High Points = The Workouts?!?

Hey NeverEver's!!

Tuesday..its Tuesday. What happened I was going through all day thinking it was Wednesday. Yes it was one of those days! And I even had breakfast ^_^.

But I have to say that I am really happy its not Wednesday. Because the Hubby's birthday is on Wednesday and I just NOW got the cake. Trying this Cuban Banana Rum Cake. Never had it before but it has lots of fruit on top, a whole mango, and that is what he likes. Pictures tomorrow! It currently hiding at my cousins house...since the Hubby would totally peek if it was in the kitchen.

So now that I got the cake out of the way. Lets get on to the workouts of the day ^_~

The day was SUPPOSED to start the day with Boot Camp. Well that didn't happen. Nope I slept in. To be honest I am not sure if it was my body telling me that I needed to sleep or if it just the habit of actually sleeping to the last minute. My bet would be a little bit of both. But I will be there on Thursday. Especially since there is cake on Wednesday!!

 But my day got better as it went on. I got my lunch run on and I did the whole 1.55 miles for my 5K training plan! I am feeling pretty comfortable with running for longer periods and not having to take as many 'walking breaks'. My right arm did get a little 'pinch' but I was able to move it around where it didn't bug me any longer.

I will tell you I was sweating by the end of it. Not sure if you can see but there is drops of sweat on my forehead. AND there was a fan in the workout room today. I am loving the feeling of pushing my body to my known limits and seeing that I can handle it. It's a good...no Great feeling!

Then there was the evening Hip Hop Ab's with the Hubby! I was the one to push him to workout instead of him pushing me. I know he isn't going to want to workout tomorrow as its his birthday. I gave him the options. Either he workouts today or he has to workout tomorrow. That got him up and going.

Tonight's workout I do have to say it was harder today. We are still doing the Cardio Burn 1 and haven't moved up (Hubby wants to do it next week -_-). I am guessing that I am working the same muscles so they are getting just a little sore. So I had to push a little harder and it felt all that much better when it was finally the 'cool down'.

But tonight's workout isn't the only thing I had to get my workout clothes ready for the rest of the week at work! I love how I have enough workout outfits that I can actually color code and match ^_^. Makes me feel like such an exerciser!

Really these were the high points of my day. Which still continues to surprise me. The fact that I look forward to working out (on most days) and they have become high points in my life.

But now its time for bed. Feeling tired and I just finished watching America's Got Talent.

Do you have enough workout clothes to color code? What is your secret to waking up early?

What Happens If You Don't Eat Breakfast

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to the day before Fourth of July! Or in some places it might already be the Fourth of July. If it is I hope you are all sleeping well!

However, I want to do this post about something very important. Something that I thought I didn't need. Or at least not all the time. Something that we all over look sometimes.

Its called -- Breakfast!

Yup Breakfast. I didn't have it today. Today until lunch wasn't fun...it wasn't fun at all. Plus I wasn't able to do my Lunch Run because I was too hungry!

Yup...I was not happy with myself. Here is how I felt this morning.

• Very Hungry
• Hunger made me Irritable
• Low Energy
• Could only think about food
• Not able to do my Lunch Run

Now when I do have breakfast? Either my Shakeology or a Breakfast item I am

• Not Hungry
• My Stomach doesn't dictate my mood
• I don't have food on my mind (which makes it easier to pass up office cake, cookies and donuts
• Energy is good
• I CAN do my Lunch Run

The differences are amazing. And I personally like not having my mind on food and making me hungrier. So Breakfast is EXTREMELY important. Plus this is just what my opinion on the matter is. Here is the Expert Opinions

• Gives you Energy for ALL day
• Establishes a Healthy Eating Pattern 
• More efficient at Work
• Helps get your nutrients early in the day
• Helps with Weight Control

So I am making it a goal to make sure I am out of the house WITH breakfast. Even if I am running late the benefits of having my breakfast really out weighs not having it. 

Today was Day 0 for Anime Expo! So many people, it took 2 hours to get through the pre-registration line. I swear if it wasn't so cheap to get the tickets early I would just buy them at day 0...that line had no one in it lol. But, Hubby and I were dancing (more shuffling) through the line and it is gonna be worth it! 

After heading home I told the Hubby that I wanted to do a workout. He wasn't into the idea, which its his choice so thats fine, so I went with something new today instead of using Hip Hop Ab's. 

Yup, I did Slim in 6. I felt that my left leg was just a little too tight for all the jumping Hip Hop Ab's has me do. So Slim in 6 was just perfect! It is a great workout that really does push me, I just happen to like all that jumping Shaun T has me doing ^_^. 

Okay NeverEver's, I am getting tired. It is time for me to hit the bed. I hope you all have a wonderful Fourth of July and don't forget t check out my Special Motivational Thursday tomorrow ^_~

July Workout - Day 1 Stats

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to the first day of July.This is when Summer really starts for me. Not the First Day of Summer but the First Day of July! I hope it was nice and cool for all of you!! It was about 90 something here and I felt it. It is a good thing that there is a lovely little creation called an AC Unit. Its wonderful, not sure how people survived without it.

Yes I don't do well in the heat. Not at all. Give me rain, Give me Snow...I can dress up for that. I can use layers for it. But Heat...Oh no...there is only so much we are legally allowed to bare, and I don't cross that line ^_~.

Anyways, talking about the heat is making me sweat so I am going to change the subject to my July Calendar!

Today was Day 1 of Hip Hop Ab's!

And it was a success! Got the Hubby up...after some poking and prodding but after that it was on! We moved...We grooved and We sweated! Not sure if how much we sweated was a product of the workout or the heat. But the sweat was on!

It was a good Day 1.

However, I am proud of myself. I went above my calendar and I did an earlier workout. Although, it might have to do with that slice of cake I had half of more then anything else...

Yup I ran today! It felt good to get back on that teadmill and move! My left ankle did a little bit of freezing up on me towards in the end but I powered through and massaged it out. I am really hoping that it doesn't happen again. Not very comfortable!

Had my normal Oriental Chicken Salad today. I am actually missing cooking my own meals but as I really wont be at home from Wednesday on I didn't want to go shopping and not use it. Next week it is back ot Food Planning!

However, it is time to get on to the Stats that I promised you all!

As Monday is right after the weekend, and I usually have the biggest issue with maintaining the Healthy Lifestyle on the Weekends. I have decided that my Weigh In day will be Monday Nights. Can't really bullsh!t myself on what I did on the weekend if I have the proof in the scale.

But, as I was setting up my July schedule / calendar on Friday I weighed myself on Friday. Just to see where I was starting from and where I wanted to go. The scale on Friday said 204.4...

As you can see that isn't the number that the scale is saying now.

Yes I did a little jig (off the scale) when I saw that number. That number shows progress and I really...really like progress.

So here are the rest of my Stats:

• Waist - 43 1/3
• Chest - 44 1/2 (seriously!)
• Left & Right Arms - 16 1/2
• Thighs - 23 1/2

I did forget to measure the bum...but I will get it next time. Its been years since the last time I measured myself so these numbers aren't so much of a shock as something that I am gonna change!

Okay NeverEver's, I gotta tell you. I am feeling super sleepy right now. Gonna finish my water w/ chia seeds and head to bed. I do got some awesome stuff coming up for you guys! So make sure you make it back ^_^

Have you got a summer plan yet? When is the last time you measured yourself? 

June in Review!

Hello NeverEver's!!

Looks who is writing on a Friday?!? Yes I am totally awesome and amazing and awesome...wait I already said awesome. No its you guys who are awesome I am just to hot to do anything else but write the review for this Month.

 So where should I start? Lets start at the beginning...with the Calendar! I just got back from a week hiatus because of some family drama and I was going to come back strong! I knew it. June was going to be my month! And in some ways it was.

I didn't follow the calendar though. Only woke up early once to do the morning workout. That is something that I really want to work on.

But I did do my first week of official Food Prep! It was awesome and something that I am going to be doing more. So easier just to relax and know what was going to be for dinner...just warm it up. Amazing.

The Hubby also started to really workout with me in the evenings. Thank you Shaun T and Hip Hop Ab's! It is something that is fun for both of us and it works us OUT!

It really does push you to have someone else workout with you. Especially when you are keeping up with them or even passing them ^_^

Ended up going to the beach twice this month. First time I came back with a NASTY blister, but thank you for the idea of using that blister band-aid...it worked like magic. But the second time it was nothing but FUN!

  I was finally able to wear my flowly skirt that I have been DYING to try for a while. It was perfect weather and area for it. I felt soooo pretty ^_~

I also decided to do the Shakeology Cleanse this month. It wasn't something that I planned...well more then a few days out, but I think I worked it well. The family supported me while I was doing this so it made it easier. 

 Day 1 - Getting into the swing of things. Was starving by the time I got home from work

Day 2 - Learned the secret in how not to be staving by the time I got home

Day 3 - Liked the results ^_^

And then there was EDC 2013. It was what I had planned for the whole month. Dreamed about for the whole year and in no way was ready for. 

But with the Hubby ALL things are fun (that's one of the reasons why I keep him lol). And it was time to dance / walk the night away. 

Oh and wear some of the costumes that I had created for this event. Dressing up was so much fun PLUS I got myself a tutu that I can wear to my 5k's! Its multi purpose ^_~

Hubby went with a super hero complex. Superman the first night and Batman the second night. 

Plus we had to ride some of the free carnival rides. It was amazing to see the crowds from high up...so many people!

 Plus there was just normal Vegas itself and we had to make a small trip to Paris! I mean hey...its gonna be a few years before I can make it to the real thing.

However, all of this doesn't lead up to the one thing that I am most proud of this month. But before I get into that what am I proud of?

5. I did a cleanse and felt good about myself
4. I found out that I can eat less and still feel satisfied
3. Hubby and I found our outside exercise pace. I shuffle jog while he speeds walks. Its beautiful ^_^
2. I finally got myself a scale. No more second guessing or wondering...I KNOW!

1. #BUTTONUP Challenge

At the beginning of this year I accepted a challenge from a bloggy friend Steph from Orange Spoken to pick 1 clothing item that you couldn't button up or get all the way up. 

So I chose the above items. I got them LAST year for Summer and well I wasn't able to get them past my junk in the trunk (hehe pg wording)

I kept them in the drawer and kept looking at them at least once a month, the drawer also holds my hair dryer so its hard to miss really...

BUT...I am now able to get them up and over the junk in the trunk! 

 It may not look perfect. It may still be tight and in NO way am I wearing this outside. But it is on and further up then ever before.

So I am ending June on a high note. Now to get ready for July!

NeverEver's, how was your month? Did you accomplish everything you wanted to? Did you fall half way? short? Let me know!

Food Prep Week 1

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to the end of Sunday! What did you guys do today? How was your weekend? Mine wasn't that eventful but it was fun.

On Saturday we were supposed to go to Santa Monica 22nd Annual Festival but we weren't able to find it!!! Yup we got lost. Not sure how it said it was on 2300 Ocean Blvd and we walked there...but we couldn't find it. Seriously walked about 15 city blocks and couldn't find it.

Have to say I was totally disappointed but then Hubby had a great idea. Since we also had the younger cousin's with us, to take everyone to a special dinner! And so we ended up doing...

Korean BBQ! If you haven't had it already you must try it!! So delicious and just plain fun. It definitly made up for the fact that I couldn't find the festival -_-.

However, I was really looking forward to today. Today was the day that I tried food prepping ^_^. But before that happened I had to go get the food...and a few other things. Like these pretties!

I got lucky with these from Ross! I just loved the bright neon color and they are a matching set!! But then I found the Nike 'Just Do It' and I just had to get it! Now I have motivational shirts and a pair of pants ^_~

Next on my list of things to buy was these Mason Jars! I have been seeing them everywhere on blogs and well...I wanted them too! Plus I heard they are great for salads!!

Finally was some containers that had measurements on them. Although I didn't take a picture of the side that actually has the measurements! Oy. Anyways, the bottom is 2 cups and the top ones are 1/2 cup. These were actually for kids but they will work just as well for me!!

Then it was time for food shopping at Fresh and Easy. I got all of this, plus some chicken and ground beef, for less then $100. Not bad for some staple re-fills and a weeks worth of food. I was pretty happy with my haul ^_^

But then came the hard work...or at least the new work for me, since I have never done food prep before. I think I actually did pretty good. Only took me about 4 hours to finish everything. So starting from left to right.

• Cheeseburger Casserole from SkinnyTaste - http://www.skinnytaste.com/2013/03/cheeseburger-casserole.html
• Spinach Chicken Salad w/ Fat Free Raspberry Dressing in a Mason Jar (3)
• Chicken Rollatini Stuffed w/ Zucchini and Mozzarella from SkinnyTaste- http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/08/chicken-rollatini-stuffed-with-zucchini.html
• Lean Steak saturated in Steak Sauce
• 2 cups of fruit, strawberries, cantaloupe, grapes, blueberries (6)
• Quinoa 
• Ranch Burger from AverieCooks 
• Garlic Pasta

Reason why you don't see anything breakfast is because I am still doing Shakeology for breakfast!!

And that is everything. I am planning on doing left overs for a few lunches. Plus I really want to make sure that the Hubby has enough to eat since he just quit his job. It was his choice and he has a back up I swear. It just doesn't start for a month -_-. Anyways, gotta make sure he eats. 

So what do you guys think of my first meal prep? The bigger meals do have to go to the stove before serving but it is basically ready. 

Okay NeverEver's, I have to say that I am pretty tired. I got a blister on my heel from my walking yesterday (hey I didn't know we could get lost...I didn't plan for that...not at all. Have to admit to being a little worried about it since tomorrow starts my Month Long Extreme Workout...but I will get it done! 

So good night all! 

June 1st!

Hey NeverEver's!

I feel so much more energized by my break...my little hiatus. Sometimes family drama really just takes it all out of you

However I am back and going to be working my body really hard this month. Nothing half done or half measures. It is time for me to be serious and put my whole heart into. It also helps that I have a goal that I want to be healthier for ^_^.

So here is my schedule for this month!

 So it does look pretty full huh? That is because I have EDC coming at the end of this month. Basically 3 whole days of dancing and dancing and more dancing. And I want to be able to actually do it! I don't want to sit on the side lines just 'people watching'.

I have done the Slim in 6 and the Hip Hop Abs before and I feel that this schedule while demanding is something that I can do. Have I done it before? Nope but that doesn't mean I can't do it.

This is just my workout calendar. I am still in the process of creating my Food Prep one which you guys will see tomorrow. It will be the first time that I will be doing 'Food Prep' and I am not sure how well it will be going but I am sure it will be interesting at the very least.

Okay NeverEver's, it is time to get some breakfast and head to the beach with the family!! Which is why you don't see Zumba today ^_~

Have a good and safe weekend. And for everyone in Oklahoma I hope that everyone is safe and warm!

Friday Weigh In - It's Time Again!

Hey NeverEver's!

It is Friday...Friday is finally here! Here on the West Coast we are just getting off of work, Hubby just came home, and getting ready for our weekends. What an awesome day.

But, around here Friday's is also my Weigh In day. This is still a new thing for me, accountability that is, and it all started when I decided that I needed that accountability. And I have to say that I love it. Even when I gained weight -_-.

So without anymore procrastination here is my results for today!

Last Results 2/1/13

Weight - 206.4

BMI - 40.51

Current Results 2/8/13

Weight - 205.5

BMI - 40.34

Weight Lost to Date: 0.9

I am actually pretty darn happy with that 0.9 loss this week. It hasn't been the best week for workouts, okay almost none at all, and not really watching what I am eating. 

So every small, tiny, step is a victory in this journey. Besides, I am feeling the changes in my clothes and it is AMAZING! 

Okay NeverEver's I will be leaving you all until Sunday. I hope you all have an amazing weekend and wish us here in Cali...we are having a weird storm. Okay maybe not weird but not really normal for over here ^_^

It was pouring...and yet the Sun was out. Then it started to hail and then stopped. Then it started to pour and thunder and now its quite. But the cycle has been repeating itself all day. 

It has been serious snuggling weather...and now that the Hubby is home...well it is time to snuggle ^_~

Buttoning Up & Running

Hey NeverEver's!

How is your weekend going? Mine has passed slowly, but i think that is because with me not working almost everyday is like the weekend...and that is no fun at all!

But I am applying like crazy so I will have a new job, something that I can sink my teeth into, by the end of this month. I just know it!

Anyways, I have some Challenge Updates for you all. Really working hard on getting that AB Challenge on!

On the good new side, I FINALLY, was able to do both circuits. But it did take me a LOT longer in the 15 minutes it should have. We now have a new week of exercises. Which I am happy about...I still couldn't do that AB hold for nothing. 

Personally, I am thinking that week 2 seems easier then week 1 (there is no Burpee's!) but I guess I will find out tomorrow if that is true or not.

Oh and I am looking forward to those Ski Moguls, already working on my jump and bend! Feeling my stomach get smaller!

So, I am sure you all remember about my Goal to do a Detox with the help from Kelly over at No Sugar Sweet Life. Well after talking to her about me being sick it was decided that I will start on Monday. Yup tomorrow, I will be following a plan (oh my) and really cleaning out my body! 

If you guys want to join me here is Day 1 - 5 Plan! I am personally looking forward to that Cherry/Apple Bake! It just looks so good and perfect for days that are in the 50 degree's! 

So you might be wondering why I am showing swimwear in the beginning of January. Especially with me just talking about how its been only 50 degrees. Well, I don't blame you for wondering but this is all Steph's from Kitehenkm fault! She created a new challenge that I just couldn't pass up. 

It is called the #ButtonUp Challenge. 

The idea behind it is that we all have something in the back of the closet or drawers that we keep even if we can't wear it. It is the 'One Day outfit' that we all hope that 'One Day' we will fit into again. Well the purpose of this challenge is to take it out of that dark closet and use it for motivation! 

And these two swimsuits are going to be my #ButtonUp challenge outfit! Last year I was able to put on the bottoms (not flattering at all) but not the yellow boy shorts. So although the challenge does say 'Put on the clothes' I am unable to do that with this outfit. But I will be trying it on this time next month to see the difference that I have made!

So I hope you join Steph and I in this challenge. Take a picture of that outfit and take a picture with it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, add #ButtonUp to it and take a step on getting that outfit out of the closet and onto you! 

I know you guys have seen this new button to the right of the page. But I just realized that I haven't explained or even talked about it since putting it up. Oops I am sorry about that ^_^. 

Let me explain. This year, 2013, is going to be my year. I have completed my first 5K and I have another one coming up on February 2nd the Color Run. This year I will be pushing my boundaries and finding myself in fitness. And with that in mind I decided to push myself into Learning How to Run! Yup, I am going to evolve from walking and get into running! 

So when I saw this Running Year Challenge from the wonderful Pavement Runner site I knew it was perfect for me. I will be running 2,013 miles in 2013! 

Still looking for the perfect way to show my Running Miles, but currently I am at 5 miles! Which is more then I ever ran before! 

So those are my new challenges for this year! I can not wait to show everyone, myself included, that I CAN make 2013 the year for me! I do hope you will join me this year!