I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. I for one did and am now back in the saddle of my normal routine. So let's just get to it. The elephant in my room of life. Nutrition.
Nutrition has always been my biggest struggle. Hate it. Hate everything about it. Calorie counting, logging food, cooking holiday meals for friends and family and then sitting in front of a plate of bland chicken, rice, broccoli and a sugar free popsicle while they enjoy homemade macaroni and cheese, fried Turkey, candied sweet potatoes, collard greens with ham hocks and more variations of sweets than you can imagine.... just sinful. Lol!
In addition, eating healthy or "clean" (fitness trainer talk for "nothing good shall cross your lips") is much more difficult and expensive (if not planned out) than just eating in a normal manner. For example...after training, I must immediately consume a certain amount of protein and simple carbohydrates to replenish tired muscles resulting in muscle gain and fat loss. So one morning I had my protein powder with me, but forgot the oatmeal or fruit that I would normally bring.
No big deal. There is a Starbucks right next door, I can run in, grab something healthy and be done with it. I get to the counter avoiding the pastries with everything I've got. I grab the container of fruit, which is of course on the bottom shelf (conspiracy), then I hear it. The kindest, softest most comforting grandmotherly voice you can imagine.
"Hey Honey! How you been?"
I pretend not to hear as I impatiently wait behind a man ordering a series of coffee concoctions that I can't even pronounce.
"You look thin Chile. What you been eatin? What's that? Fruit? Sweet girl, that fruit ain't gonna fill you up. $3.95!? Sweet Mother Mary and all that's holy! That little bita fruit ain't worth 95 cent let alone $3.95! Come let Granny take care of you."
Okay, by now you know what's up. So who's talking? Yes, a donut. But not just any donut. A big, fat, doughy, glazed old fashioned. I just can't catch a break. Sigh....
"Baby, I'm only $1.85 and will fill you up longer than some ole fruit."
I'm proud to say, unlike with the sweet talking cinnamon roll, this time I declined the donut, purchased my fruit and raced out of the store. I was home free! I sat in my car and triumphantly downed my protein powder with water and ate the fruit. I won. I finally won! As I pulled away from the Fitness Together studio I was absolutely giddy. Lol! I got this!
Then I saw it.
On the floor of my car, just to the left of my emergency brake was ONE LONE HOT TAMALE!!! Come on!!! Now you wouldn't think that a crusty, nasty hot tamale dropped by Lord only knows who, laying on the floor being trampled for Lord only knows how long, would not be appealing. Well...I was cycling darn it and the thing nearly glowed in angelic light accompanied by the sounds of the heavens.
Now keep in mind that I'm driving at this time. I continue down the road waiting for the a stop light contemplating. Yes contemplating my next move!!!
"How dirty could it be? If nothing is stuck to it, the kids couldn't have put it in their mouths before they dropped it. So...Okay if nothing is stuck to it, I'll eat it. But if I eat it, it will just make me want more candy!! Maybe I could still eat it if it's hairy. That might actually make me never want to eat candy again if it's that disgusting. "Lol!
Yes, I laughed out loud at the time. Ludicrous. Not eating the hairy Hot Tamale, but being turned off of candy because of it. Lol!
The time had come.
"Crap...yellow light. Okay....Okay.... I can make it through. Darn! It's red."
I roll to a stop and without thinking, grab the hot tamale, roll down the window and throw it out.
"Goodbye little piece of joy. I will always love you."
Yes, I was two for two that morning. But it was only 9:30. sigh..
_________________________________________
I had actually planned to discuss my diet plan, with only a mention of this incident. But the story got away from me. Lol! I swear, it's true though, less the talking donut of course. LOLCC! Next time...I'll be serious and get into the nitty gritty of my diet plan. :) I guess you'd call this a classic case of avoidance.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Questions and Answers 11/11/09
First of all, thank you all for being so supporting of this blog. I never imagined that I would receive as much interest as I have in the first week! Nor had I imagined that it would spark so much discussion as to need a Question and Answer post. But here I am...and here it is. :)
Posting made easy. Since you have all contacted me via facebook, most due to the awkwardness of signing up for an account, I have opened up the comments to everyone. You no longer need an account to leave a post.
Q. How often do you plan to update? Seems very frequent so far.
A. This first week has been a bit unusual because I've been setting the stage for the blog and filling you in on the last month. (Which I'm still working on.) I'm not certain how much I will blog, but I doubt that it will be more than once a week. Unless, of course, there is something new and exciting to post like the creation of non fat, no calorie, sugar free Cinnamon Rolls that taste like the real thing. In other words...once per week.
Q. Why pageants and fitness competitions? You seem better than that. Plus, women should accept their bodies for what they are versus what the media says they should be. You know the average size is 12 in America. What are you a 6? 8 on a bad day?
A. First of all....Get off my blog!! (Expect to see this phrase regularly.) Pageantry has truly been given a bad name and it's unfounded. Pageants, in my case, have been transformational. I like to call them my mind, body and spirit bootcamp. Had I not competed, I don't know that I would have looked at myself apart from the "credentials" that I had accumulated. I was no more than a resume. Someone who was trying desperately to look good on paper so that she could prove her value to the world, but most importantly to herself. It was pageantry that made me look at Tracie the complete woman. I was forced to reevaluate every aspect of who I was, learn what was important, what I stood for, what made me happy and differentiate MY beliefs and desires from those that were forced upon me.
Now regarding the average woman being a size 12!! That just infuriates me. Everyone is so concerned about the media and the fashion industry setting unrealistic expectations as it relates to being too thin, however there is no concern about being too large. Not that a size 12 is too large, it depends on the individual's body, goals and commitment level. But let's face it, Americans are becoming larger and larger each year. We have seen the first reduction in the average lifespan of the American due to Obesity. Next the average size will be 14, then 16 and so on. The worst part is that we as women, will continue to use it as an excuse to stay as we are rather than become who we want to be. Women should not be afraid to go for their dreams no matter what they are. If you want to become a ballroom dancer, obtain a degree, start a business or...become Mrs. America you should go for it regardless of what others say. As Madeleine Albright said at the California Women's Conference last month ,
"There is a special place in hell for women who don't support each other."
I literally choked on my water. She is such a hoot.
Me personally, I never settled for society telling me that I would not excel because I was black, underprivileged, abused or a woman. I most certainly will not be told that I'm wrong for wanting to have the best body that I can have based on my own standards. I personally LOVE the look of bikini and figure competitors. It's not for everyone, but it's for me...if of course I can get my body to do it and still maintain an enjoyable existence. (Yes, there is a limit.) What size will I be, what will I weigh? I have no idea, nor do I care. I'll just know it when I see it. Lean, mean and cut. :)
Regarding the fitness competition...It is a milestone for me on the way to Mrs. America. Something to force me to get into shape and to learn to articulate to judges who I am without words. I'm leaving no stone unturned this year. However, I will allow Lanell to answer that question. She would have a better feel for the fitness competition arena and why she competes. I suspect it's similar to my reasons. (See Comments for Lanell's response.)
Q. Would you like some recipes for your journey?
A. Yes, Yes and Yes!!! If I eat one more grilled chicken breast or pack of ground turkey, my husband will need to pluck me. ugh... I'll post the recipes that I test and love under a recipe label. Now remember, my people are from Alabama, we prefer to have some flavor with our food. Lol! No frue frue stuff either. Hearty, healthy and flavorful meals need only apply.
Q. Can I go to Any Fitness Together (FT) for the free training offer?
A. FTs are franchises, therefore the offer is not valid in any studios other than the four listed below. If you are are not in the area, I suggest that you contact your local Fitness Together studio and ask if they will honor the special. It can't hurt. The offer is one free week (up to three sessions). In addition there is a 20% discount on 24 session packages should you fall in love with FT as I have. :)
- Sacramento/Carmichael: 2648 Watt Ave #103 Sacramento, CA 95821 (916) 483-2930
- Fresno: 1568 E. Champlain Drive Suite 103, Fresno, California 93720 (559) 433-0663
- West Fresno: 2002 W. Bullard Ave, Fresno, CA 93711 (559) 436-1755
- Clovis: 1990 N. Fowler Ave Suite #116 Clovis, CA 93619(559) 299-1880
Q. Who is the hottie on your follower section?
A. Is that why everyone is following anonymously? For fear of being stalked?:) This has been my most frequently asked question. Lol! The hottie is Terry Steele. He is the manager at Fitness Together Arden. Sorry ladies, he's spoken for. But there is a bright side: If you call in for the special, Terry is the person you'll be dealing with. So you get a few good work outs and some eye candy. Can't beat that! lol!
Funny story, Terry and his wife have the same name. Isn't that just too cute for words? My husband and my brother also share a name, but I suppose that's not quite the same thing. Lol!
When I met my husband, he introduced himself as Bryan and I said, "Oh that's not going to work. What else you got?" He has been "Staff" ever since.
_________________________________
Okay, that is enough for now. I'll be back. :)
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Why did I lose only 1lb in 30 days? Well...um... er...ah
First of all...Why are you all up in my business? Oh right...I'm putting it out there. :( Well, it's complicated. I'd love to blame it on hormones, stress and just plain being busy, but the truth is, it's mostly my nutrition. aka... Butterfingers, Glazed Donuts, Good and Plenty, the occasional Twix and my arch enemy....Cinnamon rolls with raisins.
I remind Lanell often that I should be commended for actually entering these items on my food log. Lol! Isn't that worth something?! At least she's not wracking her brain wondering what's wrong.
In any case, based on the amount of sweat equity that I had put in over the 30 days, I still believe that I should have lost more. Had this been 10, heck even 5 years ago, Lanell would never have been the wiser. But with the "age factor" I eat a cracker and the front pant pockets on my slacks begin to pucker. I finally understand why women cut the front pockets out and sew the slit closed. Brilliant. But then I probably wouldn't be able to zip them. This is so very very sad.
But back to nutrition....
As any trainer worth their salt will tell you, diet is 80% or more of changing your body composition. Which is fancy "trainer talk" for losing fat and building muscle. Lol! Needless to say, I was pretty down on myself because I know that I could have done better. Although I realize it's about the journey and the fact that I did lose fat and weight is a good thing, I honestly expected a better number.
Did I say that I expected a better number, because I really really did. Lol!
I left the gym that day feeling frustrated with myself and irritated that my body wouldn't just take care of itself like in the old days. So what would do you think I did?
I rushed to the grocery store with renewed passion. I thought, "This is nothing compared to what I've overcome in my life. Paaaleeeeeze.... somebody better google me." Lol!
I walked up and down the isles, proudly stocking my cart with skim milk, natural peanut butter, non fat yogurt, fruit, vegetables, chicken and fish... "I got this." Then I headed to the bread aisle for whole wheat bread and what do you think I find there? Cinnamon Rolls. It's a conspiracy I tell you! I ignored them as I read the nutritional information on the bread packages. "I got this."
"Pssssst.... Trace." I heard a deep sensuous voice barely audible. But so deep that it's vibration seemed to connect with my inner ear sending hot shivers down my neck and then spine.
What the...? I know those Cinnamon rolls are NOT talking to me.
"Trace. What's up girl? You know you want me. Do you really think that fish is going make you feel like I do? You're just fooling yourself Baby. Come to Daddy."
Lol!! I wish I could say that I walked away, but I've always been a sucker for a smooth talker. Lolcc! I know I need help. To make it worse, I didn't just buy a 3 pack. No. I bought an 8 pack and had eaten 3 before I started my car!!!! What is wrong with me!?!
Just to recap the madness.... I busted my behind for 30 days to lose one pound. I'm frustrated as all heck. I refuse to let this happen again. I go to the store with every intention of stocking my home with healthy foods. Then I stuff my face with not 1, but 4 cinnamon rolls, costing me 240 calories EACH and I don't even want to think about the fat.
Yes, 4. God help me. I ate the 4th on the way home and gave the remaining 4 to my kids. And it was true. The cinnamon rolls made me feel much much much better than the fish. :)
Sidebar: My husband Bryan is looking at me like I have completely lost my mind. I have literally been laughing like a hyena for the last 20 minutes. My stomach is even cramping from my uncontrollable laughter. "No Banana needed, but thanks." Is it strange to laugh at your own funnies? Oh well, if I'm the only one who finds this amusing, it's still worth it. Lol! "Stop, my side!" Lol!
Now for the complicated part...
So what's my deal? Why would I so blatantly sabotage myself in this way. Lanell approached me a little hesitantly today and asked what she thought was a very personal question.
For those of you who do not know, I come from three generations of abused women and went on to enter into an abusive relationship myself. Thus my healthy relationship advocacy. I prefer not to use the term Domestic Violence if I can avoid it, as I believe that the focus needs to be on creating the positive rather than stopping the negative. The result is the same, but the energy and acceptance is different. Due to the fact that there is so little money devoted to the cause, most funding is used for rescue. And rightfully so. However very little attention is directly toward the true issue and that is knowing what a healthy relationship is, how to find it, how to maintain it and more importantly knowing when to walk away when it's not healthy.
But back to the story.
Lanell asked what I turned to when in the abusive relationship. I honestly couldn't remember but I knew that it wasn't food. I thought for a while and it hit me. Wine!! My sisters and I would drink water glasses full of "box o wine" and "jug o wine" almost every evening. Lol! Some of it was so bad that we mixed it with juice to hide the taste. Ugh...
But how can that be relevant. I might have a class of wine every 3 months or so these days. Then it hit me! Liquor is sugar! In the absence of wine, I go for sugar when I'm stressed.
And when there is no sugar, I eat crackers by the sleeve!! Hmmmmmmm......Okay so now what.....?
I remind Lanell often that I should be commended for actually entering these items on my food log. Lol! Isn't that worth something?! At least she's not wracking her brain wondering what's wrong.
In any case, based on the amount of sweat equity that I had put in over the 30 days, I still believe that I should have lost more. Had this been 10, heck even 5 years ago, Lanell would never have been the wiser. But with the "age factor" I eat a cracker and the front pant pockets on my slacks begin to pucker. I finally understand why women cut the front pockets out and sew the slit closed. Brilliant. But then I probably wouldn't be able to zip them. This is so very very sad.
But back to nutrition....
As any trainer worth their salt will tell you, diet is 80% or more of changing your body composition. Which is fancy "trainer talk" for losing fat and building muscle. Lol! Needless to say, I was pretty down on myself because I know that I could have done better. Although I realize it's about the journey and the fact that I did lose fat and weight is a good thing, I honestly expected a better number.
Did I say that I expected a better number, because I really really did. Lol!
I left the gym that day feeling frustrated with myself and irritated that my body wouldn't just take care of itself like in the old days. So what would do you think I did?
I rushed to the grocery store with renewed passion. I thought, "This is nothing compared to what I've overcome in my life. Paaaleeeeeze.... somebody better google me." Lol!
I walked up and down the isles, proudly stocking my cart with skim milk, natural peanut butter, non fat yogurt, fruit, vegetables, chicken and fish... "I got this." Then I headed to the bread aisle for whole wheat bread and what do you think I find there? Cinnamon Rolls. It's a conspiracy I tell you! I ignored them as I read the nutritional information on the bread packages. "I got this."
"Pssssst.... Trace." I heard a deep sensuous voice barely audible. But so deep that it's vibration seemed to connect with my inner ear sending hot shivers down my neck and then spine.
What the...? I know those Cinnamon rolls are NOT talking to me.
"Trace. What's up girl? You know you want me. Do you really think that fish is going make you feel like I do? You're just fooling yourself Baby. Come to Daddy."
Lol!! I wish I could say that I walked away, but I've always been a sucker for a smooth talker. Lolcc! I know I need help. To make it worse, I didn't just buy a 3 pack. No. I bought an 8 pack and had eaten 3 before I started my car!!!! What is wrong with me!?!
Just to recap the madness.... I busted my behind for 30 days to lose one pound. I'm frustrated as all heck. I refuse to let this happen again. I go to the store with every intention of stocking my home with healthy foods. Then I stuff my face with not 1, but 4 cinnamon rolls, costing me 240 calories EACH and I don't even want to think about the fat.
Yes, 4. God help me. I ate the 4th on the way home and gave the remaining 4 to my kids. And it was true. The cinnamon rolls made me feel much much much better than the fish. :)
Sidebar: My husband Bryan is looking at me like I have completely lost my mind. I have literally been laughing like a hyena for the last 20 minutes. My stomach is even cramping from my uncontrollable laughter. "No Banana needed, but thanks." Is it strange to laugh at your own funnies? Oh well, if I'm the only one who finds this amusing, it's still worth it. Lol! "Stop, my side!" Lol!
Now for the complicated part...
So what's my deal? Why would I so blatantly sabotage myself in this way. Lanell approached me a little hesitantly today and asked what she thought was a very personal question.
For those of you who do not know, I come from three generations of abused women and went on to enter into an abusive relationship myself. Thus my healthy relationship advocacy. I prefer not to use the term Domestic Violence if I can avoid it, as I believe that the focus needs to be on creating the positive rather than stopping the negative. The result is the same, but the energy and acceptance is different. Due to the fact that there is so little money devoted to the cause, most funding is used for rescue. And rightfully so. However very little attention is directly toward the true issue and that is knowing what a healthy relationship is, how to find it, how to maintain it and more importantly knowing when to walk away when it's not healthy.
But back to the story.
Lanell asked what I turned to when in the abusive relationship. I honestly couldn't remember but I knew that it wasn't food. I thought for a while and it hit me. Wine!! My sisters and I would drink water glasses full of "box o wine" and "jug o wine" almost every evening. Lol! Some of it was so bad that we mixed it with juice to hide the taste. Ugh...
But how can that be relevant. I might have a class of wine every 3 months or so these days. Then it hit me! Liquor is sugar! In the absence of wine, I go for sugar when I'm stressed.
And when there is no sugar, I eat crackers by the sleeve!! Hmmmmmmm......Okay so now what.....?
Friday, November 6, 2009
Photos from Behind Should be Outlawed
Now that I've finally figured out the picture posting thing...we're ready to roll. I'll start off again with my disclaimer. Lol!! No hair and little make up. However I did have a professional photographer. There are several luxuries that I will live without and good lighting is NOT one of them.
Some of my worst memories are of elementary school pictures. Remember those? One child after another. "Click Click Click" No mirror, no adjustments and yes, no lighting change. Normally, no big deal, but when you are the only African American in your class, chances are it's not going to work out for you. Lol! They were so dark I had no features whatsoever. Oh, the injustice.
That was a long way to say, a photographer is a must in my world and Rachel Elzaldi is amazing. I had to make her promise not to photoshop anything. You should have seen her face. :) In exchange I agreed to put on a little make up. I think she's afraid I'll scare off business.
The Shoot
That is enough disclosure for one day! Goodnight...
Some of my worst memories are of elementary school pictures. Remember those? One child after another. "Click Click Click" No mirror, no adjustments and yes, no lighting change. Normally, no big deal, but when you are the only African American in your class, chances are it's not going to work out for you. Lol! They were so dark I had no features whatsoever. Oh, the injustice.
That was a long way to say, a photographer is a must in my world and Rachel Elzaldi is amazing. I had to make her promise not to photoshop anything. You should have seen her face. :) In exchange I agreed to put on a little make up. I think she's afraid I'll scare off business.
The Shoot
What was really traumatic was when Lanell provided my wardrobe in a sandwich bag. Yes.... a ZIPLOC SANDWICH BAG!!!! Was this little bag, that normally held my children's grapes, capable of holding enough material to cover all my "business?" I think not.
After laughing uncontrollably for a few moments I sucked it up and put the suit on. Now I haven't worn a swimsuit for 20 years except in pageants. And let me tell you, those Mrs. swimsuits are like onesies compared to fitness competition suits. There is no padding, support, or material for that matter. That poor little swimsuit, and I use the term loosely, was stretched within an inch of it's life. If you listen closely, you can almost hear the material pulling....sssshhhhhhhhh
That is enough disclosure for one day! Goodnight...
Month 1 Results... Not so Fabulous.
Okay, I've procrastinated enough. It's time to post the unthinkable. (Insert Horror Music Here) The dreaded BEFORE pictures. Not that anyone will read this before scrolling down to the photos, but I'll still build the story for you because it's just too "special" not to. :)
I came in to see Lanell for the first time on September 28 2009. I had done my research and knew that she was a perfect match and fitness partner for many reasons.
So back to the story, she works me out, determines my strengths and weaknesses. Writes ALOT of notes and sends me on my way.
Have your legs ever been so sore that you suddenly realize how low the potty is? Why is the potty so darned low!!! I’m just sayin….
Imagine my shock when I returned to Lanell 2 days later to discover that the last session was only an assessment!! You can probably figure out how the remainder of the month went. My pleas for breaks, water and even an epidural went unanswered. Okay, I’m exaggerating about the breaks and water, but I DID ask for the epidural. When Lamaze breathing comes to mind…Something is just not right.
Sidebar: Good news is, she knows her stuff and has been working with my injured back without sacrificing the training. She's building the muscles around the injuries to support area more effectively. She also added stretches and additional home exercises for that purpose.
Sidebar: When you read Lol!! I am really laughing..out loud. Sometimes to the point of coughing and choking. I really crack myself up. Perhaps I should come up with another acronym LOLCC!!
My Stats 9/28 - 11/2
Height 5ft 11in
Weight: 158 - 157 = 1 lb loss. (Yes can you believe it?)
Weight 30 day goal = 150
Bodyfat: 24.7 - 24 = .7 loss
Bodyfat 30 day goal = 23.5
I won't get into my measurements at this juncture other than to say:
Hips dropped 1.3in
Chest dropped .25in
Real Waist (at navel) increased .7in (smallest part wasn't measured until now. results in Dec)
Thigh increased .35
Arm increased .2
Forearm increased .1
So let me sum that up for you....
My behind and breasts decreased. My thighs and arms increased. My husband will not be pleased. Lol!!
All in all, I'm building muscle, but not dropping the fat as fast as we would like to see. Below are the before shots.
You are not going to believe this....They won't post. Yeah!!!! Stay of execution. I'll figure this out and try again shortly under separate post.
I came in to see Lanell for the first time on September 28 2009. I had done my research and knew that she was a perfect match and fitness partner for many reasons.
- She is a female not a requirement, but I've learned that communication is easier with women. For example, I told a male trainer once that I might not be up to par because I was experiencing heavy cramping. He told me to eat a banana. Potassium was my answer? Really? Gotta love him, but not during that time of the month. The little fella was lucky to escape with his life.
- She is a female fitness competitor. This means that she understands my vision and knows how to get me there. But most importantly, she doesn't judge me for wanting more out of my body and objectively sees the work that needs to be done. Let's face it, women are interesting creatures. I remember going to a Curves. Loved the concept. 30 minute circuit training, all women...you can't beat that. The problem...they stared, rolled their eyes and often asked what I was doing there as I didn't need to lose any weight. Now I'd like to think that they weren't being unkind, but it was clear that I was not welcome.
- She is a female fitness competitor over the age of 50. Need I say more? Heck, some nights I don't know if I'm sleeping or swimming. If you don't understand what that means...get off my blog!
- She is a female fitness competitor, over the age of 50 with back injuries. I found out last year that I had a bulging disc at L4-L5 and a herniation at L5-S1. This is the very low back and is nothing nice. Lanell has the exact same injuries and has worked her way back to health and beyond.
So back to the story, she works me out, determines my strengths and weaknesses. Writes ALOT of notes and sends me on my way.
Have your legs ever been so sore that you suddenly realize how low the potty is? Why is the potty so darned low!!! I’m just sayin….
Imagine my shock when I returned to Lanell 2 days later to discover that the last session was only an assessment!! You can probably figure out how the remainder of the month went. My pleas for breaks, water and even an epidural went unanswered. Okay, I’m exaggerating about the breaks and water, but I DID ask for the epidural. When Lamaze breathing comes to mind…Something is just not right.
Sidebar: Good news is, she knows her stuff and has been working with my injured back without sacrificing the training. She's building the muscles around the injuries to support area more effectively. She also added stretches and additional home exercises for that purpose.
My Routine: Workouts with Lanell 3 days a week, 2 days a week weight training on my own with cardio every day. Log my food online, eat this much protein, this much fat, this many carbs, that many calories... Right.... Sure Lanell... Lol!
I thought I knew better. After all, I can drop 20 pounds in 2 months. I got this. We have 7 months before the April fitness competition. Plus, it was Domestic Violence Awareness month and in addition to writing my book, working client projects and the kids, I was busy speaking my behind off. Well, I wish I was speaking my behind off, as you will soon see. Lol!!
Sidebar: When you read Lol!! I am really laughing..out loud. Sometimes to the point of coughing and choking. I really crack myself up. Perhaps I should come up with another acronym LOLCC!!
Anyway....I was decent. I stayed within my calorie count, cardio 4 days a week, weights 1 day on my own plus 3 with Lanell. If I had been in my twenties or early thirties, I would have been dangerously underweight by the end of the month. Well... Not so much. LOLCC!! Below are my stats. I'll figure out how to put a chart in here for next month, but for now....
My Stats 9/28 - 11/2
Height 5ft 11in
Weight: 158 - 157 = 1 lb loss. (Yes can you believe it?)
Weight 30 day goal = 150
Bodyfat: 24.7 - 24 = .7 loss
Bodyfat 30 day goal = 23.5
I won't get into my measurements at this juncture other than to say:
Hips dropped 1.3in
Chest dropped .25in
Real Waist (at navel) increased .7in (smallest part wasn't measured until now. results in Dec)
Thigh increased .35
Arm increased .2
Forearm increased .1
So let me sum that up for you....
My behind and breasts decreased. My thighs and arms increased. My husband will not be pleased. Lol!!
All in all, I'm building muscle, but not dropping the fat as fast as we would like to see. Below are the before shots.
You are not going to believe this....They won't post. Yeah!!!! Stay of execution. I'll figure this out and try again shortly under separate post.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
My Fitness Challenge
Let me start by saying that this is not going to be pretty. Lol! I will tell it like it is. There will be no candy coating of language, no edited photos, no hair and make-up, no grandiose ideas of saving the world with these entries. Just me at 43 years of age, trying to get into the best shape of my life. Why? Because it's now or never. I'm not getting any younger and I surely am not getting any more motivated. If anything, I'm beginning to lose faith in my ability to put the fork down! Hopefully this blog will not only keep you entertained, but help with whatever fitness goals you may have.
Some of you may know that I compete in Mrs. Pageantry. I have had the goal of becoming the first African American to win the Mrs. America crown since 2004. I have competed 4 times at Mrs. California America, a qualifier for the national pageant. I’ve placed 1st runner up the last two years in a row and darn it....I'm going back again in July of 2010. Will it be my year? 5th time is the charm? Who knows? I joke with the Mrs. California America Director that I am the Susan Lucci of Pageantry. Let's hope it doesn't take that many attempts.
Side Bar: To avoid confusion for some, I should explain that I won the title of Mrs. California United States 07/08 and placed 15th at Mrs. United States. Mrs. United States is a completely different pageant system but what a ride it was. I believe it prepared me tremendously for the challenge of Mrs. America.
Back to the task at hand....
I work out regularly, eat much better than the average American, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to get the firm body that I've always dreamed of. I've been slim and fit by American standards my entire life. However slim and fit does not always equal firm as you will see in my photos. (Shiver)
After four kids, a crazy busy career and other bits of life, I have gradually packed on quite a few pounds of fat that seems to happily reside on my midsection, hips and thighs. Now don't get me wrong, each year, I drop 20 or so pounds to compete at Mrs. California America. But guess what? Each year my body is completely different. One year, I'm looking pretty lean, the next my thighs are shaking like a cold, wet Chihuahua. Not pretty. There are few elements at work here:
• I always wait until the last 2-3 months before the pageant to get serious.
• My hormones...you don't know my life...this just ain't right
• Nutrition. I eat no fried foods, very little red meat, no soda etc... however, I like my donuts and ice cream...correction...I LOVE my donuts and ice cream and the occasional Butterfinger, frosted flakes at night... you get the picture.
• Training/sculpting knowledge
Now again, I work out regularly 2-3 days per week and the last two months I it is cardio 6 days per week and weight training at least 3. Then the last few weeks before the pageant, I go nuts if I'm not where I want to be. I end up dehydrating, body wrapping...sacrificing chickens to the weight loss gods, whatever it takes. Thus the inconsistencies in the end result. Oh and after the pageant, FREE FOR ALL!
So what would any overachieving wife, mother of four, entrepreneur and philanthropist do? I challenge myself to a figure competition in April. That’s right. April 2010! As I tell my friends and family, “You must not know who I am. You better Google me.” Lol!! I know, it sounds crazy, but its right up my alley. However, I’m not a complete fool. I was smart enough to enlist the folks over at Fitness Together Arden Arcade in Sacramento, Ca to support me in my madness. (See special offer on upper right.) I love Fitness Together because they have great trainers of course, but they also have private sections within their studios. That's right. No one is laughing at my flat feet and lack of coordination. Well, except for my trainer of course. :)
I’ve been working with my trainer Lanell Martinez for 30 days now and have the first set of stats and photos to post. But Darn… I’ve got to get the kids ready for bed. Then get in a workout and log my food or Lanell will give me the “Look of Disappointment” tomorrow. Lord knows I don’t want to see that again this week. It’s only Wednesday. Geez! Stay tuned……
Some of you may know that I compete in Mrs. Pageantry. I have had the goal of becoming the first African American to win the Mrs. America crown since 2004. I have competed 4 times at Mrs. California America, a qualifier for the national pageant. I’ve placed 1st runner up the last two years in a row and darn it....I'm going back again in July of 2010. Will it be my year? 5th time is the charm? Who knows? I joke with the Mrs. California America Director that I am the Susan Lucci of Pageantry. Let's hope it doesn't take that many attempts.
Side Bar: To avoid confusion for some, I should explain that I won the title of Mrs. California United States 07/08 and placed 15th at Mrs. United States. Mrs. United States is a completely different pageant system but what a ride it was. I believe it prepared me tremendously for the challenge of Mrs. America.
Back to the task at hand....
I work out regularly, eat much better than the average American, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to get the firm body that I've always dreamed of. I've been slim and fit by American standards my entire life. However slim and fit does not always equal firm as you will see in my photos. (Shiver)
After four kids, a crazy busy career and other bits of life, I have gradually packed on quite a few pounds of fat that seems to happily reside on my midsection, hips and thighs. Now don't get me wrong, each year, I drop 20 or so pounds to compete at Mrs. California America. But guess what? Each year my body is completely different. One year, I'm looking pretty lean, the next my thighs are shaking like a cold, wet Chihuahua. Not pretty. There are few elements at work here:
• I always wait until the last 2-3 months before the pageant to get serious.
• My hormones...you don't know my life...this just ain't right
• Nutrition. I eat no fried foods, very little red meat, no soda etc... however, I like my donuts and ice cream...correction...I LOVE my donuts and ice cream and the occasional Butterfinger, frosted flakes at night... you get the picture.
• Training/sculpting knowledge
Now again, I work out regularly 2-3 days per week and the last two months I it is cardio 6 days per week and weight training at least 3. Then the last few weeks before the pageant, I go nuts if I'm not where I want to be. I end up dehydrating, body wrapping...sacrificing chickens to the weight loss gods, whatever it takes. Thus the inconsistencies in the end result. Oh and after the pageant, FREE FOR ALL!
So what would any overachieving wife, mother of four, entrepreneur and philanthropist do? I challenge myself to a figure competition in April. That’s right. April 2010! As I tell my friends and family, “You must not know who I am. You better Google me.” Lol!! I know, it sounds crazy, but its right up my alley. However, I’m not a complete fool. I was smart enough to enlist the folks over at Fitness Together Arden Arcade in Sacramento, Ca to support me in my madness. (See special offer on upper right.) I love Fitness Together because they have great trainers of course, but they also have private sections within their studios. That's right. No one is laughing at my flat feet and lack of coordination. Well, except for my trainer of course. :)
I’ve been working with my trainer Lanell Martinez for 30 days now and have the first set of stats and photos to post. But Darn… I’ve got to get the kids ready for bed. Then get in a workout and log my food or Lanell will give me the “Look of Disappointment” tomorrow. Lord knows I don’t want to see that again this week. It’s only Wednesday. Geez! Stay tuned……
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
