Final Day of the 5DSD

So... I just ate a mini Reese cup and a mini Hershey bar.  I felt like I just had to have it.  But I'm ok with it b/c I know its not going to ruin all of the hard work I put in this week!

When my alarm went off this morning I did not want to wake up.  I felt like it took everything out of me to get up and work out.  But I did it.  I laid in bed, and I kept telling myself "its the last freaking day! Wake up!"  So I did, and I completed another session of HIIT the beach from the Beach Babe DVD!  I really love that workout! Its so short, but I feel like its extremely effective.  It was a tough workout because I was so tired.  I had to stop several times and catch my breath.  Plus, my legs are pretty sore from the Surfer Girl routine from the BB DVD. 

After getting ready for work I scrambled up 3 egg whites with some spinach and topped it with my homemade salsa.  I also had my Meta-D drink from the TIU plan.

M2: fresh fruit- melon, pineapple, and strawberries

M3: I wrapped up some tuna, siracha sauce, and red onion in my collard wrap today.  It was sort of a random mix but pretty good!  These collard wraps are awesome! They're pretty filling, and there's a variety of things you can wrap up!  I'll definitely continue to eat them even after this week!

For my M4 I have a smoothie from my NutriBullet made of spinach, cucumber, banana, strawberries, and cilantro!  I tasted it last night when I made it.  It was delish! 

I'm going to end my long week of hard work with the Sunset Workout after work! 

I still haven't quite decided what I will do for dinner yet.  It will definitely be something 5DSD approved.  I might just grill a piece of tilapia to eat with asparagus.  I just want it to be something simple and quick.

I will wait to review my whole experience with the 5DSD since I'm not quite done yet!  I'll be weighing and measuring tomorrow, and I will share the results also!  

Today I've been pretty exhausted.  I'm not sure if its the fact that I haven't been eating much this week or because I've been working out twice a day all week or waking up before 5:30 is getting to me... But I'm tired.  The crazy thing is that I haven't felt super hungry for the most part or deprived.  I've felt very satisfied with my choices so far.  

I really want to complete a long run tomorrow, but I might just take the day off and do absolutely nothing!  I've already decided regardless of what my results are I'm not going to ruin it on the weekend by eating a bunch of crap! 

Anyone have any good plans?  I have none, and I'm so excited about it!  I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! 

XO-Heather

Day 4 of the 5DSD- Almost there!

I'm pretty surprised by myself and how well I've done this week!  Its been pretty easy for me so far.  Yesterday was a little rocky- I will say that.  I was pretty hungry yesterday afternoon.  But once I had my smoothie I felt much better.  I've always had a very big appetite.  I am always hungry! I can easily out-eat my husband at any time!  And I really love good food!  So I think this is why I've surprised myself so much!  I haven't felt deprived though.  I feel like everything I have been eating has had plenty of flavor.  So that definitely helps!

After work I met up with a friend for another 2 mile run around campus.  Here's my Garmin pic for the afternoon.

For my M5 last night I had a random combo of things.  I put some black beans, rotel tomatoes, garlic, and spinach in a pan and sauteed them until the spinach was wilted.  Then I roasted some asparagus, brussel sprouts, and red onion in the oven.  It was so good! I actually made too much.  So I'll be eating that again tonight!

This morning for my BC workout I did another 2 mile run, but this time it was with the dog.  So you can see she slowed me down quite a bit.  I kept having to stop and wait for her! 

M1 was ANOTHER protein pancake.  That was actually the last one I made.  So tomorrow I will probably have some eggs for breakfast.

M2: fresh pineapple

M3: Shrimp and grapefruit collard wrap with siracha and homemade salsa.  I love things spicy!  Here was a pic after I took a bite!  I topped it with cilantro and green onions! 

M4: smoothie from my NutriBullet of spinach, cucumber, banana, and strawberries!  I'm actually about to go eat that now!

PM workout will be the surfer girl routine from the Beach Babe DVD and the Sunkissed Abs routine.

M5: same as last night- black bean, tomato, and spinach sauteed w/ roasted asparagus and broccoli

I feel great today! My pants feel a good bit looser today!  I'm so excited to weigh and measure Saturday morning!

Happy Thursday everyone! 

XO-Heather

Day 3 of 5DSD

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

Today's post may be a little boring again because its pretty much the same. And I didn't take any pics of my meals. 

For my PM workout last night I didn't end up going to body pump.  I actually just went home and did 3 different TIU YouTube videos.
Lift and Tone Booty Routine
Sleek and Slender Abs
Fine Toning Arms

I absolutely loved this combo! It was about 26 minutes total between the 3.  I did them while fixing dinner.  I kept my HRM on for a while afterwards b/c I was still sweating and a little out of breath.  I burned 150 calories!  I thought that was pretty good!  And plus, I'd do anything for my ass and legs to look close to this!  This is exactly what I love about these girls!  They have AMAZING athletic bodies! 

toneitup.com

For dinner last night I had the other quinoa stuffed mushroom I cooked with roasted asparagus and brussel sprouts.  I love roasted veggies!  Its one of my favorite things to eat.  And its one of the way to get my husband to eat something green! I also had a little bit of fresh pineapple after dinner while watching last week's Survivor.  I felt great and satisfied all day!

This morning it was so hard for me to wake up.  I felt exhausted.  And to be honest, I've been really tired this week, and I've been getting headaches.  I'm wondering if I am getting sick.  I was actually about 10 minutes late for work and my hair is a mess because I did not want to get out of bed.  But I forced myself up and into the guest room to do the HIIT the beach routine from the Beach Babe DVD. I love this routine!  Its only about 18 minutes total. But it is awesome!  I typically burn close to 150 calories in that short amount of time. 

After my workout I got ready for work then ate another protein pancake with strawberries and honey for my M1.  I had to go pick up a cake and fruit tray for a co-worker's 70th BIRTHDAY and our monthly meeting!!!  At work I had a huge cup of coffee with So Delicious Coconut Milk Creamer.

M2 was some fresh fruit.  Then someone came in with fresh donuts.  I really wanted to punch him in the face.  But I stood strong drinking my water and eating my damn fruit all the while cursing them all in my head.  But then it hits me... I'm doing this for my health. I'm doing this for me- to feel better, look better, and live longer.  THAT is what makes it worth it.

M3 was another collard wrap. But this time I had sauteed garlic shrimp, grapefruit, and homemade salsa in it.  It was divine!  And I really don't think it was enough food.  Because right now I am starving.  This is the first day I've been really hungry.  But the first 2 days I had tempeh in my wrap, and that has a ton of protein.  So I'm thinking it is just more filling than the shrimp.  I'm anxiously awaiting 3:30 so I can go get my M4 juice.  I want to wait as late as possible because I don't want to be starving to death by the time I get home and am able to eat.  This morning I made my juice with spinach, cucumber, 1 banana, a small handful of chopped pear, and a kiwi.  I can't wait for it!

After work I'm meeting up with a friend for a 2 mile run.  Then I'm thinking of just doing a spinach salad with some black beans and salsa for M5.  I forgot to put anything else out.  Husband has a work event so I'm looking forward to going home, eating, painting my nails, and watching some TV! 

I weighed myself this morning just to see if it were any different than Monday.  Its still the same.  I'm very anxious to see how it all turns out when I weigh and measure myself on Saturday morning.  I've been working my ass off- working out twice a day and following the guidelines perfectly!  But I'll definitely post my results regardless! 

Sorry for this totally picture-less post.  But today was a little hectic due to our work monthly meeting so I didn't get to snap any pics. But you can follow me on Instagram @hfbaham or Twitter @hfbaham.  I'm always updating there! 

XO-Heather




 

Day 2 of 5DSD

So I survived Day 1 of the 5dsd! I stuck to the plan perfectly! I felt great at the end of the day. I wasn't hungry at all.  I actually probably didn't eat enough for the day.  For my second workout yesterday I ran around the local college campus for a total of 2 miles with a friend after work.  It was a lot hotter than I thought!  I took this pic while trying to cool off a little in my car.

I started this morning off with a HIIT run for about 20 minutes.  I warmed up for 3 minutes then sprinted for 1 minute, walked and/or jogged for 1 minute, then repeated about 8 times. Then I walked back home to get ready for work!  It was hard sprinting like that at 5:30 in the morning. I was exhausted afterwards! 

 After stretching and cooling down a bit I had to get ready for work.  Then eat breakfast.  On Sunday night I made a batch of protein pancakes for the week.  So all I had to do was heat it up in the microwave.

So my M1 was a protein pancake topped with strawberries and honey and a Meta-D drink (a TIU drink that helps with pH levels and metabolism for the day).  Obviously I like to break out the good dishes for pics! :)

When I got to work I had a couple cups of coffee with So Delicious Coconut Milk creamer.  That run wore me out this morning.  When running I never focus too much on time.  I'm happy with 12 mins/mile or under.  So having to exert that much energy so early in the morning was rough.   

Here's my plan for the rest of the day:

M2: fuji apple

M3: same as yesterday- Teriyaki Tempeh collard wrap- I made enough for 2 meals when I made it on Sunday

M4: smoothie from my NutriBullet of spinach, cucumber, banana, and apple

I'll be doing a 1 hour Body Pump class tonight after work.  This is my last week at the gym. I cancelled my membership to save some money and workout at home.   

                                  

M5: quinoa stuffed portobello mushrooms topped with sauteed spinach, bell peppers, and nutritional yeast and some steamed or roasted asparagus.  This pic was from last night.  My meals aren't very exciting this week. I'm eating a lot of the same things all week.  I just doubled my recipes so its easier for me.  Plus, I typically still cook the husband a separate meal each night. So in order to save a little money and my time I am repeating a lot this week.  

Last night killed me because I put some good ole red beans and rice in the crock pot for him.  They smelled amazing!!!!  Normally I would just eat that, but I'm sticking to this slim down.  I can do anything for 5 days!  I'm already 1/2 way through the 2nd day! 

Happy Tuesday everyone!  

XO-Heather

Motivational Monday: Tone It Up

Good Monday Morning!

I recently started following the Tone It Up nutrition plan.  If you've never heard of the Tone It Up girls go to their website quick!  You will love them!   TIU was started by 2 best friends, trainers, and nutritionists: Karena and Katrina.  These girls are gorgeous and in amazing shape! 

First they had a fitness studio together in California.  Then they started doing YouTube fitness and diet videos. And eventually developed their own nutrition/lifestyle plan, website, DVDs, and online social networking site. 

You can purchase the nutrition plan from their website, www.toneitup.com for $150.  It includes a 150+ page guide with recipes, lifetime updates, and access to the TIU community.  I highly, highly recommend it!  $150 is a little steep.  But its extremely worth it if you plan on following the plan.  The information you gain from it will help you forever.  It should be something you follow for the rest of your life- not just a quick weight loss plan.  

Here's a little glimpse into how I got started with it:

I've been around size 6 weighing about 138 lbs for about 5 years now.  But that certainly didn't mean I was healthy.  I've never thought I was overweight, but I've wanted to be around 128 for a while now.  I've tried several different fad diets, and I'll admit it- diet pills!  I worked for a medial weight loss clinic for a while in college so I have the knowledge of what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle.  But I love to eat. And I mean LOVE it!  I wake up thinking about what I'm going to eat.  When I eat one meal I'm asking my husband what's for the next?!  So my massive appetite and bottomless pit stomach has made it very hard for me to lose weight.  I didn't consider myself to be an unhealthy eater for the most part, but my portions were way too much.  Oh and I love sugar, candy, cakes, and junk food.  I've been a pescatarian (eliminating land animals) since October of last year.  But just because I don't eat meat certainly didn't mean I ate healthy.  I was eating a lot of junk food!  

About 6 weeks ago, my gorgeous friend, Victoria, told me about "eating clean." She said she read about it online.  I went crazy researching this term and dove right into it!  So I made a decision at that point to cut out processed foods, white flour, white bread, white sugar, etc... (when possible. sometimes in social situations its just not possible. I try to do the best i can when I can)  I wanted to switch to whole, healthy, clean foods. So I did, and I lost about 3 lbs just from doing that.  I felt absolutely amazing. My running time and endurance improved.  But then I hit a weight loss plateau.  I think I was still eating too much food.  So while doing a ton of research I came across the Tone It Up girls. 

I've been following the nutrition plan for several weeks.  I've lost 5 more lbs.  Its so easy to do!  Its nothing crazy or even really new.  But it teaches you how to fuel your body properly- like an athlete- with 5 small meals a day.  It also teaches you how to combine your food at the right times for optimum fat-burning!  They promote healthy living, not being skinny!  That's what I love.  They're extremely encouraging with their facebook and twitter followers.  And their workout DVD is awesome! 

I didn't measure myself from the beginning. But  I know I've lost several inches because my clothes fit differently, and I definitely feel like I look more toned.   

Also included in the TIU Nutrition plan is a slim down plan.  Today I'm starting the 5 Day Slim Down.  I need to reset my mind-frame with food. The past 2 weeks I haven't been eating very clean.  There's been a lot of temptations, and I gained 2 lbs back.  I'm determined to lose the last few lbs and a few more inches.  So this week I will be documenting what I'm eating and what I'm doing for my workouts (I'm aiming for two-a-days).  Obviously since this is the first day, and I don't have any pictures of my food yet. 

They recommend working out first thing in the morning.  When I run I do it before work anyway.  So getting up early is very easy for me!  This morning I did a 20 minute HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout from their Beach Babe DVD.  And I'm doing a 45 minute step class after work. 

Here's my meals planned out:

M1: protein pancakes

M2: peach

M3: teriyaki tempeh wrap

M4: green juice (spinach, carrots, cucumber, and pear) and some pineapple

Step Class

M5: quinoa stuffed mushrooms

Have you ever heard of TIU or "eating clean"?

XO-Heather

*All of these opinions are 100% mine.  I was not compensated or asked to review their plan.  I'm sure they have no clue who I am! LOL

*All pictures are from toneitup.com

Me, Myself, & I

    I'm a little late with this, but I meant to link-up yesterday for the Me, Myself, & I Link Up Party.  You can click on the button above to see other participants also!    Here's this months' questions:    1. When you're feeling down, what do you do to pick yourself up?  I shop! I love to shop- even if its just for groceries.  And unfortunately, I sulk or cry... It usually does make me feel better to just let it out.

2. If you had to live in a different time period which would you prefer? Definitely the 60's-70's!  I would love to live in a era where everyone was so care-free and happy!  I love the clothes, the music, and the lifestyles then! 

3. What is the most creative Halloween costume you've ever worn? I can't think of one. I've never been a big Halloween person. One year the husband and I dressed up as Ken and Barbie.  But that's really then only time I've dressed up in my adult life. 
  4. Five weird things about you we wouldn't know without being told? -I talk to myself when I grocery shop sometimes.  I'll tell myself, "ok, I need 2 apples, etc..." I don't know when I started doing this either.  One day I just noticed it. - I think puppies are cuter than babies. - My husband and I literally have nothing in common except that we like to eat. But we don't eat any of the same things at all! - I love the widest range of music, from dirty raunchy rap to good classic country.  George Jones, anyone? - I have terrible road rage.  Nothing pisses me off more than when someone rides in the left lane on the interstate. I don't care how fast you are going. Its illegal!  There are signs everywhere that say left lane for passing only.  It seriously makes my skin crawl when I see someone get on the interstate and immediately go to the left lane (when not passing), set their cruise, and just ride. MOVE!

5. What would you tell your 16-year-old self? Cherish your friendships and memories. When you get older everyone seems to drift apart.  Calm down!  I was really a wild-child in high school.  I would definitely tell myself there's plenty of time for partying!  But oh well, I lived and learned from it!      Make sure to go check out all the other entries for the link-up!

XO-Heather
 

Let's try this again...

Hey guys!  So I realized the other day that I sort of missed blogging!  I took a break simply because I ran out of things to talk about, and I figured no one wanted to read that boring nonsense!  But I'm back, and hopefully someone wants to read about my not-so-exciting life!

And in all reality not much has happened since the last time I blogged...But here's a little catch-up post!

Well, I did go to Nassau, Bahamas with my wonderful husband for the 4th of July!  It was amazing!  That was our first international trip, and everything went perfectly!  We stayed at a small, older all-inclusive resort, Riu Palace, which was right next to Atlantis.  It was actually really nice!  The staff and food was amazing!
We stayed for 5 nights- Monday-Saturday.

Atlantis did a huge fireworks display and fair for 4th of July!  So we walked over to Atlantis to check it out that night. It was beautiful!

I started running more and bought a Garmin Forerunner 110.  I love it! I'll be doing a review of the watch soon.

Hurricane Isaac came, stayed a while, and went... leaving my house untouched! Thank God!  But we did get a good bit of water b/c we are in a flood zone. We were unable to leave for only about a day due to the water.  Here's a pic of my driveway!

 I got a new tattoo... this is my 4th one. Its covered up by my watch easily.  So no one will really see it but me.  But its my daily reminder to live in the moment and enjoy my amazing life that I have.  I so easily forget to do that. I'm always worried about the next step and whats going to happen next.  I love the simplicity of the 1 word and especially the tiny heart! 

 

So that's it for now guys!!

BTW, all these pics came from my Instagram.  You can follow me- @hbaham

XO-Heather