Ok I'm just going to go ahead and start with my Challenge of the Day - Dinner. Since I had went grocery shopping at 8am and didn't have class tonight, I had planned on spicing dinner up a little bit. And when I say spicing dinner up, I really mean try and cook something other than a piece of fish with a side of broccoli. I had a sweet potato that I've been too lazy to cook (epitome of laziness right here folks) so I decided to make some healthy sweet potato "fries". I first texted Beth at Bella Forza to see if sweet potatoes were allowed during the cleanse because I know that starches are not, but good starches are ok sometimes. She said I could probably have one potato so I was super excited and headed to the kitchen. Fast forward to me standing in the kitchen with my chicken breast on the George Foreman Grill and sweet potatoes sliced and drizzled with olive oil in the oven. I'm just about to pat myself on the back for finding a dinner on the cleanse that I was excited about when I hear a screeching BEEP BEEP BEEP. BEEP BEEP BEEP. The smoke alarm was ah-an-guh-reeee. I flew over to the smoke alarm to attempt to comfort it by fanning a pillow in front of it and it calmed down. I started to tip-toe away back to the kitchen to open the window and BEEP BEEP BEEP came screaming behind me. Now if it were just me, I'd deal with the noise while I ran around the apartment, turning off the oven, turning off the grill, opening window, find a fan etc etc. But I have neighbors who have a child and a newborn (although they do make a lot of noise so this would be the perfect time for payback....but I took the high road). So you can imagine an image of a frazzled Rachel running across her apartment back and forth trying to calm the alarm and deal with the kitchen. The best part of this fiasco? I burnt the fries. Black. To. A. Crisp. Guess what I had for dinner? Broccoli.
Lesson of the Day:
Stick with broccoli.
Accomplishment:
Bought a new water bottle and shaker bottle to use for meal and protein shakes. Oh and I got measured today and have already lost a couple of inches from the beginning of the challenge. That bike is within sight...
Treat:
I'm about to go make an Advocare Shake with berries to try and make up for my disappointing dinner.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Transformation Challenge: Day 14
I'm just gonna say that I hate Cardio. So what in the world makes me keep signing up for this Cardio Attack class? Stubbornness I guess. I know it's what I need so I keep taking it in hopes that these pounds will melt off and I'll finally hit my goal weight. If it doesn't work, I'm not going to be a happy camper. Especially since smores are not cleanse approved.
Workouts:
Boxing Bootcamp - 45 min. mostly arms
Cardio Attack - 55 min of a whole lot of torture
Challenges:
My classmates got frozen yogurt in between our two Tuesday classes. I was drained and stressed and could have really gone for some fro-yo. But alas, I stayed strong because my cleanse forbids dairy and sugar so that would be a double whammy cheat.
Staying awake to hurry up and right a chapter review that is due tonight. It is past my bedtime and I need me some shut eye and recovery time!
Treat:
I sadly ate a whole bag of popcorn because I hadn't consumed enough calories for the day and wanted something crunchy. I'm pretty sure that is not on my list of acceptable cleanse foods, but it didn't forbid it either and I was running out of options.
Lesson:
Everyone at work has been going on and on and on and on about this Advocare product called Spark. It's a vitamin powder you put in your bottle of water and it has some caffeine and no sugar. It is supposed to provide mental clarity all day and energy. I admit it, I was skeptical that it would be any different than having a nice cup of joe in the am, but I was wrong. I took a spark this morning and felt great all day (well as great as one can feel sitting through 2 classes and a supervision session from he...you get the picture). I did not feel the urge to even stop at Starbucks in the afternoon like I usually do on Tuesdays. It lasted me a good 12 hours of focus. Unfortunately that 12 hours has worn off and I need to take my droopy eyes to bed.
Workouts:
Boxing Bootcamp - 45 min. mostly arms
Cardio Attack - 55 min of a whole lot of torture
Challenges:
My classmates got frozen yogurt in between our two Tuesday classes. I was drained and stressed and could have really gone for some fro-yo. But alas, I stayed strong because my cleanse forbids dairy and sugar so that would be a double whammy cheat.
Staying awake to hurry up and right a chapter review that is due tonight. It is past my bedtime and I need me some shut eye and recovery time!
Treat:
I sadly ate a whole bag of popcorn because I hadn't consumed enough calories for the day and wanted something crunchy. I'm pretty sure that is not on my list of acceptable cleanse foods, but it didn't forbid it either and I was running out of options.
Lesson:
Everyone at work has been going on and on and on and on about this Advocare product called Spark. It's a vitamin powder you put in your bottle of water and it has some caffeine and no sugar. It is supposed to provide mental clarity all day and energy. I admit it, I was skeptical that it would be any different than having a nice cup of joe in the am, but I was wrong. I took a spark this morning and felt great all day (well as great as one can feel sitting through 2 classes and a supervision session from he...you get the picture). I did not feel the urge to even stop at Starbucks in the afternoon like I usually do on Tuesdays. It lasted me a good 12 hours of focus. Unfortunately that 12 hours has worn off and I need to take my droopy eyes to bed.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Transformation Challenge: Day 13
Today I started taking Advocare products. I ordered the 24-Day Challenge kit, which starts off with a 10 day herbal cleanse. I could not have picked a better time to start a cleanse than after this past weekend. Most people cringe at the thought of taking the orange fiber drink in the morning, but not me. I was ready to down that puppy if it meant getting my body back on track. With these first 10 days, I take a fiber drink most mornings, and then either probiotics or herbal cleanse vitamins. This is the easier part. I also need to eat really clean. I mean really clean. Like I had to give up dairy, alcohol, fats (other than the good kind like peanut butter), sugars (other than fruit), and any carbs that are not oatmeal, hummus, brown rice, or 100% whole wheat. Basically I'll be eating a whole lot of fruits, veggies, fish, and oatmeal.
I have done the cleanse by itself before, so I knew what to expect as far as my eating selection. It's actually not all that far off from how I've been trying to eat for the most part. The only thing that is killing me is saying goodbye to dairy. That means no more greek yogurt, which has become a standard lunch for me. I also can't sprinkle a bit of parmesan cheese on my veggies. Le sigh. Oh well I shall survive. It's only ten days and then I move on the the next phase and can add a few of those things back in. My boss sells Advocare and a lot of people at Bella Forza take it so I'm really curious to see how this all works out. Fingers crossed they are right and I'll feel amazing AND lose inches!
Workouts:
Yoga- 1 hour. Much needed after 2 nights of uncomfortable restless sleep on the worst mattress in the history of Best Westerns.
Barre - 1 hour. Used heavier weights.
Challenge:
Eating enough calories to meet the minimum amount per day. With all the rules I have to follow I find it harder to come up with enough ideas to eat throughout the day. It also doesn't help that I need to get groceries so my options are pretty slim pickins at this point.
Accomplishment:
I followed all the rules of the cleanse considering my fridge isn't fully stocked.
I have done the cleanse by itself before, so I knew what to expect as far as my eating selection. It's actually not all that far off from how I've been trying to eat for the most part. The only thing that is killing me is saying goodbye to dairy. That means no more greek yogurt, which has become a standard lunch for me. I also can't sprinkle a bit of parmesan cheese on my veggies. Le sigh. Oh well I shall survive. It's only ten days and then I move on the the next phase and can add a few of those things back in. My boss sells Advocare and a lot of people at Bella Forza take it so I'm really curious to see how this all works out. Fingers crossed they are right and I'll feel amazing AND lose inches!
Workouts:
Yoga- 1 hour. Much needed after 2 nights of uncomfortable restless sleep on the worst mattress in the history of Best Westerns.
Barre - 1 hour. Used heavier weights.
Challenge:
Eating enough calories to meet the minimum amount per day. With all the rules I have to follow I find it harder to come up with enough ideas to eat throughout the day. It also doesn't help that I need to get groceries so my options are pretty slim pickins at this point.
Accomplishment:
I followed all the rules of the cleanse considering my fridge isn't fully stocked.
Transformation Challenge: Days 10-12
This past weekend was my self-designated free weekend from challenge rules. It was the 20th anniversary of Delta Theta Psi and so many of my amazing sisters completed the pilgrimage to Wooster to participate in the weekend festivities complete with a formal. While this weekend was oh so bad to my body, it was also oh so good to my soul. While I regret a lot of my slip-ups as far as my challenge is concerned, I wouldn't take back a think because this weekend was exactly what I needed. (Ok maybe I'd take back a few drinks or the trip to the chocolate fountain...but the weekend was a package deal so I'm just going to try and forget about those choices).
I just have to say that I am so extremely proud of every single Theta out there. I knew that I had a group of strong, beautiful, supportive friends, but damn, I forgot how impressive they all are. Every single one of them is doing something amazing with their lives. Lawyers, Doctors, Teachers, Directors of non-profits, Directors of schools, getting their Masters or MBAs...just to name a few. Being around such amazing women has given me the final push I need to get through the rest of this quarter. I need to (try) and stop complaining about what my program is lacking and find a way to make up for it on my own. I only have a couple more weeks and I want to finish it out strong.
Speaking of a strong week, this week is going to be a tough one at the gym. I've decided that in order to make up for this past weekend and to try and get a little ahead, I'm amping up my workouts for the week. My goal is to complete the 14 workouts I have scheduled for the next 7 days. I even made sure to add in some new hard classes that I've been avoiding (cardio attack anyone?). So here's hoping I can survive my week of intensity both at the gym and at school.
Weekend wrap up:
Workouts:
Friday - Barre class 1 hour before my road trip to Woo.
Saturday - failed at finding a Zumba class with Beth SP and Meg so we took the opportunity to use the brand new Scot Center facility thanks to our alumni day pass. I got the chance to chat with some of my favorite girls while running 2.5 miles. Also I'm going to count the 6 hours I was walking around in 5 inch platforms. I dare anyone to tell me that wasn't a calf workout.
Sunday - Rest day. Boy was it!
Accomplishments:
I managed to run 2.5 miles while being a little "under the weather" if you will.
I ate relatively well up until Saturday afternoon.
Challenges:
Trying to drink less while having fun with all my sisters who are so freaking fun!
Trying (very unsuccessfully) to not eat the top half of my ciabatta bread from the caprese sandwich at lunch. If you are ever in Wooster, OH you MUST MUST MUST eat at Spoon. Hands down best sandwich I've had in a long time. Thus why I ended up eating the bread after I set it aside.
The biggest challenge was getting in car willingly to come back to Cincinnati and say goodbye to everyone.
Lessons:
Sometimes it is important to relax the rules a little and just let yourself live and enjoy the moment and company of others. (But then it is also important to get back to the rules afterwards!)
Friday, March 2, 2012
Transformation Challenge: Day 9
Still trying to stay strong! It gets a little bit easier every day to stick to my eating routine. I did cheat a little bit by having a shortbread cookie and mini peppermint patty in class though. We had a guest speaker who talked about working with eating disorders and for some reason the professor brough candy and cookies for the class. I mean, I pretty much HAD to take one because I didn't want anyone to think I had an eating disorder and was ano or something. It's ok though, I made dinner light and stayed within my limits for the day.
Workouts:
Boxing Bootcamp - 1 hour
Yoga - 1 blissful hour
Treat:
Snacks in class
Accomplishment:
Yoga was awesome for me. I was so much more flexible for some reason and really felt things where I needed stretched. Just a good day!
So I feel that I've been doing really well, but this weekend stands to be a challenge to my challenge success. This weekend was one of my two self-approved cheat weekends. I'm going back to Wooster for my sorority alumni formal. I'll get to be around so many sisters that I love and miss and I can't not partake in the festivities. I'm really hoping to stay on track somewhat, but I fear for my waistline. So prayers are greatly appreciated that I don't go off the deep end. Oh boy....
Workouts:
Boxing Bootcamp - 1 hour
Yoga - 1 blissful hour
Treat:
Snacks in class
Accomplishment:
Yoga was awesome for me. I was so much more flexible for some reason and really felt things where I needed stretched. Just a good day!
So I feel that I've been doing really well, but this weekend stands to be a challenge to my challenge success. This weekend was one of my two self-approved cheat weekends. I'm going back to Wooster for my sorority alumni formal. I'll get to be around so many sisters that I love and miss and I can't not partake in the festivities. I'm really hoping to stay on track somewhat, but I fear for my waistline. So prayers are greatly appreciated that I don't go off the deep end. Oh boy....
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Transformation Challenge: Day 8
I went to bed at 9:30pm last night. I was so tired that texting a friend back took too much energy and I felt overwhelmed. Like really overwhelmed. That, my friends, is a good sign that you need to get your rear to bed. So I did and I didn't have anything this morning before my 9am workout so I slept like a baby. It was raining, which always puts me out like a light. So why did I wake up still exhausted? I woke up in a debbie downer kind of mood and was a zombie. But I still made it to BFF and somehow managed to make it through 2 workouts, but I just wasn't feeling it.
I rewarded myself with a bath and did a hair mask, and face mask to try and soothe myself. After that I somehow managed to waste an entire day that was supposed to be filled with productivity for schoolwork, by sitting on my futon. I think I online shopped for shoes? I don't know, it's like I black out the entire day haha. Talk about a waste! I did eventually get dressed and went out for dinner with some new friends from the gym. (Yay new friends!!!!). We went out for sushi and since they are also doing the challenge, I didn't feel awkward not ordering a drink and discussing which rolls were less calories than the others. It's so nice to be able to socialize and not feel like a freak for counting calories and checking ingredients.
Workouts:
Zumba (it was an easy instructor, but at least I was moving and sweating a little) 45 min
Barre Intensity 1.5 hours of arms, legs, and abs
Accomplishments:
Not giving in to all my cravings! Also, not ordering wine at dinner when others did.
Even though it's a certain time of the month, I can see abs!!! (only when flexing, but hey, they are still there!)
Treats:
Sushi!!! (California roll- 255 calories and Yellowtail Scallion- 200)
My favorite lunch - natural almond butter, greek yogurt, honey, banana
I rewarded myself with a bath and did a hair mask, and face mask to try and soothe myself. After that I somehow managed to waste an entire day that was supposed to be filled with productivity for schoolwork, by sitting on my futon. I think I online shopped for shoes? I don't know, it's like I black out the entire day haha. Talk about a waste! I did eventually get dressed and went out for dinner with some new friends from the gym. (Yay new friends!!!!). We went out for sushi and since they are also doing the challenge, I didn't feel awkward not ordering a drink and discussing which rolls were less calories than the others. It's so nice to be able to socialize and not feel like a freak for counting calories and checking ingredients.
Workouts:
Zumba (it was an easy instructor, but at least I was moving and sweating a little) 45 min
Barre Intensity 1.5 hours of arms, legs, and abs
Accomplishments:
Not giving in to all my cravings! Also, not ordering wine at dinner when others did.
Even though it's a certain time of the month, I can see abs!!! (only when flexing, but hey, they are still there!)
Treats:
Sushi!!! (California roll- 255 calories and Yellowtail Scallion- 200)
My favorite lunch - natural almond butter, greek yogurt, honey, banana
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Transformation Challenge: Day 7
Tuesdays are my long grueling days for this quarter. I leave my place at 5:30am and usually don't get back until 7:15pm. I get a lot of stuff packed in those hours though so when I finally return to my couch/futon I feel pretty good about my accomplishments. Today I pushed it extra hard and to reward myself I skipped my least favorite class. I figured I deserved some sort of treat and since I can't have the cake and ice cream I'm desperately craving, I thought it was a suitable compromise. I think an extra early bedtime is in order for today as well. For some odd reason I'm plain old exhausted!
Workouts:
Boxing Bootcamp - 45 min. (left drenched)
Body Combat (martial arts choreographed to a playlist...also left drenched)
Walk/Run with classmate Michelle (while skipping class) about 2 miles....but we somehow forgot to run all but .5 miles of it. Workouts seem to get in the way of gossip haha.
Accomplishment:
I burned over 1,000 calories by 9:00am and still managed to eat really healthy!
Treat:
No class with Prof. Watson!!!
Lesson:
Buy only healthy foods so that when you want to cheat, you can't. I'm having a hormonal induced chocolate craving, but only have an 80 calorie fudgesicle in sight. I have no choice but to stay on track. Yay for showing myself who's boss!
Workouts:
Boxing Bootcamp - 45 min. (left drenched)
Body Combat (martial arts choreographed to a playlist...also left drenched)
Walk/Run with classmate Michelle (while skipping class) about 2 miles....but we somehow forgot to run all but .5 miles of it. Workouts seem to get in the way of gossip haha.
Accomplishment:
I burned over 1,000 calories by 9:00am and still managed to eat really healthy!
Treat:
No class with Prof. Watson!!!
Lesson:
Buy only healthy foods so that when you want to cheat, you can't. I'm having a hormonal induced chocolate craving, but only have an 80 calorie fudgesicle in sight. I have no choice but to stay on track. Yay for showing myself who's boss!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)