Leslie Sansone - Walk Off Even More Weight

Leslie Sansone - Walk Off Even More Weight

I picked up this DVD over a year ago on clearance at target. I think it was 15 dollars, marked down to 5 or so. I was so excited to buy it, but hadn't quite finished packing up for my move & decided to wait until I was settled in at my new apartment. The DVD got packed away and forgotten about until a month ago. Oops! Better late than never, right?

Let's get down to business. The DVD comes with a 2 pound adjustable weighted belt. At first I was really skeptical about whether or not an extra 2 pounds could really help a workout, but no longer. This belt is amazing! I've even used it while doing other exercises and I think it might be one of my favorite things in addition to my ankle and wrist weights.

All I can say after using this DVD a few times is this : what an amazing find! I didn't really think walking could ever FEEL like a real workout, but this DVD proves me wrong. The weighted belt is great. I use 5 pound weights in addition to the belt & even tried it with ankle weights. I really felt it afterwards, in a good way.

The DVD has two different 2 mile walks and a quick 5 minute Express walk. Each of the 2 main walks take less than 30 minutes. One of the 2 mile walks is at a decent pace, while the other one is definitely more fast paced. I like to use the 5 minute Express walk, and follow it up with the fast paced walk. I haven't been up to much exercise this week so I've been popping in this DVD when I was able. Sadly, the last few times I've been sticking with the slower of the two walks. I am sure by next week I will be back up to the faster walk!

This is a fun, quick DVD. I am looking forward to getting more by Leslie in the near future.

Exercise, finally!

I went into the pool today for 2 hours+ & walked 3 miles last night. It feels good to be a bit more active again, but my god - getting back into the swing of things is going to be tough. I didn't realize how much a 4 day break would throw me off balance! I'm not exercising, so I'm not drinking as much water, or eating as healthy. I even had a milkshake today and I tend to avoid milk that isn't organic or soy like the plague. Oh well, I can tell I'm feeling better. Half a week for a break isn't so ridiculous if it's really needed.

I got my vitamins today, which I am thrilled about. Love those BOGO sales! I got Chromium Picolinate, Super B Complex, & some Vitamin D. I haven't even been taking my vitamins this week, except for vitamin C & echinacea. My throat has hurt too much to swallow so many horse pills. Today was the first day since Saturday that I had little to no signs of a sore throat. Starting my vitamin regimen up again tomorrow!

Anyway, I have a really great blog coming up, it's a bit different from anything you've seen me do so far & that's why I am so excited. I am not sure how long it will take to throw together, but maybe by mid week I can post it.

BTW, WOW! I am only a few views away from hitting 1000. Thanks for reading, everyone!

Losing weight with PCOS

For those of you who don't know what PCOS is, let me tell you. "Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which there is an imbalance of a woman's female sex hormones. This hormone imbalance may cause changes in the menstrual cycle, skin changes, small cysts in the ovaries, trouble getting pregnant, and other problems." taken from the link above.

I never really knew until today that it is believed to be much more difficult for women who suffer from PCOS to lose weight than it is for other people. In fact, about half of the women diagnosed with PCOS are obese.

It's nice to know that the cards are stacked in my favor for losing weight. Not.

If you have PCOS, a change of even just 10% of your body weight is said to bring your period back to normal. Maybe losing 24 pounds is why I am getting my period again? If you are suffering from PCOS and are able to lose weight, it's best to keep right on trying. The exercise is good for you & it helps reduce other symptoms.

It's suggested that you follow a diet consisting of mostly fruits & veggies, lean protein, and whole grains. Baking & broiling food is the preferred method - avoid frying. Butter should be used sparingly. It also doesn't hurt to eliminate as much as much simple sugars as you possibly can.


Sounds an awful lot like following a regular, healthy diet, doesn't it?

There are a few other things to be prepared to do if you are tyring to lose weight while dealing with PCOS. Eat a healthy diet like the one mentioned above, get plenty of sleep, be as active as possible, and quit smoking. I have done all of these things.

In addition to that, I'm reading about this medication that is usually used to treat diabetics. Women with PCOS tend to have insulin resistance, which can cause them to have issues with their weight. The drug is called Metformin & it seems to have pretty good reviews & many women have positive things to say about it. If I am ever lucky enough to have health insurance, I might look into this.

Do you suffer from PCOS?

Yep, I'm still sick.

I've been sick since Sunday and my workouts are definitely suffering because of it. I'm barely eating because I can't taste or smell anything, and I have no energy to get out of bed, let alone workout. Last night I walked 3 miles. This is horrible! As soon as my lungs are able, I plan to start doing heavy cardio again and picking up with my videos. I am sad to say I haven't done the 30DS since Monday.

As for barely eating - let me clarify. I am eating every 3 hours, but only a few small fruits or veggies like grapes, strawberries, carrots, or broccoli. I am not eating real meals. I am eating enough to keep my body going, but only the bare minimum. Not on purpose, it just hurts! On top of that, my throat has been too sore to drink too much water, so I'm down to about 1.5 liters a day. Ouch.

I wonder how poorly this will affect my measurements in two weeks? Do you think it's wrong that I am taking so much time off, or is it okay because I legitimately do need it? I just don't want this to be mistaken for laziness or for not caring. I DO care, I love the results I've achieved this far and I want to continue. Last night, I could barely walk at a pace of 3 mph. I usually keep it between 5-7 mph. I am so drained! Even though the pace is slow, I think I need to keep up walking - if only a few miles a day until I am better. Just to have the peace of mind and knowing I'm not letting this cold defeat me.

Oh, on top of the chest cold, I got my period today. TMI? skip this whole section, then. I have PCOS & get my period very randomly. This is the first period I've had since March, and it's awful. The pain is almost unbearable. I usually don't have any pain with my period but this is just awful. This just happened today.. typically my period only lasts for 2 days or so but the thought of this going on for 48 more hours makes me want to just die. I am thinking walking will help the cramping, but oh god... I don't want to. haha.

Anyway, I want all of  you to work out extra hard for me this week, okay? I can't believe how much I miss it! I am so bored sitting on the couch. I don't know how many more times I can play with play doh or color in coloring books with the kids before my head explodes, hahaha.  Not to say I don't enjoy doing those things, but that's ALL I've really done since the weekend! Getting a bit boring. I miss the pool, the fresh air, going on walks, working up a sweat. Ugh.

Weight loss myths.

Think you know everything about weight loss? I suggest you take this quiz! I actually was wrong on one of the questions, which was a shock. The question was about eating at night. Oh well, good to know!

I am not mentioning a thing in here about diet pills because we all know they are a waste of time. They may give you results initially, but not in a healthy way! STAY AWAY!

Myth #1: Muscle weighs more than fat.
This drives me absolutely nuts when I hear people saying it. I seriously want to slap people who go around saying that muscle weighs more than fat. That is simply NOT TRUE! One pound of muscle and one pound of fat are - you guessed it - ONE POUND. The problem is, fat takes up more room & muscle is lean. Check out this link to see what I mean!


Myth # 2: Skipping meals will help jump start weight loss.
Oh boy, you couldn't be more wrong! Skipping meals is what got me in the predicament I am currently in! You see, when you don't eat frequently, you are slowing your metabolism down & forcing your body into "starvation mode" and your body will keep the fat and burn off muscle instead. Ouch. You also tend to overeat at your next meal or snack heavily on things you shouldn't.

Myth # 3: If I watch what I eat, I don't need to exercise.
This is NOT the case! Exercise is definitely very important to weight loss, as is watching what you're eating. Doing one of the two alone is not going to be nearly as effective as combining them. You need to burn off over 3500 calories to lose a pound of fat, do you realize that? How on earth are you going to lose weight if all you are doing is counting calories? Counting calories does not help you burn them. On the other side of things, exercise alone isn't enough. If you go to the gym three hours a day but then hit up the McDonalds drive thru later on, you're just making things worse for yourself. You NEED to watch what you're eating AND exercise. I'll say it again: combine exercise & a healthy diet to see maximum results!

Myth #4: Never eat at night, it turns into fat!
I never believed this one entirely, but I thought it made more sense to eat during the day so you had a better chance of burning calories off.. I feel really dumb now. Calories don't have watches. What you need to do is make healthy choices after dinner. Opt for fruits or veggies, that's what I do! I cut out late night snacking on chips & ice cream & chocolate and traded it in for apples, broccoli, etc. Health snacks! The trick is to eat less, and eat healthier.

Myth #5 This has low fat & no sugar? I'll eat more!
This is something that a lot of people mess up on. They think that if something is low fat or has no sugar, they can pig out on it. Not true. Low fat doesn't mean no calories.

Myth #6: If I lift weights, I'll bulk up! 
No, no, no. Lifting weights will not turn you into a bodybuilder. Strength training should already be a regular part of your exercise plan (at least 2-3 times a week) because we all (should) know that these activities will lead to building muscle and the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. The only way you will bulk up is if you're really trying to by doing intense training. The heaviest weight I own (besides the adjustable one) is 10 lbs, which is more than enough for most exercises.


Myth #7: I have to give up my favorite snacks & desserts to lose weight.
Anything is fine in moderation! Depriving yourself of the things you love to eat will only make you miserable and more likely to fail. Allow yourself a small incentive a few times a week, but make sure you keep it small. Portion control is key!

Myth #8: Aerobics are better than strength training. 
True, you'll burn more fat during an aerobic exercise, but the benefits from aerobics end shortly after exercising. Strength training, however, keeps your metabolism alive long after the workout is over. Look at it this way; weight training is like a salary, whereas aerobics is the bonus. (Taken from here, click!)

Myth #9: My perfect weight is whatever the height & weight chart says it is. 
Again, this is totally wrong. Everyone has a different body type & shape. Genetics play a role, as does your metabolism. I am big boned, for example. I am 5'8" and so I "should" weigh around 146. HA! I have always been bigger than other people, even when I was thin, I still weighed more than most of my female friends. When I got down to 170, I looked stick thin and emaciated, so surely I would look awful at 146. Everyone is different.

Not enough myths debunked for you? Well here is another quiz you can take. I think I handled most of the bigger myths here, but don't worry - I'll add more from time to time!

Motivational quotes for today:

Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

They can because they think they can.
- Virgil

 

You are the handicap you must face. You are the one who must choose your place.

- James Lane Allen

 

What progress, you ask, have I made? I have begun to be a friend to myself.
- Hecato, Greek philosopher

Measurements.

Found my measuring tape. These measurements were taken at 4:15pm, after eating breakfast, lunch, having a few fruits as snacks, and over two liters of water. The numbers are going to be higher than they would be had I measured in the morning but the results were awesome so here they are......

Drum roll please?!


......



.............



.........................




Since May 5th, I have officially lost 5 full inches from my waist, 3 from my hips, 3 from my thighs, 4 from my bust, and 2 from my arms.

Oh my goodness!

16 inches gone!  And believe me, they are gone FOREVER!

New feature: motivational quotes!

Need a little push to find the will to continue eating right and exercising today? This new feature will post a few quotes every so often to get you going!


Physical fitness can neither be achieved by wishful thinking nor outright purchase.
-Joseph Pilates

"Continuous effort -- not strength or intelligence -- is the key to unlocking our potential."
- Liane Cardes

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination.
- Tommy Lasorda

Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being,
while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.
-Plato

Should I exercise when I am sick?

I have been doing really well lately with exercising as you know. I make sure to do at least one thing, even if it's just the 30 Day Shred every single day. Most days I swim, walk, use the Nordic Track, and a few dvd's. This weekend was different. I came down with my first cold in months. It hit me really hard & sucked all my energy & motivation away immediately.

I skipped exercise on Sunday without even realizing it because I was so tired. I went to bed & woke up coughing and decided I should do something... So at 2am I did the 30DS & a walking DVD. Ended up waling 4 miles at 2 or 3am, haha. That's dedication! The problem is, today I feel even worse. So what should I do? Take a day off & rest? Or try and sweat it out? I did some research & the results were interesting.

A good thing to remember is this: if you have a fever, stay away from exercise! Wait until your temperature has returned to normal.Got chills? Don't exercise that day!

Another thing to remember is that if your symptoms are all above the neck, like with a runny nose or a sore throat - you're good to go. Do what you are comfortable doing, but don't push yourself by any means. If you feel you must exercise, be sure to take it very easy & limit the intensity of your workout. On the other hand, if your symptoms are below the neck, like a cough or tightness in your chest or an upset stomach - take the day off.

Considering I have a bad cough combined with nasal congestion & a sore throat, I am going to try and take the day off. I already walked 4 miles this morning, but that is going to be it for me. No workout DVD's at all until I am feeling better.

Bummer.

Anyway, just for the hell of it, here's a list of things that may help you feel better faster!

1. Take vitamin C and Echinacea EVERY DAY. Not just when you're sick, but on a daily basis. They help keep your immune system strong!
2. Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water and maybe even some tea if you've got it.
3. Take a hot shower or sit in the bathroom with the water on as hot as it can go and breathe in the steam. Also, humidifiers are great.
4. Avoid dairy products if you have a sore throat. They will only make it worse.
5. Rest as much as possible! Seriously, this is a great excuse to just lay down in bed all day and watch movies and take cat naps. That's how I'm planning on spending the rest of my day!

The scale & I might just become friends if this keeps up.

I weighed myself today because I was unable to find the measuring tape I've been using. I found another one lying around but I wanted to be consistent so I am holding out until I find the original measuring tape. Anyway, I wanted something to comfort me sooo... I weighed myself.

I've lost 24 pounds in 4 weeks & a day of dieting & exercising.

I know, that sounds really awful to lose so much at once. Keep in mind that I gave up having soda on a daily basis, and exchanged it for a ton of water instead, I opted for healthy fruits and veggies as snacks, and limited late night snacking to one night a week (movie night with Andrew!) - and even then it's only popcorn. The rest of the time, I don't eat anything outside of raw veggies or fruits after 730pm.

I've also been exercising a whole hell of a lot. Around 3-5 hours on most days. Some of it is walking with my kids, or swimming, but  a good portion of it is on the Nordic Track (around 45 minutes a night, to sometimes as much as 2 hours if I'm watching a good movie) or with DVD's (I spend an hour a day on The 30DS, and sometimes I use another DVD on top of that). I just can't stand being still anymore.

But damn, 24 pounds in 4 weeks? I know that sounds unhealthy, but when you take into consideration my  end goal for pounds lost (100 pounds total by May 2013) and all the crappy eating habits I gave up - like fast food, salty foods, soda, sugary sweets, and chocolate, I guess it makes sense. I have a lot to lose, and I'm finally exercising and eating right so my body will of course lose weight quicker at first. My weight will start leveling off soon, and I know that. I'm comfortable with that. I'm just so excited to know that I am doing everything right this time! I definitely plan to keep it up.

I am trying not to get too excited about the number, because I've decided it's more about how comfortable I hope to feel in my skin. Seeing that everything is paying off not only in measurements but also in pounds is a really nice perk.

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred; Days 10 & 11

I am officially on day 11 of the 30 Day Shred. Instead of moving up to Level 2, I am doing Level 1 twice a day. I tried Level 2 and I am not ready. I’m also stepping up the amount I am walking each day by an additional mile or so to get things moving along a bit quicker. The usual 4 mile use of the Nordic Track (in case you're wondering what version of the NT I use, CLICK HERE) was becoming a breeze, so I upped it to 5 or 6 miles a day. I do not use the arm cables 100% of the time yet, I alternate 5 minutes with them and 5 minutes without them and I’m building up my endurance slowly. I’ll probably start doing 6 minutes on, 4 minutes off in the near future.  Gotta keep my body guessing!

I went for a 3 mile walk today with Xander. It was so nice to get some fresh air! 

I am still doing laps in the pool. It's great exercise and it's fun to race against my kids from one side of the pool to the other. They are becoming great swimmers, especially Jackie! She uses her water wings only half the time now.

In other news.... My friend Laurin told me I look like I’ve lost a few dress sizes last week and I loved hearing that, but didn’t quite believe her. Today I noticed my pants were fitting awfully lose, so I tried to pull them down without unzipping or unbuttoning them. Guess what? I was actually able to pull them down & back up again without unzipping or unbuttoning them! I am in complete shock. I’ve probably lost at least 2 dress sizes! I had a pair of jeans from before I got pregnant that I’ve saved… they still don’t fit, but at this rate they may very well fit by the fall! I am so, so, sooo excited!

I’ve been eating really well this week. I’ve been having salads and fruits and veggies for lunch, and snacking on fruits & veggies as snacks. My breakfast is still basic, just Cheerios with organic skim milk & some fruit. Dinner is usually some sort of pasta product because we’re kind of broke, which stinks. But hey, I eat the least at dinner & I fill up on all the good stuff through out the rest of the day so I am pretty pleased. 

As much as I am against the idea, I really want to purchase a scale so I can do weigh ins every 4 weeks. I can see the change in my clothes and feel it in my body but I want to see how many pounds I've lost! I'm guessing around 25 or so. I am going to be taking my measurements tomorrow, too, so we'll see how that goes. I know the numbers have all gone down, I just can't wait for proof!

I also want to mention that I picked up the book Unlimited: How to Build an Exceptional Life by Jillian Michaels and it's really great. It's not a weight loss or exercise book, it's more like self help. I am usually against self help books because they are all too preachy and make me feel really awkward, but because it was Jillian, I couldn't resist. I am about a hundred pages in. She's got a gift for motivating people, let me tell you. I will review it here upon completion.