Diet and exercise update. The next chapter.

Just a quick post to update how things are going on the "new year, new me" front.

I've just completed 50 workouts- finishing my 9 week program in the EA Sports Active 2 game. I am now using the game's miscellaneous preplanned workouts in conjunction with a few of my own that I've created to work out 4-5 times a week.

Some interesting milestones I've surpassed in the game:

I have thrown more than 2,300 punches in boxing
Burned nearly 8,000 calories
Run a distance of 34.8 miles
Exercised for more than 24 hours
Done more than 1,000 squats

My losses thus far:

Pounds: 13
Total Inches: 7.75!
Waist- down 4"
Arms- down 1"
Hips- down 1.5"
Thighs- down 1.25"
Pants- down 1 size

In addition to continuing to workout using EA Sports Active 2, I have begun walking and running. I started walking about a month ago and then about 2 weeks ago, I decided I want to run a local 5K race at the end of May. I am using the run/walk method of training; running for 10-12 minutes, walking for 2-3 minutes, then back to running again.

Today I completed a 3.5 mile course, 2 of it running, 1.5 of it walking. A
5K is 3.1 miles, so I am well on my way! (I am lucky- this is my view as I exercise!)

I am so grateful the snow is finally all melted. It was really rough trying to walk at a good clip back in February when several sections of sidewalk were still severely iced over!

In addition to exercise some things that I have found are helping with the diet portion of this process is being sure to have breakfast every morning. I have taken a liking to Kashi's Heart to Heart Honey Toasted Oat Cereal. I add some berries and some almond milk (less carbs and less calories than regular skim milk and slightly sweet) and it's a nice way to start my day.

The second big thing is eating every few hours. I try not to go longer than 3 hours without something to eat. It keeps me from being famished and definitely keeps my energy level up throughout the day.

The last big thing is that I am really working at drinking enough water. I just take a reusable water bottle with me wherever I go and keep it filled all day long.

All in all, my progress is slow, but steady. I have a goal of 13 more pounds before we go on vacation in a month (18 pounds more in total), but with the pace I've been losing, I'm not sure I'll make it. BUT- I am still going to try and at the very least, I will be lighter than I was the last time I had to put on a swimsuit, lol!

Well, I guess that is about it for now, this is probably a pretty boring post to most of you, but it's nice for me to have an outlet where I can share my progress, so there you go!

Read more...

Diet and exercise update. If you care to hear about it

As mentioned here and here, I have been trying hard to get back to my pre-baby weight since January. I have been using the EA Sports Active 2 workout for the PS3 in conjunction with a diet consisting of as much lean protein and fiber as I can muster the courage to do.

On Friday, I completed Phase 2 of the 9 week workout program, today I began week 7 (Day 1 of Phase 3). The beginning of each new week starts off with a weight update and when I stepped on the scale this morning, (expecting to see a gain based on my sneak peek at my weight on Friday morning) I was shocked and so proud to see that I've hit my first big milestone.

I.Lost.Ten.Count.Them.One.Zero.Pounds.

Now, it's taken me 6 weeks to do it- which I think is on the slower side of normal, but man, I am so glad to be over that first hurdle! I didn't think it would ever come!

I have 3 more weeks on the program and then I can continue on my own, creating new workouts consisting of exercises and activities in the game. This way I can focus on the things I want to work on- like a day purely for arm strengthening, a day for my abs, etc.

My goal before our vacation in mid April to is be down another 10 pounds. My goal for summer is to be down another 10 after that- for 30 pounds in total. I will post to my blog periodically to share my progress and pass along any good, healthy recipes I come across in the process.

Go me!

Read more...