Still Going...

and going. Like the exercise bunny! With another 2.5 pounds, I am happy to say I have had the first "outsider" comment on the loss of weight and toning I have been doing. Of course, I have seen it (and for the first time in my life admitted it) but I had a lady at the library ask me my secret. LOL. My secret...well, work out. Everyday. Even if its for a half hour...and if its just a work out video, work out as if the trainer is with you. Yes, I almost THREW UP the other day after a Bob Greene Boot Camp workout. And eat in a way that makes you proud to share your diet. So what was that for me today????? Fresh Basil, Mozzarella and Tomato with a Trader Joe's Balsamic Vinegar.

One thing I have been struggling with is preparing meals. You know, the good for you, good for your kids, love it when they try it meals. The other day I posted on my Facebook site that I was in need of a new cookbook. We have a few (okay a few more than a few) but really, I need something that works with ingredients I have on hand. One person mentioned a book that has recipes for 5 ingredients. That is perfect...now if I can find it. Another mentioned Paula Deen. Paula Deen, I love you but I am sure I am not going to be wearing a bathing suit this summer if I am serving up your butter loving suppers. And of course there is the entorage of food experts (or cooks) that the Food Network puts out. The Barefoot Contessa, Rachael Ray, Alton Brown, etc...Heidi has recommended the Weight Watchers ones and perhaps that is where I will search when at the Library next, but what is it that YOU do for YOUR family to eat healthy?

Another thing on the same line is the COST OF HEALTH. Its really now not just a discussion for those struggling financially. GOOD HEALTHY FRESH products are increasing in demand and are struggling to make it to the grocer's shelves. With the natural disasters paired with the "raw food movement", your typicaly grocery bill may have jumped 25%. Sure, the Coupon Mom has her thing, where you can feed yoru family on packaged food galore for just $47.00 a week...but is that really what I want to put into my family's body? So another question to ponder...how do you save? How do YOU cut costs and feed your family healthy meals on a healthy budget! Looking forward to good responses!!!!!

Keep working out. Results aren't always quick to show but when they come, you'll know! Feel good about the woman you are becoming for yourself and your family! Til Tomorrow!

The Videos of the Week

Everyone says...Jillian Michaels is tough, but after doing 2 new workouts this week, I think its all perspective. I did Bob Greene's "Boot Camp" and also "Denise Austin" Cardio Kickboxing and if you are giving it your all, these three are all "Bears" in my book!

So that leads me to my next thought....work out videos don't work...at least that is what a lot of people I meet say. My thought is, of course not, if you don't do them. I have found however, in the past 4 weeks that I have done them, I am seeing results. Serious ones. My size 4's are fitting again. I have lost a substantial amount of weight--(another 2.5 as of Friday). So, like anything, I think if you work it, it works for you! You know, those people that BUY the home equipment and don't use it, they don't lose it...so my tip for the day is USE IT TO LOSE IT!

I promised a review of yet another video, but I am slightly off on my reports. I have no idea which I promised next, so I am going to have to take a look...until then, today is Mother's Day...do something for YOU! I worked out this morning to Bob Greene and he made me feel good!

Quick Fit Hip Hop Dance...

Quick Fit and exercise don't seem to go well together, but as many mom's know, 2 hours in the gym is pretty much not something you can do, especially if you stay home. Perhaps if you work outside the home you can skip lunch (not so healthy) and go then...but at home, its almost as if "MORE" is required since that is all you do...stay home :) In any case, with 3 kids not yet of school age (I know we're a little big crazy), finding time to actually work out was something I didn't do. But like I said before, I was putting them, and my husband before myself and becoming more and more unhappy with myself, in turn making life less pleasant for us all. Kindly, my neighbor said to me last night..."you don't need to lose". And perhaps for health purposes I don't NEED to lose, but I am lucky I carry my weight well. In any case, "Quick Fit" was what I needed.

Quick Fit is a brand that gives you 3 work outs in 30 minutes. Some are areas that focus on problems..i.e. hips and thighs, post natal, abs, cardio...etc, but its all about getting in there getting it done and getting it out of there. The great thing is if you devote 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week, that is 3 hours...which is a great start. Add a few walks, and a couple of quick crunches and you are set...especially if you are busy and on the run (as ALL Americans seem to be).

The Quick Fit Hip Hop Dance is great. Its easy enough that me and my two left feet can follow along and intense enough I break a sweat. Once the moves are down (which apparently I have them as my oldest suggested I make my own video), you can intensify...how? Some weights. Either hand weights (2,3,5 pounds each) or wrap around weights. My oldest suggested to make it harder I blindfold myself but well, that just isn't an option. For $9.99 at Target, this video has become a staple in my rotation. That is right, my rotation. As my friend Janis can attest, I have always had this "work out video craze" and perhaps I am one of the few people the videos work for because I become obsessed!

If you are feeling you need to add some time, I have found the Wii Fit is a great added bonus. It also allows you go get in 10 minutes of Yoga or Strength when you are waiting for something or just have a couple minutes on your hands. So I suggest that as an added bonus for those really pushing it to look hot for YOURSELVES this summer :)

Tommorow I will be reviewing the "Walk Away the Pounds" videos by Leslie Sansone. Though low impact, I have one that gets me working up a sweat everytime! Check back to see if its on your shelf...or should be!

Another Week another Pound....

or not....I did a fantastic job the week before this dropping 7 pounds. As I said on Facebook, I did stop taking the pill, however I am not so sure all of it is water weight. I am still sitting at 138.1.Literally. No loss on ounces either strangely enough. So at least I did not gain. I have 9.9 pounds to go until my goal weight of a BMI of 19 AND a weight of 127. I have been faithful in my work out and more confident in my body. For the first time in probably 2 years I was able to put on a nightgown in front of my husband instead of sleeping in a t-shirt and sweats. Seems like a small thing but for me it was a huge accomplishment and I feel great about it! In fact, laying in bed last night I told him it felt good to not be covered in sweats :)

I did promise another reivew of a work out video and today is a FAV. If we were rating with stars, this would be 5 out of 5. I first found it through the Holt Library, within the Capital Area District Library. I then purchased it on Amazon, so its still out there folks...its the Quick Fit Post Natal Workout. I know, 14 months after the fact I am still using it but let me tell you about the good points. Its 3 ten minute work outs so if you can't do it all at once, you can spread it out through the day. This is a huge plus for busy families! It also focuses on different areas of the body. Mostly focusing on strength training so you are increasing lean muscle mass to burn more calories through the day. How have I made it tougher???? Increase weight. No, I do not recommend baby wearing during this however adding 5 or 10 pounds weights to the work out seems to have increased my strength and toned up my arms and back a bit. Sure, I still have a ways to go but I still feel this work out when I really push it and increase intensity. So, if you are post partum, or just getting back on the exercise horse, I recommend this work out to you!!!!!

Stay tuned tomorrow...for......my review of the Quick Fit Hip Hop Dance Review...if I can do it, with my "elephant" self, you too can get this one down and have fun!