Lower Body Sculpt: Revolt Fitness

Today I did the Week 4 Lower Body Sculpt.  This is my second week joining Revolt with Nichole Huntsman.  I am doing level 1 exercises,  and I have to say that I can see how I am very weak when it comes to the lower body!

I warmed up with Jumping Jacks, Knee to Elbow raises, Slow big movement with my arms going in a circle and picking up my legs.

My Challenges in this Level 1 Lower Body Sculpt will be the following:

• Holding the Plank for 30 Seconds
• Leaning back (for reals) with the Lean Backs
• Hip Raises

I really had to fight to keep myself from dropping to my knees with the Plank.  My daughter started coming over, and I wanted to quit!  So my challenge is not to give up on myself and simply fall to my knees because I don't want the pain.

Leaning Back on the Lean Backs.  This is a weird exercise I have never done before.  You are on your knees and toes leaning back and coming back up.  Yes my Lower Body needs to be strengthened, as I hardly want to lean back to get the real exercise.

Nichole goes really slowly with the Hip Raises.  She is very strong and controlled when she is doing these Hip Raises!  I feel my body want to swing my legs up and down which is not truly working those muscles I need to be working.

These are my challenges when it comes to down to doing it again and toning and strengthening my Lower Body.

Again this is my motivation for my mind to think positively and to keep moving forward.  

For more information check out Revolt Fitness and Nichole here:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• YouTube

I am linking up with Mary Ann of the Dapper Bun ,Crystal of Color me Crystal , Susie of Sweet Indiscreet  And others who are Joining up on this Revolt Now Fitness!

 Disclosure: I am a Revolt Fitness Blogger.  Given access to the full 6 week program to try out in exchange that I might write about my experience with the program.  #RevoltNowFit

21 Day Challenge: Weight Loss Challenge Day 10

Update:  

Exercised today!  It was at the last minute too.  It was so hard to get my hour in today, because there seemed to be interruptions and I was needed as a wife and mom.  I drank hard today and got in 8 glasses.  I ate right, and was glad to take a break from cooking with a "lunch date" with my  husband, Andy.  It was relaxing.  I was able to sit down and enjoy life and food.  I was amazed that everything I ordered was really just the right amount of food.  Normally I felt like I ought to eat ALL that I can and order to make sure I am full, but this time I ordered what I wanted to eat.  I ordered Half a Sandwich with Fresh Veggies and a cup of soup.  I did not get to eat the soup--little one got it, but I got the rest.  I was satisfied and happy.  Took a bite of dessert too.  Packed the rest home, and was again satisfied and not craving more than a bite or two.

It's been a Week!

It has been about a week since I started this Fit Moms For Life Weight Loss Challenge.  My initial weight was 176.8lbs.  In the beginning I was hesitant to start anything, but knowing that if I commit myself to this 21 day challenge then I will be accountable to other women!  Here's more about the challenge--http://www.mommybloggerweightlosschallenge.com/ and I'd love it if you emailed me if you are interested in joining up for the next challenge starting in March! 

So what do I have to say after a week? I am feeling good.  I feel healthier and my jeans do not feel so snug on me.  In short, I feel more alive.   The first couple of days of working out was hard.  I will not lie-I felt sore.  But it felt good to be sore.  It made me feel like I accomplished something that day. I believe that my perspective on who I am is changing.  Instead of "I can't" I do feel like "I can accomplish".  Even if it is just one day at a time, one push up at a time...inside I feel more confident. 

Beginning the Journey of Weight Loss is never easy.  For so long I never liked exercise.  Some of my reasons for not taking time out of my day to exercise was the fact that I felt uncomfortable.  I felt like it was too hard.  I know it's going to hurt!  But I have to encourage you that though exercise is not pleasant at first...it gets better.  I did not like it at first, but committed myself each day to make right choices food wise, and then to take each exercise with a deep breath.  After a couple of days I found myself accomplishing little things like doing a push up, or holding a plank position.  You find yourself losing some inches here and there and for me my biggest amazement and amusement were my biceps!  I got biceps hiding in my arms!  I love it.  It drives me to do that last set of push ups....Anyways I just wanted to encourage you:  Beginning the Journey of Weight Loss is never easy, But is definitely worth it.  

I also wanted to add...that I really appreciate not being alone in this journey.  During this challenge I have been encouraged when I was discouraged.  I love hearing and reading about their journeys and stories and experiences.  It's been a good week.  I am enjoying this Weight Loss Journey :)  If you want to, remember shoot me an email, and next month you can gear up with other women and moms and take the first steps of your own journey!  But you will not be alone!

Food Log:
Breakfast: 2 Cage free Eggs and Blueberries
Snack: Apple, Blueberries, Banana
Lunch: 1/2 Reuben Sandwich on Rye with Raw Vegetables
Snack: Toast and Peanut butter
Dinner: Green Salad and Chicken



Below is a collection of other Mommy Bloggers who are taking on Dustin Maher's 21 Day Challenge.  Hop around and see their progress and their input on the Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge! :)





Disclaimer: This post is in conjuction with the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge with Dustin Maher. I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Program. I have received the program for free and have not been paid to write this post. All opinions are mine. For more information on the program please learn more about it here: Fit Moms for Life 

21 Day Weight Loss Challenge: Day 7---A Little Discouraged

Today I went to kind of weigh myself and take some measurements just to get an idea where I am at.  I am a little discouraged because either I am bloated or have gained a belly.  My stomach seems to stick out more and it gets discouraging when I go to measure and it seems like I am getting bigger.  I have been exercising and been eating right.


One week is going by, and was super encouraged by the energy I felt by moving.  Now it seems like my off days I need to be sweating it out and pushing hard core or else I'll just gain weight!  What do you guys think?

My Protein Shake Day did not work out as planned.  We went grocery shopping last night and well just did not have enough money to pick up some things like Wheat Germ, Almonds, Fiber/Chia Seeds/Flax, Pork, and Beef among other things.  With what we did get were a lot of Veggies and Chicken, Yogurt and other essentials.  It was about $150-$160 grocery run.  I think I have to just figure out a different recipe for the protein shake.  So today I just kind of kept going with real foods.  I might find a smoothie recipe by tomorrow! :)  I am trying be positive today and this next week.  I am nervous for weigh in tomorrow.

Food Log/ Menu Planner:
Breakfast:  2 Cage Free Eggs with 1 cup of Veggies sauteed and 1/4 cup Soy Cheese. 16 oz of water
Snack:  1/3 cup sliced banana, 1/3 cup apple slices and 1/3 cup orange sections mixed. 8 oz of water
Lunch: Veggie Burger Patty with a protein shake.  Messed up on the protein shake and drank only half. 16 oz of water to wash it down.
Snack: Carrots 12 baby carrots.  Serving size on the bag said about 12 carrots, Raw 8 oz of water
Dinner: Hefty Chicken Salad with Whole Wheat Spaghetti. 16 oz of water
8oz before bed.

Water Intake: 9 Glasses of water.

Make little Goals:
Water is hard to drink during my off days, so I try to space it out.  I don't feel thirsty, so on Off Days these are my mindsets to keep me drinking Water.  One thing I do to encourage myself to drink more water is I have a glass that holds 16oz of water.  Having a Visual Goal of how much I need to drink helps me greatly.  My goal is to do my best to drink until I see half of it gone (8oz)--and then the next goal is to gulp more until I see the bottom of the glass.  Sort of like a game?  I fill it up after that.  But I always have this glass around me wherever I sit down so I remember to drink.

Another "water game" that helps me mentally, is knowing that with each glass of water I drink---the Less hungry I become.  Water takes up that food space in my stomach.  I try to make sure to drink water after a meal because I do get really hungry and want to eat more food than I need!  Same with snacks. 

Just little things that I think about to help me chug down the H2O.



Below is a collection of Bloggers who are taking on Dustin Maher's 21 Day Challenge.  Hop around and see their progress and their input on the Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge! :)



Disclaimer: This post is in conjuction with the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge with Dustin Maher. I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Program. I have received the program for free and have not been paid to write this post. All opinions are mine. For more information on the program please learn more about it here: Fit Moms for Life

21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge--Day 6

Exercise Day:
Planning on working out during my little one's nap this afternoon.  This will be a full work out consisting of Cardio, Weight Training, Core Training, and of course my favorite Flexibility/Cool down.

Working out was great..sort of!  Sore and feeling a bit sluggish most definitely.  One thing that I realize is if you eat bad like yesterday I ate a cheesecake bar-I believe you feel it in your work out.  You feel like your legs are heavier and your stamina is not that great.  That's just my feeling.  I may be wrong, but I am now more determined not to eat sugar.  I do not like the feeling of working off bad junk food.


The workout kicked my butt today.  
Hardest parts to push through were the Push Ups, Backward Lunges, Planks, and High Knee Punches.  I had to pause the video for the first time to catch up with Jodi on the Backward Lunges!  I have been stepping farther back, but still feel like I'm falling behind!  I hope that I am not losing progress and going backwards!


Egg Substitute?
The only places I have used Egg Substitute was when I was working in a Family Coffee Shop so I looked into it more.  Egg Substitute is primarily Egg Whites.  Most nutrients are found in the yolks of eggs so in Egg Substitute the vitamins and nutrients are added.  Be careful to check what exactly is in your Egg Substitute.  What have they added? Is a question one might want to ask themselves before purchasing just any Egg Substitute.  Some of them might contain Vegetable oils, others may be low in cholesterol or no fat.  Keep an eye out for Unsaturated fats.  More info here's the website: Egg Substitute

I am a bit mixed about Egg Substitute.  For on thing I like that I can control the amount I want knowing approximately how much nutrients I am getting out of it.  I like that control part, but I do not like that I lose out on the nutrients of the egg yolk itself.  Right now I am trying Cage/Grass free Eggs from a local farm.  I love it!  The first time I cracked open an egg was today, and low and behold two egg yolks came out!  I counted it as two eggs today, and I have to admit it has a richer flavor.  2.50 a dozen.  Not bad!  For now, I am keeping my real eggs and leaving Egg Substitute for when I make quiches. 


Excited about Green Peppers:
I feel very full and ready to take on the day.  I was surprised 1/2 of Green peppers and onions and eggs would be filling and taste good.  I hate green peppers, but this was really nice and tasty.  I used coconut oil too. 

Food Log/Meal Plan:
Breakfast:  Cage Free Eggs sauteed with Bell Pepper and Red Onion and a 1/2 glass of Milk 16 oz water

Snack: 1/3 cup sliced banana, 1/3 cup apple slices and 1/3 cup orange sections mixed 16 oz water
Worked out: Drank 16 oz of water total.

Lunch: 1 cup whole wheat pasta topped with 1/2 cup pasta sauce and 1/3 cup low fat Cheese. Serve with 1 cup vegetables sauteed in 1 teaspoon olive oil 16 oz water
Snack: 1 cup raw veggies
Dinner: Turkey Fajitas with Whole Wheat Tortillas and Veggies {Check} 16 oz of water

Water Intake 10 cups of water 
Milk: 1/2 cup

**Working out makes me drink ALOT!**

Below is a collection of Bloggers who are taking on Dustin Maher's 21 Day Challenge.  Hop around and see their progress and their input on the Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge! :)



Disclaimer: This post is in conjuction with the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge with Dustin Maher. I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Program. I have received the program for free and have not been paid to write this post. All opinions are mine. For more information on the program please learn more about it here: Fit Moms for Life

21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge--Day 3

Sorry guys, today is my rest day! :)  So no workout today.  Did sweat, but I do not think it counts as exercise!  Running around with my daughter.

Food Log:
Breakfast: Whole Grain Toast with peanut butter, Yogurt
Snack: Orange
Lunch: Large Taco Salad with Black Beans
Snack: Whole grain Toast with peanut butter.
Dinner: Mongolian Chicken, and Beef with Vegetables-- Bean sprout, Onion, Green Pepper, Mushrooms, Carrots and Celery. Seasoned with garlic, ginger, and Hot sauce

Crazy Water Intake today: I have been making it my goal to drink as much water as I can!  I drank 10 cups of water and had to run to the bathroom about 3-4 about 8 times today! I think that is the most I have ever drank in a LONG time.  I don't think I can drink more than 10 cups of water...it kind of feels gross unless I was sweating profusely.  :) That or pregnant!

Just a short blog post as my daughter is having some health issues right now.  Nothing too serious, but have to watch for signs of fever.  She started breaking out severely with hives.  Fairly fast all over her poor face.  It looked really bad.  Doc said just to watch for fever and breathing problems.  Allergic reaction or a sign that she caught something called Roseola?  Sigh...if it's not one thing it's something else!  C'est la vie!

Below is a linky for other Bloggers who have taken on Dustin Maher's 21 Day Challenge.  Hop around and see their progress and their input on the Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge! :)



Disclaimer: This post is in conjuction with the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge with Dustin Maher. I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Program. I have received the program for free and have not been paid to write this post. All opinions are mine. For more information on the program please learn more about it here: Fit Moms for Life

21 Days Weight Loss Challenge Link up!

Alrighty ladies and gents! Link up your Blogs if you are in the Weight Loss Challenge! My goal is to have a full list of everyone's blog so readers can easily hop from one blog to the next! Also, I love being able to see everyone's blog and to read up on the progress. Thanks in advance! Here is the HTML code to put in your  blog posts:

<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=50e3f6ef-7b8f-4344-9062-f4c1bdcf269e" ></script>

For those never using html.  It's not too bad!  After composing your blog post, there should be an option to write in "HTML" format.  Hit that button and everything should change to html language.  Input the code at the bottom of your post.  Hit save and see if the code worked!

**Note I did change the Linky HTML to reflect what is on the Doc from the Facebook Mommy Blogger Group. Thanks! :)** 

21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge--Day 2

The Importance of Mindsets:

I have yet to work out today with some strength training, but am going to be focusing on what I read today in Dustin's Fit Moms For Life ebook. I took time to read about the mind.  

When it comes to commitment I find that unless I am locked in and cannot turn around or cancel--I follow through bearing my teeth and grinning.  Yet the case is not usually so when it comes to exercising.  Usually I start exercising but then stop after a couple of days.  I try and fail when it comes to exercising.  What is different than before all those many times is that I am learning to lay the foundation of setting a right mindset.  

Here are just three points that I found helpful in Dustin's book: 

1.  Put yourself first--For me.  I started by not taking time out of my day to focus on doing some exercises for myself.  Just like I put God first and take time out of the day to spend time in the Bible, I do need to take time to make sure that I am physically training my body to take on its responsibilities as a wife, mother, and daughter.  I need to strengthen the muscles I do have and not waste them.  So it is not selfish to take half an hour to an hour working out!

2.  Believe change is possible--Yes!  Yes, I can be one of those many women and mothers out there who have shed off the extra baggage.  I can do this.  I really can!  If I put effort and energy and give myself to this, I can expect change.  

3.  Practice positive thinking and speaking--Just like I got to keep my mind renewed by the Word of God and think on that which is true...I got to apply this in matters of  who I am.  Every day I am getting stronger.  I may not be able to do 30 push ups now, but with each try I am working myself to my goal!  When I think positively and even speak something as simple as, "Come on! You CAN Do This! Yes,Almost There! Keep Focus!"  I find that I can indeed get to the goal or finish that task.  For time in the work out I find myself thinking, "This really is killing me!"  and then begin saying, "This is really killing me, but it is going to feel good when I am done!"

Conclusion:

Mindsets are very important.  It is something to keep us going forward and moving in that direction until we've reached our goal.  With a clear goal before me and a plan I feel better prepared to accomplish what I have set out to do. 

  

Worked Out/Excercised:

45 minutes of excercising--Strength training, Cardio, Core, and Cool Down/Stretches
Hardest part was Cardio- High knee/Punching

Meals and Food Journal:

Breakfast: Yogurt, Eggs and Cheddar Cheese

Snack: Orange

Lunch: Whole Wheat Pasta with Homemade Tomato Sauce--shredded 7 Carrots, Onion, Celery
Snack: Carrots

Dinner: Oven-Roasted Chicken seasoned with Lemon Pepper and Montreal Steak Seasoning
With a Big Salad of Romaine, Carrots, Mushrooms and Toasted Sesame Dressing. 


Water intake: 8 glasses as of 10pm

My Goals for this program at the end of 21 days:
Main Goal:  Lose 25 lbs  I talked to Dustin 7lbs would be more ideal for 21 days :)  But am still shooting for an ultimate Weight goal of 25lbs in the long run!
Secondary Goal:  Do 30 Regular Pushups
Third Goal: To perform the "Plank" positions both front and side for 45 seconds!
Fourth Goal: Eat healthy and live an energized positive life.

Join the 21 Day Challenge next Month for March!
You can check out Dustin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dustinmaher
Don’t forget to follow the #21MBC hashtag on twitter.  If you are a Mommy Blogger and would like to try this program for free like what I am doing right now please contact me at sophieandmomma at gmail.com and I will get you the information to join up for the next 21 Day Challenge for March 2012!  You will receive the same free program that I did! If you have any questions let me know I would love to help!

Disclaimer:  This post is in conjuction with the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge with Dustin Maher.  I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Program.  I have received the program for free and have not been paid to write this post.  All opinions are mine.  For more information on the program please learn more about it here: Fit Moms for Life 

If you are apart of the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge would love it if you added your link below!  Visit these Mommy Bloggers and see their progress during this 21 Day Challenge!

21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge--Day 1

Journal for Workout Day 1: 

I woke up geared up and ready to exercise.  I dreaded working out just because I was sore from two days ago on trying out the work out for the first time.  I was beat for two days.  My husband says I was a bit cranky the day after I worked out.  I think I just wanted to hit the bed and sleep.  But feeling the soreness was also indicative that I DID Accomplish Something! 

Today, February 1st.  I ended up not working out till 2pm in the afternoon due to taking care of my little one.  Work out was so good.  I sweated and pushed through the whole  program.  This is how the Fit Moms for Life Program goes.

First is Warm Ups:  The Key here is Big Easy Movements that get the blood flowing. About 3 minutes length
Second is Weights Training: What I am learning is that I need to strengthen certain muscles so that I can gain better posture in my every day life activities.
Third:  Cardio:  Get our heart pumping more!  3 sets of 45 second heart pumping activities.  We do a set of intense activity for 45 seconds and rest for 45 seconds.  A one to one ratio.  If we work out and push hard in a short amount of time we burn more and get more.  I do like it I have to admit.  Spurts of energy and putting everything I got in it for a short amount of time really is nice.
Fourth is Core:  Abdomen-stomach section strengthening.  I find that I have a lot to work on here.  My belly fat is in the way of those muscles down there! 
Fifth and Lastly is the Flexibility/Stretch Cool down Phase: Pretty self explanatory, but something that I always look forward to.  It marks the end of the work out and kind of makes me feel good about myself. 

Dustin recommends doing the full work out every other day and taking a day of rest.
OR as busy moms are sometimes choosing
 I have to admit that the work out was hard to push through, but I did it with the help of thinking about the gains of being  healthy.

Challenging Excercises that I found hard to do!

• Plank regular and side position: Position yourself like you are doing a push up.  Put elbows and hands down and  uphold for 45 seconds.  


• Side position:  Go on side and support body with one arm. I had to "cheat and bend one of my knees.  My goal is to hold both for 45 seconds or more!

• Push ups: Only did 10 instead of 15 for the first rep.

• Swimmers:  Lie on the floor belly down.  Extend arms in front of  you and move them up and down while kicking your feet up and down (like you're swimming).  Hold belly in and draw belly button in for a good core work out.  For some reason I find it hard to breath and cannot do this for 45 seconds!  Ended up just kicking my legs up and down or just my arms up and down. 

Things I thought about while working out:

• I want to have more energy for my kids.  
• I desire to fit into my favorite jeans again and not have to move  up to the next size.
• I do want to be able to look good and feel good again.
• It is for my betterment and state of mind to excercise!
• Only for an hour and a half and then I can rest and shower and relax!
• I will feel better after this!

Here are my measurements:

Arms:  14 inches

Hips:  41 inches

Waist: 38 inches

Abdomen: 43.5 inches

Thighs: 23 inches

Chest:  42 inches

Calves: 14 inches

Height: 5' 2 inches

Weight: 176.6 lbs

Meals and Food Journal:

Breakfast: Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon

Snack: Orange, Apple slices

Lunch: Lemon Pepper Chicken and Boiled Potato

Snack: Apple Slices

Dinner: Taco Salad and whole grain corn bread


Water intake: 6 glasses to drink

My Goals for this program at the end of 21 days:
Main Goal:  Lose 25 lbs
Secondary Goal:  Do 30 Regular Pushups
Third Goal: To perform the "Plank" positions both front and side for 45 seconds!
Fourth Goal: Eat healthy and live an energized positive life.


You can check out Dustin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dustinmaher
Don’t forget to follow the #21MBC hashtag on twitter.  If you are a Mommy Blogger and would like to try this program for free like what I am doing right now please contact me at sophieandmomma at gmail.com and I will get you the information to join up for the next 21 Day Challenge for March 2012!  You will receive the same free program that I did! If you have any questions let me know I would love to help!

Disclaimer:  This post is in conjuction with the 21 Day Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge with Dustin Maher.  I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Program.  I have received the program for free and have not been paid to write this post.  All opinions are mine.  For more information on the program please learn more about it here: Fit Moms for Life