New Body for December 2009!!

[newmami]

Hi Guys! Thank you for your wonderful tips ! You really don't know what it means to me. I get very excited when it's time to write in journal & read your replies. It feels like venturing in a whole new world!

Lesplease...I know what you mean! every morning I wake up & don't want to workout. But as soon as I eat breakfast, I feel energized. Thank you as always for your tips ! Will do!

Cassie...welcome back & thank you for suggestions! I looove the fact you used meal & made a few adjustments ! As you know I'm a newbie at all this exercise, health, carbs, weights, shapefit stuff and sometimes I feel confused & out of place. So I try to use every tip, suggestions given to make meal & workout plans. So, as always, thank you & everyone for helping me on this journey! It has been a little hard...specially when I pass by a pizzeria and I have an out of body experince. I feel body float to the pizza counter & sniff all the pies. That's when I slap mysel hard to get body back ! I know I can have a slice, but NOT when I have just ate planned meal . Well, since it's Saturday (very cold) this is what I ate & did( so far):
Breakfast: Tuna fish sand. on whole wheat & 1/2 cup d. pepsi & 1/2 banana & 1 cup of water
Workout: steps at the park (8 times up & down) very cold-huffing & puffing (asthma)
Lunch: cheeseburger w/ tomatoes, lettuce, onions & pickles & 1/2 d. pepsi & 1 cup of water
Dinner: 1 cup of whole wheat pasta w/ peppers,tomatoes, peas, carrots , 1 cup of brown rice, lettuce & avocado & 1 bottle of water & 1/2 banana
Workout: planeed to do: Cassie's w/o & 6 minutes abs video
Snack: Not yet!
Once again, thank you for your suggestions & tips. They are very welcomed & appreciated, so KEEP THEM COMING!!!

[newmami]

Believe it or not, I worked out this morning (cold & rainy) after breakfast: Tuna sandwich on whole wheat, 1/2 banana & coffee (more skim milk than coffee), splenda & 1 cup of water. I worked on biceps, triceps, back, chest & shoulders. I also did dips & squats. After, I was going to make myself a banana smoothie but didn't want to wake up anybody, so ate 1 cup of Farina cream of wheat & 1 cup of water. Went food shopping and when I came back, had to prepare brunch for everybody. Started to the house, when youngest son's friend came over to play. While I wash clothes & cleaned, they played video games. When it was time to prepare lunch, I made turkey burgers for everybody. I put grilled tomatoes, onions, mushrooms & l. ketchup on whole wheat. YUMM! I thought, until one of the kids told me he wanted white bread instead. I said: Are you sure? whole wheat is healthier...he said: No thanks, mom calls it fake bread, because it taste like cardboard . I asked him to try it, and when he did he said it was delicious! (I think it was the whole thing, son says I'm a great cook !) Anyways, I was very happy cause he said he was going to ask his mom to get it. (O dear! I think i'm in trouble...) For lunch: Grilled Red skin potatoes w/ grilled chicken, peas, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, salad (lettuce & tomatoes & lt. italian) & 1 bottle of water.

SORRY...INTERRUPTION ! have to turn off, our fire alarm went off! Will continue either later or tomorrow!

[Boss Man]

Visa vie Tuna. I'd limit to 3 times a week max, because of the Mercury. You need adequate time for the body to chelate it out, or you risk accumulating residual Mercury, which could potentially cause toxicity at some point in the future, and cause other issues like reduced immune function.

Some in the know support this thinking, as even light is high Mercury.

You could easily substitute it for things like Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Lean Ham as examples.

[newmami]

Boss Man...Thank you! I'm glad you told me, because I looove tuna fish! I eat it quite frequently. And today I had it again. Will try something different. There are not that many choices I know . But I'm looking for them...

As for last night...False Alarm! but it took long to figure out what happened, so I didn't have time to continue writing. I forgot to post dinner: Salad (lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, olives & shredded ham (1 slice) & mozarella (skim) W/ piece of chicken breast (grilled) w/ onions, peppers & mushrooms & 1 cup of brown rice & 1 bottle of water. After I ate, I was pretty full, but I decided to digest and 1/2 hr. later, since it was still raining & cold, I did a "walking video" I have. Very old, but it works for me . Then 200 jumps & 3 sets of 20 squats (toning that butt! ). Then, shower & off to bed.
Today, worked on abs, arms, biceps, triceps & back w/ 5lbs. weight (Ok, it might not be much, but to me it is...) and I felt the burn. hubby is very worried about me being too muscular. I told him what you guys told me, but he thinks otherwise. I think is because compare to when I started and since I have a little of a tan, arms look a little firmer . But they are not! They will be...hopefully. I don't know if I lost or gain weight, cause next weigh in is: 10/2. Honestly, I don't feel the difference. I don't see any changes on either (Hey! I'm still waiting for that flat moment), will I see it by December? HOPE SO! Today, meals were as follow:
Breakfast: Egg white omellete w/ tomatoes, mushrooms, 1 ham & 1/2 cheese w/ 2 slices of wheat bread & 1/2 d. pepsi & 1/2 banana (didn't have 1/2 banana W/ 1/2 shake because everyone was sleeping & didn't want to make noise)
Workout: as mentioned above
After workout: 1/2 banana, 2 teaspoon of peanut butter & 1 cup of water
Lunch: Turkey cheeseburger(grilled & cut into pieces) on whole wheat soft taco w/ grilled onion, tomatoes & letteuce & little ketchup (YUMM YUMM!) & small side salad (lettuce & tomatoes & 1 small slice of avocado) & 1 bottle water
Snack: Handful of sunflower seeds, 10 quenepas
Dinner: 1 cup of brown rice w/ special omelette (no cheese this time) & lettuce & tomatoes & 1 bottle of water
Workout: Six minutes abs video & HIIT Cardio (35 mins.)
Snack: Banana smoothie! (It tasted plain ! Do I add sugar? or am I supposed to add something else? But I drank it
anyway.
I don't know, maybe it's me, but I feel like I'm eating too much! I know I'm definetly eating more salads & protein and that makes me nervous...about next weigh in. Another thing, I find myself measuring everything...Well at least I'm using measuring cups for something other than baking ! I'm also thinking about buying a little food scale. I saw them at the $1.00 store (I know...CHEAP, but it works, I tried it at the store . I think hubby is going to have a heart attack! He already thinks I'm taking things too far & going crazy, but wait until he sees the result...he will not complain !

[cassiegose]

Hello!

Youre meals look good! No need to add sugar to the shake... bananas have sugar in them already (fructose). I would definitely buy that food scale! I think those are a great investment!

As for you getting too muscular.... Honestly when you start curling 50,60,70 lb dumbells then your husband can start to say that youre getting too muscular. I understand that some men and women don't care for the 'muscular' look, however there are countless health benefits that can come with lifting weights and building a bit of muscle. Women don't have enough testosterone (well most don't anyways, some have more than others) to build extremely large muscles. We can lift all we want and there will come a point where diet can only take us so far. Sooo maybe tell your husband that this something that you want to do... thats important to you... and you're not going to bulk up like the incredible hulk... you just want to look a bit more toned and tighten up a bit. Tell him you want to look good for him and for you and you think that these healthy lifestyle changes will help you become healthier, which will in turn make you a better mother and wife.

As for you eating too much... It may seem like you're eating a lot of food however youre eating HEALTHY food which is lower in calories and higher in nutrients than typical foods in the American diet. Girl you should see how much food I eat in a day! Its kind of amazing how much food you can eat when you're eating the right foods and timing them in a way that allows your body to use them most efficiantly. You really aren't eating that many calories.. i know it seems like alot because of the frequency but you really are on the right track.

You're doing ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! Keep up the good work!

Cassie

[newmami]

Hey Cassie! As always, thank you for your awesome vibe. I feel your positive energy ! hubby is just worried about me looking less feminine, but I had a talk with him & explained what you guys told me. I also told him I want to be healthier, stronger & at the same time, look better...Who doesn't? I asked him to keep supporting me & he agreed. He only made me promess his favorite dishes will remain the same. I said yes , but I need to learn some good food tricks. He likes his adobo, salt, sauces, cakes, fried pork chops (fried...everything)...I don't know where the weight goes? He is the same size he was when we married (21 years ago) Me, OH GOD! weight have been like a yo-yo. The lowest I've been is 108lbs (during chemo), highest 200lbs (during last pregnancy)...that's how I got ugly . I lost the weight too fast (2 1/2 months) no exercise at all (very depressed & sick) so all that skin was left hanging. After depression was gone & I felt better, I joined a gym and could get figure in better shape...until I got sick again. Couldn't exercise at all, but now I'm better ! Trying to reach goals: to be healthier, stronger (physically & mentally) and of course...look better! Tight & flat tummy...toned body ! Can wait to reach goal and model a sexy outfit I bought for hubby! Need to reach goal or else I'll be he won't notice the cute lace detail cause will be covering it . Well, I'm trying best...ask side of the "chocolate/white bread" free pantry . But I think about future "flat" and It's all worth it! Will see what happens...
This morning:
Breakfast: Farina cream of wheat w/ skim milk & splenda (thinking about changing to sweet & low) it leaves an after taste..
1/2 banana & 1 cup of water
Workout: (used 5lbs weight) arms, biceps, triceps, back, chest & shoulders. Also dips & squats. Wow! Felt the burn
Snack: 1/2 banana W/ 2 teaspoon peanut butter & 1 cup of water
Walked 12,123 steps!
Lunch: Oven roasted chicken breast sandwich from Subway-YUMM! w/ lettuce, tomatoes, provolone, vinegar, oregano & l. mayo w/ 1 cup d. pepsi & 1 cup of water
Snack: 1 cup of watermelon w/ 1 cup water
Dinner: 1 pc. chicken breast (grilled) w/ mushrooms, onions, tomatoes & little ketchup, a side salad (lettuce & tomatoes) sprinkled sunflower seeds (crushed) & 1 bottle of water
Workout: 6 minutes abs video, HIIT, walked for 20 minutes (intervals) & ran 10 minutes (OMG!-did I just run?? )
I huffed, puffed & huffed again...but did it!
Snack: strawberry smoothie-no sugar-& 1 small scoop of oatmeal- Better than the banana!
Haven't planned workout nor meals...very busy day! But will do tomorrow...Let's see how it looks! Will try new workouts Hope it works!

[fitoverforty]

HIIT, walked for 20 minutes (intervals) & ran 10 minutes (OMG!-did I just run?? )

Great job!
I've been following and reading your thread daily, and I must tell you that your enthusiam and "can do" attitude is inspiring! Your upbeat energy is a real treat to see and a joy to follow along. I've no doubt that you will in deed reach your goals and get the best body for you.

Can wait to reach goal and model a sexy outfit I bought for hubby! Need to reach goal or else I'll be he won't notice the cute lace detail

LOL! Let me tell you girl, the day you model that little outfit for your hubby....trust me...he won't be noticing any cute lace anything...he will be staring right past it at what's underneath!
Don't worry about toning and building a bit of muscle...it looks healthy and fit and strong and THAT is sexy!!
In personal experience with husband, he loves muscles, not only because they look good, but because of how they make ME feel. We've been married enough years for him to have seen me at best, worst, in between...and although he has loved me through all of it, what ever shape I was in, he is most happy when I'm most happy with own self image. So....go for it girl, I support you, I think you are doing a fantastic job and keep up the great work!
One other thing...instead of Splenda or sweet n low, have you thought about the sweetener "Stevia"? It is supposed to be all natural, no bad stuff in it. I think another name for it is "Truvia". Can you drink Soy milk? I use vanilla flavored light Soy milk ( son likes it, so it's what we use now). When I use it, I don't need to add any sweeteners to it, the vanilla flavor is enough.
Keep that positive energy going! It is such a powerful tool in your workout and eating program!

[newmami]

Hi everyone! Hi fitoverforty, welcome back . Thanks for your kind words, your moral support and your great tips. God bless you! I will definately try Stevia. As for hubby's reaction...I hope so, beacuse since goal is by December, I'm planning to wear sexy outfit, wrap myself in a big red bow and be his christmas gift . Today was an "adventurous" day. I decided to give some new foods a try. On table...cottage cheese, oatmeal w/egg whites & apples w/ peanut butter. The cottage cheese looked weird, it tasted ok. Definately NOT like cream cheese, but when I added pineapple bits...liked it! Can this be a snack choice for me? Suggestions on any other good fruit combinations? Running out of snack choices. The oatmeal w/ eggwhites was ok. No taste..., but I added a little vanilla and it tasted better. I should've tried blueberries, but didn't have. Not used to oatmeal, but will keep trying w/ different options until I get used to it. The apples w/ peanut butter...CONFESSION: Don't like apples & don't like peanut butter(can handle 2 teaspoon/day but NOT together). Haven't bought the protein powder yet. But started making smooties ! Today was papaya. It tasted very good. Tomorrow will be strawberries. Can I add oatmeal instead of protein powder until I buy it? Any suggestions? Good News!! Bought the food scale! and I'm using measuring spoons & cups. kids think I'm crazy, but they spent the whole time I was cooking measuring & weighing the ingredients. Now, who's crazy? Anyways, day looked like this:
Breakfast: Oatmeal w/ eggwhites & little vanilla extract (tasted ok) w/ 1 cup of water
Workout: 3 sets of 20 w/ 5 lbs weight (bicep curls, triceps, chest, back, arms, shoulders & squats)
Snack: 1/2 banana w/ skim milk & 1 cup of water
Lunch: Mc Donald's cheeseburger had no choice(took it home and added) tomatoes, lettuce, zucchini & onions W/; 1 bottle of water & salad (lettuce, tomatoes & sunflower seeds.
Dinner: 1 cup of brown rice w/ tuna fish, 1/2 cup pinto beans & 3 small sweet plantain & 1 bottle water
Workout: Cold (15mph winds) so walking video (2 miles) & HIIT cardio
Snack: Papaya smoothie!!
Didn't workout as much as I wanted to. Very busy & tired. Trying best with the weather & crazy schedule. Planing to try a new exercise video a friend gave me-don't know what Kind, but will do it anyways. Planing to have a pizza tomorrow. I know, but if I don't I'm going to have nightmares about it ! But wiil make it with whole wheat dough and full of veggies Will tell you how was it....

[cassiegose]

I am JUMPING UP AND DOWN ON DESK RIGHT NOW I'M SO STINKING EXCITED!!!! You tried oatmeal and eggwhites!?!! Good for you girl!!!! You just make day!Youre right it can taste a bit bland. I usually add cinnamon to mine and a pinch of salt. Blueberries added in are AWESOME! Also, peanut butter or almond butter added in tastes FANTASTIC!!! You can also try something like pumpkin pie spice and a bit of stevia. Mmmmm!! OR Add in some banana and a bit of peanut butter or almond butter! Yum! The options are endless!!! As for the cottage cheese (fat free right?)... pineapple in cottage cheese is one of favorites! You can also add things like peaches, blueberries, strawberries, peanut butter or almond butter, tomatoes, protein powder (tastes good with the almond butter)... basically whatever your heart desires! Experiment a bit and see what you like. As for the apple and peanut butter... if you don't like apples then you don't necessarily have to force yourself to eat them... same with peanut butter... have you tried almond butter?

Gosh i'm so happy that you bought that food scale and have started to measure your foods! It really makes a big difference in helping you to know exactly how much youre eating.

Cheeseburger... hmmm... not the end of the world. A healthier option would have been a grilled chicken burger... add extra veggies and have only one bun.

As for the pizza... I actually used to make pizza all the time (when not in contest prep mode). Used whole wheat flour to make dough then rolled it at thin as i could get it. Used low fat cheese (somewhat sparingly) and used lots of veggies and chicken. Tastes pretty good and actually isn't too unhealthy at all.

You are doing SO GREAT friend and I am SO SO SO proud of you! Reading your posts is a highlight to day because you are always so upbeat and positive. I'm so glad you found our site and I know with your determination and positive attitude you are going to be reaching your goals in no time!!!


Cassie

[Nokie173]

Oatmeal and egg whites… *YUMMY* (Im actually eating that right now at work while im typing this!!!) – Gosh Cassie.. thanks for getting me hooked to this! I put salt and pepper and almond butter for mine. It tasted weird when I first started out… but now it’s actually one of favorite meal for breakfast… quick to make, filling, and cheap!!!
Oh.. and yes, try almond butter… it is pretty darn good (Thanks again Cassie for making me get hooked to that too!!! I almost licked the whole jar!!! LoL

When fiancé bought cheese burger from mcd for me.. I took out the buns and replaced with some wheat bread… (just an idea) or like cassie said… 1 bun is not gonna kill you!

I use wheat pita bread for pizza dough… put some grilled chicken and BBQ sauce with fat free cheese… YUMMY!

I put some honey in fat free cottage cheese when I first started out with it. I never ate them before and didn’t like it the first time I tired them… but eventually I got used to it and now I just eat it plain!!! I mean… little in calories and high in protein!!! Now it is one of plain and simple snack at work!

Good job and you are doing great… Hubby will love what you have on… or off!

[newmami]

I'm Back! Sorry I didn't write anything yesterday, but I was sooo tired. It has been a CRAZY week. OMG! It's WEIGH IN DAY But first: Cassie...YOU ARE SO FUNNY! Your comments made day! So much I decided to RUN (Yes! you heard me right, run for ten minutes this morning . I also tried the banana on the oatmeal...WOW! much better! I added eggwhite again and 1/2 banana. Thanks for the different choices. Didn't know almond butter existed . Will find out!
Nokie173...Welcome back! I have to try the bbq sauce... son's favorite! Haven't in a looong time, but I'll add it tomorrow since kids asked me for a sloppy joe. I made a few adjustments to the old version, I hope they don't notice. I'm planning to use turkey & plenty of veggies in the mixture . OK! DRUM ROLL PLEASE....132lbs (ALRIGHT! ) UNBELIEVABLE, because I've been eating more!!?? It's only 3 pounds less, but HEY! I'll take it! Anyways, I think what helped loose the lbs was more water, less bread & definatelty more veggies. When I add a side salad to lunch & dinner, it feels me up more! I also cut down on the watermelon. I ate a lot of it (loove it!). I also have been doing the HIIT & the circuit training (HARD!). Yesterday, schedule was like this:
Breakfast: Cream of wheat w/ sweet & low (I had 2 small packets)-planning to buy Stevia on Saturday! & 1/2 banana & 1 cup of water
Workout: Cassies' workout w/ 5lbs weight and 6 minutes abs video
Snack: 1/2 banana, 1 teaspoon of peanut butter & 1 cup of water
Lunch: Burger King Whopper jr. (took 2 slice of whole wheat with me & changed it)-NO MAYO, NO CHEESE (OUCH!) but it tasted good! w/ 1/2 cup d. pepsi
Dinner: 3oz chicken breast (used scale ) w/ stir fried mushrooms, onions, tomatoes & zucchini (used little olive oil) 1/2 cup of brown rice, 3 pieces of sweet plantain & BIG bowl of lettuce & tomatoes.-Poured the stir veggies on top mixed it and YUMMY! & 1 bottle of water
Workout: HIIT & Jillian Michael's 30 day shred video (WOW! can even stand straight LOL-Needed to cal the ambulance . Drank 1 bottle of water (THIRSTY!!!)
Snack: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (45 cal & 8g protein) w/ 3 pineaple small cubes-Like it more than last time! & 1 cup of water

Today: Oatmeal w/ eggwhite & 1/2 banana( YUMM!) & 1 cup of water
Workout: HITT & Ran for 10 minutes (but felt very good!)
Will see how the rest of the day goes...Bu the way, didn't have the PIZZA! the craving went away . But if it comes back...wheat dough definately! Also, don't worry, the cottage cheese is fat free!

[Boss Man]

I'd suggest Low Fat Cheese, instead of Fat Free . Low Fat Cheese for roughly 100g, (3.5Oz), comparison does have 4.5g Saturates, but also 2g Unsaturates, and is more Protein rich. The fact it has 4.5g Saturates is neither here nor there, as the limit based on an average 2,000 a day calorie intake, is 20g anyways, but the 2g Unsaturates are always good, and you'll get some Fat soluable Vitamins as well. Fat Free , has no Fat Soluable vits and more Sugar, plus as stated less Protein, much less.

[newmami]

Continuation of Friday...
EXTRA! EXTRA! it's a miracle... hubby, who's been promising to go to the park for the past 2-3 weeks...Finally did tonight! ! After weeks of nagging him, he finally did. Not only did he walk, but also ran around the track 1 time. OK, correction: ran 1/2 way & walked the othe half ) Well, at least he did...right? Planning to go food shopping tomorrow. On list: Stevia, can of pineapples & cottage cheese (1% low fat this time)-love this combination. Also, sweet potatoes. This might sound unbelievable, but CONFESSION: never tasted sweet potatoes. Don't even know what color are they. Embarrased to ask at supermarket, but HEY!...I'll get over it ! Since I posted breakfast & workout, the rest of schedule was as followed:
Lunch: Chicken breast (3oz) grilled cut in pieces with a big salad bowl (lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, light cruttons-10pcs, grapes & light italian) & 1 bottle of water. Why salad only-upset stomach.
Snack: 20 sunflower seeds & 10 grapes
Dinner: 1/2 cup of brown rice, 2 oz grilled fish (tilapia) w/ lemon & italian herbs & side salad, 1/2 cup pinto beans & 1 bottle of water
SnacK: 1/2 klondike oreo Ice cream (YUMM!)-HEY! I earned it
Workout: Walked w/ hubby for 20 minutes & ran for 12 min . But felt very good. hubby did his own "workout"(1/2 walked & 1/2 ran)
Then off to shower...VERY SWEATY! Which is good, because I have notice that since drinking more water & sweating a lot, skin looks much better. hubby says I'm glowing!!?? Maybe he wants something , and it sounds good to me

[fitoverforty]

hey girl, congrats on the 3 lbs! Awesome
The most common sweet potatos look alot like regular potatos - with a brown outer skin but are more long, tubular in shape. Their insides are orange. You can bake them, or microwave them (probably even boil them, although I never have). They taste great! naturally sweet, but sometimes I add some cinnamon and a little butter (but that's just me )
On the canned pineapple - watch the syrupy kinds, there is alot of hidden sugar there. Make sure you drain them. I have actually added fresh green grapes to cottage cheese, sprinkle a little pepper, yummmm! fresh peaches work well too.
That is awesome about your hubby going with you to the park. It is SO important to have a supportive spouse who is willing to work out with you, it makes it so much more fun and special.

[newmami]

Today, Saturday (family Day)...
I woke up full of energy, maybe because I decided to have a "CHEAT DAY" today, as a reward for loosing 3 lbs . cheat food of choice: Hello! SMALL MOCHA LATTE w/ skim milk & whip cream. I know, but I deserve it. I haven't had one in like a million days (that's about 1-2 weeks in calendar ) To me, that's a lot of days. But first, I went food shopping. Among other things, I bought the stevia, grapes, salmon, red skin potatoes, cottage cheese (1% low fat) w/ pineapple bits already in!. I also bought, pears, bananas, mushrooms, tomatoes, etc. I did not find the sweet potatoes and couldn't ask anyone either. Anyways, I was in a rush. When I finished, guess where i rushed to...RIGHT! to Dunkin Donuts. OMG! It was HEAVENLY! I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I even heard church bells ring . It was sooo good & drank it way to fast & kept making that slurping noise when you finish drinking something? People were looking at me like: It's empty, get another one! CONFESSION: I felt like doing so, but immediately I saw myself gaining the 3lbs back and decide to make a u-turn and leave. I kept walking fast and repeating outloud: Don't look back, don't look back! and I didn't. But I wanted to get back & order another one. I even thought of ordering a medium size next time instead of a small...Will see how strong I am.
Since today is family day, we went to the mall (mini workout w/ all the walking!) & then to eat. schedule was like this:
Breakfast: 1 cup of Cream Of wheat & 1 cup of water
Workout: HITT CARDIO & abs video
Snack: Mocha latte (YUMM YUMM!!!)
Lunch: Scrambled egg whites w/ mushrooms, tomatoes & onions, 1 whole wheat bread & 1/2 d. pepsi & 1 cup of water
Dinner: 1 portion of salmon (size of hand) & 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes w/ side salad & 2 cups of cold water(WOW!)
Snack: 1 bottle of water (felt full & thirsty)
Then back home to watch TV & talk. I decided to write in journal, but in 1/2 hour I'm planning to do HIIT again, you know, to burn what I ate ! Then, shower again! Need to be clean & smell clean or else I get kicked out of our bed ! Just kidding!