Week 2 Workout & Week 1 Results

As week two is starting I am feeling pretty optimistic. I took yesterday completely off. I stuffed myself full of spaghetti, ate a giant no bake cookie and tons of popcorn. I know that sounds counter productive but I feel like it's a smart idea to have a day off to let muscles repair and mentally chill. (I justified the carb loading by needing to put more effort into today's jog....I didn't really need to carb load because I still have approx 80 lbs of fat that I should be burning instead.)

This week's goals are:

• Exercise 5-6 days. 
• I am going to double my resistance series from last week. I will now be going through it twice, just like it says I should be. I will post it again below for those new to this blog, but it's worth going back to read older posts. 
• I am also want to by the end of the week double my jog (so I will be going 3 miles).

Week one results:

I am feeling stronger and can get through the daily resistance training without complaining and it is much easier than it was a week ago, that's for sure.

I don't know my final time for jogging but I can jog over 50% of the route now. I am so impressed.

In the end I lost 1.4 lbs for the week and 2.5 inches over all.

Here are my updated photo's after a week of working out, drinking green smoothies daily and cutting down portions. To see my before picture and measurements visit the About Eliza page above.

Week 1 Check Up

Ok, so this EASY little workout that I choose ended up kicking my butt. I guess I was worse off than I thought. Day one I did the first two things....the whole time wanting to quit. After the first two items I seriously looked at the list and said "WHAT! There are that many more things to do????"

I pushed myself and did them all. Day two was a bit easier as was day 3. I hope it keeps getting easier.

Jogging? Well, it's mostly walking but when I do jog I pick a land mark and say to myself "I'm not stopping until I reach that _____, no matter what." Day one my average time per mile was 15:28, today it was 14:49, so I have shaved a little time off so far.

"Self discipline is doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, even if you don't want to do it."

Sprouting Lentils

Sprouted lentils are a tasty, super healthy treat. I make a new batch every 1-3 days. I think they are sweetest right after they have begun to sprout and become more bitter the bigger they grow but you should try them to see what stage you like them best at. Here is what you need.

1. Small mouthed mason jar
2. Either a mesh lid or the cover to a Parmesan cheese container
3. Lentils

Instructions:

1. Measure anywhere from a few tablespoons to 1/2 a cup of lentils into the jar.
2. Put twice as much water in the jar as there are lentils and swish them well.
3. Drain well.
4. Put twice as much water in the jar as there are lentils again, this time let them soak for 8-12 hours. (I always do mine for 12 hours.)
5. Place on your counter to soak out of direct sunlight

Note: If you are using a Parmesan jar cover leave the side with the small holes ajar to air can pass through. Living, growing things need air.......don't suffocate your sprouts.

6. After 8-12 hours rinse your little lentils well. They have just had a long bath and want to be rinsed. (it's like if you just spent 12 hours laying in the bathtub.....you might feel a little slimy and want to rinse before getting dresses.) Drain well and leave the cover cracked so they can breath.

YOUR SPROUTS ARE NOW ALIVE! Feel free to try some.

7. After another 12 hours, rinse well, drain well...........Remember to let them breath.

You can repeat step 7 another 3-5 times depending on how big you want then to grow. I recommend trying a few after each rinse so you know at what stage you like them best. When you have them how you like them they can be stored in the fridge. Make sure they are dry to the touch before storing them.

Fun ways to eat sprouted lentils. You can munch on them straight out of the jar. Toss a few on your salad. Put some in a green smoothie. Sprouts are alive and full of amazing nutrients. Your body will thank you.

Week 1 Workout

Here we are at the beginning. I just jogged (I use that term loosely -- See my video "My Beautifully Holistic Life is Born") my first 5k less then a week ago. I have pack up and left my old life behind for the time being and am in Michigan with my sister and her family. It's time to spend some time on me and seriously improve my health and fitness.

I am sorely out of shape. I want to do everything but can't. Just taking a flight of stairs gets me winded and hurts my hips. I need to start slow and build muscle and endurance over time. This will be a challenge for me because I can visualize the end and I want to already be there. I always try to skip to the hard stuff and burn out fast. This time I am going to use baby steps.

I found this wonderful workout on Pinterest. It sounds easy. Thank you to movenourishbelieve.com for coming up with this and for who ever posted in on Pinterest for me to find.

I now it says to go through it twice, but determined to stick to my baby steps I am only going to go though this series once per day for the next week. I can do it.....cuz it's easy.

I am also going to walk/jog for 1.5 miles per day ( at least 5 days per week ). I want to start training for my next 5k. I don't want this next one to be such a disaster.

Wish me luck. I'm off!

Fight Fat with Tabata

It's FITNESS FRIDAY!! Blast fat with this 4 minute Tabata workout. 

I know you can find 4 minutes in your day to exercise. Tabata is great because it is a compact high intensity workout that you can customize to fit your needs. Your workout can grow with you because you simply do as many reps as you can do of each exercise in 20 seconds. Maybe week one you can only do 10 pushups in 20 seconds. Don't give up......by week 5 or 6 you might be able to do 15 or 20. ( or even more)

Don't have anyone to watch the clock for you and tell you when 20 seconds is up? No problem, you can find Tabata timers just about any where.

Gymboss makes a great little interval timer/stopwatch pictured below. If you are in the habit of working out away from home or at the gym, this is a great investment.




 If you have your computer near by and want a free timer I recommend http://www.tabatatimer.com/
This is a great little free timer you can customize. Check out the screen shot below.

 Tips: *Any exercise is better than none.
          * Switch it up with different exercises. There are plenty to choose from including: jogging in    place, burpees, sit-ups, bicep curls.......you name it.
          *Exercise first thing in the morning revs up your metabolism and is a great way to start your day.