Weight in Wednesday week '4'

Well it's been a few weeks folks, and well to be honest I was going through some personal stuff and I couldn't really fake it on my posts. So I chose not to post. And I have never been good at keeping up a blog. So bare with me. Anyway, I'm doing a lot better and pushing through---especially my plateau!!

So a few weeks ago I had a weight loss goal of 20lbs. After a few weeks of going up and down on the scale I thought okay let's not focus on the weight loss, but then that was like giving myself permission to go a little crazy with my eating. I've kept up with my workouts. 6 days a week baby?! 

By going crazy with my eating I mean not stopping at a bowl of ice cream.  I'd eat the bowl then some chips then some candy, then the cycle went on. I only did it in days I have crazy long runs. So it wasn't allll bad, but it definitely sabotaged all the hard work I did during the week. 

So I changed my mindset again and pumped myself up to fight through my mental and physical plateau. I have to constantly remind myself of this--no giving up allowed!!

On Monday (April 27, 2014) I started the 21 day fix. A new weight loss and fitness program by beachbody. I have to say I'm pretty pleased so far. You may wonder why I do these workout programs when I have the know-how as a Personal Trainer. Well it's because I'm human too, and sometimes it is easier for me to follow someone's instructor then plan it out myself. I do add it my own strength training routines as well as runs throughout the week. These workout DVDs I've done have taught me a lot about fitness and have changed my fitness capabilities.  It's something that works for me. {lesson learned: find what works for you, then keep doing it!-don't stop!!} 

Beginning of the 21 day fix: 162lbs (this was 2 days after a crazy long run-30km. So my muscles were swollen and I was carrying a lot of extra water) 

Today: day 3- 158.5lbs

:) 

I am sticking to the nutrition plan, following it to a tee and then doing the daily 30 minute workouts on top of running, teaching bootcamp/insanity once a week, and other various at home workouts. I am fighting hard and not giving up. 

So let my experience be a lesson to you- 'you don't have to be perfect to be successful, you just need to keep going.' No giving up peeps!

See you next week! 

 

Wednesday

Hello hello middle of the week. Man, when Wednesday hits it either feels like the week will never end or that it is flying by. Anywho, here is this weeks results. 

Last week: 159.5

This week: 159lb

Total loss:0.5lbs

So it's not a huge number, it's not really a number at all, but it's going in the right direction. I am coming to terms with the slow and steady pace. I want to find happiness in my journey not just at the finish line...figuratively speaking. Not that there is a finish line because it is my life. This isn't a 'diet' it's a lifestyle and I'm taking it one day at a time. 

Yes to be honest it's discouraging at times, but I got to put my happy pants on a keep on fighting for what I want. 

I want to focus on the present. For example when I'm with my kids, think about them, watch them, interact with them. When I'm eating...if by some miracle I'm alone really savour what I'm putting in my mouth, try not to scarf it down in 2.0 seconds (which I'm really good at doing). When I'm working out, think about what I'm doing how to get more out of it, how to push myself etc, etc. When I'm on Instagram really focus on what I'm looking at...haha just jokes!! (Almost had you didn't I!!?) 

This past week at a glance:

Fitness: I worked out 6 days. I had a 15 km run on Saturday and filled the rest of the week with running, teaching bootcamp twice, p90x3, and Blogilates (google it if you don't already know what it is). The only downer moment fitness wise I had was I injured my right wrist so I was unable to exercise at my normal capability. It's getting better though. I am in my final week of p90x3. Only 3 more workouts left?!?! Where did the last 90 days goo???!

Food: I finished up my 7 day slim down on Sunday. It was a great tool to show me how my body reacts to certain foods. I'm incorporating what I learned and some of the guidelines into my regular diet. I still track all that I eat...at times I don't want to but I KNOW it is what makes me successful. I did have a few moments of weakness. Matthew made pancakes on Sunday, and well I had one...it was so dang delicious!!--I may have also had another one this morning..maybe..okay fine I did!! haha! I am a pancake girl all the way!! 

It's all about moderation and allowing yourself to enjoy the yummyness of life, but for me I know when I'm enjoying it and when I'm just eating crap for the sake of eating crap. There were a few other moments, but whateves, I just want you to know I don't eat perfect all the time, I am human too. 

Okay well here is to next week! Say yah later gaters 

All the best to you in health & fitness. -Ang :) 

Weigh-in Wednesday: Week 2

Hello out there,

So here we are week 2 of my weigh-in-Wednesday. 

I have to say last week I was about ready to throw in the towel and not work so hard, but then I thought "No!--I'm not giving up on me!!"

This week I have been following a 7 day slim down that ShaunT (creator) of insanity has put on his FB and Instagram page. Now before you all think I've been drinking lemon juice and eating celery for the past 3 days...no no!! I'm not crazy. Okay so I can be a little crazy, but not like that. I still love to workout and in order to go that I have to eat properly. 

This is it...I am using it as a guide, basically a new tool to see how my body reacts. I am not starving myself, mmmkay! So like my true self I made my own chart...I'm a little chart obsessed :) 

Isn't it pretty?! Lol. So I stuck it on my fridge and I colour in a square every time I eat. I also write down what I ate and when I ate. I also started journaling again, it is helping me sort out my emotions, so I'm not a big angry bear--I'm sure my husband appreciates it. 

So as I said I'm using this plan as a guide. I have eaten things off the list and such. I'm not going to go buy a bunch of brand new food when I've got a fridge full. That's just silliness. 

One thing I've noticed and LOVED, is I'm not bloated or sick to my stomach!!!! Wooh hoo! The whole bathroom issue (see last post) isn't totally cleared up but there has been some relief. Heck, it's better than no relief. I am still eating the same amount of calories, if not more and feeling super good.

 This may sound ridiculous but I'm really happy with myself for not following this to a T. whenever I say I'm going to do something like that, and then I eat something not on the 'list' I feel so awful I end up giving up entirely. Everyone is different, so you've got to find what works for you. This week is helping me get my cravings back in check and getting me to eat lots more veggies & protein. I'd say its a win all around. 

Oh yah I guess I am supposed to tell my weigh-in. Haha I almost just pieced out without telling you. 

Week 1:162lbs

Week 2:159.5lbs

Total loss of 2.5lbs :)...(insert happy dance) 

Later gaters!! I hope this all finds you well and good!!

-Ang-

I'll leave you with a few pictures of what I've been eating!

Stay strong!! Don't give up-ever!! No matter what the goal is, don't take no for an answer :)

Last picture...promise. This is a "I just lost 2lbs and ran a new PB" face lol

Weigh-in Wednesday...it's about to get real!

Hello Wednesday!

So I've decided to make the last 20lbs I plan on losing a blogging journey. I hope this helps those of you who are on their own health and fitness journey.

Here is a snapshot of what the reality of losing weight is like. 

So last week I weighed in at:159.5lbs

This week I weighed in at: 162lbs, yes that is right. 2.5lbs in a week....GAINED!!?! What the cheese?! 

Sooooo....here are my real and true feelings. What is the point? How does this happen? I had one day of not eating 100%...and this!! I ran a freaking half marathon!! How did this happen....and so  on and so forth. 

Yesterday I was ready to through in the towel, but I know that giving up on a goal or letting a number get me down is no way to live. 

So even though I am really discouraged I know I will keep working hard everyday. #nogivingupallowed #pitypartiesareok 

Okay so now I'm gonna get real with you...like bathroom real...#2 real. 

One part of this puzzle that I feel embarrassed talking about is that I have a feeling this increase on the scale, yes could be muscle, but in all honesty it could be because I have had troubles going to the bathroom for just over a week now. ( I know too much information--so stop reading if you are uncomfortable). I have had a lot of trouble ever since I got pregnant with my daughter, and then since having my son last September things really backed up if you catch what I'm throwing down. It's a very UNCOMFORTABLE feeling and it is so frustrating! I had it this bad about 5 months ago when I was doing insanity. I knew it had gotten so bad because in one week I had gained 5lbs...it was not a pretty picture. 

So I took all the advice, drank tons of water, took Metamucil, ate lots more fibre, kept exercising. I had to use a concoction of laxatives to get things going and after a few weeks it got a little better, but these last 2.5 weeks I have had some major stomach pains, bloating & gas...I know so attractive. It seems to have gotten worse since I started eating even better than before. Which you'd think would be the opposite. Nope. Nope :( 

I went to my doctor when it first happened (5months ago) he pretty much laughed at me and said its something I'll have to live with. He told me to try a variety of laxatives and ultimately said if they don't work you may have to give yourself weekly enemas. HOLD THE PHONE?!?! I am a healthy 27 year old that eats well and exercises 6 days a week and this is all supposed to be normal?! I beg to differ. I went on the hunt for a new doctor but Christmas happened and I stopped. 

So I don't really know what else to do except what I did before, which made for a very very unpleasant few days. 

I am trying to add coconut water to my diet and see if the natural diuretic helps get the ball rolling. 

Yah, I know not a pretty picture. But hey, why not talk about it. It's the reality of what I'm going through, maybe I'm not alone. I apologize if this has made you uncomfortable...#storyofmylife until next week. 

Gassy Ang signing out! 

Weightloss & Fitness update

I canNOT believe it is March?! Seriously where has the time gone.

Here are my updates as it pertains to weightloss and fitness not spit-up & poopy diapers (disappointing I know)

Marathon Training:

I started training for a full marathon at the beginning of January. I am already on week 12 of training. It is crazy!! 9 weeks until my marathon. Oh yes side note, due to personal reasons I decided not to run the Calgary Marathon because it is on a Sunday (if you want to know more as to why, feel free to ask, but I won't go into it right now). So I decided to run my own race--whether it be just another run I told my Husband there is going to be a start line and a finish line and perhaps I will pay some of my friends to hold of signs or cups of water along the way! I am not sure of all the legistics that go into hosting a run, and I'm sure there are A LOT, so it may just be a fun run with all my friends and family also doing runs of their owns (5k, 10k, half marathons)--why not right?! I'm sure I can find medals on ebay! :) Then we will have a big ol' bar-b-que. May 31, 2014--mark your calendars!

As for training I run 3 days a week M-W & Saturday and then I do P90X3 and sometimes other workouts 6 days a week. Currently the farthest distance I have ran is 21.5 km, which took 2hr 40min. I have a half marathon race this Saturday March 22, 2014 which I am pretty pumped for. My goal is to run it in withing 2hr15 min- 2 hr30min, but I will be happy to just cross the finish line! I have a friend who is signed up as well, so I am excited to see how we do. I hit a new pb on Monday (March 17th) and ran 9km in 47/48min, it was on the treadmill at the gym. So all in all it is going well, I haven't missed a run yet!...(hopefully I didn't just jinx myself)

One of my few outside runs this year! Someday the snow will melt...someday!

P90X3

Oh P90X, how I love to hate you some days. I do love that the workouts are 30 minutes, so they are totally doable on a tight time frame. The variety of the workouts are great too. I definitely have noticed I am getting stronger,seeing how I need to invest in some heavier weights. When we ordered P90X3, we also went and bought chin-up bars.


I then bought a chin-up assist band, which takes off some weight, so you are able to do a real chin-up or pull-up. I then started a challenge for myself to do 25 chin-ups and 25 pull-ups a day--in the hopes that I could do 1 pull-up or chin-up unassisted. After month 1 I took off one of the resistance bands, and just the other day I tried to do one with the assist band, and by golly I am getting close. I look forward to showing you the videos from when I first started, to when I can do one. It is pretty cool my friends, pretty dang cool!

Clearly unable to take a normal picture...

Do you smell that?! It's the smell of sweet sweat!?!

Us being all silly :)

Okay, I got a little off topic--p90x3 is going well. I have got 4 weeks to go. I love doing the workouts with my hubby, though he has missed a few more days than me, we have mostly done the entire program together. It has definitely made our relationship stronger (literally...bahah!) no serious, I feel like we are getting along better and all that good stuff. As for results so far, they haven't been mind blowing or as drastic as they were with insanity, but they are there and they are going in the right direction!

Starting weight before p90x3: 166lbs

Current weight {March 20, 2014}: 159.5lbs

Welcome to the gun show!

Inches lost:

Bust: 0

Waist: -3/4"

Waist at belly button: -3 1/4" (WOWEE!!--babybellybegone)

Hip:-1 1/4"

Thigh:-1/4"

Arm:+1/4"...grrr come on wings, fly away!!!

So as you can see nothing major, BUT I am that much closer to getting to my goal!!

I have to admit, posting my weight and results for all to see is a bit scary, not as scary as being naked in public, but it's close! (lol) I feel exposed. Though I think it is time to embrace who we are, what are bodies look like, what our bodies can do and be grateful and happy!!! I would be lying if I said I was really really excited about my results so far, I will admit after month 1 I cried on Matthew's shoulder because I only went down like 1 inch and  2 lbs. It was VERY VERY discouraging especially because I didn't know what I was doing wrong. I was working out, eating well AND training for a marathon. I didn't (and still don't) know what more I can do. So I kept on going into month 2. Since then I have been working REALLY REALLY hard on staying positive and not focusing so much on what the scale says and more on what my body can do, how I feel mentally & emotionally & how my clothes fit. Weightloss is not just about losing the weight, it is a totally mental battle. You have to find happiness in where you are right.now. I am working on this, ummm...easier said than done.

GOALS

I have been hemming and having on whether to talk about my weight loss goal, because as I just said focusing too much on the scale can have really adverse effects, but I feel like setting a goal and telling people about it help you achieve it.

Number goal: 140lb (there I said it)....BUT I have a bigger and better goal, which is a FEELING goal: I want to feel 100% comfortable in my own body. I want to look at myself and see what my husbands sees. I don't want to attach my feeling goal with my number goal. Like when I am 140lbs I will feel...etc. etc. you know what I mean. I have a certain goal of how I want my body to feel and look, and that is what I am striving for. The number on the scale is just another way I stay accountable, but not the ONLY way. I know I've heard the whole "throw away the scale" speech, and yes I agree with not attaching beauty to a number, beauty has NOTHING to do with that number, nothing!! But again I would be lying if I said I didn't care about the scale, I do, it helps me along my journey, but it doesn't define it. (I have to remind myself of this weekly!) 

I am going to Hawaii in the beginning of June (SOOOOO excited) and I want to feel AWESOME when I go. What I really want is to fit my shorts, so I don't have to go buy a bunch of new ones--lol. I said to Matthew (my hubby) today, "you know, when we go to Hawaii, your wife is going to have a smokin hot bod (I was being cheeky)"...and his reply was (get ready to say awww) "my wife already has a smokin hot bod!"...okay I'll keep him. Just jokes! I love him dearly and none of this was for him, it was for me, and that was the magic ingredient. 2 years ago when I started on this journey the only thing different than ALLL the countless times before was that I was doing it for ME, not for the guys to like me, or to be part of the popular group, or to look like the girls in the magazines (because now I know it's impossible, unless I buy Photoshop) I was doing it for ME. 

Perhaps, that is your missing ingredient. You are worth it! You best believe it :) I write this in hopes that my thoughts and experiences can help someone- somewhere be the best version of themselves, that it might give someone the motivation or encouragement to believe in themselves to know they can do it! It sounds so cliche, but if I can do--YOU can do it. 'It' being to set a goal and work your butt of to reach it. Set goals, because you can't reach them if you don't set them.

Take care my friends!!

Ang :)...I'll leave you with some random photos, enjoy!!

Doing box jumps for the first time!!

This is what happens when you psych yourself out in the middle of a box jump...ouch

I swear Matthew does own a shirt....hehehe!

Post workout photoshoot--hah! yah right :)

Some of the yummy clean foods I've been eating...oh my yummmy!

Fitting into my favorite pair of pre-prego jeans...I can't wear them out yet, but they do up!!! :)

Trying on some american eagle jeans...and they fit!! it was a happy change room moment, clearly deserved a selfie!

Lesson learned & Yolo meals!

Hello Friends,

I learned something tonight, it's one of those things I will keep learning over and over and over again. 

So I was tired (what's new), and a wee bit cranky (yah, that's not new either) and I was being an ultra lazy mom and just laying on the ground with my daughter and son while we watched the movie "hop". My husband had just left for scouts camp for 2 days, so I was feeling super unmotivated to do anything. 

After I put the kids to bed, which has been good and bad lately because they are both sick, so they cry...a lot, I thought to myself "oh my goodness, I just want to scarf down on a bag of chips, eat a bunch of chocolate and NOT workout". WELL, that didn't happen--instead I put my big girl panties on (literally--lol) and got changed into my workout clothes before I could tell myself to stop. Then I went down stairs and amidst the piles of laundry I need to fold and dishes I needed to clean, I popped in my p90x3 DVD and got my sweat on! Right away I felt WAY better. I was bending and hopping and reaching and touching. I got so distracted my the workout I stopped having a pity party and started feeling happy.

So lesson learned of the day. When you feel like eating an entire carton of ice cream, or the salty bag of whatever in your cupboard STOP go put your workout clothes on and PRESS "PLAY", as in workout. Whether it is your own workout plan, a walk, a run, a bike ride,an online workout or a DVD. Then once you do, see how you feel, and if my experience stand correct you should feel pretty darn good. 

This is not to say you can't or shouldn't have those 'treats' in your life, because oh my I think they are important and worth it. But wouldn't you rather savor your special treat for a moment of happiness not emotional lows. I would at least.

I heard this term 'YOLO' meal the other day on a YouTube video. I had NO idea what this was, and apparently it's a popular term (I am not in the loop I guess). So YOLO stands for You Only Live Once meal. It is embracing food in all that it is, and it is meant for celebrating and bringing people together. It is taking a positive spin on the expression cheat meal, and you know I'm all about the positivity--SO I LOVE the term YOLO!!!!
(Check out the video here-- copy and paste it into your brower)
http://blogilates.tumblr.com/post/49747371398/what-is-a-yolo-meal-its-my-positive-twist-on

What's your YOLO meal?!

Mine is going to be a Five Guys burger and fries....and I am so NOT kidding!!! it's gonna be GREAT! 

Take care & all the best in health and fitness


Ang

The story continues

Welcome back to my life, I've been MIA on here for almost a year. Sorry!!! This post is to give you an update on where I'm at fitness wise--this is just a part of my life, not all of it. My personal/family blog covers all the other bits!! 

  Last we left off I was having a baby. Well I had a beautiful healthy baby boy September 1, 2013. He is such a joy! Before I got pregnant with my son I had worked really hard to get in shape a lose excess weight I'd been caring around for 10 years!! You can read more about that in the "about me" section.  I had done it, I was working out 3-5 times a week I was at a comfortable healthy weight. I was even running bootcamps and personal training. 

Not to say it all stopped when I got pregnant, but it definitely changed. I still tried to workout regularly and eat well but it wasn't long before I was eating too much and not working out enough. I stopped running at 26 weeks and with that so did all other physical activity. I felt awful, I was reverting back to old eating habits and wasn't able to workout like I had been. I know things change when you are pregnant and you have to change your workouts, I was aware if this.  I had even taken a pre and post natal personal training certification course. I knew what I could be doing, and I wasn't doing it. (Story of my life...that is why I always have laundry to do--lol) 

So after the birth of my baby boy, I was pretty choked when I realized I was almost where I was after my last baby, except this was all 'baby weight'. I had gained about 50 whopping pounds. It was not my finest moment, but I couldn't turn back time, all I could do was change what I was doing and what I was going to do. 

Even though I was not as physically active as I'd hope to have been I was still in WAY better shape than when I had my daughter. I was itching to get back into running and cross-training. I started doing some light jogging at about 3-4 weeks postpartum...in hindsight I was being a bit over-zealous. I was listening to my body, and did more walking than jogging. It was a start. 

After the birth of my daughter I experienced postpartum depression and I was very afraid of experiencing it again. I  knew that one thing that would help me feel better was to exercise and eat well. I started with eating. I went on weight watchers again ( though after a few months I just got a calorie counter app to keep me accountable- WAY cheaper and does what I want) I've learned that I am a much more dedicated person when I keep track of what I'm doing. 

At my 6 week postpartum mark I started the at home workout program "Insanity". I think it was on Thanksgiving that I started. Oh my goodness--those first few weeks were almost unbearable. I was huffing and puffing my way through each jumping jack, power knee and push-up. It all seemed so HARD!! Over time it got easier, but it was still hard because I just pushed myself that much more. At the end of month 1 I was seeing some major changes in my body, it kept me motivated to continue to month 2. 

Month 2-- well it was even more insane. I was now getting into a routine of working out 6 days a week. I would even do some of the videos with my daughter. She loved it!! She still asks to "essersize with mommy!" It makes me so happy to see her jump around and take swigs from  her sippy cup when I drink from my water bottle. Month 2 required more tine commitnent, but I pushed through and I finished month 2, which is the entire program, just before Christmas. 

 Here are some stats: (welcome to my world) 

Ending pregnancy weight: 200ish lbs (I stopped looking at the scale at the doctors office when I hit 190, so truthfully I have no idea)

2 weeks postpartum: 186lbs

6 weeks post: 181lbs (started insanity Oct. 14th 2013)

After insanity: 167.5lbs (December 23rd 2013)

I will be honest I was hoping to lose more with insanity, but I was very happy with where my fitness level was at. Even though I couldn't fit my pre prego pants, I was very happy that I committed to completing the program. I have start to change my mindset from "I just want to lose weight and get in shape" to "I want to train hard eat clean, indulge once in a while and FEEL AWESOME!!" Working out for me has always been a major endorphin kick, and always makes me feel better! BUT I am trying to learn how to balance it all, so I am not overdoing it in one area and slacking in another-or-feeling bad about missing a workout or eating some cake. I am human. I want to feel good and enjoy life, even the chocolate cake side of it. 

My story continues, just as all of ours does. I am not immune to feeling bad about myself or wanting to scarf down a bag of chips. 

I'm learning more about myself everyday. 

I'm learning that I can push myself a lot harder than I have.

I'm learning to be happy with where I'm at. If I don't love me now, what's 20lbs going to change?

I love being happy and making others happy.  It's a choice though, and somedays it's hard to choose my happy pants when my cranky pants fit better. ;) 

I wrote this to show myself and others that I'm not perfect, I don't try to be. Each day I try to be a better version of my yesterday self (easier said than done!!) 

Now for my fitness goals are to 

1. Run a full marathon

2. Complete P90x3 with my husband 

3. Get my mind and body ready to run bootcamps starting this spring!!!

What are yours?

Yes I've got weightloss goals, but I believe that as I work towards my fitness goals and take care of myself it will all work out in the end. 

Wishing you happiness and health! 

-Ang-