Beck80's Journal

[beck80]

I weighed in yesterday and I am at 151lbs!!! I haven't seen this weight in over 4 years! I am so happy! plus I've been walking around thinking my favorite jeans are size 13, but they're not! they are size 11!! I haven't worn an 11 in 10 years! So i'm pumped about that...especially since we are leaving for L.A. in 18 days!! I am going to continue what I've been trying to do and we'll see where I'm at on the 27th!

[beck80]

Noticed some major definition in my calves the other day. My calves have always been fine, but now they are starting to rock! I think a lot of it has to do with walking the hill. lol In 2 weeks we'll be headin to L.A. so I tried on some of my size 11 clothes I want to wear down there and they fit! little snug, but nothing working hard for the next 2 weeks won't help.

I have switched to using an exercise band instead of weights mainly because I can take that to L.A. with me. I've always been skeptical of bands, but I must say I feel it. But instead of only doing 3 sets of exercises, I am going to up it to 5-6 sets tomorrow. I also added 2 leg exercises to each push/pull workout.

Umm. let's see, I jogged (in my house) for 11 minutes yesterday plus did push workout. Skipped the hill today because John is gone tonight and the girls have church and I am helping. I should have done it this morning, but I had a migraine again. I think I have figured out why I am getting these. I clench my jaw at night. So when I pick up my refill of migraine meds, I will also be buying a thing to prevent that (for the life of me I can't remember what it is called right now!lol).

Today I did my pull workout:
Curl-2 sets of 12, 1 set of 10
Wide grip pull down-2 sets 12, 1 set 10
Close grip pulldown-2 sets 12, 1 set 10
Row-2 sets 12, 1 set 10
Walking lunges-20reps, 15 reps, 10 reps
Hip lifts-3 sets 20 reps

After the kids are in bed tonight, I think I am going to alternate between stairs, jump rope and jogging. I'll do each thing for 5 minutes and do 2-3 sets.

Because of my migraine this morning, I didn't quite stick to my diet plan today, but I tried. Still working on it.

Tomorrow's Plan:
Am-Push workout
Elliptical machine (intervals)

Pm-Hill 2-3x (hopefully 3)
Abs

[vanillabn]

Originally Posted by beck80

I weighed in yesterday and I am at 151lbs!!! I haven't seen this weight in over 4 years! I am so happy! plus I've been walking around thinking my favorite jeans are size 13, but they're not! they are size 11!! I haven't worn an 11 in 10 years! So i'm pumped about that...especially since we are leaving for L.A. in 18 days!! I am going to continue what I've been trying to do and we'll see where I'm at on the 27th!

Congratulations!! That's awesome. Great to know that your hard work is paying off! You must be getting so excited for LA - it sounds like so much fun.

[amrn65]

Woohoo...I am smiling big!! awesome GF

[beck80]

Originally Posted by vanillabn

Congratulations!! That's awesome. Great to know that your hard work is paying off! You must be getting so excited for LA - it sounds like so much fun.

Originally Posted by amrn65

Woohoo...I am smiling big!! awesome GF

Thanks guys! I am so excited! All the clothes I have from last summer are too big, so John and I are going shopping this weekend!

I totally forgot about working out after I got home last night. But I did get up and go over to my friend's house to use her elliptical and at 4:30 I am doing my push workout before tackling the hill. Hopefully 3 times, but we'll see. After the hill, I'll get abs in.

Diet hasn't been too bad today.

#1-100calorie pack Quaker carmel rice cakes, 1/2 cup cream of wheat, 3 slices turkey bacon

#2-1 cup salad greens, 6 slices turkey, 2T. cheese, 2T. fat free ranch

#3-1/2 cup FF cottage cheese, 15 almonds, 6 lemon animal cookies

Dinner is going to be grilled chicken and steamed broccoli or green beans, with a bedtime snack of light yogurt.

I REALLY need to take some progres pics and post them, along with measurements. I'm going to plan on getting that done this weekend too.

[beck80]

Grrr...Forgot About a meeting I had tonight. No hill. Have to wait until tomorrow.

[pauljw]

That' awesome about the clothes Beck. It's a real buzz when you start to see results from the hard work. Keep at it.

[beck80]

So this weekend was a lazy weekend. John and I went shopping for our trip. I tried on tons of swimsuits only to discover several types that looked horrible! it was very discouraging. So we moved on to clothes. I found several outfits I liked that looked good and fit good. yay! lol We went to Target and it was SUPER busy. As we were walking out, John said there was another Target in the next town over (like 10 minutes away) that had even better clearance prices and tended to not be busy. So we went and right off the bat, I found 2 bikinis for $25. And the best part is they don't make me look huge!! I was very excited and feeling confident. Can't wait to wear them on our trip! lol.

Today we basically relaxed. Tomorrow I am going to try my hardest to get in a run/jog in the morning & strength training. I'll do the hill or a booty cardio camp in the evening. We are 9 days out and I want my clothes to fit good! lol

[twinnett]

Good luck w/ everything! Trying on bathing suits is the worst!!

[vanillabn]

2 bikinis for $25?? What an awesome deal!!! I love buying swimsuits, but mostly off ebay (lol) and I agree, it can be discouraging trying them on in the store!!! It takes a while to find the right style / cut, but I found that once I found a certain style that worked for my figure, it was all good!
Good luck in the next 9 days, I'm sure you'll look great!!

[amj0883]

I get most of my swimsuits from TJ Maxx....love them

It sounds like you had a nice weekend...

[beck80]

Originally Posted by twinnett

Good luck w/ everything! Trying on bathing suits is the worst!!

Originally Posted by vanillabn

2 bikinis for $25?? What an awesome deal!!! I love buying swimsuits, but mostly off ebay (lol) and I agree, it can be discouraging trying them on in the store!!! It takes a while to find the right style / cut, but I found that once I found a certain style that worked for my figure, it was all good!
Good luck in the next 9 days, I'm sure you'll look great!!

Originally Posted by amj0883

I get most of my swimsuits from TJ Maxx....love them

It sounds like you had a nice weekend...

Thanks guys!! I really appreciate the support!

Well, I am having trouble being strict with my eating. I tried a diet a couple weeks ago that was really extreme (it was only 3 days) and I followed that to a T. But the nutrition plan I want to follow is healthy and I have a super hard time sticking to it. Why is that? I think I could follow the diet because it had the promise of a lot of weight lost in a weeks time. Thing is, I knew it wasn't healthy, yet I tried it! I learned my lesson, but figured if I could stick to that extreme of a diet, then I should have no problem sticking to a healthy nutritional plan. That said, renews my determination, not necessarily to try to lose more weight before we leave in a week, but to focus more on eating healthy & clean.

I have also slacked off on working out. Staying up too late, not wanting to get up when I need to and having a ton of stuff to do every day to get ready to go along with normal daily stuff, so I procrastinate. And I make excuses. So, maybe I was planning on too much. Maybe I should just plan on 1 cardio session a day instead of 2 and continue the push/pull strength sessions. And when I can, I'll do a second one. I am going to tr to find a place to put my treadmill, so I can get it back from my sister. Also, need to fix my bike tires because I love to ride my bike and it doesn't feel like exercise because I enjoy it.

Getting my thoughts out helped, so this afternoon, after school, strength session (5 sets with bands) followed by some form of cardio...not sure what that'll be.

[beck80]

I have done fairly well sticking to my nutritional plan the last few days, though I have been forgetting to record it. Weighed in today at 151 again. Very encouraged by that. Did the hill of torture Thursday night and made it up 3 times instead of two! Yay me! Going again tomorrow. Today I did a full body with bands:

lunges 3x12
hip raises 4x20
bicep curl 3x12
tricep extension 3x12
pull down, wide 3x12
pull down narrow 3x12
bench press 3x12
crossover 3x12
supinated curl 3x12
tricep pressdown 3x12

The bands are nice because of the versatility, but as soon as we are back from L.A. I am hitting the weights! I told John I wanted an intercom so I can hear the kids in the am, and I wanted to move the garage/gym around so I can use the equipment better and get the treadmill in there. I doubt it will happen before we leave, which is fine, but I hope it gets done soon after we get back.

I realized today that I struggled so hard (mentally to get the motivation to workout) to get the scale to move when it was in the low 160s and now I am in the low 150s. I have to remind myself of that when I get frustrated, which isn't too much right now. I am fairly happy and a lot more confident with my body now than I have been in the last several years.

So that's my Saturday. I probably won't be on until I get back, and maybe then I'll have some progress pics.

[beck80]

So I'm here in L.A. and our hotel has an awesome gym! I jogged for 15 minutes (taking 3-4 30 sec. breaks) then put the incline to 10% for 1/4 mile jogged at 1% for another 1/4 mile. Then I did a quick full body circuit (12 reps):

Bicep curl 2x15lb

tricep ext. 2x20lb

lateral raise 2x5lb

one legged lunge 2x12rep

jump squats 2x10reps

bench press 2x20lb

row 2x20lb

I felt really great afterwards.

Wednesday night when we were in Vegas, we walked from Treasure Island to the Bellagio and back. It was a long walk. Most of the time, I was pushing the stroller with 2 of the kids who together weigh 80lb. Went swimming when we got in Thursday night. We went walking around Hollywood yesterday. So far the trip has been great! The kids have done really well and were awesome on the 15hr drive between our house and Vegas. We've done a lot of walking and will probably continue too.

I feel pretty good in my bikini's, but still a little self conscience still.

I'm trying to eat clean, but that is hard when I'm with 3 kids and 2 guys who love fast food. So I've had a lot of salads and fruits and veggies.

I think tonight John and I are going out and tomorrow my bro-in-law's fiance (he proposed yesterday) and I are going out for a movie.

Anyway, all in all, so far it's been an awesome trip and we've only been here 3 days. lol

[beck80]

The vacation was awesome! Had a blast...and gained 5lbs. But I'm back home and getting back in the zone. There is a 5k I want to do the 3rd week of August, so I am going to be getting ready for that, starting tonight. I found an article by Jennifer Nicole Lee "Get Sexy & Swimsuit Ready" that I am going to be following religiously. And keeping a close eye on my nutrition.

[amj0883]

YAY - I'm so glad you had fun

Yeah - vacation will do that to you...lol...I'm just glad your back and ready to kick some major butt

[beck80]

Originally Posted by amj0883

YAY - I'm so glad you had fun

Yeah - vacation will do that to you...lol...I'm just glad your back and ready to kick some major butt

Thanks! I am glad to be back too...though our little town seems even smaller compared to L.A. The biggest cities I had been in before was Raleigh/Durham.

[beck80]

So yesterday morning I jumped rope for about 5 minutes. Ever since we got back the weather has been cold and rainy. My sister said it was like that the entire time we were gone. It's June! It needs to be summer weather! lol

Anyway, didn't do anything besides jumping rope. I got distracted on the computer planning something for my hubby's upcoming family reunion. So today is going to be lifting with jump roping in between each set. I went to see Sex and the City last night and had some popcorn that was loaded with stuff and half a large pepsi. NOt something I normally have. But then again, the last time I went to the movies was 2 years ago. Just too expensive. Alright...off to get the day started!

[beck80]

Summer is almost over! Time has really flown. I got off track after our trip to L.A., then we just celebrated our 9th anniversery in Las Vegas. Needless to say, my clothes are tight and uncomfortable and I've had to go up a size.

John challenged me to try to stick with one program for 6 weeks before changing it up, something I am prone to do. So for the next 6 weeks I am going to be focusing more on getting in 1500 calories a day and following this workout schedule:

Sunday-walk up hill or off

Monday-Total body strength circuit

Tuesday-30 minute intervals on bike

Wednesday-Legs strength training

Thursday- distance bike ride (10-15 miles)

Friday-Total body strehgth circuit

Saturday-30 minute intervals on bike

I finally got my bike tires replaced, so I have been out on that. I LOVE it!! Running was okay, but it's more motivating when I like the cardio I am doing. Plus I have a bike trainer so I can ride in the house if the weather is bad or I don't have childcare. John has started staying with one of our friends on the days that he has to work, to save gas and 2 hours a day, so I have to do something I can do with the kids so this works out perfect.

So yesterday I did my 30 minute intervals on the bike, today I did legs:
lunge-20 reps, 18 reps, 15 reps
plie squat-20 reps, 18 reps, 15 reps
hip lift 3 x 20 reps
donkey kick 3 x 20 reps

last time I did this (2 weeks ago) my legs and glutes were killing me for 3 days! Well worth it though.

Today's diet plan is :
#1- 1 cup oatmeal, 1 slice turkey bacon, 1 vanilla chai protein shake with coffee

#2-Vanilla chai protein shake with fat free milk (post workout)

#3-1 whole wheat english muffin, 1 T. PB, 1 cup baby carrots

#4-3/4 cup FF cottage cheese, 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, 1/2oz dry roasted peanuts

#5-Vanilla Chai protein shake, asparugus

#6-6oz light Strawberry yogurt

Tomorrow is grocery day which is the reason for so many protein shakes... not much food in the house! lol

[beck80]

Went a little over my 1500 calories yesterday, but am trying to maintain it today.

Got up late (9am!) but still got my bike ride in. I rode for 30 minutes and the route I went was about 6.5 miles. Working up to more little bit at a time.

That's it for today. Tomorrow is my total body day. I'm looking into different total body routines, so we'll see what I come up with. Just trying to be consistent!!

[beck80]

Haven't worked out much since last time I was on here. Got a run in a couple weeks ago, but that's been it pretty much.

John has taken to running again, which was a huge surprise to me the first time he told me. He has started staying with a friend of ours to combat gas prices and his horrendous hour drive commute to work and back everyday. Needless to say, i don?t know when he works out or what he does. Luckily for him, he has access to a gym at work. I thought he HATED running, but he is changing his mind. He used to be in Cross country in High school and loved running, then in the USMC he had to run and then he stated not liking it. Anyway, now he is running again and encouraging me to also. So I am giving it some thought. I really like riding my bike, but I can alternate between the two.

On the strength front, I am going to be doing a combo workout I got out of the most recent Oxygen, along with a few other exercises. It?s something I can do in the house, making it easier to be motivated to do it. It will only be temporary until I can get the garage cleared out enough that I can move around my weight equipment! lol

And, finally, on the diet front, I am at a loss. John and I have ben getting Optimum Nutrition?s Protein powder (YUMMY!!) and I?ve been having a protein shake and some sort of carb at every meal, along with 2-3 snacks a day. I haven?t been tracking calories, but have been trying to be roughly around 300 calories each meal. Of course on John?s days off when he?s home we have really food. The other night I fixed Honey glazed Chicken, spicy sweet potato rounds, green beans, and jasmine rice. Yummy! I didn?t have a lot of rice, but it was yummy. Anyway, I?m trying to come up with yummy, good for you foods, but sometime it feels daunting. Fact is prices are rising, my food budget isn?t and protein powder is cheaper than chicken and fish. Sucks. Makes me want to raise chickens! lol

So there is enough rambling for today! lol Off to make the best of the rest of today!

[beck80]

Ran a mile today. watching what I eat, though we are pretty much out of groceries so it's a good thing I am going shopping in the morning. Planning menus for the next 2 weeks. I am toying with making all the food and then freezing it. We'll see I guess. We'll be out of town the first weekend of October, so I need to think ahead for healthy food ideas. I can bring some stuff with me, but not a whole lot. I've been doing really good to get enough water in during the day, though. Thats about it for today.

[beck80]

I weighed in on Sunday at 155.5lbs. So far this week I have accomplished:

* Monday-20 minute intervals on my bike
*Tuesday-legs, using a workout I found on Youtube by Buffmother
DB squats 25x10, 20x10
Calf raises 25 x10, 25x10
Lunges 15x10, 15x10
Crunches 15, 15
DB Deadlift 15x15, 15x15
Lying sidelift 15, 15
V-up 15, 15
Hiplift 20, 20 ( I added this one)
*Wednesday-30minutes (not counting warm-up & cooldown) steady cardio.
I kept my heart rate between 147-160. John gave me a heart rate moniter for my birthday last year. I forgot I had it.

Anyway, That's my progress so far this week. I am also trying to remember to write down what I eat. Tonight we are making pizza. I saw a recipe for pizza dough in Tosca Reno's newest book, Clean Eating for kids, and my kids LOVE pizza so we are trying it. They are getting a cooking lesson and getting their fave food!

Tomorrow morning I am going to try protein pancakes from Ava Cowan's video Absolute Ava.

I really want to end this year with more energy, lighter and healthier than I started it. I found a video series by Valerie Waugaman and her dedication and what she does to keep herself motivated really stuck with me and my husband. I think it was the kick start we both needed.

[beck80]

So it?s a new year and I have a few trips I want to look hot for. I am gong to Las Vegas for my sister?s birthday on March 27 and we are going to L.A. for my bro-in-law?s wedding.

I?ve changed my diet and am eating whole wheat grains and lots of lean protein. NOt to mention lots of vegetables and a few friuts. I haven?t been working out for a while, so I am doing these quick 10 minute workouts. They have 4 minutes intense cardio, 3 minutes strength, 2 minutes core focus and 1 minute cool down stretches. Very simple, and easy to get in.

My focus for now, is to get back into a routine of good eating & working out and of course to lose body fat. After I get back from Vegas, I am going to put a big focus on gaining muscle.

So far on this diet, I have lost 9lbs, 3/4 of an inch from my arms, 1 1/4 inch from my chest, 2 inches off my waist, 2 1/2 inches from my hips and 3/4 inch from my thighs. I did cheat a little Thursday night with a glass of wine, slice of cheesecake and chocolate angel food cake. And then again on Friday with another slice of cheesecake. My daughter took the cheesecake to g-ma's today so it is gone from the house!

I no longer feel like I am starving! Plus I am getting out of the habit of snacking while watching TV. John and I will be done with the diet on March 12, while we are at the coast. I'm stoked about that, because then I can take advantage of the hotel's great gym!

Once we're done, I have 2 weeks before leaving for Vegas. I am planning on doing cardio (running or biking) and lifting, with a lot of focus on legs and glutes. Possibly 3 days of legs and glutes, with 48hr rest in between, of course. I tried on some of the clothes I want to wear while we are there and some are still hard to get on. We'll see if I can wear them or not. I tried on a pair of pants that fit at my waist (no muffin top!!) and make my butt look fab, but they didn't fit right on my thighs. : p

After I return from Vegas, I have 4 months until we leave for L.A. again. I want to have a plan ready to go so I can jump right in to it once I'm back. I'm thinking P90X or a 4 day lifting split and cardio. Any recommendations, anyone?

[beck80]

Today is day one of P90X for me. I am 14 weeks out from leaving for L.A. again. P90X is a 13 week program so that leaves little room for slacking off. I?ve procrastinated enough with this, it?s time to get it done. After dinner tonight is my first workout, a chest and back routine. I did it a few weeks ago, thinking it was going to be hard and I?d just do the first set, but John encouraged me to do both sets. I finished it with a bit of energy left, so I was happy. Looking forward to it tonight!

Anyways I?m doing both the nutrition paln that came with is and the workouts. No turning back or excuses this time. Just got to keep pushing play, as Tony Horton says.

[SexyBack]

Good luck hun! I heard lots of people have great results!