Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Still here

I haven't been doing so hot. I gained a few back and then lost them so I am still at the 13 pd mark. I swear I am going to do better though. I still have 25 to go.

Monday, February 23, 2009

update

The last two weeks have been busy for me so my diet has been a little up and down. I have lost and gained pounds. The total when it was all said and done for the last two weeks ended up with 3.5 pounds. Still a loss but a little disappointed in myself. I am hitting it hard again this week and trying hard. I only have 12 more pounds to meet my goal. But I have been on this diet for over 1 and a half months and it gets a little tiring sometimes. But I feel refreshed. I am going to Vegas for the race this weekend I only hope I can be good then so I don't spoil all my hard work I plan on putting in this week.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

How to Trim Your Own Bangs

By Jenny Bailly

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Personal note: I figured it was time for some fun beauty advice. I had to laugh when I came across this article because not more than two or three hours ago I was complaining to Tyson how I just cut my own bangs and I ruined them.
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Many hairstylists offer free bang trims. But if yours doesn't (or if you just don't have time for monthly visits), you can take matters into your own hands. All you need is a pair of sharp scissors (try Tweezerman Stainless 2000 51/2 trimming shears, $25), a mirror, and a few minutes, with no distractions. Only cut bangs dry—"Hair is longer when it's wet, so you run the risk of going too short," says hairstylist Patrick Melville, of the Patrick Melville Salon in New York City—and hold them taut between your index and middle fingers as you trim in small sections, from one temple to the other. Go slowly, in little increments, because "if you take off too much in that first snip," says Patrick, "you're doomed" (or at least sentenced to an awkward grow-out period). Don't go shorter than the bridge of your nose—once you release the bangs, they'll jump up as much

Five Things You'd Never Think Would Make You Fat (But Guess What?)

By Elizabeth Svoboda

Food and exercise aren't the whole diet story. A slew of stealthy, often surprising weight gain culprits could be causing the scale to creep upward.

Carb-free liquor. An increasing number of purveyors of everything alcoholic, from wine to beer to vodka, are trying to surf the low-carb wave. But alcohol has never been a carbohydrate, so carb-free defines all hard liquor. Most beer and wine contain some sugar (a.k.a. carbohydrates). Makers of the low-carb versions have tried to minimize sugar content, but they've not invented a diet drink: A five-ounce glass of the new low-carb One.9 Merlot has 125 calories, and typical red wine weighs in at 105. The solution: Let "low calories," not "low carbs," be your principal dieting mantra.

Depo-Provera. The birth control shot may be convenient, but it delivers a high dose of progesterone, which can cause appetite to increase. Seventy percent of women who use it gain weight, with nearly half gaining more than five pounds after a year. The solution: Consider lower-dose possibilities. The Pill may get a bad rap for causing weight gain, but in a review published earlier this year researchers found no correlation between oral contraceptives and added pounds. Another low-dose option is the Ortho Evra patch.

Artificial sweeteners. A recent Purdue University study compared two sets of rats: those fed liquid spiked with saccharin, others fed liquid sweetened with natural sugar. When both groups were later given a sugary snack, the rats accustomed to artificial sweeteners ate more. "Our bodies have ways of judging how many calories a food has from how it tastes, and artificial sweeteners may mess up that natural regulating process," says Susan Swithers, PhD, associate professor of psychological sciences at Purdue and one of the study's lead authors. The solution: "We're not suggesting you give up your diet soda at this point," Swithers says. But if you consume artificially sweetened products, pay extra attention to the calorie count of everything you eat, especially snacks with real sugar.

Missing meals. Research shows that people who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight, and that morning meals seem to help those who've lost weight keep it off. It's not just breakfast, either: Denise Bruner, MD, obesity specialist and former president of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, says that skipping meals of any kind results in a "tremendous bout of compensatory hunger." The solution: Eat small meals throughout the day. A steady nutrient intake will keep your blood sugar relatively constant, helping prevent out-of-control binges.

Dining out. Super Size Me gave fast food a bad name, but restaurant portions can be just as oversize as a McDonald's meal. An order of chicken Parmesan and pasta at Ruby Tuesday, for example, tops out at 1,466 calories—more than a Big Mac, large fries, and a Coke combined. The solution: Eating out is fine, as long as you don't use it as a frequent license to indulge. Choose your entrees wisely, and find restaurants that serve smaller portions or doggie bag half your meal.

For more information on this article, please click here

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Good Week

Hi Everyone, I have been super busy as usual. It seems to go in spurts with me, I'll have lots of free time and then all of the sudden I cannot find enough hours in the day to do everything. When the season starts our lives get crazy because of the motel. I am doing good with my goals and am absolutely loving my workout program. I lost two pounds for once, I am still about 4 pounds away from feeling my best. I hope everyone is doing great and having a wonderful week.

6 Good Reasons To Walk For Your Health!

1. It's an easy way to a healthier you. Brisk walking lowers the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes in women, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. So in addition to strengthening your calves, hamstrings, arms (your entire body, really) walking can help prevent disease and illness. The bottom line: It does a body good.

2. You'll stick to it. Experts call it adherence. Others call it dedication. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, people tend to stick to a walking program better on a long-term basis than to other exercise activities. After all, you can do it anywhere -- with no equipment required.

3. It's a no pain, all gain proposition. Your body will thank you for choosing such a stress-free exercise method with low risk of injury. The impact of running on your joints is about three times your body weight, while walking is only about 1.3 times your body weight. "Lower impact means there's less risk that you'll have sore muscles, aching joints and repetitive stress injuries," explains Dr. Bach.

4. Both social butterflies and soul searchers enjoy it. There's no better way to catch up on gossip, brainstorm business plans or mull over an idea with a friend. Instead of meeting for a sit-down lunch, take a stroll. Or if you're in desperate need of some alone time, walking is also a great way to relax, reflect and re-energize after a long day or before the start of a busy one.

5. It's an excuse-proof workout. Walking is cheap and easy. No gym membership or expensive equipment required. Bad weather? Head to a mall -- some cities are extending hours so walkers can stride (and window shop) before stores open.

6. You can walk your way to the Fountain of Youth. A new study from the American Academy of Neurology reports that walking can keep your mind sharp as you age. Researchers tested the cognitive abilities of 5,925 women ages 65 and older, and then tested them again six to eight years later. Their finding: women who walked an average of 18 miles a week had the least cognitive decline. Women who said they walked the least -- just half a mile a week -- showed the greatest decline.

For more information on this article, taken from lhj.com, click here

Hooray!

Wow, I thought I would be the last to post because I'm late doing so. Where is everyone? Anyway, this was a pretty good week for me. Yes, it could have been better but, I'm not going to complain. I lost 3.5 lbs. By the way, this is following an extremely bad week last week where I lost absolutely nothing - in fact, I may have gained about 0.5. (It was one of the little monthly visitor weeks and it didn't treat me kindly.) So, cheers to a better week this week and hopefully a good week to come. Also, I almost forgot - I also took my measurements this week and found that I am definetly loosing inches. My waist is down 3 inches from when I started - I'm excited!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Eat Right and Feel Gorgeous

I'm sure you've heard the saying, "You are what you eat." Well, forget about weight for a minute — this saying is true when it comes to your looks too! Certain foods help your body feel great — and luckily, the same foods that keep you healthy and fit also help keep you looking your best. We can thank Mother Nature for that!

Incorporate these miracle foods into your diet, and you'll notice the difference in your appearance right away! All of these foods are also perfect for a healthy, low-fat diet:

Citrus fruits help your body form collagen, which is essential to keep skin looking young and smooth!

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C and potassium — all of which help give skin a radiant glow!

Garlic is said to combat wrinkles and help restore tissue. It's like a natural anti-wrinkle cream!

Dairy foods — like skim milk, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese — help keep your bones and teeth strong, and your smile bright!

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, which promotes clear, smooth skin!

Remember: Good looks are about much more than being thin or having expensive makeup, hair, and clothes. Enrich your looks by being smart about food, and get that beautiful glow naturally!

Info taken from Denise Austin's daily email, for more info click here

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

5 Foods For Healthier Skin

1. Fish: Fatty fish like salmon, tilapia, and cod are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. And that's a good thing, because our bodies cannot produce those essential lipids naturally. By adding omega-3s to your diet, though, you can bolster your skin barrier - that is, the layer of lipids that holds onto moisture and keeps irritants out.
There is even evidence that the skin-strengthening effects of omega-3s can improve chronic skin conditions like rosacea and atopic dermatitis, but more research is necessary to confirm that link.
Furthermore, many types of fish (like, once again, salmon and cod) are rich in vitamin D - as dermatologists increasingly emphasize sun avoidance, we also need to emphasize the importance of finding other sources of this vitamin, which is produced during sun exposure.
Don't eat fish? Many eggs are now fortified with omega-3 fatty acids, and plant sources include flax seed and flax seed oil, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts. And a daily vitamin D supplement is a good idea for vegans and meat-eaters alike.

2. Green Tea: It's inexpensive, easy to add to your routine, and one of the best-researched and most powerful antioxidants around. That's why green tea is my go-to antioxidant: I drink at least three cups a day to fight aging and inflammation. Some studies even suggest that the antioxidants in green tea reduce one's risk of skin cancer. So put down that soda and start drinking your way to healthier skin!

3. Broccoli: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K (among many other nutrients), this veggie does more than its fair share of nutritional work. Vitamin A decreases oil production, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and vitamin K can help prevent bruises. So whatever ails you, this green wonderfood might be just what the doctor ordered.

4. Safflower or Sunflower Oil: Omega-3s get a lot more talk, but omega-6 fatty acids - like the linoleic acid in these two oils - are also important for healthy skin. Like omega-3s, they help prevent dry skin and inflammation; they're also essential for the formation of prostaglandins, hormones that keep all the cells of the body functioning well.
While many diets are actually quite high in omega-6s - sometimes even too high - the key is to get the good ones and not unhealthy versions, like hydrogenated oils. So try sautéing your salmon or broccoli in a little safflower or sunflower oil and double those skin-soothing benefits!

5. Almonds: When it comes to boosting skin's defenses against aging, inflammation, and even skin cancer, antioxidants are so important that I'm going to add another to my list: A handful of almonds every day boosts your levels of vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidants for skin health. Studies also suggest that consuming vitamin E orally can increase the levels of this moisturizing vitamin on your skin's surface - great news for anyone prone to dry skin.

What?

what happened to every one? Are there just a few of us still on this journey battling the bulge or what. I have just lost 11 so far so come on every one I want to hear what's going on in your lives.

Monday, February 9, 2009

When Is The Right Time For Cardio

Q: Is it better to do my cardio routine before or after I strength train?

A: That depends on your schedule! Maybe going for a brisk morning walk works for you (sometimes it's best to get the cardio done right away, so you don't have to worry about it the rest of the day). Then again, it might be more convenient for you to hit the elliptical machine or the treadmill at the gym that's around the corner from your job during your lunch hour or after work. Or you could pop in a cardio DVD while the kids are at school. Basically, when it comes to cardio, you can do it anytime, anyplace — just as long as you do it! Then you'll reap its fat-burning rewards! Some people find it much easier to alternate cardio and strength training days.

Half way there!!

Well this week was a great week I lost 5 pounds!!! Yeah that puts me at 15 pounds total and makes it my half way mark. My goal was 30 pounds. I have literally worked my butt off this past week I upped my routine after my treadmill workout I do a 30 minute tae bo workout tape and it has made a big difference. So here's to the next 15ponds may they come off fast.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

5 Painless Ways To Cut 500 Calories

Downsize it! Order a small instead of a medium. Go for the smaller-sized tortilla instead of the large. Grab a smaller handful of nuts. All these little changes add up in big ways!

Avoid the fat. Fat calories add up quickly, so cut them when you can. Buy tuna packed only in water. Skip the oil entirely if you're sauteing onions or mushrooms. Use herbs and spices for flavor instead of butter, margarine, or spreads. You won't even notice the difference!

Don't clean your plate. Leave behind just a few bites from every meal. You'd be surprised how just a few bites of food can suddenly become hundreds of calories saved!

Go for whole! Fruit and vegetable juices can be loaded with calories, especially if they contain sugar! Choose the whole fruit or vegetable instead. Not only will you save tons of calories but you'll get a lot of valuable fiber! Now, that's smart eating!

Skip the extras. Dressings, croutons, cheese, mayo, sour cream: All these extras — even the low-fat varieties — can add up, even in small portions. Forget about them! You can do it!

Information taken from Denise Austin's daily email. For more info click here

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

still plugging along

Well I am kind of like Tina I didn't post because I have not been following things the way I should be. I gained a few pounds back but woke up Monday morning and decided to get on the new treadmill we purchased last week. There is a program on there from Jillian Michaleals from the biggest loser. Mylee was not being good so I strapped her in my baby sling and she goes on the treadmill with me now, well for the last two days, we'll see how it works out, it puts her right to sleep. I was down two more pounds this morning but I stll have a long road ahead. I am going to shoot for a 12 pd loss this month.

Boost Your Own Confidence

Okay, I am finally back to posting, although I'm not sure it will be everyday. I have been so busy this past week and it doesn't look like things are going to slow down anytime soon. First, I have to say GREAT JOB to Kyla and Tina, from their last post it sounds like they are doing great. I am in week six of my workout program (ChaLEAN Extreme) and am seeing results, I should have taken before pictures and I didn't. I hope to get three more treadmill workouts up before I leave to my dad's house on Friday.

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We all have what I like to call inner chatter — that voice in your head that says "I can't do this" or "Yes, I can do this!" What does the voice inside your head say about your efforts to get fit? Are the messages positive and encouraging, or just the opposite?

Make a conscious effort today to take note of your inner chatter so that you can decide whether it's helping you succeed in your exercise efforts — or holding you back. If your inner self-talk is negative, it's easy enough to fix; it just takes some practice!
Next time you're heading to the gym or deciding whether or not to go for a jog, take note of any negative messages you send yourself and replace them with a positive spin! Here are some ways you can change negative thinking:

Instead of thinking "This won't work," think "I can make this work!"
Instead of "It's a waste of time," think "It will be worth the extra effort!"
Instead of "It's not going to make a difference," think "I'll never know unless I try!"
Instead of "It hasn't worked before," think "I'll try again!"
Instead of "I've already tried that," think "I can learn from my mistakes!"
Instead of "I don't like that exercise" or "It sounds too difficult," think "I'm excited to try some new things!"
Instead of "That was painful! Never again," think "Wow, I just got through some hard work, and next time it will be easier!"


You can learn to be positive about getting fit — just practice having a more optimistic mind-set. Be your own cheerleader and boost your own confidence.

Info taken from Denis Austin's Daily email. For more information click here

Monday, February 2, 2009

Weight Loss Rollercoaster

So, I didn't even post last week because, to put it bluntly, I was embarrassed. Not only did I not lose a single pound but I gained 0.8 pounds. And, yes, I know exactly why - poor eating and minimal exercise. So this week I went back to the grind stone. I usually weigh every single morning but this week I decided not to do that because I get discouraged easily when day after day it seems to remain the same. So, I waited all week and weighed this morning to see that I had lost 4 pounds. Thank goodness - it's about time!

Weekly Update.

So here is my weekly update. This Week I lost 4 pounds. I am so happy with that. I was thinking it has been almost a month since I started this diet and the progress has been slow and down right frustrating at times. But I am down a total of 10 pounds now. and that is great. I still have 20 more to go but I will get there. This site and all of you who are plugging along with me has really helped to keep me focused and determined. i don't like to fail especially with people watching me. So here is too the next month I hope the wight goes faster than this one.