Flab to Fab: 1 week down!

SSSSSsssssssssss.... can you hear that? Its the fat melting off my body, as I type!

Well, that may be an exaggeration, but I am very pleased to say that after 1 short week of my Flab to Fab Plan, I'm really noticing some differences in my body and my energy levels, and I'm down 4 pounds. To be fair, that 4 pounds was probably mostly water and holiday weight... but my face is slightly slimmer, my upper ribcage is feeling smaller, and my jeans are much more comfortable in the waist. I wish I'd gotten measurements before starting, but I remedied that by having Tiger measure me on Saturday. The most exciting part of it all? I had fun, and still managed to fit margaritas, pizza and queso into my diet!

THE WORKOUTS:
1 hour training with Tiger - Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.
Long walks/hikes Monday, Wednesday.

Hunter has been coming with me to my personal training sessions with Tiger, which is really fun and a good way for us to blow off some steam together. Both being unemployed in a tiny house with only one computer makes for some major tension build-up, so not only do the sessions work as "personal training" but they also have acted a bit as couples therapy, which we really enjoy.

All four times we've met with Tiger so far, the routine is different and unique. One day, all we did was hike! It really helped keep it fresh and interesting, so I never felt bored. Mostly, we move very quickly from one exercise to the next, which is great because just when the current one starts to feel repetitive, or too strenuous to continue, we're on to something new! We alternate between cardio activities and resistance/strength moves with an emphasis on core and upper body, which helps with my posture and jiggle arms. She's got a background in Pilates, which I love, and it helps us always be aware of the core and keep our abs engaged no matter what we're doing.

Measurements, as of 1/10/09
Arm: 11 3/4
Chest: 35 7/8
Waist: 33 3/4
Hips: 40 7/8
Thigh: 22 7/8

THE FOOD:
On the food front, I've been really working on keeping moderation in mind. I aim for 6 mini-meals a day, but honestly I'm only able to pull of 4 mini-meals and then a larger but sensible dinner. We roasted a huge pan of wintry vegetables (recipe below), and stored them in individual serving containers, which was an easy go-to delicious and flexible dish to have around for the week. I always incorporate protein into my meals, aim for the least refined carb possible, and am a big fan of the fiber, yo. The Shirataki noodles are my saving grace. I did veggie chili on noodles one night, made spaghetti bolognese another, and always make a little extra for at least one ready-to-eat mini-meal the next day.

I've started taking EFAs (essential fatty acids) and Prenatal vitamins every day, which not only have all the goodness a girl needs, but I've heard they improve the quality of our hair/nails - which would be a great pre-wedding bonus!

We went out for margaritas to cheer up a friend on Wednesday, and I admittedly went a bit overboard on the chips and queso. Melty cheese, you are a merciless siren! And yesterday was just a total loss. Started the day off with margaritas and nachos at the Bee meet-up, went on to very schmany high tea which was thank you from my friends whom I occasionally work for (did someone say clotted cream? I did, but my mouth was too full for you to hear me), and then hosted Smart Chicks with snacks such as rosemary roasted curly fries and pizza. Yeah, fell off the moderation wagon a touch yesterday. Whoops!

Normally, I would sit around all day today feeling bloated and angry with myself for indulging and allow it to spiral into days of disaster.... but I'm trying to cultivate kindness and forgiveness to myself. So I'm picking myself off, dusting myself off, and back on the wagon today!

I'm also trying to reduce my diet coke dependancy. This is a tough one, yo. But I've identified that most of the allure is in the bubbles, so I'm trying to sub seltzer for all but one diet coke urge a day. But please note that my one diet coke urge is fulfilled with at least half of a Big Gulp, so its technically 2 servings of soda. Yes, I rock a Big Gulp.... daily. Fun $$$savings: bring in your cup to refill at a 7-11 and its only 99cents, even for a Super Big Gulp, and you're recycling too!

I'm really looking forward to this week. After learning my measurements, it helped me be able to make some more specific goals for myself, and I'm thrilled to be already feeling better... all over. Slim, Straight and Strong - here I come!

RECIPE: Roasted Wintry Mix
*Note, you can sub your favorite vegetables. Use what's fresh and available, and don't be afraid to experiment. Just be sure to cut them into relatively similar size chunks as everything else. Also feel free to experiment with herbs as seasoning. This one is great with some fresh rosemary, too.*

1. Preheat oven to 500

2. Peel/Cut the following into chunks about 2" big:
1 onion
1 head garlic - just use peeled cloves
5 carrots
5 ribs celery
3 peppers (any color)
1 acorn squash
1 celery root
1 bulb fennel
I package whole cherry tomatoes
1 eggplant
2 packages crimini mushrooms

3. Toss vegetables with about 4 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and a dash of red pepper (optional) until coated. Place in roasting pan, no more than 2 layers deep worth of the vegetables. Reserve next batch to cook separately. Roast in oven for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Makes 6-8 small servings. But a few in the freezer, when cooled.

Some great ways to use them... get creative!
As a side dish
With some meat at lunch
As a pasta sauce base
Pureed with some milk as a soup
On lettuce for a yummy salad

Enjoy, and keep up the great work! How's your fitness wed-solution coming? Have you fallen off the wagon yet? How do you cope with hiccups along the way? Discovered a new recipe you want to share?