Monday, August 27, 2012

Week 5: look and feel the difference!

Week 5 has been a good week for me. Instead of personal training 3 days a week, Rob asked me to attend his Lunch Crunch Boot Camp on Wednesday and Friday.
I definitely enjoyed working out at a park in a group, and it let me see what level I was at compared to everyone else who has been working hard for much longer than I.
The hour definitely felt like it went by super quick. I was able to identify what I need to work on and push harder for (most definitely jump rope, burpee's, and hop overs)

At the end of week 5, I am please to say that I have lost 10lbs so far! I have 11 more to loose so that I reach my goal.
So I just need to continue focusing on what I eat and keep showing up to the gym, even if I dont want to particularly be there that day.
It's really exciting to be able to feel and see the difference this has all made!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Week 4: One step at a time

The hard work is paying off and others can see it!
This week has been a struggle for me because I have been lacking the energy I need to get though my cardio, but personal training has been really pushing me through the week.
Rob (trainer) has noticed that I am not pushing myself to my limit, so he wants me to try his Lunch Crunch Boot Camp because he thinks I could benefit from working out in a group.
This is going to be exciting because I will be meeting new people and adding more variety to my exercise.

I'm feeling good and much stronger than the previous week, but I have been slipping a little in my diet.
But its not the end of the world, because I have 2 months left and I know that when I start to crave certain foods, I am to substitute them with alternative and much wholesome foods or by doing something nurturing for myself, such as taking a hot bath, going to the beach or doing some relaxing yoga!
Its one step at a time that helps win the battle!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Week 3: It's all catching up to me!

This week seems like an eternity!!!
Week three has been definitely a hard one! I have been sore, tired, irritable and draaaaaained of all energy!
My muscles are TIGHT, my limbs seem to have the strength of an 85 year old man, my bones straight up hurt, my neck and my shoulders feel like I've been carrying an anvil on top of my head, and I don't seem to have any energy left in me!

Well, as they say...This too shall pass....
I will get stronger, more energetic, more flexible, and much more motivated to keep on pushing. I am in the point of my training where everything starts to sink in. Mentally, physically, and emotionally. But not once have I questioned why I am doing this. Giving up is not an option. Giving into temptation is not a choice that I have. I want to cure my body and prevent illness and pain that I could have possibly been inducing onto myself by lack of exercise and nutrition. I want to avoid having to take hundreds of pills when I am older, and this all starts now!!! Raaaaaawr!
And I wanna look hot in a bathing suit :]

Some small goals that make a difference:
- Eat more protein
-Eat more veggies
-Do not skip a meal
-Get to bed by 11


Making compromises:
There have definitely been a lot of compromises that I had to make due to the life changes I have chosen to follow for the next 3 months. This has been the hardest part about the Sky Fit Challenge so far. Wanting to stay true to who I am, but then having to make the critical changes in my life have definitely caught up to me.
I am a very social person and I love to spend time with my girlfriends. This usually ends up somewhere between drinks, staying up all night, stuffing our faces with something "wholesome", and waking up hungover and bloated the next morning.
Although I cherish those moments that I get to have, I have to step up and realize that I am either in this 100% or not at all.
Now... I am not saying that I can't have fun without all that, but lets be honest, a lot of fun that comes out of being in your early twenties stems from going out to bars and clubs and shows and everything else in between.

My girlfriends are going to Vegas and although I know I shouldn't go, I seem to keep rationalizing why I think I can/should/would/could!
A weekend in Sin City could jeopardize everything that I have worked for. Even though I think I can deal with all the temptation of such a scene, I do not think I should even be putting myself in this situation.
Making the conscious decision to work on myself day to day brings me closer to my goal one step at a time.
It breaks my heart to disappoint my best friends, but I know that in the end, it will all be worth the headache! Forgive me my lovely ladies, but its time for me to focus focus focus!

Over and out.


Monday, August 6, 2012

Week 2: Is this real life?

This week has been such a great inspiration and motivation to the changes that I have implemented in my everyday life. Everyone has been sooo supportive in my dedication to the Sky Fit Challenge and I thank them for that.
Just simply sticking to my everyday regimen and showing up to the gym has motivated so many people that has been in direct contact with me. My friends, family, and roommates have been so supportive and are encouraging me to stay on path. They are even coming up with ideas for activities to do with me, like kayaking, hiking, swimming, even running a 10k!
I wanted to do all this before, don't get me wrong...but didn't think I would have enjoyed it to the fullest because of my lack of endurance. Now I can't wait!!

The hardest part has been staying on my diet, but im pushing through!

Some facts about food that shocked me:

1. Spinach, Swiss chard and beet greens should be eaten in moderation because they are high folic acid, which depletes calcium from bones and teeth, which may lead to osteoporosis. Add a rich product like tofu, seeds, nuts, butter, animal products, or oil to help balance the effects of the oxalic acid.

2. Brown rice is a complex carb (good) but is high in phytic acid, which is a naturally occurring organic acid, in the outer layer or bran. When brown rice with untreated phytic acid enters the intestines, the acid mixes with calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This chemical reaction prohibits those minerals from being absorbed and utilized int he body. Eating grains with untreated phytic acid will cause the body to lose bone bass and will eventually lead to overall mineral deficiency! To eliminate the acid, simply soak the rice overnight (8-10 hours) and rinse

3. Quinoa has the highest nutritional profile and cooks the fastest out of all grains. It contains all eight  amino acids to make a complete protein! It has the protein content equivalent to milk! High in B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, and vitamin E! Strengthens the kidneys, heart, and lungs! And is delicious!!
<---Quinoa has the best texture! substitute it for rice, and you will have a dish with a much higher nutritional content!


4. Arugula is a great vegetable that stands out as a rich source of many vitamins and minerals. It contains about eight times the calcium, five times the vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K, and four times the iron compared to the same amount of iceberg lettuce. The alternative choice is easy to make!




<---Try and add this beautiful arugula in your everyday salad, and if you enjoy the flavor, be open to a full arugula swicharoo