January 25th

Well, I commented on Facebook that I should blog about the lifestyle changes I've started over the past couple months.  I was joking...

 It started with me finishing a half marathon in November.  After I finished, I went into my long-distance-running-hiatus-until-it's-time-to-start-my-next-12-week-training mentality. Speaking of... I start back on February 13th.  Only...a...few...short...weeks...!

Since Thanksgiving (BTW, nice time to start this with the holidays), I've completely changed up my own workouts.  It's been fun and challenging at the same time.  Basically, I work my ass off for 60-90 minutes.  If you see me at the gym, you'll see me on a cardio machine (different types) for 15-20 minutes or so, then do 30-45 minutes of high intensity cardio coupled with strength training.  After I finish that, I'll hop back on a machine to cool down for 10-20 minutes, then most times than not, I'll end it with some core work.  This occurs 3-4 times a week and the other 1 or 2 times that week, you'll see me on the ellipitical, treadmill, bike, or stair mill followed by more core work.  I will post a few of my workouts soon.

It started out with a "30 day ramp up my workout challenge" which then turned into, "hmmmm....maybe if I made some eating changes, I'd see some results even faster".

Which brings me to this blog.  For those of you who know me, my life is pretty much an open book.  I often will re-tell a story to someone who has already heard it before.  I get that from my mom:)  However, putting it blog-style scares me, because I'm afraid of putting myself out there and flub up on the eating part.  I'm also afraid of others critiquing my food intake.  BUT...maybe if I do take on this challenge, I'll be able to help others in the process.  Right?

So...I started a food journal.  OMG!  Nothing like thinking twice about what goes in my mouth and holding myself accountable constantly.  I'll steer clear of poor choices because I don't want to see it in my journal.

This started Monday, January 23rd and will go through March 11th.  49 days....   Coincidently, and I swear this was not planned, goes right up to my family's trip to Florida.  Now, remember, I am do not follow any regimented plan.  Rather, I eat in moderation and being a former Iowan, I like my meat and potatoes.  My goal here is to learn how to make conscious smart decisions on my food choices.  I WILL FEEL BETTER AND HOPEFULLY WILL HELP OTHERS IN THE PROCESS.

Just to jump back a bit...I own a boot camp business, and was looking at ways to get my clients more involved in their health in addition to exercising.  I said to myself, "Aha!  I will offer a challenge in which those who choose to participate will keep a food journal for 6 weeks (special thanks to one particular friend and boot camper who has seen great results from journaling).  I will start a week early and let them know that I am in this with them every step of the way! YEP, I will practice what I preach!  Amen, sistas!"  My clients will receive a food journal, get weighed (privately, of course), and write their weight on page 1.  After the 6 weeks, the person who loses the highest percentage of their body weight will be crowned "Grand Food Journal Champion"!  I have an idea for the reward, but won't share it now:)

Back to my food journal, I'm wondering do my readers want to see/read what I'm eating?  I'm not getting super technical and counting calories, even though I do look at labels so have a ball park number per day.  I'm also making a conscious effort to chew gum when I craving something sweet.  I love Ice Cubes gum.  I think it's stays fresher longer and doesn't get hard.  Oh, and I am drinking water even though I need to drink more.  OK, will do:)  Almost forgot....I love sweets, especially chocolate. I'm willing to bet that I consumed chocolate everyday from Thanksgiving thru this past Sunday.

So since Monday...here's my schtick...

1/23 - Breakfast:  Kashi Triple Berry Crunch cereal, Almond Milk, Frozen Blueberries, 12 oz. coffee with Almond Joy Coffee Creamer, and 1 t. sugar.

Lunch:  Deli Chicken and cojack cheese on a whole wheat pita, an orange, and skim milk

Snack:  A couple handfuls of pretzals and another 12 oz coffee with the same creamer and sugar as above.  A Special K Berry Bar.

Dinner:  Chicken Pad Thai with veggies (Holy smokes!  Didn't look at the calories until after the consumption!), and a diet root beer.

1/24 - Breakfast: same as Monday

Lunch:  2 tuna lettuce wraps.  It has lite miracle whip, grapes, and celery in it., Coconut water, and 12 oz. coffee with Almond coffee creamer and sugar.

Snack:  Snicker Protein Bar I found in my dresser from a expo I went to in November.  At this time, I realized that I need something more for snacks, and today I went to Jewel to stock up on LaraBars.  By the way, they are on sale at Jewel.  Which also reminds me, I've got 4 of those damn game pieces I need to open up!  Stupid game...

Dinner:  Buffalo Wild Wings, 1/2 chicken tender wrap and side salad.  Diet Coke.  Oh, and I finished off a boat load of my kid's fries.  DAMN!

1/25 - Breakfast: same as stated above.

Lunch - 1 tuna lettuce wrap with grapes and celery, and a banana

Snack - Lemon LaraBar - Super Yumminess!  Did I mention they are on sale at Jewel?  An apple at probably the hardest part of the day...4:30.

Dinner - Turkey Burger with a Bun, roasted squash, red papper, orange pepper, and onion.  Before roasting, I sprayed them with olive oil spray and lightly salted them with seasoning salt.  Skim milk

Evening - water, and a dark hot chocolate cocoa

OK, so there's my first 3 full days.  If I can help just one person on this 49 day journey, it'll be well worth it.  Please share with others.

47 days to go!  So who's with me?
Jill

PS - My blogs will NEVER be this long.  Just had a lot of info to share on how I got here in the first place.  Thanks, FB friends...