Making_A_Change’s BodyBlog

Today I am preparing to have a whole week off of work. I have to clean my apartment from top to bottom otherwise I can’t rest. Last night I worked legs, but I really had a hard time focusing. There were so many people there. I couldn’t get only any of the machines I wanted to get on. I am not a fan of "working in"; I will usually just do another machine or excercise before I do that. My family and I are going to take the train to the San Jauquin valley, where I’m from, to visit my parents. It’s funny, I have been contacting gyms to find out their drop-in visitor’s rate. I figure I can do two days at the gym and one day of running. That should cover me. The hardest part is going to be explaining my ‘new’ eating habits to my parents–who are hard core ‘3 big meal a day’ people. We are taking Little Bit fishing for the first time. I am so excited about that; I enjoy fishing and I truly hope that she does, too. My daughter asked for a ‘fisherhat’ and wants to ‘put the snake on the rope’ (bait the hook), I thought that was cute. 

After that I will have 4 days to myself. They will consist of going to the gym, reading, and organizing closets! Woo! 

 I thought I saved one of my entries as a draft, but can’t find it. I can’t remember what I worked Monday and Tuesday–I really need to write these things down.

The day is almost over, its 2:30 and I have eaten 4 small meals so far. I am behind on the water I am on my 2nd -32 oz bottle. I just had the balls to send my ‘before’ and ‘under construction’ pictures to a friend of mine. First, she was amazed to see how I looked under my clothes. Yeah, pretty bad, I hid my rolls well. Then, she was surprised to see how much progress that I had made. I told her about the site. I know she has issues with her weight, so hopefully, she will log on the get the support and information that I have received. The thing is, when I told her how much I was doing, that probably turned her off. But it works. I put some protein powder in my oatmeal this morning and it was actually pretty good. I am going to keep doing that. At the very least in allows me to really be able to enjoy my oatmeal again and get some protein out of it. I made the egg white quiche on sborton’s blog and it was beautiful. I ate a few slices with fresh cherry tomatoes today. It was really easy. You don’t have to measure anything. And you can put just about anything in it. I used brocolli, zuchinni, mushrooms, and asparagus–the gas was kickin’. The one I made was meatless, but some ham, ground turkey, chicken, or canadian bacon would be delicious.

This morning’s workout was: back and abs. I tried weighted abdominal exercises. I typically don’t do those, or a back/ab split, but I really liked the way it felt afterward, all tight–almost like a girdle. I enjoyed doing the weighted ab work with the cables. I am going to do that for a few weeks and see what happens. Maybe it will build up a little muscle and help burn the fat from my middle. It’s an experiment. I liked being able to work my abs standing or kneeling instead of laying down. The gym was practically empty. I am waiting for the summer rush. Yes, I used to be one of those people who hit the gym as hard as could in May/June and wondered why I was still chunky come summer. At least this summer, the clothes should be a bit more exciting. I’ve already purchased four skirts to show off the legs. Woo-hoo! And I have to get the feet summer-time ready! Shame on you if you are sporting sandals or flip flops with dusty, crusty, ashy feet!

Today was a great eating day. I got alot of veggies in and about 67% of today’s diet came from protein (i.e. tuna, chicken, and my shakes, of course). I feel full, but my meals were small, which is good. Last night, I ended up eating 1/2 a banana at 2 in the morning. I was starving! What is that all about!?!

Once again, my body expressed extreme disdain for what I ingested yesterday. I was bloated last night from the cake and possibly the ribs et. al. But in the middle of the night I had alot of cramping, and in the morning I was met with an upset stomache. I don’t think I need to get hit in the head (or the stomache) anymore about cheating or "cheat meals". I do believe that my cheats need to stay over in the relagtively healthy realm (i.e. vegetable pizzas, my favorite cereals, oatmeal, maybe a blueberry pancake). I just can’t take the gut ripping gas and you know what that has been coming with the cakes and brownies. Ugh. I got some extra eggs and I am going to make that delicious quiche that sborton had in her blog…yum! As for the week, I am going to stay on the lower end of my calorie range, get some extra veggies in me,  and try to add 1-2 additional cardio sessions. I was a bit sluggish this morning, probably still affected by yesterday. But I did do an hour of cardio on the elliptical trainer and I felt great afterwards. And now to figure out what to do with this Monday off…

Today, was a full day; and really, being a much healthier person than I was 3 months ago made all of the difference. This afternoon, I went to the in-laws for a Memorial DaySurprise/Birthday BBQ. I ate fruit, greens, pork ribs, and had my way with some german chocolate cake. Eating it was almost like a one-night stand. It was exciting and delicious in the moment and, oh, the regret now. Looks like I will have to do an extra, long cardio session tomorrow and make sure I get lots of water in. I really do dislike the bloated feeling. It’s uncomfortable and feels nasty. But this morning I got to experience how chasing my fitness goals helps me in "real life". I took my daughter to a Carnaval parade in San Francisco. We have been looking at samba and caporeira on youtube.com and learning a bit about South America. I held her on my shoulders for an hour so she could enjoy the parade. She is 36 pounds. 3 months ago there would have been no way that I could have shoulder pressed her over my head much less hold her for that long on my shoulders. It was so invigorating to be a healthy, strong mom and be able to do that for her. I am probably going to pay for in in the morning and I am certainly glad that I didn’t workout in the morning so that I would be refreshed and have all of my strength. We had a very full day, and I am just thankful that I was able to be a full participant—and it is only going to get better.

Last night’s workout was legs and this morning’s workout was shoulders, triceps, and abs. Both workouts were great. The last couple of times I was at the gym was a struggle. But today I feel great. I especially love having productive leg workouts, now. My quads were all full, it just makes me all the more excited about my end of the summer progress pictures. I think I am beginning to some body fat around the middle; the skin is getting sort of loose. I am getting some grief about my stinky food at work; but that is fine. I have also noticed that my glasses keep falling off of my face (which is a pain while working out) and some of my shoes are too wide. My hip measurements haven’t changed at all–still 42". How do I begin to get that part moving? My legs are tightening up, my waist has decreased 3", but my hips have stayed the same.

I have been doing a piss poor job of keeping my fitday journal. But on the upside, for the time that I have been keeping a journal, I know what a days meal looks like. We are so close to opening our charter school–everything needs to be done right now. My days are packed, BUT I still continue to eat every 2-3 hours. As a matter of fact, I just popped open a can of albacore tuna. Even though I am bloated and retaining alot of water, I still look and feel better than I have in the past. I am going to take some new pictures after I finish being bloated. I had really low energy last night. I did 46 minutes of cardio, and it was a stretch. I started off with the intention of doing 30 minutes on the stairmill, after 16 minutes I realized that just wasn’t happening. So, I moved over to my favorite machine, the recumbant bike, and did 30 minutes on level 8. I have been doing the random program on level 10-11, but that wasn’t happening. I haven’t been drinking as much water as I should, and I am wondering if there is any connection. I still remain excited about the future and how my body is going to change. I am planning on getting my bodyfat tested. My scale at home says I am around 34-40% body fat, it fluctuates. That’s alot!  My guess is that I am around 30%. I don’t have a particular bodyfat goal, may just to get to around 20% and see what that looks like. I really don’t have a point of reference.

Today, was going to be an Off Day. The only thing that I had planned was to do some much needed spring cleaning. This evening was so beautiful that I just threw on my gym clothes and went for a jog. I haven’t been for a run in a while because I needed to replace my tennis shoes. I wear shorts now, and the wind felt so good on my legs. I am still feeling pretty good, so I am going to at least finish cleaning my daughter’s room. She is about to get her "big girl" bed. Something that she likes, maybe witha canopy or something. Tomorrow was going to be a leg day, but since I ran today I won’t be able to work them out like I want to. Maybe I’ll just do abs and shoulders. Everything else is kind of sore right now. I am beginning to appreciate that feeling. I am going to finish my Isopure and clean up.

This morning’s workout was abbreviated but invigorating-triceps and chest. I did tricep press downs with 60 pounds! It was very exciting. I left the gym feeling almost euphoric. I felt strong and a bit giddy. The family and I had a full docket today. The Little One had gymnastics, had to shop for a gift for a friend’s surprise party, go the surprise party, then we went spring/summer shopping for the Little One at the local outlet mall. I failed to plan and, needless to say, paid for that mistake. Over the last couple of months, I have grown accustomed to eating fairly often every 2.5-3 hours. As I have written in previous blogs, I pack a huge cooler for the day. I didn’t do that today. I didn’t take into account being away from home and going from one errand to another. I nibbled at the party on a few chicken wings, a handful of tortilla chips and salsa verde, and some fruit. But didn’t get nearly as much food as I usually do. After the party we headed on out to do some outlet shopping. We were shopping with a vengeance as Little One has grown out of just about everything she has. While shopping, I was beginning to get weak. I knew I needed to eat, soon. We stood in lines. Just one more store. We stood in another line. It finnaly, go to a point where I was feeling really weird. I went to the food court and was really not looking forward to the food there and wanted to make the best decision possible. I saw that the mediterranean vendor had meals that had a nice, meaty, menu-lamb, beef, chicken, and salmon. And the meat was being freshly cut. As I stood in line I felt like I was either going to throw up or faint. I had my daughter with me and my husband went off to get a burrito. At least if I threw-up I could keep an eye on her. I eyed to garbage can that I was about to yack in and the table that I was going to slump over in. Finally, I just cut to the front of the line and asked for whatever it was under glass behind the counter. I explained, in so many words, that I normally eat every two hours I was off schedule and was going to pass out if I didn’t get something to eat right away. I said I would get back in line and was going to pay for the item and the meal I ordered when it was my turn. Unfortunately, the person’s was not proficient in English and didn’t understand what I was asking. She went to get a manager and I thought I was going to drop. At the point, I got the the front of the line, I was sweating,shaky, and teary by this time. The cashier gave me a pastry, assuming I was diabetic and some water. I ate some and immediately felt better. It bought me some time until I could get my meal. It amazes me that I could ever go full days eating two,maybe three, meals. It was scary, my body had never responded like that. I typically don’t pack my cooler on weekends, but from now on I will–even if it is just a protein bar or  tuna and a can opener. The body wants what it wants, I guess. Now, I know not to piss her off.

This may sound a bit shallow, but I LOVE having decent workout attire! Before I really didn’t care, I guess I wasn’t at the gym enough to care. But now  that I am there almost daily, it seems appropriate to do an overhaul. I got a couple of new running shoes and some cute bottoms. I am still working on the tops. It’s a start, but it really makes a difference in the way I feel; and not to mention the convenience of running to the store or running errands if I have to and not looking too bad. I just look like a women to care enough to go to the gym.

I’ll be going to the gym this evening and working on my back, biceps, and shoulders. And I am looking forward to it.

I just learned that one of my co-workers Sambas and is preparing to perform in the San Francisco/Bay Area’s Carnaval and invited me to join the class. I LOVED IT! I consider myself fairly square and hadn’t take a formal dance class, but it was so invigorating, and super sex-ay! It took me out of my comfort zone and really got me sweating. I can definitely can see myself doing this regulary-my lower back is sore and my abs are definitely feeling it. I have included some samba videos in my blog of some women with AMAZING bodies–check it out!!

 I also quit messing around and bought a HUGE lunch cooler to carry around all of my meals, hand blender, multivitamins, etc. This mornings leg workout was great!

WO: seated leg press (50#, 20, 20, 15), seated calf press (50#, 30, 30, 30); leg extension (60# 15, 12, 12), bb dead lift w/upright row (40#, 20, 15, 15); lying ham curl (45#, 12, 12, 12), abduction (50-60# pulsing, 20, 20, 20), ham curl [same wt., 10,10,10], full squat (0#, 10,10,10)

abs: used the ball and grabbed it w/hands then feet (what’s that called),