Mitchie’s BodyBlog

It’s been 17 weeks since I made the decision to work on losing weight, toning up and working out consistently.  Looking at the big picture, I know I have done a great job with my workouts, doing my cardio and lifting…pushing myself to lift heavier and enjoying all of this experience.  In this  time, I’ve also had to teach myself how to eat right.   I know that this may be an easy task for others and for some like me…a lifestyle change and accepting myself with grace when I do have "those days" when a greasy hamburger calls my name or when fries just scream out and say "I miss you!"  I’ve learned that I will have those challenges and sometimes will give in.  It’s ok.  But for me, what’s NOT ok is when I give in more than I should.  Last week and this week has been particularly hard for me to stay focused on what I eat.  As I began to wonder why I am giving in so much, I had to realize that this time of year hasn’t always been so honky dory for me.  I call it a "double whammy" day.  My wedding anniversary and my mom’s death anniversary share the same date. And everytime around this year it’s so difficult to celebrate two things that are highlights.  But every year, I’m learning to just let it be. It is what it is.
So aside from the fall setting in, monumental dates that are special to me, holidays coming up…I’m reminding myself of my goals I set for myself 17 weeks ago.  Lose fat and get to 15% body fat. (26% right now) Lean up and get to a weight of 140-145. (149 right now) Have fun working out. (I do!) Eat 6 small meals every 2-3 hours.  Drink 1 gal of water per day. Do interval cardio EVERYDAY!
Be encouraged community of body builders…you’ll hit a point where you will need to remember your goals.  Remind yourself that you are worth the effort. Love yourself completely.  You deserve to be at your best!  And remember, Successful bodybuilders look for solutions; not for excuses.  Its’ about damage control and not falling off the wagon.

I was thinking about the past 15 weeks of my transformation and am very much appreciative of the community of supporters I’ve built on bodyspace.  This journey has been one of the best achievements and will always be a continued growth process in my life.  There are SO many people on bodyspace that inspire me and I can read story upon story of other people who have realized their goals.  It’s such a motivator to read about your stories and the successes.  I’m very thankful and blessed to found this site!  If you aren’t movitivated to reach your fitness goals…I encourage you to browse through the list of inspirational people on bodyspace.  You will find so many stories of people who have triumphed.  Have a great day!

I’ve changed up my cardio with interval training and I love it.  I’ve enjoyed the 12 week program so much that I am doing it again but with more challenge like interval training, varying my lifting and really pushing myself more now since I know what 12 weeks looks like.  I’ve been researching P90X but have decided to hold off on it since most of the workouts are done at home. Right now I really enjoy my trips to the gym and the community there. Hope your workouts are great!

Seems that the P90X program is intense.  There’s alot of stuff to read through that I’ve decided to wait a week and read through the program before diving in unknowingly.  I would still rather go to the gym than work out at home.

I will admit. Week 7 and 12 were the HARDEST weeks on the 12WBT.  Week 7 I faced alot of cravings and this last week on 12, I felt so tired from the 60 minutes of cardio.  I kept thinking about finishing well and its all about that.  I didn’t do my cardio twice this week and I’ve let go of that feeling of not accomplishing it.  Here’s to a new day, finishing my cardio of 60 minutes plus lifting.  After evaluating the progress I’ve done, I’m proud that I lost 15 lbs!

I realize not too many people read my blogs and that’s okay.  I figured I’d use this blog as my personal outlet and a place to rant a bit.  Regardless if anyone on bodybuilding.com actually reads it.   I’m on week 11 and am excited for the homestretch next week with the final week fast approaching.  I’m also eager and concerned of figuring out what to do after the 12 weeks is over. I’ve asked around and some have simply repeated the 12 weeks or moved on to other programs. I’ve decided to try P90X.  If it works well, I will do that and/or go back to 12 weeks.  Either way I will do one or the other.

I have thuroughly enjoyed the past 11 weeks and feel a sense of accomplishment for the commitment I have stuck to throughout this time and am reaping the results.  As of this week I’ve lost 15 lbs and 4% body fat.  YAY!

I’m into week 9 and I am definitely seeing a change in my body.  Primarily in my arms and shoulders.  I’m loving this program!

I have to admit, Week 7 was tough for me.  For the first time I was battling crazy cravings for all my old foods and although I could have gave in everyday, I did a few times. My personal pep talks kicked in and I am grateful for the one most important advice I learned on bodybuilding.com. "Successful bodybuilders ALWAYS look for solutions, not for excuses." This mental note has helped me refocus on many days to keep my eye on the prize and how I will feel and look at the end of 12 weeks.  What are your plans after the 12 weeks are over?

How do you handle cravings? For the first time on program, I had the craziest craving for beef jerky last night. I ate it and was very happy and satisfied.  I just want to be careful not to go crazy on all my cravings.  I’ve been lifting heavier and am having a hard time with the 45 minutes of cardio only because I get bored after the 35-40th minute.  I think I may combine treadmille and elyptical just to get the variety.

I’ve been wanting to adjust my schedule and get my cardio time in the morning on lifting days and before work.  So instead of doing my cardio in the evenings with lifting, I’ve been going to the gym near my work at 6 am before work at 8 am.  I have to admit I feel more accomplished so early in the morning.   That way, all I really need to do in the evening is my lifting.  On non-lifting days, I still do my cardio in the evenings.  If there’s a will, there’s a way.  And the cherry on top is that I beat LA traffic!  What a relief! I’ve cut my commute in half by leaving earlier.  YAY!