Kitchen Makeover After Pile On

Today we started the morning class and joined Ben's Saturday a.m. class. We did a workout called the Pile On and ah yeah, everything hurts, mainly the legs. Good hurt though.

After our workout, we had our Metabolism Makeover class. Charlotte, Margaret and Deveney stopped by to give a few words of encouragement. We were able to ask them questions and they explained their journeys to success ... some fast, some slow. After the C/M/D left, we did our normal, went around and talked about our week.

In the beinginning of the week, yes, I weighed myself but ironically, I was ok with it.... at that point. Well, by today I was feeling discouraged. HOWEVER.... I am so much stronger than when I started and I'm really starting to notice. So, I'm moving the scale out of the house in about 10 minutes.

After class, I went grocery shopping at Shaw's. I grabbed some great things to make some great meals this week! I took Deveney's suggestion and will be trying the salmon in a pouch. I hope to try tuna melts this week in a pita and I bought ingredients to make a mango salsa. I came home, put my cans of kidney beans, natural diced toms and tuna in cans and pouches on the eye level shelf of the pantry. Then, the fun began.... I cooked up 2 lbs of ground chicken w/ taco sauce and water. After it cooled, I portioned into 4 oz servings in baggies so they are ready to grab. *** Tonia, thanks again for the mini scale, it's fab!*** I cooked some chicken and did the same with that.

Next I made....wait for it.... Mango salsa and holy wow it's good. I broke out the mini food processor and went to town. Ok, mince all and mix up in bowl:

(1) large red pepper
(1) purple onion
(1) celery heart & stalks (about 7)
(1) pckg cherry tomatoes
(2) mangos
(1) handful of cilantro

You can add a little lime juice for some zing if desired. Makes about 4 cups. Yum. So for lunch I had 1 Jo's Flax, oat & whole wheat pita, 4 oz ground chicken and 1/2 cup salsa. Yeah. It was tasty. So, I tried 3 news things in one meal. Yay Missy!!!

Dinner is a 3 cup spinach salad w/ egg whites, grilled chicken and 1/2 cup FF Cottage Cheese on side. Salad dressing is Ken's Healthy Options Raspberry Walnut. Can't wait to try it.

I feel great about having good food choices at my fingertips and look forward to my meal planning for the week that I will do tomorrow. I also plan to take a walk/run tomorrow. Nothing crazy, but my goal is about a 3 mile loop near my house on dirt roads. I'll try to run as much as I can but will walk to catch my breath.

Oh, almost forgot, our NT of the D.... reviews 10 super foods & talking about eating/drinking antioxies to get rid of free radicals. Peace.

Sweating from the Get-Go!

This week I have had an abundance of positive energy and I just feel amazing. My food choices are good and the workouts are just awesome this week. We've changed it up a bit and I feel great.

Today started with Planks, hold regular plank position for 20 seconds, then rotate to left for 20 seconds, then to right 20 seconds, that's 1 round. We did 3 rounds with no breaks. I had to adjust a few times but I held my own I thought. I'd rather do a straight 60 seconds of planks than that! But, Ben said it would get rid of our love handles so, we did it!

Next was well, how do I say this... a challenge. Came in 2 sections. First 1/2 had 3 stations of pushups x 20, gobblet squats x 10 and kettlebells x 10. Go through the 3 and that's 1 round. We had to do as many rounds as we could in 10 mins. Lisa, Erica and I each got 4. Christine was out today. The second 1/2 was 10 times harder. The stations were renegade rows x 10 each arm/15 lb. db., reverse crunches x 15 and step ups, 1o each leg w/ 15 lb. db. in each hand. Holy crap. Oh you think we're done now? Nope...

Welcome to Ben's Leg Matrix. 24 jump squats, 24 jump lunges, 24 squats, 24 lunges. He wanted us to finish it in under 3 minutes. I got 3:17, erica finished a little after 3 mins, and Lisa finished a little after me so we all did really well.

Our NT of the D was some new food ideas... can always use those. I'm curios about the Can-Yo. Who can figure that one out??!! :o)

PIN peeps, I'm outtie.

Stepping it up a Notch

Today's workout was called Dakota's Destiny and wowzer. It feels so good to hurt so bad. Man, that kicked my butt! However, I will announce, I got my knees off the ground and completed a few mini pushups! Standards... here I come. I hope to work on them daily.

I have changed a few things with my food and hope to have a successful week ahead. Today I tried my protein shake w/ 2 cups of skim milk and OMG that was tasty! Thanks for the tip Tonia! This week, I have a few food goals. Oh and YES I have been measuring! Yay Missy!!! I acutally don't eat anything without measuring so that's a great change I have incorporated!

1. Bluberries. I have only been having strawberries.
2. I will be trying lemon juice as my salad dressing
3. I will also start to incorporate a pm snack of 1/2 cup fiber one cottage cheese w/ a few blueberries.

On Sundays, I've been packing all of my food I will need up through dinner. I label brown paper bags by the day of the week so in the morning, I grab and go. They system worked well last week so I plan to continue.

Today's Food is:
Pre W= nothing, I forgot to eat, woke up late (I know, I know, very, very bad).
Post W=Protien shake w/ 2 cups skim milk
11 snack=apple
12:30= 2 cups romaine, cuke, carrots, 1 pouch tuna (dry), 1/4 cup cashews, 6 croutons, lemon juice for dressing, celery and strawberries
3:30 Protien shake w/ 12 oz. water
6:00= 4 oz. tilapia w/ 2 cups steamed broc and 1/2 cup fiber one cottage cheese
7:30-8 snack= 1 cup yogurt & blueberries
100 oz of water.

Ok, gotta run! Well not literally, because I don't have any more energy after today's BC!

Pink Carnations.....

That God damn scale got the best of me, again. Stupid thing. I should chuck it out the window. I never would have thought it would effect me as much as it has but... it has. Saturday after our MM class, I learned that a couple of the girls had done really well, losing 12-15 lbs. So, stupid me, I got on the scale (however in the back of my head, I knew I hadn't lost) and guess what.... same freekin' number as day one. The faucet turned but after a few minutes I got myself back together and moved on.

Ben made some good suggestions during my kitchen makeover on Saturday. He strongly advised to measure, measure, measure. So, I bought some measuring cups and have the tea/tblspoons out on the counter. He also advised to have protein prepared, portioned and ready to go. Same w/ veggies. So, I have taken his advice and have combined it with a much more strict diet. Trying to come to 1450 cals per day. Although I feel this is too high, Ben feels it may be too low. He's the professional so I'll follow his lead. He did make me laugh when he said we're dealing with a stuborn body... I said "uh, yeah." Over the next 3 weeks, my goal is to push past this road block and start seeing and feeling some changes. I am going to ask Lisa and Tonia for some pointers as they passed the Kitchen Makeover test with flying colors! Good Job Ladies!

I am traveling for work this week, Tues through Friday, and will have unsupportive food choices all around me at this conference. So, on Sunday, I portioned out my bfast/snack/lunch/snack for Monday through Friday. For dinners, my friend/co-worker Laurel and I will be going out to eat tues-fri. She is a very good support person for me so I'm confident I can go out to eat and still make good decisions. Also, Ben has assigned me a work out for wed/thurs/friday mornings while at the hotel as they have a gym. I'm excited to challenge myself.

Oh yeah, we had a great workout today as we did something different. However, after workingout Ben asked everyone how food was going and I lost it, cried about my progress thus far but everyone was very supportive and told me it will come. I got to work and had a cute little arrangement of Pink Carnations, from Erica. It cheered me up. Thanks Erica!

Focus Time

I"ll be catching you all up on the last few days. Monday we didn't workout as been was ill. Tuesday we worked out and it felt great. I didn't realize how much I missed it! Good news, Ben is feeling better and wanted to step it up a notch with us today, and boy, did he ever. Holy cow!

I continued to use the 25lb disk in the wood chop exercise, added (2) 10 lb dumb bells to the step up exercise, increased time on all stations from 30 sec. to 60 seconds and added dead weight lifts with a 45 lb kettle bell. So it was nice to incorporate some new things.

Tomorrow I need to focus more. I really want to get to the next level as tomorrow is the 3 week mark. My goal especially until 4/2 (measurement day) is journal everything in fitday.com, drink all my water and get my protein in.

It's exciting having goals to reach and then reset. Even better, I'm wearing a pair of black pants from the "clothes that are too tight" side of the closet. They're snug but not as tight as they were 4 weeks ago! Yeah baby.

Whenever I feel like I'm struggling and need to push through, I tell myself NO EXCUSES and it always gets me through those last few reps. It also helps that Ben is encouraging us and saying "10 seconds left, get those last reps in!!!"

Tonia worked out with us today and OMG, that girl is a powerhouse! She was SOOOO motivating! Thanks T!

Today's Menu: Total Cals= 1383:Fat 18%/Protein 43%/Carbs 38%
Pre workout=1 slice VT Bread Multigrain toast
Post workout=1 slice bfast pizza that I made
11:00 snack= 1/2 cup Fat Free cottage cheese w/ 5 strawberries
12:30 lunch= 1/2 Josephs wheat wrap, 2 pieces lean ham, 2 pieces 2 lean turkey, 1 cup romaine, red pepper and cukes.
3:30 snack=1/2 wrap w/ 2 oz Starkist Tuna from Pouch (no draining required, yay!), with 1 cup romaine
6:30 dinner= 4oz tilapia baked w/ Mrs. Dash (no sodium/table blend), 1 cup steamed broc, 1 cup steamed spin., 1/2 cup kashi morocan rice, 4 strawberries, 1/2 cup cottage cheese
Dessert= Stawberry Cho Yo

Engine 8 is Soooo Great!

Friday Workouts @ BBC tend to be a little more difficult and Ben seems to always step it up a notch, if that's even possible. I had to use every ounce of energy to get through today and I think the other girls were in the same boat. But, it was AWESOME! Ben totally pushed us and I'm so glad he did. I proved to myself that I was stronger than the negative feeling lurking in my body yesterday, when I was physically and mentally exhausted. I got a good night's sleep last night, woke up this morning ready to go! We all met at the Moosers headquarters on the way in, 92 moo, and the 5 of us and Ben had a little chat with Todd & Deveney. Once again, I was referred to as the Wild Card camper! I love it! We introduced ourselves said a little blurp and then we were off to BBC!

Today at Camp, Ben kicked our butts! Acutally, we burned his. You just have to see the video! I felt fabulous after our class. I got to work and my friend and co-worker Tracey always likes to hear what we did that day in class and what I've been eating, so we chatted quickly. She's an awesome motivator and she's just so interested in what we're learning so I enjoy sharing with her.

Tomorrow is Metabolism Class. I can't wait to measure in 4 weeks!

*** I just tried dry tuna, red peppers, romaine and a little of Drew's All Natural Poppyseed dressing on 2 slices Vermont Bread Co. whole grain, organic. Tres YUM!

Biggest Challenge: Bring your Game

Wow, it's been 12 days and I've gone every single day. Today was by far my biggest challenge. My body is tired and I really had to push myself to get my numbers today. As with life, some days are great others are just so-so. I did rally and pushed through and met my numbers. So, I proved to myself I could do when I thought I didn't have it in me.

I've had 2 people tell me my face looks thinner which was a huge ego boost. As Ben and my fellow campers know, it's killing me to not get on the scale but I haven't since Sunday. The scale is put away and I will bust it out on 4-2 at our 6 week mark.

I've been drinking my water and concentrating on food. I made an excellent dish wtih Tilapia last night. Also had steamed cauliflower and it was so good. Haven't been excellent at journaling my food on fitday so I have to get on that.

Today was Cardio day. We did 10 rounds 30/90 then 10 rounds 30/60. 4 stations= step ups, firehose slap, rubber band rows and bike. The rows threw me off a little. I finally think I'm getting stronger in my arms and then he throws us an exercise that knocks me on my butt. It's helping me build my muscles even stronger so that's good. Over all, not my best day but I still brought my game.

Super Woman has touched down in Derby! It's me!

Seriously, I'm sort of thinking that I have super powers because how else have I gotten through 10 days of Bootie Camp! Holy Shnikes! Oh yeah i know.... SUPPORT from all my friends and family! My Fiance Scott every morning tells me "go get 'em!" and my Sister Meika, Mom Sue, Aunt Patti, Dad Pat and future Sister-in-Law Christine check in with me almost daily to see how things are going! Also, the girls at my office are all over me as soon as I walk in, asking what Ben made us do! Thank you everyone for support! Acutally, I'm loving the workouts and look forward to them!

I also have to give a thanks to my fellow mooser Erica who totally motivates me. A little competition never hurt anyone! Ben keeps me on top of my game and makes me push harder. I'll never be able to thank him enough for giving me this opportunity as the Wild Card!

So today we started with dead weight lifts. 45 lb bar, lifting frommin shin off up to mid body. Christine and Lisa were partners and Erica and I were partners. E & I got to 95 lbs! Holy crap! Yeah baby. Then it was to Tabata.... all I can say is OMG. Kettle bells, push ups, rows, push press, landmines, hill climbers, wicked hard butt lift thingys and don't forget the burpees! Oh that wasn't enough though! We spent the last 10 minutes planking for 60 seconds straight, resting 60 seconds, then doing superwomens. (Lay on belly arms straight out of you in the air, quads and legs up in air so the only thing touching the ground is chest and core/mid section.) K, now hold it for 60 seconds... yeah... that's what I'm talkin' about! Ouch.

I haven't seen the fire hose video but can't wait to! Gott run! Thanks for reading!

Drive the Petals! Get There!

That's all I'm hearing in my head right now becuase Ben is such a great motivator! Today was cardio day and boy did he work us! We had 3 stations. Step ups, fire hose and bike. We did ten rounds 30 seconds hard (sprint pace), 90 second rest (not just standing there of course, Ben makes us do high knees during our "rest"). Then we did 10 more rounds, same exersices, 30 seconds hard then 60 second rest.

Step ups were ok. You're stepping up to a platform about 20 inches off the ground. Step up with right foot, then left, that is 1. I did 15-20 each time in 30 seconds. I figured a way to get more in by putting a little pep in my step, doing it a little quicker. next is the bike. The bike isn't my favorite but I didnt' have a choice. The first 15 seconds when you're giving it your all it's ok but then the last 10-15 seconds are hard. That's when Ben says... "Drive the Petals! Get There! Get There!" There's no slacking on Ben's watch, that's for sure. Last station was the fire hose. 55 lb kettle bell about 15 feet away from me, 30 feet of the woven part of the fire hose around the kettle bell as the tension. Standing w/ feet shoulder width apart, hold each end of the hose in each hand, starting in squat position, throw the bands up then slap them on the floor. I got up to about 40 by the end. I was at 33-35, then Erica busted out 40 (you go girl) and the challenge was on... I got to 39 so I was thrilled and my heart was just a beatin'!

I haven't been drinking enough water so my goal today is 3 by 12:30, then 3 until bed. 1 down, 5 to go. Food plan today is:

6 a.m. meal=1 slice toast, 5 strawberries.
9 a.m. meal=1 peach chobani greek yogurt
12:30 meal= 1 wrap, 2 slices shaved ham, apple, shredded lowfat cheese side of steamed broc.
3:30 meal= 2 egg whites, 1/2 cup sauted veggies (spinach, sqaush, red peppers & no salt Mrs. Dash) 1/2 cup chili
6 p.m. meal= 4 o.z. ham steak, asparagus, 1 cup mashed pots.

I may have to add some food in depending on how it all fits in my pie chart www.fitday.com!

Dig, Dig, Dig

I was dreading today's class. I think I was a little fearful after last Monday's class, when we worked so hard I forgot my name! (just kidding). BUT, good news... it felt great. We did a few different things today, like the arm band pulls, burpees w/ kettlebells, dumb bell pulls and pulling Ben across the room....yeah, where was the video camera on that one!

My goal this week is to measure foods. I'm borrowing a scale from a friend to make sure I'm eating the correct portions. Deveney was 100% right... the food is the most difficult part of this battle.

Are you wondering why I called this Dig, Dig, Dig? We had to pull Ben across the room today and he was yelling Dig, Dig, Dig. You dig it?

No Pounds Gone Yet

Ben's major rule is NO scale. Well, I can see why he says that. I just got on the damn thing and it hasn't budged in 10 days. I'm shocked but I'm banking on loss of inches at this point. The worst part about it is that it means I'm going to have to step it up a notch when I thought I was at peak performance. No doubt, I work but butt off at camp.

So watch out Sistas (and Ben).... I'm coming on Monday and I'm ready....

Week 1: Feb 19-Feb 28

Between my new ways of eating and the intense morning workouts, I can't wait to see the results at the end of 4 months on June 4th! Ben has taught me so much about nutrition and I have learned that I can overpower that little voice inside my head that says there's no way I can do one more Gobblet Squat or Row. I've also squashed the other little voice that says I need a sweet after dinner. See ya.

After days 1 & 2, I couldn't even get up out of a chair without assistance. I knew it would only get better so I persevered. Then we had the weekend off (thank God). But Ben worked us like dogs this past week. Every class, we seem to increase our reps and weights so that's encouraging but says WAKE UP to those muscles that have been in hibernation since high school.

Changing my food habits has been 70% of the battle, while exercise is probably 30%. I have never had a problem exercising. I love it. It's the motivation I lacked. I want to go to class every morning, it's becoming part of my day. Usually after our Metabolism Makeover class (which I highly recommend everyone takes) on Saturdays, I go grocery shopping, then go home and break out the tupper ware and zip lock baggies and prepare my meals for the week. Some examples are, protein packed chili, cutting up berries for yogurt, portioning chicken and/or fish, washing, cutting and preparing veggies for stir-fry or salads. I also plan my meals for the week. The best part of this is the new foods I'm eating are actually good. Ben is teaching me how to fuel my body with what it needs. You don't put water in your car's gas tank. If you did, you're transmission would be done and you'd have some leaky gaskets! Think of your body as the same way. Simple as that.

Stay tuned for my daily menus and maybe some recipes.

Thank you everyone for cheering me on!

If you voted for me, then you've read my story but here's a small recap.

I am sick of being the "fat girl" in the room. I have declined invitations to go out with friends or even to weddings as I don't want people to see me. I am embarrassed of the way I look and that is so sad. I actually declined to be in a friend's wedding from college because I didn't want to be the "biggest" bridesmaid. I need to change my life. My wedding is coming up in September and I refuse to be the fat bride. I am ready and willing to do what it takes to make my life better and change my body.

This is important to me because I am getting married in September and I am starting that new chapter of my life. I want to be that old couple that sits on their porch when we're 80 and at the rate I'm at now, I don't think I'll be there with him. Why is this important to me? Because I want to live the best life I can

I have always wanted to take part in walk /run to raise money for cancer awareness but haven't be able to because I'm too overweight. I would like to run in a fund raising event. Also, maybe I'll wear the dress of my dreams or a bathing suit on my honey moon, without a sarong or towel wrapped around my body!

I'm a survivor in many ways. I WILL DO THIS.