P90! Day One Redo!

Well, here we go!  Chris and I are back on the P90 wagon!  We loved it the first go around and will continue, I'm sure.

Today, being June 1, is a great place to start.

I'm about 5 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight and Chris is about 20 lbs from his. :)  We did gain weight together in all this!

This is the goal for the end of this month.  Granted there are a few tweaks.  I technically weigh a little less than I did then but my shape is a wee bit different.  Regardless, we felt great with the after pics last time, hence, our goal!


Below are my new "before" pics.  These were taken at 5 weeks postpartum.  Looking forward to getting rid of the belly!  Boy, do I have my work cut out for me!

Wish me luck!

Jumping in 3....2....1!

Beginning Again

It's been a while since I have posted to this blog... In fact, it's been since August 1, 2012.  There was, most certainly, reason for taking the break that I took!  I got pregnant!  yep!  You heard it right!  After nearly 10 years of trying and praying to conceive, and after losing that first 25 lbs.  I conceived!

My baby girl is now almost three weeks old!  She was born April 14, in my bedroom, and it was amazing, terrifying, excruciatingly painful, but AMAZING!  I would do it again in a minute!

With the pregnancy came a rethinking of my MAJOR calorie restrictive diet, as wells as the daily P90 and Zumba hours.  It didn't take long for the exhaustion and CRAZY morning sickness to kick in!  So there I was, off the wagon, for real this time.  After the morning sickness came to a halt, I had a few weeks of feeling very good.  BUT not long after that my hips and pelvis began causing pain.  Needless to say, I was done until after the baby came.

Now that she is here, I need to decide when to start exercising again.  I want to be sure I'm healed before I jump in with both feel again.  I am 12 lbs. from my pre-pregnancy and dying to get there.

Here's the dilemma:

How to get back on the wagon safely, while breastfeeding!  Here's where my research comes in.

Breastfeeding Baby Girl is very important to me, so I need to be diligent in not overdoing my activities, drinking enough water and consuming enough calories!

The Plan:

Exercise:

Start slowly!

I will be starting down the road with just walking for a bit until I feel more comfortable doing more difficult activities.  The goal would be to walk daily for at least an hour.  It doesn't have to be all at once but I would love the total to be at least an hour.

After a few weeks of just walking my goal is to add a little Zumba. even if it's not the entire video.

Diet:

One word: HEALTHY!  I'm not going to get picky about calories and such, at this point.  My goal is to eat a balanced, healthy diet.  I need to control the snacking, sweets, and CRAP!  :)

My biggest goal is to drink a TON of water.  I need to stay hydrated and it seems that I struggle with drinking anything.  Before the baby I could go all day without drinking a thing.  Now(and always), I need to be more conscious of the need for hydration.

So, there you have it...  I will try to post new Before pics soon!  I'm praying, now that I'm back blogging again my motivation will return!  Wish me luck!

Getting Back on the Wagon

Hey all,

Things have been very exciting here.  With the excitement has come a Fall Off the Wagon.  It wasn't intentional and there wasn't much we could do about it.

In mid-June we decided we were FINALLY going to visit family this year.  We knew that with visiting/vacationing it becomes very difficult to stay on track.  For us, it's all the cookouts, activities and just plain busyness of visiting that keeps us off our game.  I know, it's really no excuse. We decided before leaving that we would not fret about things since the focus of the trip was spending time with family.

Originally we were just going to be gone a week and a half, however, things changed.  Chris had to go to Vegas a week before we were to leave for Indiana. With that and a few other family factors we decided that I would leave with the kids the day before Chris left for Vegas.  This extended my and the kids Indiana vacation to two and half weeks.  Chris was very sad not to be with us but it couldn't be helped and even though Chris wasn't with us he still had the challenge of eating appropriately and exercising in VEGAS!  This proved to be a near impossibility.

Needless to say, after two and half weeks away from the everyday life that has become routine we gained a little weight.  It was expected.

Before leaving for Indiana I was at 23 lbs lost.  I weighed 206.  When I returned I was bloated and pretty close to miserable.  I had gained 4 lbs.  To be honest I was thrilled it wasn't more but I knew I had work to do.  Within a few short days I was back down to 207.  I don't know what the deal was but I was happy.

While back home I was having some stomach issues.  I attributed it to the change in diet and dismissed the pains that were keeping me up in the night.  It really only happened one time but I had pain in my abdomen that woke me up in the night and kept me up.  I had gas and felt bloated most days.  I wasn't concerned and was concerned only with family.

We returned July 10 and got right back to eating right again and exercising.  Like I said, I lost 3 lbs pretty fast. July 20 Chris and I went on a date...dinner and movie.  we decided it was a splurge day and were not going to worry about what we ate.  We went to an Italian restaurant where I chose, instead of pasta, a chicken dish that included veggies.  It was delish and SOOOO high in calories.  We also had bread and spinach artichoke dip.  It was a very yummy little splurge.  Later we went to see The Dark Knight Rises.  Yes, we did get popcorn and soda.  The movie was epic and the popcorn WONDERFUL!  LOL

I had a feeling my stomach would revolt at some point, so I wasn't surprised to be woken up at 2:30 in the morning with stomach pains.  I tried it all, from Tums to walking around to trying to sleep upright.  It wasn't working.  The pain was intense I was pacing in my living room contemplating what my next move would be.  Around 4:30 I decided that the only thing I knew I could do was force myself to vomit.

And that's exactly what I did.  Now, If you know me well, at all, you know that I will do anything to keep from vomiting.  I hate it more than anything.  So, the fact that I forced myself to do it should tell you how much at a loss I was.  There was immediate relief!  It was amazing... I, then, SLEPT!

I awoke a few hours later feeling a little better.  There was still a residual ache.  I ate an apple for breakfast and then it started all over again.  The pain was unrelenting.  I just knew it was something I ate.  After suffering for hours I decided to call my Dad since he has had stomach issues.  Around 4 pm he suggested I go to the hospital.  I just couldn't do it!  What if it was something stupid?  Like indigestion or constipation.  We could not afford a needless ER visit.  So, I waited.

Soon after speaking with my Dad the pain radiated to my back.  Now it was ALL the way around my body.  I couldn't stand, or sit, or lie down, or walk around.  I showered around 5:30 in hopes of a miracle.  I was doubled over and in so much pain there were tears.  At that point, Chris got his shoes and we left for the ER.  I didn't fight or argue... I just got in the car.  I'm pretty tough when it comes to pain but this was CRAZY!  Chris later told me that when he saw the tears he knew it was time.

An ER visit, ultrasound, MRI, pain meds, blood work, IV, vital signs, shots, pills, all liquid diet and four days later I was on my way home after having my Gall Bladder removed.  I had several stones that were causing my problems. Yeah, it sucked!  The pain was the worst I've ever felt in my life, after the surgery, even worse than giving birth to my daughter without meds.  I can't even begin to imagine what the bill will be. :(

So, I say all that to say.... It's been rough.  We are trying to get back on track and we are getting there.  I was happy that going to the doctor after the surgery I was only 208.  As of today, I'm 205.4.  I'm very happy with that.  I can definitely feel my body changing and can't wait to get back into the FULL swing of things!

I apologize for the lengthy post!  :)

Power 90 Days 47-53 with my New Zumba!

There are some things that need to be talked about and I need your help!

First things first:

We are currently one week from the 60 day mark!  While this is exciting, I'm really dreading it due to the fact that I've seen very little progress since the day 30 weigh-in.  It isn't possible that I've reached a plateau already, so it must be something I'm doing.  If any reader has any advice I would really appreciate it.  

I'm going to take another look at my eating habits.  I think I'm doing okay, but I know sometimes I unknowingly eat things I shouldn't.  Do I need to be taking supplements of some sort?  IDK

I think our biggest mistakes have been "cheat" dinners occasionally.  That may be where I need to get real and put a serious stop to.

Here's my average day:

Total water consumed: 60-80 ounces

Breakfast: protein shake

Snack:  apple and string cheese with a coffee - 3 splenda and a little coffeemate

Lunch: Turkey wrap with lettuce tomato and mustard

Snack: fruit or nuts

Dinner:  grilled chicken and veggies

I know there are a few other things but I can't think of them right now.  I think each day averages between 1000 and 1200 calories.

Daily exercise:

45 min - 1 hour of walking in the morning

45 min - 1 hour of zumba in the morning

Alternating days of Power 90 sculpt and zumba cardio in the evening

I'm beginning to come to terms with the fact that it may take a long time to get rid of all this weight.  I really need to wrap my mind around it and be okay with being fat for a longer period of time.

I need your advice.  Where am I going wrong?  I have to get past this hump!

Regarding Zumba:  I'm in love! So much fun... So challenging!

Power 90 Days 40-46 and Adding a little Zumba!

We are officially at the half-way point for Power 90.  I have to say that I'm a little disappointed in the first two weeks of the second 30 days.  I haven't had much progress, although I'm working my tail off!  Chris has seen more of a difference than I..... And EVERYONE notices him!  I hate it!

It's very discouraging to work equally as hard as Chris and not see the results.  At church I've had several people come to me asking if CHRIS is working out and losing weight and I have to keep myself from coming unglued!  There has not been a single person notice the difference in me but EVERYONE notices the difference in him.

It is true that he is having fantastic results and he is looking awesome!  I'm so proud of his accomplishments.  He is building muscle and losing fat constantly.  I love that he is seeing such a change.  I love, even more, the change I'm seeing in the way he sees himself.  His attitude about the way he looks and feels has gotten so positive.  I love that he's experiencing this.

What I've learned about P90 is that it can get VERY boring!  The cardio has gotten so monotonous that I have begun to hate it!  The sculpt video, I LOVE!!!!  I love weight training.... I LOVE weight training!  I HATE HATE HATE P90 cardio....

Enter  ZUMBA!

I decided to supplement P90 cardio with ZUMBA!  I'm so glad I did.  It's so much more interesting and a ton more intense.  More on that in future posts!

There are two more weeks left in this second 30 days and I plan to see results!

Pray for me, I need it!

Laura

Days 31-39 Power 90

We're still plugging away!  Our injuries have healed and we are back to 100%.  We 6 days from the "half-way to 90" point.    We really need to kick into high gear.

This past weekend was Memorial Day.  Saturday we got an invite from some good friends and decided it was okay to have a free day and not worry.  We did exercise in the morning, though.  I made some fresh Salsa and a fruit Salad...  We had hamburgers and hotdogs with corn on the cob.... Later, we had rice crispy treats!  It was all sooooo good.  By the end of the night Chris was feeling terrible.  He ended up sleeping on the couch because he didn't want to wake me with all his bathroom trips.  I, however, felt fine.

The weather has been scorching the past several days and as we live in NEPA there is no such thing as Central Air for most homes.  OURS INCLUDED!  90 degree heat is even hotter in an un-air conditioned home.  We've done our best with fans but it just doesn't cut.  I say all that to say that, when it is this hot in your house it is very difficult to walk across the room, let alone exercise.  I'm not kidding when I say the past two days have been so hot that it worries me to work out.  We are already at the brink of collapse at the end of workouts... add the heat to that and I fear literal collapse.  However, we are going to have to figure it out.  At some point this summer it's going to stay this warm and we can't stop working out.  Sunday and Monday we skipped working out.  We did take walks in the haze of humidity but they weren't what I would have liked.

Today's weather: More of the same!  Upper 80's with 90+% humidity.  Tomorrow promises to be a little better.  We WILL be working out tonight!  I don't what I have to do... I'm feeling guilty and lazy.... I can't go back there!  I will also be walking before it gets too terribly hot, although it is 9 am and 80 degrees so I need to hurry up.

I don't regret the weekend splurge, however, I do regret that the weather got the best of us.  Today is the day it all changes!

On a side note, I LOVE Thrift Stores!   :)  I frequent our local Salvation Army (at least twice a week) looking for a little awesomeness on the cheap side.  Lately I've been looking for "Goal Clothes".  I don't want to spend an arm and a leg for clothing in the size that I want to be so SA is a great alternative!  While a size 14 isn't my ultimate goal, it is on the way to it.  I can wear a size 14 from Lane Bryant but their clothes seems to be sized different since I can't wear a size 14 from ANYWHERE else.  That makes a "non-Lane Bryant" size 14 a slight goal.  So, I was on a mission.... find a size 14 and then a size 12 from a regular people store.

Mission Accomplished: I found an American Eagle size 14 pants and an Old Navy size 12 shorts.  I was eager to "try" them on and afraid at the same time.  I knew they wouldn't fit yet but I wanted to see how close I am.

To my surprise, the size 14 FIT!  They fit tightly, but they FIT!  I pulled them up and buttoned them and the muffin-top wash't even that bad!  Shrieks of Joy!!!!!!!  Here are the pics I sent Chris! Don't mind the mess, it was house cleaning day! :) (we can't all be housewife goddesses)  Keep in mind that I haven't been able to wear a regular size 14 since my freshman year in college and that was in the 90's!

Obviously, the size 12 didn't fit!  I knew that was a for sure the moment I purchased them.  I pulled them on anyway.  No pics of this one.  I was able to pull them up but I couldn't move and I COULD NOT button them.  That's okay, it's a process and now I have another goal!  I will got there and I WILL be HOTT!!!! LOL

Now, if I could just get my body to take the fat off my arms and legs instead of boobs and I will be in good shape!

Power 90 day 30 weigh in!

Today is the 30 day weigh-in/picture/measurements day!

Well, here are the wieght and measuremtn results:

Chris:

Weight: 217 a difference of 12 lbs
Chest: 43.5 a difference of 2.5 inches
Waist: 40.5 a difference of 3.5 inches
Hips: 40 a difference of 3.5 inches
R. Thigh: 22 no change
L. Thigh: 22 no change
R. Arm: 12 a difference of 1 inch
L. Arm: 12.5 a difference of .5 inches

Total weight loss: 12 lbs. and a total of 11 inches GONE!

 Laura:

Weight: 214 a difference of 15 lbs
Chest: 43 a difference of 3 inches
Waist: 39 a difference of 4.5 inches
Hips: 46 a difference of 4 inches
R. Thigh: 25.5 a diference of 2.5 inches
L. Thigh: 26 a differnce of 4 inches
R. Arm: 14.5 a differnce of 1 inch
L. Arm: 14.5 a difference of 1 inch

Total weight loss: 15 lbs and a total 20 inches GONE!!!!

 The following are the day one to day thirty before and after pics! YEAH! See any difference?  Tell us what you think!!!!