yes, really.

You know, I started to think about how sorry I was feeling for myself. And really, I should be glad. Thousands of women would do a lot to find the cause of their frustration and stress, known as their weight and body image.


I know now. And I have a choice. It almost feels empowering.


If only it were as simple as not swallowing 2 little blue pills for everyone. 


My husband said, "gosh, think of what it would be like if you hadn't been working out." Yikes, that's what it would have been like. 


I shared my frustrations and discovery with a friend today. I think she was surprised to hear that I weigh more now than I did when I returned from maternity leave (14 months ago). I think her words were, "What?? You workout all the time and eat so well!!" 


Yeah, that about summed my feelings up. 

I'm still torn on whether to decrease my daily dosage, stop taking it all together, or do nothing. I'm trying to do some more research (read: scour Goggle for a medical degree) to hopefully find some alternatives. Earlier this week, another friend ironically shared some info for a naturopathic doctor in Oklahoma City for something completely non-weight/migraine related. That info might have just come at the right time. 




Oh! I need your advice. Nail time tomorrow. What color?

This is a pretty common color in my rotation. I actually own the color since uh, no nail salon I have ever been to, carries Essie. I like it because it is clean. 

Something a little more festive?

Or something with a little bling? 

back to the basics

Instead of avoiding it any longer, I just have to admit it.

I have not been focused on fitness lately. I can just feel its toll on my body, mind, and spirit. I felt uncomfortable on my clothes allllll day yesterday. Talk about a workout motivator. There are about 569874564 other things that needed to be done around my house, but I just had to put them all in the back of my mind and GO WORKOUT.

I pushed myself harder than I have in a long time. Partially because I'm tired of nothing fitting correctly, and partially because I haven't been pushing myself...at ALL.

Immediately after my workout, I felt great. I then saw this photo in my husband's office.

Why yes, that is me. Talk about reaffirming my motivation. No, I will probably never look like this again. Considering this was 5 years ago when I didn't give a flying flip about what I ate, exercise, or healthy eating...I honestly have no clue how I looked like this. None. 

What's the point of all this?

It is time for me to refocus. Remember what I love and what I want to blog about.

What does this mean for you-the reader? Expect more workouts and "skinny" dishes. I'm all about home workouts and hope to supply you with some information and skills you can use with me! I have somehow reached 70 GFC followers, and plan to do a fitness themed giveaway at 100 GFC followers OR for New Years...whichever comes first.

In the mean time, I have designed a 12 week fitness plan to get me back on track. But as always, you can workout all you want, but if you can kill healthy living by what you put in your mouth.

Again, my workouts involve a small amount of equipment (yoga ball, free weights, resistance bands), but can all be done at the gym as well. I was blessed to be handed down an elliptical trainer from my fabulous aunt, so you will have to fill in your choice of cardio. JUST MOVE.

The plan consists of 30 minutes of cardio followed by strength training. Once you get the pattern of the first 2 weeks down, you will be set for the total 12 weeks.

Week 1
Day 1: Cardio + Chest/Triceps
Day 2: Cardio+ Lower Body
Day 3: Cardio+ Abs
Day 4: Cardio+ Shoulders/Biceps/Back
Day 5: Cardio+ Lower Body

Day 6 (optional): Yoga



Week 2
Day 1: Cardio+ Lower Body
Day 2: Cardio + Chest/Triceps
Day 3: Cardio+ Abs
Day 4:Cardio+ Lower Body
Day 5: Cardio+ Shoulders/Biceps/Back

Day (optional): Yoga

See the pattern? I will post Week 1: Day 1 on Friday (12/2)  so you can plan and prepare for Monday!

I invite and encourage you to join me.

Ab Burner {Feeding Fitness}

How about a little fitness motivation??

Last week I tweeted about an ab burner workout. This was a great ab circuit to follow 25 minutes of elliptical training. Ready? Let's do this.

Ab Burner
If you are unfamiliar with these exercises, just click the links! They will take you to a step by step guide and photos of how to perform each one. Also, feel free to ask any questions!


30 second plank x 3
Bent Knee Hip Raise 10 reps x 3 sets
Sit Ups 10 reps x 3 sets
Exercise Ball Crunch 25 reps x 3 sets
Leg Raise 10 reps x 3 sets
Crunches with Legs on Stability Ball 15 reps x 3 sets
Air Bike 30 reps x 2 sets

And after all that hard work, remember-

Abs are made in the kitchen!! 

Motivation

Need a little motivation? Jennifer over at It Sux To Be Fat has some for you! I really enjoy her blog. She is very genuine and transparent. She shares her real life struggles of working full time and living healthy! Her dedication to Weight Watchers meetings is a commitment I admire. I have dreams of an amazing workout room in my home. Many of the pieces of motivation she has shared belong on the walls of that workout room.