Loving the Burn

Hello Everyone

2011-01-10T20:55:00.000-05:00

Hey to everyone who is still following me. I am super sorry that I have not updated this blog. To tell you the truth I've been really out of it. I returned to work at the end of September and that's all I focused on, and it was work.

Work has been stressful as usual and it has not gotten any better. My hours have been cut at work which will hit us hard financially and I think I was feeling really down, especially during the Christmas season.

Then New Years hit and I decided to turn a new leaf. I decided to think positively about everything no matter what the situation is and see the changes.

Mike and I had made a budget recently and we may be able to make all this work for us. Yes my hours were cut but we looked at this situation in a positive way. The fact that I have a job. I am still bringing income in and I get to spend more time with my daughter and wonderful husband.

With this new found feeling I have, fitness is back into my life. Oh how I missed everything about fitness. So I did it. I joined BootyCamp Fitness for another 4 weeks to help be get started again. I'm super excited for all this to happen again.

If you got this far thank you. Thank you for continue to check up on me with all of this. I hope I can inspire again and I hope to hear from you all.

I AM BACK!!!

2010-11-03T17:46:00.001-04:00

Hey Everyone:

Yes I am finally back. I'm actually blogging at work right now while I'm on my short break. It's been a rough go being back at work and balancing being a mom, wife and working. I can honestly say I did put my exercising to the back burner but no MORE.

I am hoping to start blogging about my 30 day Shred journey. I can't wait to start this program and finally get the adreneline pumping again. I had a few bad nights with my knees and running so I had to stop for a little while and now that it is winter I'm trying to figure out some great workouts at home to go with my shred.

I am really happy to be back and I do apologize for not being around on Twitter and blogging. Hope to hear from everyone soon.

A Small Update

2010-09-02T11:14:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't been around in a long time. I realized I haven't posted anything since August 9th. I've been busy spending lots of time with my daughter since I go back to work on the 20th of September.

I have been focusing on my running and trying to find my groove as a mom, wife and just being a independent woman. I'm thinking of changing careers but haven't decided what I really want to do but I know it has to do with nutrition and just trying to figure out what the best route for me is.

Hope you are all doing well and once everything is all organized in my house I will post more.

Oh we may be moving as well, so it's been a busy little while.

What a Weekend

2010-08-09T14:40:00.000-04:00

This weekend was a bit busy. I didn't get a chance to hit the gym or get a run in. My daughter hasn't been feeling well and she was constipated all Sunday so it wasn't a great day. I hate seeing her in pain her little cry just made me shake cause I felt so bad for her. More about that in a bit.

On Saturday I went to a baby shower for a couple I've known since high school. I was so happy to be there with some old friends and see some faces that I haven't seen in 11 years. Seeing all the babies that are being born soon, makes me want to have another sooner than later. The food was great, but I was very careful because being filipino there were a lot of high fat and VERY oily foods, so I stuck to veggies and lean meat and the fruit salad. I did indulge in a couple of cupcakes cause they were soooo yummy. It's a baby shower I had to LOL. I am so blessed to have the friends I do and it is great to see how happy mommy to be is.

My daughter wasn't doing the best on Saturday as she was very attached to my husband and I and was really struggling with going to the bathroom. With her only being 10 months old I was just praying that she was okay. I woke up to her crying in pain and it just was killing me inside. My daughter was constipated, and all day yesterday all she did was cry in pain. Luckily the prunes and the fruit and very diluted pretty much water "juice" helped her and by her bed time she was fine and everything is back to normal. It's so scary watching my daughter in pain, I think I burned tons of calories just worrying.

I'm hitting the gym tonight to run and maybe a class. Need to clear my head from yesterday.

[Guest Post] A Running Mom

2010-08-06T08:18:00.001-04:00

Yup, that’s me. I am a runner and I always have been . . .well, maybe not so much in University . . . and maybe not so much for a good 6 months while pregnant and recovering from baby #1 . . .and maybe not so much again for baby #2 . . . and then there was that baby #3 while having a 2 yr old and a 3 yr old also . . . yeah, those weren’t good running years! But I am still a runner, and now I am a Running Mom!

It’s not always easy to get out that door. Sometimes (OK, ALL the time)I have to drag myself out of bed, force my shoes on and literally shove myself out that door, or I run to soccer while everyone else drives, or I drop a kid at a birthday party and run around the block 17 times until I can pick her up again, or I run on my lunch hour and sit at my desk sweaty all afternoon . . . .but I fit it in, and I am always glad I did (when the run is over !!). I have always known the importance of exercise for my health, but as a mom I realized the older I got how necessary exercise was if I was going to enjoy being a fit and active mom to my 3 girls.

Easier said then done! When we have our children everything changes. We have no idea how to get groceries some days never mind continue with a running schedule! I have no secret to share, just my journey on how I fit in running while being a working stay at home wife and mother! Its all about making time and reaping the rewards. Three of my proudest achievements after the birth of my 3 daughters, is crossing a ½ marathon finish line with each of my daughters in a jogging stroller when they were just 8 months old!!

I am not the new mom that walks out of the hospital in her size 8 jeans, I am the one who takes 9 months to put on 50lbs with each pregnancy, and takes another 12 months to get it off . . . while running 30KM every week!! Its true that some moms can just run after a toddler and their weight falls off, but for the majority of us, we have to work at it. And knowing I would need to work at it, I set a goal !! Hey, maybe that is my secret after all – SET A GOAL !!!

My husband and I signed up for the Virginia Beach Rock N Roll ½ Marathon happening just 8 months after the birth of my first daughter. It was an amazing journey to fit in my training runs – sometimes with my baby in the jogger, but most times without – those joggers are hard to push and oh the bliss of long silent runs . . . no crying babies!! But I had a goal and was going to drive 7 hours to this race with my husband and baby so I was going to be ready! I did whatever I had to to get in those runs. I started with the run/walk for 3km and once I could run 3km without stopping, I added 5 minutes every weekend. I would run 40 mins twice a week and a “long” run every weekend – first 40 minutes, then 45 minutes, then 50 minutes . . . always adding just 5 minutes a week. That was it, my big running strategy. Add 5 minutes every weekend. Within a few months I was running 2hrs and ready to go. We ran that race in 2hrs and36mins of pouring rain with an 8 month old in a hot jogging stroller, but we did it and my baby has a finish line photo and a medal to prove it on display in our house.

12 months later I had my 2^nd baby girl and my elaborate training program started again !!! Walk/run for 3km and then add in 5 minutes every weekend. Eight months later my husband and I crossed the finish line at the Ottawa ½ marathon with our 2^nd daughter on a beautiful sunny day. She too has a finish line photo and a medal hanging in our house.

Then we decided to have baby #3. I was going to be 38 and the mother of 3 babies and when the heck would I ever run again !!! But we signed up for the Quebec ½ marathon just 8 months after her birth so what ever it took, I was going to make it happen. I started again. I got up early, I ran in the rain, I ran in the cold, I ran when I was tired and I ran when I would have rather sat and had coffee with my family. I took my babies to the local YMCA and put them in programs and babysitting so I could run on treadmills or use the elliptical . . . I put aside all the reasons why I didn’t want to do it, and I just got out there and made it happened. We crossed that finish line in our best time yet with our 3^rd daughter - she too has a medal and a finish line photo. I hope these photos help set them on a path of a lifetime of health and exercise and shows them that setting a goal and following through, can bring you great rewards . . and a nice shinny medal !!

So set yourself a goal, be your own motivator and tie up those shoes and get out there. You can never regret a nice run – even if you walk half of it . . .you will be so grateful that you did it !!

You can follow Deb on Twitter @KidsGummyMum and her blog here

I am Sore

2010-08-05T21:03:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I tried my first Body Pump class. I LOVED it. I decided to take it easy and put very small weights on my barbell to make sure I do not pull any muscles. Through the whole class I can feel my muscles starting to hurt but I decided to push.

On one lift I actually felt my knees shaking and I was telling myself, oh wow I'm going to feel this in the morning.

When I woke up this morning I didn't feel to bad, but going through the day I can feel my muscles starting to get a bit tight and I started having a little bit of trouble going up an down the stairs.

I'm happy to say that I can't wait for my next class to kick my butt.

Also on a good note, I took the battery out of my scale and now that number will not be a focus anymore. It's been a long time coming but it's finally gone and I cannot be more happier that it's not a dent on this journey anymore.

If you haven't picked up Operation Beautiful by Caitlin Boyle you need to go to the store and get it. It's a wonderful book about inspiring women and showing that we are beautiful inside and out.

Check out both of her blogs for inspiration and motivation.

On the Bandwagon Again!!!

2010-08-02T15:07:00.000-04:00

So after a week and half of not doing much (really slacking) I decided to join a gym and get a run in. I finally completed week 2 day 2 of the couch to 5K program. It felt really good to run and just get it out. I'm not really sure if it's easier to run on a treadmill compared to the street but I was not struggling as much from taking a whole week off.

I sat down with a trainer today to get an fitness assessment just to see where I am at and what I need to do to really prepare and train for a 10k race. I know a 10k is not that far, but it's a start for me to get really focused and hopefully do more races in the future.

After talking to him for about 2 hrs and getting assessed, he said that I am coming from a great start (Thanks you Booty Camp Fitness for that). Right now I just need to build from where I am, and he has me on a pretty intensive routine but I like it.

I can swap out some of my regular cardio for classes like Body Pump, Body Attack and RPM (spinning). I am truly afraid of RPM but I can't wait to try it. It looks like something I can get into and burn help with my endurance.

The one thing is that I need to start keeping a food diary. I have to do it for 7 days and drop it off to him so he can take a look. What's good about this is that I really can focus on what I'm eating and where I can make changes.

I have found a new motivation and push and it's going to be an interesting next few months training for the race.

[Guest Post] I WAS That Skinny Bitch You Hated

2010-07-30T09:46:00.000-04:00

I'm so happy to have Katie from Sluiter Nation writing about her fitness journey for me today, check it out.

My Fitness Journey? That is what I am supposed to be writing about? More like my Sit-on-my-Ass Journey.

Seriously, I have NEVER been a very athletic or, exercise-y. As a kid I was a stick. I was lanky. My limbs looked like they belonged on a giraffe not on a pre-teen. In high school my guy friends referred to me as having the body of a 12-year old boy.

I could eat a whole pan pizza from Pizza Hut by myself, but lose weight. My friends hated me. The only exercise I got in high school was in freshman gym. Even then I got a C in gym (my dad still shakes his head at this) because some days? I just didn’t feel like shooting basketballs or swimming laps. In fact, every Wednesday when we were supposed to run the 2-mile? I walked it. To my credit I could walk it in 20-minutes chatting the whole time.

Despite my love affair with a lazy lifestyle? I still didn’t gain weight, even though EVERYONE warned me that it would catch up with me.

In college, I didn’t gain the freshman 15 because my dorm was downhill from everything on campus. I literally walked my ass off. I lost weight freshman year (please don’t hate on me yet…I do get mine…wait for it…)

By sophomore year, my friends were regulars at the rec center on campus. They talked me into going a few times a week. This is probably where I started to realize working out wasn’t SOO bad. I would do the arm and leg machines and I would do crunches. It was fun because I was with my friend. Then she would hop on the track to run a gazillionmiles. At first I just walked around the track while she did this. There was always some eye-candy playing basketball on the court below the track and lots of weirdo on the bikes near the track.

Then I realized that a bunch of sorority girls would come and walk the track too. Wait, “walk” implies fitness. They would stroll and chat around the track. (by the way? This is not a sorority girl slam. I love them. Some of my best friends were sorority girls. I just know these were sorority girls because they always made sure to wear their letters. On the ass of the shorts). And I caught myself thinking, “why in the crap are they even HERE if that is all they are going to do? Why don’t they sit around their HOUSE and do that?”

Then I realized I was doing the same thing. Just by myself. So I started to jog. Yes, that is right, I jogged out of spite. But because of that spite? I jogged about a mile 3 times a week.

By my junior year, some of my friends started getting engaged. I didn’t even have to get measured for my bridesmaid dresses. Always a six 6—with NO alterations. No boobs. No hips. No thighs. Just straight up me in a size 6. Thank you, 3 miles a week.

But then they graduated. And I didn’t have rec center peeps anymore. Just lazy dude roommates. So I drank beer with those lazy dudes. And by the time I graduated? I was a size 8. I was not rattled. I figured, well, I was warned I would gain weight.

Then I graduated. And I moved to my own place. And I was suddenly a size 10.

Then I started teaching and didn’t have time for anything but crappy foods. And I was a size 12.

Then I went through a terrible breakup and was a size 10 again. Yippee for no appetite. Oh wait.

And then I fell in love and got married. I was a beautiful size 12. I was happy with my size. I was filled out. I had boobs! Yay!

But you know what happens when you are all comfy and married and happy with yourself and you hate to sweat? You gain more weight. Before getting pregnant with my son, I topped out at a size 16. I decided something needed to be done especially since we were trying to get pregnant.

I started going to group fitness classes at the gym. This was the ONLY way I would be accountable. Because I totally let myself slack, but I don’t want to let others down.

Once pregnant, I kept doing what I could. I walked, I watched what I ate, I did yoga. I only gained 20 pounds! And after Eddie was born? I could almost fit in a size 12 again! I was beyond ecstatic!

Of course life doesn’t always continue to cruise along happy roads. I was diagnosed with postpartum depression, prescribed antidepressants, and ballooned back up to a size 16. I felt ugly.

This was about four months ago. So on a whim, I agreed to run a 5k in September on a team to support a friend with breast cancer. And if you are paying attention AT ALL you know very well this is SO outside the box for me.

But, despite an early knee injury that I have had physical therapy for, I have completely stuck to my training—which is the Couch to 5k Program. I haven’t been weighing myself since I am trying to just feel better before focusing on weight loss. So far it’s working. Most of the time.

I still don’t fit into my clothes like I wish I did, but I know that at least I am doing something. And really? That is what I can do right now. As I get better from my PPD, I can work on eating right or adding more exercise. But it’s all about what I can handle now. And just doing SOMETHING feels like the right step.

I am definitely a far cry from that skinny bitch I was in college, but I know she’s in there somewhere. I just wish she knew what she had back then. But for now? I’m going to be all like Fergie Ferg and work on my fitness!

Measurements are In

2010-07-28T19:42:00.000-04:00

So tonight was last night of Booty Camp for a while. I'm actually sad because I love going every week and working out really hard. I go back to work in September and we are going on vacation in August so I'll hopefully be back in the fall.

Here are my results from the last 8 weeks:

Week 1
Weight: 131.4
Body Fat%: 24.6%
Fat Weight: 32.4
Lean Mass: 99.0

Week 8
Weight: 128.4
Body Fat%: 20.7%
Fat Weight: 26.6
Lean Mass: 101.8

I'm really happy with the results, I'm finally in the 120s LOL. It's been a long road so far and I'm super happy at where I am. I'm not focusing on the weight but more of the body fat%. I am finally in a very healthy range and it is now time for me to tone and kick up the running.

I decided to join a gym and I'm really excited for the classes. There are some fun classes that I can do and the treadmill will be there for me for the winter months. I'm really happy on what I've been doing with my fitness even though there has been some glitches.

From here on out it is time to just move forward and that is what I'll be doing.

Sorry for Being Tardy

2010-07-28T08:21:00.000-04:00

I have been really bad lately with my blogging. The truth is, I haven't done anything since last week. I have been feeling really tired lately and last night I feel asleep at 7pm and woke up 7:45 this morning. I was talking to Mike about the me being tired and we came to the conclusion that since I went off my vitamins I've been tired.

I decided to go back on vitamins to help with my energy and hopefully it will help with my energy.

Mike and I decided to go have dinner last night and when I stepped out of the car my calf muscle just tightened up and cramped up. I tried to stretch it out but it is still hurting me and the pain has now moved down to my ankle. I noticed the pain since I've been wearing my flip flops but it hasn't been this bad.

In good news I found two wonderful blogs. Healthy Tipping Point and Operation Beautiful and I can't stop reading these sites. They are both run by Caitlin and I love reading about all the women who don't think about the scale, who are doing this for them and not about what society thinks on what "skinny" is.

It still is tough for me with the whole number on the scale issue. I'm really trying not to focus on that number since it is NOT important.

I'm hoping to start up my Couch to 5K program up again tomorrow, if my calf and ankle is feeling better.

Again sorry for being so tardy with my blogging, hoping to get a blog in everyday.

Enjoy your day everyone.

It's Been a Long Week

2010-07-26T09:51:00.000-04:00

It's been almost a week since I posted anything about my fitness.

I wasn't able to get any runs this week so I'm now a week behind in my Couch to 5K program. We had so many things on the go this week and weekend that I didn't have a chance to get one workout in.

We had a few get togethers this week that I was so tired I didn't have the energy to get my butt in gear.

On Thursday I went to see some co-workers I haven't see since I went on maternity leave and had a wonderful time. I decided to eat before I met up with them and ended up having a glass of white wine and an app. At the end of the day I went over to see my Godson for his 2nd birthday and had some cake. Yes I know not part of the meal plan but I didn't cheat for the rest of the weekend.

On Friday Mike and I spent a nice evening at home while baby slept and had a delicious dinner. We ended up having BBQ chicken with salad and other veggies.

Saturday ended up being another LONG day. My friend from university was home from Australia for 2 weeks. I was so excited to see her since I haven't seen her since my wedding in October 2008. It was so good to see her, it was also the first time she has seen my daughter other than pictures. After seeing her we went to have dinner with my mother in law. It was her 60th birthday so we went to have dinner. I made a really yummy vegan lasagne recipe from the veganomicon cook book. It was so yummy it may end being a staple for all my parties.

We finally had a nice quiet Sunday, we did some groceries and relaxed at home. I was so tired from the week I ended up not doing any type of workout on Sunday and just slept.

This is my week to really push and I'm starting tonight with a Booty Camp Fitness session and a few runs this week to get caught up and just feel better.

I have realized that exercise gives me energy but I can't push myself to far or I will burn, and that is what I did this week with booking myself. So no more over booking and just enjoying the summer.

I Must Be Crazy

2010-07-21T20:52:00.000-04:00

Since I missed my run yesterday I figured I would go today. I'm on Week 2 Day 1 of the Couch to 5K program and it was a great run. I ended up getting a farmers tan on my arms and legs (if that's even possible LOL).

I probably won't be running at 2:30 pm anymore and do either early morning or evening runs. I love the early morning or evening air and today was just way to hot.

Because I've been so tired lately I forgot I had a Booty Camp Fitness session tonight as well. I ended going and man I think I should of stay home.

As soon as we started the squats I knew I was in trouble. I was hardly able to put my butt down I was so sore from the earlier run. Then the lunge jumps had to happen. I could hardly get my feet off the ground LOL. Is that horrible or what.

By the end of the session I was feeling great. I guess it was the adrenaline from the session that made me feel wonderful, but I think I would of been able to do another session. I decided to go home.

Now that I am home, I'm ready for my bed, I'm ready to just lay down and sleep.

I can't wait for tomorrow I'm going to get a nice mani and pedi and a wonderful massage with some great friends. Super excited.

Cooking...What's That?

2010-07-20T15:22:00.000-04:00

Yes, I am admitting, I can't cook. I mean I'm not that great in the kitchen. My husband is a wonderful cook and he does most, umm I mean ALL the cooking so far since we moved in together and got married. I mean I've probably have done 3 dinners out of all the dinners we have had.

But....In the last little while I've been trying to cook and create some healthy dishes for Mike and I. When I started this weight loss being strong and eating healthy journey I had no idea about food. I mean I L.O.V.E food I just don't know much about it.

I grew up in a household where my parents told me not to worry about cooking and just focus on school and my athletics, so that's what I did. I never lifted a finger in my house when it came to cooking (even though I was always curious on what they were cooking since I love filipino food). So through the years I just ate what they made and I was good to go.

I went to university a few years late at 22 and lived off campus. This is where the downfall of my nutrition happened. I ate anything and everything and it was horrible. Also I was in a relationship that wasn't working for me but stayed with him for a couple more years (the guy before my husband). I gained quite a bit of weight, okay I gained 20lbs and it was not good. I look at pictures now and I was wondering why I did that to myself, not care.

Because of my poor nutrition choices I had no idea what to do after I graduated and lost about 10 of the 20lbs I gained in university with a small amount of working out. My husband (boyfriend at the time) tried to motivate me and this where we are now with me trying to regain what I used to have.

A few years later, we have some success. I've decided to pick up the pots and pans and I am trying to cook. I have a few books that I have cooked a couple of meals from and some where I want to try from, here is a breakdown of just a few of them:

Eat Clean Family
Eat Clean Cookbook
Veganomicon
The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook

I have found some great tips in a few of these books. I have been eating less meat lately so I've been trying to find some tasty recipes and that is where Veganomicon comes in. They have some great recipes and great tips as well.

This time I'm actually enjoying the kitchen and I can't wait for my daughter to ask me if she can help in the kitchen because I would love for her to learn as I learn every day.

Feeling Great

2010-07-18T23:41:00.000-04:00

Today was quiet but I'm feeling wonderful. I went on a run today and I just completed week 1 of the couch to 5K program.

It's been a rough start, I had a bad week the week before and my esteem was just down. When I started running I started to forget about what I was down about. I stopped thinking about the number on the scale, I forgot about all the other small things that bother me and started pushing my runs for me.

I'm starting to realize it doesn't matter what the scale says, although some days I feel like it does matter. I am getting better on not focusing in a number, but on my health. I'm really starting to be happy with me. I know this journey is going to be a long process that I have to work on on a daily basis but it is going to be worth it in the end.

Hopefully I can continue this feeling and just keep pushing on.

Taking a Day Off

2010-07-15T08:36:00.000-04:00

Lately I've been focusing on my weight and all my different workout routines. My brain has been working overtime to figure what would the best for me when it comes to exercises and different types of classes that I haven't been sleeping well and have been sleep deprived for the last little while.

So today, I'm taking a day off. I'm taking time off from working out, thinking about working out, how much I weigh, all of it. I think I've been thinking about it WAY to much and stressing myself about it I'm not getting the results I could be when I don't think about it.

I realize now that I worry too much about anything and everything and have to learn how to stop. I have been like this since I was a young child, and never was really guided by anyone and I didn't really have anyone to turn to when I had my insecurities. I love my parents but they are not the type to support unless it was on their terms. So everything was done for them, but not really for me. I worry to much because I want people to be proud of me, because I didn't have it as a young child. I am okay with knowing that now because I have wonderful support from my husband and some great people I have met over the last little while.

So I've decided every Thursday until I go back to work in September is going to be my "day off". I think this will help me get over that hump I've been going through and just get my mind back from running a race 24/7.

This realization I had to day is just one that will help me to be truly happy and truly healthy.

First Run in a LONG Time

2010-07-13T08:32:00.000-04:00

So after allowing myself to feel horrible (because some wonderful wonderful ladies I speak to said it's actually okay to feel bad, we are human) I decided to get off my butt and go for a run. So I posted that I wanted to run and started the Couch to 5K program and wow I feel wonderful.

I wanted to get up at 5 am and get out there because it is not as hot in the early morning. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get to bed until almost 2 am and was exhausted. I rolled out of bed at 6 am and got my gear on. I was telling myself to go back to bed but I knew if I did I would be kicking myself later on when I'm complaining to Mike that I have done nothing today (which I have done many many times, a way of excusing myself that I didn't workout).

Once I got out there it was okay and then I started to do the intervals and it was tiring. I mean I haven't done a full run since my accident when I was 17 and now 12 years later it's going to be a work in progress for sure which I am excited about.

After I got home I had a nice lukewarm shower before the little princess wakes up and I'm honestly feeling great.

I didn't think I would survive workout #1 but I did and i can't wait for the weeks to come and maybe this will lead to other great new things.

Confession

2010-07-12T00:24:00.000-04:00

It's been a few days since I've posted and I have now realized why it's been going on so long.

I've realized that my motivation to push is completely gone. I don't know what exactly it is but I think it is when I got my results from my last measurement day (here) I've just got discouraged and just haven't pushed the last little while.

I've surrounded myself with wonderful people but I just do not have the push in me right now and I think my small set back is why I'm feeling so down right now.

Many of people have said to me not to worry on how I feel it will pass and that I will get over this little hump. Honestly I do not believe them. They are not in my shoes, they do not know how I am feeling on the inside and I really am not a fan of people that say to me it's just in my head.

I haven't worked out since my booty camp session on Wednesday and I feel like there is no point. Right now I feel with all this hard work I have been through it just will not work and I will be this way for the rest of my life. It feels like I just have to accept that this is going to be me for the rest of my life.

Am I jealous of other people and how they look? Yes I am, I feel that even with the hard work I have put in I will never reach the goals I want.

I know it is something I have to get over this and I know it's only going to be me that is really going to fix this. I have wonderful support from my husband Mike and I feel like even with all the support and working hard, nothing is going to change.

The last week has been hard, hopefully this week it will be better.

Day 2 of 10

2010-07-08T09:48:00.000-04:00

This should of been posted last night but Mike's best friend who moved to New York a while ago is in town and I didn't know he was coming over until I got home from Booty Camp and he was in my living room so we hung out for a few hours.

I lost a little bit more weight which is nice, and it seems like I have more energy from what I have been eating.

This is what I had yesterday:

Breakfast: Tomato Omelette (3 egg whites an 1 whole egg with half a tomato)

Snack: Raspberry Protein Smoothie

Lunch: Turkey Sandwich

Snack: Cottage Cheese and Paprika I tried cottage cheese again and I'm sorry to say that I am not a fan so I ended up having a banana and a peanut butter clif bar

Dinner: (when I got home from Booty Camp) Salmon, Asparagus and Salad

So far it's been going well, I have found myself being a little bit hungry so I just upped the amount of food I am having by just a little bit so I can feel content and not hungry right away.

I'm weighing myself every morning and writing it down so when this 10 days is all over I can post on my total of weight lost.

I must say this 10 day food plan has helped me really meal plan for the future so I know what fills me up and what just gives me instant energy.

Q. Do you meal plan? If so do you do a daily meal plan (plan the night before) or do you do a weekly meal plan for you and the rest of your family?

Day 1 of 10

2010-07-06T19:44:00.001-04:00

It's been a few days of no posting and I thought this would be a great day to post.

Unfortunately I have not started my couch to 5k program yet due to extreme heat here in Southern Ontario. I'm usually really good with hot weather but when there is extreme heat like we have been having I get major migraines so I decided to stay home today and I also missed my Booty Camp Session last night because of it.

Honestly i've been feeling blah the last couple of days because of the heat. I've been so tired and just not motivated to do anything. Because I cannot go for my run I'm going to skip and do some leg work and arm work today.

I found this something new on a awesome girl's blog and her awesome name is Miranda and you can check her out her blog here. I started this 10 day food program and I'm really excited about it. There are some things on the 10 day program I don't like so I'm susbstituting some of the things I don't like for others that have the same nutritional value. If you want to check out what I'm talking about click here.

It's supposed to help me lost around 10lbs in 10 days. Hey I will be happy if I lose around 4-5. I don't know if it will work but I'm going to try it out anyway.

I'm also hoping to try these smoothies called green monsters I've heard so much about them, especially from Miranda that once this 10 day food program is done I'm going to give it a try.

There is so much more that's going to be going on but I will update you in August when I can get more info, so stay tuned :)

Surrounding Yourself with Great People

2010-07-02T10:39:00.001-04:00

When I started this new journey I realized I had many people in my life who felt that living a healthy lifestyle and eating healthy was just a fad for me.

A lot of people were telling me that I just had a baby that I don't have to worry about nutrition because I am a new mom, and honestly I believed them until my daughter turned 6 months old. It came to me that I want to get myself in gear when my father asked me to give him a chair to sit, when I told him I was tired, he said to me "well you need to lose weight so it's better if you stand." Yes my own father said this to me. I was devastated and hurt by his comment. That's when the rest of my family joined in and said "yeah Jenn your baby is here and it's time to lose the weight." Okay I love my family to death, seriously I do love them, we are filipino and they are all old school where they think being skinny is how the women should be.

After the whole fiasco I actually started to care less and just ate what I wanted and thought well this is how I'm going to be now so who cares. Then I started watching The Biggest Loser and then that's when the light bulb went off (you can read that post here).

So when I started documenting this journey I realized some of the people in my life I had to let go (and not my family) and that were some of my friends who said to me I couldn't do it and I should just relax and live my life with my daughter. They keep telling me to eat what I want and not worry about calories. So I still talk to these friends but nothing about what I'm doing when it comes to my nutrition and my fitness.

I decided to start surrounding myself on twitter with some great blogs and great people to talk to about fitness, nutrition, life and being a mom. Here are some of the great people I think you should read up on and follow on twitter. They have helped me get through some rough days:

Sluiter Nation twitter @ksluiter
Mirandas Jeans twitter @MirandasJeans
Tori Bartee twitter @OnTopBabyBows
Peace, Love and Muesli twitter @kristinglas

I have to give a shout out to the woman who started this program and all the ladies that work for and run these sessions, you ladies are the ones who has helped me start this wonderful journey I am on right now:

Sammie Kennedy twitter @sammiekennedy
Booty Camp Fitness twitter @BootyCampFit

These are just some of the wonderful people I have met over the last couple of months through Bloggy Moms and other wonderful blogs I've been reading.

Thank you all those who inspire me and push me to keep going. I know there are only a couple on this post but you know who you are, and I hope you continue to inspire others, because I take your inspiration to help me push and inspire others as well.

Mid-Point Measurements

2010-06-30T21:43:00.000-04:00

Tonight was our mid-point measurements. I'm happy I did it tonight since I have a wedding on Friday and if I got measured on Monday it would of not been good LOL.

Well here they are:

Week 1:

Weight: 131.4

Body Fat%: 24.6%

Fat Weight: 32.4

Lean Mass: 99.0

Week 4:

Weight: 132

Body Fat%: 21.4%

Fat Weight: 28.3

Lean Mass: 103.7

Yes I gained some weight, but by the calculations I've lost some body fat and of course I'm happy with that. I really want to lose about 10lbs and I'm hoping the couch to 5k and Booty Camp will help me get there. I'm super excited what I have accomplished so far with this journey and now it's time to continue and just keep pushing.

When you feel like you can't keep going, just keep pushing, and I tell myself that all the time.

Couch to 5K

2010-06-29T14:22:00.000-04:00

So I needed something to change up my workouts, so I've been hearing some much about this running program so I say why not.

It's the Couch to 5k program, and my e-friend Katie from Sluiter Nation has been doing this program and I decided to jump on the bandwagon.

I used to be a runner but with my car accident and on going knee problems I decided to stop running when I was 19 years old. I turned 29 last week and made some goals for myself for the last year of my 20s (check out the post here) and I am deciding to add to return to running on to my list. I still remember how stress free running can be and how good I felt after a good run.

It is a 9 week program and I decided to start on the week of July 5th. I have Booty Camp on Monday and Monday and Wednesdays which leave me with Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday or Saturday to get my runs in. I will continue to do my hot yoga and my Booty Camp Cardio DVD on top of all this.

On top of all this I was thinking of really getting my eating in check. To be honest, I can be a horrible eater. I can do well for a couple of days, and then I'm going to the snack stack (which I need to clean out). I've decided to pre pack all my snacks so I can go to my snack stack and have healthy alternatives to go to instead of my usual cookies.

Now I'm off to download some good tunes to add to my player so I can get started on this new journey.

HST (Harmonized Sales Tax)

2010-06-28T11:57:00.002-04:00

So the HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) in Ontario starts on July 1st. Some services that are taxed 5% or 8% will be combined and be raised to 13% all together.

I understand the province wants to make some money, I get that. I understand some services will increase based on HST, but increasing on fitness services, really.

The Canadian and Ontario government talks about staying active to live a healthy life but charging more tax on this service in my opinion is ridiculous. It makes me upset that we would have to pay extra to stay active and healthy.

I know there are other ways of getting an exercise in that's free, but for people who use this service I believe it is not fair to pay extra.

I know many people that cannot afford to put their children in camps because they cannot afford it and by raising the taxes it is going to be harder for these families to put children in activities that will keep them active.

To take a look on what other services are being raised to HST click here

I hope our government realizes what they are doing by raising taxes on this service.

Rain Rain Go Away

2010-06-26T12:05:00.000-04:00

It's a quiet Saturday here, it's pouring out and although I love the rain (because I don't have to water my grass) I really wanted to go for a power walk today.

What do you do on a rainy day for a hard workout?

I might be popping in the Booty Camp DVD and get some sweat on. I slept in until 10am so I wasn't able to get to Hot Yoga.

I have my measurements being done this week and I'm super nervous. I haven't been pushing myself as much as I know I can. Hopefully there are some results to what has been happening the last 4 weeks.

Follow Me Friday #2

2010-06-25T09:31:00.002-04:00

Welcome to another Follow Me Friday.

Thanks to Still on the Verge for hosting. Click on the link below to add your blog and follow as many other blogs as you like.

Birthday Wednesday

2010-06-23T11:43:00.001-04:00

Well today is my 29th birthday, the last year of my twenties. I'm not upset about it at all. I have many friends who are turning 29 and they have become Debbie Downer. I've decided to set some goals for the last year of my twenties and celebrate this year with a bang.

Starting this fitness journey I really was interested in learning about food and wellness and well as instructing some classes. My first goal is to become can-fit-pro certified in Fitness Instruction and in Nutrition and Wellness. I've realized what my passion is while I've been off on maternity leave with my little girl.

I also want to run a 10k before my 30th birthday. I was a runner when I was in high school until some injuries and a car accident made me stop. I'm not the runner I used to be, actually I'm not a runner at all and I'm really hoping to get back into it. I remember the days where it would be stressful and the run would just clear my head.

There are so many things I want to do and the most important is to motivate, inspire and help others. I want to learn all I can so I can give sound advice to others that ask for my help.

My daughter is one of the biggest reasons why I'm getting myself in gear, I want her to see that her mom is a strong individual and hopefully one day I can inspire her.

Okay off to celebrate today in the sun :)

Stay hydrated today, it's going to be a hot one.

Beautiful Monday

2010-06-21T13:57:00.000-04:00

Today is just gorgeous outside, unfortunately I won't be able to enjoy it until tonight. My little girl is going through a growth spurt and wants to sleep all day (in honestly is great for me I can get things done around the house lol).

I have Booty Camp tonight and I love working out outdoors. I love the heat and the fresh air just plowing through the hour long workout. I've noticed since we've been outside my allergies have not been affecting me as much as I thought it would. I've been able to take less allergy medicine and I love it , I personally try not to take any medication and try to use natural remedies to get through things.

What do you like to do for fun outdoors? Go for runs, hang out at the beach?

Hope this summer weather stays with us through all the summer months.

Happy Summer Solstice everyone. Enjoy

Follow Me Friday

2010-06-18T08:55:00.004-04:00

I saw this post on Boutique on Feet and Still on the Verge blogs and I thought it was a great idea to post on here.

What a wonderful way to find new blogs to read about.

Don't forget to leave comments for new friends.

Enjoy :)

My Weaknesses

2010-06-17T11:52:00.001-04:00

I really try to focus on what I eat on a daily basis, making sure I get my fruit and veggies in and have a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner. I do have weaknesses and I have a few of them.

My first weakness is chocolate (I'm a woman, we all love chocolate LOL). Any type of chocolate I can and will eat. My two faves are Peanut M&Ms and anything peanut butter and chocolate.

My second weakness is chips and salsa. Although we make homemade salsa I eat so much of that stuff I know it's not helping my waist.

All of this happens at night after I work out. I do so well during the day and then it all goes to waste at night

So I'm making a commitment to myself and I'm going to find other ways to get my bad snacking to a halt.

If anyone has ideas of what snacks are healthy and nutritious please email me and I would love hear from you.

Can't Get it Out of My Head

2010-06-16T08:29:00.001-04:00

Ever since I started this journey I felt like I have been doing well with my workouts and eating but there is one thing that I just can't shake, and it's the number that shows when I step on the scale.

The number has not really move since I've started this journey but I know I have become so much stronger and have lost body fat. I just can't seem to get the number out of my head. I have a number that I feel I should be and can't get that number to just leave me. I know I shouldn't think that way, but I just can't help it. I know muscle weighs more than fat, but I have this vision of me from the past which I know I can never be again.

People always tell me that I look great and I've been working hard and that I should feel confident since I just had a baby 9 months ago. I try and I try but it just doesn't get the number out of my head.

I'm trying to find ways to get over this hump, like seeing how my clothes are fitting and how I'm feeling physically and mentally.

Hopefully one day, the number on the scale will be the number in my past.

It's a New Week

2010-06-14T09:08:00.003-04:00

I didn't do much last week so i've been so tired from staying up late and getting up way to early.

My goal this week is to get in 6 workouts and make Sunday my rest day. This is what the rest of the week is going to look like

Monday: Booty Camp
Tuesday: Cardio and AbripperX
Wednesday: Booty Camp
Thursday: Cardio and AbripperX
Friday: Cardio
Saturday: 90 mins of Hot Yoga and AbripperX
Sunday: REST!!!

I'm hoping to get some running in. I'm also hoping to pick up cycling this summer just to change it up a little bit.

If anyone has ideas for new Cardio workouts please email me or leave a comment so I can change things up this summer.

Simplicity

2010-06-11T10:51:00.005-04:00

This morning I woke up to the sun shining, and it just put a smile on my face. The last couple of days have been a bit hard for me when it came to working out and just getting on. There is so much I need to do around the house and I haven't had time to just sit down and be happy with my life. Then my daughter woke up.

Every morning when I get her she has a huge smile on her face and it helps me remember why I'm doing what I'm doing when it comes to health and fitness. In my previous post I talked about Koli from TBL and my brother that helps me keep going. My daughter helps me realize what I have in my life right now is just perfect.

Every day is not like this, yes I have my moments where I go nuts and just want to be alone with my thoughts but just looking at her that smile grounds me and realize the simple things is what is important.

To all the wonderful mothers out there, you are beautiful, strong, and amazing.

My Drive to Keep Going

2010-06-09T07:59:00.005-04:00

I've had a few people come up to me at Booty Camp and ask me where I get my drive to just keep going even in so much pain from the workouts.

To tell you the truth, it was from the show the Biggest Loser. I've watched TBL for a number of years and never got affected by who was on there. I felt the show is very inspirational and I felt so happy for the contestants because they were getting their lives back and being happy. I know I wasn't in the greatest shape but I felt okay with how I was and I continued to live the way I did. Not eating the healthiest and just kept going on how I was.

Then I had my baby girl in September and TBL started up again this past January and there was one contestant that just shook me, and it was Koli. He looks exactly like my older brother. Everything about him was my brother, his mannerisms, his attitude just everything and honestly it scared me. I looked at pictures of my brother now and he is become how Koli used to be and so was I.

So after watching a couple of weeks and just being sad I decided to join Booty Camp Fitness to change my life and help me remember the life I used to have years ago.

Whenever I feel down or just exhausted to go and workout, I think about Koli and where he is today and that's what I push for everyday I workout and just life in general.

I hope you all will continue reading my journey and take a journey like this with me.

New Session New Me

2010-06-07T20:38:00.002-04:00

Well I started a new session with BootyCamp Fitness and I needed it. I've been in a small funk this last week and I'm glad I had this today. My drill instructor Raluca kicked my butt and I'm still hurting from tonight's session.

I'm out of my little funk now and I'm off to have a healthy dinner to give me some more energy. I feel like I'm finally gaining something out of all of this and I'm truly becoming they happy I used to be.

It's been a few days

2010-06-04T14:26:00.001-04:00

It's been a couple of days since I posted anything. This week has been a bit crazy. It was Mike's birthday on Tuesday and all three of us (Mike, my princess and I were all suffering from something). Not to sure what we had but we are finally over it and I'm back on the blog bandwagon.

Starting Monday I will hopefully start having my meal plans to show everyone. Have a wonderful weekend, stay dry.

8 Week Results with Booty Camp Fitness

2010-05-31T20:09:00.003-04:00

Okay people I've got measured and the results are not bad. Here are the stats

Start
Weight: 133
Body Fat%: 30.5%
Fat Weight: 40.5
Lean Mass: 92.5

Week 4
Weight: 131.6
Body Fat %: 27.5%
Fat Weight: 36.2
Lean Mass: 95.4

Week 8
Weight: 131.4
Body Fat %: 24.6%
Fat Weight: 32.4
Lean Mass: 99.0

Total Inches Lost: 8.5.

I can't wait to start up again on June 7th. This is now the time to step it up and really work, sweat, and see the results that I will be happy with.

Measurements

2010-05-31T09:58:00.002-04:00

Well today is the day, I get my 8 week measurements. I am super nervous but I know I did okay. To be honest I haven't really changed my diet when I should of.

I start my next round of 8 on Monday June 7th.

Today's Task

2010-05-30T12:37:00.000-04:00

Is our long awaited garden. We have left it the way it is since wemoved in almost 2 years ago. I'm hoping we will be able to get it all done in one day.

Tonight, Abripperx is my task, wish me luck lol.

not feeling the greatest

2010-05-29T08:45:00.002-04:00

Well I missed my hot yoga session today and don't feel great. My allergies have kicked into high gear and it's really messing with my head LOL.

I think I'll get a cardio workout in today.

We are off to TCS to meet up with some friends and enjoy the day.

Enjoy the beautiful weather everyone.

Got my Booty Kicked

2010-05-28T19:55:00.001-04:00

Well I have one more class until I am done my first 8 week session with Booty Camp Fitness. I have definitely got my butt kicked. I love getting kicked every week I just joined for another 8 weeks starting in June. I know I have lost inches and have gotten stronger.

I think every woman should join this boot camp. Being a first time mom it has showed me with hard work and motivation you can achieve anything.

Here is their website if you want to take a look www.bootycampfitness.com.

My First Post

2010-05-28T12:47:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone,
This is my first post so I'm not going to talk about much. This blog is basically going to be about my journey on how fitness is changing my life for the better.