Holy Moly!!! I am half way done with this 12 week challenge. Where has the time gone. Yes, my pants are looser. No, I have not lost any weight. Yes, my thighs are smaller. No, my waist is not. Yes, my arms are looking more defined. No, my abs are not. Should I go on?
I had an interesting week of exercise for week 5. On Monday I decided to go to both of Monica's classes. In the morning I went to Tabata and then in the evening I went to Kettlebells. Then on Tuesday, I got up at 5:30 am and ran 5 miles. I was going to lift Tuesday evening, but I couldn't find a muscle group that wasn't sore! I tried to do a burpee competition with my daughter, but I could only do 10 and she beat me by 1. On
Wednesday, I didn't get up and run in the morning before work and then I regretted it all day because I was super grumpy (when will I learn just to get up and do it?). I was able to make it to Kettlebells, so that was a huge bonus. On Thursday I woke up before the kids got up and did Back/Traps, Biceps and Triceps. After I got the kids off to school, I headed to the gym. It was snowing, so I had to run my 5 miles on the treadmill. I ran my first mile on a pre-programmed interval workout. After a few times at 18.5% incline for 30 second periods, I decided that was not going to work so I had to change it to the rolling hills at a lower incline so I didn't have a heart attack. The rolling hills consisted of 4 miles at -3% to 3% incline. I kept it at a 6 mph pace so that I could visit with Monica while I ran. Afterwards Monica showed me how to use some resistance equipment that I have been wanting to try and she gave me an hour workout that I can use anytime. Today I went to Kettlebell class. The weather is nasty here so I'm not sure what the plan will be for Saturday, but it is looking like a long outdoor run is unlikely.
As far as food goes, I'm still struggling with eating too many starchy carbs in the evening. Also I was hungry a lot this week, so I ate more clean meals than usual. I tried the Carrot Cake Protein Bars from Jamie Eason's recipes and they were super yummy. I added walnuts to the recipe too, just for some healthy fats. You can just google Jamie Eason recipe and you will be able to find the recipes that I have written about, such as meatloaf meatballs and pumpkin protein bars. There is also a chocolate protein bar that I want to try out.
I also made a big batch of the cream of mushroom soup from the Gracious Pantry blog and used it to make super clean Swiss Steak. The cream of mushroom soup recipe makes a ton so I was able to freeze the leftovers for other recipes.
Swiss Steak
2 cups of clean cream of mushroom soup
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
2 pounds of lean roast (I used a pork roast and it was pretty darn yummy)
Cook in slow cooker
I also made my family fajitas with peppers, onions, and mushrooms. I sauteed the veggies on Monday and then I just warmed them up with some frozen, cooked chicken when I got home from work. My kids and husband ate theirs with either a tortilla or brown rice and cheese and sour cream. I topped mine with salsa and it was delicious. I also tried out a banana muffin recipe, but it still needs some tweaking before I can share it.
My new favorite afternoon snack is cottage cheese on a rice cake and cucumbers or celery on the side. This has been my go to snack for about a week now. I found some rice cakes that are gluten and salt free and are only 35 calories. Sometimes I even add some raisins for some extra sweetness. I have been trying to eat more "real foods" and less protein powder during the day since I have been drinking a protein shake before bed. Which brings me to my new treat.
Chocolate Protein Chia Seed Frosty
Fill a measuring cup with 1/2 cup almond milk, then with ice until it reaches the 1 cup mark. Blend with 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (I recommend Matrix Perfect Chocolate because it is seriously the most delicious chocolate protein powder I have ever tasted) and 1 TBSP chia seeds. Blend until smooth like a frosty. This was honestly the best guilt free "dessert" that I have found yet. It made my day!
I did have somewhat of a sugar binge today. I'm not sure what it was all about, but it happened and I feel guilty. I guess all I can do is remember that tomorrow is another day and that I ate clean the rest of the week.
In other NEWS:
I am so excited about some a development in my life. One of the ladies in my book club, Libby Wood, is co-anchor on a local TV show called MORE on KPVI. After much deliberation, it has been confirmed that our book club will be participating in a fitness segment on the show in conjunction with Gold's Gym from March through June. All of us (except for Monica who will be part of the Gold's Gym crew) plus Melissa's husband, will be working with trainers and instructors to get fit! I don't know all of the specifics, but I am super excited. We are going to get together at Libby's house on Sunday to shoot the first segment. This will be the get to know us segment. I'm sure that Libby will have to edit it down like crazy, since the last time we talked about the possibility of doing this project, we talked about it for over 2 hours. It should air in March, so I will add the link to the show then. Maybe by June I will finally have rock hard abs! Or at least a trim waist with no muffin top!!!
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