If you eat everyday, you should workout everyday!

My commitment level is at a 90% at the moment. I push myself to meet with my trainer on an average of 4-5 times a week between Mon-Fri. On the weekends I usually will do a short 30 min workout in my apartment communities gym or I'll do a workout DVD. Recently I invested in several super awesome ones that really get my heart racing!! When I am having a "moment" and literally have to push myself to get motivated, I pop in a DVD from my collection. Check them out:

All videos can be found on Amazon.com at reasonable rates. It helps to have exercise activities at reach at all times as we all know how difficult it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What are some of your favorite workout DVDs?? Would love to hear some other suggestions to continue my quest for a smaller butt!! Good luck peeps:)

Vibram 5 fingers

The great thing about working out and gaining new insight is that you attract "like" minded people. A member of my exercise class had a pair of Vibram 5 fingers and I was so intrigued that I had to get more information. I had seen several people in San Francisco with these "funny-looking" shoes and truly that they were socks. After getting more details I figured that I would check them out online. I originally owned a pair of Nike shocks and had such a problem by the end of my workout with my feet. They literally felt fuzzy or just simply hurt! My feet felt heavy and made it so difficult to do simple exercises like mountain climbers because my shoes would fall off. After a few weeks of proper budgeting I decided to treat myself to these "odd" shoes. And wallah!

The support factor is so much different than a pair of tennis shoes. But my favorite part is that they are so lightweight I don't feel distracted with my running. I ordered them online and have really been pleased so far.

It is so important to budget for the proper gear. Keep your workout wardrobe simple but get the essentials. I recently invested in a Heart Rate Monitor and I swear it has helped me become much more conscious of my calories. To see how many you have burned in a day really makes you think twice about putting the snickers bar in your mouth.

Good luck!!!

Weigh-in is approaching!!!

So many things to cover in such limited expressions:D First off.. I created an awesome recipe of veggie garden pasta that allowed me to express a creative palette. Check out this recipe for a quick and easy dinner that yields 4 servings:

Half a box/bag of whole wheat penne pasta

1 cup of halved grape tomatoes

2 large handfuls of fresh spinach

1 half of yellow bell pepper (seeded and diced)

1 cup of chopped fresh mushrooms

1 small yellow onion

1/4 tsp. of kosher salt

1 tbs. of olive oil

2 cubes of garlic ( Dorot brand)

desired amount of pepper

desired amount of red chili flakes (I use 1 tbs.)

3 dashes of oregano

The spiciness of the chili flakes and onion really adds flavor without my desire to add salt. The garlic really brings it all together. Boil your water for your noodles and of course you can choose any other whole wheat pasta aside from penne. I just had it in my pantry. While the noodles are cooking, coat your pan that you will saute' your veggies in with the olive oil. Start with the bell peppers so that they have enough time to soften. After about 5 min than go ahead and add everything else. The garlic I use is already mushed and you can find it at any grocery store.

Make sure not to overcook your veggies so that they don't loose their vitamins. Your cooking pan with be super colorful:Yum!!! Nutritional facts for all my fellow calorie counters are estimated to be the following :

Fat: 11.0 G
Carbohydrates: 44.1 G
Calories: 318.9
Protein: 14.4 G

I think it should average out a little less so don't hold me to it:) I "borrowed" the recipe from sparkpeople.com and the original recipe had cheese and less veggies.. no bueno.. Let me know what you think!!

My first weigh-in date is Jule 30th and I have to see success in the numbers!!!

I went to restaurant to enjoy a meal with old and current co-workers this evening and did really well! I was super nervous as I am learning the proper ways to give your body the most nutritious meal as possible. My team of trainers at Aloha fitness suggested that I order a to go box with my meal and have them bring it once its delivered. Split my meal into the proper portions by putting the excess in the to-go box. Fantastic idea and it totally helped! I ate grilled salmon with grilled veggies, veggie soup and mac and cheese. I can't believe I use to eat ALL of that as a regular meal. Yea me!

Another day and another meal. I love how Jen from Priorfatgirl.com created the saying "One bite at a time, One decision at a time.." It really is that simple. Good luck peeps!

Snack Attack

I am having a super difficult time with the whole "food log" thing...and calorie counting. But I am keeping track and making mental notes of what I munch on :D I do so well up until around 3:30-5:30 when I have crazy snack attacks for anything I can get my hands on. The problem is I work in an office environment and my manager always brings in the WORST things someone in my position can eat. Cookies galore.. chips..soda..etc... I try my best to avoid this god forsaken area.


On top of that there is constant cake, pies, and running through the office as a reward for all of our hard work!! Literally I have been offered a slice of this, that, or the other every day. It's such a challenge. We get lunch on the house at least 2X a week which usually includes pepperoni pizza. Fortunately, after all of my whining and complaining about how there is "Too much food in this damn office" (verbatim:) my direct manager brings me trail mix!

And after expressing my need to avoid all of the delicious sweets that have brought me to where I am now, my manager no longer offers me sweets and goodies. What a great boss! It's nice to know that everyone respects my health journey and actually supports it.

Spread the word to your family and friends and ask that they be conscious of the items they bring around you as you are working to have self-control. Kudos to those who have a stronger will-power!

Danielle

It's Time!

My story

I've always been a "BIG" girl since I was in high school. I weighed close to 180 lbs and felt comfortable in my skin. I went through several traumatic experiences by the time I got out of high school up until the age of 22-23. With all the stress of becoming an adult and becoming depressed, I weighed an official 243 lbs.

What sparked the change

#1. I always have wanted to have longevity in my life. I want to be healthy and live a long time and enjoy what God has in store for me. But it was super hard for me to make that commitment and stick to it.

#2. I have hid from people taking pictures and just feel so grossed out with how fat my face looks. I haven't enjoyed going out and truly have become an introvert. I want to be able to enjoy going out and meeting new people and truly enjoy the way I look.

#3. I also feel that my weight has held me back from my career. I work in property management and have done so for almost 4 years. I feel that my appearance has truly held me back from getting promoted and gaining more income.

#4. Lastly, my cousin is engaged and has asked me to be her bridesmaid (which I am super excited about.) And the pictures that are going to be taken will be in our family's memories FOREVER! I have got to get it together!

What are some of your reasons of motivation??

My first goal is to get down to my high school weight and than truly push myself to get down to the healthiest weight my body allows.

Where I'm at

Currently, I weighed 227lbs as of June 30th. I have started working with a personal trainer 4 days out the week. We focus on strength and resistance training for 60 min each session. I never though I would be able to do a "real" push-up but I do 15 of them now..with dumbbells! It's amazing how your body can change in just a matter of weeks with pure commitment and devotion to health. I have also been mixing in Bikram Yoga, which I am plan to write more about in a future post. You aren't a true YOGI until you can commit to Bikram! I burn calories just sitting in the 100 degree room.

My first weigh in is July 30th and I am excited to push thru and give my workouts my all. Join me in my journey to discover the skinny girl inside of a plus size body!