Ballet, Boxing & Booty

So this morning I worked out with Tiffany Roth's free workouts on YouTube. I warmed up with her basic ballerina video, followed by 2 rounds of boxing and finished with a booty shaking waist workout. Now, here I am about an hour and a half later and I want to go out for a run. I guess once you really get serious about it, there's no stopping you. #bellyfatwar

Something Sorta New

It's been a while since I've made an update, but I am still hard at work on my journey to becoming a healthier me. Since my last update, I've gone down another size so as of today I am in a size 12. However; in some instances the 12 is baggy. And for those who've been wondering, I've finally fallen below the 200lb mark. I am indeed excited about that.

On another note, I am up to something. But, of course you've probably already figured me out enough to know that I am always, "up to something". I've been thinking about seriously recording my progress and providing all the details to everything that I've found that both works and doesn't. I'm even toying with the idea of starting a group. I see so many people struggling with their weight, but it seems like the only people who are willing to honestly share are the people who "used" to have a weight problem. I don't know for sure if I want to do this yet though. I mean people say that they will participate and be honest, but very few follow through.

Anyway, my most recent adventures free and paid are "Rockin' Body" by Shaun T. (I love that guy), the free "Couch 2 5k" app and now "Tiffany Roth". I will be sharing my honest opinion and progress with these two programs. I want to see which one gives me what I'm looking for and how fast. I know, I know, it's a marathon not a sprint, but when you've been running the same marathon for so long, you really need a water break.

My next mini goal is to lose 7.5 inches around the waist by Oct. 22nd.  I will post measurements and a before photo soon. Stay tuned!

Adult Children Still Living At Home 07/26 by tebest | Blog Talk Radio

Adult Children Still Living At Home 07/26 by tebest | Blog Talk Radio

Days 7 & 8

Have you ever rolled over on your own fat? Or felt like your fat needed it's own blanket? I thought about that last night when I realize that my stomach is no longer in it's own zip code. I still have a stomach, but it's not like it used to be. I'm just wondering if anyone else has ever had these types of conversations with themselves about their body.

I went to a weight loss meeting once and someone there said that even though they had lost a lot of weight, they still had image issues and to them they would always see their old self reflecting in the mirror. At the time I thought that they were nuts, but today I completely understand. Especially as I find myself struggling to let go of these 6 pounds that stand between me and my next mini goal which is to be out of the 200's... OMG, I can't believe I said it. I don't feel a breakthrough for saying it, but it might be coming.

I've been pushing myself really hard to workout 2-3 times a day for a minimum of 30 minutes each time. I wonder if I'm pushing myself too hard, but I want to get this weight down. Today in particular for some reason has been a rough day. I feel like yuck. I ate ice cream a magnum ice cream bar to be exact. I've been behaving myself otherwise though.

Exercise Day 7
Body Revival
DC2 (dance central)

Exercise Day 8
Power & Praise
Leslie Sansone
I don't know if I'm going to do  DC2


Food:
I've been living off of Morning Star products and Protein Smoothies for the past few days. Staying true to the group challenge #30DayFitnessAccountabilityGroup on facebook, I've not eaten any bread or white rice.

I'm in need of some tough love...

www.authortebest.com

Days 5 & 6

So, I realized that I've grown bored with my updates of posting meals and workouts. I want to make it better. My daughter has decided that she wants to lose weight and said to me that she doesn't know how. I've been trying to encourage her by helping her realize that there are no easy or quick fix ways to do so. Who knows that better than me? I've tried every fad diet, diet pill and miracle potion out. I mean everything from the "Master Cleanse to the cabbage soup" diet. And as I stand here today more than 100lbs less than my highest weight; I realize that I got here with discipline and consistency. If you've wondered what I've been doing, here's the secret.

 

Exercise and Restraint.
I'm doing better in both areas, but there's always room for improvement. I've been working out at least 5 days a week. I started off slowly with just walking inside and doing videos that I found on Youtube. Then I realized that choosing a workout plan that came with a schedule worked even better for me. Being a creative person sometimes means that I bore easily; therefore so far I've only been able to stick with a program for 30 days and then I switch to something else for 30 days, but the key is that I don't stop... I'm glad to say that I am now working out twice a day most days. Ask me how and I'll answer.

 

Another thing that has helped me is to be in the company of like minded people. People who will encourage me to stay focused and push me to "dig deeper", like support groups. I am currently at the end of week one of my participation in #30DayFitnessAccountabilityGroup on facebook. Reading  about everyone else helps me to realize that I'm "completely normal"...

 

Restraint:
Some days are better than other's... Today was a Faturday for me. Faturday is when you step away from your good behavior and cut a fool. I ate sweets, drank sugary beverages and only worked out once. No, I don't feel guilty. However; I realize that can not do that type of thing too often. I also need to tell you that you should not reward yourself with food.

 

Anyway... Restraint simply means controlling yourself by eating smaller portions if you simply must keep eating those things. Some of the tools I use are as follows:

 

1. Add Protein Shakes
2. Eat 5-6 times a day (small meals or healthy snacks)
3. No food after 7pm
4. Try to get at least 8 solid hours of sleep.

 

 

Ok... Back to my regularly scheduled post...

 

Food Day 5
1/2 lunchable
Calamari
Chicken
coffee with creamer

 

Exercise:
Body Gospel Revival

 

 

Food Day 6
Shhhhh

 

Exercise:
Body Gospel Stretch in the Spirit

 

My weight loss goal for week one was 4 pounds and I lost 7... Next week I guess I'll aim to lose 5lbs.
I hope my post are helpful. Shout out to my fam in the #30DayFitnessAccountabilityGroup so far everyone has met or exceeded their goal for week one. You guys ROCK~~~

 

 

Day 4

Yesterday I was pleasantly surprised by the numbers on the scale. As it revealed that I am 5lbs lighter than I was last week and only three days into the challenge. My day started of a little slow today, because I was exhausted. I've been working out twice a day and I think that my body is just really tired. I've been trying my best to eat right and to listen to my stomach when I begin to feel full.

Exercise:
Body Gospel Revival
Extra Curricular Activity (wink wink)

Food:
Poached Egg w/garlic Aoli and Morning Star Veggie Sausage Pattie
Chocolate/peanut butter/banana protein shake
pretzels
Fish Soup and Swai
water
coffee with creamer


I'm not looking back, I'm moving forward (in my Jade voice)
I'm going to order Raspberry Ketone in liquid form and start taking that instead of the capsules. Shout out to my fam in the #30DayFitnessAccountabiltyGroup I love you guys.

Day 2

This morning I took the kids to IHOP because my baby girl earned two free meal coupons for straight A's and Citizenship. Yes, I made the right menu choice. I immediately when for the smart choice options. Afterwards, we went to the park to walk/jog because my 23 yr. old daughter has decided that she too wants to get fit and healthy. I have to admit that I'm concerned that I won't meet my goal to lose 4lbs this week, but I'm going to keep pushing forward any ways.

Food:
1/2 Spinach, mushroom and tomato omelet 165 calories
2 pancakes 165 calories
1/2 oz pretzels 70 calories
lamb shoulder & small baked potato 404 calories
strawberry banana protein shake 80 calories
coffee with creamer
water

Total Calories less than 1000 for the day. I aiming for less than that on tomorrow.

Exercise:
walk/jog 2miles (I jogged most of that, yay me)
Body Gospel

Sidebar

I took a practice test today for a subject that has been holding me back from getting my degree. I did better than I did in times past, but it still has me feeling down. Please pray for me... I'll see you guys tomorrow.

Day 1

Something happened to me today. I was preparing for my bath and as I stood there looking at the reflection staring back at me from the mirror; realizing that the figure was me, I noticed that the fat on my body is looking more evenly distributed. Don't laugh either. If you've ever been fat then you know what I'm talking about when I say that sometimes one side of your body is more plump than the other. So, since both sides of my body are now looking more alike; I came to the conclusion that I must be making progress.

I've committed to losing at least 4 pounds this week, BUT if I don't get my eating under control, "Lucy, we're going to have a problem"... I found that I wanted to eat, even though my stomach wasn't feeling hungry. The is that all about. I must remember that, "I eat to live" not Visa Vera.

Food:
Protein Shake with Banana
1 bowl of oatmeal with honey (of which I only ate 2 tsp.)
1 Morning Star Rib with 1oz cheddar cheese (Thanks Ladybug ~Jada for the heads up)
2 cups of coffee with Creamer
Water
Too many wheat thins
Goat Cheese
Processed cheese spread
Small amount (golf ball) Polish Sausage

See what I'm sayin'? Don't judge me just pray for me. Tomorrow will be a better day... Yep!!! (Alisha, mokie dada)

Exercise:
Body Gospel Body Revival
Zumba Activate

BTW-I found this great and comfortable sweat band... Bye Bye burning tears and sweat water.

So... that's what happened to me today, I don't feel crummy, but I'm not elated either. I have to admit that I did 30 days of Insanity last month and all other workouts seem weak now. Any whoooo!!! Let me know how you guys are feeling. Tomorrow I'm going to walk/jog at Reynolds Park.

Peace Out!!!
#30DayFitnessAccountabilityGroup

30 Days of Fitness

So you may be thinking, "here she goes again with the Fitness challenges", well if you are thinking that you have to ask yourself a question, should we ever stop challenging ourselves and each other to achieve greatness? I think not and neither do my Faith Fam and #30DayFitnessChallengeAccountabilityGroup buddies. Together the group and I are embarking on a journey to improve ourselves. We will prove that there is safety and encouragement in numbers.

My Goal for Week One:

Lose at least 4 lbs
No white Sugar
NO junk food
NO Desserts
Increase workout
Document Food intake
More Protein


My Workout Plan:

Body Gospel (primary)
Walking (outside or with Leslie Sansone)
12 Min. Maximize with Robert Ferguson

I've decided to get up an hour earlier than my family so that I can get my 1st workout done uninterrupted and still have time to fix my husbands breakfast and lunch for work. Ok, so every day i'll post the workouts i've done along with how I feel and what I ate. I pray that you are encourage by this journey and I look forward to hearing your feed back.

Public/Charter/Private

Okay will someone please tell me what's the difference between Public/Charter/Private school systems? I just want my children to get a quality education in an environment where they will be encouraged to achieve greatness. I remember my teachers growing up in public school. There was at least one teacher from
each school who inspired me.

Stark Elementary Mrs. Repulz, Mr. Cantor, and Mrs. Samperi
Dolan Middle Mr. Thompson
Rippowam High Mrs. Fitzsimmon and  science teacher whose name escapes me

Insanity Recovery Week

So, yesterday was day one of "Recovery Week" which means that I've made it to week 5 of my newest fitness challenge. I am hoping to see a flatter stomach by the end  of this part of my journey

SIDEBAR:

Why can't people just be happy for others. No one can take anything away from you that God has for you. Don't waste so much energy trying to crush the dreams of others. As for me and my dreams, you have no idea how big they are, if you had a clue, you'd realize trying to deter me would be like a full time job and you'd quit.

Get yours because i'm going to get mine and if I can help you along the way, I will.

Down Sized

I went to Old Navy at the Forum over the weekend to buy some every day wash and wear jeans. Not only did I find a great pair of jeans for $19 I also found a pair of shorts for just $6.99; yet that's not even the best part about my trip.

REWIND:

In January of this year when I really became serious about "Losing It", I set a goal in my mind to be in a size 14 (Regular) not 14W; by my anniversary, which is in 10 more days. In my mind a size 14 and 170lbs is where I wanted to be.

FAST FORWARD:

Those new shorts and jeans are... DRUM ROLL PLEASE... a size 14 Regular. Yes that's right, I reached my anniversary goal with 2 weeks to spare. I am soooooo excited...

BUT...

I want more. It turns out that for my body type a 14 regular IS NOT 170 pounds. I still have some work ahead of me. You know what though, seeing the progress and the noticeable results gives me the motivation to keep pushing forward. I still have times when I don't want to workout or eat right. Truth be told I even cry during my workouts at times, but when my family tells me that I don't have to do it, I reply "If I don't do it for me no one else will"...


June 2011 I was in a solid size 20W
June 2012 I am in a size 14 Regular

Insanity Fit Test 2

So, here I am 15 days later and down 6+ pounds plugging away with Insanity. I realized that the best time to do this workout is first thing in the morning. I have to admit that it is hard, but I still look forward to getting it done every day. Here's a look into my world after the second fit test... Read Ya Later. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e1ssLG3X6Q

Insanity

Day One

Plyometric Cardio Circuit

Wow!!! This is tough. I didn’t make it through the entire video; I stopped at 21:20. I’m looking forward to seeing how far I get in this workout next time.

I took my starting picture today, I think I’ll photo document every 10 days. It’s amazing how much I’m sweating even after I stopped. INSANE…

Are You Insane?

http://youtu.be/eZUaUl-bHew

I've decided to take on "Insanity" Click the link above to find out what I mean.

Frustrated

So, I'm frustrated with myself because I don't feel as though I'm making any progress. This week I decided that instead of doing one workout per day I'll do three. The shake weight, yoga and Zumba or some other form of high impact arobics. Am I over doing it? I realize that I didn't gain overnight... I'm frustrated.

Shake Weight

Alrighty...

So, you may be wondering what took me so long to start the shake weight challenge. Well, the truth is that I lost it and it has just reappeared. So, I’ve taken my arm measurements and the challenge is to begin on Monday, April 30th, 2012. At that time I will tell you what my starting measurements are and maybe a few other things. I've decided not to put an amount of days to the challenge, instead i'm going to see how long it takes to lose two inches from my arms.

Read ya later!

Size Down

Today, I went into Burlington Coat Factory in search of a dress for an event that I will be attending on Saturday. I found a dress that was in the style that I've wanted for some time and I thought it was cute. I tried it on and for the first time, I thought to myself "wow, I look thin"... What a wonderful feeling that was. I asked my daughter to zip the dress for me, which was a size 16 and to my suprise and excitement, not only did it easily zip, there was extra room. OMG!!! Zumba did take me down a size. "I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN BY WHAT THE SCALE SAYS"...




Thoughts:

I'll post my starting arm measurements tomorrow. Wednesday I am going to officially start working the shake weight. Stay tuned!

Zumba Challenge Results

Hey everybody… I know that it’s been much longer than 10 days and I haven’t made an entry since day 8 of my challenge, but when life happens you learn to prioritize and role with the punches. With that being said, let me first say thank you to everyone for your comments and words of encouragement. You may never really understand how much you helped me; particularly during those days when I just really didn’t want to work out. Sometimes I didn’t even want to eat right. The hardest part of this challenge for me though has been eating 5 small meals a day and logging it. Logging is dreadful, but useful. I think I’m going to try to make a habit of it.

Facts:
The Zumba 10 Day Challenge, really does work; IF you work it. You have to follow the rules and do the work outs. I did not lose the 6 lbs that I was hoping to lose though. In fact, I actually lost, gained and loss again. BUT… I toned and gained muscle. The biggest plus for me was the noticeable difference in the appearance of my stomach. My love handles; effectually known as (Pookie &  Ray Ray) have gone down and the pouch is not so poochie if you know what I mean. (Ladies you know what I’m talking about) If I thought it appropriate I would’ve shown you a picture of my bare tummy before and after, but I don’t, so you’ll have to settle for this side by side of days 5 and 10. See it for yourself… All in all, I am pleased with my results and intend to continue on with Zumba. Once I reach my next mini goal I’m going insane with Shawn T’s Insanity. But for now, I’m going to continue with Zumba add nightly yoga and get serious about my arm workout. So, if anyone has any suggestions on how to tone my wings (arms) please let me know quick, before I fly away. Next challenge, ARMS…. I think I’m going to put the “SHAKE WEIGHT” on display… What do you guys think about that?

              

 Look at the difference in my face, midsection and inner thighs… I can see it, can you?

Leave me a comment.

Zumba Challenge Day 8

Muscle weighs more than fat???? Yeah Yeah, but weight increase is still upsetting muscle or not. Wouldn't you agree? So, I weighed in today and i'm up by 1.3lbs. Now, I can see the difference in my appearance, but I don't think that I've gone down a size and I only have 2 more days to do so. Hmmm!!!

Now, I will not deny that Zumba is fantastic, I love the workouts and always work up a sweat. I am starting to feel my muscle tighten up and the jelly isn't jiggling as much (LOL)... My baby boy is a good gage as to how well I'm doing in trimming the fat so to speak, because he has to search hard for the soft squishy spots. "One thing I know about babies’ is they love fat"-Aibileen from The Help.

•8:45 Breakfast: South Western Omelet w/Portabella Mushrooms

•9:30****RIPPED****

•11:10 Snack: Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar

•12:22 Lunch: 1 Cup Lobster Bisque w/sherry

•Snack: Cheese Dip & Pita Chip

Thoughts:

My next step in the journey after this is to tackle these arms. Any suggestions?

www.authortebest.com

Zumba Challenge Day 5

Day 5: I'm Half Way There

I “Ripped” it today. One hour goes by quickly, especially when I take my Raspberry Ketone. I posted a video on my newly created “Video” tab, hint hint, check it out. You can also see it on YouTube at www.youtube.com/whatsreallyrealtv I do answer your questions if you ask and I might just do it via video. So, today was a good day. I don’t have very many “bad” days because your day is what you make it. Here’s what I ate today.

            8:00 Yerba Mate

            9:15 Breakfast: South Western Omelet w/1 slice of gouda (won’t do that again)

            10:10 Work Out ****Ripped****

            2:10 Lunch: 4oz Pork Loin ½ cup Butternut Squash Soup (running behind schedule)

            5:35 Snack: Fat Free Chocolate Pudding

             7:00 Dinner: 1 Slice Extra Cheese Pizza (I know…)

Take note: When you get off schedule it’s easy to make poor food choices… I did not exceed my calories for the day, but I certainly could have done better.

Cons & Thoughts

 I almost did it… I almost had a cup of coffee today. It’s not against the rules to have it, but I’m trying to prove that I can go without it. But, I’m thinking that I’m going to get low fat, soy something from Starbucks tomorrow.

Q & A

@Theo: I know that you don’t like eggs, but I would encourage you to try Egg Beaters. That’s what I’m having in the morning. I don’t care for eggs anymore since having my C-section, but I do like this. I don’t think it tastes like or even looks like eggs. The other thing that I would suggest is oatmeal. Whatever you choose to eat, you have to eat breakfast. I noticed that the weight comes off better when I eat breakfast. I can’t explain it, but it’s true.

~Later 

Zumba Challenge Day 4

Day 4: BIG NEWS…. I'M ALREADY DOWN 3 POUNDS…

Today's workout was "Exhilarate" 1 hour and I was really getting into it. Dancing like a rock star, until my DVD started skipping. Oh heck to da no. We're going to have to do something about this and quick. I love this series so much I would pay to replace one.

• 8:00 Breakfast: South Western Egg White Omelet
  
• 9:30 WORKOUT***ZUMBA EXHILARATE***
  
• 10:47 Snack: Blueberry Yogurt & Granola
  
• 12:20 Lunch: Potatoes & Leek Soup
  
• Snack: Strawberry Yogurt & Granola
  
• 6:06 0inner: String Bean Casserole & 4oz Pork Loin
  

I'm doing much better with getting my water in.

Cons & Thoughts

I want a cup of coffee so badly. I don't think I'm going to make it another 6 days without having a cup. I'm thinking that I will substitute a snack or two for a small cup of coffee, I'll even measure my creamer this time. We'll see!

Zumba Challenge Day 3

Okay so we're at day three and guess what, I did not log my meal times. To be honest I barely logged my meals. I can tell you that I did my work out. Today's workout was "Ripped" a 1 hour workout in two parts, toning and sculpting. I enjoy the workout, it's the first time that I made it through that entire DVD. I'm wondering if I'll feel any soreness tomorrow.

I don't know why I was feeling so lacks about keeping track today. Actually, yeah I do. I was busy doing laundry and other housework. You guys get the point; I'm still doing what I need to do.

By the way, last night's dinner meeting was actually at Maggiano's if you follow me on facebook you already know that though. I won't confess unless you specifically ask me to do so. The one thing I've learned on this journey is not to hold onto past failures or mistakes, because doing so will cause you to lose focus on the victories of tomorrow. With that being said, I'm back on track tomorrow.



Cons & Thoughts

Do you guys really want to see what I'm eating and at what times or is that too much information? Working out every day is easy for me, because I've decided that I MUST take time to take care of me in order for me to be of use to others.

Coffee

Coffee my friend

Oh how I miss you

I don't want to admit it, but

Without you in the morning I'm feeling

BLUE

Coffee my friend

I've been drinking tea

And you were right

Tea just isn't for me

Unless of course it's mixed with lemonade and lots of Dixie (sugar that is)

No Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato

No Keurig quick brew

No Robot Coffee

SIGH…

Coffee my friend I miss you

 

Am I the only die hard coffee fan out here? What's your favorite creamer? What's your favorite flavor? Does coffee keep you awake? (not me) 7 days and I'm going to Starbucks gold card in hand…

Zumba Challenge Day 1

Okay… It’s 6:22pm and I’m feeling great!

So the workout for today was “Activate” which is a 40 minute workout. It happens to be the workout that I’ve been doing for about a week now, so I’m familiar with it. I have to admit that it went by faster than it normally does. Perhaps because I am going at it with purpose and determined to see results. Here’s what today’s schedule looked like.

Ø 7:10 am Yerba Mate Tea

Ø 8:25-8:34 Breakfast: South Western Egg White Omelet

Ø 9:15-10:05 WORKOUT***ZUMBA ACTIVATE***

Ø 10:10-10:35 Snack: ½ cup fat free yogurt, 6 blueberries & 6 raspberries

Ø 11:54-12:37 Lunch: 3 Shrimp Dumplings (steamed) w/citrus sauce

Ø 2:45 Snack: 12 Coco Roasted Almonds

Ø 4:27-5:19 Dinner: Small Spring Salad w/balsamic vinaigrette, Chicken Thigh w/sauce ½ cup String Bean Casserole

I am still working on getting all of my water down. I have about 64oz left to drink before bed.

Cons & Thoughts

I’ve given up coffee for the next 10 days, which is a bummer. I sorely miss my large cup of coffee, flavored with my favorite creamer and NO sugar. I just wanted to see if the amount of coffee I drink really makes a difference in my journey. And I want to be sure that I don’t have an addiction to coffee. I’ve also decided to get back on a proper sleep schedule, which means I’ll be in bed by 9pm. I’ve been noticing that I’ve been having some baggage under my eyes; ugh…

I am looking forward to tomorrow. My workout is going to be more intense, because it’s being kicked up to 1 hour. I wonder how I’m going to keep the baby at bay for that long. Perhaps I should get up at 5am to do it… Sike… Please leave me your thoughts and comments; I need your words of encouragement.

Oh yeah!!! I’m trying out “Raspberry Ketone” it’s supposed to boost energy and increase metabolism. I heard about it on Dr. Oz. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Back On Track

These past few days have been a little on the stressful side and to be honest I allowed myself to get off track. I did not make wise food choices; instead I just ate whatever I wanted to eat without any forethought. That is a bad practice on many levels. I could give excuses as to why I've been eating poorly, but one excuse leads to another and in order to maintain control one mustn't make excuses. With that being said, I've decided to embark on a journey with "Zumba". I am taking the 10-Day Accelerated Fat Loss (challenge) Program. I've decided not to post any pictures until the end of the 10 days. At that point I will post a tri-photo.

What can you expect from this portion of the blog?

• In order to keep myself in check, I am going to be completely honest about everything that I eat and drink.
  
• I will post my thoughts about that day's workout as well as what the workout was and if I was able to complete the entire workout.
  

Well wish me luck… I need to lose the small amount of weight I put on plus a few more. I hope to lose at least 6 pounds during this process. Let's see!!! Leave your thoughts comments and suggestions. NO NEGGATIVITY IN THIS SPACE…