*warning - negative post*
I feel so incredibly sad and just unmotivated over the last few days. I feel so completely out of control, not as in crazy out of control, but more as in I have no control. Anyone who knows me, would tell you that I love to feel like I have control.
I started this blog so that I could get everything out there, and for those people who are looking at doing the 12WBT to be able to see what it is like, because as a planner, I know that I read up on the program before I started it. So, here comes the heartfelt pity post.
Right now, in my life, I feel like there is nothing that I control. I feel like a lot of decisions are made for me and I feel as though I am fading away. There are things that I don't want to have control of, but I feel as though if I don't do it, then no one else will. My life seems to be upside down at the moment and I am floating around in the abyss somewhere.
To be honest with you, tomorrow I will probably look back on this post and wonder where all this was coming from, but right now, I need to rant... well, more like I need to cry and not be the strong person.
We have our week 4 milestone coming up, and the truth is, I don't feel like I deserve to do it. I haven't lost that much weight, I haven't been to the gym as much as I should have (even though I tell myself that I was quite sick for a week) and even when I do workout, I seem to not have the motivation to hit the 500 calorie mark. I feel like a failure. I haven't been eating Michelle's food plan as she has laid out, as I don't want to vary the breakfasts and I have been having the left overs for the dinners for lunch. All in all though, I have tried to stick with the 1200 calories per day.
This week I set myself the goal of working out for the 6 days, and while so far I have worked out, I haven't hit the 500 calorie mark. In fact, I think in the last 3 weeks I have only burned over 500 calories twice. Yesterday was quite a stressful day and I worked back late, so I missed pump, and all I wanted to do was sit on the couch and knit. I did make myself jump on the (new!) treadmill and I had the intention of trying for half an hour on it, doing the learn to run program, however I only managed 5 minutes! (I think that because the incline is much higher than I am used to, it wore me out so much quicker). So, I headed downstairs and did a 25 minute yoga dvd. I only burned 225 calories in total - not even half of what we are supposed to be doing.
I just feel so worthless and feel like that I just can't seem to make a real go of it all. I am so exhausted!!!! I am tired of working out everyday! And while I know I shouldn't (and even get told off by B) I have been having "sneaky weigh ins" - where I haven't been seeing anything change. I know that Mish says to take the emotion out of it, but seeing how I am feeling at the moment, I honestly can't. I want to know that I am struggling like this and can at least get some results... right now I'm not seeing anything and I just don't see the point.
In saying that, I know (hoping!!) this is just a momentary feeling, and I am really hoping that the first full week of workouts is supposed to make me feel like shit. I will still be following the program and still avoiding sabotaging myself and just plodding along with it all in general, but I just wish that one of my problems would be resolved and give me one less thing to be thinking about. With so many things to be organised or to do, and nothing seeming to be resolved, as Bilbo Baggins puts it "I feel... thin. Sort of stretched, like... butter scraped over too much bread." Obviously I have only touched on the 12WBT issues here, as the others I feel are probably a little too personal to put onto such a public forum.
Here is hoping to have a more positive Leeana by the next post, and hopefully even a task or 2 resolved.
Friday, 30 September 2011
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Week 3 Surprise Task
This weeks surprise task was to come up with a quick, easy and low calorie snack to give others a few ideas for snacks. This is the one that I just submitted:
Choc Banana Yoghurt Ice Blocks
Serves 6 - 121 calories per serve
Ingredients
400g low fat natural yoghurt
2 medium banana
2 tablespoon cocoa
Method
Add yoghurt, banana and cocoa into a blender. Blend until smooth
Pour mixture into ice block moulds and freeze until firm.
I am now in the draw for 1 of 30 George Foreman grills.
Choc Banana Yoghurt Ice Blocks
Serves 6 - 121 calories per serve
Ingredients
400g low fat natural yoghurt
2 medium banana
2 tablespoon cocoa
Method
Add yoghurt, banana and cocoa into a blender. Blend until smooth
Pour mixture into ice block moulds and freeze until firm.
I am now in the draw for 1 of 30 George Foreman grills.
I have a treadmill!!
Guess what?! I have a treadmill!! That's right - no more excuses for not exercising at home!! We set it up last night and had a quick little walk on it and tested out the incline (it's a manual incline, you either have it on or not). It feels very different to the ones at the gym, but let's be honest, those ones are worth thousands of dollars so they are going to feel more smooth. This one goes up to
10km per hour (not sure about the ones at the gym, I can't run that fast - yet! lol) Sorry the pics are a little blurry, I quickly took them this morning as I was getting ready for work! The funny thing is, as we were getting it out of the car, I managed to hurt myself by tripping over the tow ball! So I have a graze down my right arm (which still stings!) and a bruised right knee. Exercise definitely = pain! lol!!
After yesterday's query in regards to what should I be aiming for exercise wise, I have taken a look at the beginner exercises, and I have made the decision to go back to beginner exercises, rather than staying at the intermediate level. I have to admit that I do feel sad about this as I was so excited to be in the intermediate range after doing my fitness test. However, after looking through the exercises this morning, I think I would actually be able to finish the exercises as they are set out, and hopefully I will be able to build up my fitness enough to go back into the intermediate category.
I think that is about all for me today, the only other thing that I thought I would mention was that I went to the gym last night even though my gym buddy couldn't make it. Admittedly I didn't stay as long as I usually do and I only burned 337 calories, but I still went and exercised. I think the main reason why I didn't stay as long was because I was actually in a bit of pain from DOMS from Tuesday's workout. I am planning on doing a pump class tonight - hopefully my knee can handle it after being banged up last night! lol
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Another Week - Another Weigh In
It's Wednesday again already - which means that it's weigh in day!!
Sadly, I gained 300g this week. I am trying not to be too disappointed with it. In fact, I'm not disappointed in the program, only in myself. I know that I managed to sneak in a few 'snacks' that if Michelle seen me eat, she would demand that I instantly drop and do push ups as well as get running on that treadmill! However, that said, I take full responsibility for my actions (hence the disappointment in myself). I will tell u now, what I have eaten that was off plan:
So, what I forgot to mention yesterday (in that blog post that i meant to write!! lol) was that I didn't get my exercise session in on Monday as I needed to get home. So, I told my gym buddy that I would do my work out at home. I had the best intentions of doing it. In fact, I wanted to do it, but then I started cooking, and cleaning and by the time dinner came around and we put Nessa to bed, I was done! I couldn't be bothered doing it. I even tried to tell myself to find something fun to do, which I found, but then I couldn't find my belly dancing workout - I know, I know, excuses, excuses, excuses!!!! Anyway, that afternoon/evening, I couldn't help wishing that I had a treadmill at home, so I could just do it there and then. That night I was on Facebook, and a friend of mine had her status that she was selling her treadmill! So, I bought it!!! I am getting it tonight!! It's great to know that I will be able to have that there!! We're gonna put it in the bedroom, which works out really well as I will be able to watch dvds while running.
Speaking of running... I still can't believe I am going to say this, but I am going to do a fun run!!! At first I was thinking that it would be a great sense of accomplishment to just finish a fun run, so I could just walk it and not put too much pressure on myself. However, now that I have been 'following' (and I use that term loosely - will explain in a sec) Michelle's learn to run program, I am thinking that maybe I could run (probably jog! lol) the whole 4km course I am planning to do. A friend of mine asked me if myself and Carrie (gym buddy) would be interested in doing it... my first thought was "I can't do that!!" my next thought was "Seriously?! Why not?!" So, here I am, planning on doing the Brooks Spring Into Shape on Sunday 30th October!! I still can't believe I am going to sign up to do this. I think overall, I want to see if I can do it. Will be registering in a couple of weeks.
Now, onto Michelle's learn to run program and why I have been following it loosely. It's not so much the learn to run program, but more the cardio sessions at the gym. Don't get me wrong, I feel like I am flogging myself, but as I mentioned on Monday, I couldn't keep up with Michelle's cardio gym program. I only managed 3 mins on the cross trainer on the manual program, and I did do the 10 mins on the bike, but also on the manual program. Well, yesterday I decided to once again do the Week 1, Day 1 Intermediate program, with a small change, I did rowing, running, bike and then cross trainer, to help with my legs/running. Yesterday I decided to aim for 4 minute on the cross trainer, but I smashed that goal and did 8 minutes!!!!!!! *cheering with pom poms* To be perfectly honest, I think I probably could have pushed myself to do 10 minutes, so that will be my next goal, actually, I might aim for 12 minutes lol! The biggest reason I think that I was able to last so much longer, was because of a TIP I was given by a friend and fellow 12WBTer (and knitter lol) to run with my heels not with my toes. I wanted to post this up here as it may seem like common knowledge to some, but to any beginners out there, I hope this helps you as much as it helped me.
Sadly, I gained 300g this week. I am trying not to be too disappointed with it. In fact, I'm not disappointed in the program, only in myself. I know that I managed to sneak in a few 'snacks' that if Michelle seen me eat, she would demand that I instantly drop and do push ups as well as get running on that treadmill! However, that said, I take full responsibility for my actions (hence the disappointment in myself). I will tell u now, what I have eaten that was off plan:
- Carrot cake at the premium cinemas
- Caramel Sundae from McDonald's
- Family Dinner - as I said before, I didn't eat too much really
So, what I forgot to mention yesterday (in that blog post that i meant to write!! lol) was that I didn't get my exercise session in on Monday as I needed to get home. So, I told my gym buddy that I would do my work out at home. I had the best intentions of doing it. In fact, I wanted to do it, but then I started cooking, and cleaning and by the time dinner came around and we put Nessa to bed, I was done! I couldn't be bothered doing it. I even tried to tell myself to find something fun to do, which I found, but then I couldn't find my belly dancing workout - I know, I know, excuses, excuses, excuses!!!! Anyway, that afternoon/evening, I couldn't help wishing that I had a treadmill at home, so I could just do it there and then. That night I was on Facebook, and a friend of mine had her status that she was selling her treadmill! So, I bought it!!! I am getting it tonight!! It's great to know that I will be able to have that there!! We're gonna put it in the bedroom, which works out really well as I will be able to watch dvds while running.
Speaking of running... I still can't believe I am going to say this, but I am going to do a fun run!!! At first I was thinking that it would be a great sense of accomplishment to just finish a fun run, so I could just walk it and not put too much pressure on myself. However, now that I have been 'following' (and I use that term loosely - will explain in a sec) Michelle's learn to run program, I am thinking that maybe I could run (probably jog! lol) the whole 4km course I am planning to do. A friend of mine asked me if myself and Carrie (gym buddy) would be interested in doing it... my first thought was "I can't do that!!" my next thought was "Seriously?! Why not?!" So, here I am, planning on doing the Brooks Spring Into Shape on Sunday 30th October!! I still can't believe I am going to sign up to do this. I think overall, I want to see if I can do it. Will be registering in a couple of weeks.Now, onto Michelle's learn to run program and why I have been following it loosely. It's not so much the learn to run program, but more the cardio sessions at the gym. Don't get me wrong, I feel like I am flogging myself, but as I mentioned on Monday, I couldn't keep up with Michelle's cardio gym program. I only managed 3 mins on the cross trainer on the manual program, and I did do the 10 mins on the bike, but also on the manual program. Well, yesterday I decided to once again do the Week 1, Day 1 Intermediate program, with a small change, I did rowing, running, bike and then cross trainer, to help with my legs/running. Yesterday I decided to aim for 4 minute on the cross trainer, but I smashed that goal and did 8 minutes!!!!!!! *cheering with pom poms* To be perfectly honest, I think I probably could have pushed myself to do 10 minutes, so that will be my next goal, actually, I might aim for 12 minutes lol! The biggest reason I think that I was able to last so much longer, was because of a TIP I was given by a friend and fellow 12WBTer (and knitter lol) to run with my heels not with my toes. I wanted to post this up here as it may seem like common knowledge to some, but to any beginners out there, I hope this helps you as much as it helped me.
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Blogger Challenge: Picture of Health?
Kate at Courage 2 Start has set the next Blogger Challenge:
I'm asking you to paint me a picture. What is (to you) a picture of health? What is health?
This
really got me thinking... to me, what is health? My first though was
that it's not being sick, but being healthy is so much more than that
isn't it.
I
guess for me, being healthy is eating right, not being overweight and
being able to run, when I want to run as well as to avoid health
problems.
Thinking about the above statement, it makes me realise how far I really need to go to be able to consider myself healthy.
I know I should eat clean
(and currently am), but how do I make sure that this is the way I eat
forever. I do prefer to eat foods that aren't as processed, but I still
would love to chow down on chocolate!
Currently,
I am not only overweight, but obese. Yeah, I may not look it, but
currently my BMI is sitting at 31. If I lose 2.7kg more, I will be in
the overweight range, and once I reach 73kg I will officially be in the
healthy weight range. Admittedly, that number seems so far away!! (Today
doesn't seem to be a very positive day - sorry all! I am struggling a
little today to even consider that I might reach my goals)
Being able to run... I have said (and still maintain) that I have no interest in being a runner, however, I have come to realise that it doesn't necessarily mean that I don't want to be able to run. I remember a few years ago when I started to lose weight and eat healthy that I used to get so puffed walking up my stairs (I only lived on the first floor! lol) a couple of years later, I was playing with my nephew and I ran from the mail box up to the block of flats and up the stairs - and I wasn't puffed! It was such a great sense of accomplishment for me. Until that point I didn't realise that I had become so much more fit! I'd like to be able to have that sense of accomplishment again.
As
for health issues. Other than avoiding all of the usual suspects
(heart disease, type 2 diabetes, (which I have 'beaten' previously) etc)
I have also suffered from PCOS
(Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), which all in all makes it harder for me
to lose weight, harder for me to conceive, a greater chance of
miscarrying, missing periods, excruciating pain, a greater chance of
type 2 diabetes and a greater chance of developing insulin resistance.
About
6-12 months ago I was at my lightest weight and I had my hormone levels
retested and they came back normal - meaning no more PCOS!!! Now that I
have pretty much put on all of the weight that I lost over a 3 year
period (how on earth did I do that?! grrrr!!) I am scared that my PCOS
might come back again - I don't want to be in excruciating pain again,
or worried about whether or not I can conceive. I want to be healthy and able to rely on my body to do what it is supposed to do.
And coming to that conclusion, I guess that is exactly what being healthy means to me:
For me, health
is being able to rely on your body to do what it is supposed to do with
no obstructions, no detours and being able to be fit enough to run when
I can an eating clean.
Monday, 26 September 2011
Week 3
I can't believe it is already the start of week 3 today!! Wow it has really flown by!!
Last week as you are aware I got stuck back into the exercise portion of the program. I think that doing Mish's cardio program is probably the best way to go for me - as I really struggled on Friday with it!!!
I thought I would give the week 2 program a go, but quickly learned that I couldn't even do the first week's one properly!! I only made it to 3 mins on the cross trainer, and couldn't really do the bike on a random program, although I still did 10 mins (and really struggled!!) I did however do the rowing warm up and I did 15 mins of the learn to run program, so that's good! Overall, I burned 652 calories!!! If my muscles weren't so sore and tight from Thursday's pump class, I probably could have done more, but I was groaning into the cross trainer and bike, so I know that I did all that I could!
I have to admit that my eating hasn't been all that great. I haven't really counted calories over the last few days, but have been doing a rough estimate in my head. I also know that I did go slightly over on Saturday night, and probably a little over again last night at a family dinner. I didn't eat a large portion I don't think, but I did have a couple of pieces of garlic bread which prob pushed me over. Also, as I mentioned in my last post, the fridge died, so we are trying to get everything sorted for that food wise, which is actually kinda hard. We haven't bought this weeks food, I haven't even planned this weeks meals, so will have to make sure I do that tonight and work out a way to make sure that we can make it work. I didn't even bring my lunch today, so I think I might pop down to Subway to pick up something healthy. I'm also thinking that I might cook something extra up tonight and bring it all to work tomorrow to stick in our freezer here so that I have something here all the time...
On a rather exciting note, our garden is flourishing!! I can't believe we haven't killed it yet (and by we, I mean me lol) I can't wait to start harvesting stuff, although I need to figure out when that is! lol!! Might have to pull out that trusty book (The Little Vegie Patch Co Book) and see how I am supposed to know when things are good to go.
A lot of sites say xx-xx weeks, but I'm assuming that is from planting seeds, where as we have planted ours from seedlings. Although our basil and chilli which we planted from seeds have started sprouting!! YAY!! Our carrots are just so green. I'm glad I listened to the book and planted them with spring onions and leeks, as you
can see from the first pic, they are doing pretty well (the little dots of green are some of the basil seeds sprouting. The second pic shows the capsicum (doing really well!!!) and the beans. I was getting a little worried about them, but they are starting to come good now. The third pic you can see the spinach is looking nice and green,
and so is Nessa's pink plant (although it looks like we will need to replant it lol, it's doing a little too well!! lol) and in the back there are some snow peas. You can't see them very well, but they are doing so well!! I actually need to get some kind of pole for them to climb! In the fourth pic is our oregano, thyme, coriander and then the
tomatoes. The fifth pic shows the herbs and the tomatoes as well as the garlic and coriander in the herb pot as well as the corriander. Then there is the lettuce and lastly the broccholetti. You can just see the little yellow flowers on the brocholetti! I really thought these would be a goner due to being replanted and having a little ant-rid in the soil. I have to say I am really happy about having these in our garden and I even picked some coriander for my dinner the other night!! Admittedly, I couldn't really taste it that much, but it was nice to know that we grew one of the ingredients!
This coming weekend I have my first (unplanned) red-flag. We are heading down the coast for a couple of days with B's parents. I have no idea what to do! I might try to burn a few extra calories during the week, but other than that, I am unsure what to do. Maybe go for a few walks or something?? No idea... any tips would be most welcome!!!
Another cardio session tonight! Hopefully I can last longer on the cross trainer!! hahaha!!
Friday, 23 September 2011
Getting back into it
Hi All
I had my first pump class last night, and boy oh boy am I feeling it today!!
My whole body aches!!!
Last week when I did pump, I found that a couple of tracks were probably a little bit too easy, so I decided that for my next class (last night) I would up my weights. So, as it was only my first class back, I thought I would just up it slightly on the leg track (I went from 5kg total to 7.5kg total). Then the instructor informed us that there were a couple of tracks that were designed to have heavier weights as there were less reps. So, I did those at the heavier weights too! Overall I burned 371 calories and I had some serious issues trying to walk down the stairs of the gym afterwards!! lol!!
So, while I am tired and exhausted today, I do feel good, but I think that's mostly because I am glad that I went and did it. I have to admit that last night I was hating exercise, and trying to figure out how anyone enjoys it... maybe that will just come with time?
Last night I also watched Mish's 'live' chat last night (my computer was having Flash issues on Wednesday night) and I have to say, I love watching her. She is much funnier than I thought she would be (you know, that cruel trainer on the biggest loser! lol) and while there have only been 2 live videos so far, I am amazed by the timing of them. What she was talking about last night (struggling with the "I want" demons), really hit home for me, as that had been me all week. It made me realise that I'm not alone in dealing with all of this.
Yesterday I redid my Preseason Task 7: Organise & Diarise as the schedule I had set myself just wasn't working for me, and now I think I have made it much more simple. Plus, I am hoping it will fit in with my friend (the one I was telling you had broken her collarbone) so that we can still exercise together :)
so, this is my plan now:
I'm hoping that this will help to keep it all simple and a little less stressful. Plus, (and I can't believe I am about to say this!!) but this way I can do the learn to run program...
Before I go though, I just wanted to say that we had the Not So Naughty Nachos last night and OMG!!!!!!!! SO good!!!!! I actually think that these will also become a favourite too!! There was just so much flavour!!!! I will be having the leftovers for lunch, and then dinner as I will be the only one at home tonight.
Speaking of food, our brand new fridge (which we have had for 2 months) died yesterday :( The thermostat has gone in it. We lost pretty much all the food including the meat in the freezer! Luckily we had a little bar fridge in the garage, so I had to quickly go to the shops last night (in the midst of a chocolate craving no less!!) and pick up some essentials to get us through today until we know what the deal is with the fridge. I am happy to report that I didn't buy or eat any chocolate, although I spent most of the drive to the shops trying to justify it to myself (this was before Mish's video lol) before I just told myself to suck it up. I had already decided before I got there that I wanted to look at the paddle pops or skinny cows to see if I could have something like that as a treat, and I found the Skinny Cow Icecream Sticks (80 calories). I have to make sure I don't have them too often, and only when the cravings are bad and I really need a sweet kick, but they were a lot better than I was expecting!
Ok... so I think that's it for me for now!!
I had my first pump class last night, and boy oh boy am I feeling it today!!
My whole body aches!!!
Last week when I did pump, I found that a couple of tracks were probably a little bit too easy, so I decided that for my next class (last night) I would up my weights. So, as it was only my first class back, I thought I would just up it slightly on the leg track (I went from 5kg total to 7.5kg total). Then the instructor informed us that there were a couple of tracks that were designed to have heavier weights as there were less reps. So, I did those at the heavier weights too! Overall I burned 371 calories and I had some serious issues trying to walk down the stairs of the gym afterwards!! lol!!
So, while I am tired and exhausted today, I do feel good, but I think that's mostly because I am glad that I went and did it. I have to admit that last night I was hating exercise, and trying to figure out how anyone enjoys it... maybe that will just come with time?
Last night I also watched Mish's 'live' chat last night (my computer was having Flash issues on Wednesday night) and I have to say, I love watching her. She is much funnier than I thought she would be (you know, that cruel trainer on the biggest loser! lol) and while there have only been 2 live videos so far, I am amazed by the timing of them. What she was talking about last night (struggling with the "I want" demons), really hit home for me, as that had been me all week. It made me realise that I'm not alone in dealing with all of this.
Yesterday I redid my Preseason Task 7: Organise & Diarise as the schedule I had set myself just wasn't working for me, and now I think I have made it much more simple. Plus, I am hoping it will fit in with my friend (the one I was telling you had broken her collarbone) so that we can still exercise together :)
so, this is my plan now:
| PM | ||
| Monday: | Gym Machine Program | |
| Tuesday: | Group Power (Pump) | |
| Wednesday: | Gym Machine Program | |
| Thursday: | Group Power (Pump) | |
| Friday: | Gym Machine Program (SSS) | |
| Saturday: AM | Centergy |
| Fitness | Toning | Light |
I'm hoping that this will help to keep it all simple and a little less stressful. Plus, (and I can't believe I am about to say this!!) but this way I can do the learn to run program...
Before I go though, I just wanted to say that we had the Not So Naughty Nachos last night and OMG!!!!!!!! SO good!!!!! I actually think that these will also become a favourite too!! There was just so much flavour!!!! I will be having the leftovers for lunch, and then dinner as I will be the only one at home tonight.
Speaking of food, our brand new fridge (which we have had for 2 months) died yesterday :( The thermostat has gone in it. We lost pretty much all the food including the meat in the freezer! Luckily we had a little bar fridge in the garage, so I had to quickly go to the shops last night (in the midst of a chocolate craving no less!!) and pick up some essentials to get us through today until we know what the deal is with the fridge. I am happy to report that I didn't buy or eat any chocolate, although I spent most of the drive to the shops trying to justify it to myself (this was before Mish's video lol) before I just told myself to suck it up. I had already decided before I got there that I wanted to look at the paddle pops or skinny cows to see if I could have something like that as a treat, and I found the Skinny Cow Icecream Sticks (80 calories). I have to make sure I don't have them too often, and only when the cravings are bad and I really need a sweet kick, but they were a lot better than I was expecting!
Ok... so I think that's it for me for now!!
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
Weigh In!!
Today is weigh in day. As you may have read from my previous posts, I have been struggling with the program, mostly because I have been sick and wanting comfort foods. I haven't been able to exercise because of being sick, but I am very happy to tell you all that this week I have lost 2.2kg!!!
I was so surprised this morning to see 93.9 on the scales that I actually got off, and tried again! It's great to see that even just sticking to the food has done that much work!!!
I have decided tonight I am going to jump back on the xbox and do a cardio workout by doing the dance central game. I did this last week, but was only able to do half an hour before I felt like I was going to pass out. I want to give it another go now that I am feeling a little better. As a bonus, B won't be home to watch me being so unco! lol Because it has been a week since I exercised, I seem to have lost my exercise mojo and now CBF doing it... but I know I just need to do something to get me started. I am also considering looking into the Zumba game for the xbox. I have it for the Wii, but I much prefer the kinect.
We are heading out to the movies tonight, so I will have a think about what we will do food wise while we are there. Popcorn will be out, but I might have a diet coke or something. I love popcorn and chocolate at the movies, so this will be a bit of a challenge.
Also, as it is now week 2, we had another weekly challenge, which was a nutrition quiz. I only got 8/10. I got a question wrong about alcohol (I don't drink any of the alcohol mentioned so that didn't help) and I also got the popcorn vs choc top question wrong. I haven't done my 20 punishment push ups yet, I should do them tonight! lol
Last night we tried the Spaghetti Bolognaise with Lentils. I quite liked it, although I have a feeling it would taste even better if the lentils weren't out of a can lol. I am having the left overs for lunch today. This week I rewrote the menu plan as there was actually a fair bit on there that really just didn't appeal to me (or to B) and as B is missing his meat, we are trying a few new meals, such as nachos, meatballs and Mexican meat pie.
That's all from me for now. Really should do some work! lol
I was so surprised this morning to see 93.9 on the scales that I actually got off, and tried again! It's great to see that even just sticking to the food has done that much work!!!
I have decided tonight I am going to jump back on the xbox and do a cardio workout by doing the dance central game. I did this last week, but was only able to do half an hour before I felt like I was going to pass out. I want to give it another go now that I am feeling a little better. As a bonus, B won't be home to watch me being so unco! lol Because it has been a week since I exercised, I seem to have lost my exercise mojo and now CBF doing it... but I know I just need to do something to get me started. I am also considering looking into the Zumba game for the xbox. I have it for the Wii, but I much prefer the kinect.
We are heading out to the movies tonight, so I will have a think about what we will do food wise while we are there. Popcorn will be out, but I might have a diet coke or something. I love popcorn and chocolate at the movies, so this will be a bit of a challenge.
Also, as it is now week 2, we had another weekly challenge, which was a nutrition quiz. I only got 8/10. I got a question wrong about alcohol (I don't drink any of the alcohol mentioned so that didn't help) and I also got the popcorn vs choc top question wrong. I haven't done my 20 punishment push ups yet, I should do them tonight! lol
Last night we tried the Spaghetti Bolognaise with Lentils. I quite liked it, although I have a feeling it would taste even better if the lentils weren't out of a can lol. I am having the left overs for lunch today. This week I rewrote the menu plan as there was actually a fair bit on there that really just didn't appeal to me (or to B) and as B is missing his meat, we are trying a few new meals, such as nachos, meatballs and Mexican meat pie.
That's all from me for now. Really should do some work! lol
Monday, 19 September 2011
MIA - I'm still here!
I know I have been MIA, but that's because I have actually been pretty ill. I have had 2 days off work, and been sleeping a lot to try and get my body to heal. I have gone through 2 bottles of cough mixture and been to the doctors and am now on anti-biotics.
My eating has been ok overall. I have been a bit mopey and wanting to have the un-healthy comfort foods I usually want, but haven't given in. I don't think I have stuck to the 1200 calories over the last few days, but I think all things considered I have done ok.
Exercise wise, I felt guilty that I haven't done much, but on Friday I thought I would do a little cardio... 30 minutes later I thought I was going to pass out and felt so light headed. So, I listened and didn't push my body. On Sunday we went for a quick walk to the shops (which is only a block away) and I was exhausted by the time we got there.
I am back at work today, still not feeling 100% but I am getting there. I might try to do something this afternoon, but will just see how I go and won't push it too hard.
I do have to admit that I have been struggling a lot mentally with the program. I'm not sure if it was just because I have been sick, but I really couldn't be bothered sticking with it. In saying that, I did pretty well and didn't have a blow out which is an achievement.
I just hope I get my mojo back soon... I'm sad that it's only the start of week 2 and I have had enough already :(
My eating has been ok overall. I have been a bit mopey and wanting to have the un-healthy comfort foods I usually want, but haven't given in. I don't think I have stuck to the 1200 calories over the last few days, but I think all things considered I have done ok.
Exercise wise, I felt guilty that I haven't done much, but on Friday I thought I would do a little cardio... 30 minutes later I thought I was going to pass out and felt so light headed. So, I listened and didn't push my body. On Sunday we went for a quick walk to the shops (which is only a block away) and I was exhausted by the time we got there.
I am back at work today, still not feeling 100% but I am getting there. I might try to do something this afternoon, but will just see how I go and won't push it too hard.
I do have to admit that I have been struggling a lot mentally with the program. I'm not sure if it was just because I have been sick, but I really couldn't be bothered sticking with it. In saying that, I did pretty well and didn't have a blow out which is an achievement.
I just hope I get my mojo back soon... I'm sad that it's only the start of week 2 and I have had enough already :(
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Weigh In Day!
Yes, that's right, today is weigh in day! I have been reading a lot of posts on the forums, facebook and on blogs that people have been losing up to and over 3kg!! How exciting!!
For me this week, I lost 400g. Now while this number does seem small, I am actually really happy with it! The reason behind this is, since my official weigh in last Thursday, I didn't actually stop eating crap and I didn't exercise. On top of this, on Saturday night I had my birthday party where there was alcohol, caramel tart, a bbq and I ate quite a lot!! I do know that at one stage on the weekend I weighed myself at 87.4kg! Which, if you compare my weigh in to that, I have actually lost 1.3kg, but hey, who is counting :P hahahaha!!
Anyway, quick little update, yesterday I had the most amazing dinner!! OMG! It is definately one of my favourites!! I have put the pic that my partner sent to me yesterday after he made it. It's the Char-grilled Beef with Avocado and Corn Salsa. I wasn't sure how I would like it, but it was just sooooo yummy and by far my favourite dish so far! It was such a great mix of flavours and the capsicum and corn were so nice and sweet. I actually ate this while watching Michelle do her first live chat. It was great watching her, she was so funny! I did find that a lot of the questions she was asked were asked on the forums, or were things that you could google, but then I suppose some people just aren't as tech-savy (not having a go, just an observation :) lol).
Last night Carrie and I gave the boxing class a go. We made it through half the class. It is an amazing workout, but I am not sure if I could make it through a full class. We stopped as Carrie has a hip injury which was aggravated last night, so we ducked out of the class and walked on the treadmills and then headed upstairs to stretch. I love stretching my lower back. I love the feeling of it! Anyway, all in all I burned 506 calories in the hour.
I also have a confession for yesterday. I wasn't sure if I should write it, but I will just to keep me accountable. I did own up to my boyfriend almost as soon as I walked in the door last night, but yesterday I found a time out in my fridge at my old flat (currently in the process of moving) and before I knew it I had justified it to myself and it was in my mouth! And it was only Day 2!! Anyway, it's done, it's gone and there is no more chocolate in either fridge... On a positive note, I did go into maccas yesterday and got a coffee... no food or anything like that even though I was a little peckish. I have to say though, my skim latte really hit the spot and I didn't really feel like snacking after that, so I might keep that in mind for another low calorie snack.
Today Carrie and I are going to do a Power (pump) class. I am so excited!! For a few reasons:
For me this week, I lost 400g. Now while this number does seem small, I am actually really happy with it! The reason behind this is, since my official weigh in last Thursday, I didn't actually stop eating crap and I didn't exercise. On top of this, on Saturday night I had my birthday party where there was alcohol, caramel tart, a bbq and I ate quite a lot!! I do know that at one stage on the weekend I weighed myself at 87.4kg! Which, if you compare my weigh in to that, I have actually lost 1.3kg, but hey, who is counting :P hahahaha!!
Last night Carrie and I gave the boxing class a go. We made it through half the class. It is an amazing workout, but I am not sure if I could make it through a full class. We stopped as Carrie has a hip injury which was aggravated last night, so we ducked out of the class and walked on the treadmills and then headed upstairs to stretch. I love stretching my lower back. I love the feeling of it! Anyway, all in all I burned 506 calories in the hour.
I also have a confession for yesterday. I wasn't sure if I should write it, but I will just to keep me accountable. I did own up to my boyfriend almost as soon as I walked in the door last night, but yesterday I found a time out in my fridge at my old flat (currently in the process of moving) and before I knew it I had justified it to myself and it was in my mouth! And it was only Day 2!! Anyway, it's done, it's gone and there is no more chocolate in either fridge... On a positive note, I did go into maccas yesterday and got a coffee... no food or anything like that even though I was a little peckish. I have to say though, my skim latte really hit the spot and I didn't really feel like snacking after that, so I might keep that in mind for another low calorie snack.
Today Carrie and I are going to do a Power (pump) class. I am so excited!! For a few reasons:
- This is my favourite class
- It's fun
- It's on at 4.30pm which means I can be home earlier
- I love doing weights
- I love clean & presses lol
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Blogger Challenge: Introduce Yourself
Blogger Challenge Started by Courage 2 Start
1. Describe yourself in 25 words or less. You can get straight to the point - or bring your creativity into play.
Hardcore knitter, dietician wannabe, sci-fi freak, coffee addict, family-oriented and avid traveler.
2. What brings you to 12wbt? Getting fitter? Losing weight? (Gaining weight??) Are you first timer, a repeat offender??
I want to lose weight, tone up, be happier and healthier. I want to be able to wear what I want... including a bikini!
3. Why do you blog??
I have never really been able to stick to a blog before, but all of a sudden I seem to be wanting to keep updating this one. I find that doing this keeps me accountable, but also is keeping me interested. Somehow, this time it seems to be sticking, which makes me feel even more positive in regards to the journey ahead. I also have a knitting blog where I talk about what I have been working on.
4. Who is your biggest inspiration in life and why (doesn't have to be weight loss)
To be honest, I have no idea... I guess I would have to say my Nana. She is over 80 now and is still active in every sense of the word. She is always on the go. She walks every day, lives on her own and lives her life how she wants to.
5. What things in life bring you the most joy?
Knowing that I am happy... it sounds so corny, but I just love those moments where I know how happy I am. Other than that, spending time with my boyfriend, he makes me so incredibly happy and I love the feeling of accomplishment when I finish something. This can be for when I finish a knitting project or even when I can finish a 1km run/fitness test that I didn't think I could do!
6.What do you think your greatest challenge is going to be this round?
Staying committed. Avoiding chocolate and keeping the sense of "I can do this!". It's going to be hard to try and keep the enthusiasm up enough to avoid all of the foods that I love that cause me trouble (like chocolate)
7. What are you most excited about 12wbt?
I am excited about reaching a goal and completing it and being healthier and fitter at the end.
8. And what scares the pants off you?
In regards to the 12WBT? Failing!! Screwing it all up and still being fat and unfit and pigging out on chocolate at the end of the 12 weeks lol
9. Tell me - right now - today - how do you feel about exercise in no more than 10 words
GAH!!!! love/hate relationship! excited and scared!
10. Complete this sentence - in 12 weeks time - on the last day of 12wbt I am going to be feeling FANTASTIC! I will be healthier, happier and fitter and have so much energy I will be bouncing around the room!
1. Describe yourself in 25 words or less. You can get straight to the point - or bring your creativity into play.
Hardcore knitter, dietician wannabe, sci-fi freak, coffee addict, family-oriented and avid traveler.
2. What brings you to 12wbt? Getting fitter? Losing weight? (Gaining weight??) Are you first timer, a repeat offender??
I want to lose weight, tone up, be happier and healthier. I want to be able to wear what I want... including a bikini!
3. Why do you blog??
I have never really been able to stick to a blog before, but all of a sudden I seem to be wanting to keep updating this one. I find that doing this keeps me accountable, but also is keeping me interested. Somehow, this time it seems to be sticking, which makes me feel even more positive in regards to the journey ahead. I also have a knitting blog where I talk about what I have been working on.
4. Who is your biggest inspiration in life and why (doesn't have to be weight loss)
To be honest, I have no idea... I guess I would have to say my Nana. She is over 80 now and is still active in every sense of the word. She is always on the go. She walks every day, lives on her own and lives her life how she wants to.
5. What things in life bring you the most joy?
Knowing that I am happy... it sounds so corny, but I just love those moments where I know how happy I am. Other than that, spending time with my boyfriend, he makes me so incredibly happy and I love the feeling of accomplishment when I finish something. This can be for when I finish a knitting project or even when I can finish a 1km run/fitness test that I didn't think I could do!
6.What do you think your greatest challenge is going to be this round?
Staying committed. Avoiding chocolate and keeping the sense of "I can do this!". It's going to be hard to try and keep the enthusiasm up enough to avoid all of the foods that I love that cause me trouble (like chocolate)
7. What are you most excited about 12wbt?
I am excited about reaching a goal and completing it and being healthier and fitter at the end.
8. And what scares the pants off you?
In regards to the 12WBT? Failing!! Screwing it all up and still being fat and unfit and pigging out on chocolate at the end of the 12 weeks lol
9. Tell me - right now - today - how do you feel about exercise in no more than 10 words
GAH!!!! love/hate relationship! excited and scared!
10. Complete this sentence - in 12 weeks time - on the last day of 12wbt I am going to be feeling FANTASTIC! I will be healthier, happier and fitter and have so much energy I will be bouncing around the room!
Day 2 - It has well and truely started!
Well, here we are!! Day 2!! I thought I would give a little bit of a recap on how my first day on the program was :)
First thing I did in the morning was to get up and make my breakfast (I know that below it said that I was sposed to go and do my hook up class at 6am, but I will explain that in a second). I didn't have my blender unpacked, but that wasn't going to deter me, so I decided I would make the cous cous with apple and cinnamon. My wonderful boyfriend was brave enough to try it with me... however we both agreed it was quite bland and disapointing... so we had cereal instead. However, we tried it and gave it a go, so that's a point in my book :)
Morning tea I had a snack of sultanas, and I also worked out that I can have a coffee as well. So that was good. I didn't feel full but I wasn't necessarily hungry, so that was ok. Onto lunch, it was the curried egg sandwich (although I forgot the curry in the shopping lol) with alfalfa on soy and linseed (burgen) and OMG!! So yummy and filling!!
I made it to 2.30pm before having my afternoon snack of cheese on vita-weats and then after that I was starving!!!! Not as in hunger that I could ignore, but as in painful and it felt like my stomach was going to eat my insides!! I didn't know what to do!! I didn't want to just eat anything, and I wanted to be good and not go over the 1200 calories, but I also knew that at that stage of hunger I would have stopped at maccas on the way home and blown it all... and then I remembered the little fruit cup of weight watchers peaches that I had left in the fridge at work and luckily enough it was only 36 calories - exactly the amount I had left to make it up to my 1200 calorie allowance! SCORE! This tiny little cup of magical goodness gave me just that little bit extra to tide me over until dinner. I was able to go to the gym and make it until dinner - didn't even consider maccas on the way home (it's next door to the gym - how unfair is that?!)
Dinner was really good! I don't usually like tomatoes, but the cherry ones we had last night were really good!! The Chicken with Herbed Yoghurt and Salad was really nice. It was kinda tangy which was good. I am having this today for lunch. After dinner, I did have a cuppa and half a yoghurt, so I did go over slightly, but overall I am proud of how well I did food wise for the first day.
For exercise, Carrie and I did the Group Active class at the gym. I know that my preseason task was to diarise and organise my work out sessions, however, what I didn't think of was having a partner for the Hook Up session - which is in the morning where I would have had to go on my own. So, Carrie and I need to workout what we are doing together and whether or not we break it up by not doing a gym class but something else instead. However, for now, tonight we are trying the boxing class :) After last night's class, both Carrie and I agreed that we aren't ready for a full on step class, so I am happy to stick with the Active class for now and maybe do the learn to run program as an extra workout.
Anyway, the Active class was a lot of fun. It's a combination of step, pump and core. In the hour I burned 462 calories and I was so puffed during the step part! I wasn't too unco either!! BONUS!! The pump part of it pushed me as I wasn't used to using the hand weights instead of a barbell, but it was also really good (I had 2.5kg in each hand). I'm not sure how well I did in the core section. I tried to follow it all and do it all, but I just can't seem to get much movement going and I don't feel like I am engaging the muscles the way I am supposed to.
The picture of my lunch above is from yesterday, and as you can see, it doesn't seem to be much. So today, I switched it around a little and the picture to the right is my lunch today. I have a couple of extra snacks that I can work into the 1200 calories as well as a couple of cups of coffee. For breakfast I had porridge (as I still hadn't pulled out the blender) and I love how much it fills me up. For dinner tonight we are having Char-grilled Beef with Avocado and Corn Salsa. It looks so yummy!!
Oh and yesterday the Finale was announced for the 10th December in Sydney. So that has also given me something extra to shoot for. It would be nice to be able to keep up in the workout that happens with Michelle. It also makes me wonder what kind of dress I could fit into in 12 weeks...
First thing I did in the morning was to get up and make my breakfast (I know that below it said that I was sposed to go and do my hook up class at 6am, but I will explain that in a second). I didn't have my blender unpacked, but that wasn't going to deter me, so I decided I would make the cous cous with apple and cinnamon. My wonderful boyfriend was brave enough to try it with me... however we both agreed it was quite bland and disapointing... so we had cereal instead. However, we tried it and gave it a go, so that's a point in my book :)
Morning tea I had a snack of sultanas, and I also worked out that I can have a coffee as well. So that was good. I didn't feel full but I wasn't necessarily hungry, so that was ok. Onto lunch, it was the curried egg sandwich (although I forgot the curry in the shopping lol) with alfalfa on soy and linseed (burgen) and OMG!! So yummy and filling!!
Dinner was really good! I don't usually like tomatoes, but the cherry ones we had last night were really good!! The Chicken with Herbed Yoghurt and Salad was really nice. It was kinda tangy which was good. I am having this today for lunch. After dinner, I did have a cuppa and half a yoghurt, so I did go over slightly, but overall I am proud of how well I did food wise for the first day.
For exercise, Carrie and I did the Group Active class at the gym. I know that my preseason task was to diarise and organise my work out sessions, however, what I didn't think of was having a partner for the Hook Up session - which is in the morning where I would have had to go on my own. So, Carrie and I need to workout what we are doing together and whether or not we break it up by not doing a gym class but something else instead. However, for now, tonight we are trying the boxing class :) After last night's class, both Carrie and I agreed that we aren't ready for a full on step class, so I am happy to stick with the Active class for now and maybe do the learn to run program as an extra workout.
Oh and yesterday the Finale was announced for the 10th December in Sydney. So that has also given me something extra to shoot for. It would be nice to be able to keep up in the workout that happens with Michelle. It also makes me wonder what kind of dress I could fit into in 12 weeks...
Monday, 12 September 2011
Task 6: Kitchen Makeover
Whoops!!!!
Forgot that I hadn't posted about this! We did this task (by we, I mean my boyfriend and I) on Friday night. We did did a little out of order, simply because things have been hectic and we needed the convenience over the last couple of weeks.
However, as of Friday night, we got our Week 1 food delivered by woolies. We have been converted to online ordering. I think it costs a little more, but it is soooooo convenient!! We don't have to walk up and down the aisles or wait in queues or have tempting foods sneak their way into the trolley. I actually really enjoy doing the grocery shopping, and thought I would miss it, but at this stage, I don't at all!
Anyway, back onto the task. The point of this one was to go through the cupboards, fridge and freezer and throw out all of the processed junk that has managed to worm it's way into our lives. I have to admit that we didn't need to throw out much which was good, and a few things did stay, but these were things for my partner, and mostly stuff that I don't eat anyway, so it worked out well.
Our cupboards are now full of "Mish Approved Foods" and our fridge looks incredibly green and leafy. I can't wait to really get cooking with it all.
What I really love about having the shopping list and meal plans is that at the end of the week we should have little to no food wastage - which I love!!!
On a random side note, I came across a couple of interesting pages which I don't want to lose the links to, so in case you are interested, here they are
Geometry Clothing - clothing for women to help hide those wobbly bits
Simply No Knead - Bread making at it's finest!
Forgot that I hadn't posted about this! We did this task (by we, I mean my boyfriend and I) on Friday night. We did did a little out of order, simply because things have been hectic and we needed the convenience over the last couple of weeks.
However, as of Friday night, we got our Week 1 food delivered by woolies. We have been converted to online ordering. I think it costs a little more, but it is soooooo convenient!! We don't have to walk up and down the aisles or wait in queues or have tempting foods sneak their way into the trolley. I actually really enjoy doing the grocery shopping, and thought I would miss it, but at this stage, I don't at all!
Anyway, back onto the task. The point of this one was to go through the cupboards, fridge and freezer and throw out all of the processed junk that has managed to worm it's way into our lives. I have to admit that we didn't need to throw out much which was good, and a few things did stay, but these were things for my partner, and mostly stuff that I don't eat anyway, so it worked out well.
Our cupboards are now full of "Mish Approved Foods" and our fridge looks incredibly green and leafy. I can't wait to really get cooking with it all.
What I really love about having the shopping list and meal plans is that at the end of the week we should have little to no food wastage - which I love!!!
On a random side note, I came across a couple of interesting pages which I don't want to lose the links to, so in case you are interested, here they are
Geometry Clothing - clothing for women to help hide those wobbly bits
Simply No Knead - Bread making at it's finest!
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Week 1 Surprise: Fitness Test
Week 1 starts tomorrow, and we had a fitness test that we had to do. I did mine today and you won't believe it - I am in the intermediate category!! Who would have thought?! I am so happy with my results - at least at this stage of the game! I thought I might have been in the beginner category.
In the 1km run, we went to the local oval, and I did it in 7 minutes 21 seconds, which is in the intermediate category. I didnt struggle with this as much as I thought. It was hard but it really wasn't as bad as I was dreading. I wasn't able to run the whole way, but I jogged for most of it, and only walked twice and it wasn't for long overall.
For the push up test, in 1 minute I did 23 push ups and they hurt!!! By the end of it, I really struggled to get those last few out. Compared with the push up test I did at the gym a few weeks ago, I did all of these at stage 2 (on my knees, but with my knees further back). These results were also in the intermediate category, so I am happy with that.
The wall sit REALLY hurt!! Sadly, I was only able to manage 13 seconds before my knees started to really hurt as well as my thighs. This is something that I am hoping to improve on as the beginner category is 59 seconds or less... and I would say I failed lol! I would like to at least be able to be closer to the 59 second mark.
As I expected, I completely failed the abs test... I couldn't even get my wrists to knees!!! So, this is my other beginner category. But as I said, I was expecting this, and this is why it is one of my goals to build up my core muscles. I am curious if this is one of the reasons why I couldn't lose much weight off my tummy area when I was closer to my goal weight. I know that it isn't possible to spot reduce, but I had no 'structure' there to help with it at all.
The last test had to do with flexibility, with this I also got an intermediate level. My measurement for this was -4cm, meaning my fingertips were 4cm from my toes when I was trying to reach for them. People who can reach past their toes would be in the positive. I am hoping that one day I will be flexible enough to do this.
Overall, I did much better than I was expecting, and I am quite happy with the results. I really do want to work on my core muscles, I need to learn to stop ignoring them. We have Your Shape Fitness Eveloved for the Xbox as well as the EA Sports Active 2. I am hoping that I will be able to put together a core workout together on these to help me out.
One other thing I loved about doing this fitness test was how involved my partner was in it all. It was great to see him take an interest in it and wanting to see how he faired with the tests as well. He even took the pics of me running lol! Hope u like them haha!
In the 1km run, we went to the local oval, and I did it in 7 minutes 21 seconds, which is in the intermediate category. I didnt struggle with this as much as I thought. It was hard but it really wasn't as bad as I was dreading. I wasn't able to run the whole way, but I jogged for most of it, and only walked twice and it wasn't for long overall.
For the push up test, in 1 minute I did 23 push ups and they hurt!!! By the end of it, I really struggled to get those last few out. Compared with the push up test I did at the gym a few weeks ago, I did all of these at stage 2 (on my knees, but with my knees further back). These results were also in the intermediate category, so I am happy with that.
The wall sit REALLY hurt!! Sadly, I was only able to manage 13 seconds before my knees started to really hurt as well as my thighs. This is something that I am hoping to improve on as the beginner category is 59 seconds or less... and I would say I failed lol! I would like to at least be able to be closer to the 59 second mark.
As I expected, I completely failed the abs test... I couldn't even get my wrists to knees!!! So, this is my other beginner category. But as I said, I was expecting this, and this is why it is one of my goals to build up my core muscles. I am curious if this is one of the reasons why I couldn't lose much weight off my tummy area when I was closer to my goal weight. I know that it isn't possible to spot reduce, but I had no 'structure' there to help with it at all.
Overall, I did much better than I was expecting, and I am quite happy with the results. I really do want to work on my core muscles, I need to learn to stop ignoring them. We have Your Shape Fitness Eveloved for the Xbox as well as the EA Sports Active 2. I am hoping that I will be able to put together a core workout together on these to help me out.
One other thing I loved about doing this fitness test was how involved my partner was in it all. It was great to see him take an interest in it and wanting to see how he faired with the tests as well. He even took the pics of me running lol! Hope u like them haha!
Thursday, 8 September 2011
Task 8: Measure Up
Well, here we go! It's the first official weigh in of the 12WBT! Sadly, the weight has crept up over the preseason, but I don't want to focus on this, I want to focus on how much my body is going to transform over the next 12 weeks from all of the hard work I will be putting into it from exercise and eating right!
I have taken my before photo (very confronting and all kinds of rolls that I didn't know that I had) I think it will be awesome to see how much my body can (and will!) change over the next 12 weeks. I have also done up my measurements (below) so I can track how much this changes too.
We got our shopping list and meal plans for the upcoming week. Brian and I sat down tonight and placed our grocery order. It was really reasonably priced overall. We had a few extra things on the list, but it came to about $175, which I think is pretty good considering it's the initial shop and there would be a few things that we didn't have in the cupboard. The recipes looked really good! There wasn't really anything that I turned my nose up at, although there were a couple of interesting dishes. I think because I have gone into it open minded, I am more willing and likely to try new things. I have noticed a few people on the forums seem to be turning their noses up at the food before they had seen it. I used to be a really fussy eater, and I know how hard it was for me then when I didn't eat what was on offer, however I think that the only way I got over that was to retrain my taste buds and to keep trying new things. I really hope that they can get as much out of the program as possible.
There is also a fitness test that needs to be done. I had planned on doing it at the gym, but Mish wants us to do it unaided (ie that we are running on our own, not having a machine set at a certain speed to aid us). There are also some push ups, sit ups (if you remember from my PT session, I struggled with both!) theses weird sitting reach things, wall sits... i think thats it... as well as the 1km run (omg!!) I am so nervous about the run! 1km is quite a lot! We worked out that if I ran around the local football field (about a 5 min walk away from our house) I would need to run around it one and a half times... thats a lot!! I don't think I will be able to run the whole thing, but as Mish said, I just need to do it, it doesn't matter if I run, walk or crawl it, I just need to finish it.
Tomorrow night, the grocery shop will arrive so I will try to remember to take some pics of our healthy foods and I would also like to do the fitness test so that it is done and out of the way.
I have taken my before photo (very confronting and all kinds of rolls that I didn't know that I had) I think it will be awesome to see how much my body can (and will!) change over the next 12 weeks. I have also done up my measurements (below) so I can track how much this changes too.
Week 1
Thursday 8 September
Thursday 8 September
| Change | Total Loss | ||
| Weight: | 96.5kg | n/a | n/a |
| Arms: | 29.5cm | n/a | n/a |
| Bust: | 114cm | n/a | n/a |
| Waist: | 123.5cm | n/a | n/a |
| Hips: | 124.5cm | n/a | n/a |
| R Thigh: | 58.5cm | n/a | n/a |
| L Thigh: | 58.5cm | n/a | n/a |
We got our shopping list and meal plans for the upcoming week. Brian and I sat down tonight and placed our grocery order. It was really reasonably priced overall. We had a few extra things on the list, but it came to about $175, which I think is pretty good considering it's the initial shop and there would be a few things that we didn't have in the cupboard. The recipes looked really good! There wasn't really anything that I turned my nose up at, although there were a couple of interesting dishes. I think because I have gone into it open minded, I am more willing and likely to try new things. I have noticed a few people on the forums seem to be turning their noses up at the food before they had seen it. I used to be a really fussy eater, and I know how hard it was for me then when I didn't eat what was on offer, however I think that the only way I got over that was to retrain my taste buds and to keep trying new things. I really hope that they can get as much out of the program as possible.
There is also a fitness test that needs to be done. I had planned on doing it at the gym, but Mish wants us to do it unaided (ie that we are running on our own, not having a machine set at a certain speed to aid us). There are also some push ups, sit ups (if you remember from my PT session, I struggled with both!) theses weird sitting reach things, wall sits... i think thats it... as well as the 1km run (omg!!) I am so nervous about the run! 1km is quite a lot! We worked out that if I ran around the local football field (about a 5 min walk away from our house) I would need to run around it one and a half times... thats a lot!! I don't think I will be able to run the whole thing, but as Mish said, I just need to do it, it doesn't matter if I run, walk or crawl it, I just need to finish it.
Tomorrow night, the grocery shop will arrive so I will try to remember to take some pics of our healthy foods and I would also like to do the fitness test so that it is done and out of the way.
Task 7: Organise and Diarise
Here is task 7 (yes, I know, before task 6 is completed! lol). This task is built on from my commitment task where I have to commit to my exercise plans by organising and diarising my time for exercising - 6 times a week where I need to burn 500 calories each time except one day where I need to burn 1000 calories to make up for my 1 day off. I have had a look at my gym schedule for classes, as I find that I tend to work out harder in a class than I do on my own, however that said, if it comes to it, I am prepared no, committed to working out at home or on the gym floor if needs be.
Below, is my ideal workout schedule, however I haven't tried all of these classes before, so if I don't like one, I may need to reorganise it all. I also need to make sure that what I have planned will work with my friend who I am doing the 12WBT with, so we have decided that after Saturday's Centergy class, we will get a coffee and look at our upcoming week to make sure that we can work with each other. To start with, Michelle has laid out our workouts as:
As well as the regular exercise component, there is also needing to look at milestones at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks. I have set these to correspond with my goals as follows:
As you can see, I don't have a milestone at this stage for my 12 week mark. Some people are setting marathons, some are using the end of round workout with Michelle, but for me, I really like the idea of doing something I have always wanted to do, but never done, whether it's because I have been too big, not had anyone to do it with or just sheer laziness. Once it is locked into the calendar, that's it! I have even been trying to narrow it down even more and pick which bushwalk to do! Michelle does say to make it specific! lol So, it has been decided that I will do the Devil's Gap walk at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (here is a pdf of the walking tours). It is 6km, at 2 hours (moderate level) and this is what the brochure has to say about it:
I was a little concerned that the paddleboating milestone wouldn't be 'enough' and that maybe it was too much of a reward than a milestone/challenge, but my boyfriend assured me that it's a definite workout and can be quite hard to do! So, all those pump classes should come in handy at this point in time as I will really need my legs for this. I have added this to my calendar for Saturday 5th November.
The other thing that needs to be added to the diary are the red flag days. These are days where something is on, such as a party, or travelling or something which can trip you up. The point of doing this is to ensure that these days don't become a major blow out and to teach us to prepare for events like this by either modifying our eating patterns or adding in an additional exercise - or both! For me, I am quite lucky in the sense that I don't really have anything planned. All of the family birthday's are done, Christmas isn't until after the 12WBT, and the only thing that we currently have locked in is a trip up to Sydney for the Harry Potter Exhibition in November, so I have asked my boyfriend when we go up there if we can try to get a hotel with a gym, or I might actually just get a casual pass for a gym up there. The other alternative is that I might fit in an extra workout before we go up, that way I won't need to worry about it at all over the weekend.
Well, this post definitely turned into a novel, but is was SO FUN to plan and organise it all!! I can't wait to do my bushwalk now!!! Better get to the gym and start getting fitter!!
Below, is my ideal workout schedule, however I haven't tried all of these classes before, so if I don't like one, I may need to reorganise it all. I also need to make sure that what I have planned will work with my friend who I am doing the 12WBT with, so we have decided that after Saturday's Centergy class, we will get a coffee and look at our upcoming week to make sure that we can work with each other. To start with, Michelle has laid out our workouts as:
- 3 days of Fitness
- 2 days of Toning
- 1 day of light fitness, core and stretch
| AM | PM | |
| Monday: | Hook Up | |
| Tuesday: | Group Power | |
| Wednesday: | Centergy | Group Step |
| Thursday: | Group Kick | |
| Friday: | Group Power | |
| Saturday: | Centergy |
| Fitness | Toning | Light |
As well as the regular exercise component, there is also needing to look at milestones at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks. I have set these to correspond with my goals as follows:
- 4 weeks - go for a bushwalk in a national park
- 8 weeks - go paddle boating
- 12 weeks - undecided
As you can see, I don't have a milestone at this stage for my 12 week mark. Some people are setting marathons, some are using the end of round workout with Michelle, but for me, I really like the idea of doing something I have always wanted to do, but never done, whether it's because I have been too big, not had anyone to do it with or just sheer laziness. Once it is locked into the calendar, that's it! I have even been trying to narrow it down even more and pick which bushwalk to do! Michelle does say to make it specific! lol So, it has been decided that I will do the Devil's Gap walk at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (here is a pdf of the walking tours). It is 6km, at 2 hours (moderate level) and this is what the brochure has to say about it:I can't believe I am about to say this, but I am pumped to do this challenge, and you know what?! I have diarised it for Sunday 9th September to do with my awesome partner.A short but steep walk up the fire trail through dry mountain eucalypt forest. The walk ends at the boundary gate and returns along the same trail.
The other thing that needs to be added to the diary are the red flag days. These are days where something is on, such as a party, or travelling or something which can trip you up. The point of doing this is to ensure that these days don't become a major blow out and to teach us to prepare for events like this by either modifying our eating patterns or adding in an additional exercise - or both! For me, I am quite lucky in the sense that I don't really have anything planned. All of the family birthday's are done, Christmas isn't until after the 12WBT, and the only thing that we currently have locked in is a trip up to Sydney for the Harry Potter Exhibition in November, so I have asked my boyfriend when we go up there if we can try to get a hotel with a gym, or I might actually just get a casual pass for a gym up there. The other alternative is that I might fit in an extra workout before we go up, that way I won't need to worry about it at all over the weekend.
Well, this post definitely turned into a novel, but is was SO FUN to plan and organise it all!! I can't wait to do my bushwalk now!!! Better get to the gym and start getting fitter!!
Shopping List
Today we get our week 1 shopping list and program! I can't wait!! It's so weird to be excited about doing the grocery shop, but I really am.
I am a little nervous about what the meals will be like. Will I like them? Will the foods be very different?
I have heard that the meals are so tasty, and I have heard it a few times that they are quick and easy to prepare, so that's good too...
Hopefully they will be out around lunch time today - can't wait to see it all!!
I am a little nervous about what the meals will be like. Will I like them? Will the foods be very different?
I have heard that the meals are so tasty, and I have heard it a few times that they are quick and easy to prepare, so that's good too...
Hopefully they will be out around lunch time today - can't wait to see it all!!
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Bits and Pieces of News
Ok, so I was just thinking of all of the little things I have been meaning to share... and haven't quite made it here yet! lol
- I went to my first CapitalPunishment workout on Saturday morning! I wasn't looking forward to exercising (funny that!) but really wanted to meet some of my fellow 12WBTers. What a great bunch!!! We walked part way around the lake, then did a circuit and walked back, where we then had breakfast. Not only did I burn 639 calories that morning, but I went on to burn a further 600 calories that afternoon at netball (last game of the season)!
- While netball has now finished, I am considering taking up the twilight season. To be honest, I don't know why... all season I was groaning about having to go and play netball and about how much I didn't want to go or that I wouldn't be playing next year... but I think I will... I think it will be better knowing that I am actually doing something, plus I will be healthier and fitter by then so it shouldn't be such a struggle!
I bought some boxing gloves and target pads (is that what they are called?!) Got them from Big W on sale for $20 a set! I haven't tested them out yet, but I am looking forward to it! There is another CapitalPunishment session on this weekend, but it's boxing - so I should be able to use them there!!
- I also bought some workout/weights gloves for pump classes. I remember a couple of years ago when I was doing it regularly I was getting callouses and "man hands" as they were called on the 12WBT forums. Because I loved pump so much last time, I'm sure I will again this time, so I thought it would be a great investment. I'm sure it's going to make me look like a serious pump addict, but I don't care! lol I just love pump!!
- I bought a 1 hour photo shoot voucher from Living Social deals as an end of round goal/treat. It was only $50 and includes 2 photos! I thought it would be a great incentive!
- I have been on a book buying spree where I picked up a copy of Michelle Bridge's Losing the Last 5 Kilos - so now I have all of her books as well as a great selection of recipes and a great resource!
- The PT at the gym we have been going to has put together a 'partner' program for my friend and I, so that we can work out together. We are going back today to get flogged by the PT - first time ever... a little scary, but last week we had a quick run through to program and it was actually fun!!! Who would have thought?!
That's about all the godd and tid bits from me for the moment, but hopefully that has brought us mostly up to date!
I can't wait for Monday! I want to get started, so I think I will just have to get my shit together and get all the bits and pieces sorted before then so that I can give it as much attention as possible! I can't believe as of next week I will be working out 6 times a week!! woah!
Falling behind
I'm falling behind in my preseason tasks. I really need to sit down and do tasks 6-8 (8 came out this morning, but I am kinda looking forward to it!)
With task 6 I need to clean out the cupboard and fridge. I haven't really pushed this yet as we have only just moved into our place and tbh, we don't have that much food there... plus I knew that we would be time poor this week (as I mentioned in the last post) so we wouldn't be ready to start until Monday. It's a lame excuse, but there it is lol
Task 7 I need to set some milestones (I have the 2 mini ones, but no big one) and diarise my workout schedule - which admittedly is kinda hard as I don't know if I will like all of the classes I have picked and it's also a little difficult trying to come up with a schedule when you plan to go to the gym with someone else, but it's getting there.
Task 8 is to measure up. While I know that I am not going to like my pics or my measurements (horrified probably! lol) I have decided that I am going to try and see how much I can lose in the round and how much I can transform my body!
I will post about each of these in more detail over the next coming days, but at least they have now been mentioned and the blog isn't looking so sad lol.
I am also so excited about getting our first week's meal plans tomorrow with the shopping list! We did our first ever online grocery shop the other night and it was so great!! As much as I love doing the grocery shop (not even kidding lol) the time we saved was incredible! Plus, I don't need to worry about temptations in the supermarket!!
I'm so incredibly hungry today, but I also know that at this point in my cycle (sorry for the TMI guys!) I am just so famished! I am looking forward to having a nutritionally balanced diet to help me out with this - I know from the past that it really does work wonders!!
With task 6 I need to clean out the cupboard and fridge. I haven't really pushed this yet as we have only just moved into our place and tbh, we don't have that much food there... plus I knew that we would be time poor this week (as I mentioned in the last post) so we wouldn't be ready to start until Monday. It's a lame excuse, but there it is lol
Task 7 I need to set some milestones (I have the 2 mini ones, but no big one) and diarise my workout schedule - which admittedly is kinda hard as I don't know if I will like all of the classes I have picked and it's also a little difficult trying to come up with a schedule when you plan to go to the gym with someone else, but it's getting there.
Task 8 is to measure up. While I know that I am not going to like my pics or my measurements (horrified probably! lol) I have decided that I am going to try and see how much I can lose in the round and how much I can transform my body!
I will post about each of these in more detail over the next coming days, but at least they have now been mentioned and the blog isn't looking so sad lol.
I am also so excited about getting our first week's meal plans tomorrow with the shopping list! We did our first ever online grocery shop the other night and it was so great!! As much as I love doing the grocery shop (not even kidding lol) the time we saved was incredible! Plus, I don't need to worry about temptations in the supermarket!!
I'm so incredibly hungry today, but I also know that at this point in my cycle (sorry for the TMI guys!) I am just so famished! I am looking forward to having a nutritionally balanced diet to help me out with this - I know from the past that it really does work wonders!!
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Stress, Stress, Stress...
While this isn't specific to my weight loss, it is having an impact.
I am here to tell you all that I haven't made any form of an attempt to lose weight prior to the 12WBT. In fact, I will even admit that I have been binging a bit... eating all kinds of crap.
The truth is, I am making excuses, but I knew that this is how it would be before September 12th, so I don't even really feel guilty.
At the moment, I have so much new and crazy stuff going on in my life. I was really hoping that I could have it all sorted before Monday, and now I am even feeling the pressure about that...
Anyway, so at the moment, I am trying to pack up my flat as I am in the process of moving and learning what needs to happen to turn it into a rental property. While I already have the tennant lined up, I still need to get everything ready for them.
My work is putting additional pressure on my to work late (and not get paid for it), and I feel like I am constantly in trouble for not getting enough done, even though they really need to employ a second person to help out with this role.
I am also trying to sort out the new place where I have moved in with my partner - I still haven't even put my clothes away! I don't feel like I am contributing enough, because I am either at work or at the flat trying to pack it up (or trying to get to the gym). While my partner is so supportive, I still feel guilty as I feel like I am just not around... even mentally!
I am looking forward to committing the time and energy to the 12WBT which starts this coming Monday, but I am terrified that I am turning into a zombie and won't even have the energy or time to commit to it. I'm not saying that I won't give it a go, only that it could possibly turn into me "burning the candle at both ends". I can't wait to get started, and I have so much support from my boyfriend and my friend who I am doing it with (as well as my cousin in NZ who just signed up too!! WOOT!) and I can't wait to actually have more energy and vitality that I know that this program will give me... it's just getting there...
I have been stressing out way too much lately, and even managed to give myself a migraine on Sunday - not good....
I just really needed to get this all out, I am hoping to get a lot done over the next few days so that I can really give the 12WBT all the attention I can on Monday. I know that I am heavier than when I signed up, but that's just the way it is going to have to be this time around, that said, I really can't wait to watch my body transform!!!
Bring it on!!
I am here to tell you all that I haven't made any form of an attempt to lose weight prior to the 12WBT. In fact, I will even admit that I have been binging a bit... eating all kinds of crap.
The truth is, I am making excuses, but I knew that this is how it would be before September 12th, so I don't even really feel guilty.
At the moment, I have so much new and crazy stuff going on in my life. I was really hoping that I could have it all sorted before Monday, and now I am even feeling the pressure about that...
Anyway, so at the moment, I am trying to pack up my flat as I am in the process of moving and learning what needs to happen to turn it into a rental property. While I already have the tennant lined up, I still need to get everything ready for them.
My work is putting additional pressure on my to work late (and not get paid for it), and I feel like I am constantly in trouble for not getting enough done, even though they really need to employ a second person to help out with this role.
I am also trying to sort out the new place where I have moved in with my partner - I still haven't even put my clothes away! I don't feel like I am contributing enough, because I am either at work or at the flat trying to pack it up (or trying to get to the gym). While my partner is so supportive, I still feel guilty as I feel like I am just not around... even mentally!
I am looking forward to committing the time and energy to the 12WBT which starts this coming Monday, but I am terrified that I am turning into a zombie and won't even have the energy or time to commit to it. I'm not saying that I won't give it a go, only that it could possibly turn into me "burning the candle at both ends". I can't wait to get started, and I have so much support from my boyfriend and my friend who I am doing it with (as well as my cousin in NZ who just signed up too!! WOOT!) and I can't wait to actually have more energy and vitality that I know that this program will give me... it's just getting there...
I have been stressing out way too much lately, and even managed to give myself a migraine on Sunday - not good....
I just really needed to get this all out, I am hoping to get a lot done over the next few days so that I can really give the 12WBT all the attention I can on Monday. I know that I am heavier than when I signed up, but that's just the way it is going to have to be this time around, that said, I really can't wait to watch my body transform!!!
Bring it on!!
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Growing Our Own Food
Yesterday and today my partner and I have been buying up a storm to be able to grow our own herbs and veges. We have both always wanted a herb garden, and I have always loved the idea of being able to grow my own food (even if I am still learning to love veges lol)
Anyway, so we have grown foods that that either we both enjoy or that one of us enjoys (eg he loves tomatos and i cant stand them, and I love beans and he hates them lol)
So, as we are renting a town house at the moment, I have done a bit of research based off what I have read here on the forums (there has beent he most amazing advice for growing stuff on here!) and I also found The Little Vegie Patch Co Book at Big W the other night and I have found it GREAT to learn what I need to be doing - and it's Australian so it's all about gardening here!
So, we go the 3 year old out helping us (we also got her some pink flowers which are 'hers') and we have explained that we are going to water the plants to feed them and when they are big we can plant them and put them in our dinner. She was so excited!!
So, we have planted
Anyway, so we have grown foods that that either we both enjoy or that one of us enjoys (eg he loves tomatos and i cant stand them, and I love beans and he hates them lol)
So, as we are renting a town house at the moment, I have done a bit of research based off what I have read here on the forums (there has beent he most amazing advice for growing stuff on here!) and I also found The Little Vegie Patch Co Book at Big W the other night and I have found it GREAT to learn what I need to be doing - and it's Australian so it's all about gardening here!
So, we go the 3 year old out helping us (we also got her some pink flowers which are 'hers') and we have explained that we are going to water the plants to feed them and when they are big we can plant them and put them in our dinner. She was so excited!!
So, we have planted
- snow peas
- oregano
- spring onions
- leek
- tomato
- beans
- capsicum
- carrot
- broccolini
- spinach
- lettuce
- coriander
- basil
- thyme
- garlic
I also had the share the pics below of Miss 3 - the first is her helping us. The second is of her sulking after we told her off for "unplanting" the broccolini with the spade lol
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