Day 1 Update! And, On Coming "Home" & the final results!

The PHOTO SHOOT IS TOMORROW! WooHoo! I made it! :) 

Exercise:
Madison Fit Fun Boot Camp DOUBLER! (50 min x 2)

Eating:
5:00am Strawberry Protein Smoothie (with 1/2 cup OJ and h2o)
9:00am Egg White Omelet w/Spinach
11:30am Greek Yogurt w/ Blueberries
4:00pm  4oz turkey breast, grapes, apples, 2oz cheddar cheese (OMG, I haven't had cheese in months.  My stomach is ok...so far!)
6:30pm 1 cup red lentil soup, 1 piece of pita bread, Mixed Green Salad w/chicken and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Drinking:
128 oz h20
1/2 cup OJ


I've never considered "Madison" my home, even though I lived here for nearly 7 years!  However, today, walking into Supreme Health and Fitness for Boot Camp felt like coming home.  All the feelings you associate with being home [love, nurturing, family, brutal honesty (lol)] came rushing to me when I walked through the doors of Supreme.  I realized I missed my BC family.  As I walked through the door, I was immediately embraced by my friends--friends who still encourage me and keep me going even though I no longer live in Madison.  Friends who challenge me to work harder and stay committed to my goals.  Friends who met me at my heaviest and worst--and loved me then as they do now.  Friends for whom I am eternally grateful.  This program changed my life and I am blessed, daily,  by the FAMILY I have in them. 

Today, three of us did a doubler--we attended 2 boot camps, back to back.  It was intense, but we got through it.  One year and exactly one month ago today, I walked into Fit Fun Boot Camp and couldn't do a burpee, a push up, or a russian twist.  But, what I could do was wake up and keep showing up.  This is what I have done ever since and it has made all the difference.  Now, I can do burpees (although I absolutely abhor them), push ups and russian twists.  These are all within my means.  I look back and am amazed and thankful for that fateful cold winter day in January, 2010.

Ok, so down to really what you came to read about!  So, one month, 4 weeks, and 30 days ago, I started this challenge.  I challenged myself to work out 6 days a week, eat clean (not go out to eat) and eat 5-6 meals a day as well as drink 128oz of h2o.  During this month, I learned so much more about  nutrition, about needing to do your own research, and really, about what my body needs to be at peak performance.  This alone translates into success for me.  This past month, I have decided, is only the beginning for me.  I love the routine I have created and I am excited to continue everything I have started--that, to me equals SUCCESS!

As a result of the rigor of the last month, there have been physical changes.  Although this was not my sole intention, I knew that my body would change.  It did.

Today, I want to share my measurements.  Tomorrow, I will share with you some pictures.  They may or may not be from the photo shoot as I am unsure of when I will have access to those photographs.  But, believe me, since you have been with me EVERY step of the way, I want you to share in the physical manifestation of my success (although my real reward has manifested in incalculable spiritual, emotional, and mental benefits.)


My stats as of January 12, 2011:
Height—5’2.5” (that ain’t changing! LOL)
Weight—199lbs
Bust—39
Waist--37
Hips—44

My stats as of February 11, 2011:
Height—5'2.5" (jeez, I was hoping for a least 1/2 inch growth! LOL)
Weight—189lbs
Bust—36.5
Waist—36
Hips—42.5

So, there you have it:  In four weeks, I lost 10lbs and 5 inches.  I consider this the STEVIA on the mound of sweet potatoes! Just makes things a bit sweeter.

I'll talk more about my future goals as it relates to my nutrition, weight loss, and the blog a little later.  In case you were wondering though, for me, the journey is not over.  I am so happy with where I am and I look forward to working hard to get where I want to be.  Day by day I am moving forward, savoring the process AND ENJOYING the ride!

Day 2 Update! And, the transformative power of "living in the Yellow"

Summer 2010, California.

ONLY TWO DAYS UNTIL THE PHOTO SHOOT!

Exercise:
Boot Camp (50 minutes)
Leg and Glutes (25 minutes)

Eating:
5:30am Strawberry Protein Smoothie
8:00am Shrimp and Veggies
10:30am Chicken Breast w/ Spring Mix, grape tomatoes and 1 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
1:00pm Strawberry Protein Smoothie
4:00pm Greek Yogurt and Strawberries
6:00pm Shrimp and Veggies


Drinking:
96oz h2o
2 cups almond milk

For the past almost 30 days, many of you have been "meeting me in the yellow."  You've been visiting my blog and reading what I have to say as I been on my current journey, which happens to be centered on my health. However, some of you have no idea about the origin of my yellow space. 

Well, I started this blog nearly two years ago, after my 27th birthday.  The summer prior to my birthday, I had decided "yellow" was going to be my color for the summer.  As as a result, I proceeded to wear yellow or accessorize with yellow for the entire summer.  Something about the brightness and beauty of the color yellow was appealing to me and I thought if I wore the color, I would somehow internalize and reflect this brightness and beauty.  Wearing the color yellow was a means by which I challenged myself to "live in the yellow."  Check out one of my first blog posts on what I mean about "living in the yellow."

Well, its been nearly two years and the concept of "living in the yellow" still resonates with me.  When I live fully in the yellow, I am open, bright, giving, loving, accepting and completely full.  I am not without problems or worries or stresses, but living in this open, bright space allows me the clarity to develop solutions to my problems as well as the courage to ask for help/advice when I need to do so.  Also, "living in the yellow" gives me courage to put myself out there when I would normally and naturally prefer not to do so. 

Anyway, for the most part, the process and decision to "live in the yellow" has mostly been an internal one.  Until now.  Today, I experienced what "living in the yellow" is really all about.

Earlier, I received a call from my trainer, who also happens to be the owner of the fitness facility where I work out.  She called to let me know that on Wednesday, she had arrived to the gym, not really feeling enthused about what she had to do--everyone has one of those days, even when you absolutely love what you do.  However, my face was the first face she saw.  And, when she saw the bright happy smile on my face, it gave her what she needed to face her day.  It turned her entire perspective around.  If anyone knows me, you know I am always smiling.  In fact, the doormen in my building constantly ask me, "why are you always smiling?"  I always say something to the effect of "because I have no reason not to and every reason to."  Anyway,  my trainer also mentioned that what she in my face wasn't just a smile and happiness to be up at 5:55am to workout (or weight loss), she saw something else there.  Something, she couldn't describe, but that just emanated from me.   What she saw was powerful enough to transform her entire outlook that day.

This blew me away.  Over these past few days, weeks, and months, I have felt like I have been in my own little world.  I have been careful to treat people with kindness, to engage people, make eye contact with people, and generally just be positive.  I was doing these things, not on purpose, but because the joy I have inside is uncontainable (and because I lack human interaction most days beside going to the gym...lol).  I wasn't really thinking about the impact of my actions.  However, it seems that my conscious and consistent decision to approach life in this way has a substantial impact on people. 

While my weight loss journey has been life-changing for me, what my trainer saw and felt emanating from me was not a result of weight loss.  It was a result of my "living in the yellow."  I feel now, more than ever, that my decision to embrace this "yellow space" has transformed my life.  Little by little, "the yellow" has permeated my life and, it seems, exposed my entire being to the brightness and beauty of this state of being.  Now, I have to be honest, being exposed is not all fun and games.  However, in the periods when I have exposed myself, I have been accepted, loved, and become a better person for it.

So, today, I was blessed.  I realized that though I embarked on this journey to "live in the yellow" out of selfishness, (I wanted to improve my own state of being), living in the yellow requires selflessness.

And, this selflessness is not an exhausting, depleting type of selflessness, its one where you realize that being your best and natural self just might transform someone else's life, outlook, perspective as well as move them from despair to hope, from dark to light, and from lacking color to possessing and experiencing the transformative power of the yellow!  Knowing this, you don't withhold your self, you give completely, realizing that you will be refreshed and rejuvenated by living life in the yellow.

Today, I experienced a renewing of my spirit, simply because some of the yellow was reflected back on me.  How wonderful that was!  There are only a couple of days until the photo shoot and until I see friends and loved ones whom I have not seen in a long time.  This has made me a tad nervous and unsettled.  However, keeping myself in the yellow is calming me and will help me to face the nervousness I feel.

Thanks for joining me here. :)

Day 3 Update! And, I am NO DIFFERENT than you.

3 DAYS UNTIL THE PHOTO SHOOT!!!

Exercise:
Kettlebell Muscle Power (50 minutes)

Eating:
5:30am Strawberry Protein Smoothie
8:30am Egg White Omelet w/Tri-Color Peppers
11:00am Greek Yogurt w/Strawberries
1:30pm Turkey Meatloaf w/ Spring Mix and Cherry Tomatoes
4:00pm Strawberry Protein Smoothie
6:30pm Shrimp and Veggie Stir-Fry

Drinking:
128 oz h20
2 cups almond milk

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about how I have gotten to the place I am today. I think about where I was over a year ago and wonder what happened to the people who started this journey with me, people who were given the same tools and information that I was given. I begin to wonder, am I different? If so, how?

I can't let myself wonder on difference for long because I am always brought back to the fact that I AM NO DIFFERENT than you or anyone else. I am a human being. Deep down I long for acceptance, not rejection. I long to be loved, not treated indifferently. I long to make an impact on this world, not leave it worse than I found it. I long to be good and do good, not contribute to evil. I long to lose myself in helping others and not in living selfishly or self-destructively. I long for the day when all will see the beauty and good in themselves--and dwell in possibility and not defeat.

I recognize, however, that in order to fulfill all of my longings I have to accept myself, love myself, make myself better, do good to myself, help myself, and see the beauty and good in myself FIRST. Seeing myself as beautiful, bright, valued, worthy, awesome, magnificent, good, wonderful, blessed, overflowing with abundance, open, loved, and acceptable can only be a good thing--for me AND everybody.

So, if I am no different than you and you are no different than me, doesn't that mean that you can achieve all I have achieved? Doesn't that mean that if you want to change your lifestyle, you can? Isn't that a possibility for you? If you feel this isn't possible for you, why is this so? Don't let self-imposed limitations stifle your dreams. I am telling you, and I am NO DIFFERENT than you, that when I began to dream, think, act, and work toward the impossible, the extraordinary became POSSIBLE.

Day 4 Update! And, What's your inspiration?

Only 4 days until the photo shoot!

Exercise:
Sweatbox w/ Jump Rope Circuit (50 minutes)
Pilates (25 minutes)
Zumba! Express (25 minutes)

Eating:
5:30am Strawberry Protein Smoothie
8:00am Egg White Omelet w/Tri-Color Peppers
10:30am Greek Yogurt and Strawberries
2:00om Turkey Meatloaf with 50/50 Spring Mix and Grape Tomatoes
4:30pm Strawberry Protein Smoothie
7:00pm Egg White Omelet w/Tri-Color Peppers

Drinking:
128 oz h20
2 cups almond milk

Usually, people ask, "what's your motivation?" or "what motivates you?" Today, I want to pose the question, "what's your inspiration?" What inspires you to keep going?

When I look back over the last almost 30 days, I ask myself what inspired me to do this challenge?

So many have told me, "you're an inspiration," or even more personal, "you're my inspiration." Sometimes when people tell me this, my heart skips a beat. I am fearful because I know I am just a human being. Being someone's inspiration is a tall task and I don't want to fail. However, when I think about "inspiration" and where my inspiration lies, my fear dissipates.

A year and a half ago, I came across this poem. It so perfectly captures my sentiments about "motivation" vs. "inspiration."

I love the entire poem, but the lines that speaks to me most now are:

Motivation creates the discipline and interest to change temporarily;
Inspiration creates the obedience to change permanently.

Motivation is driven by a love of self;
Inspiration is driven by a love of God.

For so long I prayed to God to give me discipline to start a lifestyle change. I prayed for discipline but I lacked the ability to listen to and actually follow the nutritional advice that I knew would lead to a transformation of my body. I was being disobedient. At my lowest moment, I could hear God and God distinctly told me, "you know what to do. I will make the way and you just follow my lead." I have been following God's lead ever since--OBEDIENCE.

Also, my desire to continue to transform my body is not a result of me wanting the ultimate beach body or wanting to be skinny. What I desire is for my body and my health to be in a place of life and vitality. I want to be able to do EVERYTHING God designed my body to do. All of the physical limitations that I have placed on my body because of the toxins I have knowingly ingested, I want gone.

So, when I am asked, "what is your inspiration?" I simply say, "To be all that God destined me to be." This journey that I am currently on is simply a part of my destiny. Thank you for joining me.

Enjoy the poem. :-)

Motivation Vs. Inspiration

Motivation is driven by earthly desire and a need to gain self-satisfaction;
Inspiration is driven by heavenly success and a desire to please God.

Motivation is like showering or brushing your teeth--you need to do it every day;
Inspiration happens once and is there forever.

Motivation can be broken;
Inspiration can be blocked but never truly goes away.

Motivation ends during tough or inconvenient times;
Inspiration endures hardship and failure.

Motivation yields to excuses;
Inspiration will not stop until it see results.

Motivation is like tiptoeing into a cold pool;
Inspiration gives you the courage to dive right in, take the leap, and go for it.

Motivation changes with changing emotions;
Inspiration is stronger than a particular feeling at a particular moment.

Motivation takes no effort of focus;
Inspiration takes the effort of focusing on God and the responsibilities we all have.

Motivation creates the discipline and interest to change temporarily;
Inspiration creates the obedience to change permanently.

Motivation is driven by a love of self;
Inspiration is driven by a love of God.

By Ben Lerner

Day 5 Update! And, Did you run track in high school? Who? Me?

Just five short days until the photo shoot!

Exercise:
Just Lift (50 minutes)
Glutes and Leg Burn (25 minutes)
Cardio Boot Camp (50 minutes)

Eating:
7:20am Greek Yogurt w/ Strawberries
10:30am Egg white omelet w/tri color peppers
1:20pm Strawberry Protein Smoothie
3:45pm Turkey Meatloaf and Mixed Greens
6:20pm Strawberry Protein Smoothie
8:20pm Turkey Meatloaf w/ Spring Mix and Grape Tomatoes (no dressing)

Drinking:
140 oz h20
1.75 cups almond milk

There are only FIVE days left until the photo shoot and I must admit, today I KILLED IT in my workouts--all three of them, but especially cardio boot camp. Maybe it was the protein smoothie boost I had after my Just Lift class that kicked in by the time my cardio boot camp class started. Whatever the case, my suicides and sprints were out of this world--so much so that one of my classmates asked me, "Did you run track in high school?" I responded, "Who? Me? Yeah, maybe in a past life!" LOL Honestly though, when I was doing my sprints, I felt so POWERFUL and STRONG. I felt FAST and I was FAST. I reminded myself of a mere ten or eleven months ago when I hated running. My knees ached and no matter how hard I tried, it seemed I couldn't go fast enough. My lungs and heart just wouldn't support that type of exertion. Well, today my lungs cooperated, my heart was strong and my mind said, "GO FASTER" and guess what, I DID!

Now, when someone asks me were you a sprinter in the past, I will say, no, but I am now! LOL I'm working on it. We'll see where I am by this summer! :)

My mantra for the rest of this week: GO HARD OR GO HOME! :)

Day 6 Update! And, re-trained taste buds!

Just six days until the photo shoot!

Exercise:
None, Sunday's my day of rest!

Eating:
6:15am Strawberry Protein Smoothie
11:15am Greek Yogurt and Strawberries
1:20pm Egg white omelet and onions/tri color peppers
4:00pm Turkey meatloaf and mixed greens
6:30pm 3 carrots, spoonful of crab seafood dip, 2 string beans, 1 bite of chicken
9:30pm Strawberry Protein Smoothie

Drinking:
128 oz h20
2 cups almond milk

It seems like the universe is conspiring against me not to finish out my challenge strong! Over the last few days it has been difficult to get my six meals in AND temptations surround me at EVERY turn! But, I will prevail!

Today, as the entire nation knows, was Super Bowl Sunday. It was my intention to go to church and afterward spend a quiet, restful evening at home. My plans were thwarted because one of my very good friends came to town for a Super Bowl Party and invited me to come with. At first, I was going to back out, but then decided to go because I really wanted to spend time with my friend, and I recently chided myself for being a bit anti-social as of late.

So, in preparation for the party, I decided to eat my planned 4:o0pm meal of turkey meatloaf and mixed greens as well as drink some water. I didn't want to have to eat at the party, but I knew I would have to since I still had two more meals left for the day.

We arrived to the party and immediately, offers of beer, sangria, and wine were thrust upon me. As I have never been a drinker, it was pretty easy to say no to these. Besides, I bought my 32oz nalgene bottle and was content to sip from that all night. Pretty soon, the hostess announced that the food was ready. I let my friend fix her plate first so that I could survey what was available and have a plan BEFORE I got to the buffet line. Fried chicken, baked chicken, mac and cheese, string beans, crab seafood salad, dinner rolls, carrots, and a cheesy meat dip with tortillas were the available options. From that selection, it was pretty clear what my options were: baked chicken, string beans, and carrots. When I got to the buffet, I selected one wing drummie, 2 tablespoons of string beans, 3 carrots, and I also decided to get a spoonful of the crab seafood salad. I returned to my seat and began to eat. Unfortunately, I could only stomach the carrots and the tablespoon of crab seafood salad. What they say about your taste buds changing in as little as three weeks is definitely true! Well, the chicken was seasoned well, but unfortunately the skin wasn't removed first and there was no tackful way for me to remove it...so I just didn't eat it. Also, with one bite I could tell that SUGAR had been added to the string beans. I couldn't believe it! Who adds SUGAR to string beans???? Those beans were so sweet I couldn't eat them. I haven't had sugar in so long--probably about two months (since I was in Mexico for Christmas). And, though I eat veggies every day, the only seasonings I usually add are garlic, onion, herbs, cumin, etc. So, I couldn't stomach the beans.

Pretty soon, cake and pie were offered but I wasn't even tempted by those. I just said "no thanks" and that was that. By the time the Super Bowl was over, I felt ok. Besides, just in case something like this might happen, I prepared in advance by making a protein smoothie and leaving it in my car (it was cold enough) for the ride home.

So, today, I learned a few things: 1) I still need to learn how to navigate meshing my lifestyle change with social situations. My first thought was to just not go but I don't want to become an isolated hermit. I also don't want to compromise my choices. I think I did ok tonight. I was not even tempted to eat fried chicken, and the mac and cheese just wasn't all that appetizing to me. 2) Even if I did decide to try the food, like the fried chicken and the mac and cheese, I don't think my taste buds or my digestive system would allow it. So, my taste buds have totally adapted to natural foods. In essence, they have been re-trained.

In sum, there are only six days of the challenge left and I am determined to stick to my plan! No matter what the universe throws my way, I am ready! Oh, also, I am strong enough to say no. It seems things that used to tempt me don't any longer. :)

SEVEN DAYS AWAY! And, Living La Vida Loca!

Seven Days until the Photo Shoot!

Exercise:
Zumba! (50 minutes)

Eating:
8:00am Shrimp and Veggie Stir-Fry
11:30am Strawberry Protein Smoothie
2:25pm Greek Yogurt and Strawberries/Blueberries
6:15pm Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry (4.5 oz of chicken instead of 3)
8:15pm Strawberry Protein Smoothie (with 1.5 servings of protein)

Drinking:
128oz h20
2 cups almond milk

Today, I took a long nap and threw my eating pattern off a little bit. When I woke up, I was really hungry. Because of this wrench in my plans, I added extra protein to two of my later meals instead. I'm not going to even TRY to get six meals in today. As a result, I am a little under my caloric goal for today, but not by much because the extra protein boost did help.

On the subject of DANCE, I have another Zumba! video to share with you. The title of this dance is Living La Vida Loca--it was so much fun!

I still haven't figured out how I am going to reward myself, but I think it will be along the lines of a ticket to a concert or performance of one of my favorites artists!