0 Let me tell you a story...

I was asked to do a guest blog on a friend's site that will be posted in the coming weeks. I thought this one was good to put here too because it tells you more about me and my decision to begin my weight loss journey.  I felt it was a good reflection of the past 3 months and considering I have not been able to blog until now, it's somewhat of a refresher. Consider it DLC (downloadable content) to the initial post. The back story to your FAVORITE character (tee hee).

And so it begins...

I was the person that found every excuse about changing my health. “It’s too expensive to eat healthy or join a gym..” or “I will make an idiot of myself.” I was constantly worried about what others would think of me.  Like many times in my life, I decided to ‘take charge’ and ‘do something about it’ (Notice the quotes? Yeah..said it before..many times).  Now mind you, I had joined a gym in August before my 30th birthday. I had promised myself then that I was..blah blah blah yeah you get it.  I went off and on and then fell out of the gym ‘routine’. Eventually, I went to California for vacation in November to Blizzcon (every Blizzard gamer nerd’s dream!!). I had my first ‘fat realization’ while we were in California. We went to an amusement park in Buena Vista and I was too big for the rides! Being embarrassed is an understatement! I ran and cried like big ol’ baby. Blubbering on and feeling horrible about myself. 

Fast forward to December-ish time.  I have been long time friends with Zach and his wife, Kathryn. Curiosity peaked when I saw them transform their health, their bodies and their lives. Seeing their transformation was the proof that I needed to show myself that even I could do this.  No shakes. No special diets. Just good food, exercise and lifestyle change. I had even said, well if I were to hire a trainer, I would want Zach. He knows what it’s like to actually be overweight. (Cue the light bulb) So…what was stopping me?

ME.

No one else. I hid behind the excuses. Eventually, I just threw up my hands and said to myself “Screw it! Let’s do this!”  I made a commitment to myself that I would put MY HEALTH first.  I would work around that and let other things fall into place. I am in a better mindset now than I was even just a year ago.

Summer of 2013 before my 30th  birthday I weighed 330lbs. I had ‘girl problems’ and things weren’t working right (I won’t go into detail on that to spare you men that might read this ;) ). I had high blood sugars and if I kept up the way I was going, I was going to fall into that old family tradition of diabetes. Who wants that?!  After a month of these changes in my habits, I noticed changes in me. I craved healthier foods. I LOVE to juice (which surprises me still). In February, I went to the doctor and she took my Metformin (a medicine I take to help control the blood sugar) down to 500mg (I used to take 1500mg per day when I started the meds in 2009) and my AC1 level went from 7.2 to 6.4 within a year.

Now, I weigh 309. Yes, I still have a long way to go. But my biggest successes these past

3 months have been turning my eating habits around and dropping 2 pant sizes! I think

that’s a pretty big deal. I am an avid gamer and love spending time in front of the console or computer but I have not let it rule my free time. I now work out 4 + days a week consistently. I broke free of the treadmill’s grasp and actually DO something at the gym.  I don’t worry about other people, just me.  I feel accomplished when I can successfully lift heavier weights, add another mile on the exercise bike.  Eating more holistic foods, leaving out the empty calories and processed crap, have helped me become the new me. I have many small battles to fight to win the war, but I will destroy them one by one until I get the healthy me I so very much deserve.

I am doing this for change..not for diet. I am doing this for a new lifestyle..not for a few pounds. It's like playing a video game.  Like old school Mario for instance.  You try and try and each level..a new obstacle. Each level you face the same ol' boss.  When you think you've defeated him and won the princess...BAM!!!! Just kidding!!! Your princess is in another castle...(Srsly..how many castles do you have in Mushroom Kingdom..just sayin'). 

Anyway, my point is I have created obstacles and I have gotten past them to face my own epic boss...weight loss.  At some point, I get to the point to where I've been to so many "castles" I get tired of searching. Searching for that right path to take to down the boss and get epic lootz.  So, this time.. I am telling myself to...

Just start over.

Starting over. New game. 5 "mans" left.  I am taking a new route in my epic journey. Making it my personal quest to lose the pounds and become a healthier version of me.  The same (try to be) funny, geeky, gamer nerd that I am. Just make it to where I can own someone in DDR or Just Dance hehehe.  Kidding.  I have made my own blog and I casually throw up my own little advancements in my journey.  I correlate my weight loss and health goals with my own achievement lists.  Anywhere from bike 15 miles in one cardio session to completing a juice fast.

It helps me to create small goals to tackle along the way.  If I sit here and say, I have to lose over 120lbs to be in healthy-ish weight range….that is a horrible daunting number to even remotely think of hitting.  At first, I wanted to throw my hands up but I wouldn't let myself. So, I decided to make a long list of smaller attainable goals to work toward.  These goals help me grow stronger, lose weight in increments.  Focus more on making smaller changes and seeing the bigger picture as opposed worrying about how long it takes to get there.  Change takes time.  I already see it. 

Shhh! Don't mind the messy hairz...

0 Week 5 - Finding Positivity in Your Plateau

This week was a hard one. I lent my juicer to a couple friends to help encourage them to try juicing.  I MISSED IT SO MUCH.  Who'd a thunk?  I missed the energy from drinking juice. I missed not having to meal plan or think of snacks that are healthy.  It was easy to juice, grab a jar for a snack and go!
But even without my juice this week, I rocked 5 workout days this week.  I learned about HIITs (High Intensity Interval Training) and implemented that on the stationary bike. It really did cut cardio in half!  I even did more miles on the bike with HIITs than walking treadmill for 45 minutes.

Every Saturday is my weigh-in day before I go to training. I do my normal routine, bathroom, don't eat or drink and weigh....

When you hit your plateau...

Yeah I hated my scale. Yeah, I hated myself for a minutes. No, I didn't replace the scale. I did rage face like that though! I had hit the same weight 3 weeks in a row. I know you're saying "well at least you didn't gain!" and you're right. I kept telling myself and considering I was PMSing (sorry guys) and girls you know you want to EAT ALL THE FOODZ when it comes to that week. Valentine's day brought cakes and chocolate pushed my way..I politely turned it down. I survived another week but it made me realize that I have hit a plateau since I started this whole thing (for real) 5 weeks ago.  My trainer friend encouraged me and we had an awesome workout Saturday.  Then he went the extra mile and sent me 3 workouts I can use when I go to the gym for the week!  This is really good because when I get to the gym, I need focus, a checklist. I will have to push myself more to get over the hump.

Since I was having a hard time this week really staying positive, I thought today would be a good day to reflect on my Achievement list!
This made me feel tons better!! I added one to this list that wasn't originally on there only because I thought it would be more of a long term goal.

 January 10th through February 15th:

• Achievement Unlocked! "5 Dailies Complete!" Complete 5 days of isometric exercises every morning before work.
• Achievement Unlocked! "Sugar Overload No Mo'!" No soda for 1 month.
• Achievement Unlocked! "Juiced!" Buy a juicer!
• Achievement Unlocked! "3 Day Reboot" Complete a 3 day juice fast.
• Achievement Unlocked! "Drink Apple juice cause OJ will kill y...nevermind" Complete a 5 day juice fast.
• Achievement Unlocked! "Better get a belt!" Drop one pant size!

I can't even believe I have completed all of this in just over a month.  The before me...wouldn't think twice of even thinking up some of these. Another part of me would have made the list but it would just lay there an collect dust.  I am happy for change :) 

Since I have completed several of the achievements from the previous list, I decided to add to the list:

•  Complete the Xbox Fitness Achievement "That was my Everest":  Jumped, climbed and squatted the height of Mt. Everest (8,848 m). 
• Lose my first 10 pounds since January 10th.  (3lbs shy!!) 
• Earn 25 Starts on Xbox Fitness: The workout stars are awarded based on your cumulative fitness points (FP) for the session. To acquire this achievement, you simply need to have 25 workout stars. It's like leveling up when you do a workout. 
• Run, Bike, Walk - Perform 16 miles in one week of cardio. 
• Buy a bike, ride a greenway.
• Do a (regular) push up.
• Do a pull up. 
• Drop 2 pant sizes.
• Complete first cosplay for myself.

That last one is weird to some of you that read this maybe?  Cosplay is "Costume Play".  To me, it's an amazing art form of costuming using many materials to recreate a character from a game, movie - whatever - using yourself as the canvas.  I follow several of professionals (yes they do this for a LIVING) and I decided that since I am on this lifestyle change of healthiness...why not really go for it.  Most things I would love to costume as.. I would never feel comfortable in.  I decided that while I may not be "skinny mini" I am going to do my best to complete a costume for DragonCon in Atlanta Labor Day weekend. :) 

I am so very excited for this. My friends and I have brainstormed things we might like to do. We may even be doing a group costume. Not sure. If money allows me to complete 2 - I will do it!  But I wanted to do something that I would feel comfortable in. Something that I can pull off since I am a curvy girl, I can rock it out just like anyone else. I want to do this for me..to have fun..because I have never done it before..

This is not my artwork - I do not own the rights to this image.

Meet the barbarian female from Diablo 3!  Now mind you, I don't know if I will do this exact gear set. I definitely won't be baring all on the thighs and stomach haha!  But I want to tailor it around me.  And if you know me, I feel like I "fit" her.  Plus I can make a huge axe or sword (*drool*).  I love the fur, the armor, the spikes RAWR!  So, that will be an adventure as I start buying supplies next week.  I will probably post progress on facebook.  I can't wait!! 

As always - thanks for the read. I appreciate you all. I am by no means the pro blogger and my stuff might be a bit boring but I do it for me. :) 

Until next week.... GAME ON!

1 Juice Fast Complete - Construct More Additional Pylons!!

Juice Fast Summary

5.5 days

Weight Lost: 2 lbs

Total Weight lost since 01/18/2013: 7 lbs

Inches: ?

Pant size lost: 1

Well as you know I just completed my juice fast in 5.5 days. I was going to try to take it to Friday but Thursday night I did some running around after work. I went to the gym, had to pick up Joe and had to get his mom fast food.  And though I could have chain scarfed some fried food in the parking lot...I withheld. I finally had to just go and get food. I was starved. I opted for Blue Coast Burrito and got  a yummy salad. I hate half and I was content once again. The hangry gods were calm and so was I. :)

Saturday was tough as I craved salty foods and had somewhat of a headache. I think it was my toughest day just because I waited longer to start my training and I hadn't got to drink anything other than water until 1 pm that day.  Once I had gotten enough juice and my headache went away, it was tolerable.  The one thing I learned, preparation is key. I found that 4 juices (16oz servings) were plenty to get through the day and I didn't suffer hunger. I had minor headache for 3 days but nothing a bit of excedrine didn't relieve a half hour.  I made sure to drink plenty of water and threw in hot tea just to give a different flavor in my regimine.  While I did not lose alot of pounds, I did drop down to the next pant size and let me tell you I have never done a happy dance in the fitting room EVER until yesterday when I went shopping! Lost some inches!  It is exciting that jeans that are brand new that I bought 2 years ago can now fit properly! 

I find it interesting that I am missing my fast right now. I need to construct more additional pylons!! (Pylons are energy sources in StarCraft II). While I was doing it, I didn't have to do any meal planning. I juiced the night before and it was done!  I had pre-planned dinners with my family. They ate what was in the fridge mostly. I cooked one night (another thing I miss was not having to cook) to make it less tempting to cave in.

Tips:

• Store juice in glass containers and make sure its filled to the brim to make sure there is no air in the jar(I used mason jars).
• Keep yourself orgnized to keep from being overwhelmed. Have jars ready to pour.  Have a prep area for produce (I put my cutting board by my juicer for less mess).
• Juice leafy greens with harder produce such as apples, pears or cucumbers to max their juice yield.  You can pack them into the denser fruit or veggie as well. If you have a variable speed unit, juice leafy greens on slowest setting.
• There are literally a ton of juice recipes online. Stick to a couple different ones that integrates 3-5 ingredients.  I share mine below. Keep reading!!

I did take a progression pic here:

"Week 4" is actually supposed to say "Week 3" 

Some changes in my face. I am happy that I am for once not bored with this. Every week I learn new things about nutrition and exercise.   I would typically try the gym or try to eat healthy for a few days and I was back to my old ways.

As promised, here a just a few of my fave juices that kept me going during my fast:

Emerald Protein Punch:

• 7-8 Leaves of kale
• 1 Cucumber
• 3 Pears (Bartlett or Anjou are my faves)
• 2 Medium Red Apples

I alternated each ingredient to help mix the juice. I put half the cucumber in and packed the kale behind it to help max the kale's juice yield.  My juicer is 1 speed so be sure to push leafy greens through slowly.

According to http://juicerecipes.com/build/ a site I use to give me an idea of what is going into my juice. With this blend this will give you approximately 11% protein (this makes about 2 - 16 oz servings) and also gives:

• Vitamin A 111% (essential for cell growth)
• Vitamin C 299% (boosts immunity)
• Iron 56% (transports oxygen throughout the body)
• Zinc 17% (Cold prevention!)
• Vitamin K 1196% (“Wolverine” vitamin - helps our body heal open wounds etc)

Now these are estimates and based on values pre-juiced but a juicer can extract 75-90% of the nutrients from a fruit.  Juicing allows us to intake more than just 1 piece of fruit.  So while these are estimates, you’re pulling the nutrients straight from the source and ingesting them as a juice will only provide your body the mega-vitamin it needs.  This is my favorite green juice. It masks the kale bitterness well, it’s sweet but not overwhelming and the cucumber gives it a melon-y flavor.

I love juice in the morning. It is a great wake me up and it is filling.  I used to take a cup of orange juice every morning but since I was staying away of store juices, I made this little gem.  I must say, I like it way better than any store bought juice :)

Sunrise Breakfast

• 6 Medium or large carrots
• 3 Small oranges (or 1 large)
• 2 Medium red apples

This juice is sweet and the carrots make it rich and gives it a nice texture.  It’s a great breakfast or dessert juice. I would typically drink this in the morning or in the evening after a green juice.  If you’re craving something sweet, this will help tremendously!

Fighting food urges, one TV show at a time...

So over the weekend of my juice I had to find things to keep me busy.  I watched alot of netflix and on demand.  I found that they put the past episodes of season 15 Biggest Loser on On Demand and I watched an episode that was in the middle of the season.  I caught myself saying "oh noo..." when one of the girls only lost 3 lbs and the man lost 13.. wait..thats what I have been losing..why is 3 lbs in a week bad? Shows such as this really do skew the ideal weight to lose in a weekly basis. Not to mention I am sure they do nothing but gym several hours a day. This particular episode had the loser team of the challenge work at diner as well as maintain their gym/training. DUM DUM DUUUUIMMMMM. So what? They should be learning how to balance healthy living with their daily lives. I was curious how many people gained the weight back once they return home.

The season finale aired and shock doesn't describe how i felt about this…

Rachel was the winner of this season's Biggest Loser. I know this story has been circulated so much and I wont be on it long.  I didn't watch the finale but pics are sad. My question (and maybe I don't know much about the show) is why wasn't there a physician or trainer for them to check in with?   Overall, I hope the media about this and and societal ignorance doesn't cause negative reaction for Rachel. I wish nothing but the best for her!

There is another show on A&E called Heavy. They go to a retreat and they start with implementing activities everyday. They sit them down at each lunch and teach them about the foods they eat. Then after a determined amount of time, they let them free. Back to home and everyday life. But this time they go back with knowledge and tools to benefit their weight loss. They are given a membership at a gym with a trainer. They can even call the resort staff for guidance. If the staff feel that the person is straying away, they bring them back to the resort and complete the time with them at the persons side.  They even have access to a counselor to help cope with emotions that may cause them to turn to food. They actually deal with the problem. Now I am sure that both shows tend to have their amount of scripting. But at least Heavy seems realistic.  I hope it's realistic anyway, it's very motivating!

Anyway that was my week end review!  I feel so great after my juice fast! I have more energy and will be planning other juice fasts in the future.  I can’t wait to continue on and share more of my epic journey. :)

2 Week 3 - Let the Fasting Begin!!

Well week 3 has come to a close.  Today I had a good workout..considering I got dizzy and almost passed out. I was bummed out I didn't finish the full hour (even though I think I was shy like 10 min or so).  I had a later appointment and I dont eat before I go in to keep from getting sick.  I screwed up my breathing on one exercise..and before I knew it..I was seeing those bright white and black spots >.<.
Overall, I enjoyed my workout because I felts like I worked my muscles well.

So today was the beginning of my juice fast. I've done surprisingly well on day one. Maybe its the "newness" of it?  I had about 4 juices today (16 oz each). I made 6 and I got one at The Urban Juicer which was sooo good. It had pineapple, apple, coconut water and mint.  I was inspired and I ran to the Turnip Truck (another local Nashville place - local grocery) and bought some fresh mint leaves.  I added it to my apple, carrot, cucumber.  It's so good! Gives it a hint of mint.
When I started "coming out" about my fast, strangely, many of my friends and coworkers were concerned about the possibility of..*ahem* bathroom issues.  I had 4 people one morning tell me that I would be running to relieve myself.  Thanks..I think...for the warning?  So to those people, I made you a nice thank you card...

Front of Card

Inside Card

I thought it was a nice thing to do since I had so many people concerned about my poo.  One of my bff's, Candy, helped me come up with the creative thank you note.  I couldn't have done it without her. I can't wait to print these!! Candy and I even discussed business cards to carry with me so I can pass them out to anyone who might question my bowels.

Moving on :)

Day one out of five.  Wednesday seems so far away but I know its not.  The hardest part about today, I was CRAVING salt. I just wanted to open a bag of crackers, salt and vinegar chips, sunflower seeds, anything within reach and eat it!  I didn't though.  I just found something to occupy my time and keep my mind off of it (yay Netflix!).   My plan is to weigh in on Thursday morning once my fast is complete (I normally weigh Saturday mornings) and see what the total weight lost was from the 5 days.
So far on my journey, I have lost 6 lbs (3 lbs each week 1 and 2 but maintained weight on week 3)!  Which to me I only have to lose 15 pounds to get to the next milestone. I will share weights and what not later. Owning a weight is one thing..sharing it to others..its scary.

So this week was unreasonably cold out (2 degrees one night!) so I didn't go to the gym.  AT ALL.  Bad excuse I know. I did however get in a couple of Xbox One Fitness workouts in this week.  They vary greatly. They have cardio, weights, PX90, Insanity and Jillian Michaels *shivers* (she scares me).  I did a few of the cardio sessions and they kicked my butt.  Mind you, the Xbox Fitness uses the Kinect to see you.  It can tell your form showing a mini view on the right so you can see it as well.  As you progress through the workout, you can see yourself moving and dancing like a fool.  Now this contraption (the Kinect) can tell what parts you are working most by causing that area to glow on your mini me reflection.  The instructor will break down a move and have you follow along.  It will tell you "Great Job!" or "Work your shoulders more!" or "Try to keep up!".  Come to think of it...xbox fitness is bossy!

See what I mean?!  Ok, not really THAT bossy. But it knows pretty well if you're not keeping a decent form or not keeping up.  Not saying you can't totally cheat the system but come on, you're only cheating yourself!  Xbox Fitness is free for one year (per terms upon signing up) with your Xbox Gold Membership.

 "Optimize every workout with immediate feedback on your form, power and heart rate with the all new Kinect, featuring Muscle Mapping, Power Gauge, and Pulse." - www.xbox.com 

Information from Xbox website 

Each workout has specific achievements, records, goals etc to meet. Gives you a little bit of motivation knowing that you are working toward something.  So if you have an Xbox One, I encourage you to try it out. It's free with your membership.  Most of the work outs are only 10 minutes! 10 minutes and back to Call of Duty!

Well that is all I have for now.  Please follow! Share! I hope that I can inspire one person just as my friend inspired me.  Happy weekend!

GLHF (Good luck, Have fun)

0 Come Along with Meee to an Epic Journeeeyyyy - Week 2

This post came a little late as I have been trying to put it together all while researching different juicing recipes.

#Struggle

I have struggled with my weight for so long. I have went to doctor's, done the fad diets, the diet pills.  All the tips and tricks that anyone could possibly pull out of their pockets.
Nothing worked. It's because I wasn't really dealing with the issue.

I love food. I don't necessarily consider myself an addict. I just appreciate good food. Many of doctor diets and fad diets restrict your intake and make you count calories or points. You start doing well eating good foods. Then..you want something sweet. You check your daily tracker.  I still have 750 calories left!  I can do a candy bar. I can do chips..I can do a soda..   You then do the trickle effect where you start justifying EVERYTHING.  Take it from me folks. I was one of them.

So yeah, I can count calories and I can count points ..so what if I have a few candy bars..I am under my caloric intake for the day!!

See where I am going with this?

For some people, it works well and they have the whole calorie counting down (I have nothing against those that try and do) I just know they don't work for ME.

When I met with my personal trainer and the nutritionist at LFA, they made it simple.  Focus on putting good foods in and you really won't have to count calories.  AT first I was scared to do this. I even felt I was eating TOO MUCH. I was surprised that I was told I was possibly not eating enough. Making these changes, I feel better. I am not as tired at the end of the day. And I can tell in some small ways that I am physically changing.  I am eating were greens, tons of them! Spinach and arugula.  I am making more conscientious effort to make healthy lunches and dinners.  I listened to my trainer's advice

started upping the amount of protien I would have.  Good fats like avocados and cocounut oil are my fave to add to smoothies.  WHAT I am eating is food that isn't processed (for the most part).  Now mind you, Rome wasn't built in a day..nor was my pantry or my eating habits.  I am integrated organic and raw where I can (coconut sugar and raw honey instead of refined sugars - lower on the glycemic index).  I tend to indulge now and then. I ate sushi with friends of mine on Saturday.  I just changed what I ate throughout the day is all.  I had a smoothie for lunch which wasn't heavy, its good for you and held me over until our late dinner.

#Juicing

After watching a documentary called Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead (watch it on Netflix - great documentary).  It puts juicing in a new perspective.  After seeing how many fruits and veggies go into a serving of juice, I know I could never eat that many vegetables in a day.  In the documentary you meet Joe Cross and another gentleman who implement a juice fast into their lives and eventually they turn their lives around.  Mind you these changes did not happen overnight, nor did they sit around being couch potato. They took action, exercising a little each week and building up to an active lifestyle.

When I first heard about a friend of mine that wanted to juice,
I had my own apprehensions as it sounds like another fad diet.  In fact there are tons of them out there that sell an overpriced, over processed juice that you drink for 3 days and thats it! "You melt the pounds away." But when I watched said friend do his fast day to day and his transformation, it inspires you.  This was juice made at home, not crap from the store.  Using organic greens, fruits and vegetables to make into yummy health "potions".  (heh see what I did there?)

I am still reading, reasearching and learning more about juicing but I feel I have learned enough (and have a good 'mentor') to be able to complete my own juice fast. It's going to be a feat but I won't know if I don't at least try.  I am only doing 5 days.  When I sit and think about it now..Right now it feels like I am staring at Mount Hyjal (Wow Reference).  It's a mental barrier I have to get past. The mental barrier of chewing food.

Mount Hyjal - World of Warcraft

#juicefast

I have not been very 'public' on the fasting thing. I told a couple of people. Some were very supportive. Others- not so much. I would get the scrunched up look of scrutiny that just says "yeah right!".  I decided that I will note it here and hope that people can convey positivity. I think I can handle 5 days not chewing. One juice has so many fruits and veggies in it, it's really quite filling.

The way I view juicing, its a way to implement those soo good for you veggies but they taste way to weird to eat on their own.  the veggie I have in mind? Kale.  It's a luscious, green, leafy plant that has tons of nutrients.  It just tastes bitter to me. I tried to eat it by itself ewwwwwwwww.
But blend it with other vegetables and fruits and you don't even know its there (other than that pretty green color).

If you don't get enough fruits and vegetables in your diet daily, then having a serving of fresh juice can help you do that.  Even if it's just one glass a day. Hey it beats carrying tons of containers with me to work and eating on vegetables and fruits non stop.  I'm not saying stop eating veggies, drink them always.  It's just added benefit if you do drink a juice daily.

Why a juice fast?
I'm sure the blog gave it away...Yeah I am sure I will lose some weight. I am changing my food intake for a week! I have wanted to try a fast ever since seeing the documentary.  I finally got over the hurdles (mentally) and feel I have the mentality to complete 5 days.  A cleanse, detox, clearing the chute, releasing negative 'vibes' whatever you want to call it. I just want to get the "taste" of processed foods out of my system and retrain the taste buds to want better things.  Although, I don't like saying cleanse because when I say that, people automatically should out some Hollywood doctor's diet. Nooooo.  I want to find out for myself if the results are true. Whats the worst thing that will happen...turn into a plant?!

I will start my 5 day journey on Saturday Feb 1 through Wednesday, Feb 5.  I am excited and nervous. This is the biggest thing I have tried to do for my health benefit. It is the biggest challenge to my willpower.

I will post my favorite juice recipes on next weeks blog!

Give a share, like, comment, constructive criticism or all of the above!  More feedback, more I want to continue!

2 Week 1 - Level 1

Nerd herd!
Oh I have missed you!  Let me say this has been a great week.  They probably won't all be that way but I will have to push through them.  So, Saturday (Jan 18th) was my first training session. I was nervous all week only because I didn't know what to expect.  I showed up at 10 am ready to go but without dread (which is odd for me!). He taught me importance of warming up the muscles before you actually stretch.  I always thought stretching was warming them up but I thought wrong.  I was shown isometric exercises that I could do in my home.  For example, one of my exercises required me to act like I was grabbing an orange and clenching as tight as I could.  While tensing these muscles, I would lift my arms alternatively while focusing on breathing.  Doesn't sound like much but after tensing several groups of muscles, you begin to feel them burn.

I even got to do a little bit of boxing. I felt kinda cool. I won't lie..

Cammy from Street Fighter

My "homework" for the week was to walk and keep a food journal.  That's it.  Well that's it so I thought.

I did great on my first week according to my trainer.  He suggested that I incorporate more healthy fats (ie avocados), increase my greens intake and watch the milk.  I eventually want to incorporate raw dairy but I have set a goal to purchase organic milk or just use my almond milk.
I will list a few days as examples for you!

Monday
I made sure to pack different tastes in my lunch (Sweet, salty etc)

Breakfast:

• Medium orange, 1 cup hot black tea with 1 tsp honey and a slice from my orange

Lunch:  

• Turkey and Mozzarella (organic) on Ezekiel bread (sprouted bread).

Snack: 

• Chai tea (with milk, honey) and a handful of almonds

Dinner:

•  Baked chicken breast (3 oz) (spicing with paprikia, pepper and pinch of salt)
•  1 cup quinoa with broccoli and onion sauteed.
•  2 fresh dates for something sweet.

Wednesday
Let me preface this with.... FOOD TRUCKS ARE AWESOME...when you're not watching what you're eating.  *sigh*  anyway my favorite food truck came to work..the chicken and waffle one. omg..the smells. People bringing in their fried, sweet Sriracha chicken..*drool*
But I made it. I just went and ate MY food when I started getting hangry. Yes. Hangry. Hungry + Angry. It's real folks. Nothing will put the fear in you facing a hangry female that smells fried chicken. *Shivers*
Onto the foodz!

Breakfast:

• Smoothie (Pineapple (fresh not canned), Organic Strawberries, banana, spinach (YES! I didn't taste it at all), 1/2 c coconut water.  (All fruits I bought frozen at Trader Joe's)

Lunch: 

• 3oz leftover Tandoori chicken (I made it myself..recipe to follow)
• 1/2 cup quinoa
• Spinach and Arugula Salad with cucumbers, carrots and my honey lime dressing (2tsp honey + juice    from one lime - DE-LISH)
• 1 cup black tea, 1 tsp honey  

Dinner

• Sprouted toast x 1
• Scrambled eggs (2) cooked in coconut oil
• 1 cup quinoa with broccoli and black beans

Now, we can't have our greatest of days and not have some fails too right?

Saturday
I did my workout. I got home and immediately left again so the hubby and I could run errands.  He and his mother wanted Taco Bell. While he is on board with me losing the lbs, he still wants his fast food.  It's ok, it strengthens my will power.  I did well. I didn't even bite when he offered.  I did snap at him "NO!!" all dramatic like haha.  But we ran around a bunch of places. Hit the store - got a few things for his mother she needed. Got home and I was starved.  I ate well when I got home (eggs and a piece of toast and an orange). It was that night though.. I went out with friends and it was somewhat last minute but I love impromptu friend time!  I just failed to eat something at home and then we went to Chili's.  I did not eat a whole entree. I split an appetizer with a friend. While it's not as bad as it could have been. I can't justify it.  But I can't dwell either.  So we move on and its one in the books.
I just have to do better at my meal planning for the week and for the day.  If I had been eating like I was supposed to, I -probably- would have been ok.

Pusheen the Cat (www.pusheen.com)

Coins (Budgeting)

My "favorite" topic. How do I budget for life, bills and my good foods?
So the beginning of the month is tight just because we have to manage alot of our bills and sometimes that eats into our food budget.  Well this being the beginning of the week, we've already bought what we could afford for this week so I have to make it last.  I decided I needed to plan for the week to help me stick to cooking for dinner and lunches but also keep me from eating badly.
I took a pen and my notebook and set out to the kitchen to scour my cabinets and refrigerator with the items I DID have. I created a weeks worth of good meals for dinner and lunch on what I had without having to go to the store.

Hearts (Recipes)  

Rummaging for food to put things together really required me to get creative.  I had to search out for new recipes but that was fun.  I was able to find simple ones that wouldn't take tons of prep and easy to cook.

My favorite find was the hummus recipe!!
I had to add a small amount of water to loosen it up because it was really thick. I thought it was a little bit salty so I would probably cut that down.  Tahini (seasame see paste) is located is most international grocers. I did not have any of it around so I used a tablespoon of almond butter. It seemed to mellow the tartness of the lemon juice. Anyway, its super good with veggies.  It's inexpensive and tasty *thumbs up*.

My next favorite is the Tandoori Chicken recipe I found on All Recipes. I did not have the ginger but it didn't ruin the dish.  I don't have a grill but I just cooked these in a pan with a teaspoon of coconut oil (yum) and it was great!  I know its not "real" Tandoori chicken but the flavors of the spices go well together.

ACHIEVEMENTS!!!! 

And last but not least (hopefully you've hung on through this), I said I was going to start a small list of achievements for myself to work on.  And here are just a few. I will add to this list (especially as I knock them out) and hey if you know of something creative to add (within reason), comment below!
 Complete 5 days of isometric excercises every morning before work.

1. Complete the Xbox Fitness Achievement "That was my Everest":  
2. Jumped, climbed and squatted the height of Mt. Everest (8,848m).
3. Lose my first 10 pounds since January 10th.  
4. No soda for 1 month.
5. Buy a juicer!
6. Complete a 3 day juice fast
7. Complete a 5 day juice fast.
8. Earn 25 Starts on Xbox Fitness: The workout stars are awarded based on your cumulative fitness points (FP) for the session. To acquire this achievement, you simply need to have 25 workout stars. It's like leveling up when you do a workout.

Well that's all for now..Thanks for coming along Player 2.  Hope to have some interesting things to write about in the next week! If not..well..sorry I guess.  ha! Have a great week everyone!

1 Fitness Level - Noob, New Years Resolution-ers, Foodz and Gamez.

Greetings Nerd Herd!
So, you're probably wonder why I have restarted the blog (those few but I'm-grateful-for-you-all peeps). New blog..fresh, new, and sparkly.  I did it because I am embarking on an epic quest.  A quest of better health...a new lifestyle.  Oh how the timing fell at the beginning of the year with the New Years Resolution-ers...yeah.  I HATE NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS.   Please understand that this is not a month long process and then quitting.  This is something that I have struggled with all my life.

I am doing this for change..not for diet. I am doing this for a new lifestyle..not for a few pounds. It's like playing a video game.  Like old school Mario for instance.  You try and try and each level..a new obstacle. Each level you face the same ol' boss.  When you think you've defeated him and won the princess...BAM!!!! Just kidding!!! Your princess is in another castle...(Srsly..how many castles do you have in Mushroom Kingdom..just sayin').  Anyway, my point is I have created obstacles and I have gotten past them to face my own epic boss...weight loss.  At some point, I get to the point to where I've been to so many "castles" I get tired of searching. Searching for that right path to take to down the boss and get epic lootz.  So, this time.. I am telling myself to...

Starting over. New game. 5 "mans" left.
I am taking a new route in my epic journey.  It is inspired by my great friend Zach B. who took matters in his own hands. He has worked very hard and has lost over 100 lbs by doing it right, watching his foods, exercise and changing his lifestyle.  (Check out his blog I Once Was Fat But Now I See ).

As I said I am going a new route with this. I am slowly integrating holistic foods (organics, ancient grains, grass-fed, etc) in my everyday nom-sessions and hiring a personal training to get more guidance with my work outs.  I have no idea what I am doing in there half the time.  To me - it's worth every penny I can put toward it.  So..please do not view this as a New Years resolution.  Allow me to introduce you to me - the fluffy nerd - destined to be more and to live more than "5 mans".

I am Jayme. I am Girlygamernerd. I am going to do this.  I need your support, your advice and hell.. I need your recipes because I love me some foods! If you take the time to read and you noticed I haven't blogged...you tell me about it! My plan is to blog at least once a week (week end review I suppose).

I used to be an adventurer, but then I took an arrow to the knee...

Ok. Ok. Not really. I have always been overweight though. I never let it get me down too much.  I usually was the quiet one. Kept to myself. At least until high school and I opened up and became a little more of me. I won't go into a long boring story of my childhood.  But I will tell you of an awesome Christmas morning in 198...*cough* year.  It was a good ol' year.  The year I got my Nintendo *insert dream sequence here*.  I have played video games ever since.  I didn't opt out of hanging with friends or going outside though. Nope..I loved doing all of that. Riding bikes hours everyday and then running inside to cool off and play a few games and then back out we went!  But it is one hobby that has stuck with me. Part of it is the love of creation of games and stories.  So when I grew up.. it grew up with me. So, I decided that the best "theme" if you will of this blog would be to tailor it around gaming.  

This pic describes it all for me and that's how I am going to approach it.  I have already started my own achievement list.  As I begin working toward these goals or achieve them, I will make sure to share! Once I make the full list I will eventually post and of course add to it as I go along.  

 I even bought an Xbox One a few weeks ago.  I just found where they have free access of Xbox Fitness where it has tons of videos from different tv personality trainers to get you moving and looking like a beached whale all in your own living room!!  No..but seriously, I will do a review on it the more I use it. The first time I braved the 10 minute work out I felt ridiculous but I felt good...like I did something! Yay for something!!

Coming soon, I plan to list some achievements as I come up with them, discuss food (ALL THE FOODZ!!!), gym days, and even post my bad days.  I hope with this blog, I can inspire someone as my friend inspired me.  This keeps me working..this keeps me accountable.  I will not be a resolution-er.  I will be fit.

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