It's really a shame that I can't seem to convince my mind that it's important to actually do all that school work that's piling up. Instead I'm so focused on this challenge and meeting my goals that I push the homework aside and spend hours researching nutrition, browsing pinterest for healthy recipes, and planning my workouts for the week. It's not like I'm obsessed in an unhealthy way, but that is what I'm passionate about. That's where all my energy and motivation is going. If only I was in school for something where all this dedication counted maybe I'd be doing better in school. To be fair, I lost all motivation for school half way through last quarter, so I'd just be avoiding homework with something else if not working out. At least I'm making responsible decisions in one part of my life. I'll take it.
Workouts:
Yoga (bright and early!) - 1 hour
Barre - 1 hour
Accomplishment:
Made and packed a healthy lunch for tomorrow as I run from work to Campus. Yay actually eating on Tuesdays!
Lesson:
If you have a George Foreman Grill, don't forget you have it! Thanks to a reminder from mi madre, I took it out of the box and dinner was so much easier and quicker. I see dinners looking up :)
Monday, February 27, 2012
Transformation Challenge: Day 5
BFF is usually closed on Sundays, but during the challenge they are holding a special class for challenge participants called Survivor Sundays. We are all trying to complete a mini challenge of attending a class at BFF 30 out of the 40 days, so this is a huge bonus. However, each class on Sunday is a secret as to what we will be doing. Since I work there I had the inside scoop on this weekend and I think it might have been better not knowing that Cardio Attack was the first surprise class. But even so, I went, I sweated, I cursed the inventor of burpees, and I conquered...errr or at least survived.
Workouts:
Survivor Sunday - Cardio Attack. 1 minute of a cardio drill full out, followed by 15 seconds rest. Repeat with new cardio exercise. (doesn't it just sound like a blast?!)
Challenge:
One word - Burpees!
Accomplishment:
I did the harder versions of most of the exercises most of the class.
Treat:
A new twist on a breakfast staple. I had 1 slice of ezekiel 4:9 bread toasted topped with 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter, 3 sliced strawberries and a drizzle of honey. mmmmmm
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Transformation Challenge: Day 4
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.
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.
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!
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