I Forgot My Secret

Have you ever done that? When I lived in Alameda, I was as fit as I've ever been. A solid, healthy size 8, 150 lbs and I felt great.

My secret was using a heart rate monitor for my cardio workouts. I found that I dropped the weight much faster when I stayed in my target "fat burning" zone. I misplaced the chest strap for my HRM so I used Dave's the other day. Here's what brought it all back. I'm using the elliptical for my cardio workouts and for 30 minutes w/o the HRM, I'm covering 2.25 miles. With the monitor on and my awareness of where I need to be, same 30 minutes, 4.5 miles, and lots more sweat!

I fell off my short wagon ride while we were in Truckee, but now that I'm back, we'll see if working out in my training zone brings me the results I think it will. After all, what do I say? Yep! "Whatever you think, you're right!"

I Made It!

I made it back to the gym. Sometimes it just getting there the first time after you've missed so many days that's the challenge. I've been struggling with pain in my shoulder and back, so today I did an easy 20 minutes on the elliptical and plan to walk later today with Mason and Riley. It's all about being consistent, a little something everyday and making good food choices. That part of the equation is just beginning! Have a great weekend.

Another Bump In the Road

We got back from Truckee on Monday and I still haven't been back to the gym. Tuesday I was exhausted from arriving home and finally getting a good nights sleep in my own bed. Today, I started my period and day one is so intense, any activity is out of the question. I saw my doctor about this and she said all-in-all, I'm healthy and she hates to start messing with my hormones if it's just one day that I have to take it easy. She gave me that look like, "Is one day of really laying low so bad?" So, I'm feeling better tonight and planning to go to the gym in the morning even if it's a light work out. A light work out is better than no work out!

Shake Up Your Exercise Routine

Cardio:

• Pick up the pace! If you regularly walk, work on taking faster steps rather than longer ones. You might also try intervals; alternate between speeding up for one minute and slowing down for two.
• Take a new route. If your daily walk is mostly on flat rods, seek out new terrain such as a hiking path at a local park.

Weights:

• Break out of your rut. If you started with 5 lbs, move up to 7 or 8 lb weights. Make the change at least six weeks after you start or when you can reach the 10th repetition with ease.

Two Healthy Foods

Canned pumpkin: Not to be confused with pumpkin pie mix, canned pumpkin is a great source of fiber, low in calories, high in carotenoids - plant nutrients that help protect your health. Mix a tablespoon or two into tomato or bean-based soups for a creamier consistency or use it to punch up some plain, low-fat yogurt.

Honey: This natural sweetener contains powerful antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. Spread honey instead of butter on your morning toast or use it in meat marinades.

Watch Your Waist

Nobody likes to get on the scale so you might be happy to hear that some experts believe a better gauge of your overall health is your waistline.

Less than 35 inches is considered healthy. Carrying weight around your middle is risky because excess fat produces hormones and chemicals that can contribute to insulin resistance and cause inflammation -- which increases your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Eat those veggies and start walking and you could be on your way to a smaller waistline!

Sunday and Monday

I made it to the gym! I know, it doesn't seem like something I should be celebrating, but until it's like brushing my teeth everyday (again!), it's noteworthy.

I can easily get frustrated with the lack of apparent progress, but I'm trying to stay on track with the notion that every workout is good for me overall. I may not be losing weight as fast as I would like to, but I'm making a difference nonetheless.

We're heading to Truckee for the week so let me leave you with some interesting or at least useful tips this week. Keep up the good work, because really, it is good work!

I Didn't Get Up Today

To go to the gym, that is. It was really raining and in a rare morning, Riley was spooning with me under the covers! I know, it's an excuse, but a good one! Laughing.

I made it to the gym four days this week even though I was feeling under the weather so I'm not going to beat myself up. I'll do some Wii Fit today and work out this weekend as well. I've lost a few pounds this week, but I think they are the pounds I gained back on the Vegas trip. This has to be a continual work in progress because next week we leave for Truckee. Yep, it's a yo-yo.

See you Monday!

I'm Loving The Gym

I never thought I would think of going to the gym like going to a spa. I know! I get it, working out is not like getting a massage or facial, but to be able to tune out of momdom and turn up the ipod without distractions or Mason climbing on me is heaven. Maybe it's just the newness of my gym membership, like a new love, but whatever it is, I'll take it.

I missed yesterday as I was feeling a little under the weather but I went this morning. I feel great and hope the scale will be my friend come the end of this first week.

I Joined A Gym

Yep, I took the plunge. I just can't seem to make my work outs happen and be effective when I have to work out with Mason climbing on me, poking me, or worse, quietly somewhere that I can't see him.

I have two work outs under my belt and feel really "in the game," finally! I'm planning to work out everyday this week, log my food on SlimFast.com, and really seeing myself as my happy size 8!

Happy Groundhog Day!