Holiday hottie week 2

Today is day 3 of week 2 of the holiday hottie series! So far I am loving the encouragement and motivation coming from K & K and the TIU community!
This week we are doing the 5 day slim down and two a day workouts.  Since I'm training for my half marathon I'm just doing my training run in the mornings and whatever toning routine they post in the afternoon.
Monday was a little rough for me because we went to the Saints game Sunday so I didn't get a morning workout in. But I did get in my PM toning that afternoon. Below is a few pics from the game. These tickets were my anniversary gift to my husband last month.

My menu for this week is looking almost exactly like the menu the last time I did the 5DSD. I just picked a couple of meals to repeat all week.

M1: I made a batch of protein pancakes at the beginning of the week for each day.

M2: either apple or pear (today I forgot my fruit so I ate a Larabar)

M3: teriyaki tempeh wraps and tuna wraps

M4: green juice (spinach, banana, apple, pear, ginger, and cilantro)

M5: garlic shrimp w/ broccoli slaw, quinoa cakes w/ cilantro pesto & roasted veggies

I have been so busy at work lately.  And as much as I love the time change so that its lighter in the mornings it is now officially completely dark when I get home at 6.  So I've been falling asleep so early lately.  But I get up at 5 am!  So I haven't put much effort into blogging. 

I hope everyone else is having a great week though!  This Saturday we will be doing an early Thanksgiving with my in-laws.  I need to figure out what I'm going to bring!  Of course it will be something healthy.  I already know they will probably not have any healthy or meatless options for me... Last night my husband even said why don't you make something healthy that you and I can eat. That made me so happy to hear him say that!  Maybe I'm rubbing off on him...

Have a great Wednesday!

XO- Heather

 

OOTD & a recipe

I haven't been feeling too good since yesterday afternoon. I had a 3 mile run scheduled with a friend. And I thought really hard about canceling. But I went anyway, and I felt better afterwards.

For my meal 5 on day 1 of the 5dsd yesterday I made a random concoction of kale and chickpeas.

1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Minced garlic
A few handfuls of kale
2 tbsp Olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
.5c veggie stock

Heat up a pan with olive oil
Add minced garlic (however much you like)
Pour in chickpeas and heat them up for a minute
Throw in kale, balsamic vinegar, & stock
Let simmer until kale is wilted
* this would w great topped with feta too!!

This morning I did not want to wake up to work out. But I got up and did the surfer girl routine from the TIU beach babe DVD. My M1 was a typical protein pancake.

Here's an outfit for today too!

 Top: Loft

Blazer: LC for Kohls

Skinnies: Kohls

Shoes: Steve Madden

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Headband: Goody from Target

Happy Tuesday everyone!!

XO-Heather

My first 5 mile run

Saturday morning I woke up around 7, laid on the couch, and drank a couple cups off coffee.  Around 7:30 I decided I go on a 4 mile run.  I ate a think thin protein bar.  Then laid around for a little bit to let it settle.  (I usually do not eat when I run before work b/c its so early.  I just have water).  Then changed my clothes, stretched, and set out around 8:20.  It was extremely foggy out so the sun was hidden.  It was nice and breezy.  I normally don't run with music b/c I think its extremely peaceful when I run in the dark in the mornings with no noise.  But I brought my phone and put it on the Pandora Alternative Endurance station. 

My street is exactly .5 mile to the end from my house.  So I ran there and back twice.  I felt good.  The first 1-2 miles when I run is always really hard.  Its so funny that I even say that b/c I normally only run 3!  But the beginning is tough for me.  When I got back to my house after the 2 miles I turned around and ran around the neighborhood block, 1.5 times is a mile.  I still felt pretty good.  I wasn't bored yet.  I did have some stomach cramps.  And I am blaming it on the 2 cups of coffee.  But I had tons of energy.  My legs felt great.  Eventually I passed the 3 mile mark, then the 4.  At that point I thought about a post I had read from Mama Laughlin last week.  And I asked myself, how do you feel?  How do your legs feel?  Are you hurting?  Are you tired?  Why not go 5?  I've never really thought of running that way before.  I kept telling myself... since you feel good... Just make it to the end of this song and then go back in.  But then I kept going.  I finally looked down at my watch when I was coming to the end of the block.  I had just ran 5.3 miles without stopping.  And I felt amazing!  I decided to go inside b/c my stomach was still cramping up a little, and I didn't want to overdo it.  I have the Komen 5k this Saturday, and I didn't want my knee to start bothering me.  
I ran inside and showed my husband my watch.  Panting... "Look what I just did! I just ran 5.3 freaking miles! I ran the whole thing!"  I think he was also a little stunned...

I did a few things different this time that may or may not have helped.  I drank coffee before, I ate, and I ran with music.  All of these things probably worked in my favor.  I always have to remember to stretch afterwards.  Normally I just want to lay down for a while.  But I did about 10 minutes of stretching/yoga.  I was so hot it took a while for my appetite to come back.  I shouldn't have waited so long to eat, but the thought of food made me want to throw up.  Around 11 it hit me how damn hungry I was.  I wanted carbs!  Hell, I just burned 525 calories!  So husband went to Quizno's for me to pick up a tuna on wheat.  I inhaled it! 

I took a shower and laid around for a couple of hours.  Then around 3 we left to head to the LSU game.  It was my first LSU game.  We went to a local bar/restaurant near campus, Walk-ons.  It was actually voted America's #1 sports bar!  I love this place because the atmosphere is great and the food is delicious!  The game wasn't until 7 so we had a lot of time to kill.  I didn't want to be stuck eating nachos or something random for dinner in the stadium.  So we decided to just eat there.  I honestly don't know that I've ever been so hungry.  My appetite was so spiked!  After drinking a few beers I ordered a fried shrimp po-boy with french fries.  I never order stuff like this.  But I was so hungry.  I ate every single morsel of food on my plate.  I haven't eaten fried food in several months, much less that much food.  But oh well!  It was a special occassion...

The LSU game was ok.  I'm not really a sports/football person.  I do love going to Saints games though.  I think they are way more fun! 

Yesterday I was pretty sore.  After running, walking a lot at the game, going up and down stairs, etc... My hips were hurting.  I didn't do anything yesterday.  I ended up going to the grocery store around 6 last night.  But that was the extent of my day. 

I picked up food to do the 5 day slim down again.  Not really because I want to lose more weight. I just noticed the Tone It Up Girls, Karena & Katrina, posted they were doing it on Twitter.  So several of the other girls on the TIU plan said they were too.  So I figured why not?! 

Have a great Monday everyone!

XO-Heather

  

5DSD results are in

Guys... I am proud of myself for completing the 5DSD the right way and sticking to it the whole week.  For me, the biggest accomplishment had to be two-a-days for 5 days in a row!  That's a big deal for someone who has a really hard time with workout motivation.  Once I get going I'm good... But starting off sucks... And a lot of time I just don't do it.  I know this will be a real challenge since as of today I no longer have a gym membership.  Its going to take some real determination to work out at home. 

I have to say- it wasn't bad.  It was pretty easy for me.  I tried to 7DSD in the original Tone It Up plan.  And it was really hard for me.  I was starving every single day.  And I think I ended up cutting it to 5 days b/c I had plans that weekend.  I might have lost a pound that week. I can't remember.  I just remember I got really bored with the food and very hungry. 

Also, the two-a-days weren't bad either.  I am an early-morning person anyway. So I alternated either a run or the HIIT the beach routine every day.  And both of those were done within 30 minutes.  Then in the afternoon I would either run or do a 30 minute toning routine.  So I didn't feel like I spent tons of time working out.  I just got up about 40 minutes earlier than usual and then spent 30 minutes in the afternoons. I still had plenty of time to do what I wanted. 

Saturday morning when I woke up it was really rainy out so I didn't go for a run. I really wanted to get in a longer run.  But I also kept telling myself that I should just let my body rest for a day.  Then it felt sort of weird.  I feel like that 5 days helped to set a habit for me.  I eventually ended up just doing some yoga poses and stretching because I felt like I needed to do something.  The first thing I wanted was grains!  I had not had any grains all week.  So I opted for some oatmeal! 

So overall, I would HIGHLY recommend everyone trying this if you're a few pounds away from your goal weight, just want to jumpstart your weightloss, or want to reset your way of eating. 

I weighed and measured myself that Sunday before starting.  I hope I measured correctly.  Here's my results:

Starting Weight: 132.4
Ending Weight: 128.2
Total Loss: 4.2 lbs!

Starting Measurements:
Calf: 14"
Thigh: 20.5"
Hips: 35.5"
Waist: 25"
Arms: 10.5"

Ending Measurements:
Calf: 13.75"
Thigh: 20"
Hips: 35"
Waist: 24"
Arms: 10"

Total inches lost (counting both sides): 4"

I was in extreme shock! I feel like that's a lot!  Hopefully I measured correctly. I definitely feel like my pants are looser!  Its really weird b/c one of my thighs is like .5" bigger than the other... starting and ending. Its strange. Anyone else like that?

Since today is the start of a new month I want to set a goal for myself for the month of October.  My goal is simply to get moving for 30 minutes/day 6 days a week.  I know I can do it because of the 5DSD!  Now I just have to remind myself of that!  What are your October goals?

Is anyone else doing the 5DSD this week?

XO-Heather

 

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