Lean in 13!

The AdvoCare bug bites hard and doesn't let go..no worries this is a good thing.  So its been about 2 months since the transformation has begun.  As of Day 24 of the Challenge I lost 11 pounds and 15.5 inches.  This morning, I weighed myself randomly and I have now lost 18 pounds.  WOW!  I am 2 pounds away from my halfway goal.  That is so motivating and exciting to me!

Today is Day 3 of Lean in 13!  I feel great, this program is quite different from The 24 Day Challenge, its a super challenge of will power and strength.  If you know me, you know I love my carbs.  Lean in 13 is a zig zag pattern of eating meant to really give your fat a good swift kick in the pants to get on and get going out of your body.   Days 1-3, 5-7,9-11 and 13 are protein and veggie based, As a vegetarian that means I have and will be eating a lot of eggs and tofu...thankfully I adore both of these, but non veggiesaurus types can enjoy lean meats as well!    Everyday features a meal replacement shake and muscle gain protein snack in the afternoon as well.  Days 4,8 and 12 you get to add in some carbs!  woot! I did some research and the *best* nut snack was almonds, best veggie, asparagus and best fruit to add grapefruit.  Score! I LOVE ALL OF THOSE!  I picked up some organic firm tofu to cube and bake / stir fry, some organic local eggs and yummy veggies.  I chose MNS Max E this go around for my super nutrition boost, stuck with my catalyst ( loooove catalyst)  Added in Thermoplus to burn some extra calories and nighttime recovery since I plan on doing some serious workouts.  Here is a sampling. 

Not gonna lie, I was a little worried going into this...I really love fruit so I knew Days 1-3 would be hard, but once I got into a pattern it wasn't so bad. I was also worried I wouldn't be eating enough calories so I continued track on spark people and found I was still hitting a 1200 cal minimum and staying with range for protein, carb and fat.  With the addition of MNS I knew I was getting all the nutrients I need, so that really eased my mind!  

I'm really hoping to rock out Lean in 13.  I will keep you updated.  I absolutely cannot wait to eat a grapefruit tomorrow!!  Wish me luck and Keep on Keeping on!

Blaze the Day!

If you've ever met me, you know I will try anything once, within reason.  So about a week ago my advoidol, Jeanette gave me a little packet of muscle fuel to try.  I heeded the warnings that this was some serious stuff,  I'm a big girl...I can handle this.  I got this.  I had been saving this little gold nugget packet for a special occasion.  Whats more special than Saturday??

I woke up...I didn't spark...I know, I know.  The Girl Gone Spark didn't spark!!  And guess what, the world didn't collapse around me.  I poured the packet into my blender ball and shook away....

FIZZ...its fizzy, I loved it, the taste was eh but the fizz was a pleasant surprise.  I had a small snack and some extra water, got my sneakers on and headed over to the YMCA for some action!  Now, the muscle fuel suggested I take 15-30 min before exercise so by the time I got to the Y, I was ready for action.  This stuff was amazing...I did 3.5 miles on the elliptical and 10 miles on the bike, felt like a took a nice leisurely stroll in the park, I could have gone another hour at least...I even talked to a fellow sparkler at the gym while pounding out the miles on the bike.  I practically skipped home, danced around the house, made 2 batches of protein balls!!  Went to a mixer and was still energizer bunnying around into the evening.  OK....sooooo its like Spark on crack and I love it! If it were up to me I would name it something more appropriate, say Blaze.  "I'm gonna Blaze and run 10 miles" People could get down with that!  But, clearly I'm not a marketing genius...lets just leave that to the professionals, shall we? 

Again, if you know me, you know I am not an athlete, unless yoga or shaking your booty at a concert has recently become an Olympic event, but this muscle fuel just may give me the kick to start doing more and more.  I would in the future probably save it for before a race or a long bike ride but I had so much energy and felt amazing, it is definitely a winner in my bookWho is this girl I am becoming??  I'm not sure but I sure do like her Blaze Spark!

Challenge Complete: Day 24!!

Day 24!! Well, folks.  I did it!  24 day challenge complete.  I feel SO AWESOME!  This has truly been a wonderful month.  So many positive changes and it all started with a spark So much has happened in such a short time since this girl got sparked aka: Day 1!

I started these 24 days knowing I needed a kick in the pants, and a change and wow did I get one.  Its all been for the better, and its just going to keep getting better.  I have found new friends and new support and a new level of will power along this journey.  This has not just been a journey of losing weight and inches but a journey of gaining better health, gaining better insight into my strengths and the power of commitment and positive thinking.

The 24 Day Challenge has been a stepping stone to a better way of living to me, and I'm going to keep dancing down that path, and no one is going to stop this girl.  Cause I've been sparked, and there is no stopping a girl once she's gone sparked.

Looking back over some of my goals I set during this challenge, I've met a few, I'm still working on a few achieved some I never intending to work on, and I'm still making more.  Watch out world.

1. Get healthy, lose weight, gain muscle and gain energy. 
•  WOW was I surprised.  I FEEL healthier.  I'm not craving junk, I can easily pass up cookies and Cheetos and soda all day long in favor of almonds, the infamous protein balls, fresh fruit and cherry tomatoes.  
• I have lost weight...11 pounds total!  Buh-BAM
• I feel like I have gained muscle, I feel stronger, and I have lost 15.5 inches total...I have a waist again!! 
• I have SO much energy. Even when I'm not drinking spark I feel great.  I truly believe the detox and added great nutrition has made such a difference in my energy level.  I love it!
2. Do Big Girl push ups:  Well, I'm gonna be honest with you...I'm still working this one. Although I'm still stuck on knee level push ups, I can definitely do more and they are easier, so that my friends is a  huge step for me!  HUGE, I tell you.  
3. I lost calf inches!!! ok this one is huge for me, heh, no pun intended.  I have some killer calves.  They are very muscular yet very big to and as you may remember I have never ever been able to wear high boots.  Well folks, I lost 0.5inches in each calf and while that may not seem a lot to you its a big deal to me and I am so proud.
4. Bonus Goal: Improved mood/ Less stressed. This was one of my 'non goals'  I'm not gonna lie, people got on my last damn never all day every day.  Perhaps part of it was my low engery and fatigue but I was just constantly annoyed by everyone and kinda miss pissy pants.  I would get super stressed over every little thing.  24 days later, life sure as hell isn't any easier, but my attitude and mood are better, which make it a little easier to cope with all the day to day stressors.
5. Bonus Goal: Minimal Pain I didn't make this a goal because, to be perfectly honest with you I never thought I would not be in pain on an almost daily basis.  I'm not exactly sure what the magic combo has been, clean eating, exercise, great nutritional supplements, omega 3s, detox, and decreased stress level,  Fabulous support system.  Whatever it is, its a winner!  I don't hurt every day.  I don't have burning shooting pains in my neck, back and arm.  I can almost do real push ups!  This is probably the most unexpected awesomeness that has happened.  I never thought I could be off my 2400mg a day Motrin habit.  It feels so awesome to not hurt everyday.

These are just a few of the wonderful things that have happened in the last month.  Wow.  Its not over folks, I am going to keep on moving forward with my goals and become the best person I can be.  I do hope you'll continue to cheer me on and join me if you feel so inclined! 

Spark, out! 

Full of Spark(le) with Results: Day 8!

Day 8!!  I'm full of Spark(le) and energy.  Its official, I'm one of those people I used to glare at.  What possesses someone to wake up at 6:30 on a Saturday??  I suppose its a good rest and increased energy.  I'm loving it.  Haters gonna hate.

Today is officially one week.  M has been bugging me to try the workout videos with me, but since I get up at 5:30 on the weekdays to workout, she hasn't been able to join me. The only video she has done so far is core stretch which is basically like yoga.  This morning I decided to let her try melt 1 with me, she loved it.  She was able to follow it well and go between levels as needed for her ability.  Plus, she said it was fun!    I think this is so awesome that a 7 year old is excited to exercise and we can share a workout video...just goes to show the Can You 24 Workout, truly is for everyone.  Don't worry, folks...I did not give her a spark. This kid of mine has natural born in spark all. the. time.  I couldn't imagine her with added energy.

I measured today and also re-weighed, I chose Saturday, cause its lazy non structured nowhere to be day.  Drum roll....6 pounds and 4 inches total lost.  woohoo!  The only place I lost none was my calves.  ugh!! I will keep on keeping on. I will have those boots!!

I love making a good breakfast on the weekends.  Today I made a delicious concoction I created.  Southwestern egg and lentil scramble.  I know, it does not look terribly appetizing but OMG it was so delish.  I only had one egg left, otherwise I would have used two.  Must get to the farmer's market today to pick up more.  Hold your horses before you flip on the fat level, most of the fat comes from the avocado which is GOOD FAT!  You could use 0.25 of an avocado to reduce the fat.

Looking forward to an energy filled Saturday...wow it feels great to actually have energy to go out and do things.  Tonight will be a test of will power.  Helping with a kid's birthday party (cake, pizza, junk food!!) Then going to hang out with friends (junk food, cocktails)  I got this, I will bring a healthy snack for the party and maybe sip a spark instead of cocktails.  Thankfully I have super supportive friends that won't try to bring me to the dark side tonight!  Happy Saturday!!

Southwestern Egg and Lentil Scramble

• 1 egg (2 if you have them, I only had one)
• .075 cup lentils prepared (.025c dry=.075c cooked)
• .05 Haas avocado, diced
• 2 Tbsp Salsa (or more to taste)
• 1 Tbsp almond milk (or other milk of your choice)
• 2 cloves garlic (I'm afraid of vampires so I load up on the garlic...oh wait now, its just delish!!)
• 0.5 tsp coconut oil
• .025 tsp taco seasoning (more or less to taste)

1. Heat pan to medium low, add coconut oil
2. Crush and chop garlic, add to pan
3. Combine egg, milk, taco mix in a shaker or whisk together until light and fluffy
4. Scramble eggs on medium low to desired texture
5. Warm up lentils
6. Mix all together and Enjoy!

Nutrition (1 egg)  330cal  25g carb 12g fiber 21g fat  15g protein.   (2 eggs)  add 70 cal 5g fat 6g protein

(0.25 avocado)  subtract 70 cal 6.5g  fat and 3.5g carb, 3g fiber, 1g protein.  

                                                             

Surprise Guest, Willpower: Day 4

The alarm put up quite the fight this morning, but in the end I was victorious.  After a middle of the night awakening with a wheezy kiddo, I didn't get the greatest nights sleep, eh , parenting what're ya gonna do?  It was a little rough getting up today, but I did it! Up, spark and core stretch workout...this was a nice little change on my still sore, but improving, muscles.

The dreary, rainy start to the day seemed to put everyone in quite the  mood.  Crabby, argumentative people loomed everywhere.  Cranky pants weren't gonna get me down, I just trucked on.  Today was also a total test of will power.  

1. A coworker stopped by and offered to buy me a coffee. So hard to resist.  I really do miss coffee.  like, A LOT! Apparently its very acidic and should be avoided, I keep telling myself, this will not be forever.  My vice is a grande americano, black..with a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon...excuse me while I pull myself together over here...
2. A few coworkers later decided to order Thai food, ugh.  I LOVE Thai food, however after drooling over the menu, I stuck to my grounds and declined.  I did however accept an orphan summer roll, passing on the sauce later that day.  
3. M just HAD to have mac n cheese for dinner.  It was everything I could do to not lick that spoon.  Its so delicious and ooey gooey cheesy.
4. Made M's lunch for tomorrow while she was working hard on her AR book for the week (she got a 100% this week and is now super motivated, woohoo!)  while most of her lunch would be acceptable to nibble on, I did include half a nutella sandwich and welll....its just really really difficulty to not lick the knife. but haha nutella, you lose, I win.
5. Ok, so probably not so much actual willpower involved in this one, but I was catching up on all my shows; Bones, How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory.  And I'll be damned if they were all decided to enjoy a nice glass of red wine in each episode.  argh.  It looked so good...but, all in good time...

While they seem like little accomplishment these are the baby steps that keep chugging me along.  I can say no to things I really want for a short time.  I can do this!  I also was able to get to the Y for about 30 minutes tonight  due to super cooperative little girl and kicked the arc trainers butt.  All and all Day 4 was a success.  20 more to go!

Wide awake and sore, oh so sore. Day 2

Day 2!!  I went to bed around 11 last night, I wasn't exhausted but, I figured it was time.  So after reading a couple of chapters of Water For Elephants (so good! I have it in epub if anyone wants it) I went to bed...then I woke up and it was still dark, I looked at the clock at it was 0600.  WTH??  I shut my eyes vowing not to be up before the sun on the weekend.  Its just not right, I argued with myself. I'm a sleeper. I don't get up early.  No way, no day.  I love sleeping in, its not unusual for me to sleep til 9 or later on a weekend, I refused to be awake at 6am!  I woke up again and there was the sunlight....it was barely 7am.  FINE.  I'll get up. I was wide awake and I was SORE.  Jeanette was not kidding, that 24 day workout is really effective.  Yes, yes, I did go to the Y yesterday and bike but I do that every Saturday and I am never sore from that. ever

I got my spark on, mandarin today, yum and did Shred 1 workout on the 24 day workout. It would have been so easy to just skip it being so sore, but I put on my big girl pants and powered through.  I even felt a little less sore afterwards, whats up with that??   I made a new friend, Level 2 Jodi...although due to my soreness (and inability to do big girl  push ups) I hung out a bit with Shawna on level 1 and we did our girly push ups, but hey...we still did it!

Additional goal:  Do big girl push ups.

Side note for Day 1, I wasn't hungry all the time...I figured I'd be starving constantly.  But I'm satisfied, I tracked my intake yesterday on sparkpeople and I ate about 1300 calories.  I don't know if the spark is helping to suppress my appetite or I'm just eating more protein and staying full, either way, I'm not complaining and I'll take it!

Veggie City: Day 1.5

 Day 1.5:  I talked to my bff/ Friday night wine buddy and my Mom/ Sunday night spaghetti buddy  to inform them the challenge has begun. I'm thrilled that my bff is going to take this journey with me, we are challenging each other.  I detect a hint of interest from my mom...we will work on her.  Its great to have people to support and encourage me in real life, yea!

I took an afternoon spark and headed out for my typical Saturday bike/elliptical combo.  Even after doing the 24 workout I had the energy for this, even more energy.  That felt great!  Stopped at Aldis to look for quinoa, no such luck but I got some killer produce and some almonds to make almond butter. Rocked out while cutting up all my veggies and fruit and put them away all nice, washed and ready to snack, made a big batch of hummus, made some spiced sweet potatoes and my almond butter.  So Yum.

I've also been using Sparkpeople to track my food intake, weight/ measurements and activity.  I've used this site off and on for years and  I always do better tracking. Plus using sparkpeople which SPARKing is just seems appropriate.  Unfortunately they don't have a free app which is a big fat bummer but, oh well guess I'll just have to do it the 'old fashioned way' and hop on the old lap top and key it all in.  It definitely helps me make sure I am getting enough protein, which as a veggiesaurs sometimes is a little harder, but I got this, noooo problemo.

If you Give a Girl a Spark. aka Day 1

Last night I tagged along with Jeanette and Tracey to learn more about this whole challenge thing and try some new things.  I sampled the watermelon spark and ohhh yum! Jeanette's husband won a 24 day challenge workout video, since they already had one she let me have it.  Score!   So I decided this morning since I had my box, a new work out video and woke up at 0700 on my own (no fake out alarm this morning) I'd bite the bullet and go for it.  So I sparked up and tried the video.  Its only 24 minutes and even gave; she who doesn't like much more than cardio' a good workout.  Loved that it has 3 fitness levels at one time you could follow.  I stayed most with the level 2 gal, we bonded a bit in our 24 minutes. Although some exercises (push ups!) I did level one and others (plank, et. al) I rocked out on level 3. Very happy with it.  Thanks, Jeanette!!

I figured if I can get in habit this weekend of wake up, spark, 24 minute workout I can carry it through the week.  I can handle an extra half hour in the morning, right?  (This is were you post encouraging comments, people)

I took the obligatory before and after pics after taking the spark, working out and eating. ( no meal replacement on the weekend, homemade all the way: scrambled eggs in coconut oil, green onions an orange and hibiscus tea oh...and the fiber drink not so yum but its fiber, it is what it is...)  It was a little like a scene out of if you give a mouse a cookie, you know those books right?  Where the kid gives the total ADD spaz mouse a cookie, then it sets off a whole chain of events?  Well if you give a girl a spark, she may decide to start a 24 day challenge and work out.  If she works out she might as well take before pictures.  If she takes before pictures, she has to clean her mirror (its rather dusty) if she cleans her mirror she should clean her floor too.  If  she cleans her floor she should shine it too (so it looks good in pictures) If she shines the floor she should clean up all the excess shoes so they aren't in the picture, and she should clean off the dresser too...you see where this is going...

I  took 2 sets of before pictures, which I am not ready to post yet, sorry folks. Set one was in an old (i.e. 30+ lbs ago workout outfit) and the second in current clothes.  I also measured waist, hips, thighs, arms and all that junk. heh da junk in da trunk.

I also added another measurement.  Calves.  I have huge calves.  I'm adding another goal...lose inches in my calves.  I have always wanted a pair of knee high boots or super cute cow boy girl boots,  but my calves are too big for them.  I promise you I will get a pair soon, maybe some skinny jeans and dress to go with them too.  Don't make me eat my words.

No glitter, just a little spark(le)

WOW!  So...I took my sample of spark this morning, then 30 minutes later had the protein  meal replacement shake.  Due to my extreme skepticism at the shakes, especially at chocolate shakes Jeanette gave me a sample, and damn it was good.  I mixed it just with cold water as not to mask any chalky or funky flavors.  And I'll be damned, it was yummy and kept me full all morning and didn't have a bunch of funky ingredients or fillers.  SOLD.   Actually another thing that sold me bigtime was this meal shake was designed by the same dude that  invented TPN!!  For you fellow medical folks you know how amazing this is, for you non medical folks TPN is IV nutrition that has saved millions of lives by providing nutrition at the cellular levels. (read more here) How freaking cool is that?!?

To my disappointment there was no glitter that sprung forth from the packet of spark much as I had anticipated.  But it did give me a nice energy, which felt awesome. I felt very spunky and I liked it.   Now anyone that knows me, knows that I am a huge coffee fan.  Caffeine has basically no effect on me, I can drink a grande americano and go right to bed.  I never get a coffee buzz if spark is what coffee does to normal people, then I'm jealous!

Ok now I really can't wait for my package to come!

The Back Story, You Gotta Have a Back Story.

Its been almost a year since my shoulder injury, Brachial Plexus Impingement.  (I wouldn't recommend it, its sucks pretty hard)  Although its not an excuse, I've gained at least 20 pounds and lost a crapton of muscle strength since I've been unable to run. With the help of my super awesome friend/chiropractor I've regained use and sensation of my hand and arm and don't have constant pain anymore, which is pretty cool.  Its been a vicious cycle of pain, not working  out, not running (which I sooo miss) junk food, wine, stress and being just plain tired!  My good friend Tracey invited me to a 'Fitness Mixer' and gave me a sample of this stuff, 'Spark'(go ahead, click it, you know you want to.)  To be honest I was expecting lots of glitter and something pink...well, I was partly correct.  I had been trying, unsuccessfully, to lose some of this damn weight.  But...I was so tired. Every morning and all day.

6:00a hit snooze

6:10, hit snooze again.

6:20 listen to alarm and stare at ceiling wondering if its really Saturday and I forgot to turn off my alarm (no such luck, EVER)

6:25 drag myself out of bed fight with kid to get up and dressed, eat a crappy granola bar or chalky protein shake, gag and try not to vomit. 

7:00am off to drop kid  Exhausted.

7:30-4:30  lots of coffee, I mean, LOTS the workworkworkwork the rest of the day. With a few breaks and a lunch thrown in at some point.  I always  had good intentions every day of going to the gym but then around rolls.....

4:30p and its leave work, pick up kid, take kid home, kid is crabby, cranky, has homework, hungry.  Make dinner, BAM its 

7:30p, kid doesn't want to go to Y, I'm tired, kids tired, read a book, put kid to bed, where is my wine??
10:00.  out, exhausted, maybe I'll get up early and workout tomorrow...there is always tomorrow..

So...I bit the bullet and bought a 24 day Challenge.  I had done a similar challenge about 3 years ago and had awesome results, so I knew I could do it and rock it.  I had a little panic attack that moment when I entered my credit card info and hit send as any dirt broke single mom does on a daily basis.  

And then, we wait for the package to arrive...