This Month

Has been a struggle.  I'm pretty sure the scale has gone in the wrong direction.   
In all honesty, I may not make my goal but that doesn't mean that I'm going to quit trying.  If it takes longer than the 90 day - so be it!
'E'

From the inside out

It is almost here...Christmas.  It is during this time that we try to put the 'busy' aside and enjoy the peace that exists inside all of us.  Enjoy the the smiles, the tears, and everything inbetween.  Let yourself be.  It is one of very few days in a year we are allowed to just be.  Enjoy it.

From our shakin', chubby bods--Merry Christmas!  We are ready to take a couple food days off --nibble on anything we wish and enjoy the day.  This couple days will give us a strong motivation for Monday morning workout!  Peace & Love to all of you!

btw...we more than likely will not post  until Monday.  We have already broken our daily post promise...you don't mind, do you?

Accepting flaws

Only a few days to go!  I can't wait for Christmas, I love it.  What I really love is watching others I love, love Christmas!  As I look back over our past couple weeks of posts, I wonder if this whole blogging thing may be one of our flaws.  We have been so poor at consistency in out posts lately.  I would rather have the inconsistency here, than in our workouts! 

I remind myself that the reason we started this blog was to keep ourselves accountable and to maybe inspire one other person to work out consistently and eat well.  This blog has kept us both accountable...has anyone out there been inspired?

I have never eaten so well, laughed and enjoyed myself so much, or worked out so hard, for such a consistent amount of time.  So although we have not kept the inspiration of others peaked by missing blog posts, we have kept ourselves accountable (hmmm, that sounds quite selfish...might possibly be another flaw??)

We are still in the midst of our 90 day commitment.  I believe we are on to something.  Bodies do change with eating clean and 6 days a week, one hour per day, intense physical activity.  We are coming into that most 'resolut' time of year.  Commit to yourself that this is your year.  All you need is one hour a day and a plan!  What are you going to do?   

Looking forward to tomorrow

Why? 
Because it has been almost one week since Mama and I have done a workout together.  I'm looking forward to it as I'm in need of the extra push that comes from working out with another person.  How is your search going for a workout partner? 
Keep looking - they are out there. 

Peace

Peace be with all of us this week as we diligently work to get it all done - making sure that 'all of it' includes our workouts and eating well. 

Not much to say!

It was one of those weekends that began early Friday morning and is just now ending.  Not much for sleep.  Needless to say, I have a couple of workouts to make up for.  Silver lining - I actually can do them this week as the last of the Christmas shopping will be done tomorrow.
Knowing myself like I do - - I'll probably end up eating my own words as I'm sure there is something that I have forgotten.  At this point - I just want sleep.  Any attempt to workout when the body is this fatigued would only end in injury.  That I cannot afford!  
 

dang it x2

No post yesterday plus thick and chewy triple chocolate cookies were baked yesterday.  I bet I forgot to do the post b/c I had so much sugar in my head!  Sorry!  The shiny side of this...had an hour of sweat pouring cardio before the chewy, gooey cookies!

Yesterday was a great food day, until last night.  Today is a new day!  Our wills in the food area as we turn the 'One Week before Christmas' corner are shaky, at best.  Our workouts will stay strong.  We have two days approaching, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day which were pre-established food days off.  Oh, I can't wait!  So many goodies and deliciousness!  The goal for the next week is to keep the diet as normal as can be, sweat really hard during workouts and if something entices us, go for it AND enjoy it!  Balance...that is the key.  Joy and Merriness will be with us and our experience tells us that  treats and drinks accompany that disposition!  There will be no regrets for what we enjoy.  BUT...not to eat just because something is in front of us...if it is not what we consider fantastic and really enjoy...hold off until it is fantastic!

Strange...the morning after my delicious indulgence of cookies-and they were fantastic-- was the first 'it may be back to normal' poop in 2 weeks...go figure!

Let us all enter this next week happy with our selves, our efforts to be healthy and a great attitude focused on joy.  If we always make sure our hearts are more full than our bellies, we will do our Lord proud!

The generation we are creating

Well, the pressure is on...again--No post yesterday!  We must be getting old or something, can't believe we have missed another day!  I will try to make this one a really good one!

I have had first hand experience over the last couple days of how my habits, especially in the food area have passed to some, possibly all four of my children.  Not pretty to say the least.  It is so hard to see your kids struggle in the same areas that you have struggled all your life.  When I see the same habits/throw some goodies in your mouth/emotional eating surface, it is difficult.  On the flip side, I also believe that the most difficult times are the ones we have the opportunity to learn the most from.

If you have struggled with your weight while you are raising your children, I encourage you to take a step back and critique your habits.  Children live what they learn--(someone famous said that I am pretty sure)  I pray each day for my children's physical, spiritual and emotional protection.  I must stop being the example that teaches them it is OK to overeat.  It is OK to skip this workout.  It is OK to jump to food as a vice.  No matter how many times I stress to them not to do it...one time of me doing it, takes all those others away.

We are in the midst of an obese society.  Kids with more ailments, physically and mentally than I ever knew existed.  Society is not going to teach them anything different than push a button or take a pill and it will be fine.  It is up to us to teach our kids how to be healthy for a lifetime and how to put life into their years.  We are given one shot as parents...we must give them our best.

Experiment complete

Well the 2 weeks of 1500 cals per day with one meal a week of whatever is done.  3.2 lbs.  That is what I lost.  I am not quite sure what to think and trying to figure out why I feel blah.  I lost 3 lbs within the first 2 days, 2 ounces the other 12 days.  I have not pooped normally for now one week.  Joyous, which is the  disposition I generally roll with, has been absent.  My tolerance is low and compassion for situations, minimal.

I think I need some red meat.

My experiment is over and I am not sure if it was a success or not.  I lost some weight, but the interruption in my digestive tract = dreadful.  When my digestion is off, it affects me physically and mentally.  But I learned a lot re food and it still boils down to... balance.  One must have balance to be successful at anything.  Although not consumed with food during this, obviously my balance has been off...my body is screaming at me.  

I am amazed at how when you are watching calories, you can really stretch them out AND when you are not...how easily you can rack them up.  If I were to do this again I would do a few things differently.

 Not weigh myself the whole time.  Did my initial weigh in give me the feeling that I could stray a bit???

Mental note to increase water.  With the decrease in food, was a decrease with water...not a good idea.

Make sure my one meal a week was planned out better and delicious.

We are in week 7 and 16 pounds left to loose, to reach my goal.  Tough weeks ahead with all the goodies and the need to restore my joy is top priority.  The numbers are stacked against me...but generally that is when I tend to put the gloves on and start fighting harder!  How about you?  If you want to succeed, it takes a lot of work, sweat and constant fine tuning to make it work.  I am worth it and so are you!



 

 

Getting better!

Thank you for allowing us to be so candid and for the helpful suggestions.  Time to look at the diet once again.  Our conversation during today's workout was evaluating - yet again - our daily intake of food and liquid.
Both mama and I have slipped a bit with water consumption.  It is apparent how important proper hydration is.  And thanks to Joy Beyond the Cross, a much needed reminder of the benefits of fish oil and flax seed.  
Again, digestive health is imperative to overall health and it's something to make note of if there is change in your 'normal'.
Here's to regularity!
 

Crap!

     Rub your eyes and look again.....the title of this blog is not going to change.  It is not a word choice used to suggest another.  It is not used figuratively.  It is quite literal.
     When the digestive system has gone on holiday the rest of the body will suffer.  Mama has had a terrible go of it - or should I say, a lack thereof.  Mine- not quite the stretch of days but still - enough to use as an excuse for much.  Lack of focus.  Lack of memory.  Shortness.  Crabbiness.  Fatigue.  Sluggishness.  Confusion.  Poor performance.  Etc.
     In case you have not picked up on the clues thus far...here's the deal.  We are both so full of crap that we can't think straight.
     Ironically, it is not from a lack of fruits and veggies.  Sometimes, outside factors will stress our bodily systems and cause them to shut down - or at the very least - not work to their potential.  The stress does not have to be from "bad" things.  It can be as simple as a change in schedule or routine.  
     If you are shocked by the candidness of topic - don't be.  Mothers know that one indicator of their baby's health is in part due to what their stools look like - if there are some to look at.  That does not change as we grow.  We need a healthy digestive system.  The healthier the system - the better the absorption of essential nutrients.  The better the absorption - the better the performance of our entire being.   
     Our eyes, respectively blue and hazel, have now turned brown.  WE NEED TO POOP!
     Going into an afternoon workout hoping to shake something loose. 
     Any suggestions or good home remedies?

p.s.  needless to say...forgot to do the "real" blog for yesterday.  So sorry - but now you know why:-(

Lack of Communication

Please consider this yesterday's post....
We apologize for not posting. 
It was a lack of communication on our part - which is somewhat ironic for two girls who like to talk! 
The "real" post for today will be up before 11:59 p.m.

All before 7 A.M.

     I really enjoyed Mama's post yesterday.  It was a great reminder to drink water - which admittedly so, I am horrible at.  Now, I have two things to remember - drink water AND put ice in it.  Great tip Mama.
     Well, I'm heading back this morning.  I will go straight from here to work.  There, I will be joined by a bunch of youth who are helping with a remodeling project for their new space. 
     Given this, there was no option other than to get up and get moving.  Early morning workouts are not my preference but when it's is the only option - it's worth it.
     Let's keep each other encouraged.  Let's find that 40 - 60 minutes in a day and move our bodies. 
     Winter gets long and it's easy to want to cozy up with all things warm and comfortable.  Trust me - I enjoy that myself.  However, knowing myself - I'm tempted at that point to want a cup of hot cocoa - and then a nice slice of this or that to go with it - and then something to add to that.  It is far too easy.
     Can you relate?

Brrrr....a new way to look at winter in MN!

I just found out that shivering can burn up to 400 calories per hour!  I can't stand it, my neck gets stiff and I scream out loud, really loud...but if it burns extra cals...I may learn to have a bit better attitude toward it.  Here's another--
Drink ice water. The colder the water you drink, the more calories you burn, since your body expends more energy warming up the water. If you have 8 glasses (64 oz) of ice-cold water in a day, you'll burn 70 more calories than if you drank 8 glasses of a body temperature beverage.       Impact of this one particular practice isn't drastic: It would take 435 glasses of ice water (about two months, assuming 8 glasses a day) to lose one pound.  I'll take it!  Although it is nothing to blow my hair back...one pound every other month in a years time is 6 pounds.  I have not lost 6 pounds yet this year!

I bring myself back to one of my life's motto's. Effort is usually key in most things in our lives.  Of course a change in diet and increased exercise is the key to loosing the extra flab...but really, I will take whatever help I can get!

Fill up your water glasses, throw in a few cubes and if you dare...head out to the sub zero weather!  Watch the pounds melt off!

 

Pizza, Cake, and Ice-Cream

Greetings from South Dakota.  I ('E') am here to celebrate my Godson's 6th birthday which was yesterday.  Today, he is home sick from school and currently sleeping on the couch next to me.  It was bound to happen - two of his other siblings came down with the stomach flu.  Thankfully, he had a great weekend - including a party, fun presents, and his favorite meal of pizza before it abruptly hit him @ 5:30 this morning.

For me, so far so good.  Not feeling sick in the least.  I have to get my workout in yet today - one hour of cardio and resistance training.  This will be an intense workout that I am looking forward to.  I fully entered into the celebration yesterday and enjoyed the pizza, cake, and ice-cream along with everyone.  This was my plan - knowing today would be a normal day of healthy choices - with a bit more vitamin C (just a precaution) 

Gotta live and that I did - however, not going overboard!

Keep your heart strong!

Yesterday my husband & I set out to complete our Christmas shopping.  We stumbled across a small store called The Marina.  This store is owned by many different mentally and physically handicapped young adults.  It is amazing.  Spending time in this store made my heart smile the rest of the day.

Today, I worked out with my 6 year old daughter.  She knew I was without a workout partner, so today she was mine.  It was one of the most wonderful workouts I have ever had.

There is so much life waiting for us to live it.  Keep yourself healthy.  Keep your heart strong so you are able to expereince and love everything life has in store for you! 

Flying Solo

Five of our six days we will be on our own.  Mama at home - 'E' in South Dakota with no cell phone.  Hold on - correction - I have a cell phone but it's not working or looking very well.  

Our conversation this morning was to revisit our food plans for the remainder of our 90 day commitment.  We have really been focusing on food--it  is the  pinnacle of this whole mission.   We can workout like crazy, but when we veer from our food plans, it cancels the progress.  The one key to food success--we must plan ahead. 

On the flip side we also must live.  This is where we will continually strive to find the balance.  What are your values...what is important to you?  The time we spend each day is a reflection of what is important to us.  Take a step back and look at your past week and see if it coincides with what you say is important.  If you need to do some rearranging, go for it!

Oooohhh it's gonna feel good!

After hard weeks of intense workouts and strict eating, it is important to do something for yourself that feels really good.  Maybe it is a long, steamy bath.  Perhaps sitting down with a hot tea and a good book and an hour of relaxing.  Taking time to paint your nails.  Do something just for you, that your busy week does not allow...you are worth it!

I am taking my advice to the extreme today!  I received a certificate to a spa--I have been to a spa one other time in my life--in Vegas--thought I was going to die in the steam room--couldn't find my way out type of experience.   I had so many options to choose from for today.  I could have had my colon washed out or I could have had someone else give me a bath!  BUT  I chose something I could actually enjoy and am doing a facial/massage combo and I can't wait!  I am sure I sound like a snob, but I am rolling with it.  I am going with a great friend to do a little shopping, to the spa and out for a drink (I have 630 cals left in my day--guaranteed I will use every last one of them!)

This weekend I challenge you to do something just for you.  Even if it is 5 minutes alone in the bathroom...you deserve it!

Starting week 6 and feeling great...how about you?

Are You As Amazed As Us.....

....about your body?

It is clear that our bodies are walking laboratories.  For example, if you find that your skin has an unnatural orange hue to it - possibly too many carrots in your diet.  Within a matter of hours of eating too much sugar - you become gassy, bloated and feel miserable.  Too much caffeine - dehydration.  Not enough water - guess what?  Dehydrated.  As a result of any or some or all - poor workouts.

Flip side...

Eating well, (recommended amounts of carbs, fats, protein & fiber in a variety of fruits & vegetables), drinking enough water, feel great, lots of energy and super skinny - AGAIN, how we FEEL - not look (yet). 

Point being...

Our bodies respond relative to what we consume.  If you want to feel great, grab your water bottle, eat an apple, sweat profusely, and enjoy life.

Love,
Mama and 'E'