Workouts

So, I've been working out again (on my own- no trainer), but I learned so much while working out with him and have continued to do the type of workouts we did.  Our workouts consisted of "active rests" which sounds like a contradiction, because you really aren't "resting" at all between exercises, unless it's just to catch your breath.  So, if I'm doing squats, in between sets, I might do 30 jumping jacks, jump squats, lunges, push-ups, etc.  Or, I just move quickly between exercises.  

I tracked my workouts on my iPhone in the Notes app so I could share them with you.  I didn't always write down the "rest" exercise I did, or I was just going from one exercise to the next with little rest. You can add in anything that keeps your heart rate up- a lap around the gym, step-ups, jumping jacks, burpees, etc.

CARDIO

I start my workout with 30 minutes of medium-hard cardio (typically the treadmill at intervals of  incline at 15-18 and speed 2.5-3.0) or the stair master (set at intervals of 60-80).  (Once a week, I'm running with a group of moms around our local park, 3 miles, and I don't do weights that day.) 

Then, I do as much weight workout as I can fit into 30-45 minutes, depending on my schedule.  Below is what my workouts looked like last week. I'm doing glute kickbacks several times a week to work on building my booty. 

LEGS

Squats- 65 lb x 15 reps (4 sets)

Walking lunges- 15 lb kettleballs each x 50 steps (each leg counts as one step) (2 sets)

     Push-ups- 15 (2 sets) 

Hip Adduction- 50 lbs x 20 reps (4 sets)

Hip Abduction- 50 lbs x 20 reps (4 sets)

     Go back and forth from adduction to abduction machine 

Seated leg curls- 45 lbs x 15 reps (4 sets)

Glute kickback- 70 lbs x 20 reps (3 sets) 

*1:15 minutes w/ cardio

SHOULDERS 

Shoulder press- 10 lb each x 20 reps (4 sets)

Lateral raise- 7.5 lb each x 10 reps (4 sets)

Punches- 7.5 lb each x 10 (4 sets) *my favorite

Rear delt fly- 30 lb total x 12 (3 sets)

Glute kickback- 70 lbs x 15 reps (3 sets) 

*1:15 minutes w/ cardio

ARMS

Curls- 10 lb each x 15 (4 sets)

Punches- 7.5 lb each x 15 (4 sets)

Dips (on floor bench)- body weight x 15 (4 sets)

21s- 20 lb barbell x (3 sets)

Dips (on machine)- 52 lb assist x 15 (4 sets)

Curtsies - 15 each leg 

*1:05 minutes w/ cardio

BACK

Pull-ups- 60 lb (assist) x 12 (4 sets)

Seated rows- 45 lb x 15 (3 sets)

Lat pulldown- 50 lb x 15 (4)

Glute kickback- 70 lbs x 15 reps (3 sets) 

*1:10 minutes w/ 36 min cardio (I went over)

via

It feels great to get back to working out!  There's a mom at my son's school who's become a good friend of mine and we encourage each other everyday with our workouts and eating.  We text each other after our workouts and it really helps to have that person to help keep you accountable.  Do you agree? 

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Shredded Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing (Dairy, Gluten and MSG Free)

This is my go to kale salad.  We make this many times a week and it is enjoyed by all.  I usually keep it simple with just cucumbers, avocado and sugar free cranberries.  I have had many recipe requests for this salad recipe and have since realized I hadn't posted it yet.  So here it is:

Ingredients for salad

• kale
• lemon juice -1 tablespoon for 4 cups kale (optional)
• diced vegetables of choice (cucumber, peppers, tomatoes)
• avocado
• cranberries
• sunflower seeds

Maple Dressing Ingredients

• 1 part olive oil
• 1 part pure maple syrup (or less if you don't want it too sweet)
• 3 parts balsamic vinegar
• pinch of sea salt

For example (1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 3 tablespoons vinegar)

Directions

1. Bunch the kale on the cutting board and take a sharp knife and cut into shreds.
2. Pour lemon juice over kale and mix together with your hands.  This breaks down the kale a bit.  It doesn't need to be done but I like a softer kale.
3. Add the rest of the salad ingredients.
4. Mix up the salad dressing and pour on before serving.

My oldest loves this salad so much she frequently requests it for lunch.  

It takes very well when layered in a mason jar with the dressing poured first on the bottom.

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My Meals Calculated by My Fitness Pal

It's been 7 weeks since my bikini competition where I competed at 100 pounds and now I weigh 108!  Yes, that's over a pound a week! Yikes! I can tell that my body composition is still better than it was when I started training (more muscle and less fat), and I didn't plan to stay at 100 pounds, but I'd like to be at 104.  So, I find myself with 4 pounds to lose.  

I'm sure I put on weight because: 1) I was eating two pints of Haagen Dazs Gelato (Sea Salt Caramel) a week for about 5 weeks, and 2) I stopped training as intensely as I was (just running around the neighborhood for 30 minutes) and then took some time off working out at the end of the summer to just be with my son.  I don't regret it, but I know it's time to get back to work!  My son started school mid-August and I'm back to my routine of working out as soon as I drop him off at school.  I feel 100x better already.  It's amazing how quickly your body can change - for the better or worse. 

I've been tracking my workouts on my iPhone and plan to share them in detail with you this week, but for now, I'll just say that I start with 30 minutes of medium-hard cardio, then do 30-45 minutes of weight training with active rests (which keep my heart rate up) the whole time.  

When I was preparing for my bikini contest, my trainer gave me a meal plan to follow for  12 weeks.  I never counted calories or macros, but generally had an idea of what it was.  Last night, I finally plugged the five meals into My Fitness Pal and got the calculations below.  I think My Fitness Pal only allow for 4 meals a day, that's why I had to combines Meals 2 & 3.

So, for those of you who were interested in the breakdown, there it is.   I was surprised at how many calories I was eating, I thought it was been less, although I knew I was eating a lot of food- I was never hungry.  But, you need to eat consistently (about every 3 hours) and get enough protein at each meal to build and sustain muscle.   

Since I know I have weight to lose now, I need to be more strict with my food.  My weakness is dessert.  But, when I'm working out HARD, I'm much less likely to eat what isn't good for me.  I always think, "I didn't just work that hard to blow it by having a piece of cake."  

I like My Fitness Pal because it allows me to see how everything I put in my mouth mouth adds up and it makes me reconsider my gelato!  Of course, I will still eat it, just not as often! 

I hope this chart helps! Let me know! :) Do you use My Fitness Pal? 

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Nacho "Cheese" Kale Chips (Dairy, Gluten and MSG Free)

I could go on and on about the benefits of kale.  It really is a super food, one of the best vegetables out there.  This dark green leafy vegetable is high in fibre, vitamin A and calcium.   It has one of the highest antioxidant levels, making it an excellent fighter against cancer.  Kale also works as a detoxifier, helping the body eliminate what it doesn't need.   
Used my Nacho "Cheese" Sauce/Dip to make these kale chips. I could not stop eating them, they did not last long.  They can be made in a dehydrator, keeping them raw or you could bake them in your oven.

Ingredients

3/4 cup raw cashews

1/3 cup nutritional yeast

1/3 cup water

2 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

5-6 cups kale chopped in bite size pieces

Directions

1. If using oven, preheat to 200 F.
2. In a blender add all ingrients except the kale.  Puree until smooth.
3. Place kale in bowl and pour sauce over.
4. Using hands mx teh kale and sauce until kale is fully coated.
5. Place on baking sheet or deydrator trays.
6. Bake 20 minutes then flip for 20 minutes if using oven.  For the dehydrator turn to 115F for 6-8 hours or until completely dry.
7. Store in an airtight container.

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MOVE IT for 30 MINUTES

Exercise does not have to be extreme to be effective.  When it comes to our health and fitness, it is not a competition, but a lifetime maintenance body program.  There may be those who have certain goals and need to perform above the maintenance requirement, but in general creating a healthy ROCKIN body can be accomplished by moving it for 30 minutes at least five days per week.  Most of us want to feel and look good in and out of clothes with a simple exercise routine that does not require leaping over tall buildings in single bounds and lifting hundreds of pounds of weight.  I am not knocking those doing the leaping, heavy lifting, or extreme sports with this Blog, but addressing the norm demographic of everyday people who just want to get healthy and look healthy.

Studies have shown that 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as brisk walking is sufficient to maintain a healthy body, and spread over time throughout the week.  It would be reduced to 75 hours per week if the exercise is vigorous like running or attending an aerobics class.  Also recommended is weight resistance training two days per week, and although the guidelines are not quite as thorough with duration on this one, I personally keep my weight training sessions to no more than 45 minutes including my warm up and stretch time.  What that means is if you move that body for 30 minutes five days per week while maintaining a healthy nutrition program, you will see results or maintain an already in shape physique.  Everyone has 30 minutes to give to their health regardless of any excuse thrown down on the table.  If health and fitness is a priority, the exercise will be a priority and that is the simple truth of it. 

The best part about getting our sweat on for 30 minutes is making it our own.  When we create physical activities that are enjoyable, that is what builds a lifestyle of physical activity.  If the outdoors suits your fancy, lace up the tennis shoes or hiking boots and find some fun trails, and if using cardio equipment while watching a show or listening to music floats your boat, that works just as well.  The heart muscle only understands the demands of exercise being placed on it, not what you are specifically doing if that is a question you are pondering.  Sweat is sweat, a mile is a mile, and 30 minutes is 30 minutes and what you do to increase the heart rate at a moderate level for that amount of time is up to you.  The point is to just MOVE IT!

It really comes down to getting back to the basics of exercise and keeping it simply fun, and a part of our everyday life.  The latest trend of extreme this or that, no pain means no gain, or work until you bleed program will never become the maintenance body program that will carry us from where we are now into our elder years. There is much controversy with these types of programs and some are used to fit specific athletic goals, but not what the laymen person is looking for to get healthy and overall improve quality of life.  I am trying to motivate everyone to just MOVE IT FOR 30 MINUTES as a start, and not get caught up in the hype of fad exercise movements that may look absolutely amazing, but are not the “only way” to achieve healthy results.  There lies the confusion of interpretation that the only way to achieve a smoking hot body is to do this type of new trend or fad workout.  Believing that there is only one way to achieve something creates a very boring world and variety is truly the “spice of life.”

Working in this industry for over 30 years, I have come to appreciate more and more the simplicity of health and fitness, and that it truly does not require as much time as one might think to be a healthy person.  I never exceed a one hour block of time in my workouts and often I am reduced to the “move-it for 30-minute” program because it fits with my work schedule.  As long as I challenge my body, it feels good, and I am focused on quality of movement, I am accomplished and start my day energized.  Getting caught up in the stress of what we think exercise is according to the media scares many off with feelings of intimidation and inadequacy, and stopping people before they even start.  Crap, some of the things I see scare me as well, but the thing to remember is not to believe everything you read or see, and stick to searching for what works for you.  Keep it simple, don’t stress or sweat the small stuff, and all of us do have the time to just MOVE IT for 30 MINUTES.

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list.  If you are inspired, LIKE my entry, leave a comment and I look forward to responding!

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THE FOOD JOURNAL DILEMMA

The dreaded food journal can be your best friend and accountability partner when it comes to implementing a healthy nutrition program.  I have heard it all when it comes to fitness and food journals and the love/hate relationship that keeping track of food intake can cause. The problem is really not the food journal, but it is the issue of not being honest with ourselves.  When life is going great and our program is on track, we gladly write down every healthy morsel placed in our face with a smile and will even share the exciting events that are producing the positive results.  

On the other side of that coin is the need to hide or even toss our journals to the curb as temptations to go “off plan” creep into the program.  It is almost as if we convince ourselves that being unhealthy is not happening if it is not written down in the journal.  Believe me, you can run but your body will not hide the consequences of unhealthy choices.  The fact is the food journal wants to know all the dirty little secrets whirling around in our heads: our thoughts, if we are having triggers, cycle approaching, crappy day, or anything else that may send us into an unhealthy eating pattern.  Often times using the food journal as an emotional outlet helps to resolve behaviors that may occur, and allows us to get back on track sooner than later.

Giving our food journal the stink eye for poor food choices is not where that stare should be placed.  Living a healthy lifestyle is a personal choice and responsibility that we all need to realize.  If our fitness programs are off track that is on each of us and we need to own the consequences of those choices.  Keeping secrets from our food journal does nothing to help in a positive way, and in fact will prevent us from reaching the goals of a healthy body.

We can come up with all kinds of reasons to not journal our food intake: pain in the ass, waste of time, it’s not working, controls me too much, refuse to feel micromanaged, and the list goes on.  The food journal needs to stop getting the bad rap for our poor food choices, and the fact that it is not working is about the dishonesty that is occurring when we cheat on the journals.  Studies have shown weight loss success and overall health improvement when food and fitness journals are in place.  It is our unwillingness to take our health seriously that prevents us from reaching our goals.  When we cheat on the food journal we only cheat ourselves and it is true “what we eat in private, we wear in public”. Also, we are walking bill boards of the type of life we live, healthy or unhealthy.

We have the choice to view the food journal as friend or foe, and that choice will determine how serious we want to reach our goals and live a healthy life.  If we view the food journal as a friend that will always be there and never let us down, the success rate of weight loss and overall health improvement would increase by a great margin.  I believe it is time to do what we can to be accountable to a healthy lifestyle and although it may be difficult to see the real stuff behind our choices when we journal, it is necessary to make the changes that will get us going in a healthy direction.  Friends should be able to offer constructive criticism and have it be accepted in a positive way without defensiveness.  The food journal is there to do that very thing: show you what has gone wrong, where you can improve, and ultimately help you make better choices for living a healthy lifestyle. 

Heather Agnew Photography

Thanks for stopping by my Blog, hope you enjoy the content, and if you have not become a follower yet, I would love to see your face on my friend's list.  If you are inspired, LIKE my entry, leave a comment and I look forward to responding!

Stay Healthy!

Darla

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Grape Popsicles (Sugar Free)

Grapes make an excellent popsicle.  I prefer red grapes as they are higher in antioxidants.  I added some raspberries and cherries to give a few extra flavours although I am sure any other berries would work here.

Ingredients (makes 3-4 popsicles)

• 2 cups red grapes
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 1/2 cup cherries

Directions

1. Puree all ingredients and pour into popsicle molds.
2. Freeze 4-5 hours or until firm.

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Decadent Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Cookies with Avocado (Dairy, Egg and Gluten Free)

We love avocados and eat them almost everyday.  Avocados are not only an excellent source of Omega-3, folate and vitamin E but are also rich in glutathione which enhances our cells ability to fight off cancer.
I knew they would be good to bake with but admit I hadn't tried it till more recently.  These cookies do take a bit more time but are SO worth it.  They are very rich and will satisfy any chocolate craving.

Ingredients (makes 24-30 cookies)

• 1 avocado
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond or sunflower)
• 1 teaspoon gluten free vanilla
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tablespoons water (2 flax eggs)
• 1/2 cup honey or agave if vegan
• 3/4 cup palm sugar
• 1 tablespoon psyllium husk
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup arrowroot or tapioca starch
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• 1/3-1/2 cup cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cups gluten, dairy free dark chocolate chips 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In a mixing bowl blend the avocado, coconut oil, nut butter, vanilla, flax eggs, honey and palm sugar.
3. In a large bowl combine psyllium husk, arrowroot starch, coconut flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt and chocolate chips.
4. Let batter sit for 5 minutes to thicken.  If you feel it is not quite thick enough (depending on how large the avocado you used) simply add in another 1/2 tablespoon of coconut flour.
5. Scoop batter onto cookie tray.
6. Bake 10-11 minutes.
7. Store in an airtight container.
8. Enjoy 

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SABOTAGE STEALS SUCCESS

Sabotage is a strong word to describe the behavior that can sneak into our life and steal the success that healthy eating and exercise has provided our bodies.  It can come in the form of our own thoughts, an unsupportive spouse, friend, and even co-workers. The important thing is to be on guard so that the forms of sabotage can be recognized and dealt with in a way that is healthy, and keeping us on track with our fitness goals. I am not addressing the occasional cheat meal or even day, I am talking about a chronic issue of falling into a trap of being swayed away from a healthy lifestyle, and allowing that to happen.

Living a healthy lifestyle takes mental strength and a loving commitment to maintain our best self through consistent healthy choices each day. Let’s address self-sabotage and how it can creep into our mind and try to convince that “just this once” or “just a few bites” can become part of the healthy plan.  The issue with this type of sabotage is that it does not stop at the “just once or a few bites”.  Often times, this mindset flows into several days, weeks, and even months, and before it is over, the weight loss achieved is back up to where it started, and possibly more than the initial weight. Convincing ourselves that eating crap on a regular basis is never a good thing for our bodies, and remaining on guard so that self-sabotage can be recognized and dealt with immediately is crucial to stay on track with our fitness and health goals. Keeping a daily fitness journal is a helpful accountability tool to keep us on track.

Another sabotage culprit is that wonderful person you live with until death do you part.  Love has nothing to do with sabotage of this type and the non-supportive spouse may not get the whole new health thing or does and is struggling with acceptance of your new healthy lifestyle.  There are many relationships like this and living a healthy lifestyle becomes difficult, as the processed foods and other temptations continue to hide in your pantry and refrigerator.  Sometimes, a spouse turned healthy and leaving the other behind can cause friction in the relationship as guilt trips occur over the change in lifestyle.  It is so important to realize that each person is ready when they are ready and force-feeding a new healthy lifestyle on your spouse will only drive a wedge in the relationship.  As the one wanting to live a healthy lifestyle, model by example, and when the cupcakes come calling, politely say “no thank you” and grab a yogurt and piece of fruit to eat along with your partner. Mental strength has to be on overtime in these circumstances as there will be a daily guarantee of temptation.  Keep that promise of creating your best healthy self and great positive attitude, and almost assuredly your spouse will eventually join you.  Patience will be your best friend here.

Sabotage among friends exists and it can be ugly.  Creating a healthy lifestyle will mean making hard choices and dismissing ourselves from possible temptations that will steal our accomplishments. Some friends may not understand that you no longer want to eat processed foods or drink alcohol all night long, and are happy to provide the peer pressure to get you to fold on your commitment to self.  A strong mental game is definitely a requirement and sometimes a request of support from your friend will be necessary.  A true friend will understand and come alongside of such an important decision and one that does not care will continue to sabotage your efforts. If you continue to hear that it is OK to let your hair down and relax with your program on a continual basis from a so-called friend, you may want to re-think the motives of this friend.  It is unfortunate, but jealousy does exist and can rear an ugly head during such times, and some may not be able accept that your body is changing in beautiful positive ways.  The important thing in this type of situation is to be true to you, regardless of what is said or pressure felt.  Going out can be limited to a glass of wine and water in addition to healthy food selection.  Continue to enjoy your life and implement the healthy choices and the rest will take care of itself.

It seems like there is no safe place for the healthy person to hide from the forms of sabotage and the workplace is no stranger to being involved.  Do you have a break-room filled with daily temptation, or that co-worker who always brings the donuts and gladly sets one on your desk? Put up the mental defense when it comes to accepting sabotage at work because you do have more control here.  Bringing a cooler filled with your healthy planned meals will keep your fingers off the bagels and cream cheese with a side of cookies.  Be stronger than the saboteur and say “thanks but no thanks” to the invitation of work indulgence eating.  If a strong mental game is not put into play, visiting the break-room can become a daily occurrence with the results showing up on the waist line, and a complete derail of the healthy lifestyle you want to implement.

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Millet Bars (Dairy, Gluten and Refined Sugar Free)

I really think variety is important in our diet.  We eat a variety of fruits and vegetables but I also like eating a variety of grains.  I saw these Millet Puffs in the store the other day and was reminded of bars I used to make.  In the past I used nut butter but I wanted these to be safe for school so I used coconut oil instead.  Very tasty!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 cups puffed millet
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/4 c ground flax seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

1. Grease an 8 x 8 dish.
2. In small pot bring honey and coconut oil to a boil.  Let boil for 5-7 minutes then remove from heat. 
3. In a large bowl combine puffed millet, coconut, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and flax seeds.
4. Pour coconut oil/honey sauce over millet mixture and stir to fully combine.
5. Add chocolate chips and stir them into the millet mixture. (If your coconut oil is too warm, the chocolate chips will melt in)
6. Flatten into prepared dish.
7. Cover and let harden in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
8. Cut into bars and serve.
9. Store in sealed container in the fridge.

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How to Get in Shape // 5 Step Plan

I've been ruminating on this post for awhile.  Now that I have the experience of training for and competing in an NPC bikini contest behind me, I've been on my own to try to maintain the body I built in those six months.  I made significant progress, going from about 25% body fat and 115 pounds to probably 15% body fat (I'm not 100% sure on that number because we stopped measuring at 17 or 19%.  I was supposed to get my body fat tested at the Bod Pod, but they cancelled because the machine wasn't working), and I competed at 100 pounds.

Although I wasn't grossly out of shape at the beginning of my competition prep, I was surprised at just how hard I had to work and for how long.  The changes don't come easy, but they do come.  You can count on that if you're doing the exercise and eating properly.  So, I've been reflecting on exactly HOW I made those changes and how I stuck to it for so long and I realized five key things about how to get in shape. 

1.  Decide that you are going to make a change.  First and foremost, you have to commit to not only wanting to make a change, but that you are actually going to make that change.  For me, a big motivator was knowing I did not want to end up in July 2014, where I was in July 2013.  I wanted to be in great shape and not feeling bad about myself.  So, the new year of 2014 marked the beginning of implementing those changes.  I knew if I started in January, I'd have significant results by July.  If you set a goal (a family or high school reunion, a birthday, anniversary, vacation, or bikini contest) and back the time out so you can work towards it, keeping that goal in mind will help keep you committed and focused.  Our minds and spirit are very powerful.  When my body would tell me it didn't want to work out or eat another piece of fish, I just treated it like a child that doesn't get to tell me what to do. It didn't know best since I had already decided months ago what I wanted to achieve. Instead, I did what I knew I needed to do to get me to the goal I set.  In those "weak" moments, listen to your "higher self", the one that already made the decision to get in shape and create a new life. 

2.  Fit your day around your workout instead of trying to fit your workout into your day.   The last couple of weeks I have fallen off of the workout train and I just couldn't seem to get it to fit into my day.  I'm home with my son for the summer and I wanted to spend those days with him, so he's not going to camp.  I used to workout first thing in the morning, but now, our mornings are lazy, and we're chilling out in pj's watching cartoons (him) and drinking coffee (me) well past 10:00 a.m.  And then I need to be fueled up for a strong workout, so I figure, we need to wait until after lunch to head to the gym.  But, after lunch finds us heading to swim class or running errands or just not feeling like breaking up the day with a workout, so I tell myself, "I'll go when my husband gets home." But, then it's time to make dinner and eat, and then get my son ready for bed and it gets late, so I say, "I'll just go tomorrow. . . . "  Sound familiar?? 

If you continue like that, you'll never make it to the gym, or you will, but your efforts will be sporadic and you won't get the results you want.  You must decide in advance when you will workout (whether it's at 5:30 a.m. to Insanity home videos like my friend Angela) or at lunch, or after work, or after the kids are in bed.  Then, you decide how to fit your day around your workout.  Yes, it requires planning.   Yes, some other things you might have to say no to.  But, once you get into your routine, it just becomes part of your day.  I did best to actually schedule my entire day on paper so I could visually see how my day would fit around my workout and meal plan since I ate five meals a day.  The RED indicates cardio and training sessions and the pencil circle marks indicate when I needed to eat.  I had to prep meals in advance and often eat in the car or at my son's swim lessons, etc. 

3.  Consider hiring a trainer or finding a workout partner.  A trainer isn't absolutely necessary, but if you need that person to keep you accountable to your workouts, it's worth it.  You could have a friend as your accountability partner, just make sure she is reliable and won't flake on you.  You need someone tough who will keep their appointments and also, not just chat with you during the workout.  You should be making the most of your time in the gym,  working those muscles, huffing and puffing, and sweating!  

If you aren't familiar with the machines, or a beginner when it comes to lifting weights, it is a good idea to use an experienced trainer so you don't get hurt.  I've had good and not-so-good trainers in the past, but John Sherman and Monica Isles were the best.  I saw the best results with John though, because I worked out more often with him and because I followed his meal plan.  Which leads me to the next point. 

4.  Working out consistently will cause you to eat better.  Working out will only get you so far in changing your physique.  You have to eat better too.  Something about having physically worked out so hard and sweating and hurting will make you say, "That piece of cake or pizza just isn't worth it."  You start to understand how eating those extra calories and fat will translate into that much more work to get it off and you don't want it!  That is why I kept finding myself saying, "The diet isn't that hard."  Or at least not as hard as I thought it would be.  You'll look forward to (and enjoy more) the "cheat" meals on the weekend.  You can go HERE to see my bikini contest meal plan. 

5.  Once you start, small changes will keep you motivated, just stick with it!  My trainer casually remarked to me when we first started working out together, "You're gonna like your body way before the competition."  I didn't give it too much thought at the time, but man was he right!  Although, it took a long time to get to "bikini contest" ready, I felt great in my skin long before that.  Your clothes will start fitting better, your face will change, you skin will be brighter, your energy will be higher, you will have more confidence and inner strength and that feels so good.  I started noticing changes in my body within just two weeks of working out and eating better, but the changes kept coming as long as I stuck with it.   In time, you WILL reach your goal.

If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments and I may use them in a future post.  Have a great weekend!

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TOSSING OUT THE TRASH

So many of us have a hard time accepting the great things about ourselves, the accomplishments achieved, the results gained, and instead zero in on what we think is negative.  I have to admit that I am guilty of this on occasion and I know my hubby would like to beat me over the lack of “mental game” head when I have a vocal slip. Why do we go right for that juggler of what we “think” is not a great attribute on our bodies, even if it is a work in progress? I for one am going to toss any negative stuff that may pop out of my mouth about myself into the mental trash can.  I do not allow negative talk in my studio, and I will not be a hypocrite behind closed doors.  So, next time I complain about how my butt is not as lifted, and go for a squeeze of disappointment on the cheeks, I will slap my own backside for that behavior.

The journey of this life is to be our BEST self at every age, and joining the  50+ club now means my bootie will not be as high and tight as my twenty something beautiful backside daughter (btw … got it from her Mama J), but I applaud that I am happy with my body overall.  Sometimes I think it feels difficult mentally to grow old and more like an inability to believe or accept that it is happening.  We go through the process of living each day not thinking about what is going on with our bodies with each passing day, month, or year.  The reality is that we are all growing older and the changes that go along with that are not an option.  I am not counting the options of medical science elective processes that are chosen to hide what is happening with our aging process and let’s face it, minor elective procedures stop working or look absolutely ridiculous as the years add up.  In my mind I still feel twenty-something, but the mirror reveals a truth that sometimes blows my mind and I am sure many can relate to what I am saying.

It is not that I am being a negative Nancy about me or my body, but I do miss my younger self sometimes. I believe that is an OK feeling to have as long as it does not interfere with accepting the beautiful person that I am right now.  The years have gone by in what seems like a blink of an eye and that is what is so unbelievable.  I look at my daughter and see myself years younger and WOW, if that is not a reality check.  That is when the meaning of life and how generations are ready to step up and into the position of where I am hits home. It truly is a beautiful thing and growing older is an honor and privilege, but for many it is scary to face or accept.   It really is OK to say that I am fifty years old and that I am happy with my fitness level and body appearance. Loving ourselves right where we are is what starts the positive mental game process of improving and progressing.

Trashing who we are, verbally attacking our bodies, and feeling crappy or guilty about it is not a healthy way to live.  It is important to achieve the best health and fitness at every age and that is what matters in addition to being happy through the process.  No one enjoys being around a negative Nancy or Ned, and that can stop with each of us by holding our tongues and immediately changing our thought process to something positive when those negatives try to knock at our door. In fact, it is important to take it out of our door and right into the trash.

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Be well and Stay Healthy

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Chocolate Mint Protein Milk Shake or Smoothie without Protein Powder (Dairy, Gluten and Refined Sugar Free)

We discovered the previous owner planted some mint in the yard.  We have since transplanted it along the fence line and it is going growing like crazy.  Mint will take over your garden so be sure not to plant it an area where you want control.

I have been using it in several recipes but this is one of our favourites.  The mint leaves aid in digestion but also contain vital antioxidants. I like the freshness of the  actual mint leaves but I imagine you can use an extract as well.  The pumpkin seeds add protein and zinc.  Zinc as I have mentioned before not only boosts your immune system but enhances your sense of taste.  I have learned that often "picky" eaters are low in zinc and that an increase will help bring our a desire for new tastes etc.  The raw cacao powder is high in iron and magnesium, making this smoothie not only tasty but healthy.

Ingredients (serves 3-4) 

• 2 cups non dairy milk (I used coconut)
• 1 cup frozen banana
• 1 handful fresh mint leaves or use mint extract
• 2-3 drops liquid stevia
• 1/4 cup raw cacao or cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
• handful dark chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1. Place all ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth.  If using the chocolate chips I prefer to add those near the end and only slightly chop so I get a few pieces of chocolate to chew ;)
2. Serve immediately.

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Your Power

via Hplrikz.com

I found this quote on Pinterest and it's gotten over 100 repins lately, so I know it's resonating with us.

 Maybe you needed to hear this today too- that YOU have the power to enjoy your life, to change your life, to change your body, to make a difference starting NOW. 

I hope you have an awesome Sunday! 

This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

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