Eating Healthier Makes All The Difference

This morning I came across a post on Facebook from a local tv reporter of Fox 43 news.  She shared her story on having to make a diet change after being diagnosed with Endometriosis.  I decided to shard a bit of my husband's story and was so excited to see she replied.  She replied to everyone, so no big deal, but it felt pretty good to see she responded to mine.  It was like having a conversation with a celebrity.

Oh, the excitement!

On The Right Track To Raising Healthy Kids

What is better than going for a jog around the neighborhood?

Going for a jog around the neighborhood ... with my son.  This is the second time he's asked to run with me and I just love it.  Both times I had been hesitant, worrying that this six year old would slow me down; however, it's the opposite.  He motivates me to go further and keep going.  We have great conversations along the way too.  The first time we jogged he looked at all the houses around us and said, "the people who live in these homes should feel lucky that they have homes to live in."  He was also talking to me about how important it is to stay healthy and get exercise.  I just hope that as he grows he continues to love exercise.  This morning he woke me up and said he wanted to exercise with me.  We started with some jumping jacks and then he grew bored and started playing with his toys, of course.  But when we jog he keeps going.  He doesn't stop.  There really isn't anything to distract him.  I told him if he's still interested in running when he's older he can try out for the track team in school. 

My husband and I try to set a good example for our children.  We eat as healthy as we can (but I do slack off on this more than occasionally) and we also work out.  If I raise my kids the healthy way then that is what they will grow up to know; unlike me, who grew up on fast food, junk food and hours of television.  

My son loves playing video games and he's quite good at them but I'd rather see him active and do something that will be good for him before he sits to play those games.  So before he sat down to play Wii he ran with me.  It felt good.  It also helps rid some of that typical six year old energy he has. 

Happy New Year! Let's Work-Out!

Happy New Year!

I really hope 2014 is a good one for you all!  Anyone make any New Year's resolutions?  Anyone stick to the ones they made in the beginning of 2013?  I for one am not one to make resolutions because I know by February or March those promises will be a thing of the past.  I did, however, say a few years ago I'd start working out and I've been able to stick with that.  Not consistently but I've been pretty proud of myself for the efforts I have been making.  I love working out.  It gives me energy and makes me feel great afterward.  A lot of people don't want to hear all that workout "crap" but I do want to use this blog to document any workout routines and challenges I do.  If you're willing to join in go for it!

It's the beginning of the month and the start of a new year so let's do this right.  I started this morning with the popular squat challenge I've been doing for awhile.  You start the month by doing 50 and end doing 250.  Easy enough, right?  Next month I've got an even bigger squat challenge.  I thought I'd start the year a little simple.

I also added an ab challenge.  

 Of course I didn't stop there.  I did some more squats (some with weights) and more crunches, reverse crunches, bicycle crunches, leg lifts and I also lifted weights for my arms.  

My husband always tells me the best way to lose weight is to build muscle and there is no better way to build muscle then by strength training.  I have muscles growing in my arms and legs that never existed before (ha ha!)  I love it!  It's become more determination to keep me going.  

I will add more challenges and document my achievements (including pictures).  I'm doing this for me but if you are interested in joining in please do.  If I can motivate others then that's just an added bonus. 

I also found this on Pinterest which is great.  I not only want to work on my physical health but my mental health as well.

Here are my goals for 2014:

• Get fit/eat healthier
• Run at least one 5K
• Greet every experience and challenge with a positive attitude
• Work on bettering my relationship with God
• Less time on the internet
• Work on bettering my attitude
• Letting go of things in the past and things I have no control over
• Attending church more
• Focusing more on what makes my husband and children happier
• Renovate kitchen 
• Write a book (yes my dream in life is to be a writer and I have an idea for a novel.  Time to sit down and make that dream happen).  

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!  Make it a good one!

I'll be back tomorrow to update on our Christmas.  Today is my husband and son's last day of vacation so we're going to soak up every moment of it together. 

Bootcamp And A No Excuse Workout

A friend asked me to join her in trying out a 'boot camp' exercise class.  She knows the trainers from high school and wanted to give it a try.  I've heard of these boot camp classes and heard they are great.  The first class was free so I decided to go ahead and join in.  The class is located in the parking lot of my son's elementary school.  Yes, you heard it right.  Outside ... in a parking lot ... in the dark ... in the cold.  My first thought was what is she getting me into?  Actually, it wasn't that bad as far as the temperature was concerned.  It didn't take long before I went from being cold to extremely warm and sweaty.  It was a small group of people who were very welcoming, sweet and encouraging.  I don't see people like that in my Zumba class so it was nice.  The exercising itself was hard ... very hard.  At one point I thought I was going to throw up but I was determined to keep going.  I had a good workout and felt it this morning.  I'm not sure if my friend wants to continue with it.  I'd love to get myself involved in a class like this because when I'm around other people I feel the push to keep it going.  When I work out at home it's so much easier to give up and stop when it becomes too much.  You never want to stop.  The burn, the sweat, the torture you feel while exercising is good ... KEEP GOING! 

I found this exercise circuit on Pinterest and decided to give it a try this morning.  This was definitely a good start to the day. 

30 Day Squat/Abs Challenge - November 2013

November is here!  I can't believe it.  The year is almost over.  How did that happen so quickly?  In a few weeks we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving which means lots and lots of good and not-so-healthy food.  

Since a new month is upon us it gives us a new opportunity to start fresh.  Over the summer I found a 30 Day Squat Challenge online and decided to give it a try.  I stuck with it for three consecutive months and then, for some reason, gave up.  I'm still very much interested in fitness and keeping up with it but a busy life happened and I wasn't as regular with exercising as I wanted to be.  Also, I had a goal to run in a 5K on Thanksgiving.  That's not going to happen either.  I haven't been consistent with running and haven't built the endurance and stamina it would take to run over three miles.  I know three miles doesn't seem like a big deal but it is to me.  I'm not a runner ... yet I want to do whatever I can to become one.  I had a goal set to run every morning in the summer but I barely made it happen.  Ugh!  I can kick myself for giving up.  My husband even took me to the store to buy a new pair of running shoes.  Well let's make this clear, I haven't given up and I won't.  It's time to get back into it!

I created another blog specifically to be a log for my exercise goals and achievements.  I wasn't updating that enough so I decided to shut it down and just write my progress on here.  So here we go.

 

I already completed Day 1 and also added a few other exercises.  My body aches right now but I know that's a good feeling, a feeling that will pay off in the long run.  I also use a barbell when doing the squats.  Adding weights is what adds the muscles (my husband keeps reminding me of that).  Start light and then keep adding.  The more weight the better the result. 

So if you're interested in joining me on this challenge I wish you lots of luck.   

How To Do A Basic Squat

 

Wii Fit And A Nice Long Run

A few Christmases ago my husband bought me a Wii.  I had wanted one for awhile.  The Wii seemed to be so much better than the Atari, Nintendo and Sega Genesis I had grown up with.  The Wii, much like the XBox, gives an option to move around and be active rather than just sit and punch a few button with your fingers.  Finally, he surprised me with one and also a Wii Fit game and a Wii Fit board to go with it.  This is about when I had taken a serious interest in working out and getting fit and this really helped.

After first getting the Wii I was on it religiously.  However over time the demands of motherhood and housework got the best of me and once I stopped finding the time to use the Wii I slowly lost interest.  The board stayed tucked away behind the television for a long time.  I hate to admit how long.  Okay I will admit ... it's been about a year.  Yikes!  So today I decided to get the board out, put the Wii Fit CD in the console and get to work.

According to this I've been (inconsistently) using the Wii Fit game for 649 days.  Okay I shouldn't say using it.  I've owned it for that long. 

I really like Wii Fit.  You can check your weight, BMI and set goals.  There's a balance test and many different work out options - Yoga, Strength Training, Aerobics and Balance Games.  This hasn't been the thing that has helped me lose weight so I don't recommend it's sole use for that.  It has helped me in regard to balance, stretching and flexibility. 

Another favorite Wii game of mine is Zumba.  It's another one my husband purchased for me.  After using the game for a few weeks I decided to give a real class a try.  So I started attending Zumba classes and well, the Zumba game started to sit on the shelf along with the Wii Fit.

I'm doing the best I can with working out and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.  It's not easy but I know it's worth it.  I also set a goal to run in a 5k although since I haven't been consistent with daily running either I'm not sure I'll be ready for the race I want to do this November.  I really, really want to give it a try.  If not in November then sometime in the next spring/summer.  I've come to enjoy running.  It takes me out of my element and gives me a chance to focus on myself.  It's just me, my Mp3 player and the pavement.  My family started joining me each week at a nearby park which has a huge track that goes around several soccer and baseball fields.  One lap equals a 1/2 mile.  Along the way are some fitness stations.  My husband and kids like to use those.  Yesterday as I was running my son decided to join me for a little bit.  I was impressed by him.  He ran the entire length of the track once, doing some of the stations along the way.  I finished after doing almost two miles.

The sky was getting dark and I wasn't in the mood to keep going.  Next time I plan to run at least a full two miles.  Tonight after dinner I can hopefully get a chance to run around the neighborhood.  According to the Runkeeper app on my Mp3 player going around my neighborhood once is just over one mile.  Let's see what I can do!

Fitness Blog No More

I made a hasty decision to shut down my fitness blog.  No, that doesn't mean I've given up on exercising.  Oh I love working out!  I just didn't see a need to have another blog which only focused on my work outs.  I wasn't updating much.  I don't even update this one often.  So I might as well combine the two on here.  Once a week ... once a month ... twice a month ... I'll talk about my fitness goals and achievements. 

The last few months I did a squat challenge.  It was good although I admit last month I grew lazy with it in the last few weeks.  I'm still doing squats.  I love squats!  In a few months (even with not being consistent with the daily challenge) there's already a difference in my butt.  This month I'm working on an ab challenge, while still doing my squats among other things.  If you're interested in joining in our curious to see what I'm doing here it is. 

Little one is napping and it's pouring outside.  Perfect time to get Day # 6 started! 

My New Fitness Blog

I'm always at a loss for what to put on this page.  What should I write about?  Does anyone really care?  I decided, after stumbling upon someone else's fitness page that I wanted to create one for myself.  So here it is.  Another blog.

http://runningwithsunshine.blogspot.com

Feel free to leave comments and feedback and I welcome any suggestions you'd want to see on the fitness page or even this page.

I have been trying so hard in the last year to find the motivation and knowledge to keep a healthier and more active lifestyle.  I think having a blog to list my goals, track my progress and give lots of advice on what has worked will be a good step.

I'll still update this one from time to time. 

Slim For Life

Some people have asked me why I want to lose weight and get in shape.  I wonder why anyone would have the audacity to ask someone that question.  I am not overweight but I do have some unnecessary, excess body fat I'd like to lose and keep off.  Something changed inside of me since becoming a mother and good health has become a significant and important part of my life.  Why not?

So in asking me why losing weight and being in shape is important to me I decided to give you 5 simple and good reasons:

1.   "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own" - 1 Corinthians 6:19.  Yes I'm going to add some religion here and a very important factor in my opinion.  My body is not mine.  It's only given to me temporarily while I'm living on this earth and while I'm borrowing it I might as well do my best to take care of it.

2.  I have watched my mother's health decline for years with obesity, diabetes and a stroke.  I may not be able to avoid some diseases but I can and need to do my best to stay as healthy as possible.  Obesity is not a hereditary trait.

3.  The lifestyle I live is the lifestyle my children will know and grow accustomed to.  Good health for me means they will grow to have good health too.

4.  A healthy life is a long life and I want to stick around as long as I can for my family.  They deserve that kind of wife and mother, don't they?

5.  Because when I look good I feel good.  It's simple. 

I have managed to find a variety of exercises that I work into a daily routine:  Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, basic cardio, running and strength training.  I'm doing at least one of these things every day and it has me feeling so good afterward.  I've also become a fan of the famous personal trainer Jillian Michaels.  I use her 30 Day Shred DVD quite often and have also found a very intense 6 Week Six-Pack Abs video on YouTube.  Jillian Michaels knows what it takes to get fit and her workouts are no joke.

So I've easily mastered getting myself on a decent exercise routine.  The one thing I lack is figuring out how to eat better.  I can't rely on exercise alone.  I need to add a well balanced and nutritious diet to the routine as well.  That's why I'm so happy that I now own a copy of Jillian Michaels' new book SLIM FOR LIFE.

I'm still working through the first chapter which talks about eating.  As I just stated, this is something I need to work on better.  According to the fitness guru, and what my husband has always been telling me, it's important to burn more calories than we consume in a day.  Well, that makes sense, doesn't it?  She talks about the dangers of certain diets that some people have become drawn to such as the low-carb, fat-free and yes even vegetarian/vegan diets.  It's important to stick to all the main food groups.  Our bodies need the carbs, fats, meat and grains.  Of course, Jillian Michaels also talks about portion control.  Eating less of everything is better.  Go for the smaller sizes.  Also, just because something is labeled "fat-free" doesn't mean it's free from high carbs and sugar.  Artificial sweeteners are also very dangerous (I was already aware of that one). 

Ms. Michaels also talks about staying away from any foods with chemical additives (processed foods).  I've recently become very turned off from any processed foods and I want to avoid bringing any of that into my home.  Many of the chemicals that are added to certain foods can make you fat.  The term processed food just makes me sick to my stomach thinking about it.  Why would I want to put chemicals in my body and, more importantly, in my childrens' bodies?

One quote from the book that I like is, "If it doesn't come from nature don't eat it."  She suggests going organic whenever possible.  Organic foods are more costly but as I read further she will explain how to go the inexpensive way.  She also talks about staying away from white foods ... uh oh ... I eat a lot of white foods -- white bread and white pasta to name a few.  I'm a huge lover of pasta.  The white food (made from white bleached flour) can be high in calories and send our blood sugar skyrocketing - yikes!  Mental note: no more white bread!

She also suggests buying local.  Not only will it help the local economy but it's also fresher and more healthier than the foods that have traveled for days from another location.  I guess a trip to the local farmers market is on the to-do list.


The last point I read before closing the book for the night was the importance of NOT skipping meals.  Especially breakfast.  She suggests only eating every four hours including a healthy snack between lunch and dinner.  So far I'm doing well with that today.  It's normal for me to snack consistently throughout the day.  Bad idea. 

I know, all of this seems to be common sense, right?  At least it should be.  So far I really like the book and look forward to reading the rest of it.  As I read I will keep notes and add them to the blog from time to time.  Jillian Michaels also talks about counting calories, but only for a few weeks.  That way we get a better idea of what we're eating and how much we need to work off.  Counting calories is something I never bothered to do before.  I have no idea how many calories I consume in a day ... time to start figuring that out.