So I know everyone is probably like "well, that was SHORT LIVED".
THINK AGAIN! I have not fallen off the fitness wagon! I may have stumbled a few times but I promise I have not stopped working!
I have just started the real struggle of balancing working 50 hours a week and working out 6 times a week. I'm on the home stretch now and it feels good. I hit a few road bumps... working so many hours and so long sometimes I fall asleep as soon as I come home without even getting the chance to work out or even eat dinner! I just get so tired that I pass out as soon as I get home. I have been pretty good at making up workouts that I miss, and then BAM. Here comes Aunt Flo. For boys reading this, I apologize this might be too much information. But girls, I know you feel me. I still got through the workouts, but man it was tough.
And I have to admit I've caved a little on my diet too. Cheat meals have almost expanded into cheat weekends, and there are some workouts I'm still a bit behind on. I think I'm getting burned out a little from INSANITY, but I'm not going to quit. I'm going to power through this. Month 2 workouts are WAY more intense than month 1. They are longer, and much, much harder. But I'm not going to use that as an excuse not to finish this out. I want my T-Shirt!
Today was my first personal training session at Gold's. I joined the gym last week so that I can start working out there after work and there is also one close to my house that I can go to on weekends. The trainer was surprised at my knowledge of workouts (thanks to my boo, Rudy) and approved of my diet (yay!). I did a workout today using TRX straps (basically straps that you use for a body weight exercise) and Jacob's ladder (aka HELL). It was a lot of fun to mix it up and I get my first full training session Friday at 5am (YIKES). The best part of my evening, however, was when I stepped onto the scale. Despite all the slacking I've been doing lately, I weighed in at 150lbs. That's the weight that I had on my skinny picture from summer! I'm only 10 pounds away from my goal now! And I was at 26% bodyfat, which is a perfectly healthy percentage! Great news and great progress :) This is motivation for me to finish this program strong!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Thinking Outside of the Box (INSANITY DAY 34)
First of all, I'd like to brag that I'm writing this post from my new gadget, my Dell XPS tablet, that also has an attachable keyboard dock, so it's basically a tablet that converts to a touchscreen laptop. Uh, it's pretty awesome. I typed last night's post with the touchscreen keyboard but I like this much better. I basically got a new tablet and a new laptop in one!
Anyway, the title of this post came from a great entry from my cousin's blog Melanie's Journey to Tinier Pants. In her entry, she talked about how shocked she was about portion sizes on containers and boxes and how you can think you're putting healthy things into your body, but you don't really see the serving size intended. You can eat something thinking it's only 200 calories, but that the package contains 2-3 or even more servings. Therefore you unknowingly consume 400-600 calories!
This is why I have to reiterate why eating clean is the best option. Some people (including myself) forget exactly what this means. Clean eating does not mean eating "healthy". Microwave dinners can be "healthy". Clean eating means AVOIDING packaged and processed foods whenever possible and going for the fresh options. For example, why spend almost five dollars on a 16oz bottle of juice (that tricks you into thinking you're getting a healthy deal but you're really consuming a LOT of sugar and can easily down almost 400 calories) when you can throw a handful of spinach, a banana that you just tear apart with your hands, a handful of berries, a splash of coconut water an a couple of ice cubes in a single-serve blender really quick? You avoid all the extra preservatives and chemicals needed for bottling, and the five bucks you would have spent on a calorific juice drink would make several smoothies for you at home. That's all it takes. And when eating clean, one has to remember that fresh fruit > fruit juice. ALWAYS.
It may take a little more time to eat clean, as it's much easier to pop a lean cuisine in the microwave or grab a sandwich from the deli instead of having a clean meal. But it can happen. My dad steams several cups of vegetables and cooks several chicken breasts and makes a pot of rice on Sundays, and then measures out the serving sizes and pre-packages his lunches for the week and then freezes them. Then he does the same as what a normal person would do, pops them in the microwave real quick for a few minutes but he is saving himself all the preservatives and sodium that would commonly come in a packaged food.
As for snacks, avoid the pre-packaged foods, even somewhat healthy ones. In my entry "clean is mean", I mentioned how I was able to eat an entire meal and then some for the same amount of calories in a granola bar and Special K chips. The best snack that you can pack for yourself is fresh fruit and veggies, and many fruits and veggies don't need refrigeration. Just bring a banana or apple to work or a plastic baggy with carrot sticks. It takes the same amount of effort as grabbing a protein bar or a bag of "low-calorie" snack crackers. Not to mention all the nutrients you'd get that NATURALLY occur in those foods rather than when they are "enriched" into them. Our bodies absorb these nutrients much more efficiently when they are naturally occurring in our food rather than being added in or in a supplement form.
Now I understand that we live in a packaged world and therefore some packages are necessary. I still grub on cereal that comes from a box like everyone else and I like to munch on granola bars for energy, but I am trying to eat fresh, clean foods whenever I can. It's always a good thing to think outside the box.... food included.
PS- Half-point pictures will be taken tomorrow! Eeek!
Anyway, the title of this post came from a great entry from my cousin's blog Melanie's Journey to Tinier Pants. In her entry, she talked about how shocked she was about portion sizes on containers and boxes and how you can think you're putting healthy things into your body, but you don't really see the serving size intended. You can eat something thinking it's only 200 calories, but that the package contains 2-3 or even more servings. Therefore you unknowingly consume 400-600 calories!
This is why I have to reiterate why eating clean is the best option. Some people (including myself) forget exactly what this means. Clean eating does not mean eating "healthy". Microwave dinners can be "healthy". Clean eating means AVOIDING packaged and processed foods whenever possible and going for the fresh options. For example, why spend almost five dollars on a 16oz bottle of juice (that tricks you into thinking you're getting a healthy deal but you're really consuming a LOT of sugar and can easily down almost 400 calories) when you can throw a handful of spinach, a banana that you just tear apart with your hands, a handful of berries, a splash of coconut water an a couple of ice cubes in a single-serve blender really quick? You avoid all the extra preservatives and chemicals needed for bottling, and the five bucks you would have spent on a calorific juice drink would make several smoothies for you at home. That's all it takes. And when eating clean, one has to remember that fresh fruit > fruit juice. ALWAYS.
It may take a little more time to eat clean, as it's much easier to pop a lean cuisine in the microwave or grab a sandwich from the deli instead of having a clean meal. But it can happen. My dad steams several cups of vegetables and cooks several chicken breasts and makes a pot of rice on Sundays, and then measures out the serving sizes and pre-packages his lunches for the week and then freezes them. Then he does the same as what a normal person would do, pops them in the microwave real quick for a few minutes but he is saving himself all the preservatives and sodium that would commonly come in a packaged food.
As for snacks, avoid the pre-packaged foods, even somewhat healthy ones. In my entry "clean is mean", I mentioned how I was able to eat an entire meal and then some for the same amount of calories in a granola bar and Special K chips. The best snack that you can pack for yourself is fresh fruit and veggies, and many fruits and veggies don't need refrigeration. Just bring a banana or apple to work or a plastic baggy with carrot sticks. It takes the same amount of effort as grabbing a protein bar or a bag of "low-calorie" snack crackers. Not to mention all the nutrients you'd get that NATURALLY occur in those foods rather than when they are "enriched" into them. Our bodies absorb these nutrients much more efficiently when they are naturally occurring in our food rather than being added in or in a supplement form.
Now I understand that we live in a packaged world and therefore some packages are necessary. I still grub on cereal that comes from a box like everyone else and I like to munch on granola bars for energy, but I am trying to eat fresh, clean foods whenever I can. It's always a good thing to think outside the box.... food included.
PS- Half-point pictures will be taken tomorrow! Eeek!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Balancing Act (INSANITY update to day 33)
Long time no see! It's been a while but I promise I haven't fallen off my fitness train, I've just been really busy! This week has been my first week at my new job and I had orientation every day in South Austin, which is an hour commute in the morning and a two hour commute in the evening. I still found time to do INSANITY everyday, with the exception of yesterday because I fell asleep as soon as I hot home but I'll make it up this weekend.
This week of INSANITY is the recovery week, and so everyday the video is "Core Cardio and Balance" which goes well with where I am right now. Instead of having all day to work out and a full kitchen to fix my healthy meals 5x a day, I'm now going to be working 50 hours a week and will have to pack my lunches. However, I'm not going to let that get in my way! I'm going to make this work and hopefully by overcoming the challenge of working full time and being busy I can inspire others and show them that it is still possible with a busy schedule! It's all a balancing act. Next week is my first full week of work AND the first week of INSANITY month 2. I know I can do this though! Lucky for me I have really good balance :)
This week of INSANITY is the recovery week, and so everyday the video is "Core Cardio and Balance" which goes well with where I am right now. Instead of having all day to work out and a full kitchen to fix my healthy meals 5x a day, I'm now going to be working 50 hours a week and will have to pack my lunches. However, I'm not going to let that get in my way! I'm going to make this work and hopefully by overcoming the challenge of working full time and being busy I can inspire others and show them that it is still possible with a busy schedule! It's all a balancing act. Next week is my first full week of work AND the first week of INSANITY month 2. I know I can do this though! Lucky for me I have really good balance :)
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Push Comes to Shove (INSANITY DAY 24)
24 days have FLOWN by. I'm almost a month into this! CRAZY.
Anyway, today was a great day because my mom has decided to hop on the fitness train (YAY!) She started doing her Zumba videos again (I did today's with her, let me tell you even for a dancer it takes a lot of coordination to cumbia and bicep curl at the same time...) she is also incorporating Elliptical and she attempted to do INSANITY with me, but it is just a little too advanced for her.
She has been eating healthy with us, which helps, but I'm SO glad that she's finally exercising too. It's hard for me not to drown her in fitness and nutrition advice but I have to remember one thing, what works for one person doesn't always work for another.
One thing I do worry about my mom though is like in an earlier post where I addressed before, she is looking for QUICK results. My dad is already down over 20 pounds in the 24 days that we started this. But my dad was also a good 100 pounds heavier than me and he was nearly 50% bodyfat. He is losing at a good pace I just hope he doesn't hit a plateau. he is already halfway to his goal of 45 pounds and we are only a few weeks in. He has to keep progressing and maintain his weight until his birthday in order to win the contest he entered.
Anyway, my mom's battle for weight loss has always been a yo-yo quick-fix type thing, instead of a lifestyle change. 3 years ago, I decided to make a lifestyle change and although my weight has fluctuated a bit, since last year I have kept a solid 15 pounds off (I'm actually at 18 now!). Today she told me "you've lost 4 pounds, whoop-dee-doo" and it was a little demoralizing, especially when I look at my dad's progress. But I also have to keep in mind that I was already a fit person. And I am putting on muscle as I'm losing weight. My arms and shoulders are very toned and I'm seeing more definition in my legs everyday. My mom may not want my advice, and maybe she won't need it. But like I said before slow and steady will win the race!
I looked at my INSANITY calendar for month two and it is crazy. The workouts are in excess of an hour long and there is a rotation of 5 videos... AND when you take the fit test you still have a workout afterwards! Maybe this "maxed out" month two is what I need to increase my results. I really wanted to start running and lifting again but my mom convinced me to wait until after the program is finished before I go sign up for a gym membership. I decided that it can wait, because I do want to make a lifestyle change and keep this new body I'm getting. My dad and I went into a bet to see who can get a six pack first. And I'm going to win, dangit!
Anyway, today was a great day because my mom has decided to hop on the fitness train (YAY!) She started doing her Zumba videos again (I did today's with her, let me tell you even for a dancer it takes a lot of coordination to cumbia and bicep curl at the same time...) she is also incorporating Elliptical and she attempted to do INSANITY with me, but it is just a little too advanced for her.
She has been eating healthy with us, which helps, but I'm SO glad that she's finally exercising too. It's hard for me not to drown her in fitness and nutrition advice but I have to remember one thing, what works for one person doesn't always work for another.
One thing I do worry about my mom though is like in an earlier post where I addressed before, she is looking for QUICK results. My dad is already down over 20 pounds in the 24 days that we started this. But my dad was also a good 100 pounds heavier than me and he was nearly 50% bodyfat. He is losing at a good pace I just hope he doesn't hit a plateau. he is already halfway to his goal of 45 pounds and we are only a few weeks in. He has to keep progressing and maintain his weight until his birthday in order to win the contest he entered.
Anyway, my mom's battle for weight loss has always been a yo-yo quick-fix type thing, instead of a lifestyle change. 3 years ago, I decided to make a lifestyle change and although my weight has fluctuated a bit, since last year I have kept a solid 15 pounds off (I'm actually at 18 now!). Today she told me "you've lost 4 pounds, whoop-dee-doo" and it was a little demoralizing, especially when I look at my dad's progress. But I also have to keep in mind that I was already a fit person. And I am putting on muscle as I'm losing weight. My arms and shoulders are very toned and I'm seeing more definition in my legs everyday. My mom may not want my advice, and maybe she won't need it. But like I said before slow and steady will win the race!
I looked at my INSANITY calendar for month two and it is crazy. The workouts are in excess of an hour long and there is a rotation of 5 videos... AND when you take the fit test you still have a workout afterwards! Maybe this "maxed out" month two is what I need to increase my results. I really wanted to start running and lifting again but my mom convinced me to wait until after the program is finished before I go sign up for a gym membership. I decided that it can wait, because I do want to make a lifestyle change and keep this new body I'm getting. My dad and I went into a bet to see who can get a six pack first. And I'm going to win, dangit!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Because Change is Good (INSANITY DAY 23)
I got that catchphrase from Pure Bikram Yoga, the yoga studio I attended over the summer. People are naturally afraid of change. But change can be good!
This saying is sooooo true, especially when it comes to weight loss. We get excited about working out. We start eating healthier, we start a workout regimen, and the weight just falls off. Then BAM. The scale won't budge. But why??? You're still following the same meal plan and doing the same gym routine that you were before, why isn't it working anymore??? That right there is the problem.
That's why programs like INSANITY and P90x work. I'm at the point in INSANITY where I'm still working HARD, but the videos are doable now. I can master all the moves now and can keep up with the people in the video. I finish tired and drenched in sweat but not as exhausted as I did in week one. So of course next week I'm doing a new video and the week after that the program is moving onto the "maxed out" section, which according to testimonials I've seen on YouTube, is exponentially harder than the first month. The same goes for P90x. Tony Horton goes for "muscle confusion", which helps keep your body from hitting a plateau. I've noticed that it takes about a month for both programs before they switch it up. This makes sense. If you run two miles everyday for a month, eventually you will be able to maintain but you will not continue to progress. This is also why CrossFit give such great results. The workouts are generally random instead of following a set schedule. It always keeps your body guessing.
This phenomenon in the dancer world is something we call "muscle memory". At first when learning a new move or routine, we have to think before every move and struggle through to hit every count and every motion. But after a few weeks of practice, it becomes easier. By our end of the year show, we can do not only one but 15+ routines while barely even thinking about it, because our bodies are so used to following the pattern we've practiced over and over and over.
If you do the same thing over and over, your body will eventually go into "autopilot", and then you find yourself not trying as hard as you did when that activity was new. That's why in terms of progress, it is always worth switching up your routine every four weeks or so to avoid plateaus. Next week I plan on incorporating weight training and running into my routine (as it is an "off week" from INSANITY) and then hopefully keeping that up. I'm trying to convince my mom to go to the gym with me and help her lose weight. She recently had a friend visit and she looks great. She has lost about 45 pounds since we last saw her. She's a mother of four (two of which are twins that are only a couple years old!) and looks great. I'm jealous of her arm definition. Anyway, my mom was shocked to see how good she looks, and when my mom asked her what her secret was, she replied "I spend about 3 hours in the gym 5-6 times a week". This was no surprise to me. I'm hoping it's a wake-up call for my mom. I'm seriously worried about her health, we have so many risk factors in our genetics working against us already, being overweight only makes those risk factors for stroke and heart disease even worse. I'm hoping to be an inspiration to her by my progress. My dad has already lost about 20 pounds since he started! I want to be a healthy family together. I want my mom to realize that if she wants to change she's going to have to make some radical changes. Because if she does what she's always done, she'll get what she's always got.
This saying is sooooo true, especially when it comes to weight loss. We get excited about working out. We start eating healthier, we start a workout regimen, and the weight just falls off. Then BAM. The scale won't budge. But why??? You're still following the same meal plan and doing the same gym routine that you were before, why isn't it working anymore??? That right there is the problem.
That's why programs like INSANITY and P90x work. I'm at the point in INSANITY where I'm still working HARD, but the videos are doable now. I can master all the moves now and can keep up with the people in the video. I finish tired and drenched in sweat but not as exhausted as I did in week one. So of course next week I'm doing a new video and the week after that the program is moving onto the "maxed out" section, which according to testimonials I've seen on YouTube, is exponentially harder than the first month. The same goes for P90x. Tony Horton goes for "muscle confusion", which helps keep your body from hitting a plateau. I've noticed that it takes about a month for both programs before they switch it up. This makes sense. If you run two miles everyday for a month, eventually you will be able to maintain but you will not continue to progress. This is also why CrossFit give such great results. The workouts are generally random instead of following a set schedule. It always keeps your body guessing.
This phenomenon in the dancer world is something we call "muscle memory". At first when learning a new move or routine, we have to think before every move and struggle through to hit every count and every motion. But after a few weeks of practice, it becomes easier. By our end of the year show, we can do not only one but 15+ routines while barely even thinking about it, because our bodies are so used to following the pattern we've practiced over and over and over.
If you do the same thing over and over, your body will eventually go into "autopilot", and then you find yourself not trying as hard as you did when that activity was new. That's why in terms of progress, it is always worth switching up your routine every four weeks or so to avoid plateaus. Next week I plan on incorporating weight training and running into my routine (as it is an "off week" from INSANITY) and then hopefully keeping that up. I'm trying to convince my mom to go to the gym with me and help her lose weight. She recently had a friend visit and she looks great. She has lost about 45 pounds since we last saw her. She's a mother of four (two of which are twins that are only a couple years old!) and looks great. I'm jealous of her arm definition. Anyway, my mom was shocked to see how good she looks, and when my mom asked her what her secret was, she replied "I spend about 3 hours in the gym 5-6 times a week". This was no surprise to me. I'm hoping it's a wake-up call for my mom. I'm seriously worried about her health, we have so many risk factors in our genetics working against us already, being overweight only makes those risk factors for stroke and heart disease even worse. I'm hoping to be an inspiration to her by my progress. My dad has already lost about 20 pounds since he started! I want to be a healthy family together. I want my mom to realize that if she wants to change she's going to have to make some radical changes. Because if she does what she's always done, she'll get what she's always got.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Slow and Steady Wins the Race (INSANITY Day 22)
Whenever people get on a fitness kick, they run at all gears go for a couple weeks and then get discouraged because they're not seeing any drastic results. But one has to remember that in order to have permanent and SAFE results, one should aim for about a pound a week. Especially someone like me, who doesn't have much to lose in the first place. I'm aiming to be a toned 140-145 pounds. I started at 160. That means that I only have at maximum 20 pounds to lose. I could go to 130-135, but I want to have some muscle mass. My goal may to be eventually 130 but for now I'm okay with my original goal. Much more than that would start to be on the dangerous side and would be hard to maintain if I have a lot of lean muscle mass. One of the most important things about attempting to lose weight is that you set REALISTIC goals.
A pound a week is the most recommended and safest way to lose weight and KEEP IT OFF. Sure, you can lose more than a pound a week, but that kind of drastic weight loss is difficult to maintain and can cause some weird things to go on with your skin (stretch marks, lots of extra saggy skin... nobody wants that). When you have more to lose than I do, say 30 pounds or more, it is safe to lose about 2-3 pounds a week and still keep it off.
Sometimes I do feel a little discouraged because I'm just ready to have a six pack like the girls in the video, but I'm already seeing little changes every day. My arms are getting more definition, my legs are getting toned, my butt is becoming lifted and tighter. My stomach is flatter and my hourglass shape is becoming more pronounced. And I'm seeing progress not only in looks but also just my cardiovascular endurance. Today I did the Pure Cardio warmup with ankle weights AND holding small dumbbells. I planned on completing the entire workout with them on but one busted during the warmup and I had to take it off because it was putting sand all over my living room floor. Even then, I beasted through the workout, never having to take any breaks! I had to slow down the moves a bit, but I never stopped moving. I felt so accomplished! I also did ALL of the pushups in the video. Before I started INSANITY, I couldn't even do a "boy" pushup!
Sometimes when you feel discouraged about the big picture, it's okay to find joy in the small accomplishments you make every day. Before you know it, your 60 days will be up, and you'll be 10 pounds lighter and toned like never before! Besides, when strength training, one has to remember that they're transforming their body. They're losing fat and gaining muscle, and muscle weighs much more than fat.
The girl in the picture GAINED 9 pounds but look at her body! I'd rather be heavy muscular instead of skinny fat. I'm proud of my accomplishments so far and I know it can only get better from here!
The real moment of truth will be at the end of the week when I weight in again, take more measurements, and re-measure my body fat percentage! Then we'll really know my progress :)
PS- I got offered a job today! So now that I'm a working girl I really gotta get out of the habit of starting my workouts after midnight and posting in the middle of the night...
A pound a week is the most recommended and safest way to lose weight and KEEP IT OFF. Sure, you can lose more than a pound a week, but that kind of drastic weight loss is difficult to maintain and can cause some weird things to go on with your skin (stretch marks, lots of extra saggy skin... nobody wants that). When you have more to lose than I do, say 30 pounds or more, it is safe to lose about 2-3 pounds a week and still keep it off.
Sometimes I do feel a little discouraged because I'm just ready to have a six pack like the girls in the video, but I'm already seeing little changes every day. My arms are getting more definition, my legs are getting toned, my butt is becoming lifted and tighter. My stomach is flatter and my hourglass shape is becoming more pronounced. And I'm seeing progress not only in looks but also just my cardiovascular endurance. Today I did the Pure Cardio warmup with ankle weights AND holding small dumbbells. I planned on completing the entire workout with them on but one busted during the warmup and I had to take it off because it was putting sand all over my living room floor. Even then, I beasted through the workout, never having to take any breaks! I had to slow down the moves a bit, but I never stopped moving. I felt so accomplished! I also did ALL of the pushups in the video. Before I started INSANITY, I couldn't even do a "boy" pushup!
Sometimes when you feel discouraged about the big picture, it's okay to find joy in the small accomplishments you make every day. Before you know it, your 60 days will be up, and you'll be 10 pounds lighter and toned like never before! Besides, when strength training, one has to remember that they're transforming their body. They're losing fat and gaining muscle, and muscle weighs much more than fat.
The girl in the picture GAINED 9 pounds but look at her body! I'd rather be heavy muscular instead of skinny fat. I'm proud of my accomplishments so far and I know it can only get better from here!
The real moment of truth will be at the end of the week when I weight in again, take more measurements, and re-measure my body fat percentage! Then we'll really know my progress :)
PS- I got offered a job today! So now that I'm a working girl I really gotta get out of the habit of starting my workouts after midnight and posting in the middle of the night...
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Guilty Pleasures (INSANITY DAY 21)
This week is the last week of month one before the recovery week of core cardio and balance before moving on to the "maxed out" month two, where the workouts are longer and harder. The timing works out because if I get offered the position I'm interviewing for the "off week" will fall on the week where I will be in a hotel most of the week due to orientation. The videos are starting to become easier, so I decided to add weights as an extra challenge. I used my mom's Zumba toning sticks today during the warm-up and during one of the circuits (they're basically weighted maracas) and my arms are dead! Tomorrow, I'm going to use ankle weights :)
This weekend I had a few splurges because we had a party at the house. The food we served was actually very healthy and we made a fabulous berry and almond salad as well as baked fish and mango salsa and edamame. But we also had some Filipino splurges and of course desert. My mom made this to-die-for fruit cake that is just so moist and yummy. And I ended up having to cave on the girl scout cookies because my mom's goddaughter was selling them so we bought a box of Mango Cremes. They're vanilla coconut cookie sandwiches with a mango creme in the middle... kind of like a tropical oreo. They are soooo yummy and I somehow ate SIX of them today (two servings), along with two pieces (not all in one sitting) of my mom's pineapple paradise cake. YIKES. Still under my calorie count thankfully, and I did extra work in today's INSANITY workout. But I definitely felt the cake while I was working out. Oh well. We're all human and I'm hitting the clean eating again this week. But hey, it must be a good sign if I'd rather have a mango cookie over a peanut butter patty or a thin mint... right?
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