With a New Year Comes a New Workout Routine...Among Other Things

It is that time of year again when we all make promises we usually don't keep.  And every year around this time my husband and I write down everything we want to accomplish over the up-coming year. And every year that list is lost almost as soon as it is written.  Which is precisely what happened to our 2010 resolution list. However, I do remember two of the items I had jotted down.  1. Get our passports and 2. Have wills drawn up for both of us (not necessarily in that order).  Well, we got our passports...today (Yay! Well, we didn't get them but applied for them. That counts. It's still 2010).  As for the wills, well...I will be taking care of that next month.  I promise.  

This year my New Years resolutions are:

1. Finish my quest to find my rock hard abs (Yep, I'm at it again and another 12 week program I will soon begin.

2.  Wills (since I didn't do this last year)

3.  Career - prepare for a new one (or should I say switch from a job to a career).  I've already started on this one and will be going back to school this January (studying to be a paralegal).

4.  New house (This one is tougher not because of money but because I'm not sure what is going to happen with David's job)

5.  Get book published and start new one.  (I have the time. I just have to make myself sit down and do it.  I think this may have been on last years list too.  Got no where but really didn't try.)

I read online that the number one New Years resolution is some sort of exercise and getting in shape goal (as you can see it is #1 on my list).  And must have been on last years list, hence the P90X and RevAbs programs. At least I kept that promise, for the most part anyway. 

However, despite all my efforts, I still have at least one inch around my mid-section (maybe a little more after the holidays) that I am determined to lose (and at this point about ready to cut off).  Apparently, I told a very good friend of mine a few years back that I wanted to be in the best shape of my life by the time I turned forty.  Well, that time is fast approaching (July 2011) and although I am in good shape, I'm not in the best shape of my life (and not sure I can beat the bod I had when I was 18).  Especially when I'm having such a difficult time getting rid of the last bit of belly fat.  To show you what I mean, I have included pictures.  (Taken this morning - 12/29/2010)



Look at the waist of my jeans on each side (close up below).





The flab hanging over the waist of my jeans.

Yes, this may seem a bit picky, but it is one thing I just can't stand about my body.  I like clean lines (no panty lines, or bra lines, or flab squishing out).  I workout too hard not to be able to get rid of the bulge I started all this exercise for in the first place.  A friend said to me just this morning that I may have to accept that this can't be diminished by exercise alone after having a child (not is those words but the basic gist).  And that has entered my mind but I refuse to accept that at this point in time.  Hence the new workout program.

After completing two 90 day programs, the plan was to cut back to 5 days a week and choose workouts from 90X. And that started off great.  I picked the workouts I wanted to do  and continued to watch what I ate...that was until the holidays hit (beginning with Thanksgiving) and all hell broke loose (or should I say fat). Not only did my diet get out of whack but my workouts became more sporadic.  During the holidays, who hasn't let that happen, right? 

Using that excuse is an easy way to get yourself in trouble.  And I can come up with some pretty crafty excuses.  But what it really boils down to (at least for me) is that the only excuse that can really fly is I either have to be deathly ill or completely exhausted to get out of exercising.  And I certainly haven't been ill this year (actually, I would say this was the first year in many that I didn't get bronchitis, twice...I didn't even get it once).  Maybe all the working out and eating right (not lately of course), actually helped my immune system.  Hmmm, another perk.

So, after feeling a bit bloated and flabby for the last few weeks, I decided it was time to start yet another 12 week program. And it is time to lose the fat around my belly once and for all.  Or as I've stated in previous blogs...find my rock hard abs. 

So on Sunday, I ordered a new program from beachbody.com and should receive it by Jan. 4th.  In the meantime, I will be doing some P90X workouts and/or walking/running 5 miles. And the 5 miles I've done with my friend Amy (Hi Amy!) for the past two days.  It helps having a friend to keep you motivated and one that is crazy enough to get up at the crack of down (and 25 degrees) to walk/run 5 miles with you...outside. 

So, what program will I be doing this time?  Well, this one is called Turbofire with Chalene Johnson as the trainer.  And before I ordered the DVDs (11 of them), I read several reviews, watched a video of one of the classes, and looked at each of the workouts.  In the reviews, I noticed that those who had used this program loved it and consistently mentioned that they didn't get bored (one thing that happened with me using P90X and RevAbs).  Another thing I noticed was that those who had used the program had also done either P90X, Insanity or other programs by Chalene (and most of them had done a combination of the programs).  So, it is advanced and high impact/high energy.  Several had also mentioned that it was a good workout if you feel like you've plateaued in your other workouts and was great for getting rid off the extra fat in the mid-section that you haven't be able to get rid of.  Now that's my kind of workout (Lord I hope it works). 

This program also comes with a nutrition guide (surprise - which means I will have 3 nutrition guides from beachbody.com. So, if I don't know how to eat healthy by now, well, than I'm just a moran).  The program also comes with some kind of band that you wear (I think) while working out.  I'm not quite sure about that but hey as long as I lose the jiggle I'm willing to try anything. Can't hurt anyway. 

Once again, I feel myself getting excited about starting a new routine. I've also realized that it's the routine itself that helps keep me motivated.  I need structure and routine and like to finish what I start. Having a set schedule as to what workout I'm supposed to do every day helps keep me on track and focused.  It's kind of like having a personal trainer that holds you accountable.  Apparently, I can't depend on myself to pick and choose my routines. (As you can see by the photos above.) 

And as I did with the other programs, I will be taking before and after shots (starting with the two above), and blogging about my experience (I know.  I see the excitement on your face now). So, if you're interested in reading about my progress and picking up a few tips (I'm assuming I'll have some), then check back from time to time and hopefully you (and I) will finally see the end of my quest to find my rock hard abs.

Tallahassee Winter Festival...ho ho humbug

December is the time of year I look forward to most in Tallahassee.  Not only is it Christmas time but there are several parties to attend, as well as host, in addition to the annual events such as Market Days and the Winter Festival - which includes the lighting of downtown Tallahassee, the Jingle Bell Run (which my husband, daughter, and I run in every year) and the Christmas parade.  

Over the years, you learn the ins and outs of attending these fun activities.  For those of you who attend these events, you know just how crowded they can be, and if you want a good spot to view the parade, you must get there early to set up camp.  And that is what we do. For the last two years, we've chosen a spot behind the guard/gate outside the Tennyson (condos - just a block from the main stage of the festivities).  A friend of mine (who's aunt and uncle live in the Tennyson) helps me save a spot and watches the area while we run the Jingle Bell Run. As she, her husband and her siblings (shout out to Stacey, Lane, Michael, and Nicole and thank you) did for us last night. 

We got there at 5:15 (the race started at 6:15) and we set up our chairs.  The police had just put up the guard/gates, and so, no one would be seated in front of us...or so we thought.  At this time the area was sparse with people but as it does every year... that would soon change. 

The Jingle Bell Run is a 3K (1.6 miles for those who don't know kilometers) and an event that everyone can do whether you're a runner, jogger, walker, stroller pusher, bike rider, skate boarder, dog walker, man, woman or child. And anyone and everyone does.  Some are serious runners that try to beat their time, and some (like me) just like to finish without stopping (and yes that means I ran the whole way... and my time last night was 21 minutes 45 secs...just ahead of David and Ella.  I know. Not a good time for a runner but I'm not really a runner.  I prefer to be running to or from something and in that case I can run faster). David and I tagged teamed running with Ella and so our speed was not consistent.  In any event, the race is a mad house and as one friend described her and her son's experience last night in the beginning of the race - they were in "stroller hell".  And I completely understand.  The first half mile you're jogging (at a very slow pace) just trying to weave your way through the crowd.  And depending on where you start in the crowd, depends on how long you'll be weaving around those who walk.  If you have a child in tow, this can be a bit more complicated and you have to be careful to keep a close eye on your child because they can get trampled in the beginning (although I don't think anyone has ever seriously gotten hurt running this race). 

For those of you who don't live in Tallahassee, the downtown area is quite hilly, which makes the run a bit tougher.  You're given an hour to get through the course before the parade starts and about half of the runners finish during the first half hour.  But the last 30 minutes tends to be a lull in events and the time when the parade route gets seriously crowded.

As I mentioned earlier, we had staked out our area before the masses came and my friends were there when we finished the race...good thing too because the masses were already starting to encroach on our territory.  There was a family of three to our left and they kindly stood in their spot, but on our right was a gaggle of children (about six), that in the beginning kept to their side, but in true mass fashion, slowly maneuvered their way into our path.  These children were around the age of 10 and mostly girls.  Another child a few years younger than my daughter of 8 was part of the group and she stood next to my child.  A little thing that I had no problem sharing our space with, but the others...not so much.

Not long after the parade had started, some other folks walked up and stood behind the girls. I actually heard one say, "we need to find a place to squeeze in" (as she eyed the space in front of me and my friend Stacey).  I was amazed how the group of girls and the adults behind them screamed loudly for no reason and would hang over the guard groping for any piece of candy and cheap beaded necklace they could get their hands on and all were clueless to me, my friends and my daughter whose space gradually dwindled.  

I have to admit, I was getting a little ticked. I know. I sound like the Grinch or worse Ebenezer Scrooge, but I didn't get there at 5:15 to save a spot for these inconsiderate people.  However, the majority were kids, so I sat back in my chair (with little to no view of the parade) and let them enjoy themselves.  Hell, the main reason we were there was for my daughter to see the parade.  And so, I put up with the gradual encroachment, screaming little demons and rude adults (the ones to my right).  

I have to say, even though the little boy on our left slowly shifted closer to my daughter, he was a very nice child who made sure my daughter got candy and necklaces and for that I thanked him several times and even told my daughter to share any extra she got with him.  And because of his kindness, I had no problems with him.  In addition, I insisted my daughter say "thank you" every time she was given something. I want to say the little boy next to her did the same. The other kids (the hoodlums to my right) weren't as thoughtful and at one time, even grabbed a girls bag as she tried to give them candy.  The poor child walking in the parade was practically mugged. 

At this point, I was constantly texting with Stacey who had gone upstairs to her aunt and uncle's condo to watch the Florida State game. And, it was also at this point when I thought of my next blog.  As I sat there thinking about what I'd be writing, I actually starting laughing at the ridiculousness of it all (my annoyance, the kids butts in my way and, of course, what the title of my blog would be).  Titles for consideration: Parade of Butts, Butt Parade, Merry Buttmass, I Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Parade with a View, All I Want for Christmas is for Parents to Teach Their Kids Some Manners... among others.  Stacey had the brilliance to suggest I take pictures and that made me laugh even more.  So, of course, I did.



Ella is in the blue coat in the middle.

 

The encroachers on my right

 My friend Julie (hi Julie) showed up around this time and sat in the seat next to me.  She too felt a little claustrophobic from the wall of people that was slowly closing in on us and at this point it had become a joke and well as a nuisance.  But we dealt with the tiny glimpses of the parade that was apparently making its way down Monroe St.  That is until the little beggars started fighting over a crappy piece of candy that they could buy at the store any day of the week.  At this point, I had had enough and finally put my foot down.  Julie and I told the girls to stop.  The space they were in (which at this point was my space) was limited and no place to be fighting. The girls stopped and stared at us (bah humbug is probably what they heard and that must have caused confusion in their one track minds).  I wasn't sure how they would react or whether or not a parent would come up and defend them (to no surprise that didn't happen).  But to my surprise, the girls stopped.

The moment was like the parting of the Red Sea or when the rain clouds roll away and the sun comes out (I think I even heard angels singing).  Not only did the girls stop but they moved back to their space and the rude adults behind them had suddenly disappeared.  Now granted, it was toward the end of the parade and the space to their right had probably opened up, but either way I got my space back just in time to pack up my chairs and see the big fire truck with Santa and the Mrs. waving to the crowd.  Whoopti doo...

As we headed out, the thought of not returning next year actually flashed through my mind. Even my daughter had mentioned getting bored and said the kids next to her yelled so loud that it hurt her ears.  But I know I will be back, but next time, I'll be prepared and have already devised a plan with my ever so helpful cohort Stacey on how to keep from being invaded by clueless (and late arrival) parade watchers.  We'll be blocking off our section with several chairs in a semi-circle fashion or rope (if we can get a way with that).  And if that doesn't work, we'll be upstairs with Stacey and her family watching the parade from the 12th floor.  Yes, I know, my daughter won't get the experience of having beads and hard candy thrown at her head, nor will she have to endure a bunch of kids pushing and shoving their way in front of her or yelling in her ears.  And if candy and beads is what my child wants, hell, I can buy a bag of each and throw them at her periodically in a condo on the 12th floor in the warmth and comfort of a friend's home.  At least then I can ensure that she'd get the beads and candy, and I would actually get to watch the parade.

Being Accosted in Kleman Plaza...

Two weeks in a row now a child has come up to me as I walked up the stairs in the Kleman Plaza parking garage and asked me to support them in their fund-raiser for the American Heart Association. The little girl today actually solicited donations twice from me and my friend. Once on our way to lunch at Harry's and once on our way out. The girl had to have been around my daughter's age of 7. And where were her parents you ask? Sitting on the wall nearby looking as disinterested in helping their child as I was in giving some strange girl my money. 

When did it become appropriate for this type of solicitation? On both occasions, I was annoyed (not with the child who doesn't know or wasn't taught any better) but at the parents for their laziness and inappropriate tactics for "helping" their child raise funds. If that's actually what they're doing.

My daughter also received a fund-raising packet from her school to help raise money for the American Heart Association in a Jumprope for Heart fund-raiser. And I'm assuming it's the same type fund-raiser. There is no question that this is a good cause, but I wonder if the American Heart Association was aware of some of the parents tactics for soliciting donations, would they approve? On the sheet my daughter received, it specifically notes: For the safety of our children, we ask that your child not go door-to-door or ask strangers for donations. Well, I certainly was a stranger to both of these children and I'm assuming that the others they accosted for funds certainly were too. In addition, the American Heart Association encourages your children to help raise funds online, that way your child does not have to handle cash or checks. They even go as far as providing a site where your child can create a webpage to raise funds and give you instructions on how to do it. They make it easy for your child to raise funds safely and appropriately.

And speaking of cash or checks, I couldn't help but notice the condition of the girl's packet/folder. It practically looked shredded and the top was open showing money inside. This girl was also going up and down the stairs, and the first time I actually saw her, she almost stepped out in front of my car as I pulled up to the gate as I entered the parking garage. The American Heart Association cares about the safety of our children, but I'm not so sure this child's parents were as concerned about hers.

In addition, as my friend and I left Harry's and politely said no to this child for the second time, I couldn't help but think...is she really raising money for the American Heart Association or were her parents using her to beg for money? Think about it. We were strangers to her as much as she was a stranger to us. So how would we know if those "donations" actually go to the American Heart Association and not end up in her parent's pockets? We wouldn't, and I'm willing to bet her parents figured no one would say no to their child, and that she would easily raise money. However, I'm certain that they didn't consider how inappropriate, dangerous and downright tacky way that is to raise funds for any cause, especially for one as important as the American Heart Association's.

What You Need is an Attitude Adjustment.

"Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." – Lou Holtz

Attitude and motivation go hand in hand. If you have a lousy attitude, you won’t be motivated. But with a good attitude, you can accomplish anything. This is true in all aspects of life, including getting fit.

Twice this week I was asked how I stay motivated. How do I keep up the workouts and healthy diet? One of my friends actually called me strong and steadfast. (Actually what was said was...she would remain strong and steadfast like me when another friend told her to get a piece of cake.  I just laughed.). I guess that would be a good way to describe my will to succeed. However, my initial response to the question was that at this point it becomes routine. And that is true... in part. After working out 6 days a week for the past 5 months, it has become part of my daily ritual and I feel like something is wrong (or I'm gaining weight or that my fat will suddenly reappear) if I don't workout. If I do skip more than the one day a week I'm allowed, there is a good reason for it (such as I'm out of town). I don't skip a day just because I don't feel like doing it. I won't let myself do that. I won't let myself make excuses. And when I get back in town, I have no problems getting back into my routine.

But there's a lot more to it than just routine. And for me my motivation depends on where I am in the process. What motivated me in the beginning isn't what motivates me now. Not entirely anyway. Yes, my ultimate motivation is finding my rock hard abs but along the way other things have kept me encouraged.

In the beginning it was the excitement of a new workout, wanting to lose as quickly as possible, and the thought of having a great body (and I was crazy enough to think I could do it all in 90 days) but that thought motivated me. I didn't want to come to the end of that first 90 days and not have accomplished some, if not all, of my goals, or worse…quit and lost nothing.

Halfway through P90X my motivation shifted when I started to see the results and started losing. When I noticed the difference in the way my clothes fit and when they looked better on me. I was looking better, feeling better and that was encouraging. Not only that but planning my meals a week at a time made life much easier because I didn't have to decide what to eat for lunch or dinner every day because I already had them planned.

Toward the end of P90X my motivation was the excitement of completing the program and starting a new one. It was the continued loss of fat (not necessarily weight – some, but not much) that encouraged me to keep trucking, and I was excited about how much better I looked and felt.

Now, I’m halfway through the Rev Abs workout (my second 90 day program), and I’ve started to see real definition (even in my abs, although I still have some fat to lose there). And my butt has never looked better (something I never thought would happen or was possible – I consider that a bonus). I’m even proud of the way I look in a bathing suit. Bathing suit shopping is something I dread every year, but now I’m actually looking forward to buying a new one. The more my body changes, the better I feel and look and the more motivated I am.

There are days (like this morning...and yesterday morning...all this week actually) when I'm tired and don't feel like getting out of bed. This week I started phase 2 of the Rev Abs workout (the last 45 days of this 90 day program). And it is tough, real tough, and been kicking my butt (and making me extremely sore), at least in the beginning of the week. And that has put a damper on my enthusiasm a bit, but I kept at it and was glad I did.  So how do I stay motivated on days like these? Well, as I'm lying in bed half asleep and thinking how nice and comfortable my bed is and how nice it would be to just keep lying there, I'm also thinking that I only have an hour before I need to start getting ready for work. A very small window that shuts rather quickly. I know that if I get up too late, I won't have time and then I'll feel bad and worry about what I eat all day. But when I workout, I don't worry as much about having a piece of cake (or a cupcake) at work when we're celebrating someone's birthday (such as Monday), and quite frankly because I do eat healthy and work my butt off (literally), splurging like that once in awhile is ok (as long as it's a little splurge...and once in awhile).

But, there have been times when I've gotten discouraged because I'm not losing as fast as I'd like. And during those times I had to re-focus...in other words...I needed an attitude adjustment. Whether I would rethink my diet, whether I would go back to basics, whether I would think about how far I've gotten and that I'm not through yet or that I just need more time.  Sometimes just a glance in the mirror or looking over my before and after pictures is enough.  Whatever it takes to keep me motivated, I'm willing to do.  And never once has quitting entered my mind. Ok, that's not entirely true. It has flashed through now and again, but I quickly quash that crazy notion.  

What I know and what you need to realize is that there is no quick fix. There is no easy button for staying in shape and eating right. It's a choice... it's an attitude. It's a decision you have to make. The Beachbody.com motto is Decide, Commit, Succeed. And that is what I've done. I've decided to get into shape. I’ve committed to doing it, and I am succeeding. You can't lose if you don't do the work. You can't lose if you keep making excuses. You can't succeed if you don't commit.

I hear people making excuses all the time…I’m too tired, I don’t have time, it’s too hard, etc… Oh yeah? Well, it is for everyone. And it is for me. I have to get up at 4:45 a.m. during the week and around 6:30 a.m. on the weekends to do my workouts because that is the only time I can do them. You are no more tired than me, you are not busier than me and the workouts aren’t any easier for me. So stop making excuses. Stop sitting on your butt eating those potato chips, candy bars, ice cream, etc… and then complaining about how fat you’re getting.  You are responsible for your fat, you are responsible for putting that food and drink in your mouth and only you can take it away.

So, if you want to lose weight, if you want to get in shape, if you want to get healthy then you must adjust your attitude and the motivation will come.   

When in Doubt...Check Your Diet.

...and your pictures. If you've been wise enough to take before, during, and after pictures, this is where they will come in handy and help you see the progress you've made.   For your enjoyment (hopefully not too much laughter), I've included mine.  Please be kind and keep in mind that these were taken after a morning workout with no make-up on.

Today is day 136 of the quest to find my rock hard abs.  As you can see by the pictures, I have definitely shaped up and for the most part I am very happy with my results.  But my abs are still a work in progress.

Day 1 P90X

Over the last 4 (almost 4 1/2) months, I've gone from a 37.5, 31, 37.5 figure to a 35, 28, 36 figure and dropped 9 pounds.  When I began this workout routine and diet regimen, my goals were to: drop to 125 lbs (I'm currently at 128); get back to my high school figure of 36, 26, 36; and lose 5 inches (of fat) around my waist (I've lost 3).  But lately, I haven't lost anything.

Because of that I've felt a little discouraged from time to time. And recently, I've started wondering whether or not I'm working hard enough.  Considering that I exercise 6 days a week, I don't believe my workouts are the issue, but rather my diet.  Now, I've done very well cutting out the bad stuff and adding more good stuff.  I drink the daily recommended amount of water (half my body weight in ounces...a day, which for me equals roughly 65 ounces of water) and I have no problem keeping my calories low.  So what gives?

Actually, the question that has been bouncing around in my head recently is...have I plateaued?  And to me plateauing is worse than not working hard enough.  At least if I wasn't doing the work, I could easily make adjustments, but if I've plateaued, I'm not sure what the heck do.

Day 132 - P90X & Rev Abs

So, my first thought was to get seriously strict on my diet.  Cut out even more... cut out sugar and go on the...dare I say it...14 day "starvation diet" that is discussed in the Rev Abs nutrition guide. (I really don't want to do that because I don't eat much as it is already.)  However,  what else can I do?  Well, Friday I started reviewing my Rev Abs nutrition guide again and braced myself for what I thought would be the inevitable solution.  But what I discovered was not what I expected. 

At the beginning of the 90-day plan, I came across a section titled "Adjust calories according to your goals."  Right there in black and white (actually black and gray) was a wonderful little tidbit of information (that I had read before but never considered until now).  And it said... "Still need to lose: To speed your weight loss, try adding or subtracting 100 - 200 calories per day."  (Adding? Seriously?)  It goes on to read..."Why add? Because your metabolism may have increased to where you need more nutrients to recover from your workouts.  Without enough fuel your workouts will hit a plateau." (Holy crap! I'm thinking... there is no way that could be my luck). However, the last sentence said..."Subtraction is more obvious, but never go under 1200 calories a day, which could cause your metabolism to slow down because it thinks your body is starving."

Day 1 - P90X

Could my issue really be that I've cut out too much?  Well, that got me thinking...you see, I've talked in other blogs about planning my meals, but quite frankly, it can be cumbersome. Don't misunderstand me, planning your meals is a great way to keep your calories, carbs, fats, proteins...etc... in check and I highly recommend it, but I always start out with good intentions of doing this and end up just winging it.  I've learned enough to know what to eat, but for knowing the actual caloric intake, that's a little fuzzy.  However, Friday night, I started estimating my daily caloric intake over the past few weeks.  As I started to do the math, I realized that it is very possible there were several days a week that I was not eating 1200 calories. (What do you know? I could have done the starvation diet... if, of course, it had only been about calories).

Day 132 - P90X & Rev Abs

But, this isn't just about adding calories. It's the kind of calories that are important.  And no, I'm not talking about eating donuts and Oreos.  I'm talking about the good stuff...wait, let me rephrase...the healthy foods.  As I thought about my diet and what I need to do, I thought about what would be the best way for me to achieve that goal and decided I needed to go back to basics, which means going back to the diet I was on when I started P90X - add more protein and fiber to my diet and go back to planning my meals for each week to make sure I'm getting enough calories. 

And that is precisely what I am going to do.  I planned my meals for this week (every meal - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks) for 6 days a week (I know, there are seven days in the week. But if God can have a day of rest, I certainly should be entitled to one too, don't you think?)  And if I happen to go out to dinner then I will be good and select a healthy meal (which I did last night...and the night before.  Don't judge... nobody's perfect and dammit I'm tired when I get home from work).  My point is...when it comes to your diet, do the best you can to eat right and cut out the bad stuff, but make sure you eat enough.  Take it one day at a time and when in doubt...check your diet. 

Day 1 - P90X

Day 132 - P90X & Rev Abs

My "back to nature" Vacation

Over the mountains and through the backwoods to Fall Creek Falls State Park we went.  Tennessee for those of you who don't know where that is...Pikeville, Tennessee.  And backwoods is no exageration.  Our journey began on Sunday, August 8th and we arrived in Tennessee around 2:00 that afternoon. 

As we trekked through the state on a winding mountain road (Hwy 127) on our way to Fall Creek Falls, we came across yard sale after yard sale (later to find out that they were part of the world's longest yard sale - total of 675 miles of yard sales - although we did not drive through the entire 127 Corridor Sale).  This is no joke and is an annual event that stretches as far north as Michigan.   Needless to say, we didn't stop.  (I don't care much for yard sales and I have enough junk of my own that I don't care to pay good money for someone else's trash even if they do label it an antique.)

So we continued on and finally arrived at our destination around 4:30 that day (actually it was 3:30 central time) and had reserved a landside cabin.  A little background info...Fall Creek Falls has an Inn, landside cabins, lakeside cabins (fisherman cabins), Villas, and campgrounds (for those willing to really rough it - although I wouldn't consider a tourbus size camper roughing it for the folks who owned that nice vehicle and they probably had much nicer living quarters for their stay then we had for ours).  The park also had two swimming pools, and a lauderette.  Before we decided on this parked, I researched all the state parks in Tennessee and had some preferences.  First, the park had to have cabins with air conditioning, a kitchen, and a "real" bathroom.  I've used an outhouse before at a state park and using it in the middle of the night out in the woods is a bit creepy...Friday the 13th creepy, so a bathroom with a shower was a must. And the place had to have horseback riding (my daughter's wish).  So, as you may now have guessed this park had all of the above mentioned.

The cabin wasn't ready when we got there, so we decided to eat an early dinner while we waited and went to the restaurant in the Inn.  To give you some perspective, this Inn isn't a bed and breakfast and was obviously built in the 70s (very contemporary 70s look, complete with pebble and brick walls).  The inside was a bit musty and the restaurant very cafeteria-ish.  There was a buffet (surprising), which included salad, southern food, and dessert (and very delicious yeast rolls - I know, fattening).   What was also surprising is that the food was rather good, especially the fried shrimp (I know, also very fattening, but yummy and I had seconds...and thirds).  So the food made up for the lackluster ambience.

After our early dinner, our cabin was ready.  It was at the end of the landside cabin road (kind of like a cul-de-sac) with a little playground across the street (yay...for my daughter) and the cabin was large - sleeps 8.  We had our own picnic table and grill (normal park grill - metal box grill atop a metal poll). The inside of the cabin was a bit musty smelling as well and we had already prepared for that (brought a large yankee candle and air freshener).  The beds lacked the comfort and beauty of those you get in a nice hotel, but hey, we weren't sleeping on the ground or on an air mattress in a tent, so I didn't complain.  I did have to wipe down the fridge before using it since the tenants before us left behind some remnants of their stay but once again I had prepared for that and brought cleaning supplies.  In the end, the cabin had a Motel 6 feel but it was nice as far as state park rental cabins are concerned.   

I had brought some food from home, but items such as milk, eggs and meat had to be purchased once we got there.  So after we unpacked we headed into Spencer, Tennessee (the closest grocery store) for a little grocery shopping. Now this was an experience.  Spencer is a very small town and very is putting it mildly.  The only grocery store in Spencer was a Save-a-lot. If you've never shopped at a Save-a-lot, I wouldn't start now.  But since we had traveled 16 miles on a winding back road to get there just 10 minutes before they closed (at 7:00 p.m. on a Sunday night), we didn't have a choice.

I have to admit the Save-a-lot did have some good prices, but the selection was less than desirable.  And as we climbed out of the car to go inside, my husband made a comment about me walking in there with my Coach purse slung over my shoulder.  And I have to say I did feel a bit at out of place. 

As we walked through the doors, David took note of the closing time and I literally tore the grocery list in half, so that we could haul ass in two different directions in order to finish in time.  Did you every see the show Supermarket Sweep? Well, that was the speed in which we had to shop.  My seven year old even helped out.

As I mentioned, their selections were limited and as you may know I am a healthy eater (or should I say, like to eat healthy).  That doesn't mean I don't splurge from time to time or relax on my diet, but I do try to make good choices.  That was not easy to do here, but we did the best we could.  Surprisingly, we managed to complete our shopping in the alotted time and only spent about $70 dollars.  And there were only a few items on my list that we couldn't get.

By the time we got back to the cabin it was 8:00 and we were tired and ready to settle down for the night.  If you read my previous blog, you will know that I've had problems sleeping and on the first night there I had hoped that I would get a restful nights sleep...but that was not to be the case.  Although the bed was comfortable and we each had our own full size bed, I still had trouble getting to sleep that night and staying asleep. Could have been the excitement of being on vacation or maybe just sleeping in an unknown place, but I think what really kept me awake was the little critter inside the wall. Yes, that first night we discovered that we weren't the only ones occupying that particular cabin. Somewhere in the wall between the two bedrooms was a rodent of some kind (hopefully a squirral, they were everywhere in the state park).  Whatever it was, it was active at night.  And it was so loud that my husband had gotten up in the middle of night to see if he could find it and at one point had actually thought the creature was behind him.  (thankfully we never saw it).  So, for the remaining nights we shut the bedroom doors so as not to hear it moving.   

We spent our mornings hiking, which became a substitute for my normal workout routine that I had also vacationed from that week. Yes, it was hot there, but not Hell hot or muggy like Florida. This heat was at least tolerable. (and in the afternoon we cooled off in the pool.)

We also went horseback riding (which cost us $75 - when did horseback riding become some expensive?)  But I will say this, the horses were pretty and seemed very well cared for and the trail was about 2 miles long.  My daughter especially enjoyed seeing the horses poop along the way.  (Seven year old humor...go figure)  General, Stumpy, and Bacardi were our horses names and we were the only ones on the ride through the woods, which was nice. 

The park was full of animals you don't see everyday like deer, raccoons, and wild turkeys (yes, wild turkeys).  And we saw so many deer (and took some many pictures of them) that by the time we left, they no longer held their appeal nor did we stop our car in the middle of the road to get a better look. Animals weren't the only creatures in abundance there.  I saw more Daddy Long Legs in 4 days than I think I've seen in my 39 years. They were everywhere and everywhere you looked they were crawling outside the cabin and all over the trails we hiked.  It was like a breeding ground.  Thank God we didn't get any ticks or see any snakes. (that would have really freaked me out).  But when you're out in the woods what can you expect?  You're on their turf now.

We did visit some local restaurants. Top of the Porch was one right near the park.  It was a family owned and operated Italian restaurant (and David made the comment that he had never had the entertainment get him a refill before - one of the owners also sang and played the keyboard).  Top of the Porch had good food and great desserts (yes, I ate dessert and drank a some regular Coke too - no Coke Zero was to be found). 

One night we went into Dunlap, Tennessee (another small town nearby) for dinner.  But at 8:00 at night Dunlap about shuts down and the only place we found open was a place called Andy's Pizza and Steakhouse.  The name nor the outside appearance does this place justice (as you can see from the picture). And we sat in the car for a few minutes debating on whether or not we wanted to go inside.  At first, I thought it was a bar and I didn't want to take my seven year old into a dirty, dingy place like that for dinner.  However, we had just seen another family go inside (with a baby carrier), so we decided to take a chance.  And I'm glad we did.

As I mentioned the look and name of this place did not do it justice.  And it wasn't a dirty, dingy, bar. Andy's Pizza and Steakhouse was clean, neat and smelled good.  The salad bar was well stocked and clean, the wait staff was extremely friendly and the food was very good. (I had the pizza - I know another fattening meal - remember...I am hiking every day) I even checked out the bathroom, which was clean and smelled nice.  The prices were also reasonable.  Needless to say, I was impressed and would eat there again.  You know the saying...don't judge a book by its cover.  Well, when you're in rural Tennessee you should keep that in mind. 

For those of you who know me well, you know that my husband and I are huge Tennessee Titans fans and so taking a trip to Tennessee is not out of the ordinary for us (we try to go to at least one home game a year). As a matter of fact, we love Nashville and did take a day trip there while on vacation, mainly to go to the Titans training camp and to meet a few of the players.  The day we chose to go was Tuesday and that day Chris Johnson was suppose to sign autographs (him and two others).  Nashville is about an hour and a half to two hours from Pikeville and just as we arrived we noticed something was amiss. We soon learned that due to lightening and possible inclimate weather the team was moved inside and the fans were asked to leave.  Even I was disappointed.  Unfortunately, we didn't get to meet the players that day but decided to take advantage of our time in Nashville and walked around downtown.

As a consolation prize for my husband, I agreed to have a drink or two at Hooters. (Who the hell chose those ugly orange shorts and those horrible tan pantyhose as part of the uniform? What they heck were they thinking? And no I don't have photos of that).  Hooters wasn't so bad though and the waitresses were very nice.  And, they seemed to pay more attention to me than they did my husband.  But I did notice there were very few women patrons in the place.  As you will see by the pictures we spent most of our time in Nashville taking photos of my child.

After spending 4 days at Fall Creek Falls, we headed to Chattanooga to stay a night there and this time we stayed at the Hilton Double Tree downtown (much nicer than the cabin).  On our way, we stopped to tour Cumberland Cavern (interesting experience) and very cool inside (natural air conditioning).  But this cave is not like others I've been to.  They actually hold concerts there as well as weddings (I can't imaging getting married inside a cave - seems like a dark way to start off your marriage), parties, proms, you name it and they are held deep inside this cavern.  What's kind of scary (and makes me some what claustrophobic) is that the biggest event held there had 900 people. (I didn't see how that was possible and my husband commented that without fire exits that had to be some sort of fire hazzard.)

And so we moved on to Chattanooga.  While there, we went to a minor league baseball game (Chattanooga Lookouts won), went to the aquarium (much nicer than the one in Atlanta), and went to the discovery museum (great place for kids).  The discovery museum had a traveling display called Grossology (among lots of other things) and you got to learn all about gross things in your body.  And yes, when I say gross things in your body I am talking about smells, goobers and all sorts of bodily functions.  Needless to say my daughter loved that. 

On Friday morning (and our last day there) we ate at Aretha Frankenstein's (featured on Rachel Ray's travel show $40 dollars a day or whatever it's called where she travels around and eats off of $40 dollars a day).  Aretha Frankenstein's had great food and yes it was very fattening as you will see by my plate of pancakes.  And yes that is my plate a pancakes. Told you a splurge from time to time.

We finally headed out of Tennessee around 4:00 that afternoon and got home about 10:30 p.m. that night...wore out, but oddly enough well rested.  Despite the oddities and bugs on our trip it was a good one. And ever since, I've been sleeping well again.  Maybe it was the woods (backwoods) and getting back to nature,  maybe it was all the activity...or maybe I just needed a vacation. 

And So It Goes...

A friend of mine told me this week that all my blogs are about working out (by the way your comment never did come through), and for the most part that is true because that is what I'm excited about right now.  However, since nothing has really changed on the workout front, I decided to change this weeks blog up a bit.

So it goes...my grandfather used to say that often (God rest his soul), usually toward the end of a conversation, and my siblings, cousins and I will throw that into a conversation once in a while just for fun.  Today, I actually looked up the meaning.  "So it goes..." is an idiom used to be fatalistic and accepting when something goes wrong".  Although I wouldn't consider our conversations with him (or to each other) to be tragic, the phrase is quite fitting for this weeks blog.

First, I cheated...on my diet that is and it was good.  Ok, I cheated a little and I felt a bit bloated Friday because of it, so I guess my body was punishing me.  But who cares.  Friday was the first day I had Coke in 2 weeks (at lunch and I didn't even finish it. which means I had about 10 oz.) and it was Coke Zero (so no calories) but it did have caffeine. However, I've been sleeping like crap for the past week and a half, so I don't think the caffeine is going to make much of a difference. Oh, and I also had a miniature Twix. (which is like half of a half...and oh so good).  But I've been very strict on my diet for the past two weeks and I'm willing to bet that some days I didn't eat over 1200 calories. So it's ok to cheat every now and then, don't you think?

So...why did I cheat?  Maybe because we all need to once in awhile (to feel human and not like some strict diet machine or a maniac as one friend called me) or maybe because I was in a funk all week and just wanted to taste something sweet. Who knows? I don't regret it (well, maybe just a little).

As for the funk...do you ever have one of those days (or in my case a week to 10 days) where you just aren't in your usual chipper mood.  Where you're tired and wore out, where you want to laugh and have fun but you just don't feel up to it.  Well, that's what this funk has been like for me.

Blah would be the best way to describe it.  And I'm not a blah person.  I usually see the upside to a situation or find something to laugh about in a situation that maybe I shouldn't be laughing in.  But this week, I was blah. To get my point across in how blah I've been...well, it has taken me 2 days to write this weeks blog (because the words just aren't flowing).  And, I have come to the conclusion that my restless nights have something to do with my funk filled days.

Don't get me wrong, my entire week wasn't a flop. I got a lot of work done and come Wednesday I did start to perk up...a little. Especially, when I got flowers from a committee member for my birthday.  That made made my day and to be honest that's all I really remember about that day.  Then Thursday and Friday came and although I didn't feel like doing much, I at least enjoyed my day at work. I don't know... maybe it had something to do with the amount of phone calls I got. I usually don't get any and if I do, they are few and far between. But Thursday and Friday my phone was ringing and my email was dinging. I spoke with several different people and I have to say I enjoyed it. I am a people person and I like to interact. Whether it's through email or phone calls, I have to have communication with people. And Thursday and Friday, I got more of it than I had all week and probably the last month.

But come the weekend, I started feeling blah again and still had trouble sleeping. So, now Sunday is here. I got up at 6:30 a.m. after lying in bed tossing and turning for several hours. Dosing here and there (from about midnight on) but not sleeping a full night. I thought after my day yesterday I would certainly get a good night sleep (worked out at 7:00 a.m and cleaned my kitchen from floor to ceiling...literally scrubbed my kitchen floor on my hands and knees for two hours...before mopping it) But still, I slept like crap last night and I can't figure out why.

So, I decided to look up the meaning of insomnia and what might cause it.  And this is what I found...the telltale signs are - difficulty falling asleep, waking up early in the morning and waking up frequently during the night.  Check. Check. And check.  (Fabulous...now what's causing it?) Well, there are only two items on the list of "common road blocks to a sound sleep" that I could possibly have, and they are...anxiety and depression.  So, which one do you think I have?

Could be both for all I know.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that in certain situations I have anxiety (some may see it as extreme frustration, but it's anxiety none-the-less.)  However, I can't think of anything that would cause me to be anxious right now.  And then there is depression.  I don't like to think of myself as being depressed (but I'm not getting any younger and I have yet to find my rock hard abs...so maybe).  But seriously, that is not enough to make me depressed.  Although not enough sleep can cause problems with losing weight (and that will make me depressed if my lack of sleep gets in the way of my quest).

So what do I do?  A friend of mine told me that I'm always trying to fix things, and that is true.  I don't like loose ends and never have.  But this particular loose end is something I have yet to conquer.  I have no energy and can barely keep my eyes open by 8:00 at night, but I don't sleep well when I go to bed, which causes me to be blah during the day and irritable (just ask my husband and child).  I've tried sleep aids (thanks to my pharmaceutical rep husband), but they don't work.  I've tried going to bed earlier. I've tried going to bed later.  I've tried having a drink before I go to bed, but nothing works.

Today, I was so tired that I "tried" taking a nap.  I was so out of it and irritable when I laid down but yet my mind was racing.  I even thought about what I'd be writing in my blog (Aren't you lucky?  Unfortunately, my lack of sleep and blahness will shine through in what I write...so I apologize for my lack of enthusiasm and wittiness).  Yet, I still didn't get any rest (even though I laid down from 1:00 to about 4:00). I'm tired even as I write this and I wonder what tonight will be like and what tomorrow will bring.  Another restless night, another blah and tiresome day?  I hope not, but I'm afraid it will be more of the same until I figure out what's causing it or until what ever is causing it subsides (be anxiety or depression).  Until then...so it goes.   

Abs Are Made In The Kitchen...

Amen to my friend Zina who made this statement Friday morning during a discussion about working out and losing weight.  And oh, how true that is.  I used to joke that I could live off of Coke, bread and cheese (I could probably have added pasta in there too).  Unfortunately, that is precisely what has created the belly fat I am working so hard to get rid of now. 

You are what you eat they say (and whoever they are, are right).  We've all heard this before and we've all seen those commercials where the girl has cinnamon buns stuck to her butt or the guy with a donut around his waist.  Or the couple in the drive-thru ordering the blubber, a double chin, thunder thighs and a budakadonk butt. Those commercials may be funny, but that is exactly what is happening to our bodies when we eat junk.  Like it or not.

That is why a healthy diet is so important and the key to losing the fat, especially belly fat.  Although exercise is important, without the proper diet you'll work twice as hard and get less results.  Trust me on this, if I were wrong, I wouldn't be on this quest to find my rock hard abs to begin with because I never would have lost them in the first place.

As I've mentioned in other blogs, the Rev Abs meal plan is stricter (and that's putting it mildly), and after my first week on this workout, I now understand why. The Rev Abs workouts are shorter (yay! more time in the morning for me), but they're also less intense then P90X (yay too! but not so much because now I have to be on a stricter diet). And my new workout  focuses more on cardio and abs, however, it does includes some strength training.  But by far, P90X is a much more difficult workout.  And I have to admit, I like some of the P90X workouts better...in some respects.

You see, my new workout is a bit...gimmicky. For instance, the music is geared toward a younger audience (and the trainer even tells the DJ to turn up the volume when the cardio kicks in). There's a "Rev team" - those who are in the video (consisting of young beautiful people who have probably never had a weight problem in their life or given birth for that matter...but there is an upside to this and his name is Chad. He is good looking to say the least, so I can't complain). There is a "Rev Anthem" (yes, an anthem...Rev it high, Rev it low, I'm strong, committed, and ready to go...I know, eye roll, which is exactly what I do every time they say it). And finally, the creme de la creme of gimmicky or corniness..."the Rev badge" (another eye roll please and a chuckle). The Rev badge is two fingers held up (like a peace sign with your right hand) then placed on your left shoulder (I know...very gangster like). And no, I don't do this nor the anthem. In fact, I'm usually pushing the eject button when they're doing this at the end of the program (which unfortunately is not the only time they do it).

But I digress, because despite the above mentioned (with the exception of Chad) being a bit of a turn off for me, the program has a lot of positives. For one, proper diet and sticking with the program is emphasized often. And, you're encouraged (as you are with all Beachbody.com workouts) to keep at it, modify if and when necessary, make sure you're using proper form and to keep moving even if its just walking in place until you can pick back up and join the workout again. You're even told when other body parts might feel the burn (or pain) during the exercise (this little tip came in handy the first time I did the Ab Ripper with P90X).

But most importantly, the workouts focus on "firing your abs" (hence the name "Rev Abs") during the entire workout (which can be hard at times when I'm gasping for air). But this is something that not all workouts do. And my abs are what I'm focusing on. Oddly enough, I was more sore this week then I remember being during my P90X workouts. So I'm getting a great workout indeed. (But don't get me wrong, P90X is much harder).

So how has my diet changed?  Well, for starters, I've read more nutrition labels over the past 90 days then I have books (it's amazing how much sodium is in prepackaged food). I've eaten more soy products then I knew existed. Have you every heard of soy cheese? This is a new discovery for me and one I am very thankful for because it helps me cut back on eating the real stuff (which I love).  And that is one vice I haven't been able to kick.  This week was also the first week without any Coke products (diet or otherwise) and although this hasn't been as difficult as I thought it would be, I have to admit, I've had my cravings. But unlike my need for cheese, this is something I've been able to fight. With the elimination of soda, I've pretty much eliminated caffeine from my diet as well.  And my alcohol intake has been greatly reduced but not eliminated (a girl has to have fun occasionally). In addition, I've probably eaten every multi-grain product available to mankind.  But despite all that, one of the biggest improvements I've made is the amount of water I drink (which is half my body weight and then some in ounces a day). And that hasn't been so bad either.  I could go on, but who wants to read about every little change I've made when I don't even want to write it.

Anyway, as for abs being made in the kitchen...well, if I had been in one of those commercials a year ago, I would have looked like a slice a pizza with mac and cheese stuck to my butt and a couple bagels for boobs. Today, I would consist of a bunch of grains, a bottle of water and soybeans.  As for my midsection, the wheel of cheddar that once encompassed it, has been reduced to a roll of string cheese and eventually, if I play my cards right, it will become the veggie shreds (aka soy cheese) that now sits in a drawer in my fridge...rock hard veggie shreds that is.

Quest For My Rock Hard Abs: Step 2 - Revving Up For My New Workout

Today began with the end of my P90X workout, (Yay!) although yesterday was actually my last day. But after a great Friday night out with my husband and friends to celebrate my 39th birthday, I just didn't feel like crawling out of bed at the crack of dawn Saturday morning to exercise.  I'm sure the drinks I had the night before didn't help matters nor did going to bed around 1:30 a.m.  Anyway...

If you follow my blog then you know that I'll be starting a new workout called Rev Abs.  I debated on whether or not I should take a week off before beginning this workout, but quickly decided against it and later on in this blog, you'll know why.  So, I'll be starting it tomorrow.  As I mentioned in my last blog, this new workout has an optional 14 day jumpstart diet plan (aka - the starvation diet) that I've been less then thrilled about doing. And as promised, I did "suck it up" and try this diet... for a week that is. 

During that week I discovered two very important things. One, you can't do the Rev Abs jumpstart plan while still doing P90X.  The two just don't mix.  The jumpstart diet takes away the carbs while P90X, basically, requires them for energy.  And two, 1000-1100 calories a day just aren't enough for me. (Unless I want to pass out everytime I stand up.) So, I nixed that pipe dream and decided a more sensible diet is the way to go.  Note:  I have cut back on dairy, sodium, and sugar (not on Friday anyway, which in that case, I had more sugar that day than I probably had over the past 90 days...damn birthdays...and especially this one since it put me one year closer to 40. But, it was a great day none-the-less.) Let's move on...shall we?

So yesterday, I planned my meals for this coming week. And when I did, I took another look at the Rev Abs nutrition guide.   For the 90 day workout, the meal plan is a little more sensible (between 1250 - 1750 calories a day).  Now that I can do, and soon realized, I already have been, even though my diet is based on 2100 calories a day.    

For those of you who want to lose weight, one good way to do that is by planning your meals and eating at home. Doing this allows you more control over what you eat.  In addition, you save a butt load of money.  And I plan all my meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks for each day and do it for a week at a time (my husband and daughter benefit from this as well).  Because of this, I'm able to calculate my approximate caloric intake for each day and even each meal. Beachbody.com makes this very easy and offers a program that allows you to customize your meals. As you choose your foods, it automatically adds up the calories, fats, proteins, and carbs (in addition to other things) for you. Very handy.

So now that my meals are planned, I move on to the not so fun stuff...measurements and weight (Oh boy...). This includes my body fat percentage, which, by the way, is 4 points less than it was two weeks ago. (Fabulous).  I've also lost 7 lbs, 2 inches in my waist, 2.25 inches in my chest, & 1.25 inches in my hips. A good rule of thumb...before you start either of these workouts, read the guide, take the measurements, weigh yourself, and take before pictures. It might not be fun to do this, but when you see the progress you've made, you'll be happy you did.

Now on to the pictures... (Not so fabulous, especially when you're wearing a skimpy workout outfit and feel like a dork for taking them.)  For me, these particular pictures also serve as my after pictures for the P90X workout (and after looking at them, not so fabulous indeed).   It doesn't help when my husband is less than enthusiastic about taking them.  How can I put this nicely...well, let's just say he's not a professional photographer. And I am not a hottie after working out...nor in that outfit...and boy do I have a way to go before reaching my goal. However, there is an upside to the pictures, and that is they will encourage you to finish the program. And mine, in particular, make me wonder if I'm working out hard enough.  (They say that a camera adds 10 lbs....hmm....does that include fat rolls?) 

There is one very (and I stress very) important thing you need to keep in mind when doing a workout like this...the testimonials you see on the website and the lean bodies of the those who post them come from at least two rounds of the workouts. You won't get that ripped from just one 90 day workout.  You will tone up, you will lose weight, you will eat better, but getting that finely sculpted body only comes from time and 90 days is not enough time.  Not even for someone as small as me. (bummer...big bummer)

Now, where was I heading with all of this?  Oh yes...I'm getting revved up for my new workout (and after seeing those pictures, I should probably start today). They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but the only words that come to my mind after seeing mine are "I should have stuck to my diet on Friday, and maybe I should do that jumpstart plan... for the 90 days." 

And on that note, I have nothing further to do but wait until tomorrow to start a new round of workout routines, and with this blog, I'll be journaling my progress.  For those of you interested in following along, stay tuned.  For those of you interested in doing a Beachbody.com workout, maybe this will encourage you.  For those of you who want a good laugh, wait until I post my pictures.     

With that said, let the quest for my rock hard abs begin...again.

Quest for My Rock Hard Abs: Step 1 - Revamping My Diet

My husband read my post on belly fat the other day and afterward I asked what he thought.  His reply...2 words...diet and sugar.  He added that he had overheard one of the trainers at his bootcamp talking to a woman about the same problem I have (hard to get rid of belly flab).  The trainer's answer to her was to cut out sugar for 2 weeks.  Sugar and starches. My first thought was...ugh.  My second was...well, if it will give me the abs I'm looking for, I guess I could do that...for 2 weeks. The next day I was willing to give it go, despite the fact that we were heading out of town on a holiday weekend. Note to self:  Not such a good time to start a crash diet.    

I did the best I could given the circumstances (eating somewhat healthy, although not cutting out all sugar...or starches but cutting back...at times).  And despite my set backs, I was still motivated as the weekend came to an end. Once we got home, more motivation had already arrived in the mail in the form of my new Beachbody.com workout.  This new motivation is a 90 day workout (to be started immediately after my P90X workout is completed) and is called RevAbs.  Rev Abs is specifically designed to give you those finely sculpted abs in just 90 days.  Much like P90X but with more focus on the abs and cardio.  And unlike P90X, this workout has 2 phases (45 days each) and shorter workouts (a plus in my book). Of course, I'm also excited about the extras that come with it, such as a measuring tape, nuitrition guide and my personal favorite, the fat test calibrator (yay...that excitement soon faded once I actually measured my body fat percentage). 

Enthusiastic about starting this new workout, I actually contemplated skipping my last 2 weeks of P90X to get a head start on Rev Abs, but my husband talked me out of it. (Son of a...) No, he's right (but don't tell him I said that).  I should finish the program. I'd be a fool to stop now when I only have 2 weeks left.

Anyway, with my curiosity still heightened, I ripped open the box and eagerly began reviewing the nutrition guide to see if it was similar to the P90X meal plan. After barely getting started, I asked my husband if he wanted to do it with me.  The diet that is, not the workout.  Despite his answer being less than enthusiastic, I considered him on board. (Besides, he eats whatever I fix, so regardless, he's on it whether he wants to be or not).

It didn't take me long to realize the diet plans are quite different.  And that's putting it mildly.  This new one starts with a 14 day "jump start plan" and offers a list of "recommendations".   Recommendation # 1 - "to optimize your fat burning, we're eliminating starch and sugar for these 14 days".  Ahhh... I guess my husband's trainer does know his stuff.  Ok.  That's twice I've heard that.  So, I'm ready to give that a serious try this time.  Recommendation #2 - decrease salt intake.  Ok, no surprise there either.  I'd already read this in a Jillian Michaels newsletter and have already started this one.  Two thumbs up for me. 

So now I'm getting excited and feeling confident that I can do this new plan...excuse me...14 day jumpstart plan. And then I read Recommendation #3 - "recommends eliminating dairy".  What?!  Hold the phone.   Did I read that right?  No dairy?  No dairy means no cheese.  Not even reduced fat cheese.  Oh boy, that's a tough one. Especially when my personal motto is "cheese makes everything better."  Apparently, cutting this out is suppose to improve digestion, reduce bloating and clear skin.  All good reasons, but really, no cheese?

Well, with a little less enthusiasm now, I read on.   Other recommendations, no alcohol and no sodas.  Check. Check.  I can easily throw those two out of my diet. As a side note, the plan recommends you drink half your body weight in water (in ounces of course, but Holy cow! For me that is about 70 ounces of water...a day.) I drink probably half that now and, to put it bluntly, I'm peeing a lot as it is. However, I know this recommendation is an important one and I've already started increasing my water intake.  So what's a few more (more like 40) ounces of water a day? 

Ok, despite the set back with cheese, I'm still on board with this diet plan.  Hell, it's only for 2 weeks, right?  I've been doing P90X for 11.  If I can do that, I can "crash diet" for 2.  And so, I continue on...  The next recommendation was in the form of a daily recommended calorie chart.  And after my initial glance, I said to my husband that he might not want to do this meal plan with me and then I go on to explain the daily recommended caloric intake.  For men - 1100 - 1200 calories.  For women - 1000-1100.  Oh boy...this is truly a "crash diet". Cutting out cheese for 2 weeks now seems like a cakewalk. My husband then comments that anyone would lose weight on this plan even if they aren't working out.  Yes, I nod in agreement.  How could you not?

Now I have begun to seriously rethink this 14 day jumpstart plan.  How can I workout and eat, at the most, 1100 calories a day?  High in protein or not that is just plain starvation, even for me.  How in the world could anyone do this jumpstart plan while vigorously exercising 6 days a week...wait a minute...7 days on this new workout, without passing out at least once?  Before I go on, I must add that the book does say, if you don't need to lose weight you can skip the jumpstart diet. But I want to do this right and cutting out sugar isn't a bad thing. But I'm not sure I can. My P90X nuitrition guide allowed carbs and a lot more calories. And I had no problems doing that plan. But this is just...how can I put it delicately...a freakin diet.  A real serious diet.  Now grant it, it's only 14 days, but a very long 14 days that will be, and more than likely, a very crabby 14 days for me.  And, the remaining 11 weeks still have a low calorie count.  Not as low, but still considerably lower than the P90X nutrition plan.

Are the abs I want worth all this?  Yes, I tell myself...but to a certain extent. I can cut out several of the recommended eliminations easily, but with my busy work schedule and home life, cutting back that far is just madness. So, what do I do?  I want those abs, but I know my body and if I starve myself I will defeat the entire program and might even reverse what I've already accomplished.  In addition, I have a hard time believing that I can't get those beautifully sculpted abs by working out and eating a healthy "sensible" diet.

Furthermore, I considered why I'm on this quest to begin with and the simple truth is...because I'm not losing the fat (covering my beautiful 6 pack) as quickly as I had hoped, despite the fact that these workouts and meal plans are designed to lose weight and get in shape fast.  My goal was to lose 5 inches in my waist and after 11 weeks, I have 3 more to go.

So, what is my plan? To suck it up and follow the 14 day jumpstart plan as closely as I can and within reason.  Meaning, I will cut out everything I can cut out without starving myself.  And I have two weeks to prepare before I begin my new workout program. Thus, I begin the weaning process.         

Things That Make You Go...WTH? Part 2: Belly Fat

Where does it come from and why won't mine go away?  Well, we all know where it comes from but why is it so darn hard to get rid of?

Tomorrow I'll be starting my 11th week (out of 13 weeks) of P90X. My 11th week of intense, advanced, 6 day workouts that I've been waking up at the crack of dawn to do before I get ready for work. I eat right, take the vitamins, and drink the protein shakes.  I've already reached my goal and then some for losing inches in my chest (of course, the one place I could use some fat), and I am only a quarter inch away from my hips goal.  But why, oh why, is the fat around my abs not melting away (even in this Florida heat)? Lord only knows. But I'm sure that my 6 pack is under there somewhere. However, finding it is like searching for the Holy Grail (but with much less significance to everyone else but me). 

I know. I have no reason to complain.  I'm a size 6 and in good health.  But...I want Jillian Michaels abs, Jennifer Aniston abs, Madonna abs.  Which is why I started this workout regimen in the first place.   Maybe, I thought that because I'm already small, getting those ripped movie star abs would be easy on this intense 13 week program.  Or maybe, I don't really know what or how long it takes to get the rock hard bod that I want.  Of course, my body has changed and for the better, and I'm so into working out that even on my off day, I feel like I should be doing some sort of exercise. In addition, my diet has improved tremendously to where I feel bad (both physically and mentally), if I eat bad.

So WTH?  Is it simply just a matter of time? Or is it something else? That is hard to say....  And if I don't know the answer, what do I do? 

What I always do.  I will do what I know works and trust that overtime I will reach my goal and get the abs that I've always dreamed of.  Which means, I will watch my diet more closely and go back to counting the calories.  And, and this is a big and... start getting enough sleep.  I know that your body needs at least 7 hours of sleep a night in order to recover and repair itself.  This time is also needed to aid your body in weight loss.  And, that is one thing I haven't been doing right.  Is it what is preventing my lack of belly fat loss? I don't know, but I'm not taking any chances. 

I have 3 weeks left on P90X and despite my slight dissatisfaction in my smaller but still squishy belly area, I'm looking forward to whatever changes I will see at the end of that time.  Even if I haven't reached my goal, I will continue to strive for it, and I am already looking for another beachbody.com workout that will help me get there.  

To Blog or Not to Blog

That is the question. Actually, my first question was...what the heck is a blog? Of course, I've heard about them and even read some, but never really quite understood them. And even more so, never quite understood why anyone would care to read them. That was until Thursday, when I read my sister-in-law's "bloggy blog". I saw her post on facebook and I didn't think much of it until I saw that it included information about my daughter...needless to say, I couldn't resist.


My daughter was staying with her Nana and Pop Pop while I was out of town for work...and while there, she spent some time with my sister-in-law and her new born son. My sister-in-law's blog was witty and talked about how helpful my daughter was and how the funny things she said had brightened her day. It made me laugh after a long tiring day and I was proud to read that my daughter was behaving herself. I was 6 hours away from my child, but through that blog was able to share in her day. Now I understand the significance.


But what would I write about? That's the beauty of a blog. Anything goes. And the ideas are constantly flowing through my head. But when I get on something in particular, well, as my husband puts it, or the visual he gave me was a dog grabbing hold of a chew toy and trying to pull it out of its owner's hands. I guess he means I rip an idea to shreds and slobber all over it. And, I guess he is right. Therefore, I have started to blog.