Zumba

I do Zumba 3 days a week. We do it in the basement of a local business so there are no mirrors. I honestly believe I look JUST like the instructor when I dance.

FYI-there are no dudes there (like this pic) and we don't wear those outfits (scary) but I am seeing a significant difference in my body. I've really been enjoying it. I get up at 5:30 AM with no complaints! Awesome workout if you love to dance!

P90X-Let the uphill battle begin!

Does anybody check this blog?  I do occasionally.
I just wanted to let you all know that Caitlin enticed me to exercise with her while I was visiting.  We did three nights of P90X.  All I have to say is OUCH!! I hurt!
So with that said, I have decided to continue P90X.  I can't let all that hurtin' go to waste.  So, here's to getting in shape!! Which I am very much in need of.  Thanks Caitlin!

Stress....

I am an emotional eater. I eat whether I'm hungry or not. I recognize this in myself but really do nothing about it. I have been feeling some stress lately with Girls Camp, figuring out our housing situation and family reunion. And because of this my sugar intake has increased...along with how many sodas I've had. But on the upside, I have tried some really yummy recipes.

For a while now I've been trying to think of fat substitutes. I almost had enough motivation to come up with a neat list but then life got crazy busy. But a few I use myself are....using egg whites instead of a whole egg in recipes. Usually you need an extra egg white to make up for the loss of the yolks. I did it with cupcakes and they were so moist and fluffy. Yum. And sometimes I use applesauce to replace part of the fat in cakes or muffins. I've found that, at least in muffins, you can't replace all the fat with the sauce. You end up with a very spongy bread. And finally, if something calls to be sauteed in oil, I've used fat free chicken broth. Some food for thought...and then eat it! hehehe

sugar, the tasty enemy

Hi my name is Heidi and i love sugar.
'sigh' it is time to start over.  I gave in to my love of sugar and have had waaaaaay to much of it lately.  So, here we go once again, no sugar during the week with a treat on the weekend.  I don't know why this is so hard.  I feel so much better when not consuming so much sugar.  Come on body!!

Reporting In

So, I'm still working out twice a week with walks on other days. I have been lenient in the soda department but it was my anniversary so I don't feel bad. I don't crave them anymore which is a plus. My mother-in-law gave me some great workout ideas for abs. I can't wait to try them today at aerobics! I bought pants in January because I was desperate for something to fit after having Natalie and I am happy to say they are all too big now. I have lost 4 of my 5 lbs.

Run/walk

Run the corners, walk the straight.  That is the latest and greatest from my fitness friend.  She recommended this type of workout when you are on a track.  Then when you get more fit; run the corners and sprint the straight.
I am not a runner, but I like the idea of this.  I want to go try it out....maybe David will go with me to the track.

O.D. on sugar!

This weekend was Sarah's birthday and David and I got to go on a date.  So, the one dessert a week thing kinda flew out the window.  David and I each had a soda and some pie on our date.  We noticed how super sweet the pie and the soda were.  Usually I guzzle soda.  But, this time I had one glass and that was more than enough!
And the Pie, was just a small slice, but I felt like it was sickeningly sweet. bleck!
Sarah's birthday was filled with sugar.  Cake, Ice Cream and pancakes with syrup.....Can we say sugar overload.  And I felt it too.  Monday, I felt a little depressed, not as much energy and I wanted more sugar.
I'm glad we are making the change to lessen our sugar intake.  It has been interesting to see how much sugar affects us and how much I really don't need it.

New month

Well March is almost over.  We have been working on our goals for a month now.
I feel like I did fairly well.  I didn't exercise as much as I had planned.  I did do a pretty good job, I think of cutting back our sugar intake.  I only had one soda, and that was because David brought it home and I finished it for him.  Having soda in the house is not good for me.  I haven't really missed the sugar, my energy levels are up and all of us are eating more fruits and vegetables.  I have even found and tried some delicious recipes!
So for next month,  I will continue with the less sugar goals and also add in some working out.  I have a work out buddy. :)  So, three times a week for like, say....20 minutes.  There, we'll see how I do.  I'm not so good at committing to exercise! haha!

Truth hurts

I have worked out my 2 times a week for a solid 3 weeks now! But I've given in to soda 3 times this month. I know this must be shocking....but I'm not perfect. I am actually very weak when it comes to self mastery in any area of my life.
Nonetheless, I am happy and my energy levels are UP! I have been taking it a little easy though. I aggravated my sciatic nerve. Reminds me of pregnancy. Yuck.

All right girls!! How are we doing?

Share, share, share!

Walker Anyone?

Ugg, I think I need one of these. The day after aerobics I can't move!

Little more than a mid week review:

Well, I have been sucessful in eating good breakfasts and have cut sweets out almost completely.  I'm looking forward to this weekend, when I get to have a sweet treat. :)  I haven't been snacking as much and have been keeping track of my calories.  So that is good!! I need to get busy this weekend and exercise some. I took a 20 minute walk with the kids today........and that's all the exertion I've put forth this week.  Hahaha! Although, did you know that if you play with the kids you burn like 280 calories an hour! I need to play more! So at my mid week review, I need to get my body movin!

Here's a website that Virginia used to count calories and lose weight. It's free. I don't know if any of you saw any pics of her from last year, but she looked amazing! She still does look amazing, but very very pregnant.

http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/

Eating Smart

http://yoplait.com/twoweektuneup

I am doing this right now. I like yogurt...especially their white chocolate strawberry. I'm doing my own dinner meals because, honestly, I don't cook with a lot of fat and usually always have a veggie and a fruit. Our ward has started an aerobics class 2 times a week and I'm doing it!
And yes, I'm a dork. You don't need to tell me. But look at those muscles!

Caitlin's in too!

I know most of us can sympathize with each other on our baby pooch (pooch 2 |putʃ| |puːtʃ|

verb informal protrude or cause to protrude ) and I'm sick of mine. A month or so before James got home from Iraq, my friend and I were doing P90X every day. I haven't done it since April. But, she lent me her DVD's while she's out of the country for a year, so I've started the workout again! I am now on day 4, and my body is starting to forgive me for such an intense first workout.
My goal is to do the scheduled P90X workout every day for the next 90 days. I'm not really looking for weight loss as much as I am improved overall fitness, especially cardio and muscle toning. At the end of 90 days, I'll post before and after pics.
A tip that I've learned: Drink a recovery drink after exercise. It helps your body build muscle (I drink the Jillian Michaels kind..... specific for lean muscle), and it helps you not be so sore the next day.

Health and fitness tips

Motivation: Once you reach your goal weight, you can give yourself one "free" MEAL a week where you can eat ANYTHING you want! :)

I love me a good salad! Good for you and makes you feel good too! Here's some ideas for creative salads. http://ow.ly/45BJA

Each day, make a "to-do" list. It will keep you productive and on track!

Instead of treating weekends like breaks focus on setting aside 1 hour each day for exercise!

Small amounts of very dark chocolate are good for you. Dark chocolate contains anti-oxidants and boosts your "feel good" hormones.

Sunshine! It's a great mood booster! Go out for a walk today

Sleep is an important part of getting healthy. Go to bed early tonight! :)

Keep fresh fruit on hand to beat the munchies!

Eating every 2-3 hours helps keep your metabolism running strong. Eat smaller amounts more often.

Be sure to get as many veggies as possible each day. The darker the better!

When you are taking care of yourself never neglect the spiritual side of your life or you will be out of balance.

One of my friends is a fitness nutritionist, she posts little health and exercise tidbits on her facebook pretty regularly.  I thought I would share! :)  I will post more as she does. ;)

If your goal is building muscle make sure you consume plenty of protein

Plan and schedule when you are going to work out each day. Time is never going to magically appear.

If your goal is to lose weight you must focus on nutrition cardio AND strength training. Never neglect any of these areas!

Did you know that in a 24 hour period your body burns 2 calories to maintain 1 pound of fat but 50 calories to maintain 1 pound of muscle?

If you want to build lean muscle (as opposed to big bulky muscles) use lower weights with more repetitions

Coconut oil - a wonderful and healthy fat! Don't take my word for it. Do your research!

Awesome article on sugar! I KNOW it's an addictive substance for me, and this explains why! I'm now 3 weeks with no sugar (again) and feel AWESOME!!

#065 - P90X Newsletter - Sugar Detox - Fitness, Nutrition, Diet, Weight Loss Official Web site

www.beachbody.com

Beachbody, creator of the nation's most popular in-home fitness and weight loss solutions, was founded in 1998 by Product Partners, LLC.

When the weekend turns "bad" and you make choices that aren't the greatest for your health, do not get discouraged! Tomorrow is a new day! Set your goals for the upcoming week. What do you want to change, make better, or do differently?

Heidi's going for it!!

My goals this week:

Exercise for 20 minutes, three times this week, and Eat healthy breakfasts.  Meaning Low in sugar and high in fiber and protien to get me through those morning munchies!!!

Carole's Beginning

And so...it begins!

My goal-Lose 5 pounds-this is the ultimate goal right now. The one far in the distance I'm working towards.