Weigh Day 10/1/12

190.6

I set a loss goal of 2.6 for last week, I didn't hit it, I actually gained .4 ounces. I only worked out one day last week because "New New" aka my new boo insisted that I rest since I kept coughing up all sorts of nastiness! Although I wanted to resist his request, I knew he was right.

I knew for sure I wouldn't hit the 2.6 loss without workouts once my cycle started...ugh! I feel bloated of course! All I can aim to do is conquer this week successfully since I have a goal to reach!

I okay last week, I did end up having three cheat meals instead of one. I also ate three treats instead of one on different days of course thanks to PMS cravings. That ish is real!! The cravings, the cramping...it truly sucks ass.

This week meal planning/prep was pretty easy, I had a lot of leftovers in the freezer from the past two weeks for dinners this week.

On the menu this week:
*Lean turkey meat loaf
*Whole wheat spaghetti w/ meat sauce
*Slow cooked turkey chili
*Baked potatoes with broccoli & grated cheeses
*White bean & chicken soup
*Skinny Enchiladas



Last nights dinner...Santa Fe stuffed peppers

I haven't planned my workouts for the week yet, and I still have to take progress pics for the start of the month. Will post those tomorrow!!

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Weigh Day 8/6/12

Let's get right down to business! I am up .6 lbs from last Monday. No complaints, my eating was off (calorie busting) over the weekend I'll talk about that in another post.

I still didn't buy a measuring tape, when I went to Joann's AND Michaels I forgot both times lol! But I did have the girls snap my pics after my Saturday workout. I had to have them do it while I was thinking about it...please excuse the hot sweaty mess!









I'm not feeling the mini muffin at all, I'm working on it! Last weeks workouts were Turbo Fire and Jillian Michaels' Ripped In 30. Five workout sessions, here's my last weeks totals:




I've got 5 workout sessions scheduled for this week, plus another potential calorie busting weekend with my family reunion (sigh). I'll get my workouts done, guaranteed!

Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

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New Program!

I have to start off with sharing a pic of my lunch from today (I started this post on Friday, 1/13)! A tad bit pricey but oh so worth it! Cafe Express Mediterranean Salmon, yum yum good! Salmon, green beans, artichoke hearts with a lemon pesto..I'm in love! It was supposed to come with garlic bread but they messed up the order, I guess I didn't really need it?

 

 

 

 

In my anniversary post yesterday I mentioned the new workout program I'm starting on Monday, January 16. Unless you've been living under a rock and aren't familiar with Oxygen magazine, there is a very familiar face consistently in the pages. That would be fitness model Jamie Eason! I've always admired her lean, feminine physique. Do I want to be her size? No! I tend to like the body with muscle but not too defined..that's the kind of body she sports! I don't plan to enter the world of fitness completions, I just want my own perfectly imperfect body! I need a lil softness and some curves and so does the honey!

So anyway, Jamie Eason has teamed up with bodybuilding.com to create a 12 week program. It's called Jamie Eason's 12 week LivFit Trainer. It's 12 weeks long broken down into 3 phases, four weeks in each phase. The first phase eliminates cardio! You heard me right...NO CARDIO for 4 weeks! You are to focus on strength training and eating clean...that's it! I understand most people don't understand this but I'm sure there's a method to her madness lol! 

Phase two brings (moderate) cardio back into the mix, cuts starchy carbs towards the end of the day AND adds another set to the weights! Whew!! 

Phase three focuses on muscle preservation while burning fat. We're talking HIIT, plyometrics, super sets and active rest! The focus isn't based on cutting calories, you're still consuming about the same amount as in phase 2. This is a very detailed plan centered around going to the gym to get it done. She also gives you a meal plan to help with your eating along the way. I'm not eating clean 100% of the time, but I am cleaning up some of these bad habits I've been getting back into! 

I've been saying I want to focus more on strength training than cardio and that's what this plan is all about! This IS NOT A DIET! For the hard core cardio queens (I used to be one) out there...NEWS FLASH!! You CAN and WILL consistently burn more fat by building lean muscle with weights versus spending hours and hours each week doing cardio! Cardio makes me feel good but weight training makes me look good! There is a very clear difference in my progress pictures when I was spending more time focusing on strength training than cardio, like I'm doing right now. Here's an example lol! 

The soggy diaper look is not the business! O_o Since I just took a progress pic last week, I won't take another until 2/16! I'll let you know how it's going at the top of each week when I weigh myself. Let's get it!

January 2012 Weigh Day, Stats, Progress Pics!

Here we go again! It's that time of the month! Weigh in, stats AND progress pics! I wish I could say that I didn't gain over the holiday's...well I can't and I did lol! I'm up 1.2 pounds since December 1, 2011. The only reason why this number isn't higher is because I worked out 4 times last week. When I tell you I ate like a complete ass on Christmas and New Year day...I'm dead damn serious! But you best believe I enjoyed every single second of it! Time well spent with my family :-)...

 Scale pic 1/1/12

Stats:

Bust: 34 1/2

Chest: 31 1/2

Waist: 30

Hips: 43 1/2

Thighs: (R) 24, (L) 23 3/4

I don't remember the last time I posted my stats so this will be a clean slate! I'm looking forward to my strength training removing inches!

I also wrote in a previous post that I would only post progress pics quarterly, well I've changed my mind! In order for me to keep myself accountable I will be posting full body progress pics at the start of each month...here they are! 

On New Year Day!

Progress Pic Front 1/3/12

Progress Pic Back 1/3/12

Well that's all as far as progress goes! I've got a HUGE anniversary coming up!!! 1 year at 100+ pounds down! I've decided to get a tattoo to represent this major accomplishment, just not sure what it will be?? Your ideas are welcomed! I'm also thinking about doing a fun vlog...not going to give details just yet but it will be comedy!

Weigh day..FRESH new look!

October??? Is that you??? Well I'll be damned! It's that time of the month, weigh day!

*I did actually weigh myself on the first*



10/1/11..weight 166.2

Again I wish could say I had a great September but that would be a lie and I'm a terrible liar! In my last post I mentioned my lack of motivation was due to needing a change in my workout routine.

I went to the YMCA twice last week for spinning. Without a doubt it's the change that I needed! This week I plan to spin two times, try a new cardio class and lift weights two times.




I've got a fresh new look! I cut my hair...finally!! I'm not going to bore you with progress pics this month, there hasn't been much change in my body since last month. I'm thinking about only posting progress pics quarterly now? Just a thought?

I can barely contain the excitement I have for an upcoming event next month!!! Details soon to follow :-)!

Plans for October are to schedule my weekly workouts and menus. Nothing more..nothing less!

Let's all work towards a healthy upcoming holiday season!

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Weigh day..My birthday..Makes me wanna holla!!!

I realize I haven't posted since August 22nd...FAIL! Shoot me, it's summer and it's hot as fish grease in Houston! Those are my reasons and I'm rolling with it!

It's that time again...1st of the month, time to weigh in! I have to keep it 100 when I tell you that August was a bust...womp..womp..womp! I enjoyed myself and that's all that matters up until weigh day lol!

Against my better judgement I stepped on the scale a week and a half ago and I was up to a whopping 174.4!!!! Are you effing kidding me??!!! That's all I could think! There was NO way I was going out like that!!!



9/1/11...Weight 166.8

I was able to pull it together and tighten up ship!






September progress pics

That's enough about weight, I had a birthday yesterday!!! 33 years of life, such a blessing!! I had a great day outside of my girls' room upsetting me in the morning and felt so much love from my family & friends!!



Yes I enjoyed TWO slices of my cake!

Anyhoo let's talk about what makes me wanna HOLLA!!! My girls' bedroom! Yesterday morning I had to take pics of the foolery that they call their bedroom! I was ready to throw every single item in the garbage! They live in a world of excess and it's clearly displayed all over their floor!
















THAT IS ALL!!

The solution??? All but 3 items a piece is getting bagged up until they can figure out how to manage their stuff!

September WILL be a great month!!

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Weigh Day! Stats!

I can honestly say this month was better than last but I took an entire week of rest. My girls were in Atlanta for two weeks and the first week that they were gone I rested! Mental and physical rest!

I did not complete all of my goals but I did do better. I've had a lot going on and just trying to maintain my sanity is proving to be a test!




Weight 8/1/11, 165

Stats look like this...

Bust: 34
Waist: 29
Hips: 40.5
Thighs: (R) 22.5 (L) 22.5

Total weight lost in July: -0.4

Total inches lost: 1 inch from my thighs



August progress pic...please excuse my appearance!

I go back and forth with the issue of just maintaining where I'm at, and living happily ever after between 160-165. I'm happy with the size of my body. I'm happy with my clothes size. I'm happy with the muscle I feel.

My honey is a big guy, 6'3 and I'm going to estimate about 280 pounds. When we met I weighed 275 at 5'5. We weighed damn near the same amount! Now when I'm hugging him he makes me feel small! If I lose anymore weight I think he just might crush me! That there is for another post though :-)!

So what am I going to do?? I'm going to keep loving myself and my success at weight loss! I still want more muscle tone so that's not going to change. As far as weight loss goes I'm pretty much done! I can't even believe I'm saying this!!

Ironically, this August marks anniversary of where I was two years ago! Two years ago in August I was 275, miserable and unhappy in my skin. Last August I was still fighting to reach my goal. This year I am happily living at my goal!

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New look!

Thanks Jen (Just Foolin Blog Designs) for my bangin' new look! My blog needed a facelift and you came highly recommended!

I love the fact that my progress is highlighted in my header now! Jen listened to what I wanted and executed my vision nicely!

I'm working on adding a few more pages to round out my blog. I sure do appreciate all the love and support from my blog buddies! I'll say it again, y'all help keep me focused and motivated :-)





Make sure you grab a button to add to your page!

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Weigh day! Stats!

Whew!! I made it through June! This was a hard month for me! I was an emotional wreck the better part of the month. I didn't want the month to become a total bust so I worked for redemption!

Two weeks ago I stepped on the scale in the midst of my sugar binge and the bitch read 172!!! Okay so I know I killed a half gallon of cookie dough ice cream from Friday evening to Sunday evening one weekend, I know I was half assed working out, oh and I also know I was eating real dirty but dayum!!




Weight 7/1/11, 165.4

Stats look like this...

Bust: 34
Waist: 29
Hips: 40.5
Thighs: (R) 23, (L) 23

Total weight lost in June: Zero! I actually gained 3.2 pounds...smdh

Total inches lost: Zero! I put inches on as well! I'm going to directly relate the inches to the muscle I feel all over! Shit I have to blame it on something!




July body shot #1


July body shot #2

My belly could look worse considering my binge! I have had great workouts since last Saturday though and I know it helped.

*Like my earrings??!! Aren't they cute?!! These are a pair of my designs! You'll see me wearing my designs from now on :-)*

Last month I wanted to bid farewell to the 160's, and that didn't happen! I also wanted to plan my menus one week out, that didn't happen either! One thing I did do is start lifting heavier weights! OMG I can feel the difference! I've been sore the last week and a half! Oh I also stuck with my split varied routine.

Goals for this month:

* Say adios to the 160's...again!
* Lift even heavier
* Menu planning 1 week out
* Continue varied split training
*blog/vlog at least twice a week


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Weigh day! Stats! Mommy's birthday!

I have to start this post by first giving my mom a happy birthday shout out! Without her, there is no me. She is a huge part of why I am the woman that I am today! Love and miss you mom!



My mom :-)

Okay back to my weigh day and stats! I had to bury my old scale (may she RIP) a few days ago *sigh*...we had a good run together! So on Monday the girl's and I made a run to Target to pick up a new scale! I must admit I am smitten with her lol!!



Weight 6/1/11, 162.2

Stats look like this...

Bust: 33.5
Waist: 28.5
Hips: 39.5
Thighs: (R) 22.75, (L) 23

Total weight lost in May: 0.8 lbs

Total inches lost: 1.25 in



June body shot

I am finally starting to notice the progress in my abs!! Finally!!! I believe having two c-sections is playing a role in the slow journey back to flat abs...smdh!

I set a goal last month to complete four weeks of Jillian Michaels' Ripped in 30, this did not happen! I have yet to even complete weeks 3 & 4 workouts! Throughout my journey I've learned a few things about my body.

My body responds well to constant confusion. Meaning, the intensity and style of my workouts have to vary from week to week for me to see and feel a difference.

I've already noticed change with my current schedule 3 days on, 1 day rest cardio/strength split. Basically I'm doing three days of cardio, and three days of strength training on alternate days. I'm not planning my workouts more than one week out at a time.

Goals for this month:

* Continue my split routine with various workouts
* Start lifting heavier weights
* Bid farewell to the 160's
* Menu planning 1 week out...seriously I've been sloughing on this and I have NO excuses

Thank you all for continuing to follow and support my journey!

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What a difference a year makes!

Last year this time I was quite happy with my weight loss progress. This year I am amazed with it! Although I have witnessed my own transformation through my pictures, I thought it would be fun to do a same style Memorial Day picture since my outfit was easy to repeat!



These are the same tanks but I need to buy a size small, these are getting too long! The skinny jeans aren't the same, I think last year the jeans were a size 16, possibly a size 14?? This year they are a size 10 and are getting too big as well!

Next year I aim to be ecstatic about my progress! Hard work continues to pay off!

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Ripped in 30 review week 1

I successfully completed all six days of workout 1! Days 2-3 my body hurt! I was so damn sore! I took a much needed rest day on Wednesday, so on day 4 I felt rested and the workout was nice!

On Friday, day 5 for some reason I felt weak during the strength combos and ab moves? Not sure why but I struggled through a few of those exercises! Then on Saturday I completed the entire workout without modifications. I then followed up with Turbo Fire 45 class. Needless to say after that I was pooped!!

Here's a progress pic, not sure if there's a difference yet but I'm still working!




Upcoming week- I somehow hurt my right shoulder :-(! It's been bothering me for a few weeks but after pushing through this week I think I made it worse.

I took yesterday as a rest day although I was going to start week 2. I am trying to avoid making it worse so the plan is to do four days of the week 2 workout this week along with two Turbo Fire workouts.

This is a minor setback but I've dealt with worse! I'll be posting another workout update next Monday!

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Ripped in 30!!

My Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD arrived yesterday! On Sunday May 1st for 30 days, 6 days a week this will be my program!! I am a HUGE fan of Jillian's workouts! Her personality..not so much of a fan.. but she knows the right combinations to use to effectively change the shape of your physique.



I will continue using my Turbo Fire workouts for additional cardio 3-4 days a week. Also I am taking on clean eating! I do fairly well with food but I still occasionally slip up with my sugar cravings!

I am determined to remove more jiggle and replace it with sexy muscle!

Play time is over (my mom always says that...lmao) summer is right around the corner! I'll be posting my week in review on Sunday's, sharing my thoughts on the workouts and how I think my body is responding to the clean eating.

I'm debating whether or not I should post progress pics each week?

Anyhoo, I've been saying I need to get back to menu planning so that's happening as well! Watch me WERQ!!! LOL!

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SO much love..I can hardly stand it!

Yesterday, my before and after pictures were featured on the Black Women "DO" Workout fan page on Facebook! This is a fabulous, supportive group of women pushing each other to reach fitness and healthy lifestyle goals.

The creator of the page..trainer Crystal Adell told me I'd receive a lot of responses but I had no idea!! My phone was buzzing all day long with friend requests and message notifications! I am feeling ALL of the love and sisterhood is definitely alive and kicking!



The photo on the page- how I look now & November 2009

The top two questions were, "how did you do it?" The second was "how long did it take?" I tried my best to answer as many folks as I could, but asked each one of them to visit my blog to read about my journey.

I plan to do a vlog this weekend addressing both of those questions (again) in more depth. I have to organize my thoughts on paper first lol!

Anyhoo, here's a couple items off of my menu this week.

Tuesday's dinner...


Honey mustard chicken breast, sautéed then simmered yams and garlic asparagus

Wednesday's dinner...



Cucumber salad w/ light feta, bacon bits, scallions, balsamic vinegar & red pepper flakes

I also had sweet potato fries along with the cucumber salad. I woke up this morning feeling amazing!!!

My life is an open book! Lovin' this!!!!


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Maintaining a 110 lb (and counting) weight loss is harder than starting the journey!

When I jumped head first into my journey, I wasn't thinking too much about the after. When I say after I'm talking about after reaching my goal. When I started this, I ate, slept and breathed reaching my goal. Well I reached my goal in January, now what?

Now I'm maintaining AND working towards losing another 15 pounds. I heard it from many, keeping off the weight is harder than losing it...so very true! After a substantial loss, I don't ever want to go back. My body isn't perfect but it's a long way from where it used to be.

Looking in the mirror is a constant reminder of how much I've accomplished. From this...



To this...



My new bikini!

A huge change but I want more change! I have to keep telling myself that my old self no longer exists. The "big girl" that used to live here has moved, she's gone! Maintaining is now a part of my daily life.

I encourage those striving to reach that goal to seriously think about after. If you're working at changing your lifestyle, taking on healthy habits, after will eventually become your reality. What will you do once you reach after? Think about it!

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Updated progress pictures 11/2010

A year ago my body looked like this! Even for me it's hard to believe but I'm glad I took the pictures. Everyone has a starting point. I didn't know my own strength, I didn't know I had the ability to transform both mentally and physically. I am not finished but I am that much closer!