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Fitness Photojournal - Update

Weigh in today was 137.5 pounds, 1.5 pounds away from goal! I've made a few more changes to my diet/exercise. I'll start with diet. Breakfast is a protein shake (a single scoop of Pure Protein Vanilla Cream, 75% water, 25% 50-cal OJ), followed by a handful of raw almonds and raisins. Then a cup of antioxidant rich green tea. Mid morning snack is an apple or a tangerine, and maybe a flat spelt seed cracker. Lunch today was quinoa salad, with cooked quinoa, chopped bell pepper, tomatoes and matchstick carrots tossed with a little lemon juice, and another piece of fruit. Mid afternoon snack is an apple on the drive home, and then a rice cake spread with almond butter, and sliced cucumbers. I also invested in a Nutribullet, and have been drinking green smoothies for dinner, filled with either spinach or swiss chard, and whatever fruits I have on hand: banana, mango, plus strawberries, blueberries or raspberries, a sprinkling of almonds, a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds. My doctor was happy with my results but has ordered me to increase my carb/protein intake so I'll be adding egg whites for breakfast, plus going with a hummus and veggie wrap for lunch. I'm also drinking lots of water and herbal teas.Basically I need to add a little good carb and protein since I am so active now, and the weight training requires it to prevent muscle loss, and keep my metabolism from slowing down. I'm also taking a multivitamin and a skin/hair/nails supplement containing collagen and biotin.

My exercise regimen is still 5-6 days per week, with spinning class monday nights, and running alternated with walking on the treadmill every other night, but I've increased speed to 6.0 for 30 minutes straight - was so proud of that achievement, never having been much of a runner!

I am still doing cybex machines but have added plenty of core exercises - planks, brazilian butt lifts and free weights plus squats and lunges. I do upper body/torso or trunk on nights that I run/spin. If I'm walking, I'll do the lower body. One of the personal trainers who is working on his certification at the gym was kind enough to offer to train me for free when he has spare time so he's been working with me and putting me through some cross fit training here and there.

All in all, I'm a very happy girl when it comes to the progress I've made. This pic was actually taken a month ago so I do need to update with a new pic - but for now this will have to do. Work has been really crazy and I haven't had a lot of free time so will update with new pics the first chance I get. Have a great week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Queen Bess

Let tyrants fear, I have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects; and therefore I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour and my blood, even in the dust. I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to which rather than any dishonour shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field. (Elizabeth I, Speech to the troops at Tilbury).

One cannot read this without being moved and inspired by her words! Planning to watch Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth again this weekend, one of my favorite films. So glad it's Friday, it has been the week from hell.....! 

Queens Don't Make Bargains

So Alekha came home from school the other day to tell me that a boy in her class called her "fat" but then also called her "skimpy". Of course, my natural defensive Mommy instinct was "WTF?!" and I was very annoyed. But I was very proud of the way she handled the situation, she told me she didn't let it bother her and she ignored him. I then proceeded to tell her that sometimes, nine-year-old boys are mean because they just don't know better. Sometimes it's because they secretly want the nine-year-old girl's attention. And sometimes it's because they are just acting out. But I was proud of her because there have been occasions where people have said unkind things about her height (calling her a "giant") that have made her cry, and I've repeatedly told her that it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of her - that's unimportant. What matters is what she knows to be true of herself. It then made me realize that someday, it's likely that she will get her heart broken by someone. And though I can't protect her from it, I daresay it will make her a stronger person. And I realize that one of the most important lessons I can teach my daughter about being a strong woman is to never forget her inner Queen. Queens don't make bargains, Queens don't run after a man who is walking in the opposite direction, Queens walk always with their head held high. Queens epitomize grace. Queens don't necessarily need a king, either. (Elizabeth I comes to mind!) For now, I'll start with her princess training. I can tell already that she has the makings of a fine Queen....