No time like the present- Mommykuce's Journal

[mommykuce]

I have been reading through everyone's journals over the past several days, and i kept telling myself it would be a good idea, even though I am not competing, just love what lifting and the whole thing does for me (and makes me look). As I said in my intro thread, since I turned 29 this week I have really looked at everything in a whole different light. I have been working out, but really not as serious as I used to before I had my son (now 18 1/2mths old). I used to keep a journal many moons ago, and now I think it would be a good idea so I can get some feedback and to keep myself from making excuses. I pretty much know what is going on, but I am sure my body is not going to respond as well as it used to several years ago, so I am going to change up what I consider "the correct things to do". I was going to put off starting my journal for another week (after I got through my b-day week) but no more excuses- no time like the present!

Here is my meals for the day:

Meal 1: Protein Shake (220 calories, 40g protein, 23g carbs) plus half banana
(pre-workout)half cup of coffee (black) on the way to the gym

Meal 2: Meal Replacement Shake (190 calories, 35g P, 49g, C) Post workout

Meal 3: Chicken breast, spinach, small baked potato with Molly Mcbutter

Meal 4: 6oz. yogurt w/ fresh strawberries

Meal 5: Grilled steak, salad w/ lettuce, cucumber, little shredded cheese, tomato, hard boiled eggs

Meal 6: 4 hard boiled egg whites, 1 yolk, some of my son's left over veggies

My workout today was:
Warm up with 15 min on crosstrainer, stretch

Shoulders:
Dumbell Press 20lbs, 12, 10, 10
Dumbell Lateral Raise 15 lbs, 12, 12, 12, (really had to push to get to twelve)
Front Dumbell RAise 15lbs, 10, 10
Barbell Upright Row 30lbs, 10, 10

Cardio: 35min

I sometimes superset when I am feeling really good, but I have to admit I need to get over being scared of pushing myself too hard. Where I used to love the burn and soreness, now I wonder if how I will even be able to pick up my son if I push. I was looking at HIT workout, and it seem interesting. Looking forward to any input.

[jeni5.0]

hi- i have been waiting for a journal to read that is just starting. i may not post a lot, but ill be reading! i should start a journal, but, i dont know.
im excited to hear about all your nutrition advice, etc. i have a degree in athletic training, but nutrition wasnt a focus point. we looked at in mainly to help overweight athletes. ive been wanting to minor in nutrition, but ill have to wait to go back to the states. unless you know of something online? that would be great. then i could just focus on my masters when i go home. let me know if you know of anything. and good luck!!

[mommykuce]

hi- i have been waiting for a journal to read that is just starting. i may not post a lot, but ill be reading! i should start a journal, but, i dont know.
im excited to hear about all your nutrition advice, etc. i have a degree in athletic training, but nutrition wasnt a focus point. we looked at in mainly to help overweight athletes. ive been wanting to minor in nutrition, but ill have to wait to go back to the states. unless you know of something online? that would be great. then i could just focus on my masters when i go home. let me know if you know of anything. and good luck!!I am actually taking a program online because I can't attend traditional college because of my baby. I actually took the nutrition courses because I got interested in them when I was getting my bachelor's in Hotel/Restaurant Management. A lot of the first required courses were all from the dietetic program. It was around this time I got very interested in fitness, and since I only had a little bit more to go to get the Associates, I did it. I have a friend who is actually getting a bachelor's /Master's in Nursing online, so I am sure there is something out there to get a degree in nutrition. I will ask around. Thanks for reading and the support!

[Mizfette]

"Dumbell Lateral Raise 15 lbs, 12, 12, 12, (really had to push to get to twelve)"


Wow-- you're a bad ass! My arms would quit and walk away if I tried to do 15# lateral raises. Nice job pushing yourself!

"I was getting my bachelor's in Hotel/Restaurant Management. "

I'm in the process of getting my associates in Culinary Arts, and I'll be taking a few HRM classes (like human resources, beverage, etc) now and for another semester. Interesting stuff! Hospitality Management is definitely NOT for the faint of heart.

Anyway, good luck on your journal... I'll be reading it! Looks great so far ...

L

[StlBarbie]

"Dumbell Lateral Raise 15 lbs, 12, 12, 12, (really had to push to get to twelve)"


Wow-- you're a bad ass! My arms would quit and walk away if I tried to do 15# lateral raises. Nice job pushing yourself!

L

I agree - those are some mean lateral raises!!!! Great job - I wouldn't be able to pick up a gallon of milk after those!

[mommykuce]

Wow! Thanks guys! I never thought of 15lbs as a lot of weight- I have been doing them ever since I remember. And I am a real strict person when it comes to form. I have never lifted less than 10lbs., and as I said I love working shoulders. I also have a 28lb son who insists on me picking him up and dancing with him, so I am sure that helps. Thanks for the encouragement!

I haven't done anything with the Hotel Management in years- I have been a paramedic for almost 5 years now. I am also what you would call a "career student".

[jeni5.0]

ive thought many times before about becoming a paramedic. ever since i was in a car accident ive thought about it. my main concern is that i get car sick. i pretty much have to sit in the front seat and look straight ahead or i get a headache. that would be a problem in the back of an ambulance.

as you can see im not sure about my career yet. i ABSOLUTELY LOVE athletic training, but the hours for a good job wouldnt allow me to ever have a family, or at least spend time with them.

thanks for looking into the nutrition online stuff. ill be looking to. im really excited now.

[Jennifer-Lynn]

Okay I just have to comment as well - 15LB LATERAL RAISES!!! - Wow!


Ok, now that that's over - welcome aboard! Good luck with your workouts and new direction...your diet looks really good too.

[mommykuce]

Thanks for your support girls! Here is my day:

Meal 1: 3 egg whites scrambled w/ 1 yolk, little bit of safflower oil, 2 slices rye toast with FF Promise Spread. Cup of black coffee

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ 1/2 banana (preworkout)

Meal 3: Meal Replacement Shake (190 cal, 35g P, 49 g C)

Meal 4: Chicken Stir Fry (marinated in Teryaki, then made in a wok w/ Pam and dash Safflower Oil) used chicken tenderloins and mixed frozen veggies

At this point I haven't had meal 5 yet- I am going out to a club tonight (leaving @ around 10:30) for my b-day. I'm not much of a drinker, just going out to have fun (and dance- cardio!) with a couple of friends whose b-day has also been within the last month (us mommies don't get out much). I will have lots of water tonight! I will probably have something small before I go out, then after the clubs we will probably stop at our usual diner and I will get my usual egg white omlete with some kind of veggies (usually broccoli or spinach) with one slice of cheese on top and rye toast (no homefries, ick).

Got to the gym later today cause of my little guy, here it is:

Warm up 15 min of cross trainer, then stretch

Legs:
Walking Lunges (No weight) 3x25

Leg (Hamstring) Curls, 15 lbs, 3x (23)(23)(20)

Leg extensions, 17.5 (I work one leg @ a time so one doesn't do all the work) 3x20

Calf Raise (on board, 2.5lbs in each hand) 2x 18

Did lots of stretching, and abs

I plan on dropping off my son @ daycare tomorrow, and SLEEPING!

[Mizfette]

Happy Birthday!!!

[Jennifer-Lynn]

Got to the gym later today cause of my little guy, here it is:

Warm up 15 min of cross trainer, then stretch

Legs:
Walking Lunges (No weight) 3x25

Leg (Hamstring) Curls, 15 lbs, 3x (23)(23)(20)

Leg extensions, 17.5 (I work one leg @ a time so one doesn't do all the work) 3x20

Calf Raise (on board, 2.5lbs in each hand) 2x 18

Did lots of stretching, and abs

I plan on dropping off my son @ daycare tomorrow, and SLEEPING!

I would recommend not stretching BEFORE weights and just doing it AFTER. Use the cross trainer as the warmup only (and you probably don't need 15 min. either, probably just 5 to 10min.)

Keep up the great work!

[mommykuce]

I would recommend not stretching BEFORE weights and just doing it AFTER. Use the cross trainer as the warmup only (and you probably don't need 15 min. either, probably just 5 to 10min.)

Keep up the great work!I usually stretch before and after my workouts (in between sets I stretch some). Especially when it comes to my legs, I feel like stretching is still kind of my warmup- it makes me feel loose and ready to go. And I have a bad back, and if any of my muscles get tight, especially my hamstrings, my back acts up.

[mommykuce]

I did not do much of anything yesterday after my night out (I caught up on some sleep). I ate fairly clean, but I know I didn't eat enough since I was sleeping most of the day.

We got hit pretty hard with snow last night into this morning, so even though I would like to go to the gym this morning, it's not going to happen. If I was just going by myself I would brave the snow (I have a big SUV) but since i have to bring my baby with me, it's not worth the risk with the roads. Depending on what time my husband gets home from work, I will try to go tonight, but he usually gets home late with the bad weather.

[mommykuce]

Never made it to the gym today because of the snow-unfortunately that means I need to make it up this weekend, and I hate having to bring my son there on the weekends. I did get some form of cardio in today- I played outside in the snow with my son and 120lb dog- what better way is there than that?

Here is what I ate today:

Meal 1: 2 egg whites w/ 1 yolk cooked in safflower oil, 2 pieces rye toast w/ Promise FF spread, and 2 pieces turkery sausage. Coffee black.

Meal 2: Protein Shake (190 cal, 35g P, 4g C) with 1/2 TBL all natural, no salt Peanut Butter

Meal 3: Roast Beef in plain wrap w/ 2g Fat mayo, lettuce, tomato, & 1/4 lb potato salad (store bought)

Meal 4: Peanut Butter (all natural, no salt) and Blueberry Polaner All-Fruit

Meal 5: Buffalo Burger w/ Muenster cheese, salad w/cucumber, tomato, hard boiled egg, olives

Meal 6: Haven't had yet, but will probably have hard boiled egg whites if anything

Wish me luck @ the gym tomorrow!

[jeni5.0]

good luck at the gym tomorrow. :)

[mommykuce]

This is for Sat. 2/26

Meal 1: Protein Shake (190cal, 35g P, 4g C) w/ banana (Pre-Workout)

Meal 2: Meal Replacement Shake (280cal, 40P, 23C) Post-Workout

Mea1 3: Tuna salad w/ 2g Fat mayo, celery, carrots & 1/2 c pasta

Meal 4: Low fat cottage cheese w/ pineapple

Meal 5: Sliced steak, small baked potato w/ FF sour cream & Molly McButter

Meal 6: 1 Hard boiled egg, 1 egg white

I had a really good day @ the gym today. I haven't pushed myself like this in a while. I was so worn out I fell asleep with my son during his nap.

Warmup: 15 minutes on crosstrainer, stretch

Back:

Lat Pulldown: 65lbs, 3x (12)(11)(11) really pushed last set
Seated Cable Rows: 60lbs, 3x (11) pushed all sets
Single Dumbell Row: 20lbs, 2x (10)(9)
Hyperextensions: No weight, 2x (15)(12)

Biceps:

Alternate Dumbell Bicep Curl: 15lbs, 2x (9)
Hammer Curl: 10lbs, 2x (8)
EZ Barbell Curl: 30lbs, 3 (9)

Stretch some more, then some abs

[Jennifer-Lynn]

Back:

Lat Pulldown: 65lbs, 3x (12)(11)(11) really pushed last set
Seated Cable Rows: 60lbs, 3x (11) pushed all sets
Single Dumbell Row: 20lbs, 2x (10)(9)
Hyperextensions: No weight, 2x (15)(12)

Biceps:

Alternate Dumbell Bicep Curl: 15lbs, 2x (9)
Hammer Curl: 10lbs, 2x (8)
EZ Barbell Curl: 30lbs, 3 (9)

Stretch some more, then some abs

Nice workout...good job pushing yourself too!!!

[mommykuce]

Today was kind of my cheat day. Usually I take Sundays off (family day), but my husband was home for a little bit and this was such an odd week with the weather I decided to go to the gym for a little bit.

Cardio:
Cross trainer: 30 mins
Stationary bike (w/the back support): 15 min
Stretch

Also took a pilates based abs class.

Meal 1: Protein Shake (190cal, 35g P, 4g C) Pre-workout

Meal 2: Meal Replacement Shake (280cal, 40P, 23C) Post-Workout

Meal 3: 3 egg whites + 1 yolk scrambled w/Muenster Cheese and sausage (the real stuff) in a wrap. Also ate some apple w/ my son (he luvs to share)

Meal 4: Yogurt w/ blueberries (fresh)

Meal 5: 1/2 cup past (give or take, but it was definately less than 1C) w/ marinara sauce and 2 meatballs (I make my own sauce & meatballs so I know what is in them).

Meal 6: 2 egg whites, 1 yolk w/ spinach

I was out and about today and also went to Starbucks- Grande triple nonfat Caramel Macchiato (I miss their Pumkin Latte).

They are saying around 1 ft of snow for tomorrow, so who knows what is going on- I might just be snowed in. I have off from school and the baby has daycare so I was hoping to get a good workout in.

[Hibiscus09]

Hi there! Happy Monday! :) I was just reading through your journal this morning. Good luck to you! I think your body will still respond very well to training. I didn't notice any kind of slowing down in progress until I hit 40 years old or so. Congrats on the sweet little boy. I miss mine being that age, but they're still pretty cute now at 14 and 20 years old.

Oh, and I hope you had a very Happy Birthday!

[mommykuce]

Hi there! Happy Monday! :) I was just reading through your journal this morning. Good luck to you! I think your body will still respond very well to training. I didn't notice any kind of slowing down in progress until I hit 40 years old or so. Congrats on the sweet little boy. I miss mine being that age, but they're still pretty cute now at 14 and 20 years old.

Oh, and I hope you had a very Happy Birthday!Thanks! I think my body has changed since having my son. Besides my shape is a little different, and of course my lack of sleep because he still doesn't sleep through the night (he eats every 2 hours during the day still, and gets up once during the night- he just burns through everything he eats), I think the constant use of my upper body muscles is really given me even more strength to where I am able to lift and push myself more. Also, my lower body is not responding the way it used to. I am going to have to change up my routine in that aspect.

[mommykuce]

I got to the gym before the snow started, and my little guy is still at daycare so I figured I would post my workout now while I had the chance and post my meals later. I am experimenting with my chest workouts to find something that works for me. Looking for any input cause this is really where I lack knowledge.

Chest:

Barbell Presses (used Hammer Strength Machine): 55lbs., 3x (12)

Incline Dumbell Press: 15lbs, 3x (12)(12)(10)

Butterflies (Incline): 15lbs, 3x (12)(10)(10)

Cable Crossover: 30lbs, 3x (9)(8)(7) really pushed through these

Triceps:

Reverse Grip Pushdown: 20lbs, 2x (12)

Rope Pushdown: 20lbs, 2x (12) Really pushed with all tricep exercises.

[MsJewels]

"Dumbell Lateral Raise 15 lbs, 12, 12, 12, (really had to push to get to twelve)"


Wow-- you're a bad ass! My arms would quit and walk away if I tried to do 15# lateral raises. Nice job pushing yourself!

L

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one that struggles with that exercise! 15 lbs is way out of sight for me... at least for now.

[taifighter]

i've just been reading your journal and i'm so impressed with the weight you can lift! your workouts look awesome :)
did you lift heavy before your son was born?

(i can only do like, 6-7 lat raise reps with 15lbs...on a good day.... I am inspired!)

[mommykuce]

i've just been reading your journal and i'm so impressed with the weight you can lift! your workouts look awesome :)
did you lift heavy before your son was born?

(i can only do like, 6-7 lat raise reps with 15lbs...on a good day.... I am inspired!)Yes, I always have lifted heavy. I am lucky that I have very good core strength and good genetics. I was never scared of getting too big or looking like a guy cause I knew the reality- muscle gave me curves. Everytime I would go to my therapist for my back he would say how he couldn't believe how strong i was. He trained and worked with many bodybuilders (even ARnold Schwar...) I have been lifting in some form since 8th grade. In 7th I injured my knee and was on crutches, then got off them and played softball. My arms were huge and I could crush the ball! For my b-day after that I got some dumbells. I was in love! Also, working as a medic you have to be strong. I remember for one of my jobs they were trying to implement a physical test, and besides one guy I was the only one who passed.

Thanks for the compliments! They really make a difference!

[mommykuce]

Here's my meals for the day:

Meal 1: Protein Shake w/ banana (pre-workout) cup black coffee on way 2 gym (tired)

Meal 2: Meal Replacement Shake (post-workout)

Meal 3: 1/2 lbs eggsalad, 1/2 whole wheat bagel, 1/4lb potato salad

Meal 4: Peanut Butter (all natural, no salt) sandwhich w/ pineapple Polaner all fruit

Meal 5: Chicken Fajita Salad (actually got this from the same website the Peanut Butter Protein Bars came from, just jazzed it up a little-even my husband luved it). Chicken, dark leafy greens, onions, peppers, avocado, salsa, FF Sour Cream, FF mexican cheese. Yummy!

I might have a protein shake before bed- I am craving choc!

Hopefully the snow will let up so I can go to the gym tomorrow. I am on a roll and lovin it!

[JumpinJill]

You've got me curious now, what is the difference between your protein shake and meal replacement shake (besides calories) Or is it just the difference in calories? Or is it a different recipe entirely?

[mommykuce]

You've got me curious now, what is the difference between your protein shake and meal replacement shake (besides calories) Or is it just the difference in calories? Or is it a different recipe entirely?The protein shake is just protein powder. I am currently using a brand I have left over while I am waiting for my Optimum Nutrition stuff to come (tomorrow). It has 190 cal, 35g protein, 4g carbs. Meal Replacement Shake has protein & carbs already in it. It has 280 cal, 40P, 23 c. The protein powder can be made into a meal replacement like thing by adding a banana or other fruit to give the carbs. MRPs are something like Myolplex, Lean Body, and protein powder is Designer Protein, Optimum Nutrition 100% whey.

[mommykuce]

Here's my day:

Meal 1: 3 egg whites w/ 1 yolk cooked in safflower oil, 2 pieces rye toast w/ promise ff spread. Coffee black

Meal 2: Peanut butter (all natural, no salt) & blueberry polaner all fruit sandwhich

Meal 3: Tuna salad w/ celery, carrots, and peppers made with 2g fat mayo, baby redskinned potatoes w/ Molly McButter.

Meal 4: Meal Replacement Shake (pre-workout) (280 cal, 40p, 23c)

Meal 5: Meal Replacement Shake (post workout)

Meal 6: Steamed Chicken & Spinach Dumplings (homemade).

I got to the gym later today because there was no babysitting cause of the snow in the morning. Worked my legs harder than usual. I could barely make it down the stairs to my computer to write this. Since I worked my legs, that is the reason for the carbs in the later meal.

Warm up 5 min

Legs:
Squats (used broomstick thing cause of my back- just wanted to mix things up a little) 2x (12)

Walking LUnges- no weight, 3x (30) pushed till I could barely move.

Lying leg curls: 30lbs, 3x (20)(20)(15) pushed last set to failure

Seated leg curl: 30lbs, 2x (20) pushed both sets to failure

Leg Extensions: 10lbs one leg @ a time, 2x (12)(10), then supersetted both legs until failure.

Stretch, drag my sore body home. Could bareley stand up.

[Mizfette]

You're doing great! Really enjoying your journal ... it's quite inspiring.

BTW, what's a polaner?

Thanks, darlin

[mommykuce]

.
BTW, what's a polaner?

Thanks, darlinThanks for the encouragement! Polaner is a brand of fruit preserves. It is called Polaner All- FRuit, and is 100% fruit (depending on the flavor). It comes in all different kinds of flavors (pineapple and blueberry are my favorites) and I buy it in a regular grocery store in the PB & Jelly isle.

[Mizfette]

Aha ... I thought it was some kind of exciting low-calorie pastry. Jam's good, too, though!

[mommykuce]

This is for 3/2 (wed)

First, I just received my order of Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey (got choc and also choc mint flavor) and it is great! Not chalky, very nice taste. I have mixed the choc flavor with banana and another time with frozen cherries- yummy! I have a new favorite brand!

I am so sore from my leg workout. I feel like a cripple, but I know it's good for me to reach my goals. Here is my workout for today:

Back:

Stiff Legged Deadlifts (used 15lb bar, more of a warm up kind of thing)
2x (15)

Lat Pulldown: 65lbs, 3x (12)(12)(11) pushed last set

Seated Cable Rows: 60lbs 3x (12) *will probably increase weight next time

Single Dumbell Row: 20lbs, 2x (12)(11)

Biceps:

Alternate Dumbell Curl: 15lbs, 3x (12)(12)(10)

Hammer Curls: 10lbs, 2x(12) *will probably increase weight next time

EZ Barbell Curl: 30lbs, 3x (12)(12)(10)

Here are my meals for the day:

Meal 1: Protein Shake w/ Banana (110 cal, 23gP, 3g C) Pre-workout

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ Frozen Cherries & scoop plain lowfat yogurt (Post Workout)

Meal 3: Grilled Chicken w/ pasta (homemade sauce), broccoli, peas, mushrooms, carrots

Meal 4: Nut mixture (no salt) w/ raisins, apricots

Meal 5: Grilled Salmon marinated in balsamic vinigrette, mixed veggies also in balsamic vinigrette

Meal 6: 3 egg white omlete w/ spinach

[mommykuce]

Am very tired and sore (my quads are Killing me!) so I am taking today off to recoup. Still eating pretty much what I usually eat, but so far a little less. Took a nap while my little monster baby was at daycare. Will be back in the gym tomorrow!

[kkapp]

Hi mommykuce,
First off, it is great to read your journal, you do an awesome workout and eating plan.

A question... I was reading through your meal plans. I saw that you made spinach dumplings. Can you give me the recipe and nutritional information? Are there alot of carbs in them?

Karla

[mommykuce]

Hi mommykuce,
First off, it is great to read your journal, you do an awesome workout and eating plan.

A question... I was reading through your meal plans. I saw that you made spinach dumplings. Can you give me the recipe and nutritional information? Are there alot of carbs in them?

KarlaThe carbs are really low. Just off the top of my head you need the spinach, the little chines dumpling wraps, and chicken. I actually got the recipe from Rachel Ray on the food network 30 minute meals (I have all the books). I will put it down for you later. Just checking in quick.

[mommykuce]

I get chicken breast tenders and marinate them in low sodium soy sauce. I use frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed in a dish towel to get out all water). Season w/ some pepper and a little salt if you want the salt (both to taste). Use either wonton or dumpling wrappers (i find them in regular grocery store). I drain the chicken out of the soy sauce well. MIx in spinach.

To form the dumplings, remove 1 wonton wrapper from the package, covering the others with a damp cloth. Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with water. Place 1/2 rounded teaspoon of the tofu mixture in the center of the wrapper. Shape as desired. Set on a sheet pan and cover with a damp cloth. Repeat procedure until all of the filling is gone. Oh, and make sure to cut the chicken into small pieces so it fits into wrappers before you marinate.

Using a steaming apparatus of your choice, bring 1/4 to 1/2-inch of water to a simmer over medium heat. Spray the steamer's surface lightly with the non-stick vegetable spray to prevent sticking. Place as many dumplings as will fit into a steamer, without touching each other. Cover and steam for 10 to 12 minutes over medium heat (each brand varies depending on how thick and how big. You don't want to oversteam the chicken). Remove the dumplings from the steamer to a heatproof platter and place in oven to keep warm. Repeat until all dumplings are cooked.

You can use many different variations to this. YOu can use tofu, beef, shrimp or crabmeat. I have only used chicken and crabmeat so I can't say how the others taste. You can also use different veggies too.

[mommykuce]

Here is my workout for today:

Shoulders:

Dumbell Press: 20lbs, 3x (11)(11)(10)

Dumbell Lateral Raises: 15lbs, 3x (12)(11)(10)

Dumbell Front Raises: started at 15lbs, could only do 7 and my form wasn't very good. Had to really swing the dumbell up. Switched back to 10lbs., 2x(14). I wish my gym had 12lbs dumbells cause that is what I need.

Barbell Upright Rows: 40lbs, 3x (8)

Real Delts (used Life Fitness Machine): 50lbs (I guess its really 25 per side), 2x(8)

There was this guy I never met before who was lifting next to me saying "you can push out a couple more reps" and "you can lift more weight". It was kind of funny, but he really did push me.

I wanted to do some cardio afterwards, but my right quad is still hurting from leg day. My right leg is my weaker side ever since i had knee surgery (my quad is smaller on that side), so I guess I really did too much. I am going to rest tomorrow also. I will post my meals at the end of the day.

[mommykuce]

After the last couple of days where I trained fairly heavy I have barely been making it to the 2hrs to eat. I was starving today! I am voluntarily increasing my calories when I work out heavy (I am going to start there and see what happens). I am increasing my carbs mostly but also my protein. I am experimenting little by little to see what works for me. I also don't want to wind up turning this into a bulking phase since that is not my goal. I love lifting heavy and pushing myself because I know what I have been capable of in the past. I love muscle on my body (especially my upper body because it balances out my lower curves). I am hoping the extra calories will feed my muscles rather than make me gain anything but muscle. Here are today's meals:

Meal 1: Protein Shake (110 cal, 23g P, 3g C) with tablespoon plain lowfat yogurt and 1 banana (pre-workout)

Meal 2: Protein Shake with 2/3 c frozen cherries and TBL plain lowfat yogurt

Meal 3: 3 egg whites w/ 1 yolk omlete (with safflower oil and dash skim milk in it) with 1 slice american cheese. 1 c oatmeal

Meal 4: 2 egg whites, cottage cheese w/ walnuts in it

Meal 5: Grilled Chicken over salad (dark greens, cucumber, FF cheese, carrots, cherry tomato) and small baked sweet potato w/ Promise FF spread

Meal 6: Yogurt w/ fresh strawberries

Meal 7: (Eating now before bed) 3 hard boiled egg whites, 4oz skim milk

[kkapp]

mommykuce,
thanks for the dumpling recipe, I'll have to give it a try!

I have a question for you... I notice that you usually do 10,12 or 15 reps when you lift. Most of the threads, they say to lift heavy to the point of only being able to complete 8 reps. Do you find that you have good results, when doing higher reps?

What is your total protein, carbs, and fat for the day? What percentage are you shooting for? I also notice that I am hungrier since lifting heavier and upping my calories.

Have a good night...Karla

[mommykuce]

mommykuce,
thanks for the dumpling recipe, I'll have to give it a try!

I have a question for you... I notice that you usually do 10,12 or 15 reps when you lift. Most of the threads, they say to lift heavy to the point of only being able to complete 8 reps. Do you find that you have good results, when doing higher reps?

What is your total protein, carbs, and fat for the day? What percentage are you shooting for? I also notice that I am hungrier since lifting heavier and upping my calories.

Have a good night...KarlaI usually shoot for 8-12 reps, with really having to give it my all to make the last one. Legs I train a little different- I don't want to over train them (like how I killed my right quad) and also my legs get thick very easy. My hamstrings I am going to work heavier (leg curls, ect) because you can never have hams that are too big! The walking lunges I do high reps instead of lower with weight because one slip up on that and my back is done. I have only been back to working out consistently since the end of Feb, so I am easing my way back into it. I am more careful about my form because of my back, so instead of really pushing to complete 8 reps without good form (ie when I was doing front raises for my shoulders yesterday) I would rather use the next lowest weight and push to do 12 with good form. I am also lifting more than I did a week ago, so I think my ideas are working.

I have to say I haven't calculated my calories, proteins, carbs. I know generally what I need to eat and just go by what my body is telling me and how it looks. I also gage how much energy I have. I have been strict with food and calories and stuff because of my problems with my sugar levels and also past training that I pretty much know what is going on. The average ratio should be 40:30:30, but that is just a guideline. I tried using the fitday to just check up on myself and got annoyed because I couldn't put in stuff like "1 TBL of plain lowfat yogurt" it would only let me put in 8oz. So I gave up.

[mommykuce]

I am slowly but surely figuring out the fitday thing. Hopefully I can show you guys my % today.

[kkapp]

Hi mommykuce,
As far as the fitday thing goes. If it won't let me calculate it the way I want( i.e. the dropdown box under serving size doesn't have TBSP and only has ounces), I just go to custom food and put it in myself, right off the container or food product that I am using. You can also change the number in the serving box. If it says 1 you can change it to .5 if you only have half of what is says. I hope this makes sense... It took me a while to figure it all out, but there hasn't been anything that I can't put in.

[mommykuce]

Here's my meals for today. Took off today from gym, normally this would be a cardio day.

Meal 1: 3 egg whites w/1 yolk scrambled w/ safflower oil, 1 slice cheese, and oatmeal (premeasured packet, plain)

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ tbl all natural PB, tbl plain lowfat yogurt

Meal 3: Grilled Chicken w/ cup mixed veggies and 1 c rice (brown & wild mix)

Meal 4: 1/2c cottage cheese w/ fresh strawberry

Meal 5: Taco Salad (homemade). Lean ground beef, dark green leafy veggies, cucumber, salsa, black beans

Meal 6: 2 egg whites hard boiled, 1/2c plain lowfat cottage cheese

I calcualted on Fitday and here is what it says:

1643 cal, 157g P, 117 C, 61g F.
40% P, 25%C, 35% F

I checked over the calculations and the lean ground beef is what put the fat over the edge (I don't eat that much meat). On days I workout there are more carbs and more protein. All in all I am not that surprised.

[JumpinJill]

Your meals sound so yummy yet they are still healthy, I love that! frozen cherries in a protein shake and strawberries with cottage cheese? Whoulda thunk it, but it sounds DESLISH!

[mommykuce]

Your meals sound so yummy yet they are still healthy, I love that! frozen cherries in a protein shake and strawberries with cottage cheese? Whoulda thunk it, but it sounds DESLISH!Thanks! I usually take ideas from not so healthy things (like last summer McDonald's had that Fiesta Salad thing and chinese takeout dumplings) and I chang a few things around to make it healthy. I also take recipes from Foodtv.com which is the food network and change some of that stuff around also. I have my husband to cook for, so I have to figure in taste as well as being healthy. I just think that if the food is bland and boring it is going to make things harder for you. Subtle changes like FF ricotta cheese instead of the full fat stuff or evaporated skim milk instead of heavy cream cut out a lot of fat but give you lots of protein without really altering the taste.

And try frozen rasberries in choc protein shake- that is pretty yummy too!

[kkapp]

mommykuce,
That meal plan looks good...you do have great ideas for foods. I tend to get stuck in a rut and make the same thinkgs over just due to simplicity.( and laziness). I don't really cook for anyone, my fiance works crazy hours, so I end up just cooking for myself and he is a fast food kind of guy. I wish I could eat what he does and still look good. I go in his truck and I can see what he ate all week, just from the wrappers on the seat. Every once in a while, maybe on a weekend I will make a meal for the both of us, but it is rare. So its just me, and then I just don't do anything special. I have added the spicy peanut chicken and turkey loaf that Helene posted and really like that. BUt otherwise its eggs, oatmeat, protein shakes, with some veggies and fruit tossed in!!!!

[Mizfette]

I agree with these girls -- your meal plan is drool inducing!

[JumpinJill]

Thanks! I usually take ideas from not so healthy things (like last summer McDonald's had that Fiesta Salad thing and chinese takeout dumplings) and I chang a few things around to make it healthy. I also take recipes from Foodtv.com which is the food network and change some of that stuff around also. I have my husband to cook for, so I have to figure in taste as well as being healthy. I just think that if the food is bland and boring it is going to make things harder for you. Subtle changes like FF ricotta cheese instead of the full fat stuff or evaporated skim milk instead of heavy cream cut out a lot of fat but give you lots of protein without really altering the taste.

And try frozen rasberries in choc protein shake- that is pretty yummy too!

your welcome! :) I'm not so lucky with my husband, sometimes he won't even so much as taste something I've made even though I know to me it's soooo yummy.

Lately i've been doing a lot of changing around recipes for things I used to love as a child, like rarebit and special k loaf. Either adding more protein or taking away fat or both. With the same amount of seasonsings, it still tastes just as good to me :)

I'm going to HAVE to make that dumpling recipe soon! Yummm!

Rasberrys really are a great thing to sweeten stuff up, I use them in oatmeal when I don't put sugar in it, and used it in my oatmeal w/ protein powder/flax lastnight and it's the only thing that made it edible after a while ;)

[mommykuce]

Here is my day- 3/8- Mon

Meal 1: Protein Shake w/TBL yogurt (plain LF) and banana (preworkout)

Meal 2: Protien Shake w/ TBL yogurt and 1C frozen cherries (post workout)

Meal 3: Grilled Chicken w/ 1 cup pasta w/ little marinara sauce (homemade)

Meal 4: 3egg whites w/ 1 yolk, scrambled w/ 1tsp safflower oil, 1 packet Kashi plain oatmeal

Meal 5: 1/2 cup cottage cheese w/ walnuts

Meal 6: Grilled Chicken in salad (w/ carrots & cucumbers)

Meal 7: 1/2 c cottage cheese w/ fresh apple and cinnamon

Totals: 1701 cal, 194g P, 156g C, 35g F.
47% P : 34% C: 19% F

My workout:

Chest:
Barbell Press (machine) 65lbs, 4x (12)(12)(12)(11) pushed last set- increase in wt from last week

Incline Dumbell Press: 20lbs, 3x (10)(9)(9) Increase in wt from last week

Butterfly (incline): 15lbs, 3x (11)(11)(10)

Cable Crossover: 30lbs, 2x (10)

Triceps:
Reverse Grip Pushdown: 30lbs, 3x (10) pushed last 2 sets, increase in wt from last time

Rope Pushdown: 20lbs, 2x(12)

I wanted to sneak in a little cardio afterwards since i didn't do any last week, but I was exhausted. I could barely lift my arms cause of my triceps and upper chest muscles to wash my hair! Tomorrow is the infamous leg day- I won't push myself to the point I am in pain for the rest of the week. I also felt like I was eating all day long. When I look at the total grams, I am like wow! but the calories don't seem as high as they look with everything broken down to a list of fitday.

[SC1]

I am actually taking a program online because I can't attend traditional college because of my baby. I actually took the nutrition courses because I got interested in them when I was getting my bachelor's in Hotel/Restaurant Management. A lot of the first required courses were all from the dietetic program. It was around this time I got very interested in fitness, and since I only had a little bit more to go to get the Associates, I did it. I have a friend who is actually getting a bachelor's /Master's in Nursing online, so I am sure there is something out there to get a degree in nutrition. I will ask around. Thanks for reading and the support!

So you have an associates, but still working on your bachelors? What on-line program are you in?

I'm a career student too. :-) I've been looking into good on-line programs and I'm thinking about going to the United States Sports Academy and doing a BA in sports management/sports coaching.

Your workout routine looks great. I am impressed at how much weight you are lifting (especially the delt work!). Keep up the good work!

Another question for you... I'm also impressed by the variety of creative and healthy foods you eat. What type of protein shakes do you use?

[mommykuce]

So you have an associates, but still working on your bachelors? What on-line program are you in?

I'm a career student too. :-) I've been looking into good on-line programs and I'm thinking about going to the United States Sports Academy and doing a BA in sports management/sports coaching.

Your workout routine looks great. I am impressed at how much weight you are lifting (especially the delt work!). Keep up the good work!

Another question for you... I'm also impressed by the variety of creative and healthy foods you eat. What type of protein shakes do you use?I have the associates in nutriton (but never took a state test to get certified in anything), a bachelor's in Hotel Restaurant Mgmt. I don't use either of them. I am currently finishing a bachelor's in Business/Marketing with the hopes of getting into the PR field. But my dream job would be to work for a catering hall or country club as a banquet/sales mgr. After planning my own wedding for 200 people all on my own I learned a lot about the business and made several contacts which I hope to use in the future. I use University of Phoneix Online (it is an accredited school), but I know someone who used Empire State College. And my friend who is currently doing the nursing Bachelor/Master's is going somewhere else. Just make sure whatever you choose is accredited cause there is a lot of programs popping up that aren't. And each has its own format for going to class and coursework.

Thanks for your compliments! I just started using Optimum Nutritition 100% Whey and it really blows away anything I have ever used in the past. Mixes easy and isn't thick, and tastes great! I mix stuff with the choc flavor when I need to add the carbs, but when I just want the protein or a PMS fix I love the choc mint flavor. I got the 2 lbs jug from here because I couldn't find anything besides 5-10lb jugs which I didn't want to get until I knew if I liked it. Dont get the cookies n cream, heard it was nasty.

[mommykuce]

Here is my workout for today: LEGS!!! I didn't train my quads directly cause of the pain from last week, figured I need to work into it. They got some work from the squats and lunges. Hope to very soon up the weight and lower the reps as soon as my legs get used to being worked again.

Squats (only do minimal cause of my back): 15lb bar, 3x (20)(25)(25)

Walking LUnge (no weight): 3x (30) pushed last set

Lying Leg Curl: 32.5lbs, 3x (17)(15)(15)

Seated Leg Curl: 35lbs, 2x (15) pushed

Then did a lot of stretching. Hoping to take yoga class tomorrow night. We are getting hit hard w/ snow right now, so I don't know what tomorrow will bring!

[fittgrrl]

You know, I actually like the cookies n cream Optimum Nutrition protein! It just took some time to get use to. Don't expect it to taste like cookies n cream ice cream or something. ;) It has sort of a manufactured taste.
Your diet looks awesome as well as your workouts!
Gotta love to hate the leg day!!
Be careful in the snow!

[mommykuce]

Fitgrrl, its funny cause the choc mint tastes sooo good maybe that is why the cookies n cream is a let down to people.

The snow was really bad yesterday (got to the gym just in time), but today was just very cold (bundled the baby!). There was ice on some of the roads- thank God I got a truck! Tomorrow I am back at school, so crunch time! It has been nice to have 2wks off, but I am lucky that it won't effect my gym time much cause I can do work when I want unless I have a big paper or project due (its hard w/ my little monster sometimes)but I have learned to budget time fairly well over the last 6mths. My legs aren't too bad, very tight. But I usually feel it worst the 2nd day. And looks like no yoga tonight cause my husband has to work late.

Anyway, here's my workout:

Back:
SLDL: 15lbs bar, 2x (20). Will probably increase weight next time, just need to be careful.

Lat Pulldown: 70lbs (increase from last time) 3x (12)(11)(11)

SEated Cable Rows: 65lbs (increase from last time) 3x (12)(12)(11) pushed last 2 sets.

Single Dumbell Rows: 20lbs, 2x (12)(10)

Biceps:
Alternate Dumbell Curls: 20lbs (increase in wt from last time) 3x (7) pushed all sets- but felt good. MY left side is what held me back.

Hammer Curl: 15lbs (increase in wt also), 2x (9)(10)pushed last set

EZ Barbell Curl: 30lbs, 3x (12)(12)(11)

I find it kind of odd that I am increasing the weight but still generally reaching 11-12 reps. Maybe it is a mindset that I know the weight is more so I need to push. My form is still there which to me is very important.

[mommykuce]

Here's my meals for 3-9; my day was a little bit messed up timewise which affected my meals a little:

Meal 1: Protein SHake w/ banana and tbl lowfat plain yogurt and little bit of oatmeal in it (not as bad as I thought) (preworkout)

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ frozen rasberries and Tbl plain yogurt (post work)

Meal 3: 2 egg wht w/ 1 yolk scramble w/ safflower oil, 1 slice american cheese, packet plain oatmeal

Meal 4: Peanut butter (All natural, no salt added) w/ pineapple Polaner all fruit

Meal 5: (I actually fell asleep w/my son and didn't get a chance to go right to dinner - I was starving so I had this) FF cottage cheese w/ fresh strawberry

Meal 6: Grilled Chicken w/ spinach, mushrooms, 1 slice part skim mozzarella, side of mixed veggies and little bit of plain roasted potato w/ onion (made it for my husband, so I had some)

Meal 7: egg white omlete scrambled w/ little skim milk w/ left over spinach and mushrooms

I am starting on Creatine- it is arriving tomorrow. I want to take some pics to compare anything the creatine does cause I am taking it mostly for muscle soreness (my legs). I had a whole thread in the training section about what is going on. My husband wouldn't take the pics cause he was like "why do you need to put your pic on the internet so every wacko can look at it?" There is a timer setting on my digital camera, so I am going to attempt it myself. Now I really have to crack down on my diet cause of the creatine. I am curious to see how it is going to go.

[jeni5.0]

Meal 5: Taco Salad (homemade). Lean ground beef, dark green leafy veggies, cucumber, salsa, black beans
yum!! definitely gonna try this.

[mommykuce]

Ok guys, I figured out my camera with the self timer. Here are my pics. Put your sunglasses on cause I am kind of pale!

[JumpinJill]

oh wow you look awesome! Everyone here looks incredible! I love your shoulder definition/biceps. Looks like your quads are building up nicely....I love that 'ridge' on the thighs!

And nooo you are so not pale! LOL You are much darker than I am right now actually :)


thanks for posting the pics! And good on you for doing it yourself even if your hubby didn't want ya to. Does he think people can't 'wack off' from just seeing you walk around in public? :D Well that's my mentality for why I'm ok posting pics, people see me all the time in public, why would i hide on the net? :D

[mommykuce]

You are soooo funny! That is kind of my mentality also. I have never been the kind of person to cover up, and I think even if I was wearing a moo moo some wacko would find a way to get off on that too!

Thanks for the compliments! It helps! The legs are a work in progress. And I fooled around with the color a little when I was uploading them so I looked a little darker. MY skin color is really like mayonaise!

[SC1]

wow! You look great! Your biceps and quads in particular look really good!!! How long have you been at this?

I made my husband take some pics for me last night and I got the same speech. Then he made fun of me the whole time. Personally, I like to think that they are just jealous that our bodies are good enough that some "wacko" might actually look at them. :-)

I am really curious how the creatine works out for you. I have a problem with leg soreness too. My last experience with creatine wasn't all that good, but it was a long time ago and I used pills which were 'sposed to have an immediate, but not long term effect.

[mommykuce]

wow! You look great! Your biceps and quads in particular look really good!!! How long have you been at this?

I made my husband take some pics for me last night and I got the same speech. Then he made fun of me the whole time. Personally, I like to think that they are just jealous that our bodies are good enough that some "wacko" might actually look at them. :-)

I am really curious how the creatine works out for you. I have a problem with leg soreness too. My last experience with creatine wasn't all that good, but it was a long time ago and I used pills which were 'sposed to have an immediate, but not long term effect.Thanks for the compliments! Since I had my son (he just turned 19 mths) I haven't done anything consistent since before I got pregnant. Even then it was before my wedding and I couldn't lift that heavy cause I almost bulked out of my gown. I have really only been doing the consistent thing since middle of Feb, so a few weeks. I am lucky I have good genetics and since I used to work out all the time and actually trained for a show, my body usually gets back into shape quick. I actually kept fairly good shoulders and biceps throughout my entire pregnancy- my son has really good shoulders too! The legs are my big problem, and my hip area. That kind of went down the crapper without doing anything for so long. That is where I gain weight- in the lower stomach and the hip/upper thigh area.

I will definatley keep you up to date as far as the creatine. I am really going to be strict with my diet while on it (I just ate a Cadbury cream egg which I won't be doing while on the creatine). I think creatine has come a long way in the past few years.

[GetnThere]

Wow! You look great. Love the biceps & shoulders. Abs look nice too.

[StlBarbie]

Great pics Mommykuce!!! Thanks for sharing them with us!!
I love the caps on your shoulders - great definition!!!

[mommykuce]

Thanks for all the compliments! Today was a rest day, especially since I started back in school today (and a good day to rest my legs). I didn't eat as well as I normally do- I figured I should get it out of my system since I am starting the creatine tomorrow, and after spending the money on the stuff I should do it right. I cleaned up my basement (my computer is in the finished part of my basement and it is also a play room for my son) so I guess that could count as some kind of cardio!

Meal 1: Protein Shake w/ banana and 1 tbl lowfat plain yogurt (needed something quick before dropping my son off at daycare)

Meal 2: 3 egg whites 1 yolk, scrambled with safflower oil, slice Muenster cheese, bowl of oatmeal

Meal 3: Cadbury Cream Egg (these are my weakness- thank god they are only around for Easter!)

Meal 3 (the real one): Cottage cheese w/ golden delicious apple and cinnamon

Meal 4: Buffalo Burger with Spanish rice stuff (it was a mix- kind of a cheat)

Meal 5: Cottage Cheese w/ golden delicious apple and cinnamon

Meal 6: Steak Quesidilla (homemade) w/ mozz. cheese, tomatoes, quacomole (I bought it from Green Cactus)

Not really hungry for anything before bed. I am sure I will wake up hungry and hit the fridge for cottage cheese.

[JumpinJill]

I'm going to have to do muenster w/ eggs and the steak quessadilla tomorrow! that sounds so good!

[*Destiny*]

Wow! Just noticed your pics. Your arms & shoulders look great!

[mommykuce]

I'm going to have to do muenster w/ eggs and the steak quessadilla tomorrow! that sounds so good!That wasn't really my healthiest recipe for quesidillas, I have better ones. I will post one later for you. And I am a Muenster Cheese freak! I love to put it on anything I can. I usually use Alpine Lace Reduced Sodium Muenster.

[mommykuce]

I didn't get a chance to do this yesterday. I was supposed to be working shoulders and was going to attempt some cardio, but my workout got cut short. My son was in a mushy mood yesterday and didn't want to be away from me in the daycare at the gym, so I took him home. I would rather miss a workout day than have my son think he has to stay somewhere he isn't happy. So we went home and snuggled in bed for a while. He's a total momma's boy!

Today I took my first dose of creatine- I have the orange TRAC. I am taking only half the recommended dose cause I read somewhere that is what women should do. It wasn't too bad tasting, but I am glad I only have to drink 4oz since it is half the dose!

Anyway, here are my meals:

Meal 1: Protein Shake w/ banana 1TBL lowfat plain yogurt (preworkout).

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ frozen strawberries 1 TBL plain yogurt (post)

Meal 3: 2 egg whites 1 yolk omlete scrambled with safflower oil with spinach, bowl of oatmeal

Meal 4: cottage cheese w/ walnuts and white raisins

Meal 5: Turkey sandwhich (whole wheat bread) w/ lettuce, tomato, mustard, 1 slice cheddar cheese, veggie mix, 1/4 lb potato salad

Meal 6: Plain yogurt w/ fresh blueberries

Meal 7: Homemade sliced steak in whole wheat pita- romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomato and steak marinated in dijon mustard, lemon juice, EVOO. Ate leftover salad stuff with it.

Meal 8: 2 hard boiled egg whites

As for today, had snow when I woke up so couldn't bring my little monster out to the gym with me. Off day. Maybe my husband will watch him for me tomorrow so I can get in some cardio.

[JumpinJill]

That wasn't really my healthiest recipe for quesidillas, I have better ones. I will post one later for you. And I am a Muenster Cheese freak! I love to put it on anything I can. I usually use Alpine Lace Reduced Sodium Muenster.

Oh it's ok, I rarely eat steak or muenster and had to use up my muenster before it started going bad :D I got hooked when I had it in a grilled cheese sandwhich last summer, but after I noticed the fat content I didn't eat the cheese up as fast as I thought I would.
I'd love any other recipe though :)

Usually I do the sprouted wheat tortilla with lots of grilled veggies (like yellow squash/zucchini/mushrooms/red peper) with grilled chicken and just a sprinkle of cheddar and mozz for some flavor.

[amber_stone]

Hi MommyKuce,

Just saw your photos and have to agree with everyone else - you look great! I cant believe how great your abs are and the fact that you dont seem to have any stretchmarks (Grrrr....:D) after your pregnancy.

I'm hoping to do a mini bulk later this year and want to try creatine then so i'll be checking your journal regularly to see how you are going on it!

Keep going strong!

[mommykuce]

3 tablespoons canola oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, julienned
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 dashes cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
1 clove garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1 green bell pepper, julienned
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 ounce tequila
8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, Monterey Jack, or Cheddar, shredded
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons sliced scallions

I use whole wheat flour tortillas

In a large saute pan or wok, heat oil over high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin, and garlic, and add to the hot oil. Next add the peppers and onions, and remove pan from the heat and add tequila. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked thoroughly. Keep warm.

Layer cheese, cooked chicken mixture, and more cheese on one wrap, and cover with the another.

Lastly, melt butter until very hot in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add quesadillas and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until toasty and the cheese is melted. Cut quesadillas into 3 pieces each and serve. Garnish with cilantro and scallions, and serve with salsa picante, guacamole, and sour cream, if desired.

[terracotta]

3 tablespoons canola oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, julienned
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 dashes cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
1 clove garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1 green bell pepper, julienned
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 ounce tequila
8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, Monterey Jack, or Cheddar, shredded
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons sliced scallions

I use whole wheat flour tortillas

In a large saute pan or wok, heat oil over high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin, and garlic, and add to the hot oil. Next add the peppers and onions, and remove pan from the heat and add tequila. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked thoroughly. Keep warm.

Layer cheese, cooked chicken mixture, and more cheese on one wrap, and cover with the another.

Lastly, melt butter until very hot in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add quesadillas and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until toasty and the cheese is melted. Cut quesadillas into 3 pieces each and serve. Garnish with cilantro and scallions, and serve with salsa picante, guacamole, and sour cream, if desired.


wow.. that looks yummy I'll have to try it sometime.

And you look AMAZING in your pictures.

[mommykuce]

1 small red onion, thinly sliced (1/2c)
1/4c balsamic vinegar
4 10-inch whole-wheat tortillas
3/4c shredded sharp cheddar cheese or LF Mexican Cheese mix (I use Saranto brand) 4oz
8 slices deli turkey, preferably smoked (if you like it) 8oz
Greens for salad- use leftover vinegar, whisk w/ 1TBL Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Combine onion and vinegar in a bowl; let marinate for 5 minutes. Drain, reserving the vinegar for salad dressing.

Place 2 tortillas in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat (they will overlap); warm for about 45 sec, then flip. Pull the tortillas up the edges of the pan so they are no longer overlapping. Working on one half of each tortilla, sprinkle one-fourth of the cheese, cover with 2 slices of turkey and top with one-fourth of the onion. Fold the tortillas in half, press gently with a spatula to flatten and cook until the cheese starts to melt, about 2 min. Flip and continue cooking until the second side is golden, 1-2 min more. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Make two more quesadillas with the remaining ingredients. Serve warm. Makes 4 servings.

Per serving: 261 calories, 10gram Fat (5g Saturated, 0g mono), 25 gram carbs, 23 gram protein, 2g fiber.

[pattyny]

Just curious I live in Syosset........which gym to you go to??..........I did a trial at several gyms until I found one that my kids were happy in. The childcare at my gym is the greatest. There are always two women there and they play with my children........everything from Candyland and cards to ball and writing their names. My kids beg me to go to the gym..........I have also set up playdates for the kids that play with my 4 year old.

[fittgrrl]

You look awesome in your pics!!! I hope I can bounce back like that!!! Keep up the good work!!!

[mommykuce]

You look awesome in your pics!!! I hope I can bounce back like that!!! Keep up the good work!!!Thanks! As long as you take care of yourself during your pregnancy you will have no problem. And also the fact you started out in great shape when you got pregnant gives you another plus. Trust me, I had a horrible pregnancy with a lot of problems, and I still managed not to cow out (and I ate Taco Bell during a lot of my pregnancy!).

[mommykuce]

Have a paper to do today, so I am on here taking a break. I would just like to say that my husband is useless and couldn't even watch our son for an hour so I could do cardio yesterday. So it wound up being my off day, and I had my typical homemade sauce and pasta (sunday night Italian dinner). That is just one of the traditions I want to keep for my son. Then he can invite his little girlfriends over for dinner so I can put the fear of God into them!

Today's workout:

Chest;
Barbell Press: 65lbs, 4x (12) pushed last set
Incline Dumbell Press: 20lbs, 3x (11)(11)(10) pushed last set
Incline Butterfly: 15lbs, 3x(12) pushed
Cable Crossover: 30lbs, 2x (12) pushed

Triceps:
Reverse Grip Pushdown: 30lbs, 3x (12)(12)(11) pushed last
Rope Pushdown: 25lbs, 2x(10)

I also had my creatine about 30-40 min before my workout.

[mommykuce]

I had a very busy day today, and my husband is on vacation from work and my patience with him is growing very thin. It's not only because he is on vacation and is home, but it is in general. My day started by getting my son up for daycare, making his breakfast, washing some dishes, giving him a bath and getting him dressed to go (and getting myself dressed to go to the gym). And my husband was in bed the entire time. Forget about the fact that I haven't slept in since my son was born. So, I dropped my son off at daycare, went to the gym and got my workout in, and came home. Then I did research for my paper for school and got 2 references to cite, and wrote a 1300 word paper. Also ate during this. Then, I cleaned the house (mostly the floors and living room which I do everyday cause of the baby and the animals). I asked my husband to get the vacuum for me out of the hall closet, and he couldn't even do that. So, I got done cleaning while he sat there doing nothing, did some more dishes from my meals, and took a shower and got dressed to pick up my son. And all this took place before 5pm. Came home, made dinner (and a separate dinner for my son cause there are only certain things he can eat) and my husband left to go to his firehouse to do bull****. Then while I was in the bathroom for all of 5 minutes my dog made a huge mess on the floors I cleaned earlier in the day. And I still had to take care of the baby and clean up the mess. It's not even like he watched the baby for an hour yesterday so I could go get some cardio in (and just get out of the house). I am sooo sick of it!

Well, up until now I ate good today, but I just got done eating some ice cream, and back to doing school work!

[JumpinJill]

Well you definitely deserved that icecream after all that!

I totally know what you are going through EXCEPT I'm not even doing half you are doing (i'm not going to school) but I can relate, when my husband has a day off from work, he takes the day *completely off.

It's hard for me to get him to even do dishes when I'm sick in bed, and can barely crawl to the bathroom! I wish he would play more with our daughter, he plays with her enough to say that he has played with her, you know? And he leaves me more mess than my daughter sometimes and won't pick up after himself yet he has the nerve to complain if I leave my plate unrinsed? As if he's the one always stuck doing the dishes? ai yi yi

I just try to think this makes our mommy 'muscle' stronger :D

[taifighter]

well...i'm not a mommy...or even a wife yet..but I'd just like to say,
I appreciate all the hard work you two do!! Actually, appreciate isn't the right word. I am IN AWE of what you do! Don't laugh!! There are days when I can't even get in a good workout or stick to my meals, let alone pick up my apartment or RAISE a child!!!!!!! Every time I read your journals I am inspired and MOTIVATED. You are both strong, awesome WONDERFUL mom's and wives!!! Thank you thank you for being great role models for little future weight-lifting ass-kicking mothers like myself :D

[mommykuce]

Aww, that is sooo sweet! Thank you so much Taifigher! Hearing that really makes a difference cause sometimes I really want to just hide under my blankets. I run into a lot of woman (and most men) who say "you have it easy cause you get to stay home and don't have to work". I think staying home is a lot harder than if I worked outside the home, even if it was part time. We don't get sick days, vacation days, or even credit for what we do. My husband says how much he works, but I feel like my day never ends! You have no idea how good it is to hear someone say what you did!

[taifighter]

Aww, that is sooo sweet! Thank you so much Taifigher! Hearing that really makes a difference cause sometimes I really want to just hide under my blankets. I run into a lot of woman (and most men) who say "you have it easy cause you get to stay home and don't have to work". I think staying home is a lot harder than if I worked outside the home, even if it was part time. We don't get sick days, vacation days, or even credit for what we do. My husband says how much he works, but I feel like my day never ends! You have no idea how good it is to hear someone say what you did!

I'm so glad it made you feel good!! My mom stays at home, and I've seen first hand how HARD it is. You are right, you never ever get a break! When my dad comes home from work, he expects dinner 5:30 on the dot, and of course afterward Mom cleans up, then does laundry or whatever other chores...all while my dad sits on the couch!! Her day goes from 7AM till 9PM i swear!! Women are definitely the workhorses of the world...its time you get some recognition!!!! :D

[mommykuce]

I don't know if it is all mental, but I don't feel as sore as I had before taking the creatine. I know it is supposed to take a few weeks to work, but the next 2 days will tell cause today was leg day!

Squats: 20lb bar (up from last week) 3x (20)(20)(15)

Walking Lunges: no weight, 3x (30); next time I am going to add weight

Lying Leg Curl: 32.5lbs, 3x (20)(17)(15) (pushed)

Seated Leg Curl: 2x (15)(17) pushed

Did not work my quads directly again cause after the squats and lunges my right quad was kind of shaking. They are definatley getting bigger cause now I see the definition when I am wearing clingyer pants, and also my jeans are tighter over my quads, but looser on my waist.
Will post meals tonight. Still hate my husband. He came home from wherever he was and I was sitting with my son before he went down for a nap and the first thing he says is "what's for dinner?" It was 1 o'clock in the afternoon!!! I was like "are you kidding me!" Then he said he wanted to get me thinking about it. He didn't even kiss the baby hello or anything! I swear he is so much worse since I have been going to the gym on a regualr basis. I was with him for 3 years before we got married and lived with him for 1-1/2years also, and never got this from him.

[mommykuce]

Meal 1: Protein Shake w/ banana 1TBL plain LF yogurt (pre-work_

Meal 2: Prtoein Shake w/ peaches, 1 TBL yogurt (post work)

Meal 3: 3 egg whites 1 yolk scr w/ safflower oil omlete w/ spinach & cheddar cheese, oatmeal

Meal 4: 3 hard boiled egg whites, raw carrots & celery

Meal 5: Buffalo Burger, baked sweet potato w/ FF Promise Spread, mixed vegg

Meal 6: cottage cheese w/ walnuts & white raisins

Meal 7: Szchechuan Chicken w/ peanuts, snow peas, asian veggie mix, brown rice

Meal 8: cottage cheese w/ cinnamon & little bit of golden delicious apple

Took creatine about 30min before workout.

[JumpinJill]

Those recipes sound great!

I agree tai, that was really sweet :)
Mommykuce, maybe next time he asks whats for dinner, tell him 'I dunno hunny, whatcha making for us tonight?' :D

Your meals look awesome and just curious, would you know of a way to hit just the quads if using only dumbells at home? It feels like my hams are only getting the brunt of my leg work now, I used to get tight quads just from sprinting but now I don't even feel that anymore.

[MsJewels]

Mommykuce - I hope that reading about your busy day wasn't a glance into my future! lol! My husband does his share of the chores around our house, however I worry that when we have kids, my life will get unmanageable! I totally respect moms (stay-at-home ones especially). Good for you for fitting time in for yourself in, too, because that's also very important (if baby wants a happy momma!)

[mommykuce]

Mommykuce - I hope that reading about your busy day wasn't a glance into my future! lol! My husband does his share of the chores around our house, however I worry that when we have kids, my life will get unmanageable! I totally respect moms (stay-at-home ones especially). Good for you for fitting time in for yourself in, too, because that's also very important (if baby wants a happy momma!)Unfortunately my husband did a complete 360 after I had my son and wasn't working. He used to help out with chores, but now he thinks that cause I'm home that I do nothing all day but watch TV. I can't tell you the last time I got to watch anything! I have to say that he really has turned into his father who wasn't around for him and his brother much. Maybe I should have paid more attention to that, but he had a great relationship with his mom when she was alive, and now there isn't anyone to kick him in the ass anymore.

And it is so true that a happy mommy makes a happy baby- I don't know what I would do if I didn't go to the gym cause that is the only thing I get to do for myself. I swear my day feels like it never ends.

[taifighter]

Unfortunately my husband did a complete 360 after I had my son and wasn't working. He used to help out with chores, but now he thinks that cause I'm home that I do nothing all day but watch TV. I can't tell you the last time I got to watch anything! I have to say that he really has turned into his father who wasn't around for him and his brother much. Maybe I should have paid more attention to that, but he had a great relationship with his mom when she was alive, and now there isn't anyone to kick him in the ass anymore.

And it is so true that a happy mommy makes a happy baby- I don't know what I would do if I didn't go to the gym cause that is the only thing I get to do for myself. I swear my day feels like it never ends.

mommy your story reminds me of this episode of Dr. Phil I saw recently, where the husband and wife were on b/c the wife was a stay-at-home mom of like three little kids and the husband not only DIDN'T help but often made comments about how the wife never dressed nicely or did her hair and was always tired. It was GREAT though, cause the mom got to go to a dayspa and the husband spent a day at home with the kids.

By the end of the day, the dad was covered in spit-up, cheerios, etc...he was exhausted and dinner wasn't made! hahah, he like bowed before his wife when she got home and apologized for thinking what she did wasn't HARD!
I don't know if switching responsibilities is realistic, but it might be an eye-opener for him. I don't know ANYBODY could come home to a clean house, a hot meal and a clean healthy baby and then think that the mother just sat around all day watching TV. as jill said, ay yi yi!!! :D

[mommykuce]

One of my friends always watched Dr. Phil, but I have only seen a few, and he really puts some of these men in their place! My husband had kind of a role reversal with me one time a few months ago. I had another kidney stone and was in the hospital for 2 days, then had to go back cause I couldn't hold anything down and got dehydrated and was in for another 3 days. Needless to say, my son hardly got fed, got sent to daycare with crackers in his diaper cause my husband let him sit in the highchair with nothing but a diaper and actually gave him crackers for breakfast, his nap and sleeping schedule got totally screwd up, their was no clean laundry, the house wasn't clean, and the cats were drinking out of the toilet. He actually would bring the baby to the hosptial and put him in bed with me. You figured after that experience he would learn, but he still doesn't acknowledge anything.

Well, here is my workout for today- I am not feeling that sore today, but we will see tomorrow!

Back:
SLDL: 20lb bar (up from last week), 2x (20)

Lat Pulldown: 75lbs (up from last week), 3x (11)(10)(10)

Seated Cable Rows: 65lbs, 3x (12) pushed last set

Single dumbell rows: 20lbs, 2x (12)(10)

Biceps:
Alternate Dumbell Curls: 20lbs, 3x (8)(7)(7)

Hammer Curl: 15lbs, 2x (12) pushed last set

EZ Barbell Curl: 30lbs, 3x (12) might increase next time

My left side is still holding me back with certain things like the dumbell rows and the alternate dumbell curls. I wonder if the creatine will give me a little push so I can up it a little bit.

[sillyvent]

Geez just checked out your pictures...I'm always 2 weeks behind everyone! hee hee Another hot momma on the site! You look awesome! :)

[taifighter]

mommy, WOW you are inspiring. I don't know how I would deal with a situation like that! (well I guess I would start throwing around mad weight at the gym and get all hot, like you ;) )

I don't have any good advice to offer, but I'm sure you know how lucky your little baby is to have such a wonderful mom. I'm sorry you have put up with a lot of crap, but just know you are a terrific role model for the rest of us! :D

I noticed you are taking creatine, have you gotten good results? I was taking it for a few weeks to help with my bulking, then stopped when I read it only causes your muscle to hold water, and when you stop taking you lose that water anyway. Damn these conflicting opinions!

[mommykuce]

I noticed you are taking creatine, have you gotten good results? I was taking it for a few weeks to help with my bulking, then stopped when I read it only causes your muscle to hold water, and when you stop taking you lose that water anyway. Damn these conflicting opinions!First, thank you so much for the sweet things you said (or wrote). I keep telling myself that everything I do is for my son, and everytime he does something funny or give me a hug and a kiss it is worth it (though I still want to run away from home sometimes!). This is why he is such a momma's boy!

As for the creatine, besides bringing water to you muscles, it also helps in muscle recovery, which in turn is supposed to help you lift more, thus making better gains. Back in the day when it first came out I used it, and really kept the gains I made during the phase that I used it. It's not like all of a sudden you can lift the weight that you were when you were on it. It is supposed to give you that extra edge in lifting, but I guess everyone is different. I think as long as you keep training and eating properly you shouldn't loose anything. So far I am not bloated or anything like that, and I really don't feel as sore after my workouts even though I am lifting more weight every week (I have only been taking the creatine for a week). Maybe it is really mind over matter, who knows!

[fittgrrl]

This is what my friends and I talk about when we are having husband problems:
We talk about how God has blessed us (women) with the ability and power to do all of those things. We tell each other to feel empowered by all we can get done in one day and be proud of our multi tasking skills. Men (and I don't make it a habit to Man bash but facts are facts) just simply can't handle/do/deal with everything that women can. Feel good that you can be a wife, mother, cook, housekeeper, bill payer, gym diva etc!!!
Also another part of this if we feel our husbands have gone too far with not appreciating us, we stop doing for them (stop doing their laundry, or cooking their meals or whatever else we do for them that they may take for granted).
Take care of yourself and keep up the good work!!!

[sillyvent]

your story makes me think of a story my mom once told me....I mean I am almost 24 years old now, but back in the day when I was probably around 6 years old and the oldest of 4 my mom had to go somewhere and left all 4 of us with my dad. Needless to say when she returned I came running to her saying, "momma I'm so hungry- feed me." My mom asked my dad why he didn't feed us and he said, "well they didn't say they were hungry." My mom was like ummm, "honey you feed kids when it's lunch time!" haha Thought I would put a little humor into it...although not so funny that men are just not as skilled us women with handling 800 million tasks at once! SOmetiems I wonder if we actually came from another planet....hmmmm :)

[mommykuce]

Oh, I absolutely believe they came from another planet. When I talk to some of my friends we just can't understand men get their thought process from, because it's just not logical!

Today was my off day, I am feeling a little bit of a chest cold coming on, so after I dropped my son off at daycare I ran some errands and slept for almost 3 hours. It felt sooo good! Since I was sleeping and running around I didn't eat as much, but I really am not that hungry (I guess cause I am getting sick). I took my son tonight to get his Easter pics done, and as usual they came out adorable! We even put bunny ears on him for one of the pics! He's such a ham, he must get it from me!

[JumpinJill]

awww how cute! I love easter time!

I hope you beat that chest cold and rest plenty :)

[mommykuce]

Still have the chest cold thing going on, but still went to the gym. My husband actually offered to watch the baby so I could go without him- I almost fell over! I really don't feel as tired during or after a workout as I did before starting the creatine. I even got some cardio in today!

My body is definately changing. I am finding that my jeans are fitting quite different (and so is my underwear). I don't know if I am imagining it, but I think my waist is a little thicker, but not fatter. You can see more definition in my abs and when I lean over there isn't as much roles as their was before. And my legs definately are more developed- there is less skin to pinch and less jiggle. I am thinking about investing in BF calipers just to keep myself on track. I want to make sure the changes aren't fat rather than muscle.

Shoulders:
Press: 20lbs, 4x (13- warmup), then (12) pused last 2 sets

Lateral Dumbell Raise: 15lbs, 3x (12)(12)(11) pushed last 2

Front Dumbell Raise: 15lbs (up from last time) 3x (10)

Upright Rows: 40lbs, 3x (12)(11)(10)

Rear Delts (machine): 50lbs, 2x (8)

Cardio: 15 min of HIT on cross trainer (I am wondering if this is what everyone else calls "eliptical").

I have to really give props to all of you who do this for 20 min, cause it is INTENSE!!! Maybe it wasn't a good idea with a chest cold, but I really felt sooo good after doing it. The first couple of intervals I almost fell off though! Anyone who says they do this for 30 mins is really not doing it right!

[mommykuce]

Meal 1: Protein Shake w/ banana 1 TBL plain LF yogurt (pre work)

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ frozen rasberries, 1TBL yogurt

Meal 3: 3 egg whites 1 yolk scrambled w/safflower oil, turkey sausage, 1 sllice muenster cheese in whole wheat wrap. 1/2 serving of oatmeal.

Meal 4: Dried fruit mix with some peanuts and pecans

Meal 5: Tuna salad w/ cucumber, pepper, carrots, 2g fat mayo, brown rice

Meal 6: 3 hard boiled egg whites, cooked spinach (a little garlic and nutmeg)

Meal 7: Grilled chicken w/ spinach, mushroom, and capers in a lemon sauce. A couple of pieces of my son's tortellini (had to start him off)

Meal 8: cottage cheese w/ some golden delicious apple pieces

I am trying to cut back on the cottage cheese, even though I love it. I don't think it is agreeing with the creatine.

[mommykuce]

Have not been feeling sore at all! Still have a little chest cold, but I find that the cardio is helping to break it up a little (plus is a good stress reliever). So, I did some cardio today- I want to keep the schedule pretty much the way it was this week.

Did 30 min of moderate intensity cardio (20 on cross trainer, 10 on bike, plus 2 min cooldown). While on the cross trainer I threw in some HIT like intervals, but not anything consisten to make it a HIT workout. I just did it to change things up a little cause I get bored really easy. I really felt very refreshed after my workout today- what else is a better way to start off a day!

And of course I stretched after- I do after all my workouts, even if I don't write it.

[taifighter]

Still have the chest cold thing going on, but still went to the gym. My husband actually offered to watch the baby so I could go without him- I almost fell over! I really don't feel as tired during or after a workout as I did before starting the creatine. I even got some cardio in today!

My body is definately changing. I am finding that my jeans are fitting quite different (and so is my underwear). I don't know if I am imagining it, but I think my waist is a little thicker, but not fatter. You can see more definition in my abs and when I lean over there isn't as much roles as their was before. And my legs definately are more developed- there is less skin to pinch and less jiggle. I am thinking about investing in BF calipers just to keep myself on track. I want to make sure the changes aren't fat rather than muscle.

Shoulders:
Press: 20lbs, 4x (13- warmup), then (12) pused last 2 sets

Lateral Dumbell Raise: 15lbs, 3x (12)(12)(11) pushed last 2

Front Dumbell Raise: 15lbs (up from last time) 3x (10)

Upright Rows: 40lbs, 3x (12)(11)(10)

Rear Delts (machine): 50lbs, 2x (8)

Cardio: 15 min of HIT on cross trainer (I am wondering if this is what everyone else calls "eliptical").

I have to really give props to all of you who do this for 20 min, cause it is INTENSE!!! Maybe it wasn't a good idea with a chest cold, but I really felt sooo good after doing it. The first couple of intervals I almost fell off though! Anyone who says they do this for 30 mins is really not doing it right!

glad you are beating that chest cold. As a mother, you already know this but get your rest and fluids!! moms are usually the ones that don't take care of themselves...too busy taking care of everyone else!! :D i hear you on the waist thickening thing. its not like I'm getting fatter, persay, I just feel..more solid. Actually every part of me feels that way, even though I'm not seeing drastic changes on the scale. I love it. When I walk around naked (theres a nice mental pic, me dancing around my apt in the nude) everything feels tight and in place, nothing really jiggling woohoo!!

and I recommend getting a pair of calipers, if only to monitor your progress even further. even if they're not 100% accurate, you can see if your bf is going up or down along w/ your weight each week. it gives me a better idea if what I'm doing is actually working!!

[StlBarbie]

My personal experience has been that heavier deadlifting and wt. good mornings have definitely left my core "thicker"!! It is hard as rock and very well defined but it is thicker than my old fat skinny days! I have found that the stomach vacums seem to lesson the effect somewhat! Don't you feel like a piece of clay sometimes???? ;)

[mommykuce]

Don't you feel like a piece of clay sometimes???? ;)That is exactly how I often feel!

I am finding that the creatine and dairy isn't mixing too well. Yesterday anytime I ate dairy I was in the bathroom 20 minutes later. I have been feeling less sore since being on the creatine, so I am going to try and limit my dairy for a little bit until I get over this hump with the soreness. I love my dairy so this is going to be hard!

[mommykuce]

First I want to say that I hate the course I am taking and don't care very much for the people that are in it. No one is really contributing that much which makes it hard for me to get participation in. And my learning team is killing me cause they are never around. And my professor deducted 4pt off of my last paper because I didn't hyphenate the word "decision-making". From what I gathered my paper was one of the better ones from the comments others are making.

Here's my workout:

Chest:
Barbell Press: 65lbs, 4(x)12 pushed last set

Incline Dumbell Press: 20lbs, 3x (12) pushed last 2

Incline Butterfly: 15lbs, 3x (12) want to up it but don't think I can do 20 w/out hurting myself

Cable Crossover: 3x (12)(12)(11)

Triceps:

Reverse Grip Pushdown: 35lbs (up from last time), 3x (12)(12)(11)

Rope pushdown: 25 (up from last), 2x (12)(10)

Meals:

Meal 1: Protein Shake w/ banana 1 TBL LF Yogurt (pre work) (creatine 45 min before workout)

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ little bit of raw oats, Peaches

Meal 3: 3 whites 1 yolk scrambled in safflower oil w/ turkey bacon in whole wheat wrap

Meal 4: almonds & peanuts and some dried fruit

Meal 5: Chicken salad w/ 2g F mayo, carrots, celery, peppers on a bed of lettuce, 1/4lb potato salad

Meal 6: egg whites with some left over veggies from lunch

Meal 7: Salmon marinated in balsamic vinegar, salad w/ dark greens, cucumber, carrots, tomato, FF cheese, red onion.

Meal 8: cottage cheese w/ cinnamon and few pieces golden delici apple

I have been feeling a little better since cutting back on the dairy. But I love my dairy and cottage cheese helps my cravings.

[mommykuce]

I need to switch up my days this week. Today would normally be a leg day but I have a doc appt with the baby and have more homework, so I am doing legs tomorrow, and instead of Thurs being an off day I am doing Back/biceps then.

[taifighter]

I loved my dairy too MK... and then I found out I was lactose intolerant. :( :(
even though I was relieved to find the source of all my gastro-intestinal distress, I was SOOO bummed!! The worst part is, I think I'm more allergic to the casein, because even consuming dairy w/ a digestive aid like lactaid doesn't really help. anyway, didn't mean to go on about my *personal* issues, haha! I wanted to say, I hope you are back to eating dairy soon and feeling great!! I have heard that creatine can cause some cramping, maybe it was interfering with digestion...

Um, I'm going to sound like a jerk for asking this, but what classes are you taking? Are you going for your graduate degree?? That's amazing! So you have a baby and husband ;) to care for, AND you're in school AND you're training. wow!! Don't let me complain about my 50 hour job again :P

[mommykuce]

I'm finishing up my bachelor's in Business/ Marketing and communications. Ya, i keep myself pretty busy, but that doesn't mean you can complain about what you are going through! At each point in our lives we have something that we see as being difficult or an obstacle, but it helps us to better be able to handle things in the future.

As for what has been going on in my week, my son has a stomach virus and a fever for the last few days, now I think I am getting it. My husband now has it too. So, I've been home with the little guy everyday, mushing with him and trying to calm him. I feel so bad cause he'll cry and I don't always know what is wrong, and even if I do there isn't much I can do about it. And I can't explain to him what is going on. He has been home from daycare also yesterday so I haven't had any time to myself. I just finished a little bit of my HW, but an taking a break before going back to my little guy.

[mommykuce]

My son is still sick and I am bombarded with school work. My poor little guy has sores all in his mouth and in his throat, but it is a virus so there is nothing I can do but keep him hydrated and his fever down. I now have a stomach virus and can't keep anything in me. This is going to kill me! I haven't left my house in just about a week now. One of my friends even had to go to the store for me.

[mommykuce]

Still not much to report. My son is still sick, but is getting better. Haven't left the house in more than a week. I am feeling a little better, but I feel like everything I gained has been eaten up by my body cause I haven't been eating much, and I can't keep what I do eat in me. I am hoping to get back to my schedule starting Monday (I am giving myself the rest of the week to try and eat better and get my energy back). Hopefully my son will be better.

[mommykuce]

Ok- I am aiming to be back in the gym tommorrow (tues). I am pretty much recovered from my pneumonia and my son is better, and have finished all of my HW. I still have a little bit of a cough still lingering, but I have been getting more (and better) food into my system over the last few days and feel most of my strength is back. I probably will hold off on the cardio for the first week and get back in slowly. I need to just see how my body reacts. Wish me luck!

[mommykuce]

Finally got to the gym (Yeah!). I took it a little easy. I definately lost some strength over the last few weeks. Here's my workout:

Shoulders:
Press: 20lbs, 4x (12)(11)(10)(10)

Lateral Dumbell Raise: 15lbs, 3x (10)

Front Dumbell Raise: 10lbs, 3x (12)

Meals (so far)

Meal 1: Protein Pancakes (I'm addicted)

Meal 2: 3 hard boiled egg whites, nut mix

Meal 3: Roast Beef on rye w/ 1 slice Muenster cheese, some red skinned potatoes, side of veggie mix

Meal 4: Protein Shake w/ banana, 1TBL LF yogurt (pre-workout)

Meal 5: Protein Shake w/ frozen cherries, 1 TBL LF yogurt (post)

Meal 6: Grilled Chicken w/ spinach and mushrooms

Haven't had last meal yet. Will probably be some cottage cheese.

[taifighter]

Yippee for getting back into the gym!! It must have felt GREAT. Even though you took it easy, it still looks good to me :)
15lb lateral raises are tough!!

[jeni5.0]

WELCOME BACK!!! glad you get to get back in the gym.

[StlBarbie]

Darn Mommykuce ... if #15 lateral raises is taking it easy .. I don't want to know what hitting it hard is!!!

Great job ... so glad you are back!!! :)

[mommykuce]

Thanks guys! Everyone always comments on the 15lb lateral raises, but I honestly don't ever remember doing anything less. I know I have done more after having a lot of consistency in my workouts. I guess I have always pushed myself cause I LOVE working my shoulders. I always trained them to be wider to balance our my lower half and make my waist look smaller. I think after them training back is my favorite.

Today I took for myself since I have no school until Tues and my son was in daycare. I have a friend who has a daughter who is 2 weeks older than my son, and both of our kids were in daycare today. We went shopping- I bought mostly stuff for my son cause he needs spring clothes and even the stuff I bought him 2 mts ago doesn't fit. Leave it to him to have a growth spurt even when he was sick and really wasn't eating. All of his pants are high waters on him now. He is just so big I can't get over it, and he looks so much older than his 20mths and people expect more from him, like talking more than he does.

Anyway, we went to Applebees for lunch cause it was next to the mall, and I had a grilled blackened LF chicken salad (it had LF cheese on it and FF dressing- I always get my dressing on the side so I don't need a lot like they put on). And I had an Ultimate Cosmopolitan. I figured what the hell cause I haven't been out of the house in almost 3 weeks! And I bought myself a pair of Juicy Couture sweat pants- normally I would never spend that much even on jeans, but they are so nice and so comfy and I really wanted it and figured I deserve it (and my husband will just have to deal with the credit card bill!). Oh, well, back in the gym tomorrow!

[mommykuce]

Got back into the gym today, still taking it a little easy. I think I inadvertanly cut a little while I was sick because when I lift I am getting very veiny. Not the healthiest way to go about it, though.

I am also waiting to find out what my grade was for the course I just finished. I know it is going to be close whether or not I get an "A" and keep up my 4.0. I really hated the class, it was so much work and my learning team was so useless I wound up doing a lot of the team assignments on my own. My next class starts on Tues 4/19, looks pretty hard. My friend that I went shopping with yesterday and I decided that every 5 weeks or so (that is when I get a break in between courses) we are going to go for lunch and drinks. We can't afford to go crazy shopping that often, but just the goal of getting together without the babies is really important to us. Oh, and my son fed my dog my journal that I write everything down in, so I had to go and back track in this journal to find out what I was doing. Such a pain.

Here's my workout:
Back:

SLDL: 20lb bar, 3x (20)(15)(15)

Lat Pulldown: 75lbs, 3x (11)(10)(8)

Seated Cable Rows: 65lbs, 3x (12)(10)(10)

Single Dumbell Rows: 20lbs, 2x (12)(10)

Biceps:

Alternate Dumbell Curls: 20lbs, 3x (8)(7) then switched to 15lbs cause my left side couldn't handl it and did (12) pushed.

Hammer Curl: 15lbs, 2x (10)

EZ Barbell Curl: 30lbs, 3x (12)(12)(11) pushed last 2 sets

My left side really sucks and is holding me back. It is worse now then it ever has been. I guess when I pick up my son my right side takes most of the brunt of it.

I just found out today my gym is putting in boxing stuff like punching bags and weighted bags. I am so excited! I miss boxing, there really isn't anything around here anymore. I used to really get a lot of aggression out sparing. They always had me against guys cause I hit so hard. I really go all out with it. They aren't going to have a ring or anything, but it will still be nice to punch the bags around.

[mommykuce]

I just found out I got an "A" in my course! I am so happy, yeah! I still have my 4.0! I really worked my ass off for this one- I really do deserve the Juicy sweats!

[mommykuce]

It was actually 70 degrees today! I was like "Wooo"! Sundays are always mommy and baby day, and besides the normal dancing around we do, after he woke up from his nap I walked around the neighborhood with him. Then the dog was getting jealous and wanted to be with the baby (he is very protective) so I put the leashe on the dog and off the 3 of us went! It was so hard walking a 120lb dog and keeping up with my curious little bundle of energy. And then we all ran around the back yard like a bunch of lunatics. It was a lot of fun, though. I am absolutely exhausted.

In the gym tomorrow!

[taifighter]

It was actually 70 degrees today! I was like "Wooo"! Sundays are always mommy and baby day, and besides the normal dancing around we do, after he woke up from his nap I walked around the neighborhood with him. Then the dog was getting jealous and wanted to be with the baby (he is very protective) so I put the leashe on the dog and off the 3 of us went! It was so hard walking a 120lb dog and keeping up with my curious little bundle of energy. And then we all ran around the back yard like a bunch of lunatics. It was a lot of fun, though. I am absolutely exhausted.

In the gym tomorrow!

such a cute story. Playing with your baby and dog has to be the most rewarding cardio in the world!! :D

[mommykuce]

It is GORGEOUS today- mid 70's! My little guy is in daycare and I just got back from the gym. I think I am going to eat lunch outside and wash my truck (it needs it). It is supposed to be in the 80's this week- I am so excited cause I am such an outdoors kind of person. It's days like this I really miss having a convertable. I have always loved them and have had one since I was 19, but they aren't really baby compatible. Anyway, here's my workout, then I am going outside!

Chest:
Barbell Press: 1st set 65lbs, (12), then 75lbs, 3x (10(10)(9) pushed

Incline Dumbell Press: 20lbs, 3x (11)(9)(9)

Incline Butterfly: 15lbs, 3x (12)(12)(11)

Cable Crossover: 25lbs, 3x (10)

Triceps:
Reverse Grip Pushdown: 30lbs, 2 (12)

Rope Pushdown: 20lbs, 2x (12)(10)

I'm still feeling a little winded sometimes, but it just feels so good to get back into the gym. I really missed it!

[mommykuce]

Didn't work out the last 2 days, had a doc appt for me and my son's regular pediatrician appt. He is in the 95th and 96th percentile for height and weight, and really has been his entire life. It's funny cause he is a self made vegetarian already- won't eat any kind of meat or eggs. Luvs veggies, fruit, and dairy, which is strange cause he was allergic to milk and soy until he was almost 1 1/2. I don't know where he gets it from cause I certainly am not anywhere near vegitarian! Give me a piece of steak that is still mooing!

I actually got put on an inhaler for the next 2 weeks until my next appt because I am still getting out of breath very easy. I'm not happy. I do feel better after a workout as long as I don't go crazy (and still can't do cardio). It's weird but after having 3 weeks off when I was sick and am making some nice gains even though I am not pushing myself that hard. All of my T-shirts are so tight in the shoulders and biceps I have been pulling out the seams to fit my arms! I am probably going to start glutamine, just trying to find a brand. I want to see how that works vs the creatine for soreness. I still want to be able to play with my son after a good workout!

Here's my workout for today- I will probably post my meals tomorrow cause my list is upstairs and if I go up there I am heading straight to my bedroom and not coming back down here.

Back:
SLDL: (I don't like these) 20lb bar, 3x (20)(15)(15)

Lat Pulldown: 75lb, 3x (12)(11)(9) pushed all

Seated Cable Row: 65lbs, 3x (12)(11)(11)
Didn't do Dumbell Rows- just didn't feel like it!

Biceps:
Alternate Dumbell Curls: 20lbs, 3x (9)(8)(8) pushed last

Hammer Curl: 15lbs, 3x (12)(11)(11)

EZ Barbell Curl: 30lbs, 3x (12) I am thinking of increasing this when I feel better.

I was talking to the owner of my gym today and I finally told him I want a set of 12lb dumbells. When I do shoulders front raises 10lbs is not enough but 15lb is too much. He said he will get a set or 2. I can't be the only one who has this problem. I guess I just have a big mouth though!

[mommykuce]

Here is what I ate:

Meal 1: Protein Shake w/banana, 1 TBL LF plain yogurt (pre workout)

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ guava, mango, & pineapple (I stole some of my son's fresh fruit- he loves this stuff, the shake was kind of interesting), 1 TBL LF plain Yogurt (post workout)

Meal 3: Roast Beef on Rye w/ lettuce, tomato, roasted red pepper, small salad with dark greens, cucumber, tomato, hard boiled egg whites w/ 1 yolk, some black olives, 1/4lb potato salad (I actually made it myself this time w/ 2G fat mayo).

Meal 4: Mixed nuts, 3 hard boiled egg whites, celery and carrot sticks

Meal 5: Eggplant w/ FF Ricotta cheese, homemade tomato sauce, small salad (same as lunch).

Meal 6: 3 Egg white omlete with spinach

[taifighter]

Here is what I ate:

Meal 1: Protein Shake w/banana, 1 TBL LF plain yogurt (pre workout)

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ guava, mango, & pineapple (I stole some of my son's fresh fruit- he loves this stuff, the shake was kind of interesting), 1 TBL LF plain Yogurt (post workout)

Meal 3: Roast Beef on Rye w/ lettuce, tomato, roasted red pepper, small salad with dark greens, cucumber, tomato, hard boiled egg whites w/ 1 yolk, some black olives, 1/4lb potato salad (I actually made it myself this time w/ 2G fat mayo).

Meal 4: Mixed nuts, 3 hard boiled egg whites, celery and carrot sticks

Meal 5: Eggplant w/ FF Ricotta cheese, homemade tomato sauce, small salad (same as lunch).

Meal 6: 3 Egg white omlete with spinach

I want your meals...the roast beef on rye? I nearly cried when I read that. Sounds sooo delish. I gotta get out of my rut of chicken/oatmeal/greenbeans/protein shake...repeat. I think I'm going to buy myself some roastbeef next week :)

Sorry to hear about the inhaler..thats very strange, but I'm glad you are seeing the doctor. And you're still making gains!! holy moly :)

PS. Good for you for speaking up...thats what I should be doing at my gym...they removed all the little 5lb weight add-ons to the cable machines, so now you can only go up in increments of 15lbs. That sucks!!!

[sillyvent]

M- That's great that they are willing to get those 12lb dbs for ya! I feel you on this one...You can take glutamine everyday and when you are bulking use creatine at the same time. I saw your post about using one or the other, thought that might help. I currently am using both! :D

[mommykuce]

You can take glutamine everyday and when you are bulking use creatine at the same time. I saw your post about using one or the other, thought that might help. I currently am using both! :DDawn- I'm not bulking or anything like that, my main concern is just the soreness. I swear I never had this problem before, I mean my legs would be sore and stuff, but I would just deal with it. I guess now cause I have different responsibilities I can't really deal with the soreness as much. Back in the day I did use both for a bulking phase, and that was back when creatine first came out. They are really great for that, but I guess now I also don't want to spend the $$$ if I don't have to cause I only train for my own self and sanity. I'm not too happy with some of the other effects of the creatine, like how I practically have to cut out all of my dairy. Plus I swear that is why my waist is thicker (no gas pains or anything like that). When I was sick I stopped using the creatine and it was like magic I didn't have that thickness, and since I have been back on it like within a week the thickness is back. I do think that it has something to do with the gains in size I have made cause I kind of cycled it unintentionally. But thanks for the advice because as usual you are right and both together are great for bulking!

[sillyvent]

Mommy- I ONLY use it to keep my muscle and bulk- the pinnacle pill creatine has no bad side effects- no cramping, tummy aches, and umm the other problems creatine can bring on(we don't even want to go there!) If you ever want to bulk I suggest it; otherwise I say take 2 servings of glutamine daily. Once before your w/o and after....both with meals. No need for creatine in this case. :)

[mommykuce]

Went to the gym after my husband got home from work so I didn't have to take my little guy. He has been cranky- I think his tummy is bothering him again. I decided to do a light leg day with my shoulders. I am planning on doing 2 leg days, one lighter weights with higher reps and one with heavier weights and lower reps. I am also doing leg presses instead of squats. I can't really do much with the squats cause of my back, so I figure they aren't doing anything for me.

Shoulders:
Press: 20lbs, 4x12, 12, 12, 10

Lateral Dumbell Raise: 15lbs, 3x 12, 12, 10 pushed last set

Front Dumbell Raise: 10lbs, 3x 12,12, then dropset 21 failure, then 5lbs to failure

Upright Rows: 40lbs, 3x 12,12,11, pushed last set

Legs:
Leg Press: 35lbs (I am going to go heavier, just trying them out) 3x 20

Lying Leg Curl: 40lbs, 3x 15

Leg Extensions: 15lbs individual leg, 2x 15

Now I have somewhat of a specific goal to shoot for. I have a communion on May 15, and a fundraiser party for my a guy who my husband works with that had a stroke on May 20. So I want to look slammin! I know it is less than a month away, but my body reacts well when I do the right thing. It just is a little bit of incentive to eat right and go to the gym. I am planning to take the creatine probably up until 1- 1 1/2 weeks before that, then stop it so I am not bloated and running to the bathroom or worrying about what I am going to eat. I am going to order the glutamine, I decided on the Beverly INternational brand. I have heard good things about the company.

[mommykuce]

Yesterday (4/23) was my cheat day cause my husband is working a double today and won't be home till like 2am, so I don't have to make any big meal today! I also had my special breakfast with my son (real diner french toast) cause I substituted baby and mommy day yesterday instead of today.

This is the first time that 2 days after a leg workout (even though it was a light one) that I am not sore! My shoulders aren't even sore! I really like the creatine for that, and I would recommend it 100% for a bulking phase cause then I wouldn't mind the thickness in my abs that much. The following cutting phase would take care of that.

It has been raining for the last couple of days (bad) so I can't even go out with the little guy and play. I just don't understand how it can go from 82 degrees to having to put the heat on in just a couple of days! This stinks! I know last year in the beginning of May it was so hot I have pics of my son in his baby pool! Obviously that isn't going to happen this year!

[mommykuce]

Here's what I ate today. My son kept me on my toes all day. I don't know how I survived!

Meal 1: Protein Pancakes (I also stired in a few fresh blueberries into the batter to mix things up)

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ TBL Natty PB

Meal 3: Low Sodium Turkey Breast on Pumpernicel with lettuce 1 slice of Muenster (also Low sodium- Alpine Lace) and tomato. Brown Rice, salad with cucumber,tomato, egg whites, dark greens

Meal 4: Plain LF yogurt w/ golden delicious apple pieces and some white raisons

Meal 5: Grilled chicken marinated in Teryaki, salad (same as above, but with some FF cheese sprinkled on top).

Meal 6: 3 Egg white omlete w/ spinach

Meal 7: probably will have some cottage cheese before bed cause usually if I don't I wake up and wind up having some anyway. Maybe I'll steal a little of my son's pineapple.

It was so funny today with my son. As I wrote he is a picky vegetarian eater already. When I had the fridge open to get my stuff to make lunch, he grabbed the bag of whole grain bread that was in there. He gobbled up 3 slices! He LOVED IT!!! He hasn't really been eating cause he has an upset stomach again (he has reflux) but he just loved the bread! I am thinking of getting some whole wheat pasta for him. He's going to be some kind of health nut! Hey, there are worse things he could be, huh? It's just funny that he isn't even 2 years and already has these specific tastes.

[mommykuce]

Chest:
Barbell Press: 75lbs, 4x 12, 10, 10, 8

Incline Dumbell Press: 20lbs, 3x 12, 11, 10 pushed last set

Incline Butterfly: 15lbs, 3x 12 pushed last set

Cable Crossover: 25lbs, 3x 12 will up these next time

Triceps:
Reverse Grip Pushdown: 40lbs (up from last time) 3x 12

Dips (unassisted): Body weight, 2x 10, 8

My breathing felt better today. Still a little ways to go, but at least I am getting better.

[Megin]

I finally found your journal!
I just wanted to make a quick side note on how you are awesome! I have read so many of your posts and you seem to have an answer for everyone's problem. I havn't had time to scan through your journal yet, but I will do that as soon as I get some studying in.
Thank you for staying on top of things around here. You are really making a difference with the great advice that you give!
Also, I just wanted to add that the stories about your son are absolutly adorable. It is so great that you love your kid and you make time to be with him as much as you can and still keep up the w/o routein.

THANKS AGAIN, and I'll be back to catch up on you!!!

[mommykuce]

Megin-
Thanks for the compliments! I really feel that this is a great forum and a lot of the newbies and younger women can learn from the experiences of others and avoid the unhealty traps we can all fall into. There are so many influences out there that can warp our opinions on training and nutrition, and I feel that more people will learn from others experiences rather than some other person preaching to them even though they never went through anything before themselves. No matter how much you know (or think you know) there is always stuff to learn- hell, I just learned a different view point from Emma-Leigh on having nutritional goals using %. There are so many women on this forum who I have seen progress through the last few months, and it makes me happy. I wish I had a forum like this when I was younger.

As for my son, he is what keeps me going. I still can not believe I am a mom cause I never really had that maternal instinct. He drives me crazy sometimes, but it is still worth it. It is hard to fit in what I want to accomplish and I have made lots of sacrifices (while my husband has made NONE), but I have a great, social kid so obviously I am doing something right. And I know he will benefit from all the sacrifices I am making now. I don't remeber who wrote it in my journal, but a happy mom makes a happy kid- and that is the truth and I need to keep reminding myself of that when things get tough!

[mommykuce]

Ok, so here is what I ate today. I was doing so good, but then my husband came home with an attitude, and I just couldn't deal after doing laundry and homework all day (plus going to the gym). So, I had to go out to get diapers and wipes (which I get at BJs), and there is a Ruby Tuesdays next to it. So I figured- what the hell? I need to relax without my husband and baby (and I was still pissed). So I went by myself and got dinner (a cheddar bacon burger in a whole wheat wrap) and a rather large Cosmopolitan. Screw him! It felt really good, and I couldn't care less that I was alone. I had on a cute pair of low rise jeans and a t-shirt, so off I went (at least I wasn't wearing my PJs!). I guess I miss my alone time!

Before my Binge:

Meal 1: Protein Shake w/ banana (pre workout)

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ frozen rasberries, 1 TBL LF yogurt Plain

Meal 3: Protein pancakes w/ fresh blueberries stired in. I found that by adding extra egg whites they come out fluffier.

Meal 4: Nut mixture and some pineapple, mango, papaya (fresh)

Meal 5: Salad w/ turkey, egg whites, FF cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, red peppers. 2 slices pumpernickel bread.

Meal 6: Cottage cheese w/ golden apples

Meal 7: my binge!

Meal 8: Not sure what I will eat before bed. No dairy. Maybe some egg white omlete with veggies.

[terracotta]

Ok, so here is what I ate today. I was doing so good, but then my husband came home with an attitude, and I just couldn't deal after doing laundry and homework all day (plus going to the gym). So, I had to go out to get diapers and wipes (which I get at BJs), and there is a Ruby Tuesdays next to it. So I figured- what the hell? I need to relax without my husband and baby (and I was still pissed). So I went by myself and got dinner (a cheddar bacon burger in a whole wheat wrap) and a rather large Cosmopolitan. Screw him! It felt really good, and I couldn't care less that I was alone. I had on a cute pair of low rise jeans and a t-shirt, so off I went (at least I wasn't wearing my PJs!). I guess I miss my alone time!

Before my Binge:

Meal 1: Protein Shake w/ banana (pre workout)

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ frozen rasberries, 1 TBL LF yogurt Plain

Meal 3: Protein pancakes w/ fresh blueberries stired in. I found that by adding extra egg whites they come out fluffier.

Meal 4: Nut mixture and some pineapple, mango, papaya (fresh)

Meal 5: Salad w/ turkey, egg whites, FF cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, red peppers. 2 slices pumpernickel bread.

Meal 6: Cottage cheese w/ golden apples

Meal 7: my binge!

Meal 8: Not sure what I will eat before bed. No dairy. Maybe some egg white omlete with veggies.

You have to deal with so much!

[jeni5.0]

a binge every once in awhile wont hurt. it will probably just help you stay sane sometimes.:) glad you could get away from things and calm down.

i also wanted to tell you thanks for always having an answer. having a nutrition degree really helps out huh? maybe ill get one someday.

goodluck getting your bod where you want it for the fundraiser!

[Megin]

Mommykuce (I love that name!)-
So I see your name as a response to people's questions and I always go straight to the post to see what you have replied!
I seriously find you to be one of the top inspirations on this forum as you deal with so much and seem to stay sane (or at least you sound that way when you post;))
Ha, I wouldn't worry about the binge as it shows you are human. Nice to know that EVERYONE struggles with nutrition and w/o's. Sorry to hear that your husband doesn't help out as much as he prob. should. But I know that your son will forever love you for the sacrifices you have made for him. And you are right, a happy mom makes a happy kid!

Keep up the good work as you really do make a difference on here!

PS- can I write you a PM 'cause I have a question that I don't really wanna post..??

[mommykuce]

Did light legs today and also a yoga class. Wasn't too bad, but the instructor was the most out of shape yoga instructor I have ever seen!

Legs:
Leg Press: 80lbs, 3x 14

Lying Leg Curl: 40lbs, 3x 15 pushed last set

Leg Extensions: 15lbs, individual leg, 2x 15

I am not happy with the leg press machines at my gym. They are too big for my legs! I'm not exactly short, but I do have short legs, but I have never had this problem. I don't think they are doing anything for me. And I can't do that much with squats cause of my back, so I stopped doing them. Any suggestions? I love doing lunges and walking lunges (I didn't do them today, but normally do).

Meal 1: 3 egg whites 1 yolk, scrambled with safflower oil, 1 slice muenster cheese, oatmeal, 2 strips turkey bacon

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ Natty PB, 1 TBL LF yogurt

Meal 3: Grilled chicken, black beans, brown rice, tomato, dark greens, FF cheese, dab FF sour cream

Meal 4: Cottage cheese w/ mandarin orange segments, some walnuts for crunch

Meal 5: Protein Shake w/ banana (pre workout)

Meal 6: Protein Shake w/ frozen rasberries, 1 TBL LF yogurt (post)

Meal 7: Same as lunch (gotta love leftovers!)

Will probably have something before bed.

[mommykuce]

Mommykuce (I love that name!)-
So I see your name as a response to people's questions and I always go straight to the post to see what you have replied!
I seriously find you to be one of the top inspirations on this forum as you deal with so much and seem to stay sane (or at least you sound that way when you post;))
Ha, I wouldn't worry about the binge as it shows you are human. Nice to know that EVERYONE struggles with nutrition and w/o's. Sorry to hear that your husband doesn't help out as much as he prob. should. But I know that your son will forever love you for the sacrifices you have made for him. And you are right, a happy mom makes a happy kid!

Keep up the good work as you really do make a difference on here!

PS- can I write you a PM 'cause I have a question that I don't really wanna post..??Of course you can always PM me! You can e-mail me directly like you did before also. Again, thanks for the kind words- it makes me feel good! And I don't always stay sane- that is why I can't wait for my gym to put up the puching bags!

[taifighter]

holy moly where I have I been? I'm so bad at keeping up with journals :P

Fiiirstly, I just want to say GO YOU for taking yourself out dinner. Even if you consider it a "binge" it takes a surprisingly large amount of courage to be cool with going out alone. I used to be so self-conscious but when I moved out here to CA, I didn't really have any friends, so if I was pissed off at Michael, I had to go somewhere alone. And I love it! I love my alone time!!!! :D
Lately though, my only "me" time is gym time...I really want to get back into yoga or something else..

whoa, there I go yammering on about myself. What I wanted to say was keep taking that time for yourself!!!! Don't regret it one bit. You are an amazing lady that juggles 40 million things, and you deserve it :)

moving on, your baby sounds so freaking adorable....I have this compulsion to shhhqueeze him when I read your posts (squeezing in a very non-harmful, loving way of course!!) I like reading your journal because I feel similar...I'm still young but I haven't really caught that "mom" bug yet. All my friends want 10 kids RIGHT NOW and I feel kind of out of place. Its nice to know I can be an absolutely terrific mom like you even if I don't have that strong maternal thing going ;)

phew, and last thing! I have the same damn problem with my leg press...do you do the decline one, where your kind of sitting at an angle? You probably already checked, but I just realized recently that our leg press machine had TWO settings, and you can move the plate you put your feet on A LOT closer. Do you have a hack squat machine at your gym? Its a machine with pads that rest against your shoulders...its like a standing calf press machine, but at a 45 degree angle. You "get into" it, lean up against the back pad, and slide down as if you were squatting, then push back up against the foot plate and shoulder pads, back to standing position. So kind of like a squat, but very little pressure on your back.

Or maybe one of the Nautilus leg presses? Like you lie on your back and push the weights with your feet (like a leg press but less intense).

Hmm, hope these helped! I personally love one-legged lunges on the smith machine, or step ups with weights too!

[mommykuce]

I had an asume workout today! It felt sooo good! And I think I was grunting kind of loud cause after one of my sets of the lat pulldowns I looked and everyone was staring at me kind of funny! Oh well!

Back:
Chin ups (assisted): 2x 10 (shoulder width grip) 4 (palms facing) did right after another.

Lat Pulldown: 75lbs, 3x 12, 12, 11 pushed all

Seated Cable Rows: 65lbs (increase next time) 3x 12

Singel Dumbell Rows: 20, 2x 10, 9

Biceps:
Alternate Dumbell Curl: 20lbs, 3x 11, 9, 8

Hammer Curl: 15lbs, 2x 12, 11

EZ Barbell Curl: 40lbs (up from last week) 3x 9, 8, 8

I really pushed my left side on all of these cause my left side just sucks!

Tai- thanks for the suggestions. When I do the leg press I adjust it as close as it goes and it still isn't any where near close enough. These machines are really built for men, and it just isn't right! I looked and my gym does have the Hack Squat- I remember I actually used to use that. Thanks!

[sillyvent]

Hey mommy I do understand, I have to get the weight up by using my tippy toes...annoying as usual. You shouldn't ONLY rely on the hack squat though. Rotate the leg press one week and hack the next- hack hits more of your quads. :)

[mommykuce]

Well, I am going to be doing lunges, its just that I don't know what else to substitute. I have tried positioning my feet in all different ways, and even on my tippy toes then I feel like it is hitting mostly my calves (which wouldn't be a bad thing, but need the overall leg muscle workout).

[MsJewels]

I had an asume workout today! It felt sooo good! And I think I was grunting kind of loud cause after one of my sets of the lat pulldowns I looked and everyone was staring at me kind of funny! Oh well!
Wow, you DID have a great workout! You're so strong - I can't wait until the day my back is that strong. :) Thumbs up on the biceps curls, too. 20 lbs!!

Grunt away, honey! I notice that sometimes I'm probably making noise, too. :D I wear my headphones, so I don't really notice until I see a girl near me looking at me. lol!

Tai, I'm surprised that you don't have the baby bug. I get it every time I see a wee one - SO CUTE!!!! **squeezing the cheeks ...but not really because I used to hate that!** Or their cutsie clothes... Can't wait to buy Harley Davidson baby clothes (I was already given a brand new little blue Harley jumper!!). But I'm not ready for the huge lifestyle change that comes with kiddies. Now that I'm married, everyone thinks that we'll be having them right away, but both my husband and I are too busy with other activities right now... And I can't imagine taking the paycut to stay home wiht them. Especially w/ the new house. I'm trying to set up my home-based business first so that I can do that for income (don't want to put my kids into daycare at all). And wanting to compete in fitness would definitely have to take the back-burner (can you imagine me posing on stage next to all these cut girls w/ a big pregnant belly? :D )

Ooops... did I just show you another MsJewels rant, MK? It DOES occassionally happen!

[sillyvent]

Mommy- wait when you bend your knees on the leg press you mean it doesn't go down far enough...I'm confused. I meant that to get the weight off I have to use my tippy toes so I can start my sets.

[mommykuce]

No, its that my legs are still pretty much straight and not bent in the starting position. When I press there isn't anywhere to go. I think there might be a decline press machine.

[Megin]

Back:
Chin ups (assisted): 2x 10 (shoulder width grip) 4 (palms facing) did right after another.

Lat Pulldown: 75lbs, 3x 12, 12, 11 pushed all

Seated Cable Rows: 65lbs (increase next time) 3x 12

Singel Dumbell Rows: 20, 2x 10, 9

Biceps:
Alternate Dumbell Curl: 20lbs, 3x 11, 9, 8

Hammer Curl: 15lbs, 2x 12, 11

EZ Barbell Curl: 40lbs (up from last week) 3x 9, 8, 8


Indeed, you did have a good w/o!!!
Curious tho, do you rest in between sets or do you superset your biceps?
Just asking b/c I have always been taught to incorporate the bis and tris into the same routein b/c of the contract-relax effect they get.

[jeni5.0]

MK and Tai- im with you on the mommy thing. i want kids in about 2-3 years, but im scared to death. excited, but scared.

[mommykuce]

Curious tho, do you rest in between sets or do you superset your biceps? Just asking b/c I have always been taught to incorporate the bis and tris into the same routein b/c of the contract-relax effect they get.Biceps and triceps work opposing muscles, but you can incorporate an arm day into your split where you would work biceps and triceps together, and even throw some forearms in there. Generally I do Chest/Triceps and Back/Biceps in my splits, but have done an arm day split if I found my arms were lagging. Giving them thier own day helps to concentrate more on them, whereas they are already tired from working the larger muscle group because the get work there also. That is why I just do 2 or 3 exercises for them.

I usually rest in between sets, the length depends on how I feel a particular day, and also what my goals are at the time. If I really want to hit them I will take minimal rest in between sets, and sometimes I do drop sets where I go to failure with a weight and then immediately take the next lowest weight and do that to failure (ie, bicep curls w/ 20lbs to failure, then immediately grab 15lbs and go to failure). I have sometimes done that in my shoulder routine for front lateral raises because the 10lb weights don't do much for me, but the 15 is too much for me to lift correctly. So to make sure I hit those muscles I do the drop sets.

Hope I answered your question. I very rarely remember doing supersets except when I was towards the end of my training for the competition that I did.

[sillyvent]

hey that's crap- tell your gym to get machines that aren't ONLY for men.....I would be really mad if I couldn't use our leg press! I understand the standing calf machine- I mean they can only make those soooo small, but certain things should be made so EVERYONE can use them.

[Megin]

Wow- I never thought of it that way.
I have worked with 3 different trainners throughout my high school sports career and I was always told to super-set them...Good to know! It is def. time to put change up my splits. I like the chest and tris- interesting.

As always, thanks MommyK!!

Oh, and the natty pb and I had a great first date- he took me out to lunch!

PS- Good luck w/ your paper as well, hope the fairy visits you 'cause I sure didn't see any help from him! What are you taking on-line?

[mommykuce]

Megin- Everyone you talk to is going to have different ways for doing things. You just need to experiment and see what works for you. You will probably wind up taking bits and pieces from what you learned from different people and elaborating on that. What works for one might not work for another. And it is good to switch things up once in a while- keeps it fun and interesting.

I am finishing my Bachelors Degree in Business/Marketing. With my son I can't go to a traditional college, so the online thing is great. It's an accredited school and is actually cheaper than traditional universities (especially out here!). The term paper fairy must have swatted me in the head cause I banged out the paper. I just usually need to clear my head and stop reading into things, and just do what the assignment asks. I am a little obsessive compulsive so that is sometime hard! :p

I didn't do a shoulder workout this week cause it was going to be either yesterday or today, but I fell asleep on the couch with my son and he had my shoulder pinned behind me, so it is all tight and icky feeling. I got in 15 min of HIIT today, and did some yoga to stretch things out. I really feel great! My glutamine is coming on Tues, so I figure I will stop the creatine then or a few days after and see what happens.

[Megin]

wow- you really are superwoman!
A BA in business/marketing- that is awesome. I am getting my BA in International Business then hopefully grad school with an emphasis in marketing. Don't really know how I am going to use my degree but I really want to work for the Olympics in some shape or form. My dream of being in the Olympics has dissapated but I guess I could work with them and still be sufficed :)

Hope the shoulder feels better and I am so glad the term paper is finished!

[mommykuce]

I also plan on going for my MBA/MKT afterwards. I will probably eventually go for a master's in secondary ed so I can teach. My dream job would be to work as a sales/banquet manager in a catering hall or country club (I also have a degree in Hotel/Restaurant management that I don't use), but I would love to teach courses (preferably college) in whatever field I am in. I might wind up starting in PR if I don't find my dream job.

[mommykuce]

Was on my own today cause my husband was working a double shift, which is better for me cause I can eat what I want. All this rain is killing me cause I had so many plans for this weekend to get out with the baby.

I was on the phone with my husband and I told him I needed to exchange a pair of pants I just bought for a smaller size, and he was like "well, maybe if you stop loosing all this weight you wouldn't have a problem". I'm not loosing weight! I am still not able to fit into my favorite pair of capris from before I was pregnant (and I don't think I ever will cause I am just shaped different, and I really don't care at this point). I have definately lost some body fat, but at this point my shoulders are actually wider than my hips which makes me seem like I have a smaller waist. He said that one of our neighbors, this older lady said something about how tiny I was. I was leaner before! I would never describe myself as "tiny". Now I see what Sillyvent is going through, but I am sure she is getting it much worse cause she is definately leaner than me!

Meal 1: Protein Shake (pre-workout, did cardio so no carbs)

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ banana, 1TBL LF plain yogurt

Meal 3: 3 egg whites, 1 yolk, oatmeal

Meal 4: cottage cheese w/ mandarin oranges

Meal 5: steak (leftover from last night), sweet potato (baked), side salad w/ dark greens, cucumber, tomato, few olives

Meal 6: 3 hard boiled egg whites, nut mixture, piece of cheddar cheese

Meal 7: Salmon marinated in balsamic vinegar, salad (same as lunch)

Meal 8: Egg white omlete w/ spinach

I woke up in the middle of the night when my son got up to eat and had some cottage cheese (like 5:30am), so I guess that was meal 9 (or meal 1 for today). I actually find I sleep better with some dairy before bed.

[terracotta]

I suppose they mean tiny to be a good thing but I can see where it would get annoying. I used to be straight up and down so I'm just getting bigger.

[Hollyday]

I had to skim but I'm going to come back and read your journal. I'm a mommy too, and sounds like my dh works like yours (doubles)..lol.

I'm going to have to start taking glutamine as well. My workouts are leaving me so sore.. I worked my calves way too hard the other day and I can barely walk.

[MsJewels]

...I actually find I sleep better with some dairy before bed.
So do I! If I eat cottage cheese, I feel like I have more energy the following day.

I would count that meal as meal 1 for today. That's when I usually eat breakfast, though, so I guess it depends on what you schedule is usually like.

[nikki320]

Hey i just decided i'd stop by and browse through your journal since you seemed to help me a lot in my recent post! I didnt get to read through your whole thread, but i noticed you take creatine.. And i just wanted info on it, i read through some of the other threads about creatine but they were all male specific, should we take it a different way since we're women. And also, i heard that once you stop your muscle gets smaller because of loss of water and all that, so i'm kind of scared to start it. But if it helps my muscles then i was thinking about it... Any help to a person pretty new to all of this would be great. And i saw your pics! I can not believe you had a baby in that tummy of yours you look great! I want arms like yours!

[mommykuce]

Hey i just decided i'd stop by and browse through your journal since you seemed to help me a lot in my recent post! I didnt get to read through your whole thread, but i noticed you take creatine.. And i just wanted info on it, i read through some of the other threads about creatine but they were all male specific, should we take it a different way since we're women. And also, i heard that once you stop your muscle gets smaller because of loss of water and all that, so i'm kind of scared to start it. But if it helps my muscles then i was thinking about it... Any help to a person pretty new to all of this would be great. And i saw your pics! I can not believe you had a baby in that tummy of yours you look great! I want arms like yours!Hey Nikki! I used creatine when it first came out (back when it was like taking steroids for a woman and now) and it is great for bulking. I did a lot of research (it has come a long way over the years) and found that your body can only absorb a certain amount of creatine depending on your body weight. So, for women, it makes sense to take 1/2 serving (that's what I did) cause you will only pee out the excess. So, you are saving money cause you will just excrete what your body doesn't use. I liked taking TRAC creatine, but it did make my abs thick (but if you are bulking that doesn't matter) and I had to cut dairy down a lot. I have some problems with dairy, so it could be just me. Besides the thick abs, I didn't have any other side effects (like diahrea). It did help with the muscle soreness.

I don't necessarily think your muscles get that much smaller. Some of the water that is retained by the muscles is lost, but if you are eating properly and drinking water that is minimal. You might loose that "pump" that you can get that back easily. The main thing is that you recover quicker which aids in your lifting abilities, and then you can gain more muscle. You aren't going to loose your hard earned gains just by stopping creatine.

And thanks for reading my journal! And for the compliments- it really helps me cause I hear negative things (like tonight we went out for dinner and if I hear the work "tiny" one more time with the eye roll I am going to puke). I definately don 't consider myself tiny!

[mommykuce]

Well, I got my Glutamine a day early- Beverly Nutrition brand. It is actually cherry flavored! And not that bad! Do you guys take it on your off days, and if so, then what time of day? I had tons of homework, so no gym today, and I am getting my hair colored and cut tommorrow, so nothing either. Keep reading my journal! Thanks!

[nikki320]

No problem, i'll be checkin out your journal from time to time, i'm going to start my own once i get to the gym to get my workout schedule (my trainer keeps my logs at the gym) so i can post it on here. Maybe that will give me a little extra push to workout even harder! Even though i must say i've been pretty good! Ever since ive been browsing this site ive suddenly been much better on my diet! I think its after seeing all you built women! Well hopefully i'll be able to join the "club" soon. Oh and by the way i picked up my glutamine too the other day! Its grape flavored i like it! But i too would like to know when is most beneficial to take it, i would think post workout.

[mommykuce]

Nikki- I think you should definately start a journal. It is the best way to get advice on what you are doing. I find that having what I ate written down makes me more accountable for what I am doing. As for the Glutamine, I have asked around a little and asked SillyVent in her journal, and if you are lifting heavy it is good to take pre and post (I remember Ms. Fit writing that somewhere also), but I guess it is a preference. Also something that SV pointed out, some brands serving size is 1 TBL as opposed to 1 tsp to get what you need. That can be very cost effective to have one that is only a tsp! Plus I guess it would be easier to get down!

This is kind of an off week for me. Getting to the gym is hard. Monday I was slammed with homework, yesterday I had a hair appointment, and today was my allergy appt, and tomorrow I have another doc appt. I took a pilates class this morning, and I am probably just going to aim to get in some quick cardio before the end of the week. Probably won't have time to lift until Sat, might do some variation of a full body workout. We'll have to see how much HW I get done.

[sillyvent]

So you got the cherry flavored? hmm I heard that type doesn't taste too bad!! I hope this helps w/ your soreness!

[mommykuce]

So, I've been taking the Glutamine- the black cherry flavor was the only option, I didn't even know it was flavored until I got it. A little tart, but not too bad. I put it in a shake when the cherry flavor will go with the other flavors in it, or else I just drink it with plain water. I just think putting it in the shake is easier cause I would have to drink the shake then another 6-8oz with the Glutamine. Too much all in a short time period.

Mother's Day was ok. Actually, my husband didn't even know it was mother's day until I yelled at him for working a double on that day. So he is in the **** House. We went to dinner on Sat and I got a little lit. Watermelon Martinis- yum! And I ordered this amazing dark choc cake for dessert, and I figured my son would just eat the whipped cream, but he ate the whole thing! He just kept gobbling it up! I swear I had like 3 pieces, and then it was gone. At least someone enjoyed it!

Back in the gym today. I wasn't into it- I just hate my chest days. Boring. Did a quick workout cause I have tons of home work. The term paper fairy needs to get her butt back to my house!

Chest:
Barbell Press: 75, 3x 12,12,10

Incline Dumbell Press: 20, 3x 12.12.11

Incline Butterfly: 15, 3x 12

Cable Crossovers: 30 (up from last), 3x 11,10,10

Triceps:
Reverse Grip Pushdown: I forgot to write it down!

Rope Pushdown: 25 (up from last) 2x 10

Oh, and I am noticing this with some of you other ladies. Last night I had 36 reps, and now I have 4? And I checked and I don't have any bad reps- someone actually gave me a good rep last night! These things stink!

[Megin]

MommyK-
I can not believe your husband didn't even remember it was Mother's Day!! That is not cool. But at least you had your son who loves you very dearly and when he gets older he will be able to repay you for all of the sacrifices that you do for him now. He sounds like a great kid!!

Yea, I am not sure what happened to everone's reps. I think we all got lowered somehow??

-I am sending the term paper fairy back your way tonight. I don't need her anymore!!!!!!

Tomorrow is my last exam and then I will be a Senior! Crazy. Good luck w/ the paper, but I am sure you won't have a problem w/ it b/c you are so smart!

Keep Truckin' MommyK!!

[taifighter]

So, I've been taking the Glutamine- the black cherry flavor was the only option, I didn't even know it was flavored until I got it. A little tart, but not too bad. I put it in a shake when the cherry flavor will go with the other flavors in it, or else I just drink it with plain water. I just think putting it in the shake is easier cause I would have to drink the shake then another 6-8oz with the Glutamine. Too much all in a short time period.

Mother's Day was ok. Actually, my husband didn't even know it was mother's day until I yelled at him for working a double on that day. So he is in the **** House. We went to dinner on Sat and I got a little lit. Watermelon Martinis- yum! And I ordered this amazing dark choc cake for dessert, and I figured my son would just eat the whipped cream, but he ate the whole thing! He just kept gobbling it up! I swear I had like 3 pieces, and then it was gone. At least someone enjoyed it!

Back in the gym today. I wasn't into it- I just hate my chest days. Boring. Did a quick workout cause I have tons of home work. The term paper fairy needs to get her butt back to my house!

Chest:
Barbell Press: 75, 3x 12,12,10

Incline Dumbell Press: 20, 3x 12.12.11

Incline Butterfly: 15, 3x 12

Cable Crossovers: 30 (up from last), 3x 11,10,10

Triceps:
Reverse Grip Pushdown: I forgot to write it down!

Rope Pushdown: 25 (up from last) 2x 10

Oh, and I am noticing this with some of you other ladies. Last night I had 36 reps, and now I have 4? And I checked and I don't have any bad reps- someone actually gave me a good rep last night! These things stink!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MK!!!
You are one of MY favorite mom's ;)
I had to remind my bf to order his mother a present. So he did ... and he only put HIS name on it, even though I paid half and it was MY idea!!!!!!!Sometimes...they just don't get it. oy!!

But sounds like you had a fun time anyway. Ohh I want watermelon martini. I got a bit tipsy myself on Saturday...but courtesy of several Corona lights ;)
I need to lay off the alcohol in the next couple weeks, sheesh!

I hear you on chest days being boooooooring. I don't feel like I make great progress, and my results aren't really visible either. I'm starting to like working my abs more than chest (and trust me, I HATE DOING ABS!)
but even though you hate it, you are kicking ass :) you blow my bench press away!!

[mommykuce]

I also like seeing results right away. I just don't get the satisfaction form working my chest. Now shoulders, that's my favorite!

The term paper fairy came and left (thanks Meg!). Wow, a senior- cool! Enjoy it now cause the real world here you come! It flies by really fast. Next week is going to kill me.

Tai- men, what to do with them? I'm sure your future mother in law knows what's up. Thanks for calling me one of your favorite mommies- hopefully my son will agree with the compliments when he gets older!

I was noticing something today when I was looking at myself in the mirror (yes, I do this often!). I get allergy injections every 2 weeks in my upper arms. I noticed today that I am bruised in several spots where I get them (I get 3). People probably see the little circular bruises and are like "Look at the Juice Girl!"

[Megin]

I also like seeing results right away. I just don't get the satisfaction form working my chest. Now shoulders, that's my favorite!

The term paper fairy came and left (thanks Meg!). Wow, a senior- cool! Enjoy it now cause the real world here you come! It flies by really fast. Next week is going to kill me.

I was noticing something today when I was looking at myself in the mirror (yes, I do this often!). I get allergy injections every 2 weeks in my upper arms. I noticed today that I am bruised in several spots where I get them (I get 3). People probably see the little circular bruises and are like "Look at the Juice Girl!"

Glad I could send her your way...aren't you finished yet or is the on-line semester different than school?
Hope you are getting through that, it is very stressful- I can't imagine having a son and husband on top to take care of and keeping up w/ the rest of life. You truly are incredible (not that I doubted it before, but you continually prove it)

Ha, that is funny about you being a juicer- good comic relief right there... it kind of depletes your hard work in a way though, but you know how you got to be where you are and that is really all that matters!

Great job keeping up the nutritional aspect mommyk!

Yea, I find chest to be boring as well...Thats when I mess around w/ push-ups. They can be interesting when you do them on a ball or rotating w/ a med. ball or something. There are always ways to mix up the workout- you don't want to get in a rut. not that I am telling you something you don't know, just thought I would add my two sense :)

[mommykuce]

Glad I could send her your way...aren't you finished yet or is the on-line semester different than school?
Hope you are getting through that, it is very stressful- I can't imagine having a son and husband on top to take care of and keeping up w/ the rest of life. You truly are incredible (not that I doubted it before, but you continually prove it)
:)The online program runs 5 weeks on, 1 week off, then another course for 5 weeks, then 1 week in between. So every week I have a minimum of 2 papers, an individual and a team project, plus discussion questions, participation in the classroom (you have to add something besides I agree to other people's posts) and other assignments. It's definatley hard, but I know in the end it will pay off.

I do try to mix things up, but I just really can't stand working chest. I was actually doing some pushups on the medicine ball (I like to use it for my abs) and I wound up doing some funky thing that really worked all of my core muscles. I don't think I could do it again if I tried.

This week is kind of funky for me. I'm still eating my normal stuff- actually I can eat what I really want like Salmon and stuff cause my husband has been working crazy hours. I got into a HUGE fight with my father in-law today, so I took the baby and went and did yoga. Thank God it has been nice out cause I have been walking everywhere with my son and the dog. I think I would loose my mind if it was crappy out. Cabin Fever really bad!

[mommykuce]

Another great Back/biceps workout today! I felt like I was on such a high- I love working these muscles!

Back:
Chin Ups (assisted): 60lbs, 2x 16 (11 wide grip, 5 palms in immediately after), 15 (11, then 4)

SLDL: 40lbs, 2x 12

Lat Pulldown: 75, 3x 12,12,11 pushed all

Seated Cable Rows: 75 (up from last) 3x 10,9,8

Single Dumbell Rows: 20, 2x 10

Biceps:
Alternate Dumbell Curls: 20, 3x 11,10,9

Hammer Curls: 15, 2x 11, 10

EZ Barbell Curls: 2x 9,8

[MissKristi]

I would recommend not stretching BEFORE weights and just doing it AFTER. Use the cross trainer as the warmup only (and you probably don't need 15 min. either, probably just 5 to 10min.)

Keep up the great work!
im sure this is from a while ago...i was just reading a post and then went backwards to try and catch up but i couldnt agree more....u should never stretch before your workouts. think of it this way. when u put a piece of taffy in the freezer and take it out...it breaks....just like cold muscles. when its been sitting in your back pocket for a few hours, then it stretches. the army is jsut finally starting to do it that way too

[mommykuce]

im sure this is from a while ago...i was just reading a post and then went backwards to try and catch up but i couldnt agree more....u should never stretch before your workouts. think of it this way. when u put a piece of taffy in the freezer and take it out...it breaks....just like cold muscles. when its been sitting in your back pocket for a few hours, then it stretches. the army is jsut finally starting to do it that way tooWhat I do is warm up first, then do some light stretching. I never do it cold. I have a severly injured lower back, and any muscle tightness can pull my back out of alignment. I also stretch in between sets. Especially with a leg or back workout, this is important for me to avoid injury.

[Megin]

No stretching b/f lifting? That is news for me. But after reading the below explanation, it seems like common sense.
Would it be beneficial to stretch before cardio? Or is that the same principle?

[mommykuce]

No stretching b/f lifting? That is news for me. But after reading the below explanation, it seems like common sense.
Would it be beneficial to stretch before cardio? Or is that the same principle?What I would do with the cardio is do enough to break a sweat and get your heart rate going and the blood going to your muscles, then do some light stretching. Then finish, after do a good full stretch when you are done. Even if you just jog around for 5 minutes, just to get the blood flowing, it is better than stretching cold. Especially when doing HIIT, I find I am more prone to pulling a muscle if I just dive right in rather than just warm up a few minutes and do a light stretch. Again, I have always felt that stretching is important, others disagree.

[Briar]

yea i have herd no static stretching before weights. If you want to stretch do dynamic ones!!! Aparently stretching will make you weaker!!

[MissKristi]

No stretching b/f lifting? That is news for me. But after reading the below explanation, it seems like common sense.
Would it be beneficial to stretch before cardio? Or is that the same principle?
same principle....what i do with my clients is...a 5 mintue warmup (light cardio) then the workout and then stretching. thats when u get the most out of it.

[MissKristi]

What I would do with the cardio is do enough to break a sweat and get your heart rate going and the blood going to your muscles, then do some light stretching. Then finish, after do a good full stretch when you are done. Even if you just jog around for 5 minutes, just to get the blood flowing, it is better than stretching cold. Especially when doing HIIT, I find I am more prone to pulling a muscle if I just dive right in rather than just warm up a few minutes and do a light stretch. Again, I have always felt that stretching is important, others disagree.
yea ve notcied the same thing with HIIT...i find that i get tired less quickly too if i start with a 5 m intue warmup and then go into full blown intensity

[mommykuce]

same principle....what i do with my clients is...a 5 mintue warmup (light cardio) then the workout and then stretching. thats when u get the most out of it.I'm not saying do the all out stretching that you would do after a workout, but you can also risk a muscle injury if your muscles are not properly warmed up, and this includes a light stretching. That's why a lot of times when lifting a person might do a warmup set, then stretch, and also stretch inbetween sets. Again, for someone who has previous injuries, this is very important.

[Briar]

they say if you want to stretch the muscle group you have worked that day do it about 6 hours after. So if you work out in the morning go through some stretches in the evening!!

[MissKristi]

I'm not saying do the all out stretching that you would do after a workout, but you can also risk a muscle injury if your muscles are not properly warmed up, and this includes a light stretching. That's why a lot of times when lifting a person might do a warmup set, then stretch, and also stretch inbetween sets. Again, for someone who has previous injuries, this is very important.
i guess do what works for you...i personally dont stretch until my workout is over...and i do it immedietly following

[mommykuce]

I had a great weekend. Went to a communion party on Sunday and had so much fun (and so did my little guy)! It was nice to get out and do something fun for once. I still have sooo much home work to do- this is my last week for this course, then 1 week off. Can't wait!

Did legs today (light). I used the decline leg press thing today and loved it! It starts out quite heavy so I didn't add any weights. When I was leaving I asked the guy behind the desk that I talk to how much it starts out at, and he went to ask on of the female trainers (who I think is useless the way she trains people) cause he was even curious, and she said she didn't know cause she has never used it! He just rolled his eyes and said he would ask someone else for me. I can't believe she actually said that!

Legs:
Decline Press: 3x, 14, 12, 12

Walking Lunges: 6lbs, 2x 30, 24

Lying Leg Curl: 40lbs, 3x 15,15,12

Leg Extensions: 10lbs (individual leg), 2x 10

[IronMaiden1522]

Hey Just wanted to pop in and say hi! I am reading through your journal and it looks great! Strong workouts! I have been debating creatine as well, I am going to keep up with your journal.

[MsJewels]

I'm not saying do the all out stretching that you would do after a workout, but you can also risk a muscle injury if your muscles are not properly warmed up, and this includes a light stretching. That's why a lot of times when lifting a person might do a warmup set, then stretch, and also stretch inbetween sets. Again, for someone who has previous injuries, this is very important.
I always stretch between sets, and I find that it's also quickly increasing my flexibility. It feels greeeeeeat, too. :) I would definitely recommend stretching before and during a workout, and I usually stretch afterwards, too. I'm trying to get down into splits, though, so I might be a little obsessed! lol!

Haven't checked in with your journal for awhile, so wanted to pop in and say hi!