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!!!!

Power 90 Days 26 & 27

Okay, we have a few little snags!

A few days ago I noticed that a muscle in my upper thigh was a little sore.  I attributed it to playing basketball for a bit, which I haven't done in YEARS!  It was no big deal but I decided to just be careful and not overdo it.

Fast forward to day 26...  After we finished the sculpt dvd, Chris mentioned that his shoulder was bothering him.  By morning he couldn't lift it over his head but wasn't complaining much.  I assumed it was a sore muscle and went on with the day.  When he got home from work he said that he would prefer to do some walking/running instead of the cardio dvd that includes jumping jacks and such that would bother his shoulder.

We walked over to our walking path and discussed how we were going to run/walk.  We wanted to start off running and then walk a little and then run again etc.  I was feeling great and was not concerned about my leg as it wasn't bothering me at all.  However, the moment we started to run there was a sharp pain reaching from my knee to my groin area.  Something was wrong.  We decided that we would just walk.  All was fine with no pain.  When I got home I did some basic stretches that felt wonderful.

I say all that to say we need to lay low for a bit.  Walking seems to be the kind of low impact that works for both of us.  In the end, I don't want to stop moving.  If I'm not moving forward, I'm moving backward.  I'm not going to let that happen.

Day 30 is coming!  Can't wait!

Power 90 Days 19-25

Well, we are just a few short days from the 30 day mark.  I'm praying that I can see a real difference from my day one photos.  I'll post them when we get there.  EEK!  I'm kind of excited and kind of scared.  Wish us luck!

As far as the last several days are concerned...

We have consistently been working out without missing a day!  It's shocking, really.  This is an absolute record for both Chris and I.  It is the longest we've ever followed through with exercise.  Some days are harder than others to get motivated. Fo me, it's the cardio days that gumption leaves me.  I HATE cardio!  I do understand that it burns a crap-ton of calories but I hate it!  Thank God I have Chris to keep me going!

We have found that weekends are a little harder to keep things going as there's always something going on and it's the only time we can really hang with our friends.  We've decided to do the best we can and not beat ourselves up about it.  The struggle is, generally, with diet, so we really try to think ahead.

This weekend we hung out with our favorite PA friends!  We haven't been able to hang with them for a while so it was nice to get the invite.  They ordered a pizza and hot wings!  OMG, sooooo good!  A month ago we would have pigged out and after several pieces of pizza and as many wings as we could handle we would fall into bed in the wee hours of the morning and feel awful.  This time we each ate one slice of pizza, and it was delicious!  We also enjoyed a few wings and savored every bite!  It really felt like we had accomplished the goal of control.  I will say, it was difficult because that pizza was awesome!

Earlier in the day we decided to go for  a walk.  We live near the river and there is a nice walking path we like to use. We took our 5 year old this time and she was excited for the possibility of being chased by us.  We walked some and sprinted some and by the time we got home we were winded and sweaty.  It was a good workout hour.  I have to say that after I caught my breath I felt amazing!  I literally feel better after I am active.  I never thought I would say that, LOL!

Power 90 is designed for workouts 6 days per week.  I am currently struggling with just sitting around.  I'm finding that I get bored and fidgety more than I used to.  On the days off I feel like, at the very least, I need to be walking or something.  Chris thinks I'm crazy but I can't help it.

Sunday, Mother's Day, was a weird day for me.  I woke in an ok mood, my girls brought me breakfast and gifts and I loved up my little grandson.  That's where the normalcy ended. HA!  I am normally the first one showered and the first one ready to walk out the door for church.  This Sunday was not the norm.  I had issue with what I wanted to wear, my hair was funky, and my makeup seemed to be more of a challenge than usual.  I was still getting ready when everyone else loaded themselves into the van.  I ran out to the van and as we were leaving I realized that I forgot to brush my teeth.  How that was possible, I had no idea.  Of course I went back in and we were off again!

Walking into church seemed to even be a challenge for me.  As we were walking across the street something happened and I just fell!  Chris didn't see me and I had to call his name for his help.  A very sweet lady ran to me and asked if I was okay.  When I told her I was she reached down to help me up.  She, apparently, had superhuman strength, because I was lying on an incline that made it very difficult to maneuver in a denim pencil skirt, because when grabbed my hand she yanked me right up with no problem whatsoever!  It was a relief to be on my feet again but in the process I skinned my knee, part of my leg and elbow.  I promised I was okay and we headed inside.

 I sat in the pew next to Chris and it was then uncontrollable, I cried.  I cried for a good portion of the service without even knowing why.  I couldn't control it and Chris didn't understand it.  I'm sure there was a part of it that was just embarrassment but I don't what came over me.  It just wasn't my day.  I finally just headed to the bathroom and cried it out in the handicap stall until my favorite friend brought me some antiseptic and some bandaids.  What I love about her is that she didn't say anything, she just shoved her hand under the stall and gave me what I needed.  She did text me and said, "It's no big deal, EVERYONE falls on Mother's Day!"  I wanted to respond, "Really?  EVERYONE?"  but all I could do was chuckle a little.

After the drama of the morning I went home, had a protein shake and took a little nap.  Later, we exercised and my knee was killing!  However, life goes on and I picked myself up and suffered through it!

We're getting there... Day by day, workout by workout... By the grace of God we will be healthy before we know it!  God help us, PLEASE?


Laura

Power 90 Days 13-18

Days 13-18

We're still going strong!  Chris informed me that it generally takes three weeks to form a habit!  Well, if that's true, we have well surpassed three weeks of eating right and exercising.  I'm praying that this habit is maintained.

I will say, Chris and I hadn't had any time for just the two of us in quite a while so we decided to go out on a date Friday night.  Chris really wanted to go out to dinner and decided he wasn't going to worry about it.  So, we went.  The positive was that we couldn't finish our food.  The negative is that we felt terrible after.  We have to find a better way to go out to dinner without killing ourselves.

Our screw up on Friday did not deter us one bit.  We awoke Saturday doing what we always do.

We're finding ourselves a little stronger everyday and more able to do the movements on the videos.

So, it's all good!

Day 12 P90

May 1, 2012

It's the beginning of the month and I really want to do a measurement update!  Here it goes!

But first, a Diabetes update!


Before beginning P90 Chris' sugar levels were around 271 or higher a few months back.  Now..... Drum roll please.... His sugar levels are consistently around 139!  He is not on any meds to help. Only diet and exercise.  Even after meals he doesn't get a spike!  It's amazing! So proud of him!

Chris

Chest: 45 Thats -1 in

R. Arm: 13.5 That's -.5

L. Arm: 13 Same

Waist: 41.5 That's -2.5 in

Hips: 42.5 That's -1 in

R. Thigh: 22 Same

L. Thigh: 22 Same

Weight: 219 That's 10 pounds

So, Chris has lost a total of 10 pounds and 5 inches!  Now, he doesn't have as much body fat to lose as me.  He really is building a lot of muscle so it seems like he's not losing inches when he is.

Laura

Chest: 44  That's  -3 inches

R. Arm: 15 That's  -.5 inch

L. Arm: 15 That's   -.5 inch

Waist: 41 That's  -2.5 inches

Hips: 47 That's   -3 inches

R. Thigh: 26  That's  -2 inch

L. Thigh: 28  That's  -2 inch

Weight: 218  That's11 pounds!

So I've lost a total of 11 pounds and 13.5 inches!  WHAT?????

Day Eleven P90

April 30, 2012


I woke today with a goal to be as good as I could be with my diet!  I stayed faithful throughout the day and was ready to exercise after a music practice in the evening.

Today was a Cardio day and, again, I hated it! LOL  It kicks my but so bad!

Stay tuned for a measurement update May 1!

Day 10 P90

April 29, 2012


Today was a rough day for me.  It was Sunday and after our regular church service our Pastor was invited to preach at a church two and a half hours away.  The Praise Team and the choir were also asked to participate.  This all meant that I would not be home at all and was at the mercy of the church that hosted us for food.  We arrived around three and since I hadn't eaten since breakfast I was STARVING!  Unfortunately the only offering they had was Spaghetti and Salad with zero healthy dressing offerings.  They also offered garlic bread.  For beverage they only offered Lemonade and Fruit Punch.  I couldn't even get a water.  It sucked.  At to that, everything seemed to have added sugar.  The portions were very small and not filling at all but I'm sure the calorie count was way more than I allotted for the day.  I was so frustrated and HUNGRY!

We didn't get back in town until 10 pm and but that time I didn't what it did to me I just had to eat something.  So, I did the ultimate NO NO!  I ate McDonalds and I hated myself for it.  After confessing to Chris he encouraged me not to beat myself up about it and just get up tomorrow and start again.  So, that's what I did!

Day Eight P90 - Day 9 P90

April 27, 2012 - April 28, 2012


These days were still very good.  We can definitely feel the difference in our bodies.  Chris looks amazing and his sugar levels are coming WAY down!  He's feeling a ton better but still has a few nerve issues.  We're praying these haven't become permanent.

Measurement updates coming soon.

I went to the salvation army to get Chris a pair pants and a chart that fit him.  He's having a hard time keeping his pants up.  Awesome, right?  I found him a size 36 pants and a size Large dress shirts.  These were both a full size smaller than before we started.  I also decided to buy myself a "goal outfit"which is now hanging in my bedroom as a daily reminder of my goal.

I wanted to talk a minute about encouragement.  When dealing with results I get discouraged very easily.  It turns out that Chris has already had a very noticeable difference that people can see and they say so.  He has gotten quite a bit of encouragement from people noticing that he looks different.  I, on the other hand, don't seem to be showing as much progress.  My body feels different my weight is coming down and I'm losing inches but no one can tell.  For me, it's really discouraging to hear people complimenting Chris and seemingly, thinking that I just sit on the couch while he works watching him and eating cookies.  Now, I know that's not the case but it's the way I feel.  I'm hoping to have noticeable results soon.   I will say, that I love encouraging my husband and his encouragement to me is so motivating.  I am blessed to have a spouse that I can work with so well.  He continues to be my rock!

Day One P90 - Day Seven P90

April 20, 2012 - April 26, 2012

Today we started the REAL P90!  We were pumped to be able to eat a few more calories and get our exercise on.

I won't be including exactly what we are eating each day.  What I will say is that the program came with Food Plan book that includes options for each meal and snack.  My only critique is that it doesn't have very much variety.  The next 90 days are going to be very boring when it comes to meals.  We have decided to used whey protein shakes as our breakfasts and lunches and nuts for snacks as well as plain yogurt with added fruit. Dinners will range from pita pizza to Chicken Parmesan.

We will be alternating cardio/Abs with weights... three days of each with the seventh day as rest.  Day one  was WEIGHTS!  I LOVE this video.  I feel like I'm going to die by the end but I really like weight training.  Day two was cardio with Abs Ripper.  I hate this video.  It's for real but I don't love it!  If we don't get in shape with this we only have ourselves to blame!

We did really well on the diet and gave the exercise all we had!

Day Six

April 18, 2012

Last day of prepping for P90!  So excited.  We took the day off exercising and will be starting the real P90 tomorrow!

Diet:

B-fast: Smoothie

Snack: 15 Almonds

Lunch: Tuna and Salad

Snack: 15 Almonds

Dinner: Chicken and spinach

Day Four

April 16, 2012

Hungry, but still motivated and feeling amazing.  Energized and the weight is coming off, I just know it!

Diet:

B-fast: Smoothie

Snack: 15 Almonds

Lunch: Deli Salad

Snack: 15 Almonds

Dinner: Chicken and Cawliflower

Workout: P90 Fat Burning Express

Day Three

April 15, 2012

I'm not going to lie, I'm hungry!  It'll pass, right?  Still motivated!

Diet:

B-fast: Banana Smoothie

Snack: 15 Almonds

Lunch: Salad with Deli turkey

Snack: 15 Almonds

Dinner: Chicken and Broccoli

Workout: P90 Fat Burning Express

Day Two

April 14, 2012

We were feeling good and thanks to all the stretching from yesterday's workout we were not sore at all!  YAY!  Staying motivated!


Diet:
B-fast: Banana Smoothie
Snack: 15 Almonds
Lunch: Tuna and Salad
Snack: 15 Almonds
Dinner: Chicken and Brussel Sprouts

Workout: P90 Fat Burning Express

Day One

April 13, 2012

Day one began with Measurements... Oh boy!  Remember, this is a judge free zone.  If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.  LOL

Chris

Chest: 46 in
R. Arm: 14
L. Arm: 13
Waist: 44
Hips: 43.5
R. Thigh: 22
L. Thigh: 22
Weight: 229

Laura

Chest: 47
R. Arm: 15.5
L. Arm: 15.5
Waist: 43.5
Hips: 50
R. Thigh: 29
L. Thigh: 30
Weight: 229

After the excruciating process of the measuring we moved on to our diet and exercise regimen. After a TON of research we decided to buy Power90.  Included in the box was the 6-day Fat Burning Express.  We decide to kick off the diet with it.  It included a specific diet to only be followed for the first 6 days as well as a separate P90 workout video.

We prepared our miss for a but kicking!

Day 1 Diet
B-fast:  Protein Smoothie
Snack: 15 Almonds
Lunch: Turkey and Spinach Salad
Snack: Cottage Cheese and berries
Dinner: Chicken with Asparagus

Workout:  P90- Fat Burning Express

Motivation.

So, here's the deal....

When Chris called me from work a few months ago telling me how he felt like he was literally going to die within the next twelve months I knew something needed to happen.  His diabetes has been completely out of control for too long.  It had begun impacting all his nerves and joints and just the slight brush of even fabric to knees caused excruciating pain.

Before you start throwing around judgment let me just say this....
If you are one of the few who have never dealt with an ongoing illness you can't begin to understand what happens mentally and, for that matter, physically.  It's very difficult to wrap your mind around something like diabetes.  We all know that Type 2 Diabetes is completely preventable and potentially curable, however, for so many with this disease, like Chris, seem to not be able to come to terms with it until it's too late.

Fast forward to Easter...
Our church had it's second annual Community Easter Service.  I LOVE these types of services.  There is a ton of work involved but it always pays off.  Anyone who knows me knows that I have been involved in music programs in my churches for years.  Needless to say, I participated with the Praise Team and our Mass Choir for this event.  I am forever self conscious about my body.  I HATE it.  The hardest part of participating in music programs is that I'm out in front of everyone.  There's no blending in, I'm out there.  This year we wore white t-shirts and jeans... VERY UNFLATTERING!  I did not love it. Also, this year I had a solo.  Can you say, NO HIDING?  UGH!

The service was recorded (by my husband and a coworker) and when we got home we started transferring the video to the computer.  Once it was all transferred we watched a few excerpts.  One of those excerpts was my solo and OMG was I mortified by what I saw.  At that moment I was so embarrassed because of how I looked in front of the ENTIRE congregation not only at Easter but every Sunday.  I got a realistic look at myself.

Don't think that I'm only concerned about how I look, because I'm not.  Probably seven-ish years ago, after spending two years trying to conceive, I was diagnosed with Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome.  DEVASTATION!  Through this diagnosis I learned several things about myself.  For starters, I may NEVER be able to get pregnant.  I am more prone to insulin resistance, excessive weight gain, excessive body and facial hair, painful and infrequent periods, depression and the inability to lose weight like everyone else.  The cause of PCOS is unknown and there is no cure or effective treatment.  It is, however, thought that losing weight can have a HUGE impact on the ability to conceive.

Yes, it's been years and Chris and I have known for at least that long that we need to do something but as of April 13, 2012 it all started to change!  It's never too late, right?

Thus, the beginning of our journey!