a medjool morning

workout
Week 1 Saturday

Strong is Sexy Fitness Challenge  
Aw, thank God it's Saturday.  It's been a challenging week and I'm so glad to almost be done with my first week of this challenge.  If you don't count the modifications I needed for some of the exercises I've done an excellent job.  The positive is that I got up and actually completed my workouts even when I wanted to just sleep in.

This morning I was able to take my time & enjoy my morning cup of coffee before starting my workout since I didn't have to be anywhere until noon. I  decided against the Yoga video and opted instead  for an run outdoors.  I did spend sometime before hand filing some of my fitness papers, which needed to be done.  I'm very glad to not have a pile of papers sitting on my floor.

I chose not to eat any breakfast before my run only because I thought I wouldn't have sufficient time for it to digest, but later wished I would have eaten since it was an hour and a half later when I finally got outside.  I felt really nauseous with nothing in my stomach other than a medjool date and could have gone for a pb and banana for breakfast for fuel.  I managed even on an empty stomach to successfully complete 3 miles in only 35.14 and then finished with a 10-minute Power Scult for Women + 5-minute cool down workout by the Biggest Loser 2 dvd.  It was actually pretty intense and my legs were hating me during and after this workout and I felt amazingly proud of myself after finishing.  

IMAGE SOURCE  

Once I hit the showers I realized it was just after 11am and that I needed to put a rush on my primping  if I was going to be in enola by noon.  I was embarking on my first official day of house hunting today (more on that in another post) and we had several places to check out so I didn't want to be late.  

* Yoga Class or download a free 20 minute Vinyasa Yoga session.

Alternatively,
* 20 minutes of sun salutations + favorite yoga or stretching poses.
* 10 minute jumping session on a mini trampoline or a 10 minute min fast walk.

view daily workout

daily affirmation
With each passing day, I am stronger, fitter and sexier!

daily review:
* read Scale Down ch. 0 pg 00-00 (00 minutes)
* Tomorrow's Workout: Active Rest Day
* in bed by 10pm and lights out by 10:30pm
* repeated the daily affirmations throughout the day
* noted my workouts and meals in my journal
* eats were on target until meal #4.

eats:
View Daily Eats

Crunch Up

workout
Week 1 Friday

I almost allowed myself to sleep in to the point of missing my workout, but I kept thinking about the donut and nachos I ate yesterday and knew that if I didn't do my workout this morning I would be very unhappy with myself.  I'm learning that it's okay to eat these types of foods every so often, but I have to work for them.  If I"m going to eat them then I need to workout, NO EXCUSES.  It was 6:50 when I got up and immediately turned on my laptop while I changed into some basic workout wear.  I needed to review the video again before starting since Zuzana didn't  post pictures for this routine. 

I'm still pretty new to these exercises and not as strong so I  needed a few modification.  I really liked this routine and loved how fun and challenging it was.  The Knee Tuck, Leg Lift, Kick Up on One Leg was a really sweet move, but I need to work on the Knee Tuck part.  The Super Low Hop Squats were super fun and I think my favorite so far.  This move really helps to wake you up, keep you focused and even manages to put a smile on your face.  The Cross Over Crunch Up was pretty sweet, because it 's one that requires slower contraction of the muscles so you can really focus on using your abs for the crunch up.

Modifications:
* 3 sets instead of 5
* Completed in 15 minutes
* Tummy Tuck for Grab the Knee Plank 
* skipped 10 minute Yoga due to not enough time

Tummy Tuck     

Strong is Sexy Fitness Challenge  
* Tone, Trim & Tight a bodyrock time challenge
* 10 min Weight Loss Yoga Video

view daily workout

daily affirmation
I effortlessly achieve my goals

Proverbs 7: 2
Keep my commands and live,
and my law as the apple of your eye.

Proverbs 7:25
Do not let your heart turn aside her (sin) ways,
Do not stray into her paths;

daily review:
* read Scale Down rest 7 + part ch. 8 pg 87-114 (42 minutes)
* Tomorrow's Workout: Yoga Class or 20-minute Yoga download
* in bed by 10pm and lights out by 10:30pm
* repeated the daily affirmations throughout the day
* noted my workouts and meals in my journal
* eats were totally on.

post workout photo

eats:
View Daily Eats

healthy, vibrant and beautiful

workout
Week 1 Thursday
Strong is Sexy Fitness Challenge  
REST DAY. Easy Walk or Yoga
Get outside, breathe some fresh air, play with friends and family, and enjoy your down time.  Meditation would be a great choice today.

I went thought some of exercises DVDs to pick out a Yoga workout for today.  The only one I had was a Gaiam Yoga Dance Fusion.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but thought it would be a good choice.  Though after completing a 30-minute workout wasn't to impressed with the DVD.  It's  not one I would do again.  I think this workout would have been better in a studio where I could better see the instructor or if I had a projection screen using the wall.  She wasn't very good at giving instruction on when to move to the next position.

* completed a 30-minute Yoga workout.
* bowled 3 games after work between 9:30-midnight.

daily affirmation
I am radiantly alive. I am strong, healthy, vibrant and beautiful

daily review:
* read Scale Down part of ch. 7 pg 79-86 (22 minutes)
* Tomorrow's Workout: Tone, Trim & Tight + 10 minute weight loss Yoga video 
* in bed by 12:15am and lights out by 12:30am
* repeated the daily affirmations throughout the day
* noted my workouts and meals in my journal
* eats were mostly on.  Splurged and ate a powdered cream filled donut
   and split a plate of supreme nachos with 2 friends

eats:
View Daily Eats

norish, support...be your best

workout
Week 1 Wednesday
Strong is Sexy Fitness Challenge  

I wasn't' sure if I would have enough time to get everything in this morning since I was late again getting up and about.  I completed my workout on the porch and it was definitely another killer workout.  My arms and shoulders were still sore from yesterday and my legs followed shortly in the afternoon.  I can understand how Zuzana stays in such amazing shape.  The routines require your full attention and focus in order to complete them properly and truly build on your strength.

I only managed 4 of the 9 rounds for part 1 and 2 and by then it was 7am.  I should have hit the showers, but I decided to go for a 10 minute run.  Though to be honest after that workout I'm surprised I was even able to run for that long. 

I found this really neat online timer last night and used it this morning. It's super easy and portable, because you can also download it to your pc and use it offline. I like it because it's very basic and gives you 3 voice options (man, woman & fight bell) so you can focus on your workout, but the screen also changes color depending on if your on (green), off (red) and resting (yellow).

* Fat Fighter Workout: 12 minute Bodyrock interval workout
- completed Part 1 & 2 - 4 rounds each part w a few modifications
- the side lunge jumps were confusing me more than they really should have
- the push-ups in part 2 were mini's, but not modified girl style.
  I've still not worked up to a full push-up.
- My pike jumps didn't have much jump/kick to them.

* 10 to 30 minute brisk walk/easy jog/hike  
- completed 10-minute jog
- after the fat fighter workout my legs were so exhausted and tight.  

view daily workout

daily affirmation
I choose to eat foods that nourish and support me to be my best.

daily review:
* read ch. 6 pg 68-86 (50 minutes)
* Reviewed + set up workout for tomorrow
* in bed by 10pm and lights out by 10:50pm
* repeated the daily affirmations throughout the day
* noted my workouts and meals in my journal
* eats were pretty on. 
  Did have 2 cups of coffee (I think I felt less energetic after my afternoon cup)

eats:
View Daily Eats

enthusiasm is calling

workout
Week 1 Tuesday
Strong is Sexy Fitness Challenge  

My alarm went off at 5:45 this morning and surprisingly I wasn't as tired as usual.  However, I still hit the snooze a few times and finally found the motivation that I need to move myself out of bed closer to 6:30am.  First thing I did was turn on my laptop.  I had my internet tabs saved and set to open up to my morning workout.  It was a way to not make any excuses to skip my workout.  I debated on whether I was going to workout on the porch or my room.  I opted for my room since my roommate was up and didn't have to worry about making noise.  I put on a basic workout outfit and set my cooking timer for 20 secs.  Yes, it would be far easier if I had a gym boss timer, but don't have one and not sure I want to buy one.  However, I do remember someone posting a link to a free interval timer online....really wish I could remember where I saw that. Does anyone use the gymboss?  or have another option they prefer using for interval workouts?

Booty Firm Up
I swapped M/Tue since Fit Foodies met for our bi-weekly walk Monday.  
I only managed 4 rounds instead of 6, because the workout was pretty killer.
I also modified the Push Up/Monkey Push up (pike press) to just modified push ups since I was unable to complete more then just mini-mini's of the exercise.  

view workout log for today

daily affirmation (actually Mondays)
I greet each day with enthusiasm and as an opportunity to move my wonderful body!

Proverbs 4:11-12
I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; And when you run, you will not stumble

daily review:
* read ch. 5 pg 52-67 (35 minutes)
* Reviewed workout for tomorrow + added workouts for the week to my journal 
* in bed by 9pm and lights out by 10:30pm
* repeated the daily affirmations throughout the day
* noted my workouts and meals in my journal
* eats were pretty on.

eats:

Shortly after 2:30pm I started craving snack foods.  I didn't feel hungry, and I had a BIG and yummy lunch so the only other thing I could think of was that I had not consumed enough water.  I filled up my water bottle but still ended up having a snack (#4) just because the craving was pretty loud and glad that I didn't have any bad snackie foods, because I would have totally caved.  Then closer to 5 I another snack (#5).; mainly because I thought I was going to be working my 2nd job last night, but they canceled just after i poured the milk.  I also munched on more animal cookies  later in the evening; really need to stop eating them or better yet stop buying them and bringing them home.....they are just so yummy.

 
View Daily Eats

   cucumber & onion sprouts on oatmeal bread

move, play, create

workout
Week 1 Monday
Strong is Sexy Fitness Challenge  

Yesterday I a cute russell+hazel beige spiral notebook at Target and I'll be logging all my workouts and eats in for this challenge.  It's always exciting to start a new challenge, but the challenge really for me is sticking to it and staying focused for the entire 4 weeks.  This week is definitely going to add an additional challenge with everything I have going so I'm going to really need to stay focused  and motivated, oh yes and we can't forget getting up early, so I can be in great shape.

challenge goals
* know what motivates me
* finish reading & implement new habits from the book I'm reading
* review the workouts a week ahead & have a plan of action
* get sleep - lights out by 10pm
* increase arm and ab definition
* visualize myself toned and thin; NO MORE self-sabotage
* say the daily affirmations
* journal my workouts and meals

daily affirmation (actually Tuesdays)
I feel blessed to be able to move, play & create.

today's workout (actually Tuesdays)
I swapped Monday and Tuesday this week since Fit Foodies are meeting for our bi-weekly walk  tonight so I'll do the Booty Firm up video tomorrow morning. 
1.5 mile Walk w Fit Foodies
2 loops each on the blue trail
* 30 minute walk 
* 20 minute run

current read: Scale down
A Realistic Guide to Balancing Body, Soul, & Spirit

I stopped by Ollies yesterday and picked up Scale Down for $4.99.  I'd never heard of it before today, but was intrigued by the title and felt like I was supposed to buy it.   It's not a normal thing for me to buy a book since I typically get bored either half way or 3/4 into the book and don't finish.  I get bored  to quickly and end up giving up on the book, but last night when I started I was still reading over an hour and a half later.  I found this book to be very inspirational and emotional and I can't wait till I get home tonight to read more.

daily review:
* didn't get to reading my book. 
* Reviewed workout for tomorrow + added workouts for the week to my journal 
* in bed by 10pm and lights out by 10:30pm
* repeated the daily affirmations throughout the day
* noted my workouts and meals in my journal
* eats were pretty on.

eats:
View Daily Eats

Dinner/post-workout I had a chocolate protein shake and an apple.
I did also walk past some donuts in our administration office when I went to pick up the mail.  I almost grabbed one and am very proud that I didn't.  Around 9:30pm my belly was grumbling so I opened up a bag of animal crackers.  I ate two handfuls + a full glass of water.  Normally I would have eaten the entire contents of the bag, but I forced myself to put away the bag.  I still ate more then I should, but progress is still progress no matter how small.  The fact that I didn't eat the entire bag is a major step.  NO MORE self sabotage.  

GOAL: put animal crackers in snack bags so when I'm craving them I only eat a healthy amount versus mindlessly munching on an entire bag.

running around town

This week has been pretty long and crazy once Tuesday night hit. I had dropped my phone and spent 4 hours at Best Buy trying to get a temporary phone until my replacement arrives. I'm not looking forward to being without my phone for over a week, especially since it's more than just my phone. It's my portal to so many things and life was far simpler when I didn't have a droid phone.

I was pretty much home late every night this week, except Thursday so I didn't have much time or energy to put anything away so my room was looking pretty disastrous. Though I did have a fun night out with the girls and even made it out hiking with one of my meet-up groups and made some new friends.

My 2nd job is now back up and running with extra hours and so I worked this weekend and have several days next week already on the calendar. This is going to be a huge help in saving for my future house.

I still feel like I'm flying on a cloud when I think about being approved to buy a house. This week it's become more of a realization after my Realtor sent me several listings to review. I'm getting a little closer to owning my own house.   Though I am trying to remember that their is far more responsibility in owning a house then renting and keep praying that I'm moving in the right direction. 

planned weekly eats
breakfast: bagel w pb + chia seeds + strawberries
snacks: cereal + soy milk
lunch:   Cucumber & Sprouted Sandwich w tomato soup

snack: Chia Pudding

dinner: Quinoa Summer Salad

workout
 I did not workout today, but will be posting a new routine Monday I'll be working on.