Okay so if you don't want to pay for a gym pass here are some excellent home videos that I have and love, love, love. The Jackie Warner video is my all time favorite, my whole body hurts afterwards but in a good way. The power 90 Russ likes more because it is geared towards men and women. Check em and get one they are awesome. The Melt it off is a wonderful abs routine I promise, it is kind of corney but honestly really good.

http://jackiewarner.com/store/products.aspx?CatID=46&linkId=aap_lMen

http://meltitoff.org/

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/power90.do

IT DOESN'T MATTER AFTER ALL!

I watched on the news yesterday about a long-term study that had been done on weight loss. The object of the study was to see which of the diets worked best, low-carb, high protein, low fat, high fiber, fruits and veggies, etc. The study was done over a 2-year period on a large number (thousands) of people all over the country, and there were four diet options, which had an equal number of people with different sizes, shapes and problems in each. The results of the study were quite amazing. Each of the groups had about the same success rate! It didn't matter which diet the people were on, the ones that kept on it were the most successful.

By the way, there were two stipulations that went with each of the 4 diet groups. They had to exercise 30 mintues a day, five days a week, and they had to lower their calorie intake at least 500 calories a day from what they were normally eating. In essense, all diets are the same; the things that made a difference were exercise and eating less high-calorie food.

It only makes sense. Vegetables and most fruits have less calories and you can eat more. Sugars and carbs are high calorie and you must eat less. You need to do a little calculating to see what your normal caloric intake is, but you should not cut more than 500 calories at a measured time or your body goes into 'starvation' mode and wants to store more. After you have reached a plateau with your first 500 calories, you can take off more.

My new goal is exerise, walk, whatever for at least 30 minutes every day, and I'm going to start counting calories honestly and see where I really am. I'm hoping I see a change in my habits without having to make major changes in my diet. I'll let you know!

Let's not count last week.....

Last week was a difficult week. I ate poorly (not necessarily "junk" food, but just at bad times and such. I also didn't exercise that much. I walked with Kate but not much.

Other than that, it was just wicked busy. Dan was gone at school or studying til like 2:00 in the morning, and I was running around all week doing this and that. I just didn't have a good week. But, I am going to press forward, keep my goals from the previous week and-----ya know, not get down on myself.

yummy recipe

I saw this recipe for Apricot Ginger Chicken on Good Things Utah the other day and wanted to try it. We had it last night. It is pretty dang healthy if you substitute olive oil for the butter. Anyway, it was quick and easy, budget friendly, healthy, and delicious. Just thought I would share.

Week Fourteen and last week's review....

Weekly Goals:
1. Exercise three times this week
2. Try a new healthy recipe

So, I only made two goals for this week. Mainly because I wanted to make sure that I actually accomplished all my goals.....

HOWEVER, last week I did great! I exercised a lot (and vigorously) and I felt great. Even though I got sore, I felt really, really good. I also was on my period, so to get out and really push myself was even harder. But once I did it, I felt good. I ate well, too. Except on Valentine's Day when we made cookies and chocolate covered strawberries and raspberries (which I have to say were fantastic).

I tried to take good care of myself, too. Not just with eating better, but I tried to be kind to myself and didn't put myself down. I let myself have some alone time (made Dan take Kate for a couple of hours) and I did some projects I have been meaning to do for awhile. I prepared my lesson early as well.

All in all, I had a good week and hope to continue the trend. I have to admit though....I haven't weighed myself in a couple of weeks and I am scared to get on there. I have no idea what it will say. I almost want to just avoid it for a little while and then get on it again.....what do you think?

Week Thirteen, and last week review.

WEEK 13 GOALS:
1. Again, exercise more vigorously (at least twice)
2. Enjoy Valentines' Day with my hubby
3. Eat more veggies (most likely cooked)
4. Prepare my Sunday School lesson before Saturday


This last week was okay. I did exercise but it wasn't as vigorous as I would have like. Kate was sick...again....which limited what I could do. And, Dan was super busy at school and wasn't home to take her off of my hands. I could have exercised harder on the weekend, but we decided to go to San Antonio....which mentally and emotionally was really good (for both of us).

I also did well with my self-talk this week UNTIL this weekend. Like I said, we went to San Antone with some friends on Saturday. We took pics along the way and I really started to get down on myself when I looked back on all the pictures. Seriously, it is so hard to see yourself through film or camera. Honestly, I tried so hard not to let it get me down....but alas, I wasn't the best.

I DID do much better with overindulging this weekend. Dr. Pepper was my friend a few times this week but the only "extra treat" I had this weekend was a strawberry shake, which was mighty fine! I don't regret it one bit!

Have I even mentioned that some of the meds that I am on help me put on and keep on weight? That is a battle I am continually trying to fix. It's really frustrating. Sometimes I feel like I am either having to choose health or weight. Of course, I choose health-----but sometimes.....well, you know.

Week Twelve Goals

Here are my weekly goals:
1. No negative self-talk
2. More vigorous workouts (at least two)
3. Don't indulge so much on the weekend

Setting these weekly goals has really helped me to break down trying to reach larger goals. Anyone is welcome to do their own---even if it has nothing to do with losing weight. We can all get a little better, right?

I have committment issues...

Hi. I'm Amber and I have commitment issues. I'm not a big fan of new year's resolutions, they just seem so cheesy to me for all the hype they get. But I think it is important to always set goals and be working toward them. Somedays my goal just for the day is to get a shower!

But this year I have to be honest that I haven't wanted to set a weight loss goal simply because of my fear of failing - again. Thus, my commitment issues. However, I feel I am finally in a good place mentally to start again (if you can call almost having a heart attack after stepping on the scale a good place mentally, but hey it's motivation).

My goals are small, and I don't think I will set another one until I reach my first one. I was just checking to see if I could find a list of classes offered by Gold's Gym (Matt and I just got passes there) which they didn't, but I did find this article. While they are pretty much things we have all heard before I still thought it had good ideas and reminders.

Nearly 75% of Americans fail to keep their resolutions each year... but you don't have to go into "default." These 7 strategies will help you set — and keep — realistic goals.

It's time to turn over a new leaf in 2009 and embark on yet another quest to drop a few — or a few dozen — pounds. But you're least likely to achieve a New Year's goal when the resolution sounds like punishment: "I will never eat chocolate again" or "I will exercise every day for two hours" doesn't exactly encourage a positive outlook.

"People tend to set unrealistic New Year's resolutions for themselves that lead to disappointment," says personal trainer Jason Gerhart.

This year, avoid the common resolution pitfalls. Use these pointers to help set yourself up for weight-loss success.

1. Get SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) goals"Don't just look at the big picture," says Elizabeth Stein, C.H.H.C. You're less likely to keep up with a New Year's resolution like "I will lose 40 pounds" because it sounds bleak and out of reach. Instead, set an attainable goal that can be obtained through small action steps: "This week I'm going to strength train twice for 30 minutes." Or "This week I will go to two spin classes," or "add 50 percent more whole grains to my diet." Don't think of your resolution as a single weight-loss goal for all of 2009, but as a lifestyle change. Is this something you can do every week?

2. Measure your weight-loss success

• Find one article of clothing that's a little snug now — jeans, a bathing suit — and use it to gauge your improvement. Try it on every two weeks and snap a photo of yourself in it to see how your body has changed.

• Weigh yourself once a week at the same time on the same scale. And always wear the same thing.

• Test your strength with a weekly push-up check. Do as many as you can until your arms feel like they might give out. If it becomes easier to do more, you're probably getting stronger and/or losing weight.

• Time a mile on a treadmill, bike or elliptical machine the day you start your new program — and every month after — to see how your fitness has improved.

3. Don't be afraid of commitment

You have to ask yourself: "Why am I trying to lose weight?" Do you want to drop pounds before your wedding? Are you trying to set an example for your kids? Decide on your reason for your weight-loss resolution and write it down. Post it by a mirror, on your computer monitor or on your cell phone. "Sometimes it sounds like a good idea to cut out sweets or get to the gym more often, but you must be truly, fully committed," Stein says. "If you don't really want to do something, it's unlikely you are going to make a change. You need to really want it."

4. Make simple adjustments

It's the little things that help. Switch your dinner dates to hiking or bowling or even cooking at home (that'll save you cash too!). Always take the stairs. Buy a pedometer and increase your steps daily. Keep a large water bottle on your desk and refill when empty. Find a new pair of sneakers that you love. Walk to your co-worker's office instead of sending an e-mail. Create a pump-up playlist that you can't wait to listen to.

5. Find someone — or something — to hold you accountable

A personal trainer is one of the best people to help you stay focused and on track with your weight-loss goals. A recent study at Duke University found that 77 percent of participants who worked with a personal counselor lost weight while only 67 percent of the self-directed group shed pounds. At the very least, find a buddy to schedule workouts with or book your workouts into your calendar as you would a meeting. "A set schedule helps you hold yourself accountable, and you'll more than likely make that Wednesday 5 p.m. gym appointment," Gerhart says. Better yet, record what you eat each day — and how many calories it cost you — in a personal food journal. If you have to log every piece of food you eat, you might think twice about that third slice of pizza.

6. Refresh your weight-loss goal every month

Recommit yourself with a new twist on your New Year's resolution every month. If you vowed to start strength training three days a week in January, then up your fiber intake to 25 grams a day in February, try a new class each week in March and aim to run a 10K in April. It's easier to stay focused if you have a fresh mini-resolution to concentrate on every four weeks.

7. Expect setbacks

If you finish a pint of Ben & Jerry's one night, don't throw in the towel. You're bound to fall off the wagon once in a while, but you can always get back on track tomorrow. "Pick yourself back up and take the opportunity to learn from the setbacks," Stein says. Missing a workout won't ruin your weight-loss plan, but giving up too easily will.

original source

Week Eleven, Review

Well, I did pretty good this week. All things considered.

I exercised more than twice, although they weren't all vigorous. Next week I am going to strive to do more strenuous workouts.

I also drank a lot more water, at least 24 ounces more a day. I bought a nice, new water bottle and would fill it up in the morning and drink it during the day. It was 24 ounces big and I would at least drink one. It definitely was a great way for me to remember to drink more water. You should try it.

Lastly, I didn't fast. I wanted to and tried to....but, I woke up this morning and in the shower I got really, really sick to my stomach. So, I needed to eat something in order to make it through the day. I guess I was a little ambitious with this goal. I never have been good with fasting because of my health problems. I am going to try to fast at the end of the month for Kate before she goes in for surgery, however.

My indulgences?
-Friday I went to Cheesecake Factory with a few friends----I got Dulce de leche, so yummy!!!
-Saturday I made caramel popcorn.
-Sunday we had a SuperBowl Party. That's about all I have to say about that.
So, it looks like I need to be better on the weekends, eh?