Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Progress is Recognized

Hello all,

I got on the scale today. I have been at this for 2 weeks now and I have lost 4 pounds (2 pounds per week). So far so good. It takes so much discipline; knowing when to say 'No' and what to say 'No' to when you want to say 'Yes' to everything. I am still alternating my days ('carb' vs 'low carb' days). It seems to work well for me. I have also been trying to stay dedicated to lifting, lunging, and push-up-ing?!?!? :-) All the things I DON'T LIKE doing, but I must. I don't expect to lose 2 pounds per week every week, but I do plan to keep up with the regimen that has helped so far- Eating 'right' and doing 'something' like exercising for at least 30 minutes per day. I did have a donut today; satisfied a craving I had been having. I am good for another 2 weeks. Realized it was good, but not 'missed'.

Yesterday I did TurboJam in the morning for 15 minutes (as I woke up late); and came home and did TurboJam for 20 minutes and Power 90 Sculpt for 25 minutes. That made me feel 'accomplished' as I have been trying to doing 'something' morning and evenings but it hasn't been successful. Baby steps, people... baby steps.

Until next post *Deuces* Jai-Nation citizens!!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Progress Recognized

Hello all,

I was happy to see that I am recognizing a change in how my clothes fit. Today, I didn't see as much backblubber and my midsection is shaping up. I am still in pain from those push-ups but again, I have to do what I need to do to succeed in this venture. As MJ said, "Got me workin' workin' day and night' and 'won't stop 'til [I] get enough' OWWWW! I miss MJ; such a terrible loss, but his legacy is a great one.

Until next time, *Deuces Jai-Nation Citizens!!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

No Pain, No Lose

Ok, first let me get out my confession. I had 2/3 of an ice cream cake last night and felt so bad because it tasted so good. Now that THAT'S done...

Second order of business... the successes. I still don't want to get on a scale because of my dedication to weight train, BUT my clothes are fitting different. I put on a pair of jean capris today and the ''Dunlap* Syndrome" was in remission. [dunlap* = when your belly dunlapped over your belt]. I exercised 5 times again this week and I went to three class (getting out of the home exercise routine). I went to House Dance class Tuesday, to a newer class at my gym called Step 2 Plus yesterday and Step 2 this morning. I plan to interval jog in the morning before church. Needless to say, I HURT! But no pain, no lose, right??!?!?

Now the Step 2 Plus class covered 30 minutes of step, 10 minute warm up and 20 minutes for continuous full-body weight training. It was good, but I really had to work through it! I did push-ups with less difficulty using Gliders (http://www.power-systems.com/s-245-gliding-discs.aspx?gclid=CJHfz5vAq5sCFdVL5QodHR95Bw). I sooo feel it in my arms and chest. That was exciting for me as I HATE push-ups!!

Yesterday's workout made it difficult for me to even WANT to go to the gym today, but I did. I am happy about it though.

How are things with you all? Hope its all good! Keep positive thoughts for me... it difficult! I will do the same for you!!

Until next time *Deuces* Jai-Nation Citizens!!!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Pizza Pizza

Hey everyone,

Haven't blogged in days so let me catch you up to what has been going on. Monday and Tuesday I tried low carb days. Not too bad. Monday, I did my TurboKick workout. I did have fried shrimp Tuesday night, but that was after I had a GREAT 'workout' at House Dance class!! I remember when I used to dance for 4 hours straight at the Paradox! I think with some Red Bull I could do 2 hours straight....LOL. But the one hour was enough for me after being at work all day! I truly enjoyed it.

I looked at some pictures from college and I don't remember exercising that much but I was pretty toned. THEN I realized that it was all due to being a club head and a party goer. Thursday, Friday and Saturday I was at someone's party or club and to think, I danced for up to 5 hours (Paradox stayed open late) so the calorie intake and burn was NEVER a problem.

So after two days for low carb, the cravings kicked in. I read in Self Magazine that you can have carbs after a couple of low carb days. It's actually supposed to 'help' because you are fooling your insulin levels or something of another. We'll I acted like a fool yesterday. I ate a slice of pizza yesterday afternoon (I bought two, but was full and gave the other to a homeless man who had a sign he was hungry. I loved seeing that half-toothed, yet full smile when I gave it to him). Anyway, I thought, " You did good Janice" since I only had one.

On the way home, I wanted it again and Little Caesars was the pizza joint of choice. Mind you, I hadn't had pizza since about January or February so it had been a while. So I thought I would get a salad and eat two slices. Is that cool? Well I did that. But there were two really little slices which could possibly count for one and I ate that too (you love my rationale). So yesterday I had FOUR slices of pizza. Needless to say, I can wait again, but that satisfaction was way overdue.

As far as my progress, my face appears smaller and my dress pants have a little more room. I refuse to get on the scale. I am afraid of it, especially since I am lifting weights now. So I decided, if I can avoid the temptation of the platinum slate (my scale), I am doing something for BBN called "The Great Reveal"! I will take a picture this evening of what I look like now. On my birthday, which is August 13th, 7 weeks from today, I will reveal my progress. Why am I doing this? I am holding myself accountable. In my head, I am like, "I have PLENTY of time for BBN... its not until NOVEMBER!!" (again, that rational-emotive behavior) After that time I will announce other 'reveals' of my progress.

Wish me luck! If it works, cool; if not, back to the drawing board with 3 months after that to get it together.

Until next time, Jai-Nation Citizens... *Deuces*

Sunday, June 21, 2009

My 'Guilty' Day

Yesterday I truly took a day off. I ate GOOD with no exercise. I went to IHOP in the AM, but I had one pancake, a bowl of fruit and turkey sausage. Not bad to begin the day right? The rest of the day was filled with 'cakey' treats. Mind you, I hadn't had to much 'cakey' stuff during the week, so it was really, REALLY good! Where it was a nice 'treat' break, I feel a bit 'guilty'. Guilt is not a good feeling, but if I feel guilty about something that I am supposed to do and didn't do it, isn't guilt essential for me to actually do it? *shoulder shrug*

Anyway, I got my new Iphone yesterday and it has a great video feature. I am trying to figure out how I can use it for my blog. I am open to suggestions.... anyone??? :-)

Today is action packed, but I plan to get much accomplished (a NAP is one of them :-) )

Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers! Have a wonderful day!

Until next blog, *Deuces* Jai-Nation citizens!!

Friday, June 19, 2009

5 in a row!!

Woooo hoooo! I exercised Monday-Friday this week! Yesterday, I did say that it would be my skip day, but while dinner cooked, I got my Turbo Jam on!! I am surprised, but really happy. My goal is to do 'something' for at least 20 minutes every day. So far so good! Now I still feel that I need to get my eating habits in order. This is the first weekend since the beginning of BBN and the weekends are my weakness. It may not be too bad, but we will see.

I have to admit, I am tired though. I have to wake up between 4:45 and 5:00 to get 30 minutes in at least and still be able to prepare for work and leave on time. I don't want to overdose on Red Bull, but it has been a useful companion this week. Hopefully, it will all balance out.

On another note, shouts and 'OO-OOP!' to my Eastern Region Sorors who are convening in Baltimore for the DST Eastern Region Convention!!

Until next time *Deuces* Jai-Nation Citizens!!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

The ChocoMonster really exists!!!

I used yesterday as my treat day. I didn't go too far over my caloric intake but I did go over. That Ghirardelli chocolate was calling me. There were 4 squares left and now there are no squares left! I used to be a chocoholic when I was little; 2 bags of M&M's, one plain, one peanut each day. My sister and I used to get 4 bags together sometimes and mix them in the paper bags they put your candy in at the corner store and refill the bags with the mix. I think I will write M&M's to do a choco-mix with a little of all of their types of candies in one bag! They can call it M&M's Mega-Mix!! That's hot!! Let it be known that I said that!!! It's documented! LOL.

But I stopped eating chocolate in high school and this craving resurfaced about 3 years ago. I, now, get that craving that all women talk about during 'that time of the month'. It's like a little monster. So the Ghirardelli met its demise last night. This morning I had NO energy to get up and exercise so we will see what tonight will bring.

I stepped on the scale and measured 178 pounds. I have finally put it out there. So now I justify that about 2 of those pounds is mother-nature taking its course. I haven't decided how often I will weigh in yet. Now that I am lifting weights, it adds another weight dynamic to the mix... the MEGA-MIX (oh I am so going to write M&M's). So when you see that candy bag in the future, think of me.

Later, Jai-Nation citizens. Have a blessed one.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Stressful Times are a Challenge

I can understand why 'comfort food' is so good. What else calms a stressful situation so well? Today was stressful at work; the workload and many hiccups during the day has caused me stress. I could reach for a Dove chocolate bar right now if I walked to CVS... better yet Ghirardelli... milk chocolate with almonds...*drool*. But, I didn't. I worked too hard this morning after peeling myself off of the bed sheets to workout. There are so many lovely, delectable things in which I would love to indulge, but NO, won't happen.

Well... gotta be honest, those Tastykakes at home will call me later on tonight, but I won't succumb to the temptation, citizens. I would already scarfed down an omelet from Silver Diner by that time :-) However, it will be cooked with egg whites and instead of a side of hash browns I will be fresh strawberries. I am trying folks. BBN has to happen; if not for the tankini on the beach, then for saving a trip to the doctor's office or the hospital or better yet an emergency surgery that could result in an early grave. Horrible thoughts, yes? But if that is what I got to do to discipline myself then, hey, it'll be worth it.

Until next time, Jai-Nation citizens!! BTW, thank you for following me :-)

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Viva la Vivanno!!

I have been drinking Starbucks' Banana Chocolate Vivanno in the mornings for the past week. Those things are great: dark chocolate (antioxidants), banana (potassium), skim milk (calcium) and protein powder. It really fills me up. I usually don't eat again until about 3 and I get a scoop of chicken salad from the local deli. I encourage you to try it if you like a chocolate fix. They have a Orange, Mango, Banana one, but I wasn't impressed. :-/ I said that I would never be a Starbucks groupie, but when they created that drink, I was hooked! Viva la Crackivanno!!! :-)

Man, shoot...

It was rough getting up this morning. That bed felt tooooo good to let go of it. I hit the snooze button multiple times, but I HAD to get up. I knew that if I didn't exercise now that I could potentially be too tired later. Today I did weights; I don't like those ANYWAY, so I wasn't too enthusiastic to get up ANYWAY!

Glad I did though, but I am MORE tired than I was before. I attempted push-ups. I don't like those either. :-P Only makes me realize that I will have to do some things I don't like to get the results I want. No different from life itself. I don't like cooking but if I want to eat... well... I can still order out. LOL Just gotta change my mindset, that's all.

I did realize that club music is the music of motivation (as I mentioned to someone yesterday). It's upbeat and rhythmic. I remember I would burn calories at the club. I was so much thinner in college because of that; surely, I didn't 'exercise' much in college. I did go to college parties 2-3 days a week and would dance for HOURS!! Those were the days!

Okay, gotta get ready for the work day! *Deuces* Jai-Nation citizens! Have a great day!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Power 90

Since I didn't want to pay for P90X, I looked in my DVD collection for the Power 90 that has been collecting dust since 2002. Had to be careful because I am allergic to dust; that is the excuse I will use as to why I hadn't used it. :-)

I had an incredible workout. Power 90 wasn't the reason alone, I had to modify it to really enjoy it and I broke a sweat... no holds barred. BBN baby! Now I just have to eat right. Exercise has never been a problem; it's the cheesesteaks and IHOP breakfasts that tear a workout apart!

So until, next post... *Deuces* JAI-Nation citizens.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Welcome to My Ima-JAI-Nation!!

Ahhhh, man. I have prolonged this too long. Last year I lost 25 pounds on Weight Watchers after taking prednisone. Unfortunately, I had to take it again and gained 20 of it back! The difference between then and now is that I haven't been diligent to get rid of the weight again. I still exercise from time to time but I love food and well, food loved me back. As time continued the exercise lessened as well. Did you know that the couch is a comfortable place to be? I am sitting here now... lovely!

So TOMORROW is the beginning of the end of my laziness. Where is the spunky Jai that used to be all about cycling and step aerobics and eating?!?!! Well the latter still exists but without the former, much more OF ME exists as well. The hips don't lie. So today I stake claim to what TOMORROW will bring. I am excited about starting my regimen TOMORROW. They say, "why start tomorrow what you can do today?" I said it already, I am LAZY; I still have issues!! It didn't start yesterday, so it can wait until tomorrow.

Anyway, BBN is my new movement, literally. Beachbody By November is what I strive for, but I am truly thinking about Body, Breaking Habits, and Nutrition. A slew of 'illnesses' come with my weight; if it is gone- they will be, and again, they didn't start yesterday either. So I am putting myself out there. Hold me accountable! I won't just write about my struggles with weight but other 'interesting' things too :-) I accept all ideas and encouragement! So TOMORROW, it all begins...

If you decide to follow along, click 'Follow' and say I'm-a-JAI-Nation Citizen!! :-) I thank you for it, but forgive me in advance if some postings may seem 'off the wall' or 'silly'; that's just me! As The Temptations said, "it's just my ima-JAI-nation, running away with me..." Ooohhh running... yeah, I need to do that too. Until TOMORROW, 'Deuces' (peace) my Jai-Nation citizens!!