End of Week 4 Picture

MyFitnessPal - Free Weight Loss Tools

Losing Weight to Get Healthy

http://www.3dyourwholelife.com/pdf/Waist_Hips_%20Measurement.pdf

If I continued on the road of staying overweight, and almost obese I would have eventually  met the ugly faces of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. I measured my BMR, BMI, & % Body Fat and like I anticipated I was high risk for the aforementioned.  Needless to say I am relieved that I started working out and getting my weight down, and heading towards a healthier me!

That One Dress..

I found that "one" dress that I would like to perfectly fit in by the time I hit my goal. This will be worn to dinner out with my husband =) Those tangible things help me work out in days when I feel like sitting on the couch with a bag of popcorn and watching a 2 hour long Korean Drama lol (This was the old me, but the new me will hit "PLAY" and get to 40 mins. of Plyometric Circuit. Here we go ! Insanity Week 4!!!)

Dress from: ModCloth.com

WEEK 3 PICTURE

DURING Week 1 of Insanity

Before Insanity 

I Finally Own A Scale!

I went to Walmart and bought a $30 scale. I'm glad I did or else I wouldn't have known I was down

-6 lbs. in my third week of Insanity. What a great feeling! It is so exciting to see in tangible ways the pay off of exercising 6 times  a week. I'll be posting my"before and Week 3 picture" this Saturday, so do come back! Thanks for reading =)

What My Work-Out Really Looks Like..

source: http://betterbodytips.com/2011/03/15/juggling-motherhood-working-out-the-best-workout-out-exercises-for-moms-mothers-and-pregnants-on-the-upper-east-side-ny/

I work out in our kitchen with the laptop, since the Kids need to be occupied for the 40 minutes I'm working out, they get dibs on the TV. However, for some reason they love to gravitate to my mat to what feels like every 5 minutes. So, here is how my 40 minutes REALLY looks like lol.

Me: Warming Up  (I see a baby in my peripheral.. I'm thinking "I really hope I don't hit him/her")

Baby: Sits on the mat

Me: Moves away from the mat and transfer to the floor (I smell something funny .. I'm thinking "oh boy, I smell poop)

PAUSE DVD-Change Diaper-Throw away diaper-wash hands-give baby toy and move baby back to living room- PRESS PLAY

Half way into my work out

Me: Sweating & out of breath (I feel a toddler holding on to my leg.. I'm thinking "that's okay- I need weights anyway)

Toddler: "Mom, I'm thirsty!" x15 

Me: Waiting for the next 30 second break so I can give toddler water

Toddler: "Mom! I want water ... pleeeeease!" 

Me: "Finally, 30 second break!" Share water with toddler 

End of my work out

Me: Panting & Drenched in Sweat ( I see baby and toddler climbing up the table)

Toddler & baby:  Making progress up the table

Me: Pause DVD- Rescue baby and toddler-Play DVD

Begging "Shaun T! Please let's do the cool down, already"

***************************************************
It may not be the ideal environment for working-out but, I thank God that my kids are slowly understanding that this is part of mommy's routine, and it's important. I also get the opportunity to educate my 5 year old son why exercise is important, and why food choices is also just as important. I never thought I could incorporate exercise into our everyday schedule. I had so many excuses and to me, they were valid, but 3 weeks ago my health became more important than my excuses. I committed, and prayed to God that I would be accountable for my decision and whether or not there was someone pushing or encouraging me - I would still keep on going. 

A Good Investment $

I thought I would reward myself for reaching my 3rd week of Insanity =)
There are great deals at Marshalls/TJ Maxx on some good quality work out clothes. I am now all set for this summer! I find it goes a long way to spend a little bit more money on high-quality work out clothes. Well, it is probably a matter of comfort since I work out 6 days a week I at least want to have work out clothes that I don't have to be tugging, pulling, folding, or adjusting every minute or so.



It's all about feeling good and being comfortable!

Still Chugging Along

I walked down the stairs today and my husband made a comment that really makes sense, and made me rethink of the before and Week 2 Pictures. I haven't really had a drastic weight loss as the pictures may have showed.. but I have noticeable weight loss. I have a looooooong way to go, In fact,
 my husband said that I was shrinking but not one body part was shrinking more than the other, meaning the weight was coming off in all parts. I kind of hoped it was an exclaim of "wow, your tummy is so flat!" lol but, in reality- it's not- yet... and that's okay, because it's only my second week and I'm in this for the long run and hope to get back into tip top shape. Just to share a few specifics.. before Insanity I fit a snug Size 12 Pants, and because a lot of my fat are centered in my core this is going to take a lot of work to burn off. The Week 2 pictures, my size 12 pants are loose. So, I haven't dropped a dress size, but I am hoping by end of July I'll be a comfortable Size 10. Just to let you know..I'm 5'3 and to be in a healthy BMI , I want to be between 125-130 lbs. I hope to be there by the end of the year. By then, I hope to fit in a size 5/6. Just thinking about it makes me do another set of Cardio Abs =)

When Talking to Yourself Helps

Today's work out was just crazy! I've done this circuit before, but I don't know why today I was especially having a hard time pushing through the 40 minutes. I noticed that my mind was looking for an escape since I was in a situation that was painful, so it was a mental combat. One side saying "just stop, aren't you tired? Take a break." And the other side saying "No, you will not give up, you will not quit, you will finish this till the very end." As if the physical strain wasn't enough, I had this whole conversation going on in my mind! Good gracious, I was tired, but hey- I finished it, and I thank God for giving me the strength to finish strong in today's work out!

Picture quality stinks, but I've been wanting to wear this dress for  quite a while, finally fits! =)

Before & After Work Out Must Have

Two Things that I take before and after my work out.

Before:

I usually take the Access Bar & my husband drinks the shake. What is it? Well.. It's a product from a company called Melaleuca and it does the following:

• Helps Reduce body fat
• increase lean muscle mass and helps improve muscle tone
• Helps keep fat off and prevents weight gain. 

"Access contains the purest form of CLA. Naturally sourced from safflower oil"

 (straight from the box)

After:

Proflex is basically a recovery formula. Since exercise  creates free radicals (unstable molecules that attack and damage your cells, slowing recovery). Free radicals is neutralized by Vitamins. Proflex also provides the essential amino acids to build muscle, decreases recovery time to make you feel less fatigue. There is also fiber to help your digestion. All this information taken from the information written on the back of the packaging. 

Before & Week 2 of Insanity Pictures

BEFORE Insanity

Week 2 of Insanity

Before Insanity

Week 2 of Insanity 

These are pictures that show how my Insanity work out is changing my body. I committed to giving this exercise routine my 100% and I am very glad because it is Day 10 today and I feel great! In fact, I feel like I have a little bit more endurance to keep up with the crazy moves that Shaun T. does in the video. I know it's just the beginning and I'm looking forward to shedding more F A T !  ;) I'm also incorporating a change in my family's meals where we eat foods as close to nature as possible, and none of the processed stuff. Meaning, if it comes from a box, a can or a jar it won't be served as a meal. My eating habits has tremendously change. I am determined not to put back in what I've worked so hard to keep out. Stay tuned for the next set of "during" pictures, which will be Week 3 of Insanity

To all Mamas out there, you can do this!!!

Please Read This Update, Thanks!: http://ladyenglatiera.blogspot.com/2012/06/visionary-thinking.html

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Insanity Week 2 Begins

Before Work-Out Thoughts:

Accomplishing 6 days of Insanity is a great feeling, but knowing that is just the beginning slaps me into reality. It is like kick-starting an engine, and you turn the key a few times in hope to get it started.. Right now, I'm just hearing the rattle of the engine about to finally turn on and there is just a bit of  hope to celebrate, but not quite yet. Don't get me wrong, I am soooooooo happy that I finally have been able to start a work-out routine, but this is not a quick fix, instead it is a discipline. A habit that needs to be formed in my life where I know without a question I will and must accomplish. Before, working out was just a result of a guilt trip and I could drop it whenever I felt. However, I want this to be a change that will stick and last. I want my kids growing up knowing that exercising and being active is an important part of our lifestyle. I continue to press on and begin this work out with the motivation that I am in this for the long run.

After Work-Out Thoughts: The picture speaks for itself (lol)

This is Insanity Sweat, baby! =)

Each Choice Counts

I had this snack craving and I had two choices and it was so hard to pick the healthier snack because the smell of cinnamon on warm bread just left me mouth watering. HOWEVER, I buckled down, and just turned away realizing this would not be a step forward. I indulged on a Tspn. Of peanut butter and a banana instead!

"Won't" Power (Day 6- Done!)

".... 'It's not a question of will power, but of 'won't" power... No thank you, I won't have any." Such drastic adjustments are not always necessary, but the day-by-day discipline in many little things is. In truth we may say that the finest display of such discipline is not the spectacular achievement but the permanent adjustment of living pattern." 

 -Richard S. Taylor

Source: http://pcmlifestyle.com/tag/food-addiction/

Today was a little rough. About 20 minutes into Insanity I was ready to turn that thing off and just do my own thing, but I knew my own perspective of work out probably won't have me sweating like how I am now. Literally, just drenched in sweat! I'm very glad that I stuck through it because I am definitely feeling the climb up my proverbial mountain here.

Yesterday, we went to eat out to celebrate our little man's graduation from Pre-school. The quote above kept ringing through my mind, just every minute saying "no, thanks- I won't eat that right now or "No, I will not eat that right now." I say right now because I feel that I'm at the point of training my mind and body to have positive association with healthy foods. I want to give my body a chance to cleanse itself from the junk I've fed it all these years. I'm glad I didn't have that: pretzel, ice cream, pop corn, milk shake, and cupcake. These are all the foods I could've consumed yesterday-boy, am I glad I walked away lol (can you imagine how many hours of Insanity it would take to burn all those off??!) 

Finished Pure Cardio (Day 5)!

Woooow!! That was intense cardio and let me tell you it felt soooo good after the cool down. Finishing something as intense as the work out today made me realize I can do this and what I thought was unbearable is now doable. Trust me, I prayed my way through the 40 minutes and I thank God for giving me the strength and motivation to finish day 5. Also, getting a healthy start in the morning is wonderful. Nothing like being up at 6:30 a.m. and knowing that I have the privacy to work-out without being afraid that I'll knock out one of my toddlers with the high intensity jumps/kicks lol. 

I also noticed that my jeans felt so comfortable today; I still have that muffin top issue on my belly- but, I am so ready to get rid of this spare tire. Here we go- Onto Day 6 of Insanity!!!

How Can A Busy Mama Exercise?!?!

source:http://5to9branding.com/2010/06/25/leisure-marketing-governments-latest-leisure-time-study-confirms-stereotypes/

I used to come up with 101 excuses on why I could not fit working out into my daily routine, and you know what? I am paying for each and single one of my excuses. When I said "no" to exercising and helping my body  stay healthy; I was saying "yes" to staying over-weight and unhealthy. I don't know what it is but from reading other blogs, and even my very own best friend's experience with deciding to take that step to finally just be healthy-something just CLICKS! It's a moment when you say "enough, is enough!"

For me,  that moment was last Sunday. I had a talk with my husband in the car on the way to church and I said "I'm going to lose weight this year, and that's that." What  I love about my husband is he is a great encourager  and he pushes me like on one else can. He told me that I looked beautiful just the way I am (I know so cliche' but you know us ladies love to hear our man say that to us) but, he agreed that shedding the pounds would do me some good. My turning point was then, and it's been almost 5 days, which may not seem long BUT for someone like me who loves to start something new, but will easily drop what I've started once I've lost interest-this is a GREAT accomplishment =)

Maintaining this blog allows me to "vocalize" through writing the ups and downs of this journey, and it enables me to regain perspective. I also have created a multitude of accountability just by daily posting on my Facebook wall. I look forward to saying "done" after my work-out and letting my family and friends know that I haven't given up, slacked off, and I'm pushing hard towards my goal. I'm sure half of those people could care less, but you know what I do it to keep myself motivated. I pray, write this blog, I send pictures to my husband after my work out, update my status, and read books about discipline to help me stay on track. The point is, do what you need to do to stay motivated, focused, and invite others on your journey to reaching the top of that symbolic mountain.

For busy Mamas... if you don't have a schedule, make one! Don't let a day pass without writing down what you have accomplished and what you will accomplish the next day. I found this to be sooooo helpful, plus children need structure and providing one for them will not only be beneficial for them but for you as this gives you time to complete tasks.

Visualizing Goals

The pictures on the link below (pinterest)  show real people, and from how it looks to me, these aren't photo-shopped pictures... just real women who have accomplished their weight-loss goals. I was so motivated when browsing because I know that in a few months (Lord-willing) I'm going to have my very own "after" picture, and the motivating factor is- it's up to me on how that picture will look like. What I hope to accomplish by the end of 2012 is to lose 40lbs. - leaving me 7 months to work hard towards that end.

Picture Sample, taken from http://pinterest.com/pin/194499277627458387/

http://pinterest.com/belovedcarrie/think-fit-before-after/

http://crissfit.tumblr.com/tips
(below)

Source: beforeandafterweightlosspics.tumblr.com via Carrie on Pinterest

Here I Go- Day 4 (Done!)

Before Work- Out Thoughts:
I read a review on Insanity last night. The reviewer mentioned that one of the "cons" in the insanity work-out is it is not a quick fix, not an instant weight loss plan, in addition those who have not been working out for years will probably not endure the 60 days suggested plan as they do not have the stamina to keep going. To some degree, I agree.. this really is one of the hardest work-out routine I have ever done and it is not for the weak and unmotivated. One will probably realize that after the third day (my third day was yesterday =) and if you can still pop the DVD after realizing what you are up against consider it an accomplishment. So, today I am lacing up for day 4 and I thank God for allowing me to have the strength to really stick to this regimen.

The Bible says, "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small." Days of adversity are bound to come. The weakling will faint by self-induced illness, by blaming others, by resigning, by displays of 'nerves"- almost any method which presents the possibility of escape. Only  consistent disciplined living can that strength of character be developed which can face adversities without fainting."
- Richard S. Taylor

What is consistency?
The Latin root of the word consistency suggests that the word entails “standing firm.” 

This is my husband's challenge to me... Consistency. I thank God for my other half as he keeps me accountable and challenges me to accomplish what I never thought I could. 


After Work-Out Thoughts: 
That felt great! Stretches and control exercises. Nice break from the crazy cardio. =o)
Well.. it is a nice break since tomorrow is "PURE CARDIO"! Let's do this! So pumped... finally giving my heart some much needed exercise. 

Fun with Berries

Yes, berries... there is a tree in front of our house that is bearing fruit to what looks like little berries, or tiny cherries. They are very bitter and most of them have fallen to the ground. My son decided to pick some and since I was not sure if they were safe to eat we decided to use them to paint pictures. The activity ended up a little messy, but oh so fun! My son enjoyed discovering the different shades of purple and red: He was squeezing each berry on the white paper and his imagination just took off. What a fun and inexpensive activity!

Staying Motivated

Before starting this work out routine, my husband strongly urged me to create a schedule for myself and the kids. I realized that my main problem is DISCIPLINE. This book:  The Disciplined Life: The Mark of Christian Maturity by Richard S. Taylor has been an immense help in setting the right priorities and maintaining my focus.

I am motivated to stay strong mentally, and physically. In addition, I am also even more aware of how important my spiritual life really is- in fact it is not so much about spirituality but staying connected with Jesus everyday. Staying in His Word-reading, listening, and meditating Bible promises has really helped me to stay aware that Jesus is with me through this journey.
 Praying and talking to the Lord when the work out gets hard keeps me dependent on Him- When have nothing left physically, but I know I need to keep pushing myself till the end.. I just call on to Jesus "Lord, Help me not pass out!" "Help me finish strong!"I think my goal to get fit is an object lesson on what really needs to be going on inside me. The work out ought to be just the out flowing of the discipline that I am cultivating in prayer and Bible Study.
I also look around me and see how much my children need structure, and this was sorely lacking. Although, I would attempt to get them on a schedule once there was a distraction the whole thing would be just out the window. I think what I'm trying to really say is my goal to become healthy has   affected other aspects in my life and in a positive way become a great catalyst for good changes in my family. I thank God for it.. all the good things come from Him, what a sobering and encouraging reality.

Pushing Through - Day 3 Done!

I know, it is only Day 3 but it feels like I've been working out for longer. I guess because my body is aching and using muscles that has been dormant for so long. Writing down my experience certainly helps me keep my focus: Why I'm doing this and how I got here in the first place. "This" by the way is getting fit/healthy and reclaiming my body. After back to back pregnancies I've put on considerable amount of weight and have plateaued ever since. I am disciplining my mind to push my body to stay determined to shed of this fat. I'm using Insanity to jump start my weight loss and so far It's been 3 long days lol! I'm doing this because I love my kids and want to have the energy to play with them this summer, and more importantly set a good example of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Here is to one step up my mountain!

Sizing Pants

I'm not sure how accurate this is but read I read this  from ehow.com and thought it was a good resource to find out how sizes match up to inches. The information reminds me that every inch matters! 

Size 0 (extra small): Waist = 24 inches and hips = 34.5 inches

Size 2 (extra small):: Waist = 25 inches and hips = 35.5 inches

Size 4 (small): Waist = 26 inches and hips = 36.5 inches

Size 6 (small): Waist = 27 inches and hips = 37.5 inches

Size 8 (medium): Waist = 28 inches and hips = 38.5 inches

Size 10 (medium): Waist = 29 inches and hips = 39.5 inches

Size 12 (large): Waist = 30.5 inches and hips = 41 inches

Size 14 (large): Waist = 31 to 32 inches and hips = 42.5 inches

Size 16 (extra large): Waist = 33.5 inches and hips = 44 inches

Size 18 (extra large): Waist = 35.5 inches and hips = 46 inches

Size 20 (extra extra large): Waist = 37.5 inches and hips = 48 inches

Read more: How to Size Pants | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5117859_size-pants.html#ixzz1wst1aAcG

DAY 2- Done!

I started off strong but when it came to level 1 circuit I was basically crying. I can't even look at fatty foods knowing how difficult it is to burn the fat! I am basically telling myself "eat that fatty food and
you will pay" LOL
A few weeks ago we followed Insanity's eating plan so I have the basic jist of how to plan out our meals.
The hardest part is working out with toddlers.. I have to find a way to make my work out time fun for them also.

Living Out My Goals

Last night, I spent some time writing down my goals, today's schedule, and this week's menu. Although it was overwhelming I knew it had to be done and this morning I am very glad I did it. I was able to wake up early and and feel well-rested and I even had time to read my Bible, pray and just spend some quiet time alone with God (that in itself is a huge accomplishment). I have my schedule all written out but the struggle is justifying with every little excuse how to wiggle myself out of this structure. In fact, as I am about to wrap up this post I know that the next thing on my list is to work-out and in my mind I'm dreading the thought of 60 minutes of sweat dripping exercise. Nevertheless, a part of me is excited that I have finally made the step to getting fit. So, here we go!
Woo hoo, Insanity Day #1! I did the fitness test yesterday and just with exercise alone I am having a hard time bending down to pick up things off the floor (hahaha, can you tell how out of shape I am?) Anyway, I wanted to share that. Below is a picture of today's schedule for the day. I can't wait to put a huge star on it tonight as each task is accomplished.
To help with accomplishing my new goals I will be reading The Disciplined Life: The Mark of Christian Maturity by Richard S. Taylor. 
Another step up my "Mt. Everest"  =)

Trial Schedule for JUNE 4-8

8:00 a.m. - wake up (devotions & make bed)

8:30 a.m. - get up, change diapers, get dressed, have breakfast

9:30 a.m. - go for a walk

>Load laundry, Laptop time: check email, pay bills/check all accounts

10:00 a.m. – play

>Dry laundry & Work Out

11:00 a.m. - morning snack

>Serve snack, prepare lunch, and clean kitchen

1:00 p.m. – lunch

>Serve lunch, clean kitchen, prep dinner

2:00 p.m. - afternoon nap

>Nap time, fold dried laundry, prepare snack 

3:30 p.m. - afternoon snack/play time
>Serve snack, clean room #1 &2  > Put away folded clothes

6:00 p.m.- Kids eat dinner

>Clean up living Room

7:00 p.m. – dinner

8:30 p.m. - bath, stories

9:00 p.m. – bed

Getting Fit -3 Kids After (Day 1 Complete!)

Okay, here we go I am determined to reclaim my body back. I have put it through 3 surgeries, and plopped on it more than 30lbs. more of weight- and today I said "Enough!" Like so many of you moms out there I am busy, and the work doesn't end at 5pm. My husband is instrumental in my goal to become fit and so we have created 3 goals for myself, and I invite you through this blog to join me in my quest to accomplish my goals and to finally conquer my battle with getting fit.
June 2012
Goal #1 Get my 2 toddlers into a schedule
Goal #2 Eat a healthy breakfast everyday (basically, no skipping breakfast!)
Goal #3 Create a task-list everyday (schedule my task and stick to it!)
I feel like I am at the foot of Mount Everest and I am just overwhelmed at the massive task set before me. However I am not turning away but putting my foot in front of the other until I reach the top. So- here we go!
Accomplishments today:
-25 minutes of Insanity Work-Out
-Creating my goals
-Posting this blog =)
Step #1- Done!