Revolt Fitness: June Uprising

 So I just wanted to tell you that this program is going going and going!  It has been encouraging working out with ladies from all across the globe, all across the US---because Revolt Fitness is a series of video workouts.  If you have a computer and internet handy, one can access these videos anywhere anytime.

There will be a June Revolt Uprising starting soon!  I cannot believe that it has almost been a month for me since starting my own Revolt.  Though I have failed and missed out on a couple of exercises, I love that each new week is in fact a new week!  I can be encouraged by the other women in this program to help me up and out of my cloud of defeat.  The facebook private site for Revolt Bloggers has been one of the keys to my success.  I am encouraged, challenged, and most importantly---not alone in my Revolt Uprising.  I love the tips I get from the community, and I feel like it gives me a positive outlook on exercise.

I feel like my body is growing stronger little by little, and I am excited as I am slowly fitting my jeans and t-shirts in the way that I like them!  I love being able to feel comfortable in my own clothes and body again.

I also have been feeling like I have been emotionally more stable, physically more capable, and that I have more energy to play with my daughter. 

One of the biggest inspirations I have is my daughter.  I want to look forward into the future be able to keep up with her, and be there along her side.  I want health for her life not only  mine!  In this Revolt Uprising for myself I realize that my eating habits and lifestyle affect us as a family.  I want to be that example to her, and be able to set exercise as a part of her life.   Oh and..hehe Ignore the Krispy Kremes!

 Well, that is where I am at in this Revolt!  I have lost 4-5lbs.  In the process of forming better eating habits.  Gaining muscle and losing fat!  I have lost almost 2% in Body Fat since joining up for the May Uprising.

With that said, I would like to invite YOU to join up for the June Revolt Uprising starting up soon!  Don't despair if you feel you are way to far to change...you won't regret it.  

If you are looking to make a change this month, Revolt is definitely for you! Right now you can sign up for $10 a month, $27 for three months OR $50 Annual Membership!

Week 2 of Revolt Fitness!

With family visiting, I just could not find the time to exercise for most of last week.  Ugh, I hate excuses, but now that they are gone...I have none!  So off to my workout I go.  I have been eating well inspite of being on the go constantly.  I did choose to eat healthy grilled meats and fishes along with a bowl full of vegetables.  Opting out for ranch I choose oil and vinaigrette dressings.  I feel good about my decisions and on cheat day...I did get a slice of pizza.  And I didn't blame my daughter for not wanting to eat another egg salad sandwich all this week too!

Getting up and out of the Cloud of Negativity:
Getting up to exercise takes a lot.  Especially when it seems the world or people are against you.  The looks the stares---the downers of not fitting into a dress you so badly wish you could wear, all that negativity can freeze up a person.  I know I have allowed negativity stop me from being who I need to be.  I know that feeling of shame can stop a person into hiding under the blankets.  I know this because I have been there.  It is not a "beautiful" place to be.  

I am crawling out from under the blankets again, and I hope that for those who feel like they can't will feel like they can after reading this post.  I am not much of an athletic person.  I love reading, writing, music...lol  But I remember when at my best physical shape I was a runner.  Not the fastest or best runner in the world, but one that never gave up a race.  I always finished it and did my best to give my all.  Never walking always running even if it seemed that walking would be easier.  

But the key thing is: Don't Give Up!  

Don't you give up on yourself and think that you can't.  You are not alone.  Starting out on between levels 1 and 2 with Nichole's program is a bit hard!  I have to say sore sore sore!  But I feel great after sweating through it all.  I do find myself wanting to quit, but her music keeps me going, and checking in with the other ladies keeps me wanting to see the changes in my body.

5 more weeks to go in this Fitness challenge:

I am joining a group of women of all levels, weight ranges, stages of life...and we are all joining up to take on healthy habits by exercising eating right with Revolt Fitness--a 6 week program!  With this program there is a facebook support page where all of us women are being accountable to eachother.  Sharing our experiences, laughing, struggling, and just encouraging each other to keep on keeping on.

Nichole creator of Revolt Now Fitness includes in her program a 6 week diet program along with a 6 week exercise program.  I find it really encouraging to have meal plans and an idea of what to eat and shop for.  It is all listed out to help me on my way to a better fit body.

All in all I am starting at ground zero after losing all the weight a couple of months ago.  Not happy with gaining a lot more this time around, but a better tomorrow starts now!

For more information check out Revolt Fitness and Nichole here:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• YouTube

 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

• 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!

Revolt Fitness Video--20-30 Minutes of Exercise!

This week was the start of a "Revolt" uprising with many bloggers!  Together we are deciding to do some exercising, eat right and healthy, drink water, and get fit.  Revolt is a 6-week workout program that is intense and almost overwhelming for me from the start.  Nichole has made this a great work for all stages and levels.  She  has Levels 1,2, and 3 exercises so that anyone can start no matter what level they are.  I am starting on Level 1 and as I progress I cannot wait to challenge myself and progress the difficulty of each exercise.  

What I love about Revolt is that everything is charted out for me every single day.  Every day I know what type of exercise I am doing.  There is no chance to get bored with an exercise with every day focusing something different.

So here it goes for today!

Today with Revolt is it time for Monday/Thursday/Saturday Cardio Training Circuit.

The sun is out and about and my family is here and awake.  Am I going to work out today?  My Answer is Just Do It.  Not really what my mind wants, but I am gritting my teeth today and in all my glory, DOING IT!

The upbeat music is just right to get me motivated to workout and get my body moving. 

Today I warmed up doing 50 Jumping Jacks.  Which was great for getting my blood pumping and my heart beating. 

This is what I am up against for today with Nichole Huntsman and her Revolt Workout Video:

(Thankfully with each exercise Nichole demonstrates each exercise before hand)

• Seal Jacks
• Planks with Leg Lifts
• Goblets
• Superman
• Climb the Rope
• Prisoner Narrow Squat
• Hi Los W Dumbbell

Doing this Giant Circuit 3 times, resting 2 minutes after each circuit and

Doing each 12 reps. 

Following up with a Cool-Down and Stretch time.

For more information check out Revolt Fitness and Nichole here:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• YouTube

 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

Yes! Success!

Today was a success!

I worked out using a Fit Moms For Life Program by Dustin Maher.  I find him a very encouraging fitness coach as well, but what's more are the group of ladies I am involved with who are joining me in this Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge.  I am doing it for the second time through as I have quite a ways to go before becoming a stronger more  healthier me.  If you want to join up for the next month just leave me a comment, and I will email you back!  The mommy bloggers in this challenge are so encouraging and I believe it is one of the keys to my success in losing my 9 lbs last month.

So Thank you to all you Ladies for pulling me up!

I woke up to my sweet daughter holding up her blanket and waking up not crying.  She rather smiled at me and gave me her good morning hug.  Moments like this encourage me so much!  I felt very energized and started warming up and getting ready for some Cardio Training and Core Training.

The Cardio was not too bad.  I took Sophie in the living room and we did some "high knees" together and I ran around the house.  She rather laughed at me as I punched the air and ran around the house.  It was fun and not horrible.  Core training was good too.  I sat her down in her high chair and gave her a bowl of oatmeal.  I am hoping to fit in some more Cardio and Core later on in the day since I want to work out Strength and Cardio/Core separately so I will be "moving" every day.  I am finding that if I do the whole work out in one day I get burnt out.  The time and energy it takes to do the whole work out is not feasible with me right now.  And it is OK :)

Healthier choices for me means Healthier choices for my Family:

Today we had breakfast of oatmeal that contains chia seeds and other whole grains.  I loved it and well my daughter seems to LOVE LOVE LOVE it!  It is a fight to keep her eating healthy so I am at least doing one thing right today which is breakfast.

Incorporating good wholesome food is getting to be a concern of mine.  We made omelettes yesterday, but she hardly ate the red peppers or mushrooms!  She picked all the red and "white" pieces out.  Most of the red peppers made it to the floor.  I do not know what to do as of yet.  The only way I find to get her to eat veggies is through soup, pizza, or through hiding the veggies.  

Food Journal:
Breakfast: Oatmeal
Snacks today will be apples since that is what we have in our fridge!
Lunch: Chicken or Tuna Sandwich on Whole Grain bread with Spinach and Tomatoes
Snacks: Apples
Dinner: I am hoping to make a favorite recipe I have--Beef Chili Verde  (So good!)

Disclaimer: I am doing the Fit Moms for Life Challenge by Dustin Maher.  I was provided a Fit Moms for Life Ebook and other materials in order to join up and promote his work out.  All opinions are my own.

The Start of a New Month: Fit Moms for LIFE!

Alright, so today marks the first day of the March: 21 Day Challenge using Dustin Maher's Fit Moms for Life program.  I loved seeing results the first time around, and am hoping to embark on another 21 days using his program.

I am currently just really understanding that as a woman who is going to be taking care of the home and family life--I need to really take time to have some "Self-care".  Exercise is one of the components of taking care of myself.  In order to get the energy and equip my body for the task of being a mom, wife, and me--I need to make sure that I keep moving and strengthening my body through exercise.

If I live life the way I have been--eating junk and being a couch potato and not strengthening my body--I will not be able to be the best for my family.  Also, I am finding that I need to lead by example.  My daughter is watching me...I need to show her how to take care of her body, by way of exercising and eating right.  There is so much to learn and teach, and am excited to participate in this 21 day challenge again!

*Disclaimer:  I received an Ebook copy and an exercise workout video of Fit Moms for Life by Dustin Maher in order to fascilitate and participate in this 21 Day Mommy Blogger Fit Moms for Life Challenge.  All opinions are my own, and I am not required to write a positive review.  I am however required to tell my honest opinions and experience using this program.

21 Day Weight Loss Challenge: Day 17

 

Yay!  Got my exercise in today!  I started with Dynamic Warm ups and then moved into Cardio and Core Training.  I feel a bit pressed for time, so I am splitting up the work out so I can still have time for my family.  I also like working out everyday.  It gives me some boost of energy, and accomplishment.  With only a couple more days left to this challenge, I am excited and very eager to finish out this week strong!

Dustin's Weekly Challenge:  Tell someone you appreciate them!  Different person each day.  
 -- I am working on telling my husband how much I appreciate him this week.  Also others whom I really appreciate I am making thank you notes and making some phone calls! :)

The End is Coming!

Well...the end of this challenge that is!
Day 17 of this Mommy Blogger Weight Loss Challenge.  I am fairly excited about finishing out strong in this weight loss challenge.  I embarked on this challenge and weight loss journey on February 1st, 2012 and am very glad to say that I have at least worked out 3 days out of the week and have begun to change  my eating habits.  A big part of Dustin's Fit Moms for Life program is Nutrition.  Exercising, Nutrition, Good mindset, and Environment all goes hand in hand in his program.  In this second week, I feel like I am beginning to see how Nutrition works.  I was sick for a few days, and really felt like it would be best to just rest, but continue to eat healthy and focus on Nutrition and eating the 3 Meals and 2 snacks a day.  I found myself shopping healthier options and planning out more vegetables and fruits into my meals.  I also felt good.  I did not cave into eating sweets and ultimately I think eating right helped me get over the sickness quicker! 

I find that eating for nutritional value is something someone must do intentionally and purposefully! 

Working to lose weight and gain a healthier body is not merely just a 21 day challenge for me, it is a life long change.  I have started to try Protein shakes to take the place of a daily meal.  Because of Dustin's Fit Moms for Life book, I kind of understand the importance of consuming and incorporating various foods into my diet.  Something like protein is detrimental for muscles to rebuild itself after working out.  Also good foods to eat after exercise are simple foods like fruits and vegetables!  I am finding myself trying somehow to incorporate a healthy does of green veggies into my meals.  Not only is this for my good, but for my family.  I know that I want my family to eat more healthy so...I find that I am cooking more meals at home rather than running through a drive thru!

Made for Someone like Me:

What I love about Dutin Maher's Fit Moms for Life program is that it is very realistic for me as a Real Mom.  One of those reasons is that he strives to make exercise short and sweet--after all Moms are Busy!  But in that time we do exercise he encourages us to challenge ourselves to work out intensely and to push ourselves.  Secondly, I really appreciate that he appeals to my mindset by educating me on the "WHYs" of Nutrition, Exercise, etc.  One of my favorite parts he talks about is exercise.  His program includes Cardio, Strength Training, and Core Training, and Flexibility Training.  As a young mom, I have no time to really do the research on what type of exercise to include in my work outs--and I am very grateful that Maher goes into details of the importance of each.  For example, Strength training is ideal for the woman because it not only tones our body but it increases bone density.  I had not known that!  And time and time again I hear about women dealing with bone density loss.  So I am very grateful for the invaluable knowledge and facts inundated throughout this book. 



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 9 Food!

Breakfast:


I also took a picture of what I made my daughter. I love that her food doesn't look pale yellow all the time. Have you ever noticed that the easy bad foods like pancakes, waffles, crepes, fries, etc(CARBS) are pale yellow? I am finding that the more I prepare healthy food for myself the more color on our plates!  2 Cage free Eggs with 1/2 cup fresh blueberries with a pinch of Parmesan cheese.  Super yummy and filling!  My daughter tried to steal my blueberries. 


Snacks:
1/3 cup Apple, 1/3 cup Banana, and 1/3 cup orange slices (Dustin's recommended snacks in 1/3 cups)

Lunch:


2 Cups of shredded Napa Cabbage, 1/2 cup Lemon-pepper seasoned chicken, Orange slices, and Sesame dressing.  Today my husband came home from work because he sprained his ankle.  I made him this salad too.  He liked it!  He said it would be better with more chicken and oranges.



Snack:
I don't know for some reason it was just half an apple, a slice of Whole grain bread and peanut butter, and a 2 spoonfuls of brown rice.  Sorry, I have not had rice in a LONG TIME and rice is usually my staple.  :)

Dinner:
Chinese Chicken in a Crockpot
It did not turn out that great. Ah well, we ate it with a lot of veggies! :)

EAT TO LIVE OR LIVE TO EAT?
I have to say that once I can grapple with the reason as to "why" I eat--I can have more control over my weight.  While cutting up some veggies and fruits for a salad yesterday and today the thought  popped in my head, "I'm eating this because it is nutritious and is what I need to have in my body."  It was not until today that I realized I just understood the difference between Eating to live or Living to eat!  Quite enlightening to me.  God created us not to live to eat, but to eat to live.  Yes we can enjoy food, but I'm finding that the joy of food can really cause us to go south.  So ladies and gents--are you Eating to Live or Living to Eat?

Cheat Meals and Wiggle Room.
On another note, reading Fit Moms For Life there is grace and the flexibility that I do appreciate.    I like Dustin he gives us "wiggle" room when it comes to food.  Meaning, once in a while it is okay to treat ourselves to something.  Indeed it is realistic dieting--because I know that I cannot deny myself some good delectable sweet treats.  Like that Superbowl day, I really wanted a cheesecake bar--I had it.  The next day I was back and ready to hit the weights and cardio.  To be honest I felt gross working out after eating some junk....I enjoyed it but I know that later I will pay for it.  I believe in Moderation--not Perfection.


There's Freedom in eating right.
After doing my shopping, I was a bit worried at how much it cost initially.  I still have not bought everything we need that was on the shopping list.  But you know what?  I find that I am eating about 5 times a day--feeding my family for about $150!  With the food we have bought, I can mix and match meals with some adjustments for the things we could not shop for.

Freedom.  When I portion out the amounts I need to eat, I feel freedom to eat without feeling guilty that maybe I am eating too much.  And what's more my husband is also unwittingly eating about the same portion as I am eating.  I feel satisfied after eating my meal and drinking water.  I'm loving it.


Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead.
Tonight as a family we sat down and watched Fat Sick and Nearly Dead. I thought it was encouraging and wished I had a juicer!  This show really got my husband thinking too.  I thought it was enjoyable and amazing.  Have you ever watched it?  I love it, it's on Netflix if you guys have it! :)

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 5

Day off Days are a Challenge in themselves:
Alright so today is my day off of the exercise.  Sundays are always hard days for us as a family.  Our schedule and meals are always varied depending on what plans start cooking after church.

So I tried to do my best to plan for the worst today, because I know junk food was going to be present either at the Church snack food table or other unplanned events we were going to be invited to.

 I started off the day right with breakfast consisting of a 16 oz glass of water and 2 eggs scrambled and sauteed with onions, cheese and 1/2 a cup of black beans.  To church I packed 4 servings of Carrots.  I went right with my Breakfast, Snack and water intake--as planned.  We were going get together with a couple after church--planned.  They invited us over to their parents' house for a Super Bowl Sunday Get together--unplanned.    Lots of delectables at their parent's house!  One decadent dessert was homemade Cheesecake bars drizzled with white chocolate.  I put up a good resistance for the first 4 hours being at the house.  {We ended up staying at their place for a LONG time and by the 5pm I caved in and tried out her cheesecake bar.}  I chose to eat Taco Salad and some Phad Thai.  I had a hard time figuring out how many servings or nutritional values each would equate to.  I don't think going to this party with measuring cups and a scale would have been appropriate--but I think next time, I just might have to!  So I estimated the best by just using my fist--something somebody told me to help with portions.   I did not want to overeat on the Phad Thai, and really increased the vegetables in the taco salad so I could maximize my veggie intake.
What was a planned 2 hours of visiting ended up being a 10 hour day. 
Sigh I think Sundays are going to be my biggest challenge days to keep my food in control. All in all I wished I had planned for an a whole day and evening for this so here's my battle plan:

My Battle Plan for Sundays and Unplanned Adventures:

• Packing a water bottle is a must if one wants to hit their water intake goals.
• Pre-pack snacks in the fridge of healthy snacks that can save me from Sweets!
• Write down goals/ affirmations/encouragements  on a 3X5 card and place in my bag--I need something to help my mind stay focused on what my long term goals are and to encourage me to do the right thing if a day like this happens again!
• Not sure what else, but if I think of anything I will add more to it!

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 Fitness Challenge--Day 4

Today's Exercise: Warm up, Weight/Strength Training, Cardio, Core Training and Flexibility/Stretching
I have to admit I was not looking forward to exercising.  I was a tad bit grumpy and tired by the time I started working out with Jodi and Dustin.  When I started, I felt my hamstrings and quads felt sore and tight.  My little one was a being cute and trying to warm up with me by lifting her legs us as I was doing the stationary skipping.  Boy did I wish I had Dustin's Mamatone Fitness DVD when our little one was a newbie!  I think I would have loved to stayed fit back then!  Anyways she stopped being cute and started signing "more-more".  She was hungry.  I had to run around to get her dinner while trying to get daddy to take care of her.  All in all it was a bit chaotic before getting to focus in on working out. 

The hardest part today that I dread the most was the weight training.  Those backward lunges with 8lb weights at my sides is super hard!  The muscles in my leg feel the burn quite well, and I force myself to make that 90 degree angle he talks about.  I often pause the video to make sure I do them right.  The second part about weight training is of course the push ups.  I find it difficult to go down low and up again...the positive part though is that I followed through and finished without cutting down the reps.  I really want to push myself these 21 days...I want to feel like me again!  I am super pumped tonight too for some reason.  I did one extra run through of the cardio.  I truly truly truly want to look the way I feel inside.  I feel like a young woman.  I feel like a happy person.  When I look in the mirror I see a very different person.  Oh it is so encouraging to know that with each day we exercise, eat right, choose healthy options---we are taking steps in the right direction.  I know that with each step, back lunge, high-knee punch I do--I will be that much closer to seeing that person I feel like inside.

A New Take on Photographs and Pictures:
Tomorrow my husband Andy asked a friend to take a family photo of us three.  I was already thinking I should wear some sort of Shapewear tomorrow to look somewhat good.  But I was really blessed by someone on facebook to share this with me: ... I finally decided that they (pictures) are for us only and my kids will want pics of me one day and they don't care how I look - they love me no matter what. I say just be you! :)

Those were the most encouraging words I have heard about pictures--ever in my life!  A big thank you to you for what you said.  It means a lot to me.  Some new things I've learned today:  I know that my daughter loves me no matter what I look like, and I know my husband sees me the way I see him.  Through the eyes of love I find that the outer man does not matter at all. 

Also, loving reading all those posts in the 21 Day challenge!  You guys are the reading material I've been enjoying this week.  Well, I've written my food journal down on paper today.  Nothing too crazy or special!

Food Journal:
Breakfast: Peanut Butter on Whole Grain Toast (Seems to be my favorite) and Egg over easy cooked with Olive Oil
Snack: {1/2} Peanut Butter on whole Grain Toast

Lunch: Chicken Salad with black beans and carrots, arugula
Snack: Banana and a Banana Organic too!
Dinner: 2 Eggs.  1/2 cup of Black Beans. Sweet Chili Sauce  I know...it was a fend for yourself night.
Water Intake: 7 cups of water.  


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