Great job on increasing weights, especially on those squats!
Healthy pizza? Do tell! We've got the kid this weekend and it's going to be rainy the whole time; I'm thinking it might be time to turn the oven on. Pizza would be a good idea. I was also thinking meatballs.
I have to get most of my pants altered too. Isn't it nice to have things that actually fit?
Still sitting here loving my jeans.....can you tell I am procrastinating at work today?
Oh and BTW the smell of Hardees has taken over in my office....yup fast food again for the coworkers! I think I actually made one mad today when she brought around a bowl of candy and I said no thanks, maybe later! I got the evil eye - seriously!
Oh and I don't know how super healthy the pizza will be but here is what I am thinking:
BBQ Chicken Pizza
- ready made pizza dough from Trader Joes
- grill some chicken breast
- toss it in BBQ sauce and maybe some other spices
- spread the bbq sauce on the dough
- add red onion, chicken
- sprinkle light cheeses all over, mozz, cheddar, gouda?
- bake on cookie sheet
Just gotta keep the portions in check I found some good ideas for lighter desserts on Hungry Girl dot com. I might just make some brownies using canned pumpkin instead of eggs and oil. We shall see!
Bree, how did they alter your jeans? Do they look a;tered? I've been hesitating on getting jeans altered because it just didn't seem doable. I have 6 pair of pants that I refused to let go of that I am going to take in to get altered. How much do alterations cost anyway?
Hi Jane, they look great! The pair of jeans in question are Seven for All Mankind bootcut style. They fit great in the legs and butt, but like with most of my pants, gap in the back of the waist band and are too long. So, I took them to a little shop across the street from my work and I put them on and the lady pinned them about 3 times in the back at the top of my butt and then the bottom for the hem, and that was it! It was kind of a leap of faith since I already spent so much on the jeans in the first place.
At this place it was $30 for the waist and $10 for the hem. I can hem on my own, but don't own a sewing machine so it may have looked a little silly. One of my friends told me that Nordstrom and Bloomingdales will do hems for free when you buy them there. Well it was too late for these, but next time I will know better.
I am going to bring in two more pairs next week. Oh and it took about a week from the time I dropped them off until I could pick them up.
I've got my eye on a pair of 7FOAMK jeans at the resale shop where I have been taking all of my clothes. They are 60 bucks, but if they are still there on the 15th, they will be 50% off. Then, I am nabbing them! I stop in once a week and always check them out. They are the ones that are purposely destructed (torn on the leg in places). Never would buy my jeans new like that, but for 30 bucks I will get them.
My main problem with any jeans at the resale shop is that they've already been hemmed by the previous owner and I don't need them hemmed! These haven't been. They are a bit snug, but they'll fit shortly, I am sure.
Jane, the alterations lady is my new friend. When I went shopping with a personal shopper, she told me that I should go ahead and factor the cost of alteration into anything I want to buy. For the longest time, I simply wouldn't pay money (esp. a lot of money) for something that didn't fit right. What that meant was I had a closet filled with hand me downs or thrift shop finds that didn't really fit. I can hem and even have a machine, but taking waists in is beyond my scope. Anyhow, I now will buy something even if it isn't perfect because I know Mrs. Trang will fix it right up! I recently had jeans hemmed and they look like they came straight off the rack. It was $8.
Oh another totes awesome thing for today....most of my jeans fit in the legs, but are too big in the waist and I finally brought a pair in to get altered. They fit amazing! I am so excited to have jeans that look great and I don't have to constantly hike them up I am going to bring two others in next week to do the same.
That is all
WHOOOOT! You're doing so well!
I just wore a pair of khakis today that were WAY too tight in the spring - and they're actually loose!
Jane - you are such a great deal finder! I need to broaden my horizons more....
Pauline - I am so happy I finally brought them in. My mom used to alter my clothes when I was little all the time, I don't know why it never dawned on me!
Bytsi and Christina - Thanks! and Bytsi - putting on an old pair of pants that fits now or even loose is one of the best feelings!
I noticed that I wrote my last workout as A3 when it should have been A4...
So today: NROL Fat Loss I, B4
Superset
Deadlift:
12 x 95
12 x 95
12 x 95
DB incline bench press:
12 x 25's
12 x 25's
12 x 25's
Superset
Bulgarian Split Squat
12 x 25's
12 x 25's
12 x 25's
Mixed grip lat pulldown, subbed negative chin ups:
2 x BW
2 x BW
2 x BW
Superset
RDL
12 x 65
12 x 65
12 x 65
Prone Jacknife:
15 x BW
15 x BW
15 x BW
Okay I didn't increase any weight this time so nothing exciting to report. I know I can go up in everything next time though....esp. for 10 reps. Yay 10 reps!
Superset:
Squat
10 x 105 - this felt hard for some reason...then I realized I had put 10's on instead of 5's! ...so, yeah, this is the most I have done for 3 sets
10 x 105
10 x 105
Cable Row - subbed Bent Over Row:
10 x 25 e
10 x 25 e
10 x 25 e
Superset:
Supine Hip Ext.
15 x 20 # plate
15 x 20 # plate
15 x 20 # plate
DB Push Press:
10 x 25 e
10 x 25 e
10 x 25 e
Superset:
Rotational Lunge:
10 x 25# plate
10 x 25# plate
10 x 25# plate
swiss ball crunch:
15 x 20
15 x 20
15 x 20
Finisher/interval: 15 minutes Blast Challenge Cathe Friedrich video. I thikn I have said this before, but its basically like 15 minutes of body weight matrix. Lunge jumps, squat jumps, plies jumps, etc. It brings the sweat out reallll good.
Today I was feeling extra blah and a little mad at myself for the weekend. I caved on a few things....like DQ ice cream cake for my sisters birthday, even though it was a tiny piece and too much wine on Saturday night. And candy seems to be attacking me! My achilles heel is definitely candy - halloween is not a good time. I had a large handful of candy corn on Saturday too - I threw the bag away today. No need to have it sneaking up on me. I haven't gained, but still. I want to be losing and I am happy where I am at and I feel like my body continues to change.....I don't want to sabotage or stall. I am not ready to just maintain quite yet.
So it was a good thing that this workout felt so good and my squats felt good, too. I am going to go for 115 next time.
I had to switch up my usual T,Th,Sat. lifting with M,W,F this week because we will be gone this weekend.
My achilles heel is definitely candy - halloween is not a good time. I had a large handful of candy corn on Saturday too - I threw the bag away today. No need to have it sneaking up on me. I haven't gained, but still. I want to be losing and I am happy where I am at and I feel like my body continues to change.....I don't want to sabotage or stall. I am not ready to just maintain quite yet.
I bought a 60-pack of chips the other day at Costco. As we have nowhere else to store it the silly thing is sitting at the front door (ie. it's too big to fit into the hall closet). I was trying to balance making sure we had something to give out vs. what I could keep out of. I figure as long as my mother doesn't take the tape off before Halloween then I'm likely going to be okay.
I have found that for the very few times I've really wanted something, buying a very small amount at the local bulk food place is my best option. Although I will admit to feeling really odd checking out with a piece of a chocolate bar.
Argh! Even TALK of candy corn makes me DROOL! Candy is beyond my achilles heel - it is an addiction...I will eat brown sugar raw, out of the bag, if I am craving something sweet and have nothing in the house (which is usually the case as why would I BUY sweets I don't want to be tempted to eat??!!). And halloween is the hardest time of year by far - candy jars EVERYWHERE at work!!
For some reason, with the higher fat or something, I am just managing it this year...No candy so far, although I know i will end up eating sweets while out of town this weekend...If my husband had a sweet tooth and insisted on it in the house, I would be sunk...I feel your pain...But great job on maintaining in a time when it would be easy to gain! Good focus on trying to keep up the loss given how hard you are working out!
Karla
__________________
"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender."
I bought a 60-pack of chips the other day at Costco. As we have nowhere else to store it the silly thing is sitting at the front door (ie. it's too big to fit into the hall closet). I was trying to balance making sure we had something to give out vs. what I could keep out of. I figure as long as my mother doesn't take the tape off before Halloween then I'm likely going to be okay.
I have found that for the very few times I've really wanted something, buying a very small amount at the local bulk food place is my best option. Although I will admit to feeling really odd checking out with a piece of a chocolate bar.
The chips are a great idea! Luckily for me this year, we aren't going to be home for Halloween so there is no need to buy the candy to hand out. That doesn't stop my husband from buying it though! I did buy a small bag of candy corn on Saturday on a whim. I managed to have a few pieces only so far.
Quote:
Originally Posted by beach_plums
Halloween is always hard. And I don't even really like candy. But it still always tempting!
Most things I can pass up, but some of the candy that seems to come out only at Halloween are my favorites like the candy corn pumpkins and flavored tootsie rolls. I am getting much better at passing on basic chocolate like Hersheys kisses. I would rather have a piece of dark now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Karla215
Argh! Even TALK of candy corn makes me DROOL! Candy is beyond my achilles heel - it is an addiction...I will eat brown sugar raw, out of the bag, if I am craving something sweet and have nothing in the house (which is usually the case as why would I BUY sweets I don't want to be tempted to eat??!!). And halloween is the hardest time of year by far - candy jars EVERYWHERE at work!!
For some reason, with the higher fat or something, I am just managing it this year...No candy so far, although I know i will end up eating sweets while out of town this weekend...If my husband had a sweet tooth and insisted on it in the house, I would be sunk...I feel your pain...But great job on maintaining in a time when it would be easy to gain! Good focus on trying to keep up the loss given how hard you are working out!
Karla
We are a household of sweet teeth here too! We both love candy and ice cream. I blame my parents Thanks though - I have been pretty good at eating at a deficit 80% of the time or so. Working out is never a problem. I love it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judymac
What's the Cathe video like? I was thinking of buying that one.
Do you wear a belt for the squats and deadlifts? I find one really supports my back, and helps me to lift with better form.
Judy
Hi Judy! The Cathe video I have is Kick Max. To be honest with you, I have never done the whole thing! I only use the blast challenge for some high intensity "finisher" type cardio. So I can't speak on the rest of it. I don't wear a belt - I did in high school when I was learning about weightlifting. Deadlifts don't seem to be a problem. My brother told me that I need to work on lower back strength for doing high rep squats. I am not opposed to it, I just don't have one here at home. I am going to be joining a gym in a couple weeks so maybe I will try it there. Thanks for stopping by!
Today:
ss cardio: 35 minutes running. HR 158 average.
My resting heart rate must be getting lower...because I had to run faster to get it to where I want it. Or my HR monitor wasn't working. Either way the run felt great and I really picked it up at the end.
Saw my doctor today. Blood pressure was 120/70. I was a little dissapointed because in the past it has been closer to 100/70. Not sure what that means. I always just figure the lower the better. (within reason) She was also over the moon about my fitness. She is into exercise and holistic approaches to health vs. scips, so I know she was thrilled about my progress and I think she picked up on my attitude and confidence.
Sounds like a good run Bree - I read 158 and I think "wow, that's high" and then I remember I have a few years on you LOL! I wouldn't worry about one single BP reading - 120 is still fine, but I know what you mean - I run pretty low and I would do a double-take if I came up 120...
Blood pressure was 120/70. I was a little disappointed because in the past it has been closer to 100/70. Not sure what that means. I always just figure the lower the better.
It's funny how different our perspectives are on this one. They took my blood pressure when I went in for the scary spider bite and I was thrilled to see 120/80 since it was 130/80 at my checkup last year. I guess it just shows what a great job you are doing taking care of yourself!
keep at it.
__________________
i do like the library, but i also like the gym my new log!
Sounds like a good run Bree - I read 158 and I think "wow, that's high" and then I remember I have a few years on you LOL! I wouldn't worry about one single BP reading - 120 is still fine, but I know what you mean - I run pretty low and I would do a double-take if I came up 120...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Librarygirl
It's funny how different our perspectives are on this one. They took my blood pressure when I went in for the scary spider bite and I was thrilled to see 120/80 since it was 130/80 at my checkup last year. I guess it just shows what a great job you are doing taking care of yourself!
keep at it.
Thanks ladies. I am not completely certain on last years number, but I do remember a time back in high school when I was around 90/50 or something crazy like that. I know I am still healthy, just took me off guard.
Todays workout:
NROL Fat Loss I, B5
Superset
Deadlift:
10 x 105
10 x 115 - holla!
10 x 115
DB incline bench press:
10 x 25's
10 x 30's*
10 x 30's
Superset
Bulgarian Split Squat
10 x 25's
10 x 30's*
10 x 30's
Mixed grip lat pulldown, subbed chin ups:
alright this is where I really shined today:
3 x BW, 3 x BW
3 x BW, 3 x BW
3 x BW, 3 x BW
Superset
RDL
12 x 65
12 x 65
12 x 65 - stuck with 12 reps cuz I am not ready to go up yet...
Prone Jacknife:
15 x BW
15 x BW
15 x BW
Intervals:
4 x 1 minute hill sprint. 5 minute warm up/cool down HOLY Heart Rate. Got it up to 185 each sprint.
I felt great today! The past few days my energy has been through the roof. I have been craving sweets a lot, but other then trying to avoid those, things have been going pretty well. I started taking Fish Oil a few weeks ago and vitamin D this week - not sure if it correlates or not?
(warning: rambling ahead)
I am not sure what these gains in strength mean about my eating. I have read that if you are getting really strong, it means you aren't eating in enough of a deficit? (Not that I am saying I am super strong but I am making small increases) And to be honest, at least one day of my weekends are not in deficit, so maybe those "re-feeds" are helping my gains in lifts? I haven't weighed myself each day, but seem to be holding steady. Its hard to get a good idea of my weight because of my hormonal fluctuations with BCP's. Though, I got my lowest reading yet on my tanita of 24% BF. I used my cheapo Accumeasure calipers and got around 23%-25% range. I guess for now I am going to keep holding the course and see where my weight is next Tuesday - my dependable weigh in day.
I don't know, I'm making gains and I'm definitely in a deficit. Although it could be argued that I'm simply training muscles I already had. Who knows, but the important thing is that you're making gains.
Bree, I've been progressively making strength gains on a deficit. Maybe not MUSCLE gain, but I'm definitely stronger and I've definitely maintained my LBM. I'd like to gain some LBM, though, and I know I'm going to have to EAT in order to do that.
I am not sure what these gains in strength mean about my eating. I have read that if you are getting really strong, it means you aren't eating in enough of a deficit? (Not that I am saying I am super strong but I am making small increases) And to be honest, at least one day of my weekends are not in deficit, so maybe those "re-feeds" are helping my gains in lifts? I haven't weighed myself each day, but seem to be holding steady. Its hard to get a good idea of my weight because of my hormonal fluctuations with BCP's. Though, I got my lowest reading yet on my tanita of 24% BF. I used my cheapo Accumeasure calipers and got around 23%-25% range. I guess for now I am going to keep holding the course and see where my weight is next Tuesday - my dependable weigh in day.
How much of a deficit are you eating at on the days that you are? I ask because I just started eating at a slight deficit (200cal); I'm planning on doing more of a semi-cycle with it, eating in the slight deficit 6 days and at maintenance 1 day each week. So far (ok, it's only been two weeks, but still), it's been going pretty well and I haven't found that I'm craving foods or going overboard on my maintenance day, or any other day for that matter. And, I've lost about a pound.
BTW-those are some kick ass deadlifts and chin ups!
I don't know, I'm making gains and I'm definitely in a deficit. Although it could be argued that I'm simply training muscles I already had. Who knows, but the important thing is that you're making gains.
Quote:
Originally Posted by iowafepusher
Woo HOO, Bree! I agree - keep doing what you're doing. Unless you start noticing your clothes getting snug, you're golden. Nice progress!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chloe2
Bree, what an awesome workout! You are pulling some great numbers. And those chins!!!! I'm super impressed! You go girl!
Quote:
Originally Posted by missjane
Bree, I've been progressively making strength gains on a deficit. Maybe not MUSCLE gain, but I'm definitely stronger and I've definitely maintained my LBM. I'd like to gain some LBM, though, and I know I'm going to have to EAT in order to do that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by beach_plums
How much of a deficit are you eating at on the days that you are? I ask because I just started eating at a slight deficit (200cal); I'm planning on doing more of a semi-cycle with it, eating in the slight deficit 6 days and at maintenance 1 day each week. So far (ok, it's only been two weeks, but still), it's been going pretty well and I haven't found that I'm craving foods or going overboard on my maintenance day, or any other day for that matter. And, I've lost about a pound.
BTW-those are some kick ass deadlifts and chin ups!
Thanks everyone! Its good to know that it isn't so far fetched to be getting stronger. I am most excited about the chin-ups though. My goal is to be able to do 10. I don't have a timeline for this, but its a goal.
Christina, great job on the loss! Right now I shoot for 1500 cals a day for my deficit. Based on a few different calcs, my maintenance would be around 1900-2000, so its about 400 a day. In those calculators I always choose the light exercise or sedentary option because I want err on the side of less.
Its actually really easy to do 1500 so I am contemplating going to 1400. I am hardly physically hungry, only bored-snacky sometimes. The only time I get hungry is if I am doing light cardio like walking or like last night, after my run, I was cleaning and my tummy started to grumble. Strange that the lighter work makes me hungrier. When I lift and do HIIT it takes away my appetite.
My biggest challenge right now is keeping my weekends at maintenance. And by weekends I mean Friday night and Saturdays. And by challenge it usually involves beer or wine. The food is becoming less of a problem.
Okay, so funny thing yesterday. I finally caught up on Leigh's podcasts and almost jumped when I heard my name. She answered my question about hormones. And it was no surprise, her answer was what I was suspecting that yes, they do play a rold and yes I am probbaly holding on to more water then if I wasn't on the pills. And so begins another personal dilemma....
Yesterday: Cardio - 32 minute run.
This was not as easy as the past few times. My breathing was harder and I had a side stitch. But then I cleaned the house and did some errands and only sat down to eat and watch The Office. I was standing while watching at one point, and my husband says "why are you standing? You make me nervous" And I said "standing burns more calories" I have been doing a lot of cleaning and laundry altely and he keeps telling me thanks and you don't have to do all that...but little does he know its more selfish because I want to get in some NEAT!
This post is getting long, but after listening to all of Leigh's podcasts there are a couple things I want to list to work on:
1. stretching more - need to get foam roller
2. glute activation
3. drinking even more water. I am at about 3 liters a day now, but want to shoot for 4.
4. NEAT - keep adding
These are things I already do but want continue:
1. taking my supplements - multi, vit. E, D, and Fish Oil
2. weighing everything - need to get better about speads like hummus
3. tracking everything
4. keep working to eliminate processed foods
5. sleep at least 7 hours a night
Ah, yes, the weekend drinks. I have that same problem, and especially will tonight. BF's band is playing and a couple of my heavy drinking friends will be there. For some reason, I always feel as though I have to keep up with them. It's silly, I know, but I always seem to over do it when I'm with them.
I like the new goals, and the re-enforcement of the existing ones.
Ah, yes, the weekend drinks. I have that same problem, and especially will tonight. BF's band is playing and a couple of my heavy drinking friends will be there. For some reason, I always feel as though I have to keep up with them. It's silly, I know, but I always seem to over do it when I'm with them.
I like the new goals, and the re-enforcement of the existing ones.
Well I am glad I am not the only one. I know EXACTLY what you mean about certain friends, and keeping up with them. Unfortunately, most of our friends are this way. Still drinking college style.
My friend since high school is turning 30 today. He invited me to ride his party bus from bar to bar tonight. When I told him I couldn't (more like wouldn't), he tried to make me feel guilty. "I'm really disappointed, I just wanted you to know." Oh well! If I join my friends every time they booze it up, I'll never get the results I'm after. I suppose I could still ride the bus and not drink, but that's unlikely.
I'll just have to get used to being the "party pooper." A party pooper who can do 10 chin-ups? I can deal with that!
Well I am glad I am not the only one. I know EXACTLY what you mean about certain friends, and keeping up with them. Unfortunately, most of our friends are this way. Still drinking college style.
Sometimes it makes me feel old, but I cannot drink like that anymore!
Quote:
Originally Posted by iowafepusher
Smart goals, Bree. I should make a list, too.
My friend since high school is turning 30 today. He invited me to ride his party bus from bar to bar tonight. When I told him I couldn't (more like wouldn't), he tried to make me feel guilty. "I'm really disappointed, I just wanted you to know." Oh well! If I join my friends every time they booze it up, I'll never get the results I'm after. I suppose I could still ride the bus and not drink, but that's unlikely.
I'll just have to get used to being the "party pooper." A party pooper who can do 10 chin-ups? I can deal with that!
I rarely go out with my party friends anymore. But there are times that I will. I limit it to birthdays and certain shows. The rest of the time, I'm totally the party pooper. If I can work a drink into my macros the rest of the time, I'll let myself have a drink with dinner every now and then.
My friend since high school is turning 30 today. He invited me to ride his party bus from bar to bar tonight. When I told him I couldn't (more like wouldn't), he tried to make me feel guilty. "I'm really disappointed, I just wanted you to know." Oh well! If I join my friends every time they booze it up, I'll never get the results I'm after. I suppose I could still ride the bus and not drink, but that's unlikely.
Things like that are tough. It starts with the alcohol and then someone orders food. You think 'well, I shouldn't drink on an empty stomach' and it's all downhill from there. I'm only saying this as I might be in the same situation next weekend. However, since I will have to drive home it's easy to decline having more than a drink or two. And that should keep me reasonable on the food stuff.
I found some good ideas for lighter desserts on Hungry Girl dot com. I might just make some brownies using canned pumpkin instead of eggs and oil. We shall see!
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