Earn Your Turkey

Hey everyone, I have been bad about blogging! I am still working out and watching what I eat, but I haven't been losing the weight like I was before. I miss the challenge, seeing people in the gym and my trainer. I started swim lessons, 2 weeks ago. Its been fun and challenging, I cant figure out how to breath and swim laps :) I am getting better but not Olympian yet. I enjoy the variety and change in my work out.

I am inviting everyone to join me in a race on Thanksgiving day! Its in Orem, you can do a 2 mile walk or a 4 mile run. More info is available at www.earnyourturkey.com I figure its a great way to get a work out in, especially on a day committed to eating. It would be fun to see everyone there.

Good Week

Week one post challenge was really good. I worked out 5 days and stuck to my diet and lost 2lbs!!!! I tried to make up my own weight routine, which kicked my butt. Every set, I did less weight and less reps. It's still a work in progress. I am excited for everyone that is doing this challenge, its good to have the support and teamwork.

AFTER THE FIRST 100, WHY NOT DO ANOTHER 100!!!

I started my 88 day challenge on Monday and it has been going great so far. It ends on Dec 24th as my little Christmas present to me. This week has been good so far, I have been going to the gym and still logging my food. I increased my calories to 1650, but increased my calorie burn to 2650 so I hope I will still loose a pound a week or so. I invited my fellow challenge members to join me in this, and many have said they would. I am super excited to have their support and to watch them progress too. My biggest struggle this week is to figure out my weight training schedule. Which weights to do, when, how often, how many times.

We all were featured in the IHC stories and it was great to read how wonderful everyone did. We had a great group and did AWESOME!

I hope everyone keeps blogging. I know I really enjoy reading them:)

Yeah its over!!!!

Thursday was the weigh out - It was frustrating because they made us weigh facing away from the machine, so I couldn't see my weight loss. We had to wait until Friday to get the results. When I got to work on Thursday my coworker brought me in treats for doing so well on the 100 days. They were Delicious but I was sick by the end of the day. Friday I went back on my diet just to feel better. The dinner was fun, it was great to see everyone all dressed up. We finally got our results and I was very Happy with mine. I lost 27.5 lbs and 5% drop in body fat. All my numbers went down, I defiantly feel much healthier. This is the longest diet/exercise program I have stuck with and am very proud of that. I think everyone did a great job and looked good.

The race on Saturday was awesome!!! It was my first 5k. I was super excited for it. I survived it and finished in an OK time for me. Who knows maybe I will do another race.

LAST WORKOUT

Yesterday was my last work out with my Trainer:) It was actually lots of fun. The most fun I have had at the gym all year!!!! I had mentioned to her a few weeks ago that on my last day she had to run too. So she got on the treadmill next to me an ran. It was good to see her get sweaty too. I ran 3 miles in 46 min, which is 3 min faster than last week and it was much easier yesterday than the week before. I just hope that .2 on the 5k doesn't kill me. I can do 3 miles no problem, but 3.2 might push me over the edge :) The race will be my first race ever. I am veryexcited for it.

After the treadmill we did our weigh workout, stomach, triceps, shoulders and back. For shoulders we did fly-aways and after we were all finished with our 4th set, she said "man those suck, sorry I always made you always do them." I was like I know :) Jenna was a great sport yesterday and super fun to work out with. I will miss my trainer a lot. She really was the perfect match for me, she pushed me harder than I thought I could go. It weird how much stronger I am in 100 days :) This challenge has been awesome!!!! I am so grateful that I was picked for it. LUCKY ME!!!

A for Effort :)

I cant believe only 3 more days!!! I really just want Thursday to come so I can see my results. Now that it's getting closer to the end, people are asking who do I think will win? I don't think I will win, but I think I have a chance :) In the fact that I have worked really hard and done everything I was supposed to. I have no regrets and would not change anything although I do not recommend 3 vacations in 100 days, it throws your body for a loop. I have loved doing this challenge. The gym is now my second home. Last week at the wellness center, a lady came up to me( i had met her during the first week of the challenge, she and her husband won the last challenge) and said, "I haven't seen you in a long time, you look really good, keep up the good work." It made me smile and really proud of myself.

After we weigh in Thursday, I have a few treats waiting for me at work (i.e. Magleby's chocolate cake in the freezer). I am going to take Thurs-Sun off my strict dieting. I will still workout, of course, and do the 5k. I then plan on starting my own 88 day challenge, Monday the 27th through Christmas Eve. I will have the holidays off and then start my 110 day Jan2-April 21. I hope by then, I will have lost the weight I want to just maintain my weight. And start my new healthy lifestyle :)

I want to thank Mindy for teaching the nutrition classes, they were excellent and I learned a lot; Traci for her encouraging words after my weekly emails; and most importantly, my trainer Jenna for kicking my @$$ every week during workouts. She is so supportive and so tough. She extended her mission call so she could finish this challenge with us. Also thanks to all the other challenge members, its always great to see them at the gym, and I loved reading everyone's blogs.

9 days left!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW!!!! It is Crazy how fast the time has gone. It seems like we just started and yet feels like I have been doing this forever :) I have almost lost 20 lbs. I honestly didn't think it would be so hard to loose weight. I thought, starting this challenge that I would eat better work out a little and the pounds would fall off. I have worked so HARD. I sweat in places I didn't know existed. I have swoobs, swits, swack, swass, and swnees after I work out. My trainer has been awesome, She works me so hard, I am exhausted when our sessions are over.

Things that I have changed in my lifestyle since starting this challenge. I now go to the gym 5-6 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes up to 90 minutes. I have fruits and vegetables in my kitchen always available to eat. I am conscious of food label and calories, fat, sodium, carbs, proteins and each label. I really think that working out has made me feel better all around :)

I am excited for this challenge to be over, but so grateful for the opportunity to be involved in this. I still have 40lbs or more I want to loose. So I am not stopping when this ends next week, just continuing what I have learned and keep on working :)

My Trainer Made Me Sick

I met with my trainer today after work. She always kicks my butt. I walked in and Ron told me she was on one, worked him really hard. While on the elliptical another trainer came over and warned me. I had to laugh, cuz she always works me so hard. After 25 min on the elliptical, we did 4 different exercises with 5 circuits. I was getting sick by the end. I had a protein bar before i went to the gym, bad idea. It was sitting in my stomach like a lead ball. After the 5th cycle I was to end on the treadmill. I had to go to the bathroom and throw-up :( I could only get water out, but felt better. I never thought a workout could make me so sick. Note to self don't eat before working out again. It was not pleasant, but it was other than that the workout was good, and exhausting. Luckily I don't have to see her again until Thurs :)

I had another good week, 2lbs again. I worked really hard this past week at the gym, 6 days. Its always fun to see everyone at the gym. I enjoy reading every ones blogs. I am glad we are all in this together and doing a great job!!!! 5 more weeks, seems like such a short time left. I am looking forward to the end to see my results. But I think I have a few more 100 days ahead of me to reach my final goals. I am grateful for all the things I have learned in this challenge, its a lifestyle change!

Out of Balance

This week has been bad on my diet. On wed I had dessert at lunch and it was so yummy!!!! Magelby's chocolate cake. It tasted so good on every bite. I counted it as 400 calories but I am sure it had way more.

Tuesday with my trainer she said" I think you should try something I have been doing in my work outs" She preceded to get on the ground and do this sit-up with oblique twist. She made it look so graceful and easy. As I attempted to try this sit-up, it was nothing like hers. I had done sit-ups on the ball and on the machine. But lying flat on the ground and then pulling my self up with my stomach muscles :( I manage to get myself up barely a few times. It was so hard, i was exhausted, I am still sore today and still traumatized by this event!!! I wish they had video cameras in the gym, cuz I would love to watch me attempt this over and over again. So another new goal is, to get these sit-ups mastered by the end and do them gracefully too. Deep down I have a ripped 6-pack of abs, just waiting to come out :)

Today was nutrition class, but it was on stress management and balancing our lives. I really enjoyed the class. I am out of balance, but am going to try to work on getting my life in balance. I would love to learn to sleep through the night peacefully and not stress over little things. I was supposed to meet with my trainer after work but she had to cancel. She is going on a mission the week after the challenge is over, she is so excited to see us finish this to the end. So I went to 24 hr fitness, and did my cardio. Then decided to try like 10 different machines. It was fun. I always to cardio everyday but only weights with my trainer. I need to get more weight training in, do get the 6-pack ready :)

5k

Well another week has gone by, and it was a success. I lost 2 lbs :) which is good for me!!! I am super excited. I went to the gym on Sat and it was crowded, the elpitical machines that I like to use were all taken so I started on the treadmill. While on there I decided I would see if I could make 3 miles. I successfully completed it with an incline and all. I wanted to see if Mike's Mad Dash would kill me. I am still alive so I can know I can make it. Also I think the dash is all flat so it should be even easier. I dunno if i like the name Mad Dash, I am pretty sure I wont be dashing anywhere in the race. I wanna rename it Mike Mad Crawl. I look forward to the race and see if I can improve my time before then.

Penny for my Thoughts

Nutrition Class today was about Fiber. I learned a lot of new things. Now I need to figure out how to get in 5-9 fruits and Vegtables and more Fiber in my diet. This dieting is getting hard, counting calories, right about of protein, carbs, fats, fruit, vegtables and now fiber. Good thing I am good at math :)

I also had my trainer today, I thought it went really well. I havent been able to work out very intense for the past two weeks, and today I was able to almost get to wear I was before. I did 30 min of the elliptical and 20 min on the treadmill and could still walk and no pain. We did a new machine that is supposed to work the Gluteal(Butt) muscles. I don't know if anyone else has tried the machine. It made me laugh to use it. You have to get on all 4's, then put one leg up in the foot part. Luckily my trainer was there to help me get in the contraption. I suggest everyone try it once. It's a funny experience but you actually get a good work out!

I think I have been doing good with my diet and work outs this week. Its hard cuz the only way to tell progress right now is with the scale. I am curious how my cholesterol, and body fat % have changed too. I am trying to loose 2lbs a week, but its a lot harder than I thought it would be. I try to only weigh my self once a week.

I have been planning on what I am going to eat on day 101. I am thinking of Cafe Rio salad. Cuz on day 102 I start it all over again. I think it will take me almost a year to reach my goal so this is just the begging of the rest of my life :)

On the downhill slope!!! Time Flies when I am having Fun

That is the temptation I had to walk by all day at work. I didn't have one!!!!!!

Crazy only 50 days left. I have enjoyed the first 50 and hope the last 50 have even better success. I am now soda free for 1 week. I miss the Diet Mt. Dew but quitting wasn't that hard. I had told Terri that we should quit soda, but went on vacation and started a week behind.

Last night I went to dinner with some friends at McGrath's. I hate seafood, so I thought it would be easy eating out since I wouldn't be Jealous of their meals. I ordered wood fire chicken, and corn on the cob with mixed veggies. I tried to be healthy but the chicken had no flavor so I had to get BBQ sauce to dip it in and butter for the Corn on the cob. So healthy went right out the door.

My knees are feeling a little better, which makes me happy. I hate not being able to do everything I used to. It is always fun to see everyone at the gym.

Good Day

I had a Good Day on the scale, which was a nice surprise after 2 bad weeks. My knees are still hurting to walk, but I can do the elliptical and bike which is nice. I went swimming the other day to give my legs a break. I enjoy working out, I can work out 5 days a week no problem, its the @#$* dieting that kills me :) Last night I had the munchies really bad, I eventually ended up with carrots and dip to tide me over.

My trip to the farmers market in Orem was a failure, there were no farmers there. I will keep searching for fresh fruit and veggies. I made a delicious smoothie. I put in 100% apple juice; low fat vanilla flavored yogurt, and frozen pineapple, mango's and strawberries. It was awesome!!!! I also ventured out on egg white scrambled eggs and there were really good too. I am trying to focus on more fruits, vegetables and fiber in my diet. I am working on mastering my chicken recipes this week. I am not a good cook so its always a good trial and error. Any food suggestions would be great!!! See everyone at the gym

Went to the Dr and the Dr said " No more Runnning"

I went to the doctor yesterday for my knees. I have inflamed bursa on both Tibia's :( They gave me some medicated patched to try and see if it helps. I hope so, cuz walking with a limp is no fun. They said no running and when I do run, to run on grass not a treadmill or pavement and see how that goes. I can still work out,which I am very excited about and I guess over time I will be all better.

Nutrition Class today was lots of fun. We talked about Vitamins and eating more fruits and Vegetables. She recommended 5-9 fruits and vegetables a day. I really enjoy summer fruit, and am going to try out one of the local farmers markets this weekend and see what treasures I can find. It was fun to hear about everyone thoughts on food and they gave great food suggestions. Its been a lot of fun to be a part of this program.

THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE PAINFUL

I went out of town for a week, it was sure nice to be away from work. Before I left I ran again and for longer periods of time. Tuesday my knees hurt but just thought it was from my workout the day before. As my week went on, my legs hurt more and more. I am going to see the Dr tomorrow. My legs feel much better on Ibuprofen and ice, but I want to talk to her about what exercises I should do and not hurt my knees and some knee strengthening exercises. I really enjoy going to the gym and hope to find the right work out for me.

On vacation my diet, was well non-existent. One of my many downfalls was Pretzel M&Ms. They are super yummy. I exercised what I could. I walked 3 mornings for 30 minutes until my knees hurt to much. I also learned how to swim, which I am super excited about. Not that I was a good swimmer, but with more practice :)

I haven't weighed myself this week and a little nervous too after my week of bad eating. I am not going to let my bad habits carry over to this week. I am refocused and ready to get back on track.

Run Forrest Run

I ran, really ran. Well kinda :) I met with my trainer today and she said, you know I think we need to push you more, I want you to have to crawl out of the gym:) She said I think we should have you run. So on the treadmill I did intervals of running and walking, I prob only ran like 7 min total, but I am excited. I don't know the last time I ran. I am thinking high school P.E. I want to run all or most of Mike's Mad Dash, so its about time I started :)

I usually work out at 24 hr fitness when not with my trainer, but on Thursday I worked out at the wellness center and saw 5 other challenge members, Its nice to see everyone working out and trying to achieve their goals.

I feel like I am slowly getter stronger, the weights keeping getting higher and the reps increase. I really enjoy the gym. The nutrition is the hardest part for me and hope it gets easier too. I am really glad I was chosen to be apart of this challenge.

DAY 28

Well I survived my weekend in Idaho. It was lots of fun! I rode 4 wheelers, went canoeing ( my right shoulder is still sore from paddling). We canoed really fast, since it started to thunder, lighting and rain while in the river. I considered it a good work out :) I took my diet food up to share with my family. I think they enjoyed it or at least lied and said they did. We had, BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches, Turkey burger, BBQ grilled chicken and a low calorie Chicken Pot Pie recipe. I managed to loose weight this past week too, which is better than I thought. The only thing I cheated on was some Popcorn during the play we saw. It was small, no where near movie theater size and no extra butter but it was still delicious. This week should be a good week. Back to normal this week, I have my trainer today. Which is always a good workout, she is ruthless :) Tomorrow one of my co-workers is going to go to the gym with me and show me some water aerobics and exercises. Which I really look forward to. I cant believe its been 4 weeks already. I think I will make all 100 days and then some.

Wish me Luck

I met yesterday with my trainer for the first time in a week. The Holidays messed things up, and I am going out of town this weekend so I wont see her again till Tuesday. Her work outs are way tougher than when I am on my own. I think my face should be a lot thinner since I sweat buckets. I am going to my parents house in Island Park this weekend. The usual family pattern there is to eat, eat, eat, and eat some more. So I have prepared my meals for the 4 days I will be there in hopes to stay in line. I am bringing enough for my parents so they can try my nutritional plan with me. I hope that 4-wheeling burns lots of calories :) I am excited to spend time up in the mountains and enjoy some fresh air. I would love to lose weight, but I hope to just maintain.

Its been 3 weeks already!!!!

Wow, has the time gone by. I once heard you can change any habit if you do it for 21 days. So hopefully this diet and exercise thing becomes the norm :) I enjoyed my vacation and had a hard time on my days off getting myself to the gym early. But I worked out everyday and ate good. My favorite foods this weekend, was avocado and mangoes. Not together, but I had the best Mango I have had in a long time. I was surprised how good it was. I made chicken sandwich from rotisserie chicken breast then added my delicious avocado. I keep trying to come up with new ways to eat healthy. I did enjoy a large diet caffeine free coke at the Stadium of Fire, the best part was the awesome mug it came in. I am now using it for my water mug at work. Diet coke tastes much better :) I have lost now 7 lbs in 3 weeks which is right on my goal, now if only the work outs got easier :) This has been a fun experience and am glad I get to do it.

FRIDAY

I am looking forward to this 3 day weekend. On Wed with my trainer, she increased everything, which was hard but I powered through the pain. I told her if I don't loose weight its her fault. Which she replied, " Oh, with this work out I might make you gain weight with muscle." Which I believe can be possible as my thighs burn with every squat I did. Deep down, way deep down I have very muscular legs. She also told me my chin looked more defined, which I think it means I am getting closer to one chin :) I don't see my trainer again for a week, so I have a lot of work to do on my own.

Thursdays Nutrition Class was good. I decided I shouldn't use the Word DIET anymore, its a bad 4 letter word. Its a lifestyle change. So in my blogs I think I will talk about all the good food I get to eat. Yesterday I had cantaloupe and it was so delicious. I haven't had that good of one in a long time. I ate it all and wish I had more in my fridge. I went to sunflower market and bought me a large variety of fruit, I love summer fruit.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th!!!! I am excited for Stadium of Fire

Team Jacob

Yesterday, I met with my trainer after work and it was great to see so many other Heart Challenge friends there. I even met last challenge winners, we rode the bikes together :) They said the change after 100 days is awesome. I look forward to that feeling. I enjoy the workouts, but feel like I get my @&$ kicked every time, Thanks Jenna(trainer).

I am taking today off from the gym, After work I am going to go see the new Twilight movie. I hope the smell of the popcorn is enough, and not eat any. In our nutrition class we talked about the size of movie popcorn and its calories, I like the butter more than the popcorn.

Good luck to all the other Heart Challengers, its fun getting to know everyone!

Has it been 2 weeks already?

So I weighed in today and am down 5lbs total :) My goal was 2lbs a week, I feel like my hard work is paying off. I met my trainer on Sat morning, we did lots of arm exercises and when I got to my car I could barely steer it. It didn't hurt, just felt like Jello. Luckily I made it home safely. I enjoy the workouts, but hope they get easier or feel like they are easier. My trainer got her mission call, and leave in August, which makes me sad, I really enjoy working with her. She is super supportive and positive.

That night I had a BBQ to go to, so I am the crazy annoying guest who brings her own Turkey burger. Luckily my friend understood, she is going to a trainer too. I think the health nutrition will always be a work in progress. On Thursday everyone is supposed to bring food ideas, which I cant wait for. I feel like I eat the same thing every day.

10 days down, 90 to go!!!! and My Goals

I think I have done really well this week. The first few days were overwhelming but now I am getting the hang of it. I pack my lunch everyday and my gym clothes, I swear Carrying my bags into work is a work out :) I had my trainer on Tuesday after work and I am still sore, lucky I won't see her again until Sat. I have been doing my workouts at 24hr Fitness, I have had a gym membership for years there and am finally using it. I figured after the 100 days I would still need to work out, so I am getting my self used the gym and becoming a regular there.

I havent cheated on my diet, or at least I don't think I have. My co-workers on Monday had Cafe Rio and Wed had Brick Oven pizza. I packed my own lunch and ate it. Which I am proud of. They are very supportive of me. I am trying to get my whole department to Run Mike's Mad Dash with me. I think I can get a good turnout from my co-workers

My goals so far, for this 100 days :
1. Lose 30lbs
2. Learn to like water more than Diet Mt Dew
3. Run Mike's Mad Dash, but actually run all 3 miles
4. Learn to enjoy running/working out.
5. Decrease my triglyceride levels

Trying to Get It Right

Wow what a crazy week! I am working on a new plan for this next week to make it easier. I feel like I got an overload of information that I am trying to keep straight. What to eat, how much to eat, when to exercise and what to do. I feel like I am doing everything I can to get it right, just hope I do. Tomorrow I will weigh in again and have to email it to the Trainer. I hope it went down. I would like to lose 2lbs a week and think I can do it. I have exercised everyday, and even bought FRUIT. Which I honesty don't think I have ever bought fruit before besides a Cherry Slurpee.

So my plan this week is to go to the gym right after work, cuz once I get home, its hard to go back to the gym. I packed my lunch for tomorrow, hopefully with the right about of carbs and proteins and not to much fat. I think the nutrition will be the hardest part. I am going to concentrate this week on eating less calories and try to get my carbs and proteins right, and going to the gym everyday. Wish me Luck

98 days to GO

Tuesday Day 1 - It was exciting to finally get started. I am so excited to be picked for this challenge, it is an amazing opportunity. I really want to give it my all and succeed. After the weigh and testing I think I am ready to kick @$& :) I went home and set up my Wii fit, which told me I was old in Wii fit age and I was fat. Thanks Wii It was actually a lot of fun, I look forward to lowering my Wii fit age and hopefully not being Wii fat :)

Wednesday Day 2 - I met my trainer, and I am still alive so I consider it a good day :) After work I went to the wellness center, not sure what to expect. 90 minutes later my legs felt like Jello, but I think I did OK. I can't wait until it all becomes easy and second nature. I am looking forward to my next training session, but not looking forward to tomorrow. I hope I will be able to walk.

Tomorrow is the nutrition class, which I am also looking forward to. It will be interesting to see what I should and should not be eating. I hate water and love Diet Mt Dew, so I am hoping I can negotiate for Crystal Light as my water. I have been trying to eat healthy the past two days, but my idea of healthy might not be nutritional. I logged my food, and so far have obeyed all the rules but still have so much to learn.