Body Talk July 28, 2009

I’m in full pre-TOM mode–just waiting on the magic to happen so to speak! I retain anywhere from 3 to 5 pounds of water during this time. It’s frustrating, but not drinking sodas & taking in lots of water keeps it from getting too bad. And watching the salt.
Still doing Callanetics. I am still amazed at how they tone me up. I figured it up and I do them about 4 to 5 times a week–particularly the butt/hip & ab exercises. I usually do about 80-100 ab crunches, 60 to 80 obliques, 20-30 plies and 100 butt crunches per session. That works out weekly to:
*About 400-500 ab crunches
*About 240-320 obliques
*About 120-150 plies
*400-500 butt crunches

The great thing is that it only takes about 20 minutes max to do a session. Add 20 minutes of cardio & you’ve got a great workout. I usually split mine up, but sometimes I do the callanetics right after my cardio. Just depends.

Also, I made some of those egg bread rolls (like rev rolls) and am in love with them. This might just be the solution to portable food when work starts back! Really excited.

It’s weird. On one hand, I am loving the slow pace of break. On the other hand, I’m so ready to get into my work routine. It takes me a good week or two to get into the habit. I’ve started waking up around 6:30 to ease into the early hours again. I’m hoping that getting up at 5:30 will leave me enough time to get centered for the day. The big thing is to have my clothes already ironed and have my lunch ready to go. That saves me a full 20 minutes right there!

BTS Shopping July 27, 2009

Going to the plains to do back to school shopping. DK had to go through his clothes & cull out the don’t-fits. Hope we can find some dress code friendly stuff!
Feeling better after a bought with duh-rea earlier this morning. Not sure what it was. Made meatloaf last night that was good. Hope that wasn’t it! Could’ve been the boiled okra . . .
Broke down & worked in my room yesterday. DH helped. I still have to get myself mentally prepared for the fact that work starts back soon. This has been such a lovely summer! It’s had ups & downs, but I’ve enjoyed myself so much!
My jean shorts I bought around the Jazz fest are getting droopy now. They’re a junior size 9 & ran kind of small. I swear that Callanetics will change your body shape fast.
I’m hoping to find some shirts for work. I’ve got several pairs of pants that fit and can get me through the first 9 weeks or so.
Looks like it’s going to be a hot one today. Where did that cool weather go????

Today, I will . . . July 25, 2009

Do cardio!! Not a ton of it–just 20 minutes or so is good for me. Yesterday, DK & I busted out the DDR pads & played for almost an hour! Sweating is goood.
Think I’ll take some sun today, too. Perfect weather for it.
After that, I’m determined to go through the old wardrobe. It has to be done.
Going to take DK to Auburn on Monday for school clothes/supplies & I might pick up some things for work, too.
OK, gotta get this beautiful day started!

UPDATE: Cardio–done! Walked Daisy Dog for 15 min & did 10 min on treadmill when I got back. Plus 70 crunches & 50 push-ups. Go me!
Also, went through all pants, skirts & dresses. DH got them sized for altering. Now I know what I can wear & what to buy tops for. Go me!
Took sun. Go me!
Aaaand–weight update–127!! Go me!

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Update & Reflection July 24, 2009

Whoa–I ate waaay too much cauliflower the past two days. My tummy was all poked out so bad.
Have eaten pretty clean, though. Made some LC cookies that turned out horrible (too bitter), then made some LC brownie cupcakes that turned out pretty good.
Tried the Creamy Italian chicken from Linda’s LC site–it is delicious!
I’m pre-TOM, so my weight is hovering around 130 lately. Haven’t done cardio like I need to, either.
But I have been keeping up my callanetics and I can tell a big difference there.
At some point, I’m going to have to go through my wardrobe and see what fits and what I need to put up. My plan is to keep my big clothes for one year. If I’ve maintained my current weight/size for that long, I’ll get rid of them.
Also, with our work dresscode, I might have to get some clothes for work. I’m not thrilled about it–I just have a hard time finding things that are work-appropriate, not dumpy, inexpensive & are comfortable all in one. I might get some of my big clothes altered to fit–that would save a little money.
I’m starting to realize that work starts back in just two weeks. Wow! I have enjoyed this summer so much. But I know I still have 2 weeks to enjoy, right?
Reflections:
*Last summer I was more focused on goals. Like writing what I ate, eating better food, exercising regularly, etc. I didn’t reach my goal weight then, but I was certainly driven. I think it was good for me.
*This summer I focused more on relaxing, taking things as they come, eating the way that fits my body, doing more toning exercise. I met my previous goal and my first mini-goal (for a while, anyway!), but I haven’t been as obsessive or driven about it. Maybe it’s because I’ve been working on myself for more than a year now. Change comes slowly.
I still want to see 123. But I’m happy with me right now.

I’m baaaaaack! July 20, 2009

So we’re back from vacation!! Had a SUPER fun time!
And the damage is . . . I gained 1 pound. Not bad at all. Especially considering all the fried seafood, hushpuppies, sweets & other stuff I had. I’m talking key lime pie and a whole pint of Rocky Road!!
I went for a morning run three times and did Callanetics almost everyday. I think that really helped. Plus, I tried to drink a lot of water.
I need to get some exercise in for a few days this week, just to make sure I keep my metabo revved.
The weather is unbelievably gorgeous!!!! So cool and breezy!!! Wow!!

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Get reaaaady! July 10, 2009

We leave for the beach tomorrow!!! I’m soooo excited!
Yesterday, I finally found a cute bikini. The LAST bikini left in town! Only it was a small–not a prob for the top, but I was worried about the bottoms. However, it fit–snugly, but it still fit. At least it won’t ride up too bad!
AND I got about four really cute summer dresses to wear at the beach & some bling to go with em. Probably spent too much, but, hey, I deserve something for all this hard body work, lol!
I’m also tickled that I found the original Callanetics video from the 80s. Mom had that book way back when & I used to do those exercises in high school–they really work if you do them correctly. Never could find that book again, so this video is an awesome find. Gonna put it on my Ipod.
I’ve eaten a lot of green beans lately. Just an observation. I didn’t eat dinner so late last night & I kept it light. At 128 this morning. Did you know that the last time we went to the beach (2 years ago) I was 160?!!! I remember feeling so uncomfortable about my gut (couldn’t do a thing about my legs) & being so self-conscious when pics were taken.
Not gonna worry about that now!
A change of scenery is going to be so nice!

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Grind July 9, 2009

**19 min run/walk; 40 ab crunches; 60 exerball crunches; 30 exerball leg lifts; 30×2 oblique stretch; 40×2 calf raise; 30×2 back arm stretch

Feeling pretty good today! Ate 3 pcs of BBQ skinless chicken last night when I should’ve stopped at 2, but it was soooo good, lol!
Need to up my VCO. Mix it w/peanut butter before bed & it’s goooood.
Didn’t find a bikini so the search is still on. Gonna break down & take a shower & go look in a little bit.
Am seeing more definition in my calves finally–still have a ways to go.
Hubby told me I look “firm” yesterday. Woot!

Hard Body July 8, 2009

So the muscles are sooooore today. Going to do a set of pilates. They say pain is supposed to be fear leaving the body. We’ll see!
I’m focusing mainly on my legs, butt & abs. I really want to tone those up! My arms respond well to even the smallest of workouts.
Am meeting a friend for lunch today–going to keep it light and simple. Eating clean, so Ill be ready for the beach!
God, am I so excited about getting out of town & hitting the beach!
Oh, I was 128 this morning. Not worried, though. Building some muscle, lol.

ETA: 15×2 squats; 25×3 dumbell swing; 12×3 plies; 60×2 butt crunch; 20×2 double arm raise; 100 ab crunches; 20×2 lunges; 40×2 oblique stretch

Endorphinzzz July 7, 2009

Ran/walked 20 min./45 crunches/2×20 calf raise/3×13 bicep curl/2×25 leg raise

Its’ funny how your reps tend to go down when you have proper form. I can feel the muscle tension/fatigue. With poor form (like last year), I could do about 100 calf raises on each leg.
Still working on these abs. I know I can get a six-pack if I try hard enough.
If I stay at it, I think I’ll be pretty darn toned by August when work starts back. I plan to workout at least three days out of our week-long vacation. Hey, who wouldn’t want to work out at the beach, right?

Got my car back. Yay!

Srs Business July 6, 2009

One week left until our beach vacation! Time to really get down to business. I’ve been eating pretty clean–even over the 4th holiday (probably too many ribs, though). But I’m going to cut down on the animal fat the next few days and will watch my sodium (those darn pickles). I could stand to do some exercise, too, since I haven’t in about a week.

I can’t afford to give myself the reward for the first goal, but I’m still working toward the next one. When I have the money, I will. I’m learning to live without a car since mine is in the shop. I could get depressed over money troubles and car probs, but it will do no good. I’ve also had a lot of friends go through crazy stuff that seems to find its way to me–as if I didn’t have enough stress already!
Things happen and, no matter how bad things get, they are sure to change.

The best thing to do is focus on what I can do. Take care of my house, my plants, my family, eat right, stay positive, etc. The only thing we really have control over is our reaction to everything, right? This is so very true.

Here’s to finding the fun, searching out the blessings, and framing the positive!

ETA: ran/walked 24 min. 50 crunches, 10 x2 lunges, 20 plies, 20 pushups

Steady as She Goes! July 3, 2009

Was 127 again yesterday, so YAY!!! Not a fluke!! Tried on a little denim skirt a student gave me months ago and it fit, BUT it was too big in the waist! That ol’ pear shape!
That’s the thing about being a pair–if I get things to fit in the waist, they’re going to be snug in the legs. But since I’m low-carbing, I’ve noticed that problem isn’t as bad.
Still need to work out more and tone up. Age is a tricky thing!
I’ve worn shorts out in public more this summer than I have in about 7 or 8 years! The best thing about losing weight is not having to worry so much about what you wear.
Well, money is tight, but I still deserve my goal reward!! And I really need a new bikini before our vacation.

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