100 Days of Workouts

I was not dedicated enough to hit 100 days. I made it to 74. Close but not finished.

Finding out I had a severe Vitamin D deficiency in March was not the highlight of the month. I was gaining weight even though I was working out hard and eating well. But still, gaining weight. Exhausted. Crabby. Tired. Snippy. Completely and hopelessly exhausted...

A few weeks now on the Vitamin D push and being able to get out in the sun has definitely helped, I've lost 7 pounds, but I am still exhausted. Bed at 8:30p on nights I can, still tired in the afternoon, naps on weekends, and I had basically stopped working out.

Monday I started again, and yesterday, and today. I will get back in the swing of it. And I will start logging my workouts again once I get a little more in my routine. I want to run a 10k this year. It will make my resolution list (possibly for September), and I want to run outside with my jogging stroller. I didn't run with it last year because I couldn't. This year I want no excuses!

Here's to getting healthy! It will go along perfectly with my happiness!

May 2014 Resolution

I'm a little late to the game this month. I've been meaning to get my resolution out there. My goal/resolution for May!? Expand the garden! This would normally go on the green blog, but since it's a resolution it will start here.

My garden has slowing expanded the past 3 years my husband and I have been married. I am proud of it. No chemicals have touched my dirt. I have been able to grow more variety and produce more veggies each year. I have been able to feed my family and make a large amount of baby food, salsa, spaghetti sauce, and casseroles with the organic produce that comes from my back yard. Love it. Makes me happy.

Our garden was about 30x30 feet. It will now be expanded to 60x30. I have started: eggplant, habanero and bell peppers, and melons. These little seedlings are tucked away in my bathroom, by the only window that gets light in a spot that I can leave them out to grow. In the garden, I have transplanted raspberries, and planted new blueberry bushes and rhubarb plant. I have raked and raked to get ready for planting.

Cole and I have shoveled and shoveled and shoveled, getting 3 large stumps out. We have 3 left to go. All by hand but will be worth the effort; guaranteed. Plus, Cole gets paid a little for helping (as long as there is no complaining!)

So there it is! I'll post pre-post pictures when I get everything planted. Seventeen days to go!

April 2014 Resolution Summary

Did it!! I get up 20 minutes earlier every morning. I'm still exhausted but it makes the morning routine much, much more smooth. It's the little things, right!?

April 2014 Resolution

Morning routine: my husband gets up at 6:00, I get up at 6:30, Cole and Logan around 6:45. And we rush to leave by 7:30.

I am the calendar. Reminding everyone what the plan is for the day, after school, and the evening. I get ready in about 15 minutes, and my hair is usually wet when I get to work. I get mine and Cole's stuff ready.

Jeremy is the multi-tasker. Getting Logan dressed, making lunch, and his own stuff ready.

Cole wanders through the house until we leave... Logan cries because he has to get his coat on, just wait until we add shoes to the morning routine!

My goal?? Work my way up to a 6:00 wake up time by May 1st. Ugh!

March 2014 Resolution Summary

March
1 - Car ride to and from Grand Rapids to watch Cole play basketball. Was the best I've ever seen him play. I told him at least 10 times that he did an awesome job. I will be telling him all week!
2 - TV watching and relaxing with Jer. Book reading with Logan. Uno with Cole (I lost)
3 - A night home with my boys, nothing else but relaxing and hanging out!
4 - snuggled on the couch with the sad/sick/crabby (?) baby. Hung out with Cole and Jeremy when they got home late after practice.
5 - Ash Wednesday, pizza night on the way home. Logan won't make it through mass that time of night.
6 - Uno with Cole (I won!)
7 -  Not much time with the baby and husband. Shopping with Cole, always fun with just the two of us.
8 - Drive to Detroit Lakes with Cole to watch him play basketball. No distractions, nice drive:) Dinner with the baby and husband ending with a relaxing night at home!
9 - 2 hour nap with the baby. Amazing bonding!
10 - Life board game with Cole (lost, terribly)
11 - Didn't get to see baby at night :( Time spent with Cole in the car between activities talking about school and whatnot, and a wee bit of Target shopping!
12 - Religion night. Hung out with Cole while he did homework. No phones on the way home, nice! Didn't get to see baby at night :(
13 - Logan and Mama night! Cole and Hubby stayed in town for basketball and I got to come home and play for a few hours with baby-roo. Watched funny videos f Logan when they got home.
14 - Movie night!
15-16 - Family in town, and basketball tournament. Love to cheer on my boy!
Lost track! Forgot to put down what we did. There were lots of books, family movies (Frozen and Hunger Games 2), card games and car rides to basketball games. A great month making a conscious effort to spend quality time instead of quick time with my boys!

100 Days of Workouts - Day 73 and 74, March 22-23, 2014

Day 73 Workout:
Busy day, no official workout. 1 1/2 hour nap was as close as I got!

Day 74 Workout:
45 minute jog/walk/run interval (3.5 miles)

My shins are sore today, sharp pains at the beginning of my run. Might have to switch to the elliptical machine this week. Going to hit it hard, still gaining weight... grrr

Will be starting a new fitness routine with a local personal trainer specifically for busy women. 20 minute workouts each day plus nutrition help. We'll see if I can start losing instead of gaining! Not sure if I'll continue to 100 Days, but I may start over and log 6 weeks of working out with this new program instead.

100 Days of Workouts - Day 72 - March 21, 2014

Day 72 Workout:
60 minutes elliptical (7.5 miles)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 71 - March 20, 2014

Day 71 Workout:
Jog/ran at home pre-dinner 40 minutes (3.5 miles)

100 Days of workouts - Day 69 and 70 - March 18-19 2014

No Workouts - at training for work and networking took over my free time. I wish our treadmill would fit in a different spot so I would be able to run on it when baby is sleeping.

100 Days of Workouts - Day 68 - March 17, 2014

Day 68 Workout:
45 minute jog (3.5+miles)
The treadmill turned off and I didn't get my exact mileage... opps!

100 Days of Workouts - Day 67 - March 16, 2014

Day 67 Workout:
200 crunches
25 pushups

Tracked food again, day 3 was much better!

100 Days of Workouts - Day 66 - March 15, 2014

Day 66 Workout:
20 minute jog/run (1.75 miles)


Started tracking food intake again as I think I take in way, way, way too many calories and too much sugar. www.thedailyplate.com More to come on that later.

100 Days of Workouts - Day 65 - March 14, 2014

Day 65 Workout
30 minute walk (2 miles)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 64 - March 13, 2014

Day 64 Workout:

20 minutes elliptical (2.5 miles)
Abs/Sides 25 lbs x 100 (each side)
20 minutes elliptical (2.5 miles)
Abs/Sides 25 lbs x 100 (each side)

 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 63 - March 12, 2014

Day 63 Workout:

Circuit x 4
1/4 mile run (5.0-6.0)
Bench 75 lbs x 8
Tri 15 lbs x 15
Other (chest) 35 lbs x 15

Total of 1 mile = 11 minutes

Circuit x 4
1/4 mile run (5.0-6.0)
Curls 15 lbs x 15
Abs/sides 15 lbs x 15
Shoulders 5 lbs x 30

Total of 1 mile = 11 minutes

100 Days of Workouts - Day 62 - March 11, 2014

Day 62 Workout:
30 minutes elliptical (4 miles)
20 minutes elliptical (2.5 miles)

w00t w00t!

100 Days of Workouts - Days 60-61 - March 9-10, 2014

No cardio, sadly. Have been having stomach issues the last couple days.

Day 60 Workout:
20 minute walk (1 mile)

Day 61 Workout:
30 pushups
100 crunches

100 Days of Workouts - Day 59 - March 8, 2014

Day 59 Workout:
Watched 3 basketball games, so I sat in the stand, on the edge of my seat! My heart rate went up and down enough to be considered a workout!

Massive-clean-up when I got home tonight, 30 minutes of picking up (squat-like and lunge-like).

Looking forward to a long 1 hour run/jog tomorrow!

100 Days of Workouts - Day 58 - March 7, 2014

Day 58 Workout:
40 minutes elliptical (5 miles)

then later......

31 minutes elliptical (4 miles)

Now to try to actually lose weight since I"m putting in all this time!! 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 57 - March 6, 2014

Day 57 Workout:

Circuit:
4 minute jog .6 miles
Bench 45 lbs x 15
Tricep ext. 15 lbs x 15
4 minutes elliptical .5 miles
Bench 45 lbs x 15
Tricep ext. 15 lbs x 15
3 minutes elliptical .5 miles
Bench 55 lbs x 10
Tricep ext. 15 lbs x 15
3.5 minutes elliptical .5 miles
Bench 55 lbs x 10
Tricep ext. 15 lbs x 15

3.5 minutes elliptical .5 miles
Lat pull downs 50 lbs x 15
3.5 minutes elliptical .5 miles
Lat pull downs 50 lbs x 15

Total of 3.1 miles
Quick workout for a total of 45 30 minutes
 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 56 - March 5, 2014

Day 56 Workout:
1 mile walk (20 minutes)

Lent

Every year is a struggle. What to 'give up' for lent, or something to do to make me closer to God, my faith, and my family. This year I have decided on two things that go hand-in-hand.

1) Stop interrupting. This is already something I've been trying to do at work. I interrupt, and talk over people. Not on purpose, it just happens.. It is frustrating for me because I am aware of it AS it is happening! I'm sure its even more frustrating to the people I interrupt.

2) Stop giving my opinion where it is not requested. I am Type-A, no doubt about it. It was a personality type that developed over time and not something I was born with. I tend to make comments, and interrupt my family, co-workers, and probably my friends with my own opinions. Sometimes they fit in the conversation, sometimes my comments don't fit at all, and sometimes I'm guessing they come across as rude. It's not on purpose, just something that, over time, has developed.

I am going to be more aware when others are talking, see where they need me in the conversation. I can be a listener or an active listener.

I need to be to others what they need to me to be, and I need to stop and listen.



 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 55 - March 4, 2014

Day 55 Workout:
47 minutes elliptical (6 miles)

Whew!!

100 Days of Workouts - Day 54 - March 3, 2013

Day 54 Workout:
Bench 65 lbs 15 x 2 reps - 12 x 1 rep
Tricep Extension 15 lbs 15 x 3 reps
Kettlebell sides 20 lbs x 75 each side

45 minutes elliptical (5.75 miles)

Woohoo!

March 2014 Resolution

Time for a family month. Quality time is always wanted and needed but not always attainable every day. We are so busy with Cole's activities, my volunteering, Jeremy's work, and Logan being a busy toddler! 

March's resolution is one quality moment with my family, every day. The moment can be a compliment to my boys, an extra hug, better listening, lunch date with the hubby, or a movie night, card game or book reading time.

Jeremy, Cole and Logan are my VIP'S, I need to make sure they know it, every day.  I'm going to keep track and post at the end of the month what I remember best about each day. It will give me something great to look back on at the end of this resolution. (and I still get chocolate!!)

Jeremy, Baby Logan, and Cole-man

February 2014 Resolution - Summary

I decided to still eat bread for the month, just limited. Some store breads have the processed sugars in them so I went mostly with the homemade breads from the grocery store and bakery's.

Starting on February 2nd
Day:
1 - Sweets eaten  = grapes; cravings = everything sweet but grapes
I have always heard when you're craving chocolate your body is actually craving nuts. Whoever said that was lying. It didn't help that I had my period started the first day...
2 - I forget that sugars are in everything, opps! I had sweetened coffee creamer with my breakfast!
3 - Eating out is definitely harder but there are a couple local diners with homemade food. Splurged with a homemade pumpkin bar at lunch with soup!
4 - Bakery donut today because it was Cole's 13th birthday. His choice for dinner, pizza buffet... I had a large salad with minimal dressing before I plated anything else. Very hard!
5 - Regular non-sweet day with the exception of pizza at my mom's for dinner and a small piece of cake for Cole's birthday.
6 - Dinner at the in-law's, would have been fine, but I did have a small piece of cake for Cole's last birthday celebration! Not feeling guilty as I will be back to no processed sugar starting tomorrow through the remainder of the month.
7 - 14 - Bought Girl Scout cookies, had a couple but not as many as I would have...
I also found out there was sugar added to fruit in the trail mix I had been buying... ugh.  Why does sugar needed to be added to dried fruit!? Back to protein and fruit/veggie snacks instead of prepackaged.
15 -17 - Sucky. 
18 - Better- nuts and fruit combo. Fruit is still sweetened...
19 - 28 - Crappy

This was so much harder than I thought. I didn't do well with this month's resolution but have a continued need to cut out more sugar and processed foods. We don't eat 'out' much but this month I really ate homemade food more often which helped the wallet and the waistline.

I did lost 3 pounds but not sure that had anything to do with changing the diet...

100 Days of Workouts - Day 53 - March 2, 2014

Day 53 Workout:
Interval running - 30 minutes on treadmill
2.5 miles
4.0- 6.0

So tired at the beginning of the run, wanted to keep running at the end, what the heck!?

100 Days of Workouts - Day 52 - March 1, 2014

Day 52 Workout:
22 minute run/jog (1.75 mile)

Jog/ran the whole thing, no time for interval running.

My motto for Day 52:
Why do today, what you can put off to tomorrow!

Haha!

100 Days of Workouts - Day 51 - February 28, 2014

I've had a very high stress week with lots of chaos at work, crazy-busy at home, new changes, and uncertainty in future changes, along with forward thinking about future choices. I should have released stress by running today but at home with the baby tonight so I got a mat workout in instead.

I will be interval running tomorrow morning before we sit in the car, and then in a gym all afternoon for Cole's basketball tournament.

Day 51 Workout:
10 minute walk on a quick break from work(.35 miles)

Laying on side:
leg lifts 100 (left)
leg lifts 100 (right)
crunches 200

'Bench pressing' the baby (30 lbs) x 50

100 Days of Workouts - Day 50 - February 27, 2014

HALF-WAY DONE!!!

I've made it half way and have to pick up speed and weight. My goal for the last 50 is higher intensity. With 0 lbs lost I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. My weekends and days home will get a tough workout added to my schedule instead of a half-assed one.

Let's do it!!

Day 50 Workout:

Circuit 1 (4 reps):
1/4 mile run (5.0-6.0)
Bench 65 lbs x 12
Tricep extensions 15 lbs x 15
No-name weight lift 35 lbs x 15

Circuit 2 (4 reps):
1/4 mile run (5.0-6.0)
Shoulder rotation 5 lbs x 30
Curls 5 lbs x 15
Triceps 5 lbs x 15
Ab twists (feet to over the head) 15 lbs x 15 each side

Total of 2 miles = 22 minutes

100 Days of Workouts - Day 49 - February 26, 2014

Day 45 Workout:
1 mile walk (20 minutes)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 48 - February 25, 2014

Day 48 Workout
2 mile run 22:30
Light shoulder workout 5 lbs

Also, working out and sweating, then going out to the -10 degree weather to pump gas is not ideal...

#loganreads

 

Reading cuteness, and baby silliness.
The videos will be re-uploaded soon, I don't know why they are acting finicky...

100 Days of Workouts - Day 47 - February 24, 2014

Over the past month and a half I have done most of my cardio on the elliptical machine. The machine I have at work is decent, but not the best. I haven't lost any weight but feel like I have gotten smaller. I've plateaued in a way, but not really because I think you have to lose weight to plateau... Oh well!

I started making up my own circuit training, usually following:
1) run 1/4 mile
2) easy weight lift
3) hard weight lift
4) medium weight lift

This routine has helped me keep my breathing right and allowed me to get really good workouts in. I've even been sore! Which isn't always bad. I'm not overdoing it, just pushing myself a little harder.

Day 47 Workout:

4 reps:
1/2 mile run (5.0-6.0)
Bench 65 lbs x 12
Triceps extension 15 lbs x 12
Unknown lift with 35 lb weight x 12
 (bend over, pull circle weight to chest)

2 reps:
1/2 mile run (5.0-5.5)
Curls 10 lbs x 20
Shoulders 5 lbs x 20
Kettlebells side/abs 20 lbs x 20

Running total: 3 miles in just under 29 minutes. Not the fastest but I was sweating when I was finished!
 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 45 and 46 - February 22 and 23, 2014

Was overly tired this weekend so I did not push it. My workouts were housework and playing with the baby.

Starting full swing with 'real' workouts tomorrow!

100 Days of Workouts - Day 44 - February 21, 2014

Day 44 Workout:
20 minute walk (1 mile)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 43 - February 20, 2014

Day 43 Workout:
21 minutes elliptical (4 miles)
1/4 mile jog
Bench 65 lbs x 15

Ended quickly to get back into the office. Better workout tomorrow/Friday!

100 Days of Workouts - Day 42 - February 19, 2014

Day 42 Workout:
30 minutes elliptical (4 miles)

Kettlebell sides/abs 20 lbs x 100 each side

100 Days of Workouts - Day 41 - February 18, 2014

I'm loving the cycles/rotating/circuit workouts I've done the past 2 days. I feel like I'm working harder and still getting weights into the mix!

4 reps:
1/4 mile run (5.0-6.0)
Lat pull downs 50 lbs x 15
Leg extensions 35 lbs x 15
Curls 15 lbs x 15
Kettlebells sides/abs 20 lbs x 25

4 reps:
1/4 mile run (5.5-6.5)
Back extensions x 25
Toe raises x 10

Shoulders/Triceps: Pilates-type workout with 2.5 lb weights non-stop for 5 minutes

Total of a 2 mile run in 21:30. Woot woot!!
 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 40 - February 17, 2014

Weekends are by far my laziest workout days of the week. Not sure why, I have the most time to get great workouts in... Today was a work holiday but I came in to work anyway. Worked all day then got a great almost-1 hour workout in and my body feels tired, but amazing!

Day 40 Workout:

4 reps:
1/4 miles run (5.0-6.0)
Bench 65 lbs x 15
Back workout 35 lbs x 15
(I have no idea what its called but I use the weight, bend over and pull it to my chest)
Dumbbell extension 15 lbs x 15

4 reps:
1/4 mile run (5.0-6.0)
Tricep push downs 30 lbs x 10
Cleans 65 lbs x 8
(super hard, need to do this more often)
Kettlebell sides/abs 20 lbs x 50 each side

For a total of a 2 mile run at just over 20 minutes. Not too bad at all!

100 Days of Workouts - Day 39 - February 16, 2014

Day 39 Workout:
Cleaned the house, made dinner(s) and lunches for the week. Danced with the 30 lb baby (yesterday too).

No 'official' workout today.

And I don't feel bad ;)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 38 - February 15, 2014

Day 38 Workout:
1 mile walk (20 minutes)

 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 37 - February 14, 2014

Day 37 Workout:
1 miles walk (20 minutes)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 36 - February 13, 2014

Day 36 Workout:
30 minutes elliptical (4 miles)
*worked my butt off!

4 reps:
Bench 65 lbs x 12
Triceps pull downs 20 lbs x 15
Kettle bell 20 lbs x 50

Added at the end:
Side bends with 20 lb kettle bell x 100 each side
 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 35 - February 12, 2014

Day 35 Workout:
Elliptical 32 minutes (3.65 miles)

4 reps (rotating)
Lat pull downs 50 lbs x 12
Row 50 lbs x 12
Leg extensions 50 lbs x 15
Upright row 20 lbs x 10

Saying Yes to the right things, and No to the wrong things.

I over-volunteer. Everyone knows all they have to do is ask and I say 'yes'.

Whether it be for work, parent association, school council, fundraisers, helping friends with their kids, running an errand for someone, or any other personal issue someone needs help with, I am there. I don't say 'no'. It can sometimes be a fault of mine as I do spread myself too thin. During a busy time, my brain can go for weeks without shutting off at night, all night.

I sometimes say yes to the wrong things, and no the right things. I tend to not volunteer for the things that I know would be easy, and try to help fix events that are either a problem someone has created, or are impossible to be fixed.

Tonight I re-volunteered myself for a school function that I helped with 2 years ago. Last year I was enjoying being a 'new' mom again and cut back my volunteering for the school year. Then it started full swing again in August of last year for this 13-14 school year.  I am already done with the required volunteers hours I need to fufill at the school so why would I volunteer to do more?! It was brought up that help was needed with the fundraiser again and I volunteered to help, as much as I could. I'll squeeze it in, and I'm so excited!

It's been a long time since I've felt this excited to help, so maybe I haven't been volunteering for the right things. After helping run a large fundraiser in the fall I have become disenchanted with the idea of volunteering because of the people with bad attitudes and excuses, those with personal agendas, and the parents who have forgotten what our purpose is at our children's school. I just can't deal with people and my views are changing ever so slightly. Why am I excited to help with one event while losing complete motivation in another? I know they are equally important but the volunteers 'in charge' are taking the fun and excitement out of it. The people who are 'running' the events have forgotten our purpose It is hard to give up my time only to feel like I'm working on group goal alone. There is gossiping, name calling, disrespectful things being said about school staff, and other parents; just plain rudeness. This sense of entitlement and false importance is going to ruin things that good people want to help with.

What to do, what to do. I have said yes to helping with a couple great people the past few months, and unfortunately said yes to helping with some selfish, self-important, just-plain-mean, immature people. I think it's time to remember who I am volunteering for and who I am not.

Time to say yes to the right things and no to the wrong.

100 Days of Workouts - Day 34 - February 11, 2014

Hitting it with more intensity this week to see if I can lose 3 pounds...

Day 34 Workout:
15 minute run (1.5 mile)
15 minute elliptical (2 miles)

Curls 15 lbs x 15 (4 reps)
Dumbbell bench 15 lbs x 15 (4 reps)

I found this blog to help with my upper body workouts. It has little demos which are super easy to follow.
http://www.dumbbell-exercises.com/top-10/#1

100 Days of Workouts - Day 33 - February 10, 2014

I am 1/3 of the way through my 

100 Days of Workouts!

30 minutes elliptical (4 miles) 

Bench 65 lbs (12, 12, 10, 8 reps)

75 crunches

100 Days of Workouts - Day 32 - February 9, 2014

My go-to quick workout for days I'm tired and/or busy has been a 1 mile walk. Better than nothing I suppoe?!

Day 32 Workout:
20 minute walk (1 mile)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 31 -February 8, 2014

Day 31 Workout:
20 minute walk (1 mile)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 30 - February 7, 2014

Day 30 Workout:
1 mile walk (20 minutes)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 29, February 6, 2014

Day 29 Workout:
20 minutes elliptical (2.25 miles)


Rotation: 4 reps x 12 each
Bench 60 lbs
Lateral pull down 50 lbs
Dumb ext x 15 lbs
Leg extension x 50 lbs
Row 50 lbs
Curls 20 lbs (x 5)
Light arm rotation 5 lbs (x 30)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 28 - February 5, 2014

Day 28 Workout:
30 minutes elliptical (3.5 miles)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 27 - February 4, 2014

Day 27 Workout:
17 minutes run/jog (1.5 miles)
Bench 65 lbs x 12 (4 reps)
 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 26 - February 3, 2014

Day 26 Workout:

17 minutes treadmill run/jog (1.5 miles)

15 minutes elliptical (1.5 miles)

 

4 reps each:

Bench 60 lbs x 12

Dumbbell kick back 15 lbs x 10

Dumbbell extension 15 lbs x 12

Curls 15 lbs x 10

 

100 crunches

100 Days pf Workouts -Day 25 - February 2, 2014

Super Bowl Sunday!

Day 25 Workout:
20 minute walk (1 mile)

100 leg lefts

100 Days of Workouts - Day 24 - February 1, 2014

Day 23 Workout:

1 hour of basketball with Cole
30 minutes elliptical

15 minute walk @ 3.0

February 2014 Resolution

January is done, on to February!!

This month might be busier than last so I thought about doing an easier resolution. I decided to do another health/fitness goal. My goal is actually starts February 3rd. I'm taking the weekend off because we have my son's birthday party and Super Bowl party together. Rather than be disappointed right out of the gate, I'll wait until the party is over.

I have been working out for the whole month, every day, something. I have not lost any actual poundage. Frustrating to say the least. But when I truly think about it I do know why I'm not.  My love of sweets has been an issue for me the past few years. Except when I had gestational diabetes, I am almost always in close proximity to sweets.

My normal treats, carbs and crap can range from these:

 

Ice cream with toppings, probably 2 servings worth each time

Swedish fish, sour patch kids, etc.

Candy bars

Skinny Cow brand chocolate treats

(fyi, they don't make you skinny!)

Homemade goodies

Donuts

Pasta

Sandwich bread and toast

Crackers

Chips

Croissants

Biscuits

Sweetened cereal

What is my goal then? All in all to try to rid myself of the crappy food I consume that is not fast food but kept around the house and work. Stuff that I make and buy that is just not good in large quantities, like every day. I was going to try to switch to a Paleo diet but I think I'll put that off until July or August, when my garden is in full bloom and I have fresh veggies; might make for an easier transition if I have these things readily available.

I'm going to try to get through the month of February without processed sugars or sweets. What I am I going to rationalize eating? Not sure yet. I'm toying with only homemade, Paleo or gluten-free treats. Really, any baked goods in my house end up eaten by yours truly so by starting to just not have stuff in the house will be the first step. I'll have to figure out this one as I go through the month. It will be a tough 28, I mean, 26 days!!

100 Days of Workouts - Day 23 - January 31, 2014

Day 23 Workout:
20 minute walk (1 mile)

Counting Stars - Cole M.

Cole sang Counting Stars today at his school's talent show. He has such a great voice. I wish the audio was better, or closer to him. About 1:20 is where his voice really can be heatd. You can hear the  original song being played overhead, it gets quieter after the initial verse. Then you can hear him a little more clearly. He blends in so well because he sounds so similar to the lead singer of OneRepublic.

Of course this video comes with the disclaimer: All rights reserved go to OneRepublic.

100 Days of Workouts - Day 22 - January 30, 2014

Day 22 Workout:
Elliptical 12 minutes (1 mile)

4 reps
Leg ext 50 lbs x 12
Lat pull 50 lbs x 15
Row 50 lbs x 15

January 2014 Resolution update

I almost made it. There were a couple extenuating circumstances in our busy day-to-day life that made me stray from my January goal. I'm pretty excited though, three times is better than ten! There were a few days I had to eat out for lunch and opted for soup or breakfast food to keep the grease down.

'Fast Food' for January 2014

January 15th - Hardees Frisco Burger
January 23rd - Burger King chicken sandwich and fries
January 28th - McDonald's egg McMuffin and had brown
January 29th - Subway 6 inch  (not sure if I would normally count this as fast food, it really goes either way I think...)

Now, I realized a couple important things on the days I didn't stick to my goal. 1) There are healthier options to what I chose to eat. 2) I get a stomach ache from fast food. 3) I really didn't have a 'good' excuse to eating out instead of whipping something up quick. My husband ate out like normal for lunch, but I don't think he even realized I was giving up fast food for the month! Usually, if I don't eat with him, I have him pick me up something for work.

Things I'll do the same: I bought one frozen organic meal to have at work but didn't have to touch it. I have tuna packets and nuts at work, and brought fruit almost every day. Yogurt and cheese were usually in my lunch box. I also kept a sweet treat at work for if I was craving sweets but usually the fruit sustained me. 

Things for me to remember: I'm terrible at going to the first floor and using the microwave. Most days I need to plan to bring something I can eat at my desk without leaving the room.

What I will continue to use as my go-to lunch foods:
Sandwich (I add Mrs. Dash seasoning to the mayo to change it up a bit)
Oranges, apples, bananas
String cheese, sliced cheese, pepperoni, and jerky
Snack size chocolates, little fruit snack packs
Yogurt, cottage cheese
Leftovers (sparingly)

What I will start trying to substitute in:
Low-sodium or homemade soups (I hate cans, so not sure what brands I'll use)
Veggies: peppers, carrots
Berries, grapes, and other snack-type fruit

100 Days of Workouts - Day 21 - January 29, 2014

Day 21 Workout:
30 minutes elliptical (3.5 miles)

Cycle Workout - 4 reps
Shoulders (2.5 lbs) x 15
Shoulders (2.5 lbs) x 15
Curls (15 lbs) x 15
Bench (55 lbs) x 15

Crunches x 100
Leg Lifs x 50

100 Days of Workouts - Day 20 - January 28, 2014

My feet fell asleep at minute 12 in my first elliptical run so I mixed it up and took a break for 10 minutes then got back on. Seemed to work!

Day 20 Workout:

33 minutes elliptical (4 miles)

Abs - crunches and leg raises x50 each

5 lb arm weights rotating between biceps, triceps and shoulders

18 minutes elliptical (2 miles)

 

 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 19 - January 27, 2014

Missed posting this yesterday, opps!

Day 19 Workout:
6 minute jog/run (1/2 mile)
*note to self, 2 sports bras are still required to run...

21 minutes elliptical (2.5 miles)

 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 18 - January 26, 2014

Breaking in the new shoes!

Day 18 Workout:
47 minute walk - 2.75 miles

100 Days of Workouts - Day 17 - January 25, 2014



Today's workout brought to you by Pinterest. I ran out of time today because I took a nap with the baby instead of getting my butt on the treadmill. Tonight I decided to do the 3 Step Butt 'workout' I found on Pinterest last week. It is better than nothing, but barely. I changed it to 2 reps of 50 each to get a little more bang for my buck.

 

Day 17 Workout:

100 donkey kicks (each side)

100 backward leg extensions (each side)

100 squats

(2 reps of 50 = 100)

 

 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 16 - January 24, 2014

Busy day =

Day 16 Workout:
20 minute walk (1 mile)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 15 - January 23, 2014

I divided my workout in two tonight after I found out Cole has basketball practice from 5-7pm instead of a game at 5:30. This means I got in a second workout! A fun rotation that I put together because I had the weight room to myself. The jump rope just about killed me. I am not as coordinated as I was when I was younger!!

Here is a great article about women lifting weights!

http://weightdownweightloss.wordpress.com/2013/09/10/8-reasons-women-should-lift-heavier-weights/

Day 15 Workout:

20 minutes elliptical (2.5 miles)
150 crunches

4 rotations:

Bench 50 lbs x 12

Walk 1 minute @4mph

Jump rope x100

Kettlebells 20 lbs x 

15 both arms

 5 each arm

100 Days of Workouts - Day 14 - January 22, 2014

Half way through the busy week!

I was going to do a weight lifting day today as my calves are a little sore from the elliptical machine yesterday. I decided to do both instead.

My issue: the ellitiptical machine at work is not my friend. The balls of my feet and toes tend to fall asleep or go numb-like when I use it for more than 20 minutes. It doesn't seem to matter what kind of shoes I wear and it happens every time I get in a longer workout.

I looked online a little bit and found it is a common problem. I tried to take my feet off the pedals more often and moved my feet back a bit. I lean forward anyway while working out just because it seems to be worse if I stand up and use the arms bars. Hopefully I get to the point where it doesn't happen any more. Maybe I'll just have to take breaks at the 20 minute mark and do my lifting or ab workouts for 10 minutes. It will be a work in progress I guess!

Day 14 Workout

36 minutes elliptical (4miles)

lat pull down 50 lbs x 12 - 4 reps

triceps 5 lbs 30 rotating lifts - 4 reps

dumbbell ext 25 lbs x 12 - 4 reps
back ext x 15

dumbbell side bend 25 lbs x 100 each side

And on another note, a co-worker commented today that I look like I've lost weight!

I haven't lost any 'weight' but must be looking smaller. Go, me!!

100 Days of Workouts - Day 13 - January 21, 2014

Afternoon workout today. I weighed myself. Not so good. I had to remind myself that weight loss isn't instant. I feel like I'm 'getting smaller' in respect to how my clothing fits. However, it is extremely discouraging when the scale goes up after 13 days... I'll give myself another week to weigh in and see how it looks. 

It's just me and the baby home tonight so I wanted to get a good cardio workout in, I'll do some mat work tonight. I feel like some crunches and yoga are necessary for my body and the baby loves to help with my mat workouts!

Day 13 Workout:

55 minutes elliptical (6.25 miles)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 12 - January 20, 2014

Ah, Monday, here we are again. You would think with two semi-reclusive adults, one 12-year-old, and one 1-year-old that our schedule wouldn't be that busy... think again! Tuesday evening is our only night free to be home as a family. I'm getting together with a friend tonight, the boys are at the in-laws visiting today since there is no work/school, Cole and I have religion on Wednesday, basketball game on Thursday, early daycare pickup and my work Christmas party on Friday, and possibly something on Saturday evening... but we'll see about that.

Worked out on my 'lunch break' again today. I wasn't super pumped about working out but made myself go an extra 15 minutes to make an even 45 to leave me time to blog and change out of my stinky clothes!

Day 12 Workout:

45 minutes elliptical (5.5 miles)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 11 - January 19, 2014

Today was a walking day. I plan on hitting the elliptical machine hard this week at work.

We started watching Season 1 of Mad Men yesterday. I watched 2 episodes while walking. I think I like it! I'll have to think about bringing my tablet to work to watch it while I workout at work.

Day 11 Workout:

1 hour 30 minute (5.25 miles)

I put the treadmill on a 5 incline 50 minutes,
and 3 incline 30 minutes.
Ending with no incline.

Weights:

100crunches

100 Days of Workouts - Day 10 - January 18, 2014

 I'm skipping my workout today. Too much time on my feet, even doing a plank hurts at the moment. 100 days will turn into 101 to make up for my day off.  I bought a new pair of work shoes tonight so I will have those and my pad/mat. I'll have to make sure to sit throughout the day so I can continue to run or elliptical during the week.

Day 10 Workout:

Resting my feet!

100 Days of Workouts - Day 9 - January 17, 2014

Wheeee! It's Friday. I'm tired. I was hoping to get a great cardio day in today but my left foot had other plans. I think all of the standing and starting this 100 days of workouts has taken a toll on my feet. I need new shoes for work and working out ASAP! It is on my to-do list, I just haven't had the time to order. That will be done tonight!

Day 9 Workout:
20 minutes elliptical (2 miles)

25-30 minutes weight lifting:
leg extensions 25lbs x 20 - 4 reps
upright rows 20lbs x 12 - 4 reps
back extension x 50 - 3 reps
lat pull down 50lbs x 12 - 4 reps

 

used for back extensions

used for my lat pull downs 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 8 - January 16, 2014

The day isn't going exactly as planned: home with sick baby, didn't bring work laptop home (is being dropped off shortly), and Cole's basketball game is cancelled for tonight because the opposing team cancelled school today. Home all day, and will be home all night!

I was thinking about trying to get in a workout video today with the baby but he is stuffy, snotty, and not in the mood to work out with mama. The boys got home tonight and we had Papa Murphy's pizza. Its not really in my 'diet plan' this month, but isn't fast food and I ate light. We had Cole's science fair project to finish up and other homework. At 9:30 I got in a quick mat workout, and that's it!

Day 8 Workout:

Modified mat workout

30 minutes

(push ups, yoga, crunches, plank)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 7 - January 15, 2014

Day 7 Workout:

Elliptical 40 minutes

100 Days of Workouts - Day 6 - January 14, 2014

After Thanksgiving last year my husband came into my office (he's one of the county's tech guru's and in my building often) and summoned to me to another office in my building. In this office they had just installed a standing desk. I don't wish for other people's things often, but I had wanted one for years!!!

I have a desk job, I have sat literally from 8-4:30, only leaving my chair to go to the bathroom or the mail room. I have read about this type of work lifestyle and how extremely unhealthy it is. We are not made to sit all day, every day. My tail bone still aches from the thought of sitting all day. I would get home and stand by the island and do busy work just so I wouldn't have to sit. Didn't watch TV at night, and even watching a movie with the family was not as enjoyable because I just couldn't make myself sit.



I went back to my office and asked my boss if I could order one, his immediate response "yes, whatever makes you happy". I have an awesome boss, truly. So, I got to ordering! The hardware was not cheap. But, as they say, "A happy wife is a happy life". I have 11 work-husbands and believe me, they want a happy work-wife!

I had to wait until last Tuesday (the 7th) to get my desk installed and have not been happier! It is by far my favorite piece of office equipment, even above my 2 computer screens. It has only been a week but I can feel in my core/abs and my legs that my blood flow is better. I can tell in the way I think more clearly and how I feel at the end of the day that standing vs. sitting is better for my whole body. I have the ability to lower my desk and sit if needed. I got a padded mat to stand on today and I will also order new shoes for work only. I'll have some adjusting to do too so I don't hurt my wrists while standing and typing. Even if I only stand for half of the day, it is better than sitting for all of it!




 

 

Day 6 Workout:

  40 minutes elliptical (4 miles)

100 crunches

Light upper body weights and cleans

 

I stopped at 40:21 but almost stopped at 7:19 because I wasn't feeling it this afternoon. I feel so much better knowing I made it to my goal of 4 miles or 45 minutes, whichever came the quickest!

100 Days of Workouts - Day 5 - January 13, 2014

Normally, I work out in our small weight room at work. It has decent equipment but lacks in the cardio area. We have one elliptical that squeaks sometimes and an older treadmill. They do their job, but definitely no longer top of the line equipment. With only have one treadmill and one elliptical it also causes issues for many people using the equipment. Trying to remember when people use the equipment is a challenge.

I do like lifting weights in the morning when it is quiet but won't do cardio, I get too sweaty. I go at a slower pace when lifting so it is fine for me to workout then transition to work for the day after I change (and reapply deodorant, perfume, and mascara!)

I do have to take my 'lunch break' for my workout, but I am lucky in the fact that I can eat lunch at my desk. Today my break was at 3:15pm, so I can cool off a little bit while I type this (the rest of my break) and then work for another 30 minutes before leaving for the day!

Almost time to go home!!

Day 5 Workout:

45 minutes elliptical (5.15 miles)

100 Days of Workouts - Day 4 - January 12, 2014

Trying to fit in workouts on winter weekends is much harder than in the summer. I can't go on a family walk/jog/bike. I hate pulling myself away when we are only together, as a foursome, for a few short hours each week. Normally when the boys are doing nap time and/or screen time is when I cook, clean, and prep for the week. I'll have to pull myself away from chores to get my butt going!

 

Day 4 Workout:

12 minute walk - .6 miles
5 incline with 2.5 lb ankle weights

(The baby woke up from nap so workout was ended)

71 minute walk - 4 miles
5 incline with 2.5 lb ankle weights for 15 minutes
5 incline for total of 50 minutes
No incline for remainder
(During baby nap #2, while the Cole was watching football) 

 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 3 - January 11, 2014

I currently use two different pairs of running shoes; one at home, one at work. My pair at work are my older pair and my pair at home are my newer pair. We bought a treadmill and I will only wear clean shoes. The pair at work still have a little life in them but more for walking, they gave me a blister the last time I ran and I'm pretty sure they would if I tried to use the elliptical with them on.

What I really need is a new pair of running shoes. (I probably need two but one will do for now.) I don't feel like going in to try on new pairs so I'm going to order the exact pair I have right now which are these Nike Pegasus 28 running shoes. I love them but they are at least 2 years old and have many miles on them. My old shoes will become my work shoes which is where I normally use the elliptical machine and have low impact. The new ones my at home shoes, where I normally run on the treadmill or do high impact workouts (P90X).

Day 3 Workout:
50 squats

100 crunches
Curls 4 reps of 20 (10lb weight) 

 



Love my shoes!

 

100 Days of Workouts - Day 2 - January 10, 2014

Day 2 of 100

I feel like some days I don't have the time I need to devote to working out. Mostly when I'm at home, I don't want to leave my little family to go to the basement and use the treadmill or throw in a workout video. I need to get over that. I am a better mother and wife if I am active and healthy!! I also spend about 90% of my waking hours at home cleaning up after my little family, so these workouts will give me a break!

Depending on the day, I can run between a 9-12 minute mile. I always have an extra 9-12 minutes a day, even if it is at 10:00pm. There again, no excuses!!

Day 2 Workout:

36 minutes (4.5 miles)

 

I really felt like finishing after 20 minutes but stuck with it until 4:30 when I had to leave to pick up the baby. I made the most of my time available!

 

 



100 Days of Workouts - Day 1 - January 9, 2014

It seems I have more and more self goals this year. The past 24 hours or so I have read a little about people participating in 100 Day Challenges. I have decided I'm going to jump on board and log it on my blog to keep myself honest! The days I am tired may be short and sweet, only workout/activity details. I'm hoping to get more excited as the days go, but man does 100 days seem long!! This will put me into May! Mostly this will be an online journal.

 

Shannon's 100 Day Fitness Goal = Physical Activity Daily for 100 Days

 

I don't have a specific weight loss goal, I'm not training for anything in the next 100 days. I'm looking at cardio, weights, casual walks with my family, squats, etc. Anything that I can fit in a day that I normally wouldn't have time to do. Make the effort. I just want to be held responsible for what I'm doing to improve my health. I have been enrolled in gyms, participated in classes, joined online groups, and have access to equipment at home and at work. I have no excuses anymore to be overweight.

 

My weight history that has brought me to this point in my overweightness:

Pre baby #1 = 125 lbs

Post baby #1 = 200 lbs

Lowest post baby #1 = 160 lbs

Wedding day = 170 lbs

Pre baby #2 = 190 lbs

Post baby #2 = 120 lbs

Lowest post baby #2 = 190 lbs

Currently = 200 lbs

(ugh and blah! yuck!) 

 

Day 1 Workout:

20 minutes elliptical (2.5 miles)

Abs and arms workout (10 minutes)

15 minutes elliptical (2 miles)

 

I felt great afterwards and wish I had done more, but it was all time allowed for today.

 

(I took photos of myself in the weight room mirror but they aren't uploading correctly. Will do a before/after post later I guess!!)

January 2014 Resolution

JANUARY 2014 - Resolution for Month 1

No fast food.

I try to eat healthy. I try to eat whole foods. I try to make food at home. Some weeks, some months I fail. I'm sick of it. Fast food is expensive, makes me feel icky, and really isn't 'food'. I've read countless articles on fast food and even got my son to give up chicken nuggets so why do I still eat it?!

For the month of January, no fast food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There will be no exceptions. I will have no excuses. In the amount of time I can go through a drive-through I can instead go to the local grocery co-op (2 block from my office) and get the ingredients to throw together a sandwich or salad, or both! I plan on saving money and calories. Two goals for the price of one!! Plus, I drive past a grocery store on my way to and from work, there is no reason I can't stop instead of planning to eat out the next day.

In preparation, yesterday we were home all day, so I made a chicken. I plan on making it into Chicken Wild Rice soup. (I'll post my recipe this weekend, it is amazing.) This Saturday will be dedicated to make-and-freeze meals in which I'll make, freeze and pre-portion spaghetti sauce, soup, chili, and dessert/snacks for lunch. I'm hoping to get the hubby on board too, as he is usually my fast food partner. We'll see how that goes!

Wish me luck!!

2014

Happy New Year!
2014 is going to be awesome for many, many reasons, I can just feel it!

Normally, I'm like most other people at the beginning of the year. I have an idea of what I want to do, change, start, or quit doing for the entire year. I've tried drastic and simple resolutions over the years. I am going to try something new this year, something I haven't tried yet.

Each month, a new resolution. One month of change instead of a year of wishing I had stuck with my resolutions. Each month, something to better myself (weight loss/fitness), my kids (quality time/play times), my family (less screen time/quality time), my environment (awareness), possibly even my community (volunteering), and my house/yard (organization). Each month, my resolution will be modified to fit that goal.

I'm SO excited! Twleve resolutions! Twelve months to do something good for myself.

January is going to be simple as we'll be busy-busy. January is one of my busiest months at work. Christmas decorations need to be packed away. Cole has many basketball games. Logan is transitioning to a toddler. We have family to visit with. My office Christmas party to attend. And hopefully a date night with the hubby. Our weeks and weekends are already filling up too fast (a goal for another month, to lessen to busy). Somewhat related, my fitness goal for the year is to become more active, and lose poundage. This goal isn't included with this project just because I need to make a lifestyle change, not just a monthly change in regards to weight loss.

I'm so excited to get this going!