Day 19

Busy busy day! Another meeting out at one of mines and an accidental nap after getting home. Oops! Had dinner with my family and girl's night at the movie with my mom and sis-in-law. Fun!

 

FOOD
Breakfast:  Hard-boiled eggs, coffee with sugar-free vanilla creamer

Lunch:  Steak and chicken kabob, vegetable fried rice, strawberries (catered lunch)

Dinner:  Baked lemon chicken thigh with asparagus, potatoes, and carrots

Snacks:  Skinny vanilla latte, banana, popcorn

Total Calories = 1620

 

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
Getting to visit family in November

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Fighter" by Christina Aguilera

Day 18

It seems like the more sleep I get, the puffier and darker my eyes are. What's that all about? 

 

Anyhoo... I had lunch with my bff Jenny and her baby Hudson. Love them! Then I went straight to the gym after work to get some cardio in. I'm a fan of the arc trainer at this point. Run/walking is frustrating me this week, so I'm trying out different machines to continue working on my endurance. Good tunes on the iPod are key too! 

 

FOOD
Breakfast:  Hard-boiled eggs, apple slices, coffee with sugar-free vanilla creamer

Lunch:  Sirloin steak with onions and mushrooms, broccoli, red potatoes

Dinner:  Hamburger with no bun, green beans, a few bites of tator tots

Snacks:  Skinny vanilla latte, oatmeal cookie (naughty Toni)

Total Calories = 1701

 

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
Snapping out of a funk.

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Born to Be My Baby" by Bon Jovi

Day 17

Okay, I realize I don't run a very exciting blog around here. But it is helping me to stay more focused knowing I have to check in every day. Thanks for anyone who still reads and for the support so far!

 

After my emotional outburst on Monday, I took on Tuesday with a new attitude. I had a meeting out at one of our mines, so it helped to have a change of scenery from the daily work routine. It's nice to do that once in awhile.

 

I didn't get a workout in with being out of town and then more salon spoiling. But that's okay. I'm not being lazy, I'm re-charging. :) Plus, I'm walking like Frankenstein from Monday's strength training session with Rachel. HA! 

 

FOOD
Breakfast:  Spinach egg bake, coffee with sugar-free vanilla creamer

Lunch:  Chicken enchiladas with green chili, refried beans, spanish rice (Catered work lunch)

Dinner:  Italian chicken

Snacks:  Bananas

Total Calories = 1667

 

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
A tweet I saw from Bill Crutchfield, of Crutch Camp in Nashville... "If you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed."

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Hey Jude" done recently by a number of country artists, actors, and St. Judes doctors and patients. :)

Day 16

I'm glad yesterday is over. I felt like I was battling all day at work/home/family/gym/etc. Today is a new day, and I won't let a bad Monday take its toll on the rest of my week! :)

 

WORKOUT
Walk/Jog - 20 minutes

Arc Trainer - 20 minutes

Strength Training - 60 minutes

My walk/job at lunch seemed harder today than last week, which kicked my frustration into a spiral. I went a little early for my training session after work, in attempt to take it out on some other cardio machines. But that had me dragging too. POSITIVE note: I felt strong in my training session, so that's what I'm focusing on.

FOOD
Breakfast:  Spinach egg bake, coffee with sugar-free vanilla creamer

Lunch:  Italian chicken

Dinner:  Italian chicken

Snacks:  Banana, almonds, oatmeal with apple slices

Total Calories = 1523

 

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
New beginnings

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Sweeter" by Gavin DeGraw

Day 15

I really do enjoy Sundays. They seem to feel productive and relaxing at the same time. I took my time getting up for the day, but got my work out in before I moved onto the rest of my day. Finished organizing for my work week, then enjoyed watching football and the Emmy's. Good day!

WORKOUT
Walk/Jog - 25 minutes

FOOD
Breakfast:  Veggie omlette, grapes and honeydew melon, whole wheat toast
Lunch:  Leftover veggie pizza
Dinner:  Pork tenderloin, strawberries, zucchini with corn/tomatoes/onions
Snacks:  Banana, coffee with sugar-free vanilla creamer
Total Calories = 1409

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
Countering the tiny bit of guilt I felt on Saturday for not working out

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Foxy Jane" by Tony Lucca

Day 14

So I forgot to check in for yesterday. :) Relaxing, yet productive Saturday. Slept in and got my errands done for the next week. Organized my room/house and spent time with my family. Not much else exciting.

WORKOUT
I took another rest day, but at least I didn't spend it all on the couch. So I guess I don't feel too guilty.

FOOD
Breakfast: Veggie omlette, wheat toast
Lunch:  Skinny vanilla latte, fruit cup, wheat thins crackers
Dinner: Veggie thin crust pizza, strawberries
Snacks: Banana
Total Calories = 1678

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
Playing with my niece and nephew.

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Grenade" by Bruno Mars

Day 13

What a great Friday! I woke up about an hour before my alarm, so I decided to get up and do my workout rather than go back to sleep. Might as well get it out of the way! It felt great and I enjoyed the rest of my day at work and watching a movie with my parents.

WORKOUT
Walk/Jog - 25 minutes
I wasn't sure if I'd be able to push through that early in the morning, but I did it. :)

FOOD
Breakfast: Spinach Egg Bake (with ground turkey, green chiles, and tomatoes), coffee with sugar-free vanilla creamer
Lunch:  Cajun grilled chicken with onions and green peppers on a pita, cottage cheese
Dinner:  Popcorn... yes, interesting
Snacks: Banana, Skinny Vanilla Latte
Total Calories = 1303

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
My supportive family. :)

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"When She's On" by Chris Young

Day 12

Starting to feel pretty good each day. I think I may have finally gotten caught up on my sleep. I've also increased calories a bit this week, and I'm noticing I don't feel as sluggish. Picking out clothes each day is a little more fun as well, since things are starting to fit better... or getting too big. :)

WORKOUT
Walk/Jog - 25 minutes
I still have a lot of endurance to build up, but this workout today felt great!

FOOD
Breakfast:  Spinach Egg Bake (with ground turkey, green chiles, and tomatoes), coffee with sugar-free vanilla creamer
Lunch:  Hamburger on whole wheat english muffin with mustard; strawberries, grapes
Dinner:  Roasted chicken sandwich on whole wheat with mustard, lettuce, and pickles
Snacks:  Banana, almonds
Total Calories = 1590
We had a picnic at work today to say goodbye to summer. I was proud of myself for passing up the chips for only fruit as my side. And it was delicious! I might need to go get some strawberries. ;)

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
Upcoming trip to Nashville. I cannot wait!

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Your Body is a Wonderland" by John Mayer

Day 11

Well it felt good to work out again. I was a little worried since I felt sluggish all morning. But once I got to the gym, I had no problem working hard! And then treated myself to a manicure after work. Why not?!

WORKOUT
Strength Training - 45 minutes
I worked up a good sweat again in this workout! Woohoo!

FOOD
Breakfast:  Spinach Egg Bake (with ground turkey, green chiles, and tomatoes), whole wheat english muffin, coffee with sugar-free vanilla creamer
Lunch:  Baked chicken fajitas
Dinner:  Grilled pork chop, steamed broccoli, grilled onions and potatoes
Snacks:  Banana
Total Calories = 1451

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
The great feeling I get after a workout or making smart choices in eating.

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Better in a Black Dress" by Katie Armiger

Day 10

If nature is trying to challenge me, I guess I'll take it now so I can get all the kinks out. Wouldn't that be nice? I ended up taking another day of rest from working out because of an ocular migraine. That was an interesting experience! Since my vision and balance were off, I felt it was best to take it easy one more day. Dangit! Trying not to feel bad about that today. On the upside, I didn't let that deter me from my eating plan. :)

FOOD
Breakfast:  Spinach Egg Bake (with ground turkey, green chiles, and tomatoes), whole wheat english muffin
Lunch:  Baked chicken fajitas
Dinner:  1/2 cup chili with meat and beans, mixed veggies, ham slices (random combo, I know)
Snacks:  Banana, oatmeal, skinny vanilla latte
Total Calories = 1501
*I have made a new rule for myself to limit the lattes to no more than 2 per week. There are plenty of other options if I need a hot beverage.

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
Knowing I can make smart decisions without it being a big production. HA!

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Superstition" by Stevie Wonder

Day 9/Week 1 Summary

Yesterday was a hard day, emotionally. I just didn't have any pep and found myself focusing too much on what still needs to be "fixed," rather than what I've already accomplished. I decided to sort through my closet of clothes from the past. Surprisingly I was able to fit into a number of items that haven't seen the light of day in quite some time. Most of them are not in style anymore, but I now know they fit and I can let go/get rid of them.

I forgot to weigh in last Monday when I started this venture, so Tuesday is my weigh in day. I'm happy to report I'm down 4 pounds!!

WORKOUTS
I took a much needed rest day and also got some pampering at my salon. :)

FOOD
Breakfast:  Spinach Egg Bake (with ground turkey, green chiles, and tomatoes), whole wheat english muffin, coffee with sugar-free vanilla creamer
Lunch:  Baked chicken fajitas
Dinner:  Baked chicken fajitas
Snacks:  Banana, Skinny Vanilla Latte
Total Calories = 1396

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
That 4 pound loss = results!

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Ex Old Man" by Kristen Kelly

Day 8

What a great weekend! I haven't spend a quiet/alone weekend at home in a few months. Although it was nice to relax, at times I felt like I should be on the go. Good time to focus. :)

WORKOUTS
Strength-Training - 60 minutes
Walking - 60 minutes
FOOD
Breakfast:  Spinach Egg Bake (with ground turkey, green chiles, and tomatoes), whole wheat english muffin
Lunch:  Stuffed chicken breast with pepper jack, skinny vanilla latte
Snacks:  Banana
Dinner:  Pulled pork, baked bean, dill pickle spear
Total Calories = 1691

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
Remembering the 8 cross country runners who were taken from us far too soon

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe

Day 7

I haven't spent a Saturday with my own agenda in over 3 months, so I was excited for this weekend! I put in some solid gym time in the morning before doing my shopping and cooking for next week. Plan, plan, plan! :)

WORKOUTS
Strength Training - 45 minutes
Abs Express Class - 15 minutes
Cycling - 60 minutes
Felt great getting all this taken care of!

FOOD
Breakfast:  Plain oatmeal with banana
Lunch:  Chicken breast with mushrooms
Dinner:  Stuffed chicken breast with pepper jack cheese 
Snack:  Skinny vanilla latte
Total Calories = 1331

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
A "goal" t-shirt I found when organizing my dresser.

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Tomorrow" by Chris Young

Day 6

What a work week! I was definitely ready for Friday. I'd been planning movie night with my friend Season, all week! We knew we'd have pizza, so I tried to eat a little lighter early in the day. And I made sure I got my scheduled workout in. It was good to lounge and catch up. I need to do that more often. :)

WORKOUTS
Wogging - 20 minutes

FOOD
Breakfast:  Scrambled eggs, coffee with sugar-free vanilla creamer
Lunch:  4 cups of steamed broccoli
Snacks:  Banana, plain oatmeal, whole natural almonds
Dinner:  Thin crust veggie pizza (planned "treat" meal for movie night), popcorn
Total Calories = 1705

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
Feeling better physically

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen

Day 5

What a sappy day/week for me! I keep thinking of all the good things I have in life. I tend to let it go the back of my mind too often, so it's good to focus on the good again. Pretty typical day as far as work goes. Had lunch with my mom so we could chat and catch up.

WORKOUTS
Wogging - 20 minutes
I rushed home after work to get this workout in before heading to watch my niece and nephew each play soccer games. BUT, the important thing is, I got a workout in (even if it was a short one)!

FOOD
Breakfast:  Scrambled eggs, coffee with sugar-free vanilla creamer
Lunch:  Small sirloin steak, steamed broccoli, a few bites of roasted red potatoes
Snacks:  Banana, Low sugar granola bar (lack of planning on my part at the soccer fields, and I was SO hungry)
Dinner:  Stuffed chicken breast with pepper jack cheese, Herbal tea with milk
Total Calories = 1225

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
Fall fashion. ;-)

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Love Like Crazy" by Lee Brice

Day 4

Just another day on the job. :) I booked my trip for some training in October, so I'm excited about that. I did my workout over lunch again, which I'm starting to enjoy. I can't bring myself to get up at 5am to do it then, and I come up with excuses too easily not to go after work. Lunch time might be key!

WORKOUTS
Strength-Training - 60 minutes
Wow! I had an INTENSE workout with Sunni (a trainer at my gym). It was tough, but the afterthought is I'm impressed with what I can physically do. I'm stronger than I think and I can tell how far I've come in the past year or so in my lifting. It was a good one!

FOOD
Breakfast:  Scrambled eggs, iced coffee with non-fat milk
Lunch:  Chicken breast with mushrooms, mounds of broccoli (it's tasting so good these days)
Snacks:  Plain oatmeal, banana, light string cheese
Dinner:  Turkey chili with beans and a half piece of cornbread (because my new lifestyle is moderation)
Total Calories = 1570

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
Knowing I'm making changes for ME!

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Not Over You" by Gavin DeGraw

Day 3

Another good day, both mentally and physically! I woke up several times throughout the night before, so I was worried I'd be tired. But I felt pretty darn good all day.
I did my "wogging" (walk/jog) over lunch hour. I have to give myself pep talks all through the workout, but what keeps me going is knowing it can only easier. Right?!
I went out to dinner for a friend's birthday, so I tried to plan ahead and have my mind set on what I was going to eat. I feel like I made good choices for a buffet. I even skipped dessert. No guilt today and still feeling good. :)

WORKOUTS
Walk/Jog - 20 minutes
Only 20 minutes doesn't seem like much, but it's what I could accomplish. And I felt good about it afterward.

FOOD
Breakfast:  Scrambled eggs, coffee with sugar-free vanilla creamer
Lunch:  Chicken breast with mushrooms
Snacks:  Plain oatmeal, light string cheese
Dinner:  Half portion of prime rib, dinner salad with a little ranch dressing, mixed seasonal veggies (peppers, carrots, onions, squash), and a sampling of the smoked sausage
Total Calories = 1339

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
The aching muscles from Monday and Tuesday's workouts. It tells me I'm making changes. "It's a good hurt."

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Perfect" by Pink

Day 2

First day was successful, in my opinion. I've received amazing feedback and support already, so thank you all! The first day always feels like the easiest to me. I'm pumped up and ready to take on the world. We'll make sure that feeling surfaces a heck of a lot more this go-round. :)

WORKOUTS
Cycling - 50 minutes
Strength Training (full body) - 60 minutes
I was a little weak in my strength training. I think I didn't eat enough earlier in the day, and I could've been tired from cycling over lunch too. Just finding my balance now so that doesn't happen again.

FOOD
Breakfast:  Scrambled eggs, coffee with sugar-free vanilla creamer (it's my treat)
Lunch:  Chicken breast with mushrooms, heaps of steamed broccoli
Snack:  Plain oatmeal, raw whole almonds
Dinner:  Chicken breast with pepper jack cheese
Total Calories = 1255

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY
Everyone who has offered helpful tips or to be a workout buddy. Now I really don't have any excuses... uh oh! HA!

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE
"Beer With Jesus" by Thomas Rhett

Day 1

Here we go...
I forgot to mention one of my major goals in this endeavor, which is to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. This has been a struggle for me for quite some time, but I always feel so much better when I actually let myself rest. Last night I was asleep before 9pm, which is pretty much unheard of for me. I'm off on a good note in the sleep department. Although someone at work told me I look tired, ugh! Maybe it's because I'm playing catch up from the last few months of "concert season." :)
I'll post my meal tracking and workouts on days following completion. I do go in for a session tonight with my awesome personal trainer (shout out to Rachel), that should help get me going too. She's doing the Warrior Dash with me, so I can't really escape. HA!

MOTIVATOR OF THE DAY:
All of the people who donated to St. Jude's in my participation in the Warrior Dash. They believe in the cause and in me, so I can't let them down.

SONG THAT MAKES ME SMILE:
"Hello Goodbye" by Tyler Farr

Talk to you all tomorrow!

Introduction

I'm just another girl trying to make changes in life. I need a health makeover. I have recently registered myself for the Warrior Dash in Las Vegas taking place 40 days from now. My goal is to complete all obstacles without passing out or crying, and not having the slowest time. Sounds easy enough, right? HA! But I want to tackle the run/walk portions of the course as well.

My history of successes and failures with dieting and exercise has taught me one very important lesson... I do better with someone holding me accountable. I've come to the point, however, I need a lot of people holding me accountable. Hence, starting this blog.

GOALS - SIMPLIFIED:
1. Eat less processed food.
2. Eat under 1800 calories per day (this may sound like a lot, but I'm including "treat days").
3. Lose 10 pounds.
4. Run/Jog one mile without stopping.

PLAN OF ACTION:
I'm hoping to keep it simple.
1. Plan meals for each week ahead of time (generally on Sundays).
2. Complete minimum of five 30-minute cardio sessions each week.
3. Complete three strength training sessions each week.
4.  Keep a diary of all food and workouts to hold myself accountable and on track.

I'm sure there are other goals and other plans of action that will come into play, but as I've said, I'm trying to keep it simple. I don't want to look at this as a gigantic undertaking, it's just making better decisions in my life. We tend to place far too much pressure and emphasis on ourselves when making changes in life. I want to approach this aggressively, but not beat myself up if I slip up. Life happens, and I refuse to let daily mishaps or mistakes determine the success of my goal toward a better life.

Feel free to comment or provide feedback. But please understand, I am not following any specific diet or eating program, and I will not accept anyone claiming their way is the only or best way. I'm working on discovering what is best for ME.

Thanks!