Cize Challenge Week 5

I have had a rough couple of weeks. I don't share publicly often, but I suffer from severe PMS fatigue for about a week every month. Takes every ounce of energy I have to just make it through a normal day. Working out helps, but sometimes there just isn't that energy there. Add to that some sort of creeping crud/cold/allergy thing going around our house, and somehow I have been very out of it.

That said, week 5 went pretty well. I got in three work outs with Go for it, and two with Livin' in the 8's. That latter is dang hard. Gah!!

Go for it

 

Livin' in the 8's

Backtrack or Follow through?

I I have been having a rough time the last three weeks. Weeks five and six of TurboFire were rocky, and in the middle of six I was slammed with a summer cold. Seriously wiped me out, and is till killing me. Week 7? I got exactly one workout in, and overslept my alarms every single day.

I wasn't eating as well as I should, but it didn't seem to matter as I have developed a digestive issue that takes 2/3 of my meals out of my system before I get all my nutrients. I have been frustrated with my self and my body.

As I was debating doing week seven over again, I saw a post by a coach I admire. She admitted to falling off the wagon, and said she never went back and re-did the missed or bad weeks. She just kept moving forward. So with that inind, I am officially starting week eight for good or bad!

Mother's Day Goal

When I started the 21 day fix almost six weeks ago, I set a goal with my challenge group that I have been working toward for quite awhile. The goal was to be a size 12 by Mother's Day. 

Why a size? I have been a 14 for almost two years, and it is frankly depressing. I know why I haven't moved down. The extreme fatigue and dizzy spells that started in 2013 really halted everything. I could exercise sporadically, because I just never knew when a spell would hit me. With the help of my fabulous naturopath I am slowly getting better, and I am close to finishing a second round of The Fix. 

Did I meet my goal? They are snug, but those capris are a 12. Next up? Starting a 90 day program. Cross your fingers and say a prayer for me.

Fabulous Friday

Can I tell you about my Thursday?

Wednesday evening my boss asks me to come in for a 5-9 am. After consulting with my family, I agreed to this. So I get home at almost 10:30. I put together my meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack), and pack my boy's lunch for the following day. Then catch a shower and four hours of sleep. Yes, you read that right. Four hours of sleep.

I was up at 3:30 and out the door by 4:20. Then my boss provided fresh, like still warm from the oven with melty frosting, apple Danish. I ended up having two pieces. After work I rushed over to the base so I could get in day 3, week 1 of Ease into 5k done on the track. I had promised the boy to do it. I ended up getting 1.79 miles, and a pretty good average mph. And I was able to clean up, change, and scarf down a yogurt to clock in for a 10 a.m. start.

A nice day at work included a fantastic meal, and about 8 Jelly Belly Belly Flops. And more coffee. So tired I nearly passed out at work. Clock out at 6:30 to rush and get the boy and nephew from their youth group. Snack dinner of deli turkey, cheddar cheese and wheat thins in the car while waiting for them. No shake today, because by the time I made it home and through showers and homework I was ready to pass out.

So after about seven hours of sleep, and yesterday's Pilates Fix workout I am feeling much better. Big bowl of oats and coffee have been a great start to a fabulous Friday!

Turkey pesto sandwich

When I was doing the five day fast track with my new workout program, Focus T25, I posted a lot of yummy food photos. Someone mentioned that I should post the recipes or at least share. This is my take on the turkey pesto sandwich, which was the highlight of the foods I enjoyed & proof that "dieting" is not about deprivation. 

Start by toasting two slices of whole grain bread. In my case, I used Rudi's original gluten free bread.

Then add a slice of Swiss cheese.

A tablespoon of prepared pesto.

Two slices of deli turkey.

Some cucumber and red bell pepper.

A small mound of fresh spinach.

Slice in half and enjoy!!

Body Gospel Round 2

Okay, this is yet another post that has been waiting to be written. I decided to start another round of Body Gospel, and did so last week with some new photos. This round will include judicious use of bands, but still be low impact to accommodate my still recovering neck and back. Though on that note, the physical therapist thinks I may be ready to graduate. :)

In addition, I have been putting a quarter in a jar each day that I get in my scheduled workout and drink my shake. This is both motivation and a way to start saving for the matching tattoo my best friend and I are getting for our 40th birthday's next year.

QOTD: What do you do to keep yourself motivated?

Renewed Wellness Commitment

My wellness was not derailed by the holidays. In fact, I did pretty well during the eating holidays with keeping on track with my calories. It was brought to a stop by the car accident and the change in my schedule due to a new job as a cashier working nights and weekends. The car accident caused me to not being able to exercise like I had been, and my new schedule had me eating at all sorts of different hours of the day. And then we went on vacation for ten days to Disney World.

okay, this is actually in Harry Potter at Universal!

There was lots of walking, and lots of eating. There was, also, some days where I didn't drink coffee due some vertigo. I don't like to think about that part to much. On the whole, I would say that my food consumption was mostly on the healthy side. A little heavier than I was used to, but I did take my new little blender and had my shakes (when I remembered).

That said, between the accident in early November and February 4th I gained 15 pounds. I wasn't happy about it, but I knew that my body had changed. I had already decided I was going to start over, but that clinched it. I did a two day Shakeology cleanse, and lost 7 pounds. I, also, started my favorite program, Body Gospel, over again. And realized that my range of motion is very, very limited. I am working through that with the help of my physical therapist. Until then I do what I can modified and without the bands. I AM back on track to the healthier me I deserve to be.

Patience Hummingbird or What I did this morning!

As some of you may know, I was in an auto accident back at the beginning of November. Totaled my car, made me miss the Monkey's first science fair, and has caused some neck and back issues. This has meant limited exercise in terms of what I am used to doing. Did lots of walking at Disney at the beginning of January, but mostly I have been doing my physical therapy stretching. Until today that is.

Last week, I won a copy of P90x One-on-One: Patience Hummingbird from a coach give away on Facebook. I am thankful to Coni of Coni Fitness for sending this to me. It is just the perfect length (about 30 minutes), and the perfect mix of active yoga and stretching/conditioning yoga. And if I got the terminology wrong forgive me. I give it a 10 out of 10. My muscles will let you know tomorrow what they think. :)

Question of the Day: What is your favorite new or rediscovered workout?

P90x Results

Okay, I will admit that I didn't really see any noticeable physical changes. My measurements haven't changed much, and after the initial 5 pound loss I have been bouncing back and forth. I did, however, notice that I was feeling much better. Stronger even. I went from s using 2 pound weights to do doing the same number if not a few more reps with 5 pound weights. I am really amazed at what I have, and think that I may be ready come mid-January to start a round of P90x2! Until then, I am going to be doing some Body Gospel combined with P90x to keep me moving and healthy. Tell me if you notice a difference.

July 3, 2011

October 7, 2011

July 3, 2011

October 7, 2011

July 3, 2011

October 7, 2011

July 3, 2011

October 7, 2011

My next fitness goal is to be able to do assisted pull ups on a bar. What is keeping you moving?

Younglings on P90x

Tonight the Monkey and Boo decided they wanted to see what I had just put in the DVD player in preparation of them going to bed. I obliged. They then got up and started doing the warm up portion of Back & Biceps. I think they liked it! :) And they got a little taste of what I am doing daily. Enjoy!

Pre-pregnancy Weight Achieved

Can I get a few Hallelujahs here?! :)

A little back story: Flash back to 2003 when I was just in a low place and worried about my health. A friend (hi Jill) talked to me about Jazzercise, and I started going two to three times a week (hi Paige!). I, also, started weighing and measuring my food. I was determined to get healthy. Over the course of a year, I lost 25 pounds, which brought me down to 200 pounds. Then in March 2004 I got pregnant. Deliberately.

Did I go out of my mind with I can eat for two? Not a chance. I kept eating reasonably, and measuring my portions. I kept walking the dog, and going to Jazzercise. I gained exactly 25 pounds with my pregnancy. At my one week check up post birth, I weighed in at 192. I felt fabulous.

Present day: I have been stuck since April or May at the weight of 205. I have said that it was beginning to piss me off. And that the scale makes me crazy. I didn't want to weigh today, especially after last night's measurements showed an increase in certain locations. I was not ready for more disappointment. When I went to weigh, the Wii board's battery pack was dead. So I decided to try the regular scale. Imagine my surprise when I thought I was just over 200, and had my sister look....twice. Yep, 200 pounds. That is 5 pounds lost in this first phase of P90x (total of 33 in 11 months), and reaching my pre-pregnancy weight. I am over the moon.

Next up? My post-pregnancy weight!!

Heat Sickness and Me

So I was going great guns with P90x. Then half way through week 2 I came down with a horrid case of heat sickness. One minute I was fine the next I was stripping down, cooling off with a wet paper towel, and laying down. I kept putting water in me, and taking it easy.

Friday I got in my workout, except for Ab Ripper. It was a struggle. I won't kid you. I woke up Saturday feeling yucky, and decided to keep sucking down the water. I spent part of the day laying on the floor in front of the air conditioner. I wanted to be better for Sunday when I was supposed to be going out for an outing with the singles group. I was very much looking forward to it, as I don't get out much.




Awoke Sunday morning feeling alright so I tried out Saturday's workout, Kenpo X. I managed about 30 minutes before realizing I just couldn't do it. I was dizzy, nauseated, and my headache was worse. I got the younglings up, fed and dressed for church. Opted for not going myself in the vain hope that I could go on the outing. Yeah, my sister called at noon and I was still sleeping. Spent the day in and out of sleep. It was later in the day that I posted on Facebook for ideas on how to beat the sickness. I got a text from a friend who is a nurse.

And guess what? Chugging all that water? It was actually having an adverse affect on my electrolytes. Who knew? (that is rhetorical. I now know that a lot of people have this information.) I had myself a glass of warm jello before bed to help with the sickness.

Woke up today feeling better. Been eating, adding coconut water to my beverage, and decided that day 1 of week 3 of P90x is going to be a miss. I don't want to overdo. So I will pick back up with Cardio X in the morning. I have learned a lot in these last five days, and I am not going to make these mistakes again.

Day 1: P90x

The impetus for my doing P90x was actually a couple of friends who I talked to who had bought it, but never actually done anything with it. I decided that I would do it with them, and our small Facebook support group was born. There are seven of us to start with who are providing support to each other in this life changing journey. Today I am going to share my before photos. Tomorrow you will get my thoughts on how I am feeling about the workouts. I am excited to be taking this journey with others.

Starting weight: 205

Post Summit Push

I don't know if I really shared here that I was getting ready to go to the Beachbody Coach Summit, which was held this past weekend in Los Angeles. I am extremely grateful to my mother, aunt, sisters and father who helped make this trip happen for me. I have come out of it with a greater vision of who I am, who I want to be, and where my life and business are going.my

I met up with my coach, Sarah, at LAX to take a Super Shuttle to the JW Marriott at LA Live Thursday afternoon. We got our badges and headed over to the Yard House for a meal. Whatever they put in those turkey sliders is the bomb! We separated for our evening activities. I headed to a tour of the Beachbody offices, and can I say WOW!

Friday started with a workout at 7 a.m.! I attended the workout with Body Gospel creator Donna Richardson Joyner who was absolutely amazing! The live drummers she brought along were just as amazing! This wasn't the only workout of the weekend. I had the opportunity to workout with Chalene Johnson as well on Friday (creator of Turbo Jam and Turbo Fire). Then there was the Super Workout with all of the trainers on the streets of L.A. Okay, only one street between the Nokia Plaza and the Staples Center! Over 2000 coaches working out in close quarters. It was AWESOME!!! And to top the weekend off I boogied at the after party Saturday night, and got in a nice swim Sunday morning before the first session and returning home.

Donna and I

Post Turbo Fire workout with a poster of Chalene! :)

Tony Horton (P90x) and I post Super Workout (I had cleaned up!)

In addition to these awesome workouts, there were amazing sessions. Besides the general sessions (three of these), I got the most out of the ones on time management and using social media to build a business. Did I mention they fed us as well? Shakeology every morning! Including the new flavor that was announced on Friday, Tropical. Look for it to be available towards the end of 2011/early 2012. The food at the dinner reception may have been a buffet, but it was amazing as well. The veggie pot stickers? I had a few! :)

I think thought that what I discovered in those three jam packed days was that this company and these coaches are all about building each other up and seeing the world a better, healthier place. I met and talked to so many people on the elevator, waiting in line, sitting on the bus, at the restaurant waiting for takeout, and a dozen other places. I made new friends and caught the sense of family that Beachbody is all about. Awesome!

Sarah and I (friends & family)

Turbo Jam & Wellness Update

In the middle of my April workouts, I decided to dedicate April to Turbo Jam, and do a full round. With minimal convincing from my friend/coach Sarah, I decided to dive in at the Advanced level since I had incorporated it into my workout routines for a full month. And why not right?! :)

Post Cardio Party 5/28/11

I started the month at 205 and with some significant losses in inches from my thighs and arms. I was very excited by the inch and a half off of each thigh since I hadn't seen a real change in a month or two in actual numbers. My clothes were fitting differently, and that was great! The lack of change on the scale and the tape measure were bothering me.

I am working day by day to overcome my dependence on the scale and tape measure. I am now forcing my OCD self to measure once a month, and weigh once a week. In addition, I am trying not to allow myself to worry if I gain two pounds, because I KNOW that I am getting lean and trim. The proof is in the clothing. Did I tell you that I bought an Easter dress in a 16 and had to return it less than a month later for a 14?! Yep! I know things are happening!

Despite 7 months of getting progressively more aggressive in my intensity levels, I started Turbo Jam at the very, very low impact level. By this fourth week, I was reaching lower, and doing a wide variety of the higher impact moves. Tonight I even attempted to jump rope, and was reminded why I don't by the soreness in my chest. I will be going back to side to side hop/shakes.

My Abs (gah!) 5/28/11

Did you notice I didn't post a weight or inches lost update? There wasn't a change, and I am okay with that. :)

Awesomeday: May 26th edition

I am beginning to live for Awesomeday. It really makes me think about what is going on in my life, and how to change my way of thinking. I hope that you are taking the time to savor the small moments in your life. Take joy in each day and be well!!



1. Sunshine and coffee! Yay for no rain!

2. Shakeology scoops that create the perfect amount of oats for the Monkey and I to share. (5 with a bit left over for the Goober Girl).

3. My very first Beachbody paycheck!

4. The Goober Girl taking a long nap and a light lunch. The long nap is an anomaly, and she ended up sleeping for just over 2 hours. It was nice!

5. Submitted my new Shakeology recipe to the Shakeology Shake-Off Recipe Challenge.

6. Playing puzzles with the Goober Girl.

7. The Monkey's math placement for next years curriculum (My Father's World). He did so well that my mom has printed out the next two tests for him to try out. Don't want to make it to easy for him. And hey look! He inherited the math nerd gene.

8. Drinking my new Shakeology on the way to the Monkey's social playgroup.

9. The taco salad I had for dinner. Such a simple meal, but oh so tasty. We should have this more often.

10.Getting my workout on. Last night was Turbo Sculpt and Ab Jam from Turbo Jam. I was sore in my mid-section, but it feels great to get moving each day.

11. I actually saw my toes tonight while doing squats. (Note: This is a first for me. I am very excited!!)

12. My family, friends and fellow team members. You all inspire me daily! Thank you so much for being a part of our lives!

Monkey and I at the Day Out with Thomas

Results: Two Kinds

I know you are probably itching for the Shakeology cleanse results, but I am going to give you something else first. A few weeks ago, I asked for your votes in the Body Gospel Million Dollar Body contest. Your votes garnered me a spot in the semi-finals, and I am grateful for the opportunities that has given me. Sadly, I didn't make it to the finals, but it was a really great ride. Thank you so much for your support.


Above you see my final photo for the contest from about the beginning of March. I was hovering at that plateau I talked about in my last post and just shy of a 25 pound weight loss. I talked about how the cleanse went a little bit. I think it could have gone better if I hadn't been ill. I was to far under on calories both days for it to be fully effective. There IS a reason they recommend 800-1200 calories a day (or maybe I am confused?). I did get close to 900 calories on Saturday, but with the hacking and the fever things just didn't go as planned. I did, however, lose an additional 2 pounds. This brings total weight loss at this point to TWENTY NINE pounds!! Time will tell (and so will I) if this will kick start my body back into the weight loss that it needs to be doing. For now, I will continue to recover from my cooties and ease back into my fitness routine. Be well!

April 3, 2011 at 204 pounds

Shakeology Cleanse

Generally this is a three day cleanse (my fellow coach, Brent, has a great post on the cleanse), but since I am sick AND really looking forward to my sister's birthday dinner tomorrow, i.e. the first BBQ of the year, I have modified it to two days. The purpose for me was to jump start my weight loss again. I had been stuck at 208.5/209 for over a month, and was beginning to get frustrated. I had added in some more strength training on the advice of my coach Sarah, but it didn't seem to be helping much so I decided to go ahead with the cleanse.

Imagine my surprise on Friday morning when I stepped on the Wii fit board for a pre-cleanse weigh-in to find that I had dropped to 206, which is now a total loss of 27 pounds. Happy dance ensued! :) Guess some of that extra work paid off!

Blended up my first shake after returning from dropping the younglings for their morning walk with Auma and Auntie Bubba before school. The day went well though I was severely under my projected calories for the day. I blame my illness and my odd day in general for the inability to get my third shake in. I was in bed by 8 p.m. :p I did get in a 30 minutes 2 mile walk with Leslie Sansone during the afternoon, which made me feel much better.

Saturday dawned with a headache and a 100 degree temperature. Today's planned exercise is not happening, but the cleanse continues. Lunch was the ice cream version of breakfast. I love the frozen fruit mix I get with strawberries, peaches, mangoes and pineapples in my Shakeology. As a frozen treat, it is nearly unbeatable. Dinner is a beautiful salad with some chicken breast, cheese and cashews. With the cashews and a third shake later, I am at 882 calories for the day. I may add in a cup of tea or a glass of orange juice before bed to help with this cough, but otherwise I am pleased.


Will post a full update on the cleanse sometime tomorrow after we finish celebrating my sister's birth!

Exciting News and Monday Mingling

So the exciting news? I entered the Million Dollar Body contest through Beachbody and Body Gospel a week or two ago. I got an e-mail on Thursday that said I had advanced to the next round, which is online voting through Facebook. Voting lasts for three days only-this Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. You can vote twice a day. The four finalists will advance to the next round and the judges will pick a winner. I would really love it if you could take the time and vote for me. The grand prize of $25,000 would be an amazing thing for our family.

Go and vote HERE for Brooke Lippy age 38.

Monkey at Minds in Motion making Goo

Monday Mingle hosted by Eighty MPH Mom

1. What would you do for fun if you had to give up TV and internet?
Answer: The same thing I do now when they aren't working or have been appropriated by the younglings. I read anything I can get my hands on. Want to be friends on Goodreads?

2. What is your favorite breed of dog?
Answer: This question isn't as easy. My family has always had daschunds and shepherd/husky mixes. My first dog was a Jack Russel terrier/blue heeler mix. She was very excitable, but I loved her. I think I will I say I just love dogs, and leave it at that. :)

3. What is under your bed right now?
Answer: Have it easy again here. I never got around to actually putting my bed frame up. So, my mattress and box spring are sitting on the carpet. :)

Finally February Fitness

The first week of this month, I started a post on my fitness goals for February, and a follow up on where I ended January. Then things kind of went to hell in a hand-basket to put it mildly. My aunt, the monkey's mimi, went into the hospital on the 1st for an infection in her knee. She was released this past Wednesday, and is doing very well. While she was there we had yet another snow storm, which caused school to be cancelled for a couple of days as we couldn't get to my mom's house. In the midst of it all, I discovered that my three new medications were what was causing me to feel so exhausted at the end of the day that I could barely lift my arms let alone complete any sort of work out that wasn't going straight to bed. Then last Thursday I was struck by my first bout of food poisoning. Stellar month? You betcha! (if you missed it, that last bit was laced with just the eensy-est of sarcasm.)

my small collection :)

My original plan was to alternate videos from my small collection with workouts from my Body Gospel program. At this point, I am still trying to figure out how to alter my schedule to fit workouts in to my day since I can't do them at 9 p.m. anymore. So I have been doing some dancing with the Michael Jackson Experience on the Wii, some basic Wii exercise, Walk Away the Pounds with Leslie Sansone, and today I did my first Body Gospel workout. I think that the track might be coming back around to me. After a conversation with a friend, I am even considering a round of P90X with her as an accountability buddy. Combined with my more regular intake of chocolate Shakeology, I really am feeling loads better.

what I am doing now alternate days

Now for the update. I know this is what you were waiting for.

Goal: Workout everyday with the Wii
Result: Completed 27 of 31 workouts
-Feeling pretty good about that still. This is the longest streak I have been able to keep up, and it was fun to do my step routines while watching most of season 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. :)

I have some updates to my weight loss journey as well. This is since my last measurements on December 1, 2010.

• Waist: 2.5 inches (total: 8.5 inches since August 2010)
• Hips: 1.5 inches (total: 3 inches)
• Weight: 24 pounds!!!!!! (as of 2/13/2011)
• Size: down 2 full sizes
  

Me! Down 20 pounds and 2 sizes!! :)