Back in the Saddle Again...
I've been gone from this blog for almost three weeks. Did ya miss me? LOL! Well I haven't been slacking too much since my last entry. After the week of the 10th, I was wiped out and spent the next week recuperating. The next week, I got back on track and completed my third week of Phase 2. This week is the recovery week and last week of Phase 2 and then on to Phase 3. Even though it's been a recovery week, it still feels like the normal routine. The main parts of the routine are still a part of the recovery week (Core Synergistics, Cardio X, and Kenpo X) so it's still takes a lot out of you. I started off with a 10-minute routine by Tony Horton and then felt too whipped to continue until this morning. I decided to switch up my routine and workout in the morning instead of after work. That actually turned out to be a good idea because I got it over with and I felt energized for the start of the day. Hopefully that energy will carry me throughout the work day, and at least when I get home, I won't have to do a routine. Tomorrow's goal is to do Kenpo X in the morning and finish off the cardio with Cardio X on Saturday.
Frustration...
I've been feeling pretty frustrated with my progress thus far. Although I see my body reshaping, I still struggle with proper nutrition and faster weight loss. I was feeling really down over the weekend and for most of this week because of that and the normal blues triggers. I kept wondering why others were more successful with starvation diets than I was with consistent, challenging workouts. The only time I see drastic weight loss is when I reduced my calorie count to 1,200 or less and that's just not enough nutrients to get me through these hard routines. So I end up splurging over the weekend and gain the pounds I loss throughout the week, just to starve again to get back down by the end of the next week. It's a yo yo effect that's leaving me frustrated.
Then just as I was about to throw in the towel, I received my April issue of Experience Life, and read the article on Reality TV weight loss programs and how they set the viewers up for failure and how unhealthy they can be for the actual participants. Most of the article emphasized that these quick weight loss techniques are dangerous and that starvation restrictions only cause the participants to regain their weight or more, or cause other health issues. The article discouraged 1,200 calorie diets and extensive workouts. That made me feel much better. Because as the article said, I was comparing myself to the people on these shows and wondering why I wasn't dropping 8 to 10 pounds a week or more like they were. Sometimes I could get an 8 pound drop in a week, but that's at a very restrictive calorie count. It was brutal and I was always agitated and angry, but I could trick the scale. But as soon as I increased my calorie count the weight would quickly resurface.
The article also talked about the other tricks that the participants used to get big weight loss results. It described the water restrictions and the extra clothing to cause perspiration, and the lack of ventilation in the gyms, and the obsession created by these routines. To me that doesn't seem very healthy or positive, and perhaps is the reason, several of the contestants gain some, all, or even more of their weight back. I realized that's not the routine for me, and if it meant, it would take me a longer length of time to lose the weight, perhaps 10 pounds a month or maybe 10 pounds every two months, to ensure that I would keep it off and not risk my health, then that would be the better result for me. Even my idol, Tony Horton's Before and After folks can make you feel discouraged because some of the guys' results are amazing in just 90 days. But realistically, it takes more than just one round of P90X for someone with the need for a larger weight loss unless you're taking tons of supplements and again, having lower calorie restrictions.
Patience is a Virtue...
So that's my motto for hopefully the rest of my life. It is through patience and perseverance that I can succeed. Sure, we always want things right now, quick and in a hurry. But nothing worth having, is truly required within a blink of an eye.
My Word for Today: Patience
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Day 69 - March 10, 2011
Kicking Some Bootey Today!
Today was my fourth day of the "P90X" workout. I lunged, punched, kicked, and jabbed my way into one of the best workouts. But confession time: I had a full can of nos energy drink today. I fell off the wagon again! ;-( I know, I know, shame on me. But in my defense, today was an extreme day at work and I was running near on empty. Although I had a great night's sleep, I was still pooped from my workouts this week and the fact that I've been relying solely on natural energy supplements instead of that extra kick from the caffeine and sugar in energy drinks. So I plunged deep into that beautiful blue and orange can of life that is otherwise known as nos! ;-) I was hyped from that point on and it helped me get through today's workout.
I've decided tomorrow must be a REST day and a splurge day! ;-) I've been good all week except for the energy drink of course. I had fantasies of a nice BIG JUICY Shiner BBQ Burger from Chilli's with a side of fries and cole slaw and then to wash that all down with a large cup of Red Velvet Frozen Yogurt from my new yogurt place, Menchie's. But then I read the nutritional facts on the burger and fries and realized that combined, they were a total of 1,550 calories. ;-0 WTF! Oh no, I'm not about to spoil all of the hard work from this week with my workout and diet plan just for that big, juicy, hunk of love meat! LOL! Nope, instead I've decided to make my own version at home that will be fewer calories and not as bad of a splurge as the Chilli's version...but I'm still getting that yogurt. ;-)
If you love, Red Velvet cake, you should definitely try it, it tastes just like the cake except it's cold and creamy. ;-0
My Word for Today: Exhausted
Today was my fourth day of the "P90X" workout. I lunged, punched, kicked, and jabbed my way into one of the best workouts. But confession time: I had a full can of nos energy drink today. I fell off the wagon again! ;-( I know, I know, shame on me. But in my defense, today was an extreme day at work and I was running near on empty. Although I had a great night's sleep, I was still pooped from my workouts this week and the fact that I've been relying solely on natural energy supplements instead of that extra kick from the caffeine and sugar in energy drinks. So I plunged deep into that beautiful blue and orange can of life that is otherwise known as nos! ;-) I was hyped from that point on and it helped me get through today's workout.
I've decided tomorrow must be a REST day and a splurge day! ;-) I've been good all week except for the energy drink of course. I had fantasies of a nice BIG JUICY Shiner BBQ Burger from Chilli's with a side of fries and cole slaw and then to wash that all down with a large cup of Red Velvet Frozen Yogurt from my new yogurt place, Menchie's. But then I read the nutritional facts on the burger and fries and realized that combined, they were a total of 1,550 calories. ;-0 WTF! Oh no, I'm not about to spoil all of the hard work from this week with my workout and diet plan just for that big, juicy, hunk of love meat! LOL! Nope, instead I've decided to make my own version at home that will be fewer calories and not as bad of a splurge as the Chilli's version...but I'm still getting that yogurt. ;-)
If you love, Red Velvet cake, you should definitely try it, it tastes just like the cake except it's cold and creamy. ;-0
My Word for Today: Exhausted
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Day 67 - March 8, 2011
The Thrill Is Gone...
That's exactly how I feel about this new 1,200 calorie a day diet. ;-( I know it's for my good, but Lawd, it's rough! It's something about feeling deprived or going without carbs that just sucks! LOL! But today is the second day and I'm holding on to the promise of what's to come if I just stay determined and dedicated to this new meal plan. I'm also a little tired today. For the past few weeks, I've been taking Fridays as a rest day, which means the rest of the weekend is dedicated to working out, and then I return to the regular workout routine for the next week on Monday. I don't think I've been getting enough of a REST period and it's taking its toll. So I decided, starting this week that I would give myself two days of REST instead of just one. I know this is a different schedule than how the "P90X" program is set up, but I can't keep pushing myself into complete exhaustion. So I'm going to try and push through the rest of the week until Friday, and take both Friday and Sunday as REST days. ;-) Wish me luck!
My Word for Today: Frustration
That's exactly how I feel about this new 1,200 calorie a day diet. ;-( I know it's for my good, but Lawd, it's rough! It's something about feeling deprived or going without carbs that just sucks! LOL! But today is the second day and I'm holding on to the promise of what's to come if I just stay determined and dedicated to this new meal plan. I'm also a little tired today. For the past few weeks, I've been taking Fridays as a rest day, which means the rest of the weekend is dedicated to working out, and then I return to the regular workout routine for the next week on Monday. I don't think I've been getting enough of a REST period and it's taking its toll. So I decided, starting this week that I would give myself two days of REST instead of just one. I know this is a different schedule than how the "P90X" program is set up, but I can't keep pushing myself into complete exhaustion. So I'm going to try and push through the rest of the week until Friday, and take both Friday and Sunday as REST days. ;-) Wish me luck!
My Word for Today: Frustration
Day 66 - March 7, 2011
Rehab...Day 1...
Today isn't really the first day that I've gone without an energy drink, but it is the first day without an energy drink and on a 1,200 calorie diet plan. ;-0 So far it hasn't been extremely bad. Thanks to my lovely supplements, I still have much energy and thanks to my great workouts, I get a lot of sleep and wake refreshed each morning. ;-) Even today at work wasn't completely boring and I only felt sleepy close to the end of the day. When I left work, I skipped to my car, so again, the energy was still there and I was excited to go home to press Play and get my first workout of the week on.
Today was Core Synergistics without the push of my energy drink. ;-0 It went well. It's funny now when I do my workouts without the rush of the sugar and caffeine in an energy drink. It almost feels like perhaps what a person would feel like that has kicked a drug or alcohol habit and is now performing daily tasks without the influence of the high from a narcotic. I can still perform the workouts and I still enjoy them, but that BIG high that I got during the workout and after the workout wasn't there. But, I still felt good and happy that I completed Day 1.
So far there have been no hunger pains or temptations today after starting this new 1,200 calorie diet, but it's only Day 1 and the day after a bit of a binge on Sunday. So I guess my body is probably still full from yesterday. ;-0
My Word for Today: Happy
Today isn't really the first day that I've gone without an energy drink, but it is the first day without an energy drink and on a 1,200 calorie diet plan. ;-0 So far it hasn't been extremely bad. Thanks to my lovely supplements, I still have much energy and thanks to my great workouts, I get a lot of sleep and wake refreshed each morning. ;-) Even today at work wasn't completely boring and I only felt sleepy close to the end of the day. When I left work, I skipped to my car, so again, the energy was still there and I was excited to go home to press Play and get my first workout of the week on.
Today was Core Synergistics without the push of my energy drink. ;-0 It went well. It's funny now when I do my workouts without the rush of the sugar and caffeine in an energy drink. It almost feels like perhaps what a person would feel like that has kicked a drug or alcohol habit and is now performing daily tasks without the influence of the high from a narcotic. I can still perform the workouts and I still enjoy them, but that BIG high that I got during the workout and after the workout wasn't there. But, I still felt good and happy that I completed Day 1.
So far there have been no hunger pains or temptations today after starting this new 1,200 calorie diet, but it's only Day 1 and the day after a bit of a binge on Sunday. So I guess my body is probably still full from yesterday. ;-0
My Word for Today: Happy
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Day 65 - March 6, 2011
Death by Chocolate...
I haven't posted a blog in a few days, but I've had exercise and healthy eating on my mind and body. ;-) Thursday was a GREAT workout but it was also very taxing on my body. I took Friday off as a rest day and although my body thanked me for it, my mind was still on overdrive and really wanted to workout. ;-0 I'm so glad that I've finally gotten to that point where exercise is not a chore but a pure pleasurable moment. Now on to mastering my food habits.
Speaking of mastering food habits, I had a run in with chocolate yesterday. After seeing a great movie, I headed to the grocery store for lunch and was presented with a sweet, dark temptation that I couldn't resist. One of the Publix grocery store demonstrators was advertising Pillsbury new mini brownie packs. These small bite size chocolate brownies are pre-made and can be stored in your refrigerator for freshness (that's what the directions on the package instruct you to do). They are sinfully good and addictive. ;-0 I thought I would be able to handle the temptation and bought two packages...they were on sale for 2 for $5.00 and the demonstrator gave me a $1.00 coupon so I got the two for $4.00. Lawd, lawd, I was in control for about 30 minutes but later on that night, I loss complete control and demolished the entire package. I still have one left. ;-0 I'm going to try very hard to remain in control next week and only eat the serving amount as a snack each day. The product doesn't have to be bad for my diet if I can actually gain control of my need to have an abundance of things that I cater to my sweet tooth. Other, than that, I had my treat meals over the weekend but I didn't splurge too badly.
Next week...
The goal is to reduce my calorie intake even more and stay away from the carbs. Although I don't gain weight behind eating carbs at 1,500 calorie a day max, the weight loss is much slower than I think it should be considering the amount of exercise I'm doing on a daily basis. So I'm reducing the calorie count to 1,200 calories from Monday - Friday, and a 1,500 calorie count on the weekends. Pray for me, as this new change will be extremely challenging but worth the effort if it works. ;-)
Energy Abundance...
As you know, I've struggled with energy issues for some time now. Well I'm happy to share that the energy is in abundance these days. I'd like to thank the Academy...LOL! No seriously, I'd like to thank my liquid vitamin, B12, and Green Tea.;-) I also purchased liquid Ginseng on Friday and I'm adding it to my energy cocktail that also includes soy milk and frozen cut fruit.. ;-) Next week, I'll let go of the energy drinks too. Oh Lawd! No more energy drink and reduced calories for my diet. This is going to be the start of something...good, I pray.
My Word for Today: Excited
I haven't posted a blog in a few days, but I've had exercise and healthy eating on my mind and body. ;-) Thursday was a GREAT workout but it was also very taxing on my body. I took Friday off as a rest day and although my body thanked me for it, my mind was still on overdrive and really wanted to workout. ;-0 I'm so glad that I've finally gotten to that point where exercise is not a chore but a pure pleasurable moment. Now on to mastering my food habits.
Speaking of mastering food habits, I had a run in with chocolate yesterday. After seeing a great movie, I headed to the grocery store for lunch and was presented with a sweet, dark temptation that I couldn't resist. One of the Publix grocery store demonstrators was advertising Pillsbury new mini brownie packs. These small bite size chocolate brownies are pre-made and can be stored in your refrigerator for freshness (that's what the directions on the package instruct you to do). They are sinfully good and addictive. ;-0 I thought I would be able to handle the temptation and bought two packages...they were on sale for 2 for $5.00 and the demonstrator gave me a $1.00 coupon so I got the two for $4.00. Lawd, lawd, I was in control for about 30 minutes but later on that night, I loss complete control and demolished the entire package. I still have one left. ;-0 I'm going to try very hard to remain in control next week and only eat the serving amount as a snack each day. The product doesn't have to be bad for my diet if I can actually gain control of my need to have an abundance of things that I cater to my sweet tooth. Other, than that, I had my treat meals over the weekend but I didn't splurge too badly.
Next week...
The goal is to reduce my calorie intake even more and stay away from the carbs. Although I don't gain weight behind eating carbs at 1,500 calorie a day max, the weight loss is much slower than I think it should be considering the amount of exercise I'm doing on a daily basis. So I'm reducing the calorie count to 1,200 calories from Monday - Friday, and a 1,500 calorie count on the weekends. Pray for me, as this new change will be extremely challenging but worth the effort if it works. ;-)
Energy Abundance...
As you know, I've struggled with energy issues for some time now. Well I'm happy to share that the energy is in abundance these days. I'd like to thank the Academy...LOL! No seriously, I'd like to thank my liquid vitamin, B12, and Green Tea.;-) I also purchased liquid Ginseng on Friday and I'm adding it to my energy cocktail that also includes soy milk and frozen cut fruit.. ;-) Next week, I'll let go of the energy drinks too. Oh Lawd! No more energy drink and reduced calories for my diet. This is going to be the start of something...good, I pray.
My Word for Today: Excited
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Day 62 - March 3, 2011
OMG....a workout not from the Heavens...
Today's workout was a killer! But I'm loving it! ;-) It was my very own special routine that I decided to create for the days that I should be doing Yoga but don't. Did I tell you that I hate, hate, hate, Yoga? LOL! I know I've already said that but just needed to reiterate that. So I thought I'd have a bright idea and create an alternative to the body twisting routine of "P90X." What I didn't realize is that between Tony Horton and Shaun T., they have created an exercise monster in me. LOL! In case you'd like to try the workout or know what I did, the following is my routine.
Fatbuster Routine by Shonia B.
Part 1 Stretch Exercises
Part 4 Strength Training (BACK) 2 sets of 8 reps
Neck Roll
Tapas Stretch
Triceps/Biceps Combo Stretch
Pot Stirrers
Wide Leg Bend Over
Child’s Pose
My Word for Today: Whooped!
Today's workout was a killer! But I'm loving it! ;-) It was my very own special routine that I decided to create for the days that I should be doing Yoga but don't. Did I tell you that I hate, hate, hate, Yoga? LOL! I know I've already said that but just needed to reiterate that. So I thought I'd have a bright idea and create an alternative to the body twisting routine of "P90X." What I didn't realize is that between Tony Horton and Shaun T., they have created an exercise monster in me. LOL! In case you'd like to try the workout or know what I did, the following is my routine.
Fatbuster Routine by Shonia B.
Part 1 Stretch Exercises
Neck Roll
Arm Circles
Chest Stretch
Tapas Stretch
Biceps/Triceps Combo
Wide Leg Bend Over
Downward Dog
Plank Hold
Upward Dog
Kenpo Quad Stretch
Cat Stretch
Part 2 Warm-Up
Arm Circles
Chest Stretch
Tapas Stretch
Biceps/Triceps Combo
Wide Leg Bend Over
Downward Dog
Plank Hold
Upward Dog
Kenpo Quad Stretch
Cat Stretch
Part 2 Warm-Up
Run in Place
Jumping Jacks
High Knees
Jumping Jacks
High Knees
Part 3 HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)
Run uphill and downhill for 5 minutes
Barbell or Dumbbell Standing Row
Single-leg Neutral Grip Dumbbell Row
Standing Supported Single-Arm Upperhand Grip Dumbbell Row
Rear Lateral Raise
Seated Rear Lateral Raise
Lat Pull downs
Cable Row
Single-leg Neutral Grip Dumbbell Row
Standing Supported Single-Arm Upperhand Grip Dumbbell Row
Rear Lateral Raise
Seated Rear Lateral Raise
Lat Pull downs
Cable Row
Part 5 - HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) – Do as many of an exercise for one minute. There is one minute for each exercise for a total of 20 minutes for 20 exercises.
SET ONE
Stack Push-Ups
Banana Rolls
Squat Hop
Pendulum
Wall Squat
Lunge and Reach
Burpees
Steam Engine
Superman/Banana
Steam Engine
Banana Rolls
Squat Hop
Pendulum
Wall Squat
Lunge and Reach
Burpees
Steam Engine
Superman/Banana
Steam Engine
SET TWO
Superman/Banana
Steam Engine
Lunge and Reach
Wall Squat
Squat Run
Stack Push-ups
Superman/Banana
Burpees
Squat Run
Banana Rolls
Steam Engine
Lunge and Reach
Wall Squat
Squat Run
Stack Push-ups
Superman/Banana
Burpees
Squat Run
Banana Rolls
Part 6 - Cool Down
Tapas Stretch
Triceps/Biceps Combo Stretch
Pot Stirrers
Wide Leg Bend Over
Child’s Pose
My Word for Today: Whooped!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Day 61 - March 2, 2011
Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!
Can you say, "Ouch?" LOL! Today was my first day doing "P90X's" Chest, Shoulders and Triceps routine and it was a killa! Twenty four exercises in 60 minutes! ;-0 But I feel great after the workout and the recovery drink was yummo. Tomorrow, I'm doing a special customized workout routine designed by yours truly. ;-) I'll let you know how it turns out, but please pray for me. Sometimes, I'm a little more ambitious than my body is really ready for. But like my idol, Tony Horton says, "Do your best and forget the rest!" That's what I plan on doing and nothing's gonna stop me! LOL!
My Word for Today: Energy
Can you say, "Ouch?" LOL! Today was my first day doing "P90X's" Chest, Shoulders and Triceps routine and it was a killa! Twenty four exercises in 60 minutes! ;-0 But I feel great after the workout and the recovery drink was yummo. Tomorrow, I'm doing a special customized workout routine designed by yours truly. ;-) I'll let you know how it turns out, but please pray for me. Sometimes, I'm a little more ambitious than my body is really ready for. But like my idol, Tony Horton says, "Do your best and forget the rest!" That's what I plan on doing and nothing's gonna stop me! LOL!
My Word for Today: Energy
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