CTS4 - Lemonade Day #1

Family I am not going to even front....today was uber hard! While I knew that it would be, I guess I didn't REALLY prepare myself for what was to come. I'm not talking about wanting to eat foods, but overall how I feel. Let me explain....

I got up this morning LATE and went to the gym. Did good...ran 2 miles on the treadmill and did 1.37 miles on the elliptical...overall much more than what I've been doing. Today let me know that I can do more than just walking/jogging. Came home afterward and realized that it was almost 11am, and I had not had anything to eat (drink) for breakfast. Due to this, I quickly made my Lemonade Diet.

For my first batch, I have to say that I am proud of myself. It really didn't taste that bad...until i added to much cayenne pepper. Lol. The drink (and my mouth/chest) was literally on fire! But I dranked it....like the G that I am. Again today, I didn't even realize that I had not eaten any solid foods. This makes it so much easier to stay focused and to not cheat (even though there was visions of Twizzlers all around me. lol).

I only started to feel a little nauseated around 2 pm after chugging a gang of the lemonade (I started late so I wanted to catch up....so not a good idea). The light headedness and nausea comes from the toxins moving out of my body. The body starts to feel as something is "wrong" when in actuality its feeling the "norm" (i.e. wanted to eat what you usually eat). Since I already eat decently healthy anyways (push the fruits and veggies), I really didn't experience to much of this. Honestly, I think the majority of it came from the huge amount of pepper I used.

For tomorrow, I plan to replace the cayenne pepper with apple cider vineger (ACV). For those of you who follow my blog, know that I implented this into my diet a few months ago, thanks to Coach Johnson of MVP Fitness. I spoke to "my big sister" (lol) who is well versed on doing the Lemonade Diet, hipped me to this substitution in the juice, who said that it does just as well if not better. PLUS my body is already use to this stuff AND it definitely helps with releasing the toxins daily from the body (movement).

So far so good family! I look forward to progressing threw. OH I FORGOT TO TELL YOU ALL....I also weighed myself today and I've already lost 4lbs! Keep in mind, that I am not even in the middle part of the lemonade phase yet. This is uber excited all....really.

As always, I wil keep you all posted of my experience and findings.....be blessed all and Happy New Year!!!!

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!

Exercise Log #33

As you may remember, I mentioned that I will be in and out of my home over the next month. Its starts today. So to start my month off right, I decided to get up early today and work out. I plan to take the Get Fit 4 Christ DVD with me to do in my hotel room before I start my day. At least this way, I am still on the program's activity schedule, as I battle finding good food essentials to continue to drop the weight. Below is today's regimen:



+ MVP "Get Fit 4 Christ" DVD = about 37 minutes total

+ Biggest Looser "Cardio Max" warm up, level 2 cardio and cool down = about 15 minutes total

+ Knee drop exercises (specifically given to me by my physical therapist for my "special knee" = 3 minutes total



I usually like to pair my work out DVD's together to get between a 45-60 minute work out. Another thing I like to do right afterward is ice my knee and to do my daily bible study. This way I am keeping God all up in my daily regimen (lol) and also can give thanks and praise for the work out I just completed.

I give God thanks for waking me up every morning and reminding me WHY I am getting fit for him. I also give glory for allowing me the opportunity to read and study his word on a daily basis. Praying is becoming easier (and more comfortable) and I am noticing that I am starting to learn the order of the chapters faster as well...another goal I had. Once you start, it becomes habit.

I want to encourage all that are following my journey to try to do the same. Start off small and then build your way up. It will become easier and don't worry, God knows you are trying, but you are to meet him at least half way and you will be surprised at the wonders he will do. Be blessed family!

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 #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....

Exercise Log 22

Yeah, I'm still here family. Work has been crazy and I barely have been finding time to sleep. I've gotten a little off course, but I jumped back on the road of success and getthing fit for the Lord. While I am slightly disappointed in myself, I had to sit and think about how far I've come thus far.

The "Get Fit 4 Christ" plan is suppose to help you shed 10 lbs in 40 days. To date, I have melted away 5 lbs, but I have to stay focused in order to shed 5 more (and hopefully more). I've been working out and attempting to eat on the plan, but it is a days journey family. I too have set backs and indulge, but with God as my strength, I can sit here and type this now and start again on m quest.

You know its hard to keep this blog and put myself out here to you family. Having another person(s) see you fail and succeed all at the same time is a very hunbling experience. While I don't mind sharing my journey with you all, sometimes (or at least I do) its embarrassing to log to the masses what you ate OR to admit you havent worked out in three days. Lol. Below is today's workout:


Morning (5:30 am)
+ MVP Fitness "Get Fit 4 Christ" workout DVD
+ Biggest Looser "Cardio Max" DVD (level 2 &3 workouts)
(total time about 50 minutes)

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!

Exercise Log Day 12

Today I did the MVP Fitness Boot Camp Workout DVD and I must say, I was sweating. Lol. I felt like I was at the actually boot camp sessions. I'm into this whole maximizing my lunch time, so I did both circuit workouts at my lunch time. Below is a list of my activity today:

Lunch time
MVP Boot Camp DVD - dumbell circuit (3xs) = 12 minutes
MVP Boot Camp DVD - Abs from Hell (2xs) = 8 minutes


Evening
Ran 3.6 miles in minutes


How do I feel:
I always get a little nervous as it gets closer to my weigh in time, for when I think I've done well, I get on the scale and I'm either really disappointed (gained) or content (stagnant)...I dont know. Tryin to break the cycle, but it is a challenge at this weight. Again, like I mentioned in my previous post, I am only really 20 lbs away from where I need to be, 30 lbs away from MY goal. I have a lot of muscle on my body, so to me its a challenge to get creative to trick the body to burn the "hidden" fat....oh but the scale doesn't lie. Lol.

Sorry for the short post and lack of inspiration to all, but even the motivational speaker gets down. I guess we will see if I can get it together and start fresh tomorrow....keep me lifted....

Exercise Log Day 8

I know my post from yesterday is late, but better late than ever right!!!!

Family I did it....yes I got up at 5:30 am and was early to yesterday's boot camp. I actually showed up right before Coach Johnson (sorry I had to mention it). Lol. I worked out for less than an hour and had a GREAT work out. Thank goodness for this for the rest of my day (as far as eating) was a flop. Below are the details.

+ Boot Camp = 45 minutes

+ 1 mile run = less than 10 minutes

This post is short and to the point due to my crazy schedule today. On the agenda for tonight, TaeBo's Basic Boot camp and hopefully a 25 minute run. To be conitnued....

Morning Questions.....

I'm am feeling a little discouraged because the eating plan starts on Saturday AND the fasting begins tomorrow...but I will be on vacation for the holiday :(.

Am I setting myself up for failure? Plus, i will not get to work out with coach or do any boot camps (or any of the DVD at that) until i get into the area next week (because I'm distant).....am I at a disadvantage?

I ran out of Crystal Lite on the go's...why is is so hard to drink this Bragg's with regular water? How in the world does Coach Johnson do this daily? Lol.

My fear is that i will get off track and not see the results that I am seeking. I have been praying and staying up on my readings....really makes a difference. Had a talk with God today and he said that "no weapons will form against me"...therefore, I shall be ok.

So really, there is no need to question as I did above, if I the Lord says "those who wait on the Lord will inherit the earth"...God has me covered. See this blogging thing is very therapeutic! Lol.

Water consumption (thus far): less than 16 oz because of the ACV. Lol

Exercise Log Day 3

Since I worked out yesterday, I decided to rest today. Besides, my joints are sore from the rigerous running from yesterday. I have not received my DVD yet, so I am doing my own work out DVD's until I receive it. Below is a list of some DVD's I've incorporated into my work out regimen (and would highly suggest):

30 Day Shred with Julian Michaels (biggest looser trainer)
Biggest Looser - Cardio Max
TaeBo Boot Camps (any of them)
Turbo Jam
Hip Hop Abs
Pilates with Dennis Richardson



How I feel
I'm very relaxed tonight. I feel a little lazy for not working out, but I always feel this way when I don't work out. I actually find myself beating myself up tremendously AND analyzing every little thing I ate the days I don't. I know its one day at a time and I can't come down that hard on me...but I also feel it keeps me grounded in some ways.

You have to remember to not get over obsessed with every little thing, and I am known to take it to another level. I have to remember that tomorrow is a new day, a fresh start and the past is the past. Tomorrow I will do one of my videos AND probably run. This way I am still working towards the 5k run AND getting stronger.

I can't wait to meet with Coach Johnson when I get into town. Lol

6 Essential Flat-Belly Foods

I came across this great post on Women's Health on good foods to reduce your belly fat. I eat a few of these products already, but I figured we could use the information to try something new. Enjoy!

Quinoa

Per ¼ cup:
170 calories
2.5 g fat
7 g protein
3 g fiber

For starters, anytime you choose a whole-grain product over one made from nutrient-stripped white flour, you wage war against belly fat. Penn State researchers found that dieters who ate whole-grains lost twice as much belly fat as those who stuck to white-flour products—even though they'd consumed the same number of calories. What's more, quinoa contains twice the belly-filling protein as regular cereal grains, fewer glucose-raising carbohydrates, and even a handful of healthy fats. So start your day off with a cup of cooked quinoa combined with a ½ cup of milk and ½ cup of blueberries—microwave for 60 seconds, and you have a delicious (and slimming) alternative to your traditional oatmeal. Bob's Red Mill Organic Quinoa won "Best Grain" in Men's Health's Best Foods Awards 2009.

Green Tea

0 calories

Catechins, the powerful antioxidants found in green tea, are known to increase metabolism. A study by Japanese researchers found that participants who consumed 690 milligrams of catechins from green tea daily had significantly lower body mass indexes and smaller waist measurements than those in a control group. It's safe to say that green tea is one of the best beverages for your health—a stark contrast to any of these 20 unhealthiest drinks in America. Avoid those belt-buckling drinks at all costs.

Kefir

Per cup:
174 calories
2 g fat
14 g protein
3 g fiber

Think of kefir as drinkable yogurt, or an extra-thick, protein-packed smoothie. In either case, this delicious dairy product is a belly-blasting essential. Beyond the satiety-inducing protein, the probiotics in kefir may also speed weight loss. British scientists found that these active organisms boosted the breakdown of fat molecules in mice, preventing the rodents from gaining weight. The researchers still need to prove the finding in humans, but there's no danger in downing probiotic-packed products. We like Lifeway Lowfat Blueberry Kefir - it contains L. casei, the same probiotic used in the study.

Avocado

Per avocado:
322 calories
29 g fat (4 g saturated, 20 g monounsaturated)
13 g fiber
4 g protein

Never fear this full-fat Mediterranean-diet staple: It's teeming with healthy monounsaturated fats (also found in olive oil), which have been linked to lowered LDL cholesterol levels and weight loss. In fact, a recent longitudinal study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the healthy-fat Mediterranean diet was more effective than a diet that avoided fats altogether - so go ahead and indulge!

Eggs

Per 1 large scrambled egg:
102 calories
7 g fat (2 g saturated)
7 g protein

A British study found that people who increased the percentage of protein-based calories in their diet burned 71 more calories a day (that's 7.4 pounds a year!). Jumpstart your metabolism as soon as you wake up with a protein-rich breakfast of scrambled eggs.

Grapefruit

Per grapefruit:
104 calories
4 g fiber
2 g protein

A grapefruit a day in addition to your regular meals can speed weight loss. The fruit's acidity slows digestion, meaning it takes longer to move through your system, and you'll end up feeling fuller, and more satisfied, for longer. And the vitamin C-packed grapefruit works to lower cholesterol and decrease risk of stroke, heart disease, and some types of cancer.

Source:Women's Health

Daily Bible Reading - IT REALLY WORKS

I first have to thank Coach Johnson for developing this program. Not only am I able to work to achieve my health goals, but I will also run a 5k and train myself to read the scripture daily. While I was already working on this individually, this program has helped to put it in gear!

Even though I just started reading the Word (in detail) daily, I had already incorporated listening to the audio bible on itunes in the morning before work. Now, I am dedicating 20-30 minutes twice a day to the Lord's word and its making a difference. How you may ask....

+ Stories that were explained or told to me second hand are now making more sense
+ There are valuable lesson that I can now directly relate to my everyday life
+ The Word has become so much easier to read and comprehend, versus having to read over and over again (KJV)
+ I have a sense of purpose more now than ever before
+ I'm not afraid to witness
(the list can go on and on really...)

I say this to you family because everyone falls short. No human is perfect at all! While I never thought I was perfect, I sometimes put myself a little higher than the norm (lol). Hate to admit it, but I did not know what I was thinking and what I was missing out on. My example is Christ, and that is who I want to live my life like. ...and I am willing to spend my ENTIRE life striving to be just that.

If your interested in following other topics I discuss outside of weight loss, please take a look at my blog "The Silky Chronicles" here on blogspot. I really hope you will follow it as well for I cover many current events, thoughts and struggles outside of health management. As always, I want to inspire you all to get up, get moving AND read the bible on a regular basis. I promise you it will change your life :)

I'm Starving

Family, its is 5 pm and I still have two hours of work to do AND I still have to run tonight...I'm so hungry.

I've had my afternoon snacks, but am in need of more food. I think I didn't eat enough today....shoot......I may have to eat dinner with the students...which is Quizno's sandwiches... I need serious prayer!

Coach Johnson HELP!!!!!!