Post-holiday Fixing

Well, I tried and tried, and did a lot better than could be said of other years, but I still gained about 4lbs over the holidays.  I know, it’s just a few pounds.  But I felt blahhhh.  I didn’t want to!

I was wishing that I had thought ahead and got a 3-Day Refresh kit as I loved it the last time, but I couldn’t go back!  Then I remembered that the 21 Day Fix came with a 3-Day Quick Fix that was for after the 21 days.  It had a lot of steamed vegetables on it (four times a day!), which wasn’t something I was too keen on, but it promised that not only would I drop weight, but I could keep up my usual workouts.

Keep up my usual workouts.  Said it twice!  This isn’t a cleanse.  This didn’t leave me hungry, in the bathroom, or like it was time for 3 days of yoga.  I don’t exactly feel cleansed either, but I don’t feel that blahhh feeling anymore.

So, how did it go?  I didn’t take pictures, but I lost 5.2lbs over the 3 days.  Yay!  Lower than before holidays hit!  My stomach looked better than I’ve ever seen it.  I was incredibly bored with the steaming though!  I almost quit after 2 days just to eat something different.  The plan is very rigid.  No salt, fruit, dairy, or anything not listed.  No cooking in oil (though you do drink coconut oil!) and all the vegetables are steamed.  So are the yams.  And (gasp!) no Shakeology!

Here is one of my days…I left one of the shots of coconut oil out of the pics…sorry!  We have egg whites and steel cut oats (plus coconut oil), grilled chicken and steamed yams, steamed fish and vegetables,  grilled chicken and steamed vegetables (plus coconut oil), steamed fish and vegetables (plus coconut oil), and ground turkey and steamed vegetables (plus coconut oil).

Fun right?

Today, I was ready for my Shakeology ( I had chocolate, first thing I ate today!).  I kept up my Insanity Max 30 workouts with no issues and wasn’t hungry ever.  Like, I almost skipped the last meal all 3 days not hungry.  I would do this again if I needed a quick fix after a rough patch or before a big event.  I love that it came as part of a program I love alone…total bonus!

How are you getting rid of any holiday gaining?

Turning those calendars!

It’s about time to move on to 2015.  You know what that means?  New month, new challenge!  Here’s my January Challenge…

If you would like to be in a group (on Facebook) and play along, comment or email me!

I decided to take a little walk down memory lane this year and made one final results pic.

The picture shows February 2014 – today. I lost just over 20 lbs in 2014, and 23.25 inches from February to the end of November.

Overall, I’m happy with the results, though I know I could have done better with more of a focus on nutrition. So in 2015, I will not let nutrition get in my way. I will use the tools I have and continue to improve!

What are you looking to improve upon?  How will you make that happen?

Insanity Max 30 Week 1!

Today is day 9 of my Insanity Max 30 journey.  I wanted to update on how my first week went and tell you a bit more about the program so far.

First off…what is it?  You can watch this quick video first…

http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/AllisonWhitman?bctid=3799930963001

So, maxing out…what is it?  It is that first moment where you NEED to stop.  The point is to push yourself to fail and not be able to keep up with the program (either the modified or full version) , record the first time you can’t, and keep going.  Then as you move along the 60 day program, you should see the times getting later as you get stronger and fitter.  I’m taking pictures for each of my max out times, so here we go on my week.  The program is 30 minutes (plus a 2 minute cool down) 5 days a week, plus Pulse on day 6 – 20 minutes of lighter cardio and stretching.  I opted for the Ab Maximizer schedule, which adds about 10 minutes of abs on some days starting in week 2.

Day 1 – Cardio Challenge – One thing I didn’t know was that the workouts would have short breaks.  These are not you maxing out (since you’re keeping up with the workout) and really saved me.  This one is the most like Insanity – 3 moves repeated 3 times and then a break.  It’s tough to keep it up, and I was fully impressed that I lasted more than halfway through the workout (spoiler alert – I lasted 3 seconds LESS on day 8!)

Before

After!

Day 2 – Tabata Power – If you haven’t heard of Tabata workouts yet, it’s basically 20 seconds on 10 second rests.  This sticks to that, over and over, and also has some water breaks.  It is tough!  This is basically a strength program, but no equipment.  Think push ups and dips! They are basically in segments and I haven’t mad it through the push ups without maxing out yet!

Day 3 – Sweat Intervals – More cardio!  This one is similar to Cardio Challenge.  And as you can see, it lives up to its name!

Sweaty 🙂

Day 4 was Tabata Power again.  I lasted 22 more seconds this time!  This is what’s on my schedule today as well.  We’ll see how I do with working out a little later in the day (these were all started about 4:30 am).

Day 5 – Friday Fight Round 1- As in fight to not max out!  It is said that this one is a mental and physical battle and I maxed out mentally…unsettled sleeping baby, mat moved around, hair in my eyes…I wasn’t focused.  I will do better this week!

In keeping with holiday accountability, I tried to avoid gingerbread house making becoming gingerbread house eating with a well-timed shake Friday afternoon.  No need to unleash the candy monster too early!  It worked well.

Saturday was the Pulse workout, which is a nice recovery workout.  Small movements and low impact cardio…easy on the brain and body.  I also did a little PiYo after because I wanted to finish out learning a section.  I then did hot yoga on Sunday, probably not my best idea for Monday though it felt amazing on Sunday!  I plan to do more resting on this Sunday.

Some things that surprised me in week 1…my legs.  So sore.  My goodness.  Coming off of workouts like Body Beast, you would think that a no-equipment workout couldn’t get me but you’d be wrong!  The jumping and squatting did a number on me.  I didn’t notice it until Friday Fight, but since then I’ve been enjoying the soreness.  Nothing too bad, but noticeable!  Also the length is perfect.  I wasn’t sure if 30 minutes would feel like forever with pushing to max out, but it’s a good length.  I don’t know if this one’s surprising, but I definitely feel like I’m burning extra calories well after the workout ends, which is awesome!

A little about the nutrition plan that comes with Insanity Max 30 – it’s basically the 21 Day Fix plan (now also available as just the nutrition part to pair with any workouts as Portion Fix) with the option of using containers.   The containers come with the deluxe pack.  It splits you into 2 calorie brackets – if you’re over 150 lbs or under 150 lbs.  I end up in the 21 Day Fix bracket that is one above where I am if I figure it out through the 21 Day Fix formula.  Which makes sense as these workouts are mote intense.  So on my sidebar where it says how I’m eating, I left the 21 Day Fix though I could say either program…they’re the same!  I love the 21 Day Fix, so that works for me.

What questions do you have about Insanity Max 30?  Let me know and I’ll answer what I can.  The bundle of Shakeology, the base program and support from me is on sale until the end of the month, so ask now and get in on a deal.  I love/live to save!

Last Minute Gift Ideas!

Are you in a pinch for some quick turnaround gifts for a fit friend or family member?  Here are gifts that I have or would love that can get to you in about two days…and then some gifts for in time for New Year resolutioning!

lululemon Vinyasa Scarf – super versatile, cozy, and lululemon is upgrading shipping for free!  I love this for traveling or days where I’m not sure what temperature I’ll be dealing with (can you say conference rooms?).

Polar FT4 Heart Rate monitor

WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER FOAM KOOZIE – Use code 2DAYSHIP for free 2-day shipping

Mini-Cycle – I’ve always wanted something like this…sitting at my desk, cycling?  Sounds awesome!

A good book?  There are plenty of quick options with e-readers, and Amazon prime, but The Compound Effect gets my vote for being motivational as well as a gift for any of your fit friends!

Now, if you’re looking for a little something motivating for yourself or have some extra time…

You Got This tank – I have this and a few other tanks from this store and love it.  You do have this!  Go for it!

Shakeology (of course) – What better way to get back on track after any holiday slips!  Pair it up with a workout for great a great start to 2015.

Polar Loop – This fitness tracker is worn all day, but also has the chest strap for better tracking of your workouts.  Looks amazing!

What’s on your list?

Dessert!

So, you want to have a healthy dessert, right?  And want it to be delicious, yes?  Especially with the holidays and so many unhealthy goodies around!  It’s so hard to stick to plan.

Enter this…I have no name for it.  I was inspired by a recipe I remembered making years ago, but I didn’t feel like going back to find where I had it.  So I recreated it on the fly the other day and want to share with you!

Yes.  It looks like a mess.  But a tasty mess!  What’s in it?  Pretty simple (and a quick recipe too!)…

Chocolate protein powder (I use casein for dessert.  It’s slow releasing!) and natural peanut butter.  Plus water, added super slowly so it doesn’t become too liquidy.  Place in the freezer for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!  I’ve left it in longer and it does get pretty hard, but I kind of like that also!  I break it into pieces and it’s like candies.  I basically finish out my 21 Day Fix containers with this, so today I used 1.5 scoops of protein powder and 2t PB to fit in my day.

What do you think?  Who wants to offer up a name for this concoction?

My Arsenal

Happy Saturday!!  Right now it’s a very rainy one here.  It’s currently naptime after a long night of little sleep.  Everyone is sleeping…but me of course!

That reminded me.  People ask me all the time how I manage to be fairly peppy, have the energy to workout so early, and manage my days.  I do have a little help in the pep department.  And that made me think about other things that help me out in my general weight loss/management.  So here are a few of my favorite things…

So…what do we have here?  In order they’ve been going lately…

• Energy and Endurance (or E&E) – I mentioned this previously here.  It’s a pre-workout drink (powder that you mix with water) that gives you a little boost for your workout.  I don’t think I could manage the early workouts without it!  I get up, get my workout clothes on and slink downstairs thinking “Not in the mood today”…but then I drink my E&E and it’s all good!  I drink it while I check in with all of my groups on Facebook so it kicks in for my workout.  I don’t feel jittery as i have with some other pre-workouts, just ready to push myself.  So much more than without it.  I really think that this helps my results because I have the energy to push myself instead of sleepwalking through the motions!
• Shakeology – If you don’t know how much I love Shakeology, it must be your first time here!  I have a whole page devoted to it, plus it’s entwined in so many of my posts.  Why is that?  I’ve been drinking it at least daily for over 2 years now.  I love the taste and crave this instead of other sweets.  I feel energized and good – like I’m doing something healthy for myself – after I have it.  I am currently drinking it as my post-workout meal, but have had it for breakfast (pretty much the same thing for me!), a snack, dinner…whenever you need a quick meal, Shakeo has your back.  And unlike any shake I’ve ever had, it keeps me full.  Wha???  You heard me!
• Tea!  This is my go to when I need a little something but don’t want to eat.  I had forgotten that tea could actually be satisfying to a boredom call of hunger until I did the 3-Day Refresh.  What a great side product of the cleanse!  These are two of my favorites…Green Tea with Mint and Every Day Detox.  You can find benefits of green tea looking anywhere!  And the mint helps remind me that I’m done eating for the time.  The detox tea isn’t like a cleanse in a glass or anything.  I really find it as just a tasty reminder to keep going with healthy food!  I’ll have tea most mornings and evenings, plus sometimes in the afternoon when the snackies hit.  I drink coffee as well, but limit that more than tea.

All of these help keep me on a good path.  They aren’t groundbreaking or all that secret, but they are what work for me!

What are your secret weapons?

Having it all?

I had a whole mind dump planned on having it all…that elusive thing people strive for.  There have been a TON of articles on this, so I’m not going to go into any of that.  But a quote I heard the other day sparked how I basically felt…Having it all means I have to do it all.

Yup.  Now, I don’t want this to sound like I don’t have my version of it all.  I’m pretty happy with the balance I have in my life.  But my life and my happy balance may not be someone else’s.  So it seems kind of silly to go into a mind dump about it!

But in balance, something has to give.  You have to decide where to take some time from.  So maybe having it all isn’t really having everything, it’s finding the balance that works for you.  You may sacrifice winding down before bed (or sleep!) for time catching up at work.  You may trade advancing at work to spend your evenings on keeping up your home instead of at the computer.  You may sacrifice time with your family, or your weekend, or…

I couldn’t go through all the possible trade offs if I tried.  My point is, there is no way for most people to have it all without giving something up.  Having it all should be instead looked at as finding the balance that works for you.  What works for me, may sound terrible to you!  That’s fine.

 

Have you found a balance?