Remain Coachable

Coaching Principles

Coaching applies to all areas of life. There are Performance Coaches, Skills Coaches, Career Coaches, Personal or Life Coaching, Business coaching, Executing coaching and well I'm sure of a whole other of varieties. The principal is the same. They are all there to enhance your performance, increase your effectiveness and productivity. They teach you core skills and focus on areas of concern. They provide you with feedback and keep you focused on your main objective. They help you view your own capabilities, achieve your aspirations; no matter the constraint. 

Remaining Coachable is accepting what the coach has to say, offer, and taking it and running with it; even when you don't want to hear it, believe it or just plain don't see it. It is remaining present to the principles they are teaching.

Workout Session's

This week I did not do yoga every morning. I notice my head space changes and I must return to my yogi ways soon. All of my other workouts have been good. I've doubled up on ROAR and stuck to spinning and kickboxing as planned. Then I got slow. I was slow on Wednesday and Thursday. I've had a few stressful days and thought it was related to that but boy was I wrong.

It was my attire but I didn't realize it until Anthony asked, "what's wrong?" I said, "my clothes are falling off!!!" - his response, "yea you're getting small!" - I gave him a look and smiled. 

I kept going and didn't think about it much more until this morning. 

WOW

My clown pajamas must go! 11/14/14

I woke up and looked in the mirror and started to bust out laughing. My pants were slowly creeping down and for the first time ever I noticed how big my clown pajamas were!!! I could wrap the shirt all the way around and could fit a whole other person in my pants! Somehow all the coaching my friend Susie and my cousin Paola did to get me into smaller clothes did not translate into the pajama and workout departments! So once more I must listen and realize yes I am getting smaller. This time I am not afraid. I am not daunted. I am simply accepting this as part of my course...and running with it.

Here's to new clown pajamas!

Wonderful Wednesday

I found a new favorite!!! YES!

Today's Meal was prepared by my friend Andy. I found the recipe and he was willing to try it. 

OMG...he made my day. It was the best comfort healthy meal I've ever had.

Tonight's meal

Turkey Meatloaf
Boiled New Potatoes
Steamed Green Beans
6 points. Approx. 350 calories. 

Per serving: Serving is 1/8 of the meatloaf, 1 cp of new potatoes and 2 cps of green beans (you can have many more cups of green beans without changing the calorie count) 

Recipes

Turkey Meatloaf :  Please go to the my recipes link provided. 

Boiled new potatoes with garlic, lemon and paprika.

Boil  8 cups of new potatoes for 20 minutes at medium heat. 

Add garlic powder and a little salt. 

Once boiled coat with paprika and lemon juice.

Steamed greens beans cut and cleanse green beans. 

Add water to steamer bring to boil and steam the 

green beans with garlic salt for 8-10 minutes. 

Enjoy!

Motivational Monday

Central Garden at the Getty Center Museum. November 9, 2014

Letting Go

Today as I got ready for work I took a long stare in the mirror. I noticed the changes in my face. I became present to my feelings and all of the fears and doubts I have about my journey. Then I stated today's affirmation: I let go of all fear and doubt and life become simple and easy for me.  

The positive affirmation allowed me to just be present to joy which completely set me up for what came next.

Today's News

I received the best e-mail ever. I received my lab results back. The day I have been waiting for is finally here. As of today I am no longer in the diabetes zone and I am med free! YES!!!

This is the most exciting news I have received in a long time. It fuels and motivates me to go for the ultimate goal. I am in love with myself and there is nothing wrong with me for doing so. I honor myself, my body and my health.  I no longer feel like I committing suicide by making poor health choices. I am free.

If you have a goal related to fitness, weight loss and health then I say: stay on target. Even if you stray a little...get right back to it. If you ever gave up ... get right back up. Get out there and put in some work for what you really want because it is never to late and baby steps count! 

Have a wonderful Monday and PLAY HARD!

Remain Coachable

The Journey and My Coach

For info. about future workshops and fitness classes
please e-mail: joinaftoday@gmail.com

I can be a renegade. I can be vocal about what I do not like but just as easy I can be understanding and above all coachable.

It is not often you find a trainer/coach who is dedicated, passionate and understanding. Anthony has been a key element in my transformation. He is passionate about fitness and understands how important it is to modify exercises for my fitness level. He also knows when it's time to push harder and make me do more. A prime example of this was when he pushed me to complete the spin workshop. I was trying to just participate in only the HIIT workshop because I did not enjoy the spin class I tried in the past. I tried to talk my way out of it by stating how hard, uncomfortable and painful it was the first time. 



He listened then simply stated, "it's not optional". Yes, I wanted to throw myself to the floor kick and scream and throw a CLASS A tantrum but (1) I'm grown and (2) he wasn't listening. **HAHA ** So I said, "fine, I will remain coachable and do it". This is because I trust his skills and know in the end he's on MY TEAM. He has not guided me wrong with ROAR and he is dedicated to his clients/students obtaining optimal results. He provides weekly workshops to make sure we remain informed and tries everything to keep us focused. I have lost 101 pounds to date - 60 of them while training/coaching with Anthony. So I listen and trust his guidance. 

Spinning Workshop with Anthony Freeman - Nov. 2, 2014

The result of the spinning workshop: 

It was not as bad the second time. It was not as painful. It was still uncomfortable but I chose to focus more on the elements I liked about the workshop and his coaching methods. Once it was over I committed to doing it twice a week. Today is day two of week one in spinning. I'm ready for another awesome fitness adventure! 


Here's to remaining open to change.

Wonderful Wednesday

The best type of meal is made with love and is in the low calorie range.

Today's meal:

Chicken-Spinach Enchiladas.
Spinach, white onion, yellow and red cherry tomatoes salad with cotija cilantro dressing.
For dessert a strawberry,  rasberry, red and purple grapes mix.

Portion: 2 enchiladas, 2 cups of salad and 1 tsp. of light house cotija cilantro dressing. 2 cups of the berry grape mix. Total meal: 6 points approx. 300 Calories

Enchilada Recipe serves 9

10oz. of chicken breast shredded. 

8-9 green tomatoes

8 cups of baby spinach (sliced in strips)

jalapenos

2 cups of chicken broth (from same boiled chicken)

1/2 medium white onion (diced)

5 oz. of Cacique Queso Ranchero 

18 corn tortillas

2 tbsp. of olive oil

garlic

white pepper

salt

olive oil spray

Green Tomato and Chili Sauce : Clean 8-9 green tomatoes and blend with 2 cups of chicken broth (used from boiling chicken breast) and 1-2 cups of water. Be sure you remove all fatty items with a strainer. Add garlic, white pepper, salt and fresh jalapenos to taste. Once blended bring to a boil. Continue to simmer for the right consistency. 

Add 2 tbs of olive oil to pan. add white 1/2 of the white onion to the pan and stir until the onion are clear. Add the shredded chicken and stir. Add 8 cups spinach and cover pan for a couple minutes. Add 1 cup of Green Tomato sauce to pan in order to avoid drying out the chicken and to add flavor to the enchilada filling.

Prepare baking pans with olive oil spray (super light) and add green sauce to avoid dry enchiladas. 

Heat the tortillas on the griddle and mash the cheese into small pieces for enchiladas filling. 

Once all of the tortillas are warmed start your prep station to dip the tortillas in the warm green sauce then add a tbsp (or two) of chicken, onion and spinach blend to the tortilla and roll. Place on baking pan until complete. Use any left over sauce to top over the enchiladas. 

Bake at 325 for 20 min.

The trick for this recipe is the sauce. The better the sauce the tastier the enchilada. It may take a few attempts but once you get it right. MMMM MMM MM.

The salads were just slice, dice and mix. 

Enjoy.

Motivational Monday.

I'm doing what I set out to do, and when life throws me a curve ball. I just catch it or try again. 

One of the stories I enjoyed while I was ill was that of Tim Bauer . He lost 200 pounds and he took it one pound at a time. Since reading his story I look at my weight loss in that form and its quite refreshing. I keep on telling myself I can loose one pound.

I'm also focused on staying motivated about good food choices. Chalene Johnson's 10 tips for tiny changes is a helpful reminder of what is important. This small list is easy to print and I put it on my board to keep me on track.  The way I see it every little bit helps.

My other great motivator is my ROAR class. I love the challenges he sets up. I may want to throw in the towel but it goes by fast and when I'm done I feel invincible.  It motivates me enough to want to go back to the next session.  

Here's to keeping it going. 

Because

...life sometimes throws you challenges.

Because...it cannot always run as planned.

Because...at the end of the day it is what you will do with what is given to you.

The Point?

I was up training and going strong and now I'm ill again with imposed bed rest. I do not get discouraged. I refuse to let my spirits down. Instead I remind myself about all of the good in my life. Family, Friends and Co-workers who are supportive; most of which provide love, understanding and empowerment.
I remind myself that this too shall pass because part of loosing weight is being able to improve my health. Instead I am grateful. I am grateful for every opportunity I am granted and look forward to feeling much better soon.

Because...life provides me with all I need when I need it.

Shop Talk - Workouts

In line with keeping others focused and reminding myself of the importance of empowerment. I share a past work-out. I accepted the burpee challenge this month and while I have been good with the other workouts I fell behind on the challenge calendar. I did not want to fall into the old guilt pattern or spend days stressing over make-up sessions. Instead I figured a great way to do it: circuit style!

Prep: I figured out how many I had to do of each and then broke it out by sets. Then I added some cardio drills including exercises I have a hard time with like jumping jacks and jump rope. I also planned on doing the modified version of the burpee. Then I just did it!

I questioned my madness 10 minutes in, hated life 30 minutes in but was energized an hour in. By the time I was done I felt proud, invincible and motivated.


Soon I will train again. Today I focus on cleansing my body and resting for future play hard moments.

Be

New Era

Pepe's Journey

I told Jose the only gift I wanted for my birthday was for him to work out with me on my birthday.  While I hoped he would enjoy it...I did not go into the situation expecting him to join. After two sessions he decided to join accelerate sycle studio with me. I'm elated.

He was the missing piece of my journey.  I am proud of his current choices and will do my best to encourage his journey.

Here's to keeping it going.

October check

I am working. I am in "all in" mode. 

Work-outs

I have my workout calendar up on my mirror and back to yoga, almost daily. 

I'm back in my ROAR groove and loving my PiYo and Yoga combo mornings.  There has been days I oversleep so I've missed Yoga but I still do PiYo in the afternoons. 

Routine

Yoga: 5- 6 days a week. 

PiYo: 3-4 days of double PiYo

ROAR: 3 days a week. 

Walking: I tend to do activities that require a lot of walking. 

What I am missing is an intense cardio burn so I tried a spinning class. I wanted to get that feel everyone talks about but I just was not enjoying it. I will have to look for a boxing class or something else I may enjoy.  I want to make sure the activities I do are something I look forward to. Who knows I may try spinning again on a future date but it's not what I'm into now.

Food

I am counting points and tracking meticulously.  I also make sure i don't fall into any guilt patterns and just keep on moving forward. If I slack of on food I get back on track by the next meal, minus my biddy weekend, or remain super active to compensate. 

Example I knew I was going to have taquitos on my birthday along with cake, so I made sure I worked out that morning. I was excited to do it because it is my favorite routine: ROAR, Walking up hill and yoga. It was perfect active morning and it allowed me to splurge at dinner without fear of gaining weight. Now the goal is to get healthy and loose weight so the days following the splurge I counted my points to the "t". I am in a great place and I check myself before I put something in my mouth. I ask myself - 

"is it worth it?" - and most of the time 

it is not. So I don't go for it.

I won't say it's easy but I won't say it's hard. It is all about my mindset and how bad I really want to to be healthy.  So yes I'm in a game face kind of mood and plan on staying here for awhile. The current plan is simple; take it, meal by meal, step by step, day by day, and pound by pound. Good choices, persistence,  accountability,  determination,  discipline,  acceptance and self-love will get me there.

Here's to good choices. 

1. Complete.

100 pounds and 14 sizes smaller.

Today is the day I was supposed to be at goal...

but I weight the same as when I started this count down. I'm not disappointed,  dissatisfied or discouraged.  Instead I am optimistic,  relieved and renewed. For I understand  this is a non-linear process which requires a lifestyle change and a whole lot of persistence.

I've made peace with the process.

I'm no longer angry about food; what I cannot and should not eat. I went through days of beating myself up over unhealthy choices but a new mindset allowed forgiveness. I am human and I will have bad days. I make mistakes and will fall back sometimes.  The point is not to stray far from the optimal goal: live a long healthy life and adapt to the lifestyle that will allow me to get there. This means smiling when I order a salad. Being proud of myself for choosing the fruit instead of a chocolate bar and if I don't make a healthy choice I don't make the "old me" type of scandal. These days, if I make an unhealthy choice and I make sure the next one is a healthy one. I seek balance.

Yes, I am still not at goal and while reflecting over my journey I realized: I'm healthier than I was 1 -2 - 3 - 4- 5 - ... 12 years ago!! I am thinner, stronger and leaner. I am at the perfect spot and self-love makes me want to go the extra mile. Self-love makes me want to loose the next 84 pounds!  I feel complete in knowing I give each and every day my best - whatever that may look like. I truly forgive myself for not being perfect. I am living the best way I know how and I am in the process of positive changes in my life.

The mindset that helped me get where I am today.

1. Forgive myself.  For not being perfect,  for slipping sometimes, for being so hard on myself.  

2. Love myself.  Honor my mind, body and soul. Treat my body with honor and respect. Instead of being critical over what I am not doing I must remind myself to simply say, I love you, to myself.

3. One step at a time. I make grand goals and there have been set-backs. There will be days when I push hard and others when all I can do is apply a small change to stay on target. This is when I remind myself that I just need to take it day by day, moment by moment. 

4. Play hard. Stating I'll take it day by day does not mean I'm not playing hard. When I'm healthy - no vertigo, no pain - I play real hard because I love waking up knowing I gave each moment the best I could. This may also apply when the emotional part tries to take over. I just have to get up and rise above it all and play hard in every area of my life i.e. work, home etc.  

5. Share yourself with others. Some people appreciate my story and they will be inspired to make changes in their own life. If I can help another individual through their journey then I'm satisfied knowing I made a contribution and difference in someone elses life. 

6. What others think of me is none of my business.  Life is too short to worry or to live concerned about what someone else thinks about me. For example, I give each work out and each class my best. I may look foolish to some but I'm having fun and simply taking care of me. 

7. Be grateful.  I have been given the opportunity to embrace this new way of living and thinking.  I am grateful for every moment. 

8. Be happy. It is a state of mind and happiness will get me much further than fear, doubt, anger, depression etc. A smile truly goes a long way. 

9. Be mindful. Being mindful is a daily practice. Yoga helps me reach true consciousness. I am successful when I practice mindful eating and mindful living. 

10. Enjoy the process because there is no finish line. It is truly a journey.

I thank you for reading about my journey. May you live a healthy and inspired life.

Here's to sharing.

18. Vamonos.

I'm in action mode. I tell myself, Don't wait another minute and give up the struggle. Why? Because at the end of the day I feel a whole lot better when I workout (even if its just 20 minutes). The PiYo / Yoga work out schedule has been been good. Double work-outs are no longer a must. Instead I stick to the schedule and add activity when I can.

This allows me to take care of me and takes the stress out of it. It makes me feel good when I do more activity
; instead of feeling bad or guilty because I did not do it all.

Now I have to apply the same thought pattern to food. The mindful eating training helped and I must keep it present.

To keeping it positive.

33. Be Present.

Day 9

I will appreciate the people with whom I am eating and try hard to be present and truly listen to what they are saying rather than just planning my response. If I am eating alone, I'll notice my thoughts and let them flow without judgment or necessarily action.

32. Mindful Eating Closure.

Day 10

I will pay attention to the food I have eaten and notice how it affected my mood and my energy. If I don't like the way I feel, I will not berate myself with negative self-talk, but will rather note the feeling and remind myself before eating that food again in the future. If I feel good, I will note that, too, and be grateful for that experience.

Today I Shine.

34. RISE AND SHINE.

I woke up acknowledging me. RISE and SHINE!

Day 8 of Mindful Eating

Before grabbing a snack to eat, I will ask myself, Am I really hungry for food? or Am I hungry for something else? And Is this the best quality of food available to me?

Food

I had the late night munchies and was ready to go for the crackers and cookies as a snack. Then I thought about the mantra for the day and stopped myself. I had two glasses of water and went to bed instead. YUM!

Activity

I completed my first 4 days of scheduled exercise. I did not do the jogging portion on either day but added yoga to every morning. Working on building the schedule. 

To living!

35. Perspective.

Day 7 of Mindful Eating 

I will try to notice when I am about 80% full rather than 100% full and stop eating at that point. I will trust, from experience, that with the food I have eaten so far, I will be full shortly and if I continue, I'll move from satisfied to stuffed.

Activity

"I'm not allowed out of the house without first completing PiYo!" -- Yep, that's what made me get up and work-out this morning. It's strange how I fight the work-outs in my head and find excuses but once I'm doing it and I'm done...I feel AWESOME! I'm also -- yes, I'm doing it again -- going to start a squat challenge in September. I shared the link on facebook and I have a couple friends who accepted the challenge. Yay!

Reflection

I struggle because I want the drama. I say it is hard but once I'm in to it, once I jump in...it is easy. My body knows exactly what it wants and I have all of the tools to reach success. It is mind over matter.

To jumping in!

36. Cravings.

Day 6 of mindful eating

I will pause periodically to check in with my belly. Am I full? Am I thirsty? Is this food satisfying me?

Gimmie some greens!

I craved nothing but greens today. So I had a vegetarian meal for lunch : portobello mushroom skewers,  cucumber and tomato salad, roasted vegetables and quinoa. For dinner I had what was on the weeks menu but added a salad to satisfy my veggie crave. 

Activity

I've done my daily PiYo and have added yoga to both days. I did not complete my scheduled mile jog. I know I did my best today and I'm letting it be. 

To making improvements and getting out of my head. 

37. Direction.

Day 5

I will eat my food sitting down at a table. Not in the car. Not in front of the TV. Not standing by the fridge.

Action

Today's mindful eating exercise made me avoid over eating.  Always a plus.

To finding the path.

38. Planning.

Day 4 of mindful eating training. 

I will put my fork down between bites and take 1 to 3 deep breaths before picking it up again.

Meal Planning for Week 08/25

Action

I forgot at to put my fork down at one point while having breakfast and lunch.I recalled once I thought about the texture and crunch in each bite. In the end I felt good about my choices and meals. 

I also planned my dinner menu for the week which will include plenty for lunches. 

To filling meals. 

39. Making it.

Day 3 of mindful eating training

I will chew my food slowly, concentrating on taste and texture. I will pay attention to the crunchiness, creaminess, and flavor of what I am eating.

-- the effects -- 

We went to a diner for dinner. I ordered my usual, a turkey dinner, thinking I will eat half. As I ate I thought of the statement above.  The mashed potatoes became too buttery and the green beans were not crunchy enough.  I craved a different type of food. I was satisfied with a lot less than half of my portion and I look forward to a nice berry salad for breakfast and green salad for lunch tomorrow. We'll see about dinner. ;)  

To craving health. 

40. Today or yesterday? 8/22.

Mindful Eating Training Day 2

Before taking the first bite, I will take a moment to think about how grateful I am to have this delicious food available for me.
I ended my day at disneyland.  It was a food success: no churro, no turkey leg, no ice cream, half of a serving of clam chowder and pineapple. Yay!

Activity

Since I'm already doing the PiYo exercises I figured I would sign-up for the Beach Body Challenge and get my 60 day t-shirt. Done and Done.

Inspiration & Jump Starts

Having positive people around me is key. Every once in awhile I get a recommendation to read a book, article or movie. Well last night I watched Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead . The movie was informative and it inspires me to be active and eat micro nutrients to be healthy. I need to consult my doctor before I start a juicing cleanse but I will be looking at the possibility soon. First I will complete my mindful eating and then see where I am. I do not want to overwhelm myself to exhaustion like I tend to...most of the time. 

To being patient and taking it day by day.

41. Mindful Eating. Active Body.

Back-Track

After days of not tracking meals, not counting calories and not monitoring exercise I come to this conclusion: it does not become easier. But this is not about easy or hard, wrong or bad. It is simply about what I truly want for myself and my life. HEALTH.

I loss sight of my goal and went for what was easy. The unhealthy meals, the skipped work-outs and before I knew it the bad habits creeped back in. I questioned if it was the fear of my new body. I thought maybe it was the praise I received from so many people on my 100 pound loss.  Then I questioned my accomplishments when I would exercise in new circles where I was the "fat" one in the group. Where people questioned my ability to do certain movements or exercises. My old way of thinking, "a cookie or a blood pressure pill", was no longer working.

The Gain

I skipped a month worth of meetings at weight watchers. I went back three weeks ago and I had a gain...then two weeks ago I had another gain. It was starting to show but I kept on going with unregulated eating. On Saturday 08/16, BAMN 233 POUNDS - a total 15 pound GAIN. I did not fall into guilt or hate mode. Instead I simply looked in the mirror and stated the obvious: This is not what I want for myself or my life.

Behavior

I'm  responsible for applying the behavior and habits that will allow me to reach my goals. I want to be off medication by my birthday. I'm done with thinking and thinking about it over and over again. My statements won't completely make the change. The change comes when I STOP all of this thinking and ACT. Walk the talk.

Implementation

1. ) Food has 80% to do with weight loss and so my attitude about food needs some adjusting. Today I started my MINDFUL EATING TRAINING .

Today's habit for my eating routine was : "I will do my best to start each meal with some deep breaths and pause to become fully present. I will pay attention to the colors and smells of my food and think about how it made it to my plate."

2. ) I'm following a work-out schedule I found through a google search. No more make-ups and skips. I'm just following the schedule below as a must. I will add  favorites or bonuses like ROAR and Yoga as time permits.

From Blog Life by Ky

3. ) Everything I need is already within me. I believe I can do this and I am doing it for self-love. 

To living the journey.

88. Still working.

I reached the 100 pound mark last week. By Friday morning I was at 101.

I'm was being very good about all of my meals but I let loose for the 4th and boy am I feeling it. I'm still stuffed and it's been at least 16 hours since I put food in my mouth. No joke.

I started the day by planning my meals and making sure I had all fo the right foods and an arms reach.  By 2p the plan was out the window.

Good thing today is a new day and I could dust off and make good choices. One day at a time I say. :)

102. A loss.

I finally have a lost after weeks of desperation.  I focused less on blogging and more on planning.  I'm at 220 for a total loss of 98 pounds.

Yay!

108. Planning.

Planning in progress.  Busy days simple eating. More to come.

110. Enlightenment

Above Emerald Bay, South Lake Tahoe, Ca - May 2014

I Heart the Outdoors

I've had several conversations with trainers telling me my expectation are high for my 09/30 goal is high. I should slice the goal in half. Then I was told 48 pounds would be the healthiest and highest number I should aim for by 09/30/14.

I'm open to the new number. Just like I'm open to the idea of having more outings. I look forward to getting healthy so I can climb mountains, hike through trails and just get out and play.

Here's to making a successful meal and work-out plan.

To Happy Days.

111. Rejoice.

Trying to Show my Pink Strands Encouraged by Susie.

I had fun out on a girl date with my bestie Susie. We talked about it all including my body image. She laughs at me when I think I won't fit through a space. She thinks I'm silly when I think I won't fit her sweater. She had to tell me at least 3 times I'm small. I insist I'm not small. She insists I'm smaller, "or if you don't want to call it that your body is different."

I'm stuck in the I know I'm not skinny mentality. I don't want to get comfortable with my size since I'm just starting to fit a size 14. Maybe that's me being hard on my self or thinking I'm still a size 28. Susie made me stand back and look in -- well, I have changed a lot and I'm just not used to it. -- Our talk really helped. We also came to the conclusion that I was holding on the my old clothes for security. So I'm getting rid of it by the end of the month. If I don't have any buyers, which would have been ideal, then I'm donating to the women's shelter. 

Hanging with Susie was nice. She reminds me to be 

bold, encourages me to do more and believes 

I could do it all. 

To great friends.

112. Temptation.

I allowed temptation to take over. I had the nachos I craved for weeks. I found them to be less pleasurable then I remember. I was over it after a taste.

No guilt. No mind games. It was just nachos that were all right and certainly not worth the calories.  Now all I want is some watermelon and papaya. Ha! Who would a thunk?!?

113. Tired

I did not post while sick. Missed the day due to rest.

114. Update.

This weekend was full of activities and I stayed on target as best as I could. I'm trying to stay focused and the counter on my phone won't allow me to forget the goal.

My caloric intake remains low but it's not completely clean. My activity level was on point but I'm sick with my ongoing issue so I can't work out for a few days. I will hop on the saddle once I feel better. 

For now I remain focused on how I feel when I'm healthy. The feeling I get when I am able to go out and play. I am proud of my accomplishments and I'm pushing for more.

To better days.

115. Letting go.

Yard Sale Say

Posting more later but I'm showing a pic now.

**UPDATE POSTED ON 06/09**

The yard sale was set up to sell stuff I was holding on too for way too long. Most of it turned out to be plus sized clothes.

I did not sell as much as I wanted. However, I had various eye opening moments. Seeing all of my clothes laid out from various sizes was shocking. I also let go of some of my favorite pieces and it was okay because I do not need to hold on to clothes I do not plan returning to. Simply said, putting my clothes for sale was letting go of the former me and  releasing my security blanket. 

Here's to new ventures.

116. Rest.

 

Today's outfit. It's late I'm sleepy and will share more.

**UPDATE 06/10**

I felt great on Saturday because I was able to wear a nice long dress without feeling uncomfortable. 

I was at a birthday party and being able to dance and play with the kids felt great. Some of the moms would get down on their knees to be with the kids and then needed help to get up. I used to need help so being able to do it on my own with ease was comforting. I had no problem helping the moms and all of a sudden I could. 

I've come a long way and I am so proud of myself. I am also humbled by the opportunity to share my story with 

others. 

To fun and healthy times.

117. Pay off

Today was long and here's a quick pic of one of my recent dress purchases. I received a lot of compliments on this purchase of $ 13.99 at old navy. 

Score!

118. In awe

Lake Tahoe/Yosemite, May 2014

Today I felt very much like I did during my trip in Lake Tahoe/Yosemite.I felt empowered, accomplished and free.

I went to the mall for a couple of new dresses. My fitting room experience was not one of dreadful confusion. Instead it became a fun time to play dress up. It took me awhile to get there since I was trying on dresses that were too large due to my old shape mentality. Luckily my cousin pushed me and nagged me until I tried on size large dresses.

I was in complete awe. Not only did the dresses fit but I could see a shape. I could not believe my eyes and all I could think about was the large pay off from all of my hard work. I was so glad I did not give up when the scale was not moving because I fit into sizes I have not been in since 2002.

Now it is not all about the changes in sizes or the constant thought about the number on the scale. It is also about how this weight loss provides fulfillment in all areas of my life. Sure, I feel better when I'm looking for new outfits but I also have the confidence to do more. I can jog, climb, and sit over a cliff with running water. I am completely and totally in love with life.

To being grateful and keeping it playful.

119. Fuel.

I weighed myself today.  It lead to less clean choices: 1 mini-corn muffin at lunch and 1 sour cream tortilla taco at dinner.  The points were low but it's not clean. 

All of my other meal choices were good.

Breakfast
3 egg whites omelet with zucchini,  tomatoe, mushrooms and cheese.
2 slices of whole wheat toast.

Lunch
1/2 cup of brown rice
Steamed vegetable
3 oz of grilled salmon
1 mini-corn muffin

Dinner
3 turkey albondigas with carrots and potatoes.
1/4 cup of pinto beans
2 corn tortillas
2 tbls of sour cream

120...Victorious.

Work-Outs

I am my best with work-outs during the weekend. I usually do 3-4 hours on Saturday and 2-3 hours on Sunday. This weekend was intense. It almost seemed like all of the trainers and instructors were on a high energy boost.

Saturday

I started with ROAR where I worked up a sweat within the first 15 minutes. I took a break during my weight watchers meeting where I was uncomfortably drenched in sweat. Lucky for me I packed extra work-out clothes for an outfit change.

Driving to boxing re-energizes me as I play my loud beats. I'm ready to BOX. An hour of drills, sparring, bag punching, punching techniques, abs and footwork.

I was beat but it was time to do the Yoga Flow class. They have more advanced poses than what I'm used to and I broke a sweat within the first 20 minutes. I did it!

Anthony "the coach" Freeman and Eden, my motivator,
in ROAR. She is so fit and always works herself hard.

Sunday

ROAR was even more intense. Anthony set up stations so close together that there was no down time. I usually use the time I walk from one end of the studio to the other to catch my breath. NOT TODAY.

BOXING was also no joke. A trial for a new instructor means that instructor brought a strict game plan to make sure we all worked hard. I FELT BEAT.

I wanted to go for a hike or a walk in the afternoon but after a small outing to the mall I was ready to head home and relax. Everything in my body ached and I just wanted to rest.

Monday

My day counter on the top of the screen reminded me to keep pushing for the first benchmark. I also thought active recovery would do the body good. I knew I had a pole class but my cousin Paola pushed me for a walking venture. I walked from my house and up the HILL. The HILL has a good incline and I thought it was going to be a lot harder. I figured I would take my breaks if I needed. I talked to myself and focused on the trees. I kept telling myself to take it to the next tree until I finally made it to the top without stopping! YES! This is a HUGE accomplishment and now I cannot wait to make this walk a part of my normal routine. The goal is to eventually run up the HILL.

Pole class was cancelled so I was super-duper glad Paola made me walk. YAY!

Tuesday

Today I will do some strength training and YOGA.

To feeling victorious!

121 - re-energize

Paradise Falls Trail: Thousand Oaks, Ca with the hubby, cousin and friend.

Hikes are a great way to re-energize. I may not like the bugs and the sun can get real bright BUT the views, the fresh air and being so close with nature fuels me. It awakens the spiritual side in me. Being able to hike is one of those great benefits from my weight loss. Sure I am doing easy trails but months ago I would not have been able to do even those type of trails. I see hiking as the activity where I  implement what I am gaining from my work-outs and multiple training styles. It creates a circle of constant movement and motivation to make me want to do more.

To creating the energy to keep on moving.    

122 days away...

Hanging at the Bars on a Saturday Night

...from my Drop Down Goal Date.

I'm creating tunnel vision and counting down to my goal date: 10/01/2014. I've set up tools like a day counter on the top left corner of my phone.

The counter provides a positive number to focus on. I'll wake up and focus on the amount of days for the first goal benchmark and the final goal target date. I'm also able to look at that number and stop myself when I am about to eat or do something that is counterproductive to the goal. It is my anchor. 

Work-outs 

The schedule will vary but I have a few guidelines. They are listed below:

Circuit Training : 3 times a week

Boxing : 2 days a week and 3 days a week when I'm in my new office. 

Cardio Intervals/ Jogging Training : 3 days a week

Strength Training : 2 days a week

Callenetics : 2 days a week

Hiking: At least 2 times a month. 

Yoga Daily

*Participate in as many active ventures as possible.

** Try a new activity monthly.

Food 

My food intake is being tracked with weight watchers point system. I am also sticking to clean eating rules.

Motivation 

My largest motivator is the idea of being free of medication and free of physical restraints to do fun activities like dancing, hiking, and water rafting. When I feel like I'm not doing enough I need to remind myself of how far I have come and just continue to act healthy. 

To a healthy me.

The hide out.

Mentality

My mental state for the most part has been positive. The structure I had for the month of May fell out. I kept most of my routines because my goal was to make it to the white river rafting adventure with as much strength as possible. My insecurities kicked in a couple of days before rafting but I did it. It felt AWESOME just like I did back in my college days. INVINCIBLE. 

White River Rafting. American River near Sacramento, Ca. May 16, 2016

Meal-Plans

I stopped tracking my food and winged it. The consequence is a 3 pound weight gain. So be it. I'm coming clean because I'm ramping up for the final home stretch. I have 122 days before my final goal date of 09/30/14. I know careful meal planning and point counting will be the key to my success. Point tracking is key and I will do it going forward.

Work-outs

I've been pretty consistent with my work-outs. Everything except the 12-week challenge. I hated admitting it to my readers but mostly to myself. I saw it as a failing moment. I made myself wrong for not doing things "right". Then I hid because it is a typical way I handle things when I put a lot of pressure on myself. I finally decided to focus on my fitness highlights. I tried new things like boxing, beach yoga, new hiking trails and new training techniques. oh and of course I rafted; an activity I used to love doing annually and was unable to do due to my weight for almost 14 years. 

No Excuses

Having a confessional blogging moment is the perfect time to recommit. I'm hooked on this new lifestyle and I'm not letting go until I reach goal. Having a detour doesn't mean I'm stopping. It just means I'm human. I still want to provide a "how to" to other people who are struggling with their weight or simply want to be healthy. This makes me move forward because I'm truly living an inspired life and I want others to do the same. 

To living to inspire myself and others.

Weekly Update

I did not measure myself this week. Here is the pic. Keep in mind the true training time is 8 weeks since I had to break when I had vertigo.

I'm feeling tight and I'm keeping the eye on the prize.

To staying committed.