• 25Sep

    My biggest thing is accountability.  I just read a great post over on Tom Venuto’s Burn The Fat Blog about The Biggest Loser and i couldn’t agree more.  Almost exact opinions to what i posted a few days back but just completely written out with even more insight, and some more info that was a real eye opener.

    I don’t need a weekend by myself to know what i want.  The one place i feel right at home in my element is when I’m active. It’s in my blood.  On the beach, in the gym, on the field, or up in the mountains…you name it and i love it.  I mean…i crave it.  I let myself off the hook all the time because i don’t want to get down on myself or be to hard on myself.  Whatever!  Yes, you heard me. I’m calling myself out on all my crap and I’m going to reach my goal.  I’m going to get my body fat% down to 15%.  I know that is not going to happen with out some accountability, commitment and needles to say sticking to a killer game plan.  Then I’m going to go surfing again and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it because I’ll know I reached my goal.  I’ll still do all sorts of fun active things in the mean time to also aid in the fat burning, muscle building, optimum fitness goal.  I’m ready, I’m all in, and I’m committed.  Deadline Thanks Giving.

  • 09Sep

    Don’t ask about the K’s. So i’ve decided the “rose colored glasses” aren’t that awesome. Seriously, I’m already sneezing my eyes out and that’s just asking for it. However…”Exercise colored glasses” are amazing. While exercising the world just feels like a better place.

    Not my neighborhood but pretty darn close(not my neighborhood)

    Even when i forget my music i can almost hear my own theme music playing as I walk thru an almost “Stepford Wives” like neighborhood. Expensive but also why we just live on the edge of it in a condo. Exercising is what makes the difference. Even if i were in a farm town walking/jogging along the side of a dirt road i would still be in heaven. Simply because i’m doing it. I’m outside. I’m doing my own thing. Walking to the beat of my own drum (or MP3 player) and being the best version of myself. Anywho. It’s good.

    So, i finally got my tire fixed on my stroller. Man did i ever put that off too long. I ended up taking it to a bike shop and they just fixed it for free. It was just one of those days. Glass overflowing and happy exercise vibe going. Why did i put this off for so long. I keep telling my self to remember these moments and use them to get off my butt more often.

    Kravings:
    Kravings come most of all around 4 and i did my best to fill up on healthy snacks today. Celery and PB, cucumbers, eggs with salsa, protein shakes, high fiber cereal, beef, broccoli, quinoa, and yogurt. It made the world of difference but it’s also that “half way thru the week of eating healthy” part where “i just need a little serotonin boost” feeling starts. I made up a bowl of oatmeal, and so far it’s hitting the spot.  Looking for an image i found a great article.

    conquer-your-cravings-afConquer Your Cravings By Big Fat Truth & Change One

    Other ideas of things that tend to help Kick the Kraving:
    Hard candies (sugar free if you dare)
    Yogurt
    Chocolate
    Tylenol
    Water
    Protein (Any source)
    Grapes
    Water
    Tylenol

    Most likely at 4 I’m dehydrated because i was outdoors more today and didn’t drink enough let alone extra water. So Tylenol and water are the best fix for me…and some chocolate to tide me over until the water kicks in.

    Tomorrow I’m going to do a test and drink and eat the correct amounts of food throughout the day and see how 4 o’clock turns out.  After reading that article I’m going to write it down as well.  Why not.

    What do you do to kick a craving. Do you just go Cold Turkey, or what arsenal do you have up your sleve?
  • 20Aug

    I love soccer. The jogging stroller is still on the fritz. So i decided to not let that stop me. I used a basic stroller tossed some soccer balls in the back and had the 3 year old run along side me. We played soccer for a while at the school then played at the park.

    It seems that most of the other kids are boys…ration 8:1 maybe they just need to climb on things more..who knows.

    I meet Bethany who just moved here from Las Vegas. Very nice and also has 3 boys and her last on it’s way. It felt good to get out and actually be social. Although i love marching to the beat of my own drum it’s nice to meet new people now and then.

    Hubby’s gone rafting with his work (nice job eh…jealous). I’m going to have fun being extra active…and because i am then I’ll enjoy some nice treat…and only my absolute favorites… Chocolate covered strawberries rolled in coconut. Oh yea it’s that good.  Here have some.

    Yummy

    Mean i know.  If i knew how, i would send each of my readers a few.  Wait how is this going to help anyone get fit…LOL!  I figure if your going to eat unhealthy every once in a while that’s fine, especially with these.  Loaded with calories but at least they’re not completely empty calories.  Antioxidants from the chocolate, and strawberry, and healthy fats from the coconut…so they’re healthy right? =)

    When the Boyz wake up from naps we will hit the water park. It’s mid-high 90’s this week.  A little bit cooler then usual but I want to get in as much water fun as i can for these boys…and for me.

    Happy Friday!!!

    What is your absolute favorite thing to eat?

    -FS

  • 28Jul

    My camera is on the fritz sorry no pictures as of late. Once i finish up the disposable I’ll share some fun vacation photos with you all.

    I really want to go rock climbing. We haven’t done it yet…Why? I’m not sure. But I’m going to win this months competition and we are going. I already did a 50min cardio last night and now I’m sitting here eating a nice large tuna salad. I want to make sure i don’t lose any muscle so I’m making sure to eat protein with every meal. I guess that will also keep my blood sugar from spiking (headache) and then latter crashing (dizzy). This first week I’m going to focus more on exercising daily, drinking plenty of water, stretching, and eating plenty of healthy whole foods to keep hunger away. I won’t go more then 3-4 hours with out eating and will also make sure i get plenty of sleep.

    In the past i always set my self up to get sick…from lack of sleep, food, water…the list goes on. I’m going to pay close attention to my body and make sure i relax…nope not take it seriously. Not that health isn’t a serious matter. I know that for me my number one weakness is stress. It’s unhealthy in all angles. I eat more, i don’t sleep, I literally get ulcers, and I’m not as happy as i could be. So I’m taking the surfers way of life and for a while. I’m just going to enjoy the ride. Relax =)

    I hope you all can take even 5 min to yourself today and relax. I’ve been a workaholic from birth and it is highly over rated, and eventually inefficient, unhappy, and honestly overweight. Trust me it runs in the family and I’ve got to let it go. It’s not lazy to relax and play every now and then. It’s healthy. Time to re-program my brain, and my way of life. Live more!

    What’s going to be different this time. Weekly accountability, friendly competition between me and my best friend “Hubby”, and short term goal/reward. No procrastinating allowed, and lots of fun!

    -FitnessSurfer
  • 23Apr

    In one week I’ll take the final photo’s, give a review of the past 9 months, and give away 2 containers of protein powderI have connections =) Details soon to come.  I may just do one at a time or both together.  It will be fun.  I’ve never done a giveaway, but i’ve been very lucky and won 2 recently.

    Cleaning house=burning calories=weight loss

    Selling house=stress=chocolate=weight gain

    I think I’m breaking even, but i hope I’m making progress.  WHAT! What at am i saying.  I know that i can’t just hope. I need to take action and exercise, and find a healthier energy booster over the chocolate.

    Apple
    Almonds
    PB toast
    Coconut oatmeal (lasts longer then most)
    Strawberries (can’t afford them this month)

    I’m throwing on the workout clothes and doing a workout tonight.  Glad i talked myself into that =)

    Thanks for reading my self pep talk.  Time to get off my behind and get moving again.

    What are some healthy energy boosters you prefer.  Protein Shakes (just thought of another one), any tips, ideas, things you use?

  • 26Mar

    Well, this time my reason for not writing was not because I had nothing good to share, but because i was busy being much more active.  I decided to stop nit picking all the details and over analyzing everything and just jump in and get active.

    Keepin’ Active

    I’ve worked out twice a day this week and been very active.  I even “tossed the scale”.  Talk about letting a machine have way to much control over how i was viewing my results.  I know what i need to do to reach my goal.  I know when i feel healthy, and i know when I’m looking good.  Focusing on the positive and staying very active has changed a lot for me.  Oh, and working out at home only works for me when no one is around.  My hubby works late so i get the whole house to my self once the kids are down.

    Morning or Afternoon (Nap Time)
    30-50min Cardio.  Via- elliptical, Turbo-Jam, bike ect…

    Evening (After the kids are sleeping)
    Intense Strength Training. Via – yoga, Turbo-Jam, ball, weights, body weight exercises, bands.

    Drinking Veggies

    I eat what ever i want.  Now the only reason this works is because i want to eat healthy. All the time??? No, but… I want to get up on that surf board, and so i want to get in shape…so i want to eat healthy.  In reality there is really nothing in life I “have to do”…except die…that ones inevitable.  “Fitness Surfer the Immortal” just doesn’t even sound right =) So i chose to eat what i “want”.  I also enjoy what i eat, instead of just inhaling it.

    Salads i’ve been tossing in a blender (not juicer).  In the past i’ve struggled with eating veggies unless i douse them in sugar, cheese, or fruit.  Yes, it’s green and thick, but it tastes just like a salad, and after it’s prepped it’s quick and easy to drink, even while juggling kids, and i can toss it in a shaker cup with a straw and drink it on the run.  I always struggle with veggies on the run…unless their carrots (too carbby), or celery (no flavor).  Oh, yea and the straw helps with the texture.  I just down it and still get all the great fiber, and nutrients.

    1/2 Lemon Juice
    1 T Ground Flax Seed
    1 T Olive Oil
    1 Small/Medium Tomato
    1 Carrot (peel to get nice thin slices unless you have a killer blender)
    4 Romain Lettuce Leaves
    1/2 Cucumber
    1/2 C Celery (I skip this if i plan on have peanut butter celery as a snack)

    Toss it all in, preferably in the order given and blend for 2 min or so.  I’ve added water on days it’s too think, but usually i can just use a spoon to push it down and get it blending.  It might not be your thing, but if you hate gnawing on lettuce as much as i do this might just be a good way to get 5 servings of veggies in 1 drink.  My 1 year old loved it.  My 3 year old asked to try it and almost cried out of fear =) Like i said it may not be your thing.

    Oh, I also went a bought a suit for the trip.  Now that’s a good motivator & also a reminder of how white my legs are =)

    Happy Exercising!

  • 04Mar

    Kee Kee asked some great questions that made me think, and motivated me to re-commit, and reach my fitness goals.

    “Hey, this is pretty random. I was on Google searching for blogs bout losing weight and one website link to another. In the end I’m here. I was just wondering what makes you so determined in losing weight? I’ve always wanted to lose weight and came out with all sorts of strategies. But I just can’t follow them. I guess it was my lack of determination and self-discipline.

    I had been doing exercise during my summer break for about 2 months. I was losing weight but very slowly. And there wasn’t any visible change beside feeling stronger physically and healthier. So when my new term starts, I stopped exercising totally. My university is organizing an annual dinner (which is exactly like school prom) next month 4th of April, which is exactly one month away. I need to lose weight in one month. This is almost like an impossible mission.

    I saw your earlier post where you have visible weight lost within weeks. Is there any advice you can give? And did you starve yourself in the beginning? I really wish to look nice in this prom as this could be the last prom I attend with my boyfriend. Please help me. Thank you very much.

    I also couldn’t spend too much time on this as my exam is just few weeks after the annual dinner. So I have to study while doing this. Which means I can’t spend 3 hours exercising everyday or starve myself. Cos I can’t study when I’m hungry. This is really difficult.” – Kee Kee

    I know that almost every adult has found themselves in this situation. These answers are probably for me more then anyone. Sort of a self-pep-talk.

    “I was just wondering what makes you so determined in losing weight?”

    Started with Surfing Lessons =) It has to be fun, not just self-discipline. Once I make a promise to myself then I’m in it for the long haul. My health has become my first priority. It should have always been that way, and every day I still have to remind myself that it is most important.

    Then, this Blog! Nothing more motivating then finding out that 526 new visitors found your site one day. More importantly finding new fitness friends who believe in the same things you do, and support you 100% of the way. It’s easy and free to set one up thru Wordpress, or Google. I started this to be a journal, and it ended up being one of my greatest tools for fitness.

    Finally, I decided to take responsibility for my healthy. Seriously. I had over 6 months of pretty extreme illness. In and out of different specialists, surgeons. Had multiple surgeries, procedures, and more test then I knew existed. I finally decided to take responsibility for my health. Getting educated and getting healthy. My goal is personal optimal health.

    “But I just can’t follow them. I guess it was my lack of determination and self-discipline.”

    Believe! I had some self-esteem problems that I didn’t even realize I had. I’m learning how to believe in myself, to believe I’m worth it, and that I can accomplish anything. I visualize myself accomplishing the goal. This even helps with every day choices. It’s kind of like going into an interview knowing that I can’t get the job, no mater what I say, somehow I will sabotage my chance of getting the job. However the flip side is also true. When I truly believe in something, I can’t lose.

    “Anything is possible when you realize your unlimited potential.”

    If looking good on prom night isn’t motivating enough when it comes down to getting your daily workout in. Then find something that is. What are you passionate about? Link your goal to something your passionate about, something that’s exciting.

    “I need to lose weight in one month.”

    So do I!!! Ok, I don’t need to, I want to, or better yet I chose to. It’s all about my everyday choices. It adds up, weather it’s on a scale or in the way I feel. I’m getting very close to my trip and I’m no wear near my goal. I need to blast my fitness goals out of the water and get serious, but I still need to make it fun. Thanks to your comment, and questions, I’m setting up a 1 Month Plan.

    Trainers Game Plan (First 3 Weeks)
    My trainer set up a game plan that can help me lose weight up to 4 lbs/week while still gaining muscle.

    - Eat 40:30:30 (Protein:Carbs:Fat)
    - Use the Daily Caloric Intake Calculator to figure out your daily maintenance level.  Then, make sure to have a 1000 calorie deficit. 500 from food and 500 from exercising. On the days I exercise less I eat much less, and on the days I want to splurge a little I plan on splurging on exercising as well.  Fit Day is another free easy to use site, to get an idea of how much your eating.  It even breaks it into the three categories (Protein:Carbs:Fat) as well making it real easy to see where your at for the day or plan out the week ahead of time. =)
    - Exercise 5 days a week for 1 hour. Rotating Cardio days with Resistance Training/Cardio days. Keep the heart rate in my Fat Burning Zone(60-80% of my resting heart rate) when doing cardio.

    10 Day Turbo Slim (Last 10 Days)

    “I saw your earlier post where you have visible weight lost within weeks. Is there any advice you can give? “

    That was all the 10 Day Turbo Slim. It was hard, but anything worth working for always is. Even after I completed the 10 days I loved my results so much that I knew I would do it again if I ever needed to jump start weight loss, or slim down. I lost 7lbs and 15 inches. And that’s even with getting a little off track over the first weekend, and adjusting the meal plan to things I could afford, or already had on hand.

    Tips to make it easier this time…
    - Make sure I have all the food for the 10 days before hand.
    - Don’t plan on going out to eat during those 10 days.  Unless I’m ok with being the only one at the table who’s eating salad when every one else is on their 3rd slice of pizza.
    - Prep the meals the night before when possible. It makes the choice easy when it’s already planned out.
    - Eat one of my snacks 20min before I workout, to make sure I have enough energy to give it 100%, and not get dizzy.
    - Plan on getting plenty of rest and possibly being a bit edgy. Having a deficit of calories, is bound to make my emotions a little out of whack, and also very sleepy, along with working out every day.
    - Make sure whoever I live with is on board or at least make sure they know what I’m up to. They may not support me, they may even unknowingly try to sabotage me, but let them know my game plan.
    - Focus on the positive. Don‘t focus on what‘s not working but what is.
    - Visualize myself reaching my goal.
    - Every time I think “I want chocolate” remind myself “What I want more is…” Then go for the celery or almonds instead =)

    “And did you starve yourself in the beginning? “

    No, I don’t believe in that, and I don’t have the will power to not eat.  Probably because my logic starts working and says, “This is not healthy, or smart.” My body needs fuel. I love food, and I know when I go too long without eating I get headaches, cranky, and then. . . I binge.

    Solutions…
    -Plan out all meals a head of time having the food on hand or better yet meals planed will help me fill up on the right kinds of foods
    - Prevent hunger or cravings by eating every 2-3 hours.
    - I try to think about my cravings logically not emotionally. Why am I craving that? What is in that food that I really do need? Candy bars are a sure sign I’m low on calories. Why am I low on calories?…I’ve been able to think myself out of chocolate, and into a delicious bowl of strawberries =)

    The Turbo Slim Plan has lots of snacks ideas that are healthy, and energy packed.  During the 10 Days I tracked everything i ate and did every day with a post.  I’ve added a new Turbo Slim category so you can now easily follow my last 10 day venture.  This new venture will go under the new 1 Month Plan category =)

    “My goals are in stone, and my plans are in sand.

    Consistency is the Key
    I’m a huge believer in that. Anything I’ve stuck to long enough has worked. No “diet” has every failed me. I’ve made poor choices that only I can be accountable for. The fun part is being accountable for making the right choices. Fitting into size 8 jeans was a great reward that I never thought would be motivating, but it sure was.

    “I can’t spend 3 hours exercising everyday or starve myself. “

    - Exercise: I’ve never worked out more then 1 hour a day. I had to decide how much I wanted my goal.  Then, honestly decide how much time I would commit to exercising, prepping and eating healthy. If I don’t write it down some where it rarely happens.
    - Eat: Every 2-3 hours: To prevent poor choices decide and plan ahead of time.  I even pre-packed healthy on-the-go snacks.  This helped during the day and prevented hunger or possible binging later in the day

    Back when I had finals I would use water, protein and fruit to help pull me thru the all nighters. Chicken, Ice water, and an orange gave me energy without the crazy energy crash or headache that I get from sugar and caffeine.

    No Excuses
    Normally I would give myself some speech on, “Today is the day to start, no need to procrastinate any longer.” Ok, I am giving my self a Game Plan. I have one nasty head cold, but…No Excuses. I’m re-committed. There are plenty of things I’m already doing and even more I can do to help speed my recovery. I’m going to keep making healthy choices and blast my cold away. I’ll be starting this 1 Month Game Plan on Monday the 9th. I’ll end it April 8th. This will be fun.

    Honestly, who says that? I do. I’ve done something like this before, and the results are so rewarding, and worth all the hard work. I Believe!

  • 02Mar

    Just got back from a great trip to visit my best friend. We had a blast and everything was health oriented.

    I woke up early, bundled up, and went for a walk/jog around the path they have behind their house. Then i did 20 min of stretching outside. There was no one else around. It was truly therapeutic. Fresh crisp air, no one else in site. Aaaaaa.

    Then we went swimming for a few hours during lap time and had the whole deep end to ourselves for the whole time, and then relaxed in the hot tub.

    After a vegetable-heavy lunch we decided to hit the health food store. They were having a sale and we had a blast. Usually i come home from one of my trips with a new outfit/shoes, and a stomach ache from all the junk food we ate. Well, this time i came home with two bags stuffed with health products. Like…Coconut oil, GABA, B-12, stainless steel water bottle, peppermint tea, a fruit based maple syrup (low glycemic index), natural cough syrup, xylitol, XClear (nasal spray with xylitol), coconut bar, cleansing kit, and tons of free samples.

    We talked about all things healthy, spiritual health, brain health, physical fitness, weight loss, and anything in between. We talked 3 hours the night i got there, and then basically non-stop for 5 hours on Saturday. We laughed, we cried, it was almost as good as….neither of us like “Cats”. By then we had said everything, and both had nothing else to say =) That always makes it easier to go back home. I love her to death, and am so blessed to have her in my life. We will definitely be getting together soon.

    Next time i go to visit i will bring my paint and a project, and we can have fun being creative. Oh, yea and my gym pass at Anytime works any where, and it just so happens that she has a pass as well. I sure wish we lived closer, but 4 hours is close compared to other fitness friends i have. I guess i just need to get traveling more. =)

    Happy Monday Everyone!!!

  • 23Jan

    Finally getting the photos up from the Meal Plan I posted on Monday.  This was all very filling food.  This is a great “blue print.” From hear I can mix and match other food with similar nutritional values.
    Continue reading »

  • 19Jan

    Yesterday I sat down and wrote exactly when I was going to exercise this week on the calendar (making it a priority). Then I sat down and figured out what I was going to eat today.

    I’m not in maintenance mode yet and can’t just eyeball everything and hope I have the right ratios. I’m also just not very good at knowing what’s in my food yet. I’m learning, but don’t quite have it down yet. I plugged everything into FitDay and first made sure I was getting the right amount of protein to gain healthy muscle (around 150grams), then made sure I had a 40:30:30 ratio (protein:fat:carbs). Finally I made sure the calories were not to high or low for my fitness goals (1230-1630calories).

    I’m taking pictures today of everything that in this meal plan, and will share on Wednesday.

    I’ve replaced some of my carbs with carbs from vegetables and fruits. On the days I know I’ll be burning more then 300 calories I’ll need an extra little snack.

    Hope you’re all having a nice Monday =)

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