beautifullyambitious’s BodyBl

Yes, I have blogged more in the past few days then I have in the past few months…don’t ask why… but at any rate here is a new one.

Does stretch mark cream work? Does it only work for people with really red or really new stretch marks? What brands do people use and "swear" by?

I personally have some stretch marks that are about 5 1/2 half years old (thank you to my beautiful daughter) they are not horrible but not something I personally like to look at. Not really red but they are there- the texture and faint redness is there… tonight I started to really look into the different stretch mark creams offered and wouldn’t you know it there are a million and one brands- all claiming to work. Where does one start? Is it a test, wait and see process then move on to the next product and the next until you find something that works? Or is it a ask around thing? Is it appropriate to ask people if they have a stretch mark cream they recommend or is it creepy???
I need to truly look into the different types and hear some real reviews from actual people not company sales teams. Does anyone or has anyone out there used a stretch mark cream that they would recommend???

 Thanks in advance…

Andrea

This morning I ran 3+ miles!!!! : ) It felt so good, even at 5 am!!!!

I haven’t had the opportunity to run since I moved out to the Big Island (about a month ago)… primarily because I have no childcare out here and dont really know anyone yet. The hours my daughter is in school I work so, no time to run then.

Well…my good friend Dawn came into town last night and will be here until Tuesday. I spoke with her and asked her if she minded if I got up early and went running (leaving kendra sleeping) and she didn’t. This morning I woke up and ran- the funny part is I wanted to, it took no mental pushing and very little physical pushing to run at 5 am… I thought because it has been a while I would be slow or wouldn’t be able to hold out….but I did it and I was pretty damn fast!

Anyway…thats it-I ran this morning! Weights tonight…

Have a great Friday-

Andrea

Okay guys..I am back to weight training after a very long 3 day detox diet.. My energy levels were pretty low during those3 days, plus I couldn’t intake the proper amount of protein after training I would need so I opted for Pilates and walking for 3 days… oh how boring!

Anyway, having said my piece on my detox in my last blog I will say that today is officially day 1 of my cut diet and day 1 of plan "Kick my own a**" in training… 

I have been re-vamping or toying or experimenting (whatever you want to call it) with different variations and different exercises to see what kinds of results I get…this workout was focused on light weigh and more reps for those weighted exercises but I also did a lot of my workout using bodyweight exercises…almost a test to see how my body reacts… With all that now said here is the workout already:

Start Time: 5:15 AM

End Time: 6:30 AM

Warm Up: 50 Jumping Jacks (this is a new thing for me… and it seems to work)

Stability Ball Crunches: 1) 30 reps 2) 30 reps - 2 sets in all/ 60 reps in all

Dumbbell Squats: (limited with weight- home gym) 10 lb dumbbells- 3 sets of 15 reps.

Bulgarian Lunges: (these really really hurt today so I only did 2 sets) 5 lb dumbbells (yah I am a sissy lala coming off a detox diet okay…so yes 5 lb dumbbells) 2 sets: 1) 10 reps 2) 12 reps

Dumbbell Deadlifts: 10 lb dumbbells- 3 sets of 15 reps

Wide Leg Squat: 10 lb Dumbbell - 3 sets of 15 reps

Standing Pulse Lunges: (opted to do a set of these since I couldnt bang out a 3rd set for my bulgarian lunges) 10 lb dumbbells- 1 set, 15 reps

Calf Raises: 10 lb Dumbbells 3 sets 1) 15 reps 2) 20 reps 3) 20 reps

Bodyweight Exercises:

Round 2 Squats.. Ultra low squats with only bodyweight- 3 sets of 10 reps

Pelvis tilts (I think that is what they are called- you lay on your back-hands to your sides knees up and squeeze your hiney up) 3 sets of 20 reps… [FYI -I am already feeling these]

Donkey Kicks (again I have a habit of naming things I do.. on all fours you kick 1 leg at a time as high as you can…a good booty blaster or hiney minimizer… hahahaha) 3 sets 1) 15 reps 2) 20 reps 3) 15 reps

Side Flexors (I feel like I am in an 80’s workout video when I do these…but they work! You lay on your side and flex the top leg and lift it as high as you can) 3 sets of 20 each

Stability Ball/Leg and Ab things…(I cant even think of a name for these…. you basically lay on your back and hold a stability ball in between your ankles and and raise it up and bring it back down about an inch from the ground- it works the abs and the legs at once!) 3 sets of 10 reps

That is it! Thank goodness… I stretched but I really am feeling the pain right now and prob will later…on top of this tomorrow morning I am running! Yeah! (who would have ever guessed I could be excited about running) My friend comes into town tonight and she is staying a few days so I will be able to have her home and asleep while my daughter sleeps in the early morning so I can go running… Wish me luck its been a while!

Well thats it… tomorrow I will report day 1 of the cut diet (i figure if I have to report it I wont cheat)…

Have a fabulous day!

-A

Ha ha ha just kidding about the chocolate part! Yesterday was the last day of my lovely detox…thank goodness!!!!

 I did the Jay Robb 3-day detox for the 2nd time this year only this time I did a few of my own modifications.. I do not recommend making any changes if you do the detox for the 1st time… but I am going to push my luck and say if you can master it the 1st time..you are a pro. Therefore… I am a pro..so I can make modifications. (Okay so maybe its my own justification but it works for me)

I made the following modifications:

1) I continued to use Lipo6x supplement on the detox (typically no caffeine or additional supplements are suppose to be used on this particular detox)

2) On day 2 I started my meals much earlier then usual (due to being up with a sick puppy) and found myself absolutley starving at 8 pm- and I ate an extra banana so I had 6 servings of fruit instead of 5..so what! Its only fruit!!! I was basically bordering giving up and giving in and knew if I didnt eat that banana I would…so I ate it!

3) Day 3- last meal. I proclaimed myself finished with the detox after my last serving of fruit yesterday- BUT I have great reasons… The reason I did this detox wasn’t truly to "detox" in the sense you would think but rather to re-set my taste buds and my eating habits before going into my cut diet (started today)…so I figured… I would have a 1 last carb heavy meal before going into new forms of "extreme dieting" (I think they should make that a tv show…they have shows with people eating gross bugs…why not! (thats for another blog though)). I still didn’t do too bad. I had a thai peanut wrap thing I made at home… essentially a low carb whole wheat wrap with 2 tbsp all natural/unsalted peanut butter (Adams)- matchstick carrots, fresh greens, cilantro and grilled chicken. YUM YUM YUM

All in all my goals for the detox were achieved. I managed to re-set my taste buds, and re-find my eating focus and today I am going right into my cut diet. I have succeeded… and that my dear is FABULOUS!

Have a great day!

-A

Before you read on…please note this is my own view, a huge pet peeve and also note I am on day 3 of my detox diet and may be a little more on the sensitive/cranky side…with all of that disclosed…read on! 

As stated in the headline- this is not a personal’s site, 90% of us on this site really do use it for it’s purpose- to learn, and network, share progress, build supportive friendships and get advice with other people into bodybuilding!!!!

This morning I received a private message- not unsual but this was from someone who had NEVER even spoken to me before. It was essentially some guy trying to pick me up- written in the way that someone would send a reply to a personal ad. What really gets me is he is some sort of drama model who only has modeling goals on his bodyspace- nothing to do with fitness (I will keep his name confidential out of a courtesy). While some people may be flattered by someone trying to pick them up out of the blue on a website that is geared towards body building and fitness.. I AM NOT ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE!!!! While yes, I truly do appriciate compliments, friendships and support from other people with similar interests I certainly do not appriciate someone e-mailing me in an attempt to "pick me up"- especially when they know absolutley NOTHING about me!

I repeat bodyspace is not myspace, a personal’s site or a place to attempt to pick up people!!!!

Thats all, I’m done now. Thanks for reading…

Andrea

Well when I wrote up my cut diet I guessed my weight…I figured I had probably gained but dont own a scale or have access to one at the moment…. well last night I weighed in at 125 lbs so its not as bad as I thought! Yeah!!! I have to re-configure my numbers for the cut diet but its nice to know I was way off!

CUTTING DIET – Starts Thursday 9/27/07

<strong />
Pre-Cutting Diet: Jay Robb detox 3-day cleanse program- begins Monday 9/24/07 and ends Wednesday 9/26/07.Jay Robb detox 3-day cleanse program- begins Monday 9/24/07 and ends Wednesday 9/26/07.
FOOD INTAKE PROPERTIES:

Jay Robb detox 3-day cleanse program- begins Monday 9/24/07 and ends Wednesday 9/26/07.<u />
  Protein Intake:  1 g protein per 1 lb bodyweight. Approximate current weight 133 lbs. Total protein intake per day 133 g, protein to be evenly distributed between 6-7 meals throughout the day, eaten in combination with carbohydrates and “good fat”. Protein sources: Lean chicken, beef, turkey, egg whites, low/non-fat dairy and whey products.

1 g protein per 1 lb bodyweight. Approximate current weight 133 lbs. Total protein intake per day 133 g, protein to be evenly distributed between 6-7 meals throughout the day, eaten in combination with carbohydrates and “good fat”. Protein sources: Lean chicken, beef, turkey, egg whites, low/non-fat dairy and whey products.Carbohydrate Intake: 2 g carbohydrates per 1 kg of body weight, 133 lbs converted to kg; 133 lbs = 60.33 carbohydrates per day. Complex carbohydrates to be eaten before 2:00 PM [oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain foods] - all other carbohydrates counted (vegetables) and can be eaten at any time of the day. Unlimited fruit intake- not counting in carbohydrate count due to healing properties (although unlimited amount allowed- try to stick with no more then 5 servings per day).
 “Good Fat” Intake:   “Good fats” included in cutting are: avocados, olive oil, virgin coconut oil, flaxseed oil (or capsules), raw nuts, all natural peanut butter, ground flaxseed, and fish oil capsules. To be taken only in moderation and appropriate serving sizes with meals.

Liquid Intake: Primary liquid is WATER! Minimally shoot for 1 gallon of water per day, 1 gallon = 128 fluid oz. Other acceptable liquids are Endorush, Redline, NO Powder, Sugar-Free Redbull (limit intake) and other pre-workout drinks. Non-fat milk and soy milks (low sugar) are allowed minimally. All carbs must be included in total daily carbohydrate count.
 “Cheating”:  Cheat meals are discouraged. If it is a must, cut portion in half and eat before 2:00 PM.
 

SUPPLEMENT PROPERTIES:

<u />
Lipo 6X: Fat burner, doing an 8 week cycle (started 9/1/07). *** No additional caffeine to be taken after 12:00 PM unless staying up a long period of time. Amount: 2 Capsules 2x per day: 30 minutes prior to meals and no later then 3:00 PM

Fat burner, doing an 8 week cycle (started 9/1/07).No additional caffeine to be taken after 12:00 PM unless staying up a long period of time. <em />
CLA 1000 mg: Fat reducer, must be taken consistently. Amount: 1 Capsule, 3x daily: only take with meals.

<em />
B-12: Energy system boost and immune system boost. Amount: 2 Tablets, 2x per day: preferably crushed and added to smoothie or protein shake

C: Gives immune system a boost and wards of colds (cold season). Amount: 1000 mg per day.Zinc: Take for recovery after hard workouts in evening. Amount:  200-500 mg per evening.

Take for recovery after hard workouts in evening.
Rhodiola: [New Supplement] Take as directed for mental clarity and stress management. Amount: TBD as recommended.  
 Multi-Vitamin: Amount: 2 capsules per day, 1 in afternoon and 1 in evening. This one took me a while to put together, I basically have never done a “cut” diet before and pieced this together from reading tons of things. Any suggestions or comments are welcome : )

I am getting ready to start my cutting diet but so far have been unsuccessfull in finding an article or website that lists the total amount of carbs in each vegetable. I really, really need this so if anyone can give me something I would surely appriciate it!

Let me first start by saying I generally have a positive outlook on life, I believe the glass is not only half full but also has the potential to quench thousands of people’s thirst. This weekend I was hit with one thing after another, most negative but some positive. Essentially Murphy’s law of "If it can go wrong, it will go wrong" declared war on me. 

My weekend started off great on Friday, I got to be out of the office for work related things so I wasnt trapped indoors throughout the day. In the afternoon I picked up my daughter as usual, then off to the airport we went to pick up some friends who were coming in from Oahu for the weekend. These are the friends who own the absolutley wild puppy we have been puppysitting for over 2 weeks [we were counting down the days to unload him- he is a pain even though he is a puppy!]. We went to dinner and then back home and stayed up all night just talking about various things. Later we went to bed close to midnight and decided that on Sat we were going to go to Hilo side of the island and explore- visit the Black Sand Beach and Volcanos ect.

Saturday I woke up at 5:00 am…I couldn’t fall back asleep for my life…so I thought well I am up early I might as well make use of it. I checked my e-mails, read, then made breakfast for everyone as they woke up. We got everything together and made it out of town just before they shut down the roads for a parade (thank goodness!). We did lots of exploring on our drive, we hit up this little quaint town full of antique stores and a vegetable market- it was great. At this point I thought to myself what a great weekend! We went from there to the Black Sand Beach.

We hung out at the Black Sand beach for a while, I got some great photos of huge waves and of my daughter collecting seashells…it was amazing.. Driving back out the road we entered on (a very overgrown, gravel, country road) I had to slam on my breaks because a litter of 4 puppies ran across the road, 3 black ones and 1 yellow one- they looked like some form of a lab mix. Being the animal lover that I and my friends are we stopped. Two of the black ran away but we caught 1 black one and the yellow lab looking one. These puppies were out there a while, they were a few months old and it looked as if someone had just dumped them off (a very common occurence in Hawaii). Well our original plan was to take them to the Humane Society but after bringing them with us to the Volcanos and driving back well lets just say I have a golden lab mix named Max and they have a black lab mix named Kila. All is well, life is good…a great weekend- I mean I got a puppy, right?

On the way back about 11:30 pm and about 1 mile outside the town I live in I got a flat tire..yes thats right a flat. Which normally no problem- I would fix it and move on. Well, the jack in my car didnt work correctly (and no it wasnt an operator error!) so I had to try to flag someone off the highway for help. Finally about 12:30 AM I got fed up and went and woke up someone at their house to borrow a jack…about 1:15 am the tire is changed- yeah! We thought we were going home (keep in mind this is me, my daughter, our friends and the 2 dogs)..well giving that we were just off the highway we had the flashers on to keep from getting hit..well during all this time the car battery died.. yeah thats right… it took us another hour to get someone who had jumper cables to stop. We got a jump..and yes, we made it home! All I could do is laugh or cry so I chose just to laugh and go to bed. We gave the dogs a bath then crashed out.

I got up on Sunday thinking I could go in town to the tire place and have them fix my tire..well I live in a little town which is fabulous EXCEPT nothing is ever open on Sunday… my friends absolutley had to be at the airport by noon… (an hour and a half drive from my house)…so we left early and I went 45 MPR the whole way…I dropped them off early and headed to Costco thinking they could fix my tire… well they looked at it and I actually had to buy a new tire. So I bought the tire and they were going to put it on..Kendra and killed time wandering the isles of Costco (I now think I know EVERYTHING our Costco carries).

Well about an hour later my cell rings..its the tire shop and they asked me to come down because they needed to show me something…Kendra and I showed up and he proceeded to show me that all of my lug nuts on the other back tire (not the flat) were stripped. He said my tire was wobbling and would have probably come off very soon while driving… He explained while it is not Costco’s policy to check all 4 tires lug nuts it is his as the manager and thank God he did. At this point I am getting this sinking feeling…it already feels like 1 thing after another has occured…The manager said he was going to try to put some extra ones on but that I would need to take it to the shop ASAP to get it fixed. I am very grateful for any help at this point.

Kendra and I waited outside in the shade.. then the manager came over and said he cannot get the lug nuts on and it is Costco’s policy that they cannot release a vehicle if it is unsafe to drive. At this point I abosolutley lost it… I was a big sissy lala crybaby! All of my family that lives out here is off island, I have no one to call on for help with this, the shop is closed and I am an hour and a half away from home. I finally pulled myself together- got a cab to the nearest car rental shop, then rented a car and went home…where I cryed some more then pulled it together.

This morning I had to call a tow truck to tow my car to a shop from Costco then called the shop and set everything up through them. All of this done from work this morning (I know work is work but hell this needs to be done)…. just to find out my admin assistant is not coming in all week, we have the wrong color carpet in not only 1 but 2 homes and the damn copy machine is fighting with me about printing labels. Everyone who enters my construction trailer says "F*** its a Monday!"…. Murphy’s law is getting everyone it seems.

After all of this I sat back about a half an hour ago and said to myself… this is okay. All is well. Yes it sucks but my daughter is healthy, I am healthy. We are well. No one is physically hurt, thank God that tire was discovered before it came off while driving. It made me really stop and be grateful for everything I have been blessed with and it reminded me not to get comfortable or take anything for granted. I stopped and said a prayer thanking God for providing me perspective on life.

We will see what happens beyond this but regardless I wont be absorbed by it and instead be grateful for all I do have.

-A-

After taking a very long look at my eating habits I have decided that they are very clean…however lately I have been falling off track.. a brownie here, an organic pumpkin muffin there…a little too much pasta… you know the story. Well giving that goal wise I have blown the past couple out of the water and endurance training (my new goal) is one that is achieved only over a long period of time I have officially decided to try my first cut/actual diet.

 In the past when I felt needed I have cleaned up my diet more but never truly tried "cutting" so this is a completly new avenue for me. I have read up about it on various sites (for the record bodybuilding.com has the best info!) and am looking to lay it all out.

My most recent fall out with food was this weekend… I ate so much food and so much crap that I now feel like crap and know it is time to diet. I guess maybe I figured this is the last "free for all" before the cutting begins. So here I am… I am stuck in the great debate as to whether or not to do the Jay Robb detox diet again prior to starting the "cutting". I did this particular detox diet once in the past and was pretty pleased with the results. My mind was clearer, my tastebuds wiped clean- I could taste food fully again, I was re-charged and my skin just glowed! It is a 3 day detox in which I would start tomorrow however with  one twist- normally on the detox you dont do supplements…this time I would be.

I would like to overall re-cleanse my taste pallet back to only clean foods, regain my energy, make my skin glow, and of course slim down a bit ASAP. I have an event I have to attend on 10/11 and would like to be back to my fabulous, radiant self by then. Any thoughts or suggestions are more then welcome! Thanks for tuning in.

A