Results! Round One - 21 Day Fix

It's More Than Rabbit Food!

I'll spare you the cliche before and after photos - after all, my results are (less than?) typical. I followed the workout plan daily, and did as much as I possibly could. I followed the plan almost exactly. I had a couple curveballs: er visit with the hubs, a wedding and girl stuff. None were exactly plan friendly.

SO FAR:
Right arm: - 1/2"
Left arm: - 3/4"
Bust: + 1/2" (don't ask me!)
Waist: -1"
Hips: -1"
Left thigh: - 3/8" (huh?)
Right thigh: -1"

Total Inches Lost: 4 1/8            Total Pounds Lost: 4.8

This, in just 21 days. But the real difference is that I FEEL so much better! I really feel stronger, and more energetic. I feel lighter. So I'm on to round two!

Once the difference is more dramatic, and I'm not quite so crazy-busy, I'll get some pictures up. :)

Water... I'm swimming in it!

How in the world do you get "enough" water? Is there ever "enough" water consumption?

I feel like all I do lately is either drink water, fill my water glass or get rid of water I've consumed. 

Open Wide!

There are so many varying recommendations as for water intake. Some say 8 x 8 ounce glasses, others say half your body weight in ounces, and then factor in exercise and you need a degree in math to figure it out! 

Let's face it, sometimes it's not always convenient to drink a ton of water. I'll be flying from the West Coast to the Midwest (two flights each way) and I am not thrilled about the idea of spending half the trip in the restroom. But I know flying dehydrates you, and if you're not well hydrated, you can't flush out the bugs from your fellow travelers.

Then, there's the TYPE of water to consider. Spring? Purified? Filtered? What type of filter? Tap? Alkaline? Bottled? Glass or plastic? What about temperature?

I have a glass water jug with a silicone cover and flip top - it holds around 24 ounces. I set a goal to drink one by 9 am, one by noon and one by 3pm. I like the "taste" or rather non-taste, of purified water over spring or tap. I rely heavily on my Brita filter, and prefer my water cold. I've been moderately successful. I get so caught up with work during the day that I just plain don't think about it even though my glass is right in front of my nose.

How much water do you drink? What are your preferences, and how do you remember to get as much as you need?

21 Day Fix: Day 15

Today's the day I officially start my third week on the 21 Day Fix. Two whole weeks are done, and they just flew by. I can't believe I'm becoming one of those people! One that has so much energy and excitement!

Last night's dinner was out of Fixate - the companion cookbook to this program. I've made several things so far, and like all the others, this was a huge hit! I can see myself using this for the rest of my life. I am lucky that my sweet hubby will eat pretty much whatever I make as long as it isn't watermelon or cucumber. Plus, he can fix anything with hot sauce.

It's supposed to be super hot the rest of the week (and muggy too) so I got my workout in before 7 again. We don't have A/C, so fans are definitely my friends. Today was Total Body Cardio Fix and it was a tough one! I do feel like I'm getting stronger, and possibly more coordinated. My arms tire out so fast from holding them up in the air so much, weights or no. I am holding them up/out for longer than the two prior weeks, so that's totally a victory for me. My triceps are really sore today, and I'm not sure why! Yesterday wasn't particularly rough.

I'm getting pretty excited to do an official weigh in and measurement check. I've planned a break for a couple days at the end of this program so I can get my hair straightened and cut again. My hair is outrageously curly, and I just don't have patience to deal with it. I use an amazing Japanese treatment called Yuko Thermal Reconditioning. It leaves my hair super straight, soft and shiny. It's so healthy and easy to deal with! The only problem is that they haven't figured out how to make it grow back in straight. :) After the straightening, I have to leave it alone for a few days. No washing, and no putting it in a hair tie or even behind my ears (that would leave a permanent dent). So I purposefully scheduled my appointment at the end of my three weeks and then I'll start right back up once I can sweat and get my hair wet!

Why Beachbody? Why 21 Day Fix?

 

First of all, I was inspired to change by my Coach, Megan. So far, she has lost 50 pounds with Beachbody! Her success and transformation has been incredible, and inspirational. After a lot of research, I felt 21 Day Fix was right for me.


Basically, I was sick of calculating points, logging foods or cataloging calories, I saw short term success using these methods, but by day 3 or 4, or 7 if I was really on a roll, I'd start cheating and slacking off. Not a good solution for me. Let's be real: I need simple. I just do!


As noted in my Introduction, I've never been able to get nutrition AND exercise going at the same time.With 21 Day Fix, Beachbody ships you a set of containers that honestly, look really small. (They aren't!) Based on your weight, you calculate the number of containers you get for each food category (veggies, fruit, protein, etc.), and you use them during the day. The focus is on clean, whole foods. Wine is even allowed! And chocolate! I have yet to feel hungry at the end of the day after eating all my food. Some days, I can't quite get it all in.

Also, the program comes with workout DVD's (sometimes a bonus DVD too, depending on any current promotions). There are seven different workouts that are only 30 minutes each (THIRTY MINUTES - THAT'S ALL!) - one for each day of the week. All you need is a towel, water, mat & weights (or a resistance band). There are even modifications included for people like me who are just starting. I don't think I've ever worked out seven days in a row in my life, much less 14 days in a row!

I chose to try Beachbody's  Shakeology (in Vegan Chocolate) - it is a "daily dose of dense nutrition" in a superfood protein powder, and it's super yummy! It's not cheap, but it's so worth it. I'll talk about that some more another day.

Because clean eating, controlled portions, and exercise (all together) is such a change for most people fighting their weight, some have some really dramatic results. The paperwork says "Lose up to 15 pounds in 21 days" - I'm not expecting that, but will be thrilled with whatever I do lose! Two weeks in and I'm tightening my belt a notch (and my bra band) and I feel really, really good.

Please, comment below, or message me if you have any questions. I'd love to help you feel as good as I do!

Who Am I? An Introduction

Who am I?  
I'm a California girl (yes, a real native), and a Hockey & LA Kings JUNKIE! (Go Kings Go!) I also enjoy a good laugh, often at my own expense. I love live music, movies, and going out with friends. I've been married to my sweetie since October 4, 1998. Back then I was slender, but thought I was fat. If only I could go back and shake myself. I was NOT fat. I haven't ever been in stellar shape, but I wasn't even overweight. I'd also find a way to instill better self-care habits - you know, the boring old eat right & exercise bit. But it's so true.

I've tried many weight loss programs, and gone to different gyms. I just never could get diet & nutrition working together. I'd do great at the gym, but be RAVENOUS and undo all my hard work with that juicy burger and delectable shake after. (Hey, I deserved it right? I worked hard!) Or I would go to Weight Watchers, diligently log my food, and be disappointed that the weight wouldn't fall off me. Well no wonder! I was sitting on my ass the rest of the day. I was smart enough to know deep down that I had to get my shit together, but too lazy to do really anything about it.

The Struggle - yes, it's real!
First and foremost, I need to lose weight. I'm lugging around 45+ extra pounds and it's taking its toll on me physically and emotionally. I've been slowly packing it on over the years, and I feel run down. Sometimes a little depressed. I get so uncomfortable in the heat - I break a sweat just getting off the couch; and that's embarrassing! I feel inferior because I'm teetering on plus-size. And I hate my arms - they seem huge to me. I avoid having my picture taken, and if I can't avoid it, I hide behind anyone I can. Since I'm short, that doesn't always work out well for me.

As I tried to ignore my increasing weight, I had to buy new clothes in bigger sizes.  As the sizes increased, availability and options decreased. I refuse to wear tank tops, and so few tops fit me in the arms. I had to buy up, sometimes two sizes, just to get sleeves to fit. And then I was in a top or dress that looked like it was two sizes too big everywhere else. I guess that's when I started to realize that this just isn't normal. The kicker was when I had to buy bigger underwear. I knew I had to do something. I didn't want my undies to double as a parachute!

Goals:
I also would love to learn to ice skate. Properly. Not just wobble around making everyone nervous, and expecting a nice ambulance ride. I want to fit back into my motorcycle gear, and then start using in on a more regular basis. I love riding - it requires 100% of your focus, so my mind is forced to get a break from all the other crap going on. Basically, I want the strength, energy and confidence to be spontaneous and active.



Day 1 - Day 14
July 28, 2015 I started 21-Day Fix to help me shed some pounds (also referred to as my "quest to lose a chin") and gain strength/energy. At 42, I know it will only become harder to lose weight. I've found that Beachbody's Shakeology shakes taste great and seriously quell the urge for junk. The better I'm eating, the less crap food I want. I got to my current weight by not exercising, being too lazy to cook and relying on the convenience of fast food - which is more than plentiful in my area. I had excuses for everything!

So far I've made it through two entire weeks of this program, and I haven't passed out or puked once! (I was close a couple times though.) That's a victory in my eyes! But trust me, it's kicked my butt for sure. We're supposed to stay off the scale for the 21 days, but I have had to cinch up the bra and belt. And I put on a pair of shorts I haven't worn in a couple years... and they're a little loose!

But most importantly, I feel GREAT! I wake up, get my workout in, and get moving through my day. I have more bounce in my step and feel happier. I'm looking forward to the new clothing options already in my closet. :) 

If you're in a similar position, join me on this road to fitness! Ask me anything. Seriously. I'd love to help you!