Ok so I did it, I had wine.. I know I know! I broke my rule! I should be ashamed, but I've already come up with excuses that make me feel that it wasn't really breaking the rule at all. I'm sure after you read them you will completely agree that I did the right thing:
1) It's not like I gave it up for lent so I'm not taking back my word to God
2) I was invited to dinner at my friends' house (Emily and Kyle) for a nice dinner (weight watchers approved!) and everyone else was drinking so I didn't want to be unsocial
3) I said "no thank you" 3 times before I said "yes"
4) I only had 1 (maybe large) glass so I was still good
5) I stayed within my calories for the day
6) I was the only single there with 3 other couples....so obviously I deserved a glass of wine for goodness sake!
Today's Workout:
Alter Ego Dance Class (Par of Justin Timberlake's "My Love"). Difficult choreography as far as details but not so great as far as cardio. Thus, today was an easy workout day. I'm ok with that considering my legs are pretty achy today (maybe shinsplints?!) and I have a killer workout tomorrow.
Today's Accomplishment:
Ummm...I didn't have a second glass of wine?
Today's Challenge:
Trying to be a social person while trying to be really strict on my eating/workout/drinking/sleeping goals.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Transformation Challenge: Day 3
TGIF everyone! I was relieved that it was Friday because that meant I could "sleep in". I didn't have to be at work until 6:45! I like Fridays at the gym because I get to see one of my favorite members and although we only have a few minutes to chat, it's nice to catch up. The rest of the morning gym regulars were there too so I saw lots of friendly faces all geared up for the challenge. I started working on a new project - outlining a group called Strong is our Sexy. It's going to be an organization that empowers women and is a place for women to come together for support and strength. The idea is Strong Heart, Strong Body, Strong Mind. I'm really excited to be asked to help put it together. I feel that all women could really benefit from a group like this.
Workouts:
1 hour Barre class - upped my weights today. Hope I can lift them tomorrow!
1 hour Cardio Chickboxing - I swear it was a sauna in that room. When we dropped for pushups at the end my feet kept sliding out. (eewww gross floors)
Treat of the day:
Diet Ginger Ale and natural peanut butter on a graham cracker (I live a wild life)
Challenge of the day:
After my first workout I was feeling great, but a little tired. I was originally signed up for a Butts and Guts class and then Chickboxing for the afternoon. I decided I could let myself only do two classes since I was already tired. Even so, after I went home and had lunch and sat down, I didn't want to think about getting up and heading back for another workout. But I did. And that is the important thing. Because I burnt enough calories in 1 hour to cover my dinner and evening snacks.
Lesson of the Day:
Going to bed early is important if you want to have enough energy to get through the day. I'm slowly trying to get back to 8 hours of sleep.
Workouts:
1 hour Barre class - upped my weights today. Hope I can lift them tomorrow!
1 hour Cardio Chickboxing - I swear it was a sauna in that room. When we dropped for pushups at the end my feet kept sliding out. (eewww gross floors)
Treat of the day:
Diet Ginger Ale and natural peanut butter on a graham cracker (I live a wild life)
Challenge of the day:
After my first workout I was feeling great, but a little tired. I was originally signed up for a Butts and Guts class and then Chickboxing for the afternoon. I decided I could let myself only do two classes since I was already tired. Even so, after I went home and had lunch and sat down, I didn't want to think about getting up and heading back for another workout. But I did. And that is the important thing. Because I burnt enough calories in 1 hour to cover my dinner and evening snacks.
Lesson of the Day:
Going to bed early is important if you want to have enough energy to get through the day. I'm slowly trying to get back to 8 hours of sleep.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Transformation Challenge: Day 2
Well I haven't fallen off the wagon yet, that's positive right?! Today I did two workouts and stayed under my calorie allowance. I even talked myself out of a glass of wine that was calling my name after another long class at UC. My head was killing me and I so wanted to sip on the magical potion, but I stayed strong. Even though I could afford the calories of a glass of wine, I didn't want to give in. Along with shamrock shakes, I'm trying to give up drinking unless at a big social event like oh say my upcoming Sorority alumni formal or my friend's Bachelorette party. I figure the extra sugars in the alcohol will in no way shape or form help me reach a flatter stomach. It's a big sacrifice, but it has to be made (for 38 more days at least).
Today's Workouts:
This morning I took the boxing bootcamp class. I can't believe how much I love boxing. Sure my pink boxing gloves are fab, but it goes beyond that. I love putting all my energy behind each punch and feeling stronger every day. I love when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and I can see my muscles in my arms as I make a left hook. I love how for the first time in my life, I understand how to throw a punch. I'm even starting to love to deal with the sweat dripping down my face (because as I've found out, once you have your gloves on you can't really do anything like adjust your shirt, fix your hair, or wipe off the sweat). I was thrilled to hear that after the boxing bootcamp, they are adding on a boxing workout class at the gym. Sign me up! Maybe one day I can work on it not being like a choreographed sequence of moves and actually hit something for real (nothing that hits back preferably).
After an intense empowering class, I calmed down with yoga. Unfortunately the sub yoga instructor felt the need to hold a lot of planks and do a lot of slow flows. My arms were not happy after doing pushups and punching for 45 minutes. But we both made it through!
Treat of the day:
Soy fudgesicle under 100 calories
Proud Moment:
Avoiding wine
Lesson of the day:
Practice a few swings in the shirt you select to wear boxing. Once that shirt starts creeping up, you can't do a darn thing once you have the gloves on.
Today's Workouts:
This morning I took the boxing bootcamp class. I can't believe how much I love boxing. Sure my pink boxing gloves are fab, but it goes beyond that. I love putting all my energy behind each punch and feeling stronger every day. I love when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and I can see my muscles in my arms as I make a left hook. I love how for the first time in my life, I understand how to throw a punch. I'm even starting to love to deal with the sweat dripping down my face (because as I've found out, once you have your gloves on you can't really do anything like adjust your shirt, fix your hair, or wipe off the sweat). I was thrilled to hear that after the boxing bootcamp, they are adding on a boxing workout class at the gym. Sign me up! Maybe one day I can work on it not being like a choreographed sequence of moves and actually hit something for real (nothing that hits back preferably).
After an intense empowering class, I calmed down with yoga. Unfortunately the sub yoga instructor felt the need to hold a lot of planks and do a lot of slow flows. My arms were not happy after doing pushups and punching for 45 minutes. But we both made it through!
Treat of the day:
Soy fudgesicle under 100 calories
Proud Moment:
Avoiding wine
Lesson of the day:
Practice a few swings in the shirt you select to wear boxing. Once that shirt starts creeping up, you can't do a darn thing once you have the gloves on.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Transformation Challenge: Day 1
Today starts my 40-Day Total Transformation Challenge. I must tell you, I woke up excited. No longer can I let myself eat treats without consequences. I'm in this thing to win it. (Plus I want to get to my goal...but that comes second when there is a bike and cash prize involved).
I had a very busy and productive day today. It's been awhile since I've felt motivated to do anything without dragging my feet. Today was different though. I was excited, motivated, and pumped. I got a lot of "grown up" things done throughout the day that I've been putting off, plus I made good start to the challenge.
I went grocery shopping bright and early at 8:00am. I was actually surprised (and geeky as it is, excited) to see that Kroger is now open at 6:00am! I don't know why, but this makes me happy. While I was perusing the veggie section, I realized that there is a perk of early shopping. I could take my time and study all the different kinds of vegetables that I've never bought or cooked. I could compare prices. I didn't feel flustered taking a million of those little plastic bags and twist-ties as I filled up my cart (I wish I didn't have to use those things, but feel I would be judge if I didn't...) The only downfall was that the bakery was in full swing. So many delicious smells wafted past me in temptation, but I held strong and only glanced back once at the mardi-gras decorated donuts with extra sprinkles....ok that's a total lie I looked back twice!
After my groceries were all snuggled away in my kitchen, I headed over to Bella Forza Fitness (BFF). Everyone who is participating in the challenge has a big button that we are supposed to wear to all our workouts. It let's everyone else know we are participating and creates a little extra awareness and should get people talking about it. Personally, I think it is so the instructors know who's ass to kick and not cut any slack. I'm ok with that though, I need it. And honestly, no instructor there would ever cut me any slack haha.
Within each week of the challenge there is a mini-challenge. This week is "most spirited". So today in Barre Intensity we replaced or moaning and groaning and painful whimpers with cheers and sometimes sarcastic words of excitement when it was push-up time. One lady even brought in stamps of BFF so we all had "tattoos" during class. It's silly, but hey, you need everything you can get!
Post workout I had a very healthy and protein filled lunch. One would think that will all this accomplishment before noon, I would be done and take a nap. Oh but ye have little faith! Not only did I forgo a nap, but I took care of a few chores and then I went...(wait for it)...RUNNING! That's right, I, Rachel Leigh Libben, went on a run. And it was honestly a run (well my version of a run), not a walk. I headed out and found a short bike trail which was a little hilly. I pushed myself and made it the entire loop, which I found out later is 2 miles. Holy cow. It's been over a year since I went running so I was pretty pumped with my results. Gold star for me!
I'm trying to wind down this productive day soon so that I can get to bed early since I have boxing in the am, but somehow my busy day didn't include that homework I was supposed to have done...I suppose we can't have it all.
I had a very busy and productive day today. It's been awhile since I've felt motivated to do anything without dragging my feet. Today was different though. I was excited, motivated, and pumped. I got a lot of "grown up" things done throughout the day that I've been putting off, plus I made good start to the challenge.
I went grocery shopping bright and early at 8:00am. I was actually surprised (and geeky as it is, excited) to see that Kroger is now open at 6:00am! I don't know why, but this makes me happy. While I was perusing the veggie section, I realized that there is a perk of early shopping. I could take my time and study all the different kinds of vegetables that I've never bought or cooked. I could compare prices. I didn't feel flustered taking a million of those little plastic bags and twist-ties as I filled up my cart (I wish I didn't have to use those things, but feel I would be judge if I didn't...) The only downfall was that the bakery was in full swing. So many delicious smells wafted past me in temptation, but I held strong and only glanced back once at the mardi-gras decorated donuts with extra sprinkles....ok that's a total lie I looked back twice!
After my groceries were all snuggled away in my kitchen, I headed over to Bella Forza Fitness (BFF). Everyone who is participating in the challenge has a big button that we are supposed to wear to all our workouts. It let's everyone else know we are participating and creates a little extra awareness and should get people talking about it. Personally, I think it is so the instructors know who's ass to kick and not cut any slack. I'm ok with that though, I need it. And honestly, no instructor there would ever cut me any slack haha.
Within each week of the challenge there is a mini-challenge. This week is "most spirited". So today in Barre Intensity we replaced or moaning and groaning and painful whimpers with cheers and sometimes sarcastic words of excitement when it was push-up time. One lady even brought in stamps of BFF so we all had "tattoos" during class. It's silly, but hey, you need everything you can get!
Post workout I had a very healthy and protein filled lunch. One would think that will all this accomplishment before noon, I would be done and take a nap. Oh but ye have little faith! Not only did I forgo a nap, but I took care of a few chores and then I went...(wait for it)...RUNNING! That's right, I, Rachel Leigh Libben, went on a run. And it was honestly a run (well my version of a run), not a walk. I headed out and found a short bike trail which was a little hilly. I pushed myself and made it the entire loop, which I found out later is 2 miles. Holy cow. It's been over a year since I went running so I was pretty pumped with my results. Gold star for me!
I'm trying to wind down this productive day soon so that I can get to bed early since I have boxing in the am, but somehow my busy day didn't include that homework I was supposed to have done...I suppose we can't have it all.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Fat Tuesday
While I might not be drinking Abita beer and watching the parade down Bourbon street, I am partaking in Fat Tuesday in my own way. I had a very unhealthy dinner of pizza (first time since November!) a small fry and a shamrock shake. I should feel soooo guilty about this dinner, but I figured it's ok. It's Fat Tuesday afterall, and anyone who knows me, knows I always celebrate holidays. Plus, I'm giving up Shamrock Shakes for lent. I don't have to explain to any of you, how major this is. I live all year for this season of shakes. This is epic.
I'm indulging tonight because tomorrow starts the beginning of a challenge I signed up for at work/the gym. It's called the 40-day Transformation Challenge. So tomorrow it's time to get serious. No more unhealthy choices. No more glasses of wine after a rough day of class. No more treats. No more skipping workouts. Hopefully at the end of these 40 days I will be able to report reaching my weight loss goal and show off a brand new bike. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy V-Day!
Happy Valentine's Day Lovers! While I normally choose to wear black and wish everyone a happy "Singles Awareness Day" in protest to the day of love, this year I decided to be indifferent with a side of cheerfulness. Being single on February 14th can be sad and lonely. Everyone is throwing their love in your face with postings of flowers received at work, dinner dates, and mushy love notes posted on facebook. You start to feel as if you are the only one not invited to a party. It actually reminds me a of comedy piece by Dane Cook. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJEvROTScaY)
But this year was different for me. It wasn't different because I had a secret admirer or anything crazy like that, it was different because I didn't care. I recognized the day by wearing a heart necklace and ring, took heart linzer cookies to my class and wished everyone a Happy Valentine's day. I didn't feel hurt and left out, and I didn't feel euphoric and in love. I just felt like a girl who is ok with herself and being where she is at. It seems so simple and natural, yet odd because I've never felt like this before. I'm usually all in or all out for V-Day. But this year, I'm just me. Just here. Just Ok with it all. It's kind of odd...yet kind of nice. I'm lucky to have many wonderful and loving relationships in my life and while they aren't of the romantic sort, they are equally important. I'm truly blessed. So thank you to all the loves of my life and I hope you had a great Valentine's Day.
P.S. I hope you got chocolates because that certainly make the day even better.
But this year was different for me. It wasn't different because I had a secret admirer or anything crazy like that, it was different because I didn't care. I recognized the day by wearing a heart necklace and ring, took heart linzer cookies to my class and wished everyone a Happy Valentine's day. I didn't feel hurt and left out, and I didn't feel euphoric and in love. I just felt like a girl who is ok with herself and being where she is at. It seems so simple and natural, yet odd because I've never felt like this before. I'm usually all in or all out for V-Day. But this year, I'm just me. Just here. Just Ok with it all. It's kind of odd...yet kind of nice. I'm lucky to have many wonderful and loving relationships in my life and while they aren't of the romantic sort, they are equally important. I'm truly blessed. So thank you to all the loves of my life and I hope you had a great Valentine's Day.
P.S. I hope you got chocolates because that certainly make the day even better.
Friday, February 10, 2012
The "FAT JEANS" Dilema
I've been debating about this for awhile and I just can't decide, "how long do you keep your clothes after you've lost weight"?. I've dropped a couple pants sizes and now have a closet full of clothes that I don't like to wear anymore. They just don't look very good on me because they don't fit right. Part of me wants to say s"ee-ya!" and give those puppies away. I want to clean out my closet and give them to someone who might enjoy hand me downs as much as I do. I want to actually have a little more room in my closet. And let's me honest, I want to have an excuse to buy more clothes to fill the closet back up with smaller sizes.
But....the other part of me is afraid. What if I gain the weight back soon? I won't have the money to go out and buy a bigger wardrobe again and frankly that shopping trip would just be depressing. So I could keep the clothes "just in case". I'm just afraid that this is some sort of feng shui no-no that is keeping bad joo joo in my closet. Maybe by keeping these bigger clothes I'm giving myself a safety net where it will be ok if I do gain the weight back. I'm also kicking myself for getting rid of clothes that were too small on me when I moved back to AZ. Why didn't I keep those?! hmmm...although maybe it was getting rid of them and not having a constant reminder that I wasn't small enough in my closet that allowed me to take a healthier approach to reaching a desired size. Well, nowI'm even more confused...
Thoughts? How long should one maintain a current size before getting rid of bigger clothes?
And if the consensus is to get rid get rid of the clothes and you would like to adopt them, please send me your name, address, and size. If I see something you might enjoy I'll pass it along!
But....the other part of me is afraid. What if I gain the weight back soon? I won't have the money to go out and buy a bigger wardrobe again and frankly that shopping trip would just be depressing. So I could keep the clothes "just in case". I'm just afraid that this is some sort of feng shui no-no that is keeping bad joo joo in my closet. Maybe by keeping these bigger clothes I'm giving myself a safety net where it will be ok if I do gain the weight back. I'm also kicking myself for getting rid of clothes that were too small on me when I moved back to AZ. Why didn't I keep those?! hmmm...although maybe it was getting rid of them and not having a constant reminder that I wasn't small enough in my closet that allowed me to take a healthier approach to reaching a desired size. Well, nowI'm even more confused...
Thoughts? How long should one maintain a current size before getting rid of bigger clothes?
And if the consensus is to get rid get rid of the clothes and you would like to adopt them, please send me your name, address, and size. If I see something you might enjoy I'll pass it along!
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