CTS Day #3 (100% orange juice, maple syrup, water)

Today was a little tough....well at least in the morning. While I slept GREAT last night and awoken enerigized and ready to conquer the world, I did have a slight headache around 9am. They say that when you have the "hunger pains" (which in my case is the headache), you are to "take a shot" of your juice. So that is what I did....SHOTS FOR EVERYONE!!!! Lol. To also help "fill me up", I chased the orange juice (remixed) with purified water. This not only helped to take the headache away, but I am also staying hydrated as well.

For those who may not know, when I consume to much citrus (especially oranges) my face starts to break out. Some of you may experience the same, but many I know are not effected at all my to much citrus in there system. Me don't likey that...lol...but I feel the water as a chaser will help to keep me silky smooth...lol

I was a little confused on actually how much of the juice I was suppose to consume for today. If you look back at the link I provided for the information on the diet (click here), it doesn't really say how much on day 3 of the "ease in" phase you are suppose to consume...but 2 liters has been a consistent measurement throughout this entire process, so that is what I am trying to stick with. To be honest with you all, by the time I got to 9:30 am this morning, I only had 12ounzes of my first liter to finish....so I took a break and started on the water..that helped me a lot.

To switch things up a little (for my metabolism was on fire last night), I decided to go do my work out during my lunch time versus after work. This way, when I returned to work, I'm keeping myself busy as my body begs to be fed. I actually did 2.71 miles of JOGGING on the treadmill! Yaaay me!!!!! I have to definitely keep this progress up.

At around 4:30 pm today, I experience my "downer" moment. This is when my body started to get tired and wanted to sleep ASAP. To combat this (and a slight case of tongue coating from the juice...yuk!), I started drinking some purified water to fill me up and wake me up. That seem to get me back on track to finish strong at work and then to be productive for the evening.

Right now, I feel ok. I am tired, not weak, and just want to go to sleep. I definitely got my 2 liters of juice in....even though I am craving one of my homemade juiced fruit...but I will get threw it. Tomorrow starts the actually lemonade diet...and on NYE at that...lol. But I am sure I will be ok. Up until now, my body is use to not eating all my fav foods (like twizzlers, chips and salsa or pretzels and cheese.....I mean I can go on and on family...lol).

Day 3...out of the way...BRING ON THE LEMONADE. Lol. Be blessed family!

CTS Day #2 (all juiced fruit and veggies)

You all will be so proud of me today! I actually made it to the gym to work out. I did 3 miles of walking/light jogging on the treadmill. Since I am taking in way less than usual, I had to alter my work out plan to fit my current (and temporary) needs. I burned about 300 calories and walked about 2.5 miles in the process!

On today's menu, I went back and forth on soup broth mixed with vegetable juice and blended (juiced) fresh fruit. Heating the broth up and drinking it like tea was very fulfilling and I was able to "psych" myself out as well.

Only at around 2:30pm did I start to get a headache. I am still trying to determine where this headache is coming from.....hunger....psychological.....nerves, etc. In the end, it did not win (lol) and I did. Usually the headache is a cue to me that it is time for me to eat...so I broke out my veggie broth...yummy.

They say the way you handle the first few days of "easing in" will determine the success of the over all cleanse.....I guess we will see if I make it threw huh. So far, I've only experienced one time of ultimate hunger and two headaches. Again, I stopped and went to the thrown and asked for MORE strength and used scripture that I know by heart as personal motivation. I also received a woman's encouragement/inspiring/motivational book from my mother for the holidays...I began my day with a reading from it and plan to end on the same note.

Day 2 of the Lemonade Diet............SPANKED!!!!! Lol. Stay encouraged and be blessed family.

Cleansing the Soul (CTS) Day 1

A very quick check in from me tonight family. So far, day went great! No cheating and I stucked to my eating plan (click back to previous post). I will say that I did start to get headaches around 3:45 ish tonight, but I decided that maybe it was time for me to eat (lol), and I had dinner, water and some sugar free gum. In order to help conquer this (mind over matter), I actually stopped and said a small prayer to refocus me on what I was doing (folding clothes..BTW) and soon the headache was gone.

I wanted to share with you a neat thing I did with my veggies today. I steamed some corn and green peas. Threw both in a mixing bowl and added some chopped tomatoes...and discovered a delicious healthy dish. I only used pepper (black) and a hint of Mrs. Dash (no salt, butter, etc were used). The tomatoes gave the veggies some kick and added sweetner to help coat them to taste. After this is all over, I must try this again. I ate on this for lunch and dinner. I also warmed up some vegetarian broth and had as a snack..the morning was a little difficult so I had this in my stash.

Tomorrow is all juice. Fruit and veggies have to be in liquid form. Since I do not have a juicer, I have taken out ALL my frozen fruit and plan to blend it with some water to "juicify" (yes I just made up a word) it. Instead of the herbal laxative tea, I actually continued on with my ACV to help with daily toxin release until I start fully on liquids...then the tea will come into play.

Originally, I had planned to work out, but since I was up uber early for work, I decided to pass. Tomorrow, however, I plan to do 2-4 miles on the treadmill (walking...no runnin). I decided to take my work out down a bit for I know how my adrenaline gets pumping, and heavily desires food afterwards...but I will be on total liquids and water so that is a no go. Lol. I guess we will see.

As for vitamins, I was suggested to not take any, but I did take my allergy meds and some of my all natural supplements (joints, etc). This will all cease by Wednesday of this week.

Until tomorrow family...the orAKAle has spoken......

Cleansing the Soul for the New Year!!!

Merry Christmas family! I know I have been gone from this blog for awhile, but I have not forgotten about YOU all and my goals. I hope you all have been successful with any and all of your weight loss goals and want to encourage you to stay prayed up and motivated.

To enter the new year right I am planning to cleanse not only my body, but my soul (and hopefully loose a little weight in the process of it). Starting Monday, I plan to embark on my first lemon diet experience. I have never done this, but am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead (cleaning the body of unnecessary toxins, focus and weight loss). Below I have listed some details of how I plan to progress threw the process:

Day 1-3 = "Ease In" - 12/28-30/09

Day 4-8 = Lemonade Diet - 12/31/09 - 1/4/10

Day 9-11 = "Ease Out" - 1/5-7/10

Day 12 = Regular Diet (transition into live food ONLY)

Please note - Only purified or distilled water can be used in the lemonade mixing. Daily I will drink an herbal laxative tea to assist with the removal of toxins in my body. Also, I plan to drink plain purified water in between the liters of lemonade.

My ultimate goal is to use this as a platform to move me into NO MEAT (including fish) at all. I also plan to implement a raw food diet for the new year as well...TBC on that one...lol

I plan to use this blog to journal my daily journal. While I know this will not be easy (especially once I get to day 2 of the lemonade diet stage), it is worth it to get healthier and more focused. If you want to join with me, feel free and leave a comment so I will know.

Enjoy the rest of 2009 and hope you have a blessed 2010!

Fasting to Clear My Body

Since the Get Fit 4 Christ program is coming to a close, I wanted to fast to restart my body again for my new way of eating. I actually have a few individuals who are doing it with me and others interested specifically on what it entails. I've inclulded the plan below:

+ Grilled chicken or tuna (this is totally plain protein. NO SEASONING OR SAUCES)
+ Cucumber (eat it how ever you want as long as its NOT SEASONED)
+ Water (of course)
+ 1-2 teaspoon of ACV (if you find yourself getting light headed, reduce it even more)

Thanks to one of my lovely Sorors for passing on this plan to me. She use to be an NFL cheerleader and use to do this type of fast to drop water weight quick and to jump start her body to eating CLEAN foods.

I plan to do this fasting plan until Wednesday, October 14th at noon. After that, I will be pushing the protein, veggies and fruit and limiting my carbohydrate intake to 40 grams/day. The ultimate goal is to reduce that number to 30 grams/day but I must take baby steps. Lol. Whose going to join us? Remember, you can ONLY EAT the foods above for the next 4 days (for I started today). You can eat as much as you want as well family....so chow down.

As for exercise (and yes you still have to get moving), the work out plan can be of your choice, but for me I plan to walk/jog at least 3 days of the 4 day fast. I know my body and how I work, and limiting myself to only these foods will be tough initially on me. I can't over exert myself to much for my body won't have enough food essentials to burn. BUT I do plan to keep moving. Lol.

What am I trying to accomplish....dropping 5lbs by this coming Friday, clearing out my system and restarting my eating plan. I'm excited for Paris is winding down and its time to get serious.

Be blessed family!!!

Daily Food Journal 32 (LATE EDITION)

Sorry for the late post family. Below is a depiction of yesterday's meals. I will let you know up front, I am only spending 4 days in my home this month due to work travel. That means cooking and preparation is very very limited if out the question. Due to this, I did not go grocery shopping for the food (parishable items) would .....well....parish. Lol.



I will be in and out of hotels, the greater STL areas AND the state of Missouri now until October 31st. I am still taking the healthy tip from Coach Johnson on really eating and pushing the fruit and veggies while traveling. I also eat fruit snacks as a way to curve my sugar or carb cravings as well. They are 100% made with fruit AND can totally kick that craving. Keep me lifted family, for traveling and continuing my healthy regimen poses some difficulty me still:



Breakfast:
+ 2 slices of whole wheat bread
+ 2 teaspoons of reduced fat peanut butter
+ 1 1/2 tablespoon of apple jelly



Morning snack:
+ 1 cup of apple sauce



Lunch:
+ 1 salmon fillet (baked)
+ 1 cup cooked brown rice (with olive oil margerine and dash of season salt)
+ 1 cup of steamed cooked mixed veggies



Afternoon Snack:
+ 1/2 cup of trail mix (peanuts, almonds, cashews, raisins and chocolate pieces)



Dinner:
+ 1 fiber one bar
+ tortilla chips and queso




Water Consumption = 68.5 ounzes
ACV= NONE
Supplements and Vitamins = 2 Women's One a Day Multivitamin, Biotin and Iron
Alcohol= NONE

Daily Food Journal/ Exercise Log #31

Today's work out was the Get Fit 4 Christ DVD only. I had originally planned to do a 20 minute DVD partnered with it, but I ran out of time. Tomorrow, I plan to get up and do the GF4C DVD and the 20 minute Turbo Jam. I have to work tomorrow and want to make sure my bible reading and work out comes FIRST before I give "the man" my day. Lol. Below is today's food journal:

Breakfast:
+ 2 pieces of whole wheat toast
+ 2 table spoon of reduced fat peanut butter
+ 2 tablespoon apple jelly
+ 4-5 ounces of herbal tea (with raw sugar for sweetening)

Morning snack:
+ NONE

Lunch:
+ 1 salmon fillet (cooked with olive oil margerine, peppar and onion powder)
+ 1 cup of mixed steamed veggies
+ 1 cup apple sauce

Afternoon Snack:
+ 1 fiber 1 bar

Dinner:
+ Subway sandwhich (green veggies, provolone cheese, light mayo)

Evening snack:
+ NONE

Water consumption = 64 ounzes
ACV= 2 teaspoon
Vitamin and Supplements = 2 women's one a day multivitamin, Biotin and Iron
Alcohol = NONE


How do I feel:
I finally ran out of my Bragg's ACV, and decided to try a new one...Eden Organic. Its not that bad, if ACV can have a different taste from brand to brand. Lol. It was more economical AND the salespeople at the health food store suggested for me to try it as well. So far so good....as long as it keeps doing its job.

I have a few days at home this weekend, but next week I am traveling the entire tine. I plan to implement the veggie and fruit system of overloading myself so I don't over eat. As for snacks, I have fiber 1 bars and trail mix. I'm nervous for the last few weeks on the plan I am traveling in and out of town, but that is my life right now. I am confident that 5 lbs will continue to shed off by the end.

I've learned threw this journey that life happens...but we can't beat ourselves up about it. We must forge ahead and do the best we can with the decisions we've made. I am ok with the decisions that I make daily...I can do better, but I am not ashamed. Please remember this family. You will fall short sometimes, but you have to get back up.

I'm now trying to be healthy, not necessarily to drop a bunch of pounds. I want to continue to get fit for God so he can use me as he see fit. He can't use me if I have no energy, I'm not hydrated, I'm not getting sleep, my stress level is up, my blood pressure and cholesterol is up, etc. This is my motivation to take the good and bad and make the best of the situation. I hope you will do the same.

Keep me lifted family....

Daily Food Journal #27

Breakfast:
+ 1 bowl of shredded wheat
+ 1 cup of soy milk


Morning snack:
+ office home made trail mix (m&m's and salted peanuts only)
+ 1 small box of raisins


Lunch: (again another event on campus, had to eat or would not have eaten until 3 pm)
+ green salad with shredded carrots, chopped egg and light dressing
+ bowtie pasta with cooked broccoli and white cream sauce
+ 1 bread stick


Afternoon snack:
+ office home made trail mix (no raisins this time)



Dinner:
+ 2 slices of whole wheat bread
+ 1 1/2 tablespoon of apple jelly
+ 1 1/2 tablespoon of reduced fat peanut butter


Evening snack:
+ NONE



Water consumption = 60 ounzes (epic failure)
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Vitamins and supplements = Women's One A Day multivitamin, Biotin and Iron
Alcohol = NONE


How do I feel.....like my weight loss goals are slipping away from me. My work schedule is consumption my life, I have no groceries (and am not sure when I will be able to get to the store UNLESS I go at like 10:30 pm at night or toooo early in the morning) and I am so tired, at times I can't get the motivation to work out. Keep me lifted....

Daily Food Journal #26

Well I am on week 3 of the eating program, while the rest of the group is on week 4. I started late due to vacation, and wanted a fresh start. I feel so much better and am ready to take on the eating plan. Again, I have travel two days this week (as usual), but again, I'm pushing the veggies and fruit, so I am convinced I will be ok. Below is today's journal:

Breakfast:
+ shredded wheat cereal (62 grams)
+ 1 cup soy milk

Morning snack:
+ 1 large bannanna

Lunch: (lunch meeting on campus with a colleague)
+ 1 bowl (maybe two servings) of cooked broccoli (i'm sure there was a little butter on it)
+ medium red apple
+ Spinach leaves salad (with chopped eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onions and light vinegarette dressing)

Afternoon snack: (i was really hungry)
+ 1 oz of almonds
+ 2 fiber bars (90 cal each)

Dinner: (campus event, so I only had "appetizer" like items to eat)
+ 2 slices of cheddar cheese
+ 4 tollhouse crackers
+ 3 strawberries
+ 7 red grapes
+ chocolate chip cookies


Water consumption = 76 ounzes
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Supplements and Vitamins = 2 Women's One A Day Multivitamin, Biotin and Iron
Alcohol = NONE


How do I feel:
LIke I can conquer the world....and these last 5 pounds that I agreed to loose. I'm still a little nervous for we are nearing the end of the 40 days...but I am confident that I will make Coach Johnson proud. Lol.

No work out today due to personal issues...but I will be back on it by Thursday. Be blessed!

Daily Food Journal #23

Breakfast:
+ 1 1/2 cup shredded wheat
+ 6 oz soy milk
+ 1 small green apple

Morning snack:
+ 1 fiber bar
+ 1 pk twizzler nibbs

Lunch:
+ green salad from Schnucks (spinach leaves, chopped broccoli, green peppers, onions, chopped eggs, shredded carrots, chopped cucumbers, green pees and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds)
+ raspberry dressing

Evening snack:
+ two recees butter cups (:()

Dinner:
+ 1 small salmon fillet
+ salad (romaine lettuce, red onion, fetta cheese and a sprinkle of walnuts)


Water consuption = 80 ounzes
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Supplements and vitamins = Women's One a Day Multivitamin, Biotin, Iron
Alcohol = 4 oz of St. James white wine

Daily Food Journal #22

Breakfast
+ 3 egg whites
+ 2 cups of spinach leaves
+ apple


Morning Snack:
+ 1 oz almonds
+ 1 small orange


Lunch:
+ 4 slices of cheese pizza


Afternoon Snack:
+ NONE


Dinner:
+ 2 small fillets of baked fish
+ 1/2 cup of green cooked pees
+ 1/2 cup of cooked corn
+ 2 chocolate chip cookies

Water consumption = 72 oz
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Supplements and Vitamins = 2 Women's One A Day Multivitamin, B12, Biotin and Iron
Alcohol = NONE




How do I feel......a failure somewhat. School functions cause me to work threw lunch and dinner and instead of skipping a meal, I try to satisfy my hunger and eat as best as I can. I admit, I shouldn've had 4 slices of pizza, but it was plan cheese pizza. The evening meal was again another student event. I don't think I did to bad, but should not have eaten the cookies since I had pizza earlier.



I did however, get fruit and veggies in along with my water intake. That has to count for something huh...
So I will be traveling again this weekend, but decided that I will at least give you all the condensed version of my daily workouts and eating. Tomorrow I plan to get up and do the GF4C DVD again before I head out.

Keep me lifted family....

Daily Food Journal #18

Below is a list of what I ate today:

Breakfast:
+ 3 eggs (pepper, a dash of season salt, green peppers and onions)
+ Spinach leaves
+ mozzarella cheese

Morning Snack:
+ 1 cup nonfat yogurt
+ pineapples


Lunch:
+ 4 oz canned tuna
+ mixed vegetables (2 cups spinach leaves,1 cup steamed green beans)
+ FF ranch dressing


Afternoon Snack:
+ Peanuts (unsalted and roasted)
+ raisins


Dinner:
+ Tortilla chips (entirely to many of these)
+ Queso dip (salsa and cheese)

Water Consumption = 60 oz (I'm slipping on this today)
Vitamins = Women's One A Day Multivitamin, B12,Iron and Biotin
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE


How am I feeling
While today was a great day for me physically and my work out was awesome, my eating was average. I stuck with the plan as best as I could. By the time dinner rolled around, I wasn't really hungry so I didn't cook. While you will see that I had loads of spinach today, my appetite came and went every hour and I found myself just really snacking, rather than eating meals (accept for breakfast).

I am noticing that this is happening once I start drinking the ACV....my appetite disappears. I will have some hunger moments, but my planned meals get off track for I don't eat when I am not hungry. Guess I'm still learning my body, so I will not beat myself up.

Since I did not run today, I plan to do that tomorrow so lots of water and food essentials is key so I can survive it! Lol.

Daily Food Journal #17

I honestly planned to work out today, but due to my schedule, the fact I didn't take a vitamin AND I'm just plain exhausted from all the travel this week, I did not. That puts me at ONLY 3 days of working out. Tomorrow I have already mentally prepared for the my AM cycling class, along with running for 25 minutes. I do have a meeting to be at (that is an hour away may I add) so I will be pushing it, but I will make it work.

In my post yesterday, I mention the frustration and difficulty in sticking to an eating plan and traveling....I will continue to pump that message today in this post, for I still have not found a solution that works for me...BUT at least I am not eating fast food :)

Since I failed so horribly yesterday, I wanted to try day 3 of the eating plan again...I think I did pretty good. See the details below:

Breakfast
+ 3 scrambled egg whites
+ 1 cup of shredded wheat (honey flavor)
+ 6 oz soy milk

Morning Snack
+ 1 small apple
+ twizzlers (my vice is coming back)

Lunch
(I'm a workaholic. I didn't plan to go into today, but worked for 3 hours on my off day......don't judge me...lol.)
+ 4 oz of tofu
+ 1 cup vegetarian baked beans

Afternoon Snack
+ NONE

Evening
+ 1 sweet tomato (with sour cream and raw sugar)
+ 3/4 cup steamed green beans
+ 1 talapia fillet (seasoned with black pepper, ms dash and red pepper)


Water Consumption = 64 oz
Vitamins = 1 Women's One A Day Multivitamin, B12,Iron and Biotin
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE

How I feel

It seems that when I work unexpectedly or when I travel, I skip meals or eat horribly. I need to get that together.

I disappointed in the choices I made today. While I can't beat myself up, it still is frustrating. Tomorrow is a new day and I will do better. I refuse to regain back the 5 pounds I lost. I can not let myself, Coach Johnson and God down....I won't do it.....

Daily Food Journal #16

Below is today's food journal entry:

Breakfast
+ 2 hard boiled eggs
+ 1 cup of shredded wheat
+ 4 oz of soy milk

Morning snack
+ 1 small (home grown) apple

Lunch = Subway
+ 1 foot long whole grain bread
+ turkey breast
+ Veggies (spinach, green peppers, cucumbers, onions)
+ Bananna peppers
+ american cheese (i think I tasted that)
+ light mayo
+ chocolate cookie

Afternoon Snack (was eating 4 hours after lunch)
+ Protein Drink
+ 14 almonds

Dinner
+ 2 cups spinach
+ 4 oz of tuna (in water)
+ 1/4 cup chopped onion
+ 1/4 mozerella cheese
+ brown rice (3/4 cup)

Water consumption = 64 ounzes
ACV = 1 tablespooon
Supplements and Vitamins = 1 Women's One A Day, Biotin, B12 and Iron
Alcohol = NONE


How Am I Feeling:
Family this week was crazy and ended in me being sooo exhausted today. There is no exercise log for today, for I literally had to motivate myself to leave my office to drive home...sad I know....lesson learned, don't ever let antyhing get more important than myself! In order for God to use me to do his work, I have to have ENERGY to fulfill his will.

Lunch was a semi flop...due to back to back meetings, I could not go home AND if my student worker didn't go to get me Subway..I've wouldn't ate. While I didn't realize that there was turkey on my sanwhich..until after the fact (because I was scarfing it down...bad I know.....need to take my time), it was still filling. I had to scarf down my lunch in literally 10 minutes for I had yet another meeting in the afternoon to attend.

Make sure you are putting yourself first family...no one (but the Lord himself) is more important than YOU.

Be blessed

Daily Food Journal #14 - VERY LATE POST

Below is my food journal from two days ago (i'm going to get it together promise)

Oh family...I am empowered and motivated today....why you may ask...because I weighed in for the first time while on the "Get Fit 4 Christ" program! I am officially 5 lbs down in less than 3 weeks! That is so awesome and I thank God again for this opportunity and leading Coach Johnson to selecting me for this journey.

While it is a struggle to eat on the plan (and well at that) while on the road working, I'm making it work. Coach Johnson has given me some tips to stay on track when I can't cook and/or have to work threw a meal (like today). Its all about learning, restructuring and implementing in my mind. No...I am not perfect and can't stick to the plan like th others to the T...but I can give it my all, ask God for guidance and continued strength and STOP MAKING EXCUSES! If I do all the above, I will be fine....and that is how I dropped that amount of pounds in a short amount of time.

Below is an account of what I ate today:

Breakfast

+ 1 1/2 cup of honey nut cheerios

+ 1 bananna

+ 1 ginger snap cookie (don't ask...had a weak moment...and it was delish!)

Morning Snack

+ 1 box of raisins

+ trail mix (peanuts, cashews, alomonds, raisins and chocolat pieces)

Lunch

+ the rest of the trail mix I could eat

Evening Snack

+ 16 red grapes

+ yogurt parfait (found this in my lodging fridge...its was good)

Dinner (went out to celebrate my sis getting a promotion)

+ 2 slices of cheese pizza

+ 1 soft pretzel w/cheese


Water Consuption: 56 ounzes
ACV: NONE
Supplements and Vitamins: 1 Women's One A Day, Biotin, B12 and Iron
Alcohol: 1 lemon drop martini, 1 long ice land ice tea

How I feel:

Recently, Coach Johnson called me to check in to see how I was doing. While we played phone tage, he didn't have to take the time to see how I was doing, but he did. His kind words was to keep up the good work and congratulations on what I have accomplished thus far. It felt good to know that I had at least one person on my side.

I want to pay it forward the kindness he showed me. I'm hear to encourage all participants and those who follow me to keep up the good work and don't give in. Pray over EVERTHING and that includes your weight loss goals. God is the answer to everything and when you think your alone, you have him AND me :). Stay encouraged, read your bible daily, surround yourself with like minded individuals, take can't, won't and NO out of your vocabulary and replace them with CAN, WILL, SUCCESS and YES to reach your goals. I believe in you and can attest that it takes time and effort on this journey.

I want to leave you all with this scripture - "the race is not given to the swift, but those who endureth to the end". Remember that you don't have to rush to get to the finish line..its about what you've learned during the race that will assist in your completion. For so long I wanted my last 20 lbs off....and I wanted it done like in 2 months...lol...and while some have done it, my race is different. Its me and the Lord and I am competing against no one but myself (in a positive way). My outlook on life while on this journey has changed significantly and because of it, I will come out stronger. Take a few minutes to read, reflect and get moving family. Be blessed!

Daily Food Journal/Exercise Log #13

Yesterday's post is late I know, but better late than never family. I was super busy with work has to eat two meals outside of the meal plan...unplanned. This is the ways of my job, but I am excited to report that I am making good choices.

I'm feeling a little better on this day, then the day before. I have to stay focus and keep praying and reading so God stays the focus of my life. I'm so very blessed and gracious for Coach Johnson choosing me to be apart of this program. I want to make him proud, but also inspire my followers to try some of his techniques as well. I hope I won't let you down Lyle!

Please see below for my meals and workout routine for today:


Breakfast
+hard boiled eggs
Morning Snack:
+ 1 cup vanilla non fat yogurt
+ carrot sticks
Lunch (portions are estimation)
+ mexican rice (1 cup)
+ refied beans (1/4)
+ 1 cheese enchillada
+ salsa (1 teaspoon)

Lunch Snack (was like 3 hours later)
+ frosted flakes
+ soy milk
Dinner (was at AppleBee's with a work client)
+ Cajun Lime Talapia meal w/all broccoli (no rice)
Water Consuption: 64 ounzes
ACV: 1 tablespoon
Supplements and Vitamins: 1 Women's One A Day, Biotin, B12 and Iron
Alcohol: 1 pomegranite margarita



Workouts:

+ MVP Fitness Dumbell Blast circuit (2x) = 8 minutes

+ MVP Fitness Abs from Hell circuit (2x) = 8 minutes
+ Tabe Bo Basic Boot Camp = 35 minutes

Daily Food Journal #12

Below are the details of what I ate today:

Breakfast
+ 1 hard boiled egg
+ Fiber One cereal bar
+ 1 medium banana

Morning Snack
+ 1 cup plain yogurt
+ pineapple cup
+ apple

Lunch
+ Baked salmon fillet
+ 2 slices of whole grain bread (w/margerine and sugar free strawberry jelly....I was sooo hungry)
+ 1 cup of steamed green beans
+ 1 small apple

Afternoon Snack
+ 1 pineapple cup
+ Protein Drink

Dinner
+ 4 oz grilled tofu
+ 1 cup steamed green beans
+ 1 cup cooked brown rice (with margarine and a sprinkle of season salt)
+ 6 strawberries (ate these while I was cooking dinner)

Water consumption = 72 ounzes
Supplements and vitamins = 1 Multivitamin, B12, Biotin and Iron
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE

How I Feel
I feel like I'm never going to get to my goal, to be honest with you. I try to hold it together, but its days like this that I refer to (when I talk about doubts, etc). I am trying so hard and I just feel that I am getting no where. I'm not sure what my problem is today, but I have thought about giving up twice today....that is not usual for me. I am hoping tomorrow will be better. Please keep me lifted.....

Daily Food Journal/Exercise Log #11

New week, new days, new GOALS that I will stick too. While there were many unforeseen eating out meals this past weekend, that is life...that is my life and I've decided that I will not keep apologizing or make excuses for it. It is what it is and I will have to work with what I got. lol. Eating and socializing is part of my current career path and personal life. You can still eat well, exercise and be successful at loosing weight, even if a few meals are consumed outside of your house. Its about ME and the choices I make that makes the difference. Another points I've learned as I continue this journey.

No exercising today, but I did do a 45 minute cycling class yesterday then ran 1.8 miles all under 90 minutes. That puts me at 4 days of work out last week. This week I WILL clock a minimum of 5 days with 3 days of weight training. Below is what I ate today:


Breakfast:
+ 1 pack of instant oatmeal (mable and brown sugar)
+ 2 hard boiled eggs (w/pepper and a sprinkle of salt)

Morning Snack:
+ NONE


Lunch:
+ Trail mix (peanuts, almonds, cashews, raisins and chocolate pieces)


Afternoon Snack:
+ NONE


Dinner:
+ Salad (w/7 carrot chips, chopped onions and green peppers and 3 tablespoon FF italian dressing)
+ 1 baked talapia fillet
+ 1 cup mixed veggies (corn, green beans ad carrots

Water Consumption = 80 oz
Vitamins = B12,Iron and Biotin (second day of no multivitamin)
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE

How am I feeling
Blessed and highly favored family, highly appreciative of all my blessings and all that I"ve achieved thus far. The road gets tough and at times I want to fall down and NOT get back up...but reality is I have to get back up. Period. Lol.

No fruit today EXCEPT for the raisins and I ate entirely to late for dinner. Oh yeah, I missed a meal and snacks....yeah I'm on track aint I? I hope the rest of the participants in the program, Coach Johnson and those following my journey don't think negatively of me, for as you can read It is hard to stick with the eating plan BUT I think I am doing better. Baby steps as I mentioned before.

Unlike others, I don't need to loose 40 pounds plus...honestly I could loose 20 and be healthy and in range (BMI, weight to height, etc).....but just like those who have a more dire need to drop pounds fast, I struggle as well YES to get those measly last few pounds off. While looking at me it may see that I am doing fine, I still struggle like the next person. I don't know, maybe its just me.....lol

I've included a slide show below of my up to date weight loss success. Tell me what you think....be blessed

Daily Food Journal/Exercise Log #9

I honestly planned to work out today, but due to my schedule, the fact I didn't take a vitamin AND I'm just plain exhausted from all the travel this week, I did not. That puts me at ONLY 3 days of working out. Tomorrow I have already mentally prepared for the my AM cycling class, along with running for 25 minutes. I do have a meeting to be at (that is an hour away may I add) so I will be pushing it, but I will make it work.

In my post yesterday, I mention the frustration and difficulty in sticking to an eating plan and traveling....I will continue to pump that message today in this post, for I still have not found a solution that works for me...BUT at least I am not eating fast food :)

Since I failed so horribly yesterday, I wanted to try day 3 of the eating plan again...I think I did pretty good. See the details below:

Breakfast
+ 3 egg white omelet
+ 1 cup spinach
+ onion and green peppers

Morning Snack
+ 1/2 cup cottage cheese
+ carrot chips
+ 1 small apple

Lunch
this meal was provided at my meeting, so I made the best choice possible...I was hungry
+ Veggie sandwich from domino's (it was not that good)
+ bad of chips
+ chocolate cookie

Afternoon Snack
+ Protein drink

Evening
+ Salad w/:
= 1 1/2 cups of spinach leaves
= 1 1/2 tablespoon of cottage cheese
= 2 tablespoon of FF italian dressing
+ 1 talapia fillet (seasoned with black peppar, ms dash and a hint of garlic salt) i don't eat shell fish, so I substituted the fish for the shrimp
+ 1 cup of mixed veggies (green beans, corn and carrot mix)


Water Consumption = 59.9 oz thus far (but it will be at 64 by the time I go to sleep)
Vitamins = B12,Iron and Biotin (totally slipping with my multi vitamin today
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE

How I feel

Very good question...how do I really feel. Its hard a times is my answer. I know that God will:
~ fight my battles
~ provide me with all my needs
~ keep his promises
~ use me to do his will
~ manifest blessings on HIS time
~ will not let anything come against me...for I am child of his

but even with this, I struggle to not revert back to taking back the burdens I laid on him (weight loss, success, etc) and fully trust that he will bring me threw. I open myself up like this to you family to show that we all have some doubts, but we have to remember to lean on the word and in times of doubt, stop and go to the throne (asking for more strength).

I'm reading Acts now (slightly behind with the program reading but trucking threw) and I love how the disciples were questioned and beaten because they were proclaiming the gospel to all and leading people to join Christ church. I guess my thought is if they can stand against those who were willing to beat them, lock them up and event condemn to death....can't I trust that God will deliver me from the mountains of insecurity with health weight management in my life........ponder on that family and be blessed.

Daily Food Journal #8 (late post)

Today was my last day in town for work. I think overall I did good with sticking with the plan considering the constraints of eating on the go when you can't cook. Grocery shopping for my home happened tonight so I am set and ready to go for the next few weeks. I have to warn you, I did not eat full meals and snacks. You may see a dab of candy in there to (i know horrible). Below are the details of what I ate today:

Breakfast
+ 3 egg whites
+ 1/4 cup cooked broccoli
+ 1/4 mozerella cheese
+ 1 cup (8 oz) of 100% white grape juice (160 cal/2 fruit servings)

Morning Snack
+ 3 table spoon cottage cheese
+ 1 oz carrot chips

Lunch
+ 1 Hershey Milk Chocolate bar (210 cal) - this was a gift from a counselor I was visiting...I was so hungry and did not have any of my foods on me :(


Dinner
+ Spinach and artichoke dip, peta bread
+ Water
I was so disappointed at this. I waited to late to eat and was getting headaches. As always, another evening student event and my body needed food.


Water consumption = over 70 ounces
Supplements and vitamins = 1 Women's One A Day Multivitamin, 1 Trader Joe's Multivitamin, B12, 1 Biotin and Iron
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE


How I Feel
Honestly, I felt like crap on this today. I was so disappointed in the food choices that I made and was beating myself up for it. I was somewhat depressed for the rest of the night, gave myself a headache and went to be early. Tomorrow's post should be better, but again, I have a traveling lunch (food provided at a lunch meeting) event tomorrow and I have no idea of what is on the menu. I keep telling myself "fruits and veggies will set you free" lol. It would be rude to bring my own since its 2 hours away.

Soon I will post on strategies to healthy eating while traveling...for I am learning threw trial and error. I am confident that God will guide me and I have been equipped with the necessary strength, courage and wisdom needed to battle this monster....overeating. Keep me lifted fam....