1.20.2009

Flab to Fab: 2 weeks down!

Something astonishing has happened on the Flab to Fab train, people....

I've actually been looking forward to my workouts! This is historic, y'all. Unheard of.

When we last left off, I was just starting to get into the groove of working out and watching what I eat. This week, my weight hasn't really seemed to change much, but I'm optimistic because I feel much more strong, energetic and tall than I have in years. I see muscle definition eeking its way out, which only strengthens my resolve to lose the cushion that hides its muscle-y glory.

The Workouts:
Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday - circuit training with Tiger
Long walks, but no real action, on other days.

I have to say its a first for me, to be enjoying my workouts so much. I used to dread them, and work myself up into a fit of doom and gloom before going. I used to start fights with Hunter on the way to the gym, because I was so insolent and ornery. Looking back, I think it was because I hated working out like that. In a gym. Claustrophobic. Feeling lost and weak and bored and stifled.

We've been working out near the Rose Bowl in a gorgeous field with hiking trails all around us. The space, the light, the fresh air, the nature and the sky all feed into my workouts and help me feel happier, cleaner and healthier than anywhere I've ever exercised.

The way we exercise helps too. I mentioned last time that we do a lot of circuit training, meaning that we're constantly moving from one exercise to the next.... no time to get bored! Plus, Tiger brought in a mini-trampoline for us to play with this week. How fun is that? I highly recommend rebounding to anyone who loves to bounce and giggle their way to fitness! Otherwise, the only equipment we use are yogamats, resistance bands and kettle bells... or our own body weight as resistance.

Of course, it helps to have a leader. Tiger is excellent at watching my form, keeping me motivated, and is just fun to be with. I feel so much more on track, when someone else is in charge. She's also trained in personality typing, so she's going to help us understand ourselves more as people... I'm really excited!

One landmark moment: I was having a horrible, depressing day last Tuesday, and our workout at 3pm really turned my mood around and I saw firsthand, what an amazing tension relief it can be. If I can just learn to sub workouts for comfort food, I might really be onto something long term change-wise!

The Food:
This week has been a bit harder on the food side, but I'm still doing much better with moderation and smart choices. We had two wine and cheese functions - ouch. But mostly I've been pretty happy with my intake, and even more happy with the healthy mindset with which I'm approaching meals. I've been much less focused on and/or worried about food, which is a true landmark in itself.

I am constantly craving beer, though. What does that mean?

We've been eating a lot of fresh avocados from our backyard. Healthy fat? Yeah, that's what I keep telling myself :)

With my birthday this Friday and MaPo's wedding next Friday, I really want to step it up with the weight loss so I'm going to be extra vigilant over the next 10 days. Wish me luck!

How's it going with your Flab to Fab wed-solution? Any great discoveries, revelations or recipes to share?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good luck with your progress! I've been surprised at how my eating habits have slowly changed the more I work out. I don't want to ruin all my hard work! My favorite easy, healthy meal is turkey meatloaf. One serving is simply about 4.5 oz ground turkey, 1 tsp breadcrumbs, 2 Tbsp EggBeaters, 1 Tbsp ketchup, dash worcestershire sauce (probably spelled that wrong), 1/4 c chopped onion, and pepper to taste. Mix it all together and form a shallow loaf in a microwave-safe dish. Then nuke it on medium for 15 minutes. My fiancé and I then add a sensible side like a baked sweet potato or a crunchy green apple. It's yummy!

Anonymous said...

Great Job Dana! Grow those guns, Sister! Hey, been meaning to ask...what sources of protein has Tiger recommended to you? I'm not a straight-up vegetarian, but I don't really like meat all that much. Unfortunately, I ate soy so much earlier on that I think I've developed a slight allergy to it, and I get really tired of egg whites. What are her suggestions for lean, non-meat protein?

Katie said...

I can't help but correct this: it's claustrophobic*. Just watchin' your back before it gets posted on WeddingBee :-)

Keep it up!
pS I LOVE avocados and can't wait til I live in southern cali where they flow like wine, but much cheaper. It IS a healthy fat and a great snack!

Anonymous said...

Beer craving... I have a friend who runs marathons and she craves beer too. I thinks it's because you're craving carbs (energy) cause you're working out so much. Keep up the good work!

Jessica @ Mason Jar Bride said...

You go, lady!!! So proud of your progress!!! I'm still sticking to my plan (shredding it with Jillian 4 days a week, then switching it up with long walks or pilates on the other days) and trying to eat reasonably healthy (lean protein and lots of fiber). Even though there's still plenty of time till the wedding, Curt and I are both trying to get healthy and toned, and we're both (slowly) seeing results :) Keep it up!!

Jennifer said...

Way to go! Your post is so inspiring, it makes me want to work out!

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