DAY 16

Spin class rocks! Second time in class, and it was great! I ran a mile to warm up, stretched then headed into the darkness... I had to mentally wrap my brain around how "great" I was going to do today, and it I did! It was a great class, lots of "hovering", "jumping", and "sprinting"- but it was fun! All of these terms I am learning as I go, but now I am slowly getting it! I am feeling great, and just in case any of you are wondering- I am not taking any crazy diet pills. I had thought about doing "Hydroxycut", but then my cute little friend said- Jen, why not use your own energy? Who does that? So, I am diet pill free, and doing this all on my own steam! I do go to bed rather early, but it is the only way I can get up at 4:30 am, and still have energy the rest of the day!

I LOVE IT!

tOodLEs...

Day 14

I feel amazing! It has almost been 2 short weeks of working out, and I am feeling great! I took this morning off, I was tired, and I some food didn't sit well with me last night- if you catch my drift! I am down 10 pounds, and going strong! I will have to admit, I haven't posted a picture yet, mostly because I am sick about what it looks like! I will post when I am down 25 pounds, so that I look a little more decent!!! I am now running 1.5 miles on the treadmill, and consistently doing 45 minutes of cardio! The weight training is going well, I have started using the "Body for Life" weight training as a guide, and I am really enjoying it. Now for the last week's cycle class- I have to give props to my girlfriend Trish! She teaches this class at a gym in Draper, and I can honestly say- how in the heck did you teach this 9 months pregnant??? I got spanked! I loved the class, I had an amazing instructor, he was very entertaining, thank goodness, and challenging. I walked out of the class, legs shaking, and my entire head was like a wet mop! I am looking forward to Thursday this week to do it again!!!

As for my eating, I've been doing quite well. I am trying to eat every 2-3 hours, so that I don't get hungry and go nuts. I am staying away from soda, white sugar, and white flour,- yes, I've had a bite here, and a banana brownie there. But nothing like I used to. I tell everyone I know, I am a firm believer that 85% of weight loss is what you eat! You can work out, but if you eat like crap, you aren't going to lose any weight! I have been doing 3 protein shakes a day, eating apples, vegi's and lean meats. I don't generally feel hungry until Bry whips out the ice cream, then I just head to bed!

Next point, GET SOME REST! I now understand that my body needs more, MUCH MORE than 5 hours of sleep. This may have worked for me in my 20's but not anymore! I go to bed between 8:30 and 10 every single night. And I need it! I can actually go work out, and not come home and need to crawl back in bed- GO FIGURE!

I am down to 73 days, and I am feeling a little anxious! I can't wait to go to the beach, lay in the sun, and enjoy myself- I have so much work ahead of me, I know it will pay off if I can stay focused!!!

If you have any advice, leave me a comment, I am running 1.5 miles this week, then jumping up to 2 next week! First of June, I will start the "Hal Higdon" training guide for a 1/2 marathon!

GIDDY UP!

DAY 7

Camera is no where to be found, and no I have NOT quit my regimen!!! I've been so exhausted and have been busy so I haven't had the time to blog! Today was the beast of it all!!! I went to Pilates, and I didn't think it would be too bad- boy was I ever wrong! It kicked my trash! I couldn't do all of the moves, because my thighs, abs, and butt were burning beyond belief! I highly recommend the class, I will definitely be going back! I will be lifting and running tomorrow, and Thursday is SPIN CLASS. I have every reason to be SO NERVOUS about this class. I have done it ONCE forever ago, and it was insane! I am looking forward to the pain! Thank goodness I don't have much going on today, cuz I am exhausted, sore, and so sleepy! I'll be hittin' the pillow by 8:30 tonight!!! Sleep, eat right, and exercise- THE WEIGHT IS COMING OFF!!! I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE BEACH THIS YEAR!!!

DAY 4!!!

I am so happy it is SATURDAY! That means I can sleep past 4:45am tomorrow morning!!! I ran again, and I did run 1 mile. And then another 33 minutes of cardio. The cardio is going great, I am feeling more confident in my routine, and excited to start my "program" on Monday! Also added some push-ups, and sit-ups to the routine today, with a TON of stretching! This is key!!! I can't find the camera yet, but I will say, I am so jazzed to show you a picture, then be able to post again my weight, inches, and a new picture in 4 weeks! I've decided 2 things: ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING, and so is what you put in your mouth! Isn't that interesting! Enjoy your Saturday as I will mine! I will be back after a wonderful weekend, ready to go on Monday!

DAY 3

I am ready to post a pix, but I can't find my camera! I will look today and make sure I have one posted tonight!

Day 3, rocked!!! I ran 1 mile again, and so excited about it! Did a full 45 minutes of cardio, abs, and lots of stretching! I am putting together my training schedule for next week, and I am excited for this! Weight training, interval training, running, pilates, and cycle class! I can't wait!

My eating plan is going awesome as well. I am off of sugar, soda (yes, diet coke!), and white flour. My body isn't going too crazy without it. I've been eating dried fruit, fruits and vegi's, and I am staying away from most processed/packaged foods. I am not going totally away from homemade treats, but I am definitely being careful.

I feel great! I will be putting my stats (weight) up when I am 4 weeks into my program, like I said, not proud now, but won't be embarassed then!!!

Til then!

Have a fabo day! Look tonight for the photo- scary larry!

DAY 2

I did it this morning! I ran 1 mile, I know major accomplishment!!! WAHOO!!! I told myself last night, you are doing it, no excuses- and voila! It felt amazing. I stretched really good last night because of my tree trunk legs, I thought it might help. And it did! I ran my 1 mile, then I walked another 3/4 of a mile. Next, elliptical. Another 1.5 miles on that baby. It was a great morning. I am now a firm believer that rest and sleep have everything to do with it. I was asleep by 10:15 last night, and up at 4:45 a.m. again. I don't feel tired, and I am excited for the day! I don't know what it is about working out at the GYM, but it motivates me, and makes me ALIVE! I am going to now extend my workouts from 5 am-6:45 am. This will give me time to warm up, lift 3 days a week, do my cardio, then stretch. I am feeling like me again, and I love it! 86 days left to be beach ready, and I know that I will be ready!!!

Pointers for the day:

• Make sure to have a goal. I have my goal written down, not just size and weight, but also what my achievements are as far as my "exercise routine".
• For weight loss: Drink your water- lots of it! If you are eating lots of processed foods, try to eat a fruit/vegi before eating that donut or whatever you have.
  
• Track your food with a food journal. This is a timely requirement, but if you realize how much you are eating, when you are eating, and why you are eating- you will solve a lot of your problems from the get go. Also, write down how you feel- lame I know, but studies, (love that word) show that the majority of obesity and "overeating" stems from your emotions and stress! TRY THAT ON FOR SIZE!!!
• BE POSITIVE! Change your outlook on your body image, food, and overall, your life. There is always someone who is cuter, bigger/thinner, and has worse problems than you do. SO GET OVER IT OR SHALL I SAY, GET OVER YOURSELF!!! We are our own worst enemy, if you can change your outlook, you will change!!! Be inspiring, think positive, and surround yourself with the positive!!!

I've been doing some reading about running, and boy, have I got a way to go. Education is key! I will be posting some running tips tomorrow, along with a fabulous Jamaican Jerk Salmon recipe that I am dying to try! And yes, the picture is on its way! Not proud of it, but proud to be doing something about it!

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

White Chicken Chili- New version!

I've decided to start with my very favorite recipe. WHITE CHICKEN CHILI! I love this chili, it is a perfect day to make this, and I can't wait to have it for dinner tonight. Here is my first "healthy" recipe, I've omitted the sour cream, and the whipping cream, leaving us with a good broth based chili packed with flavor!


White Chicken Chili

1 lb. chicken, cubed
1 med. onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped finely
1 tsp. olive oil

Saute those ingredients, and then add:

2 cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained (WF Organic, is best)
2 cans of whole kernel corn (WF Organic, is best)
1 can chicken broth (Organic, any brand)
1 can green chilies, diced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ( I use 1/8th tsp.)

Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for about 5 minutes. Serve with a salad of lettuce, grape tomatoes, and cucumbers. Add 1 TBSP. of my new fave dressing- Newman's Own Organic light Balsamic Vinagrette.

Voila! Also for all you Weight Watcher point fans, I will be figuring out the points for each of my recipes!!! I am back "on point", try this out, it is heavenly!!!

*I've started using Organic canned products when I can find them because they don't have all the preservatives and additives, and my personal opinion, they do taste better. Western Family has alot of their canned foods that are USDA Organic- check them out!!!