me to limit my calories to 1300 a day. YIKES! I'm not sure about this but I'll do my best.

So I think I'm going to venture upstairs to see what's happening. Later.

FRIDAY!

It's finally here! Today was kinda rough. Chocolate cravings were really hard to deal with. So I blew it. I'm so looking forward to sleeping tomorrow. To say I'm tired, is putting it mildly. But it's totally worth it.

Lucky you guys ... I'm not terribly chatty tonight. See you tomorrow.

oops ...

So things were actually worse than I thought. My last BIA indicated my bodyfat was 38.4 ... I kindly got the numbers transposed. I thought it was 34.8 ... that was my BMI. I've got another BIA scheduled for Sunday ... let's see what's happened.

I know I've removed fat, toned up, dropped a dress size and people are noticing. And most of all ... I FEEL FABULOUS!

Barry and I looked back at my "before pictures" taken in Feb 08 (or at least I think it was Feb 08) and WOW what a difference!

So don't ever give up. It takes a lot of work ... especially when you're over 40 ... but it is SOOOO worth it!

So keep it up!

Inspiration

I would encourage anyone who sets out to get fit (or fitter), to be patient. To never give up. To believe in yourself. To be consistent. And if what your doing is not giving you the results you want, change something. Your nutrition. Your cardio. Your weight training. Write out your goals and review them EVERY day. Write out your plan for the day. For your workout. For your nutrition. If it means enough to you, you'll do whatever it takes. Even if it's getting up at 4:30 a.m.

It's not easy. It's time consuming. It's monotonous and boring sometimes. It's hard. Your body hurts. You need sleep. You need water. The first thing you need is a reason. Without it, you likely won't accomplish your goals.

We're watching the last performance night of So You Think You Can Dance. I was given a choice when I was 13 to either pursue modelling or dance. I chose modelling. Which it turns out was the right choice 'cause otherwise I doubt I would have met Barry. But I've always loved dance and I get inspired whenever I watch them. Or any dance movie for that matter.

So whether it's a medical issue, a child you want to have the energy to play with, or just good health and a long, enjoyable life, figure out what you want ... and don't let any one ... or any thing ... get in your way.

Until tomorrow....

another day ....

it's Tuesday. cardio and yoga day. i'm sore. not painful sore. just achy sore. kinda draggy. weird weather day today. sunny and hot and humid. storm. clear. teeming down rain. sun and warm. I can't keep up. good nutrition day today. ate often. ate healthy. gotta get food ready the night before. between making lunches and my snacks it took a good 10 minutes. Yeesh. But if it helps get the fat off, I'm all for it.

I was checking out a some blogs at a website I frequent ... www.transformation.com . great advice. great quotes. great inspiration. it's amazing how we can not lose "weight" but lose inches and fat and get into clothes we couldn't get into before.

speaking of eating ... gotta go make dinner. not sure if the chicken is thawed or not ....

New workout

So I changed my circuit training. It is wicked! Do a set, do cardio for 1 minute, do a set, do cardio for 1 minute. And you basically do that for an hour. Keeps you moving, keeps you from getting bored (my problem with 3 consecutive minutes of cardio) and it's the same workout 3 days per week instead of different workouts each of Monday, Wednesday, Friday. But man, am I ever sore!

Cara, as far as eating every 2 -3 hours is concerned, you eat small portions. For example, a "meal" is 2 eggs and 1 1/2 slices whole grain bread. Another example is yogurt, 12 almonds and 1 cup blueberries. I don't feel "yucky" or feel like I'm eating too much. I'm waiting for my naturopath's okay for my meal plans but it's basically 15 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbs and 6 grams of healthy fats. there's a list. I can email it to you if you like.

Sometimes it feels like you're eating all the time but it's easy to get used to. At least you don't feel hungry on this program. And it's healthy. and it keeps your energy level up.

until tomorrow folks!

shakin' things up ...

So I started a new nutritional program today ... a little more detailed than the body for life program and eating 7 times per day for now ... that'll decrease as the weight comes down. Very simple ... 15 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbs and 6 grams of healthy fats with each meal. I like the simplicity of if. I'm definitely going to have to make some hard boiled eggs. 2 whole eggs or 4 egg whites are 1 portion of protein. That's a WHOLE lotta eggs. or egg whites ....

I changed up my workout routines as well. Cardio is more high intensity intervals ... LOVE IT! The circuit training is from the Bowflex manual. Do a set of weights, 1 minute cardio, set of weights, 1 minute cardio. I think it's 4 exercises and cardio minutes per circuit ... 12 reps each exercise. there's 2 circuits. 3 sets of each circuit. same principles as what I'm currently doing but modified enough that it should shake things up enough to surprise my body.

Feeling really good today. weather's been weird but I didn't really care for today. I'm glad it turned into a nice day though for everyone else. got my hair trimmed and reshaped and blown out. He really is an awesome stylist!

Today's Barry and my 17th date-aversarry. The stuff that's changed in those 17 years. Wow. So in celebration, rather than a glass of wine which I was originally going to have but Barry wasn't up to it. too many chips earlier ... I'm treating myself to a small piece of bumble crumble ... no preservatives or crap. We get it from our local produce supplier just east of the Ajax/Whitby border. Had nice t-bone steaks tonight. You know how little steak you get for 2 ounces????? But because I'm eating every 2 hours, I really don't mind REALLY small portions. Except for raspberries. I had a portion ... 1 1/2 cups. That's a LOT of blueberries!

Anyway, I've gotta run. But don't forget to shake up your nutrition every so often and your workouts every 4-6 weeks. It keeps the body guessing and keeps results happening.

Until tomorrow!