tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9617501593054957832024-03-05T05:01:26.771-07:00The Stretch Jean Incident.Because vodka, dumbbells and bacon all have their place in life.Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.comBlogger311125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-1879812306445462872013-06-11T13:31:00.000-06:002013-06-11T13:31:54.071-06:00updates and a farewell of sorts (complete with obligatory sunset).As you can tell from the last few posts, not much happenin' on this blog over the past couple of years. I'm happy to say I've been putting my time and energy into plenty of non-blog areas of my life. While I've made progress along the way, I guess I just didn't feel like writing about it because it still seemed too new. <br />
<br />
So what am I talking about, exactly? Well:<br />
<br />
-<b>Last year, I started seeing a therapist.</b> It's something I know I've needed to do for a long time, but a combination of fear of asking for professional help (and admitting I needed professional help) and limited funds always kept me from seeking it out. <br />
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Well, without going into too many details, I reached a point last October where I was finally willing to at least <i>research</i> some therapists and get some realistic estimates on how much it would cost me over several months. I found one in particular whose specialties met my needs and whose fees were much more affordable than I could have imagined. Of course I was skeptical and prepared to meet with a few other folks before finding "the one," but it turned out to be a great match, during the first visit and every visit after. Some might call it luck, but the fact that we're about the same age and both have curly hair probably didn't hurt either... Anywho.<br />
<br />
The results? Soooo much better. Looking at yourself and your past and making all of those behavioral/emotional connections is messy and painful and exhausting, but I have zero regrets. I'm much more sure of myself and my abilities. The sessions have been incredibly productive; I finally feel a sense of recovery that I've never felt before. <br />
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-<b>I had some weird digestive issues going on for a while, but now I'm better.</b> A few months ago, my insides were off... Abdominal cramping, worst bloating ever (and seemingly all the time), nausea, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, you name it. Fucking horrible. Prior to the symptoms coming on, my diet wasn't perfect, but it was still pretty normal. I hadn't made any drastic changes though, so it was frustrating not knowing why it was happening. Here I was, going on about how great my 30s are gonna be (I just turned 30 prior to the symptoms setting in) and how I just keep getting better with age. That optimism was short-lived.<br />
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The digestive issues knocked me down a few pegs. I was irritable. Motivation to eat well and exercise went out the window some weeks, thanks to my appetite being out of whack and being bloated most of the time. Had to wait a couple of months between seeing my primary physician and getting final results from my specialist. Certainly not the longest wait in the history of the American health care system, though still two of the more frustrating months in my life.<br />
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The results? I'm perfectly healthy. "Great news, bro! So what the hell is wrong with you?!" Well, in the process of figuring out what was going on, I had to have both an endoscopy and colonoscopy. As some of you may/may not know, there's a certain, um, "cleansing" process involved with the colonoscopy prep. Since the scoping, I feel much better. Normal, even.<br />
<br />
My specialist said while there's no science to back up what he was about to tell me, he had seen it in other patients. Basically, he suspects that the good/bad bacteria was out of balance in my gut. (Before having all of the tests done, I had tried taking probiotic supplements, but I think it was too little too late by that point, as there was no improvement.) This (<i>possibly</i>) caused the symptoms and the prep for the colonoscopy <i>may have</i> "reset" the environment in my gut. <br />
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Makes sense? Cool?<br />
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I'm feeling way better, so whatevs. My main concerns (colitis, IBS, celiac disease, ulcers or worse, colon cancer) were all tested and all results were negative. Even though I ended up spending some extra cash getting it all figured out, I am relieved that it was nothing serious. I do tend to worry about my digestive health because of my history with eating disorders. This experience has made it easier to get back into my healthy groove and instilled mad-respect for my gut. <br />
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<b>-I'm sorta becoming a flexitarian</b>. I say "sorta becoming" because this particular part of my life is still new. While prepping for colonoscopy day, I had to take a day off work and stay at home. This led to watching a ton of TED talks on Netflix, one of which I found myself particularly drawn to: <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/weekday-vegetarian-finally-a-palatable-solution-by-graham-hill.html" target="_blank">Becoming a Weekday Vegetarian</a>.<br />
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Prior to learning about this concept, Doug and I were already cutting back on our meat consumption and incorporating more vegetarian meals into our weekly fare. Becoming Weekday Vegetarians just seemed to be the next natural step. We both have NO intention of giving up meat on a permanent basis. It just ain't gonna happen. However, we also want to improve the overall health of our diets by eating more produce, beans, and lentils. And save money on the grocery bill. And do our part to be more sustainable. And eat better quality meat. And cook more (especially me; Doug does most of the cooking typically, but since we're both trying new recipes, I'm starting to get back in the kitchen more). <br />
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We're not 100% strict about it either; if free lunch at work means eating some chicken, no big deal. If we want a little bacon garnish with our split-pea soup, it's all good. Overall though, it's going pretty smooth. We both look up recipes online and I snagged a cheap subscription to <a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/" target="_blank">Vegetarian Times</a>. Each week, we take a few minutes to figure which meals we want to try during the next few days, make a shopping list and head to the store. Sounds like simple, weekly meal planning (and it is), but it's kind of a big deal that we've managed to do it three weeks in a row. Meal planning/recipe-specific shopping is always something we've talked about, but never actually did with any real consistency. Now, it's starting to feel like a good team effort, with more focused (and cheaper) shopping trips. Granted, we're going to the store every week, which isn't my favorite thing in the world, but we're spending less and using up more produce before it goes bad. Win-win, so far.<br />
<br />
Since I used to rely a lot on protein to aid with muscle recovery and to help manage my hunger, I worried that I would be hungry all the time or feel weak. So far, I haven't noticed either of those things happening. Between the beans, lentils, eggs, nuts, grains and touches of dairy here and there, I've still been feeling strong and plenty satisfied. <br />
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I still love a good burger, but turns out I also love <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/15481192441885406/" target="_blank">Zucchini-Walnut Pizza</a>. Not too shabby for a Monday night when you're catching up on Mad Men.<br />
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<b>-Still planning a wedding, still figuring out my future.</b> September is quickly approaching, which means wrapping up wedding details. We're trying to keep things as simple as possible, but we're also expecting between 130-150 people, so it's still taking some work to make sure everyone has a good time. So far, I've managed not to have a major breakdown in a bridal store or during a cake tasting, so I view that as pretty successful. <br />
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That said, studying for my personal training certification has gone out the window, again. I swear, by the time I take the exam, there will probably be a new edition of the manual that I'll need to buy. Hopefully not though. It is still something I daydream about, so that's a good sign that I haven't completely given up on the idea. I still <strike>love</strike> am quite fond of working out and I would still love to help others realize their potential through fitness. It WILL happen, I'm just done putting a specific deadline on it for now. (Plus, dropping $400 on the test probably isn't the best idea when I still have a balance with a photographer...)<br />
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In addition to that, I think I may finally be ready to take advantage of the college credits I get at work and pursue a Masters in Health Promotion. I pondered this degree before a few years ago, but I needed to enjoy being out of school a little longer, as well as grow up some more before settling on serious career plans. This is something I'll also pursue post-wedding, once our budget is less strict and I can afford to take the GRE. <br />
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Aside from exam costs versus wedding costs, the other main reason I've put these two ideas on hold is because it's not particularly realistic or strategic for me transition into a new career or jump head first into grad school <i>right this very second</i>. While I'm still sucking in the good vibes from these semi-new ambitions, there are still other financial obligations to be met. Making that big jump into a new career might take me a few years, but I'm sure it will go by fast and will most definitely be worth the wait. <br />
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<b>-Fin.</b> As the title of this post suggests, The Stretch Jean Incident is coming to an end, but I would still like to keep it around; though I'm totally biased, I do think there are some good resources on here that I hope some folks can still benefit from. I'll likely continue to update my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stretchjeanincident?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. There's plenty of good health-related information circulating this world wide web, so I do like sharing those links when I can. <br />
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Thanks to those who took time to read and share your comments; I really am grateful and enjoyed the experience. The time has come to walk into the sunset. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOY-xWj4TCFzfo-AlGZ0gZ9nh6wVaOnoHdtu7VRhXqylTb7zaOezsrCt2QGl5yY7rdxjrfmKag-ZjnLHK_8zFBuuAKzuws7YgwL8KcI-J5xBMKO0uJvhx_cmZtJedPLBg0ihQBsdzndc6z/s400/tahoe_sunset07.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Proverbially of course, because, y'know, water, etc.)</i></div><br />
Remember: Eat your veggies, don't be so hard on yourself (or others), lift some heavy things, walk, cook more, and laugh every chance you get. <br />
<br />
Tamara<br />
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Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-77943804521768039652013-01-28T12:12:00.001-07:002013-01-28T12:12:50.160-07:00Review: Amy Dixon's Breathless Body 2: The EdgeI'm not even going to verify how long it's been since my last post; let's just agree that it's been <i>too</i> long and move on, shall we?<br />
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Inspiration for posts has obviously been lacking, but I'm happy to say that that changed over the weekend, thanks to a new DVD workout. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breathless-Body-2-The-Edge/dp/B007WYU0IO/ref=pd_bxgy_mov_text_y" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBNezUNyI24_MowaUjZ6r30JrPIw7tzflT8Dt2jsrYKi4pd0w4khhuE4NLiEgCJRS3QwfMngHaiM2Bg4c8zl0b7STw-nYTkhzLPt2xO13M139Lw5rFb07O0Dz7ow4OZ__wXX0GfVgw8aQ/s400/615ruTlMIvL._AA1000_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This workout acts as a sequel to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breathless-Body-Ultimate-Calorie-Burn/dp/B004ZB92G8/ref=pd_bxgy_mov_text_y" target="_blank">Breathless Body: The Ultimate Calorie Burn</a>, which I haven't tried yet, but fully intend to (at the time I ordered The Edge, Ultimate Calorie Burn was out of stock).<br />
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What's so beautiful about The Edge? Quite a few things, my friends, quite a few things.<br />
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<b>NO EQUIPMENT!</b> Yep, that's right. All you need is a bit of space and a good attitude. <br />
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<b>Dudes welcome.</b> I'll spare my rant on the importance of gender neutrality in the fitness industry for another day and simply say this: Guys, don't let the image of a gal in pink put you off; you'll benefit from fast-paced body-weight cardio routines too! In fact, there's even a guy present in the video, performing the advanced moves, making the workout more inclusive. <br />
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<b>Great for ALL fitness levels!</b> Many of the DVDs I use tend to be for those who are already at an intermediate-to-advanced fitness level. But The Edge provides modifications for all three levels of fitness, so beginners can definitely join in on the fun.<br />
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The workout itself works in rounds. For each round, you perform three moves. Each move is performed for 30 seconds, followed by 15 seconds of recovery; you then repeat the sequence two more times for a total of three sets per round. <br />
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Before each round, Amy gives you a quick explanation of which moves will be performed, including the beginner, intermediate and advanced versions. There's a different exerciser performing each modification, making it easy to follow along to your preferred fitness level. What I love about multi-level modifications is that I could try the advanced moves when I wanted to push myself or mix in the beginner/intermediate moves when I needed a bit of recovery, without coming to a complete stop. <br />
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Most of the moves are plyometric in nature, but remember, if high intensity jumping isn't your thing, refer to the beginner and intermediate modifiers for safer alternatives. Think tuck jumps, squat thrusts, single-leg hops, split lunges and variations on jumping jacks. Twelve different moves may not sound like much, but the goal is to push yourself during each of those 30 second intervals; once you start repeating the sets, the recovery time seems shorter and shorter!<br />
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There are four rounds plus an extra round called "The Finisher". During the finishing round, you perform ALL of the previously completed moves, 30 seconds each, WITHOUT any breaks in between. It makes for a tough six minutes, but finishing strong is always the way to go. <br />
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Including warm-up and cool-down, the entire workout is just shy of 55 minutes, but trust me- the time flies by thanks to the interval format. <br />
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I'm always hesitant when trying a new DVD for the first time because I wonder if I'll fall behind trying to keep up with complicated choreography and poor cues. NOT the case with The Edge. Amy's instruction and cuing is some of the best I've seen so far! None of the moves are too complicated, so you can count on getting an intense, sweaty workout the first time through.<br />
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The Edge has quickly become my new favorite cardio workout; I'm looking forward to taking a break from the treadmill! It's simple to follow, provides different modifications to keep you moving (and motivated!), goes by fast, and leaves you with a rush of endorphins (and puddles of sweat) to make you feel just plain awesome when it's over. I'm officially an Amy Dixon fan now and look forward to trying her other releases. <br />
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Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-78413269768302905952012-08-27T16:39:00.000-06:002014-11-17T16:45:09.606-07:00An Experiment.<a href="http://www.stretchjeanincident.com/2012/07/hows-and-whats.html" target="_blank">Last time</a> we spoke, I was embarking on some changes with regards to my workout options and eating regimen, namely <a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/les-mills-pump-workout.do" target="_blank">Les Mills Pump</a> and the <a href="http://www.nosdiet.com" target="_blank">No S Diet</a>. Just before signing off, I hinted at incorporating <a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/insanity.do" target="_blank">Insanity</a> into the mix. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/insanity.do" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQ4x525hkzBR94KWv6Ov7wemiaJwos5PC4rOUXdqnfWvjUtbLfmAvwiM6IkRRSEAxG-ou81KSXBmld8kKDZ62hFrUaRdHGxfr6crQPAMxuEp_GXr51uanyuHislmvenYW6vxrEhU-owlh/s400/1Insanity-Workout-and-Hemorrhoids.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Well, I've followed through on that proposal and am still wondering what the heck I was thinking.<br />
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If you're not familiar with Insanity, I'd like to, once again, pass you on to <a href="http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2012/03/beachbody-insanity-lets-see-how-insane-it-really-is/" target="_blank">the full review by Fit Bottomed Girls</a>, as I still haven't tried all of the discs yet. In short: You MUST be AT LEAST an intermediate fitness level (though I'd even recommend advanced) before even considering this program. And even then, you might want to brush up on your <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_interval_training" target="_blank">HIIT training</a> for a month or two beforehand. <br />
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<b>THE PLAN:</b><br />
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So, moving on to this experiment of mine... I've always been intrigued by Insanity ever since I first heard about it. And after hearing my cousin rave about it and starting his <i>second</i> round of the program, I figured with my wedding coming up in September 2013, it wouldn't hurt to step up my training (oh, but it does hurt. A lot).<br />
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After the Insanity set arrived a few weeks ago (thanks eBay!), I was excited to start, but wasn't ready to abandon my still-new Les Mills Pump program. So, like any sane person, I decided to merge the two and do both programs at the same time.<br />
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Based on <a href="http://thestretchjeanincident.blogspot.com/2011/09/supreme-90-day-check-in-and-changes.html" target="_blank">previous experience</a>, it's not realistic for me to follow an X-day program exactly as written; I basically jumped into Les Mills Pump by skipping the first two discs and after trying Insanity alone for the first week, I decided to alternate programs each day. Knowing that Insanity <b>doesn't use weights and is cardio-heavy</b>, I figured (somehow) that it would be the perfect complement to all the lifting being done in the Pump workouts.<br />
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<b>FINDINGS:</b><br />
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Pret-ty interesting so far. As I mentioned before, when I first tried Insanity, I followed the calendar as written for the first week, meaning I didn't do any Pump workouts during this time; just 6 days of Shaun T yelling at me through football and military drills. <br />
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Before I expand on the results, let me first say that Insanity is, HANDS DOWN, the hardest workout I've ever tried. Just making it through the Fit Test had me shakin' in my boots a bit. It's incredibly fast-paced (great for making the workout fly by, bad for not feeling like you're going to die) and forces you to work with your own body weight in ways you're probably not used to. I always know I've met my workout match when my nose starts running uncontrollably (gross) and I can't even finish saying the "f*****" in "mother-f*****." <br />
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That said, I'm enjoying the challenge. When sticking with familiar routines, it's easy for me to get complacent and not push myself out of my comfort zone. Insanity has not only pushed me out of my comfort zone, but has beaten that zone into a faded memory.<br />
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<b>How Insanity impacted my Pump workouts:</b><br />
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-The first thing I noticed after zero Pump workouts for a week? <b>Lifting was harder... At first.</b> Although Insanity incorporates its fair share of resistance moves, I struggled more than I thought I would when I returned to Pump. <br />
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After doing both programs <i>concurrently</i> however, I have been able to increase my weight amounts during recent Pump workouts. I haven't even completed the first 3 weeks of Insanity workouts, so I'm not writing it off for resistance training yet; there's still some potential in there that I haven't unlocked. <br />
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-<b>My endurance lowered slightly.</b> Even though a lot of the Insanity discs are between 40 and 60 minutes, the time spent doing intense circuits is actually 20-30 minutes, tops. A LOT of time is spent warming up with some basic cardio moves (almost a workout on their own) and then you move on to some yoga-like stretching before actually getting "insane." This change in intensity duration made it tougher to give 100% during the 45-60 minute Pump workouts.<br />
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-<b>My power increased like whoa.</b> Although Insanity didn't necessarily help me lift heavier or longer, it <i>definitely</i> increased my speed and power during Pump moves like the <a href="http://mofoyo.com/image/6643" target="_blank">Clean and Press</a>. Prior to Insanity, I was always a little behind the Les Mills instructors during the legs & back track, where the Clean & Press and dead-rows are executed quickly. But after a few rounds of Insanity, I was able to bust those reps out like a machine.<br />
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Also, I think Insanity moves like football-runs and tuck/high jumps have strengthened my quads, giving me an extra boost during the leg and squat tracks during Pump.<br />
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<b>How Les Mills Pump impacted my Insanity workouts:</b><br />
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-The lower-body training in the Pump workouts provides improved endurance during the Insanity workouts, especially during sprints, high-knees, butt-kicks, squat kicks, tuck jumps and basically every move that demands strong leg work.<br />
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-The upper-body Pump tracks are essential for helping me keep up with Insanity. In Insanity, you'll find yourself doing a lot of moves in plank/push-up position and it helps if you've got strong shoulders, chest muscles and biceps. Otherwise, you'll end up lying face-down on the floor for a good portion of the time. <br />
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<b>CONCLUSION:</b><br />
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All in all, even though Insanity is really testing my limits, I think combining it with Les Mills Pump is proving to be an ideal routine, in terms of improving multiple areas of fitness (agility, power, strength, speed and endurance).<br />
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I also lost an additional 1% body fat after one week of Insanity and 1.5 weeks of training with both programs (previously lost 3% body fat training with Les Mills Pump and less-intense cardio only). My diet has been far from perfect though, so with more consistent clean eating, I'm sure I could've lost more. <br />
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I'm <strike>still</strike> forever working on improving my eating habits, so a more thorough review of No-S and my progress with that to come later, in its own post. <br />
Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-69753831441346429882012-07-30T10:32:00.003-06:002012-07-30T10:32:54.887-06:00My first podcast!A while back, I was invited by Heather from <a href="http://www.halfsizeme.com" target="_blank">Half Size Me</a> for an interview about my experience with weight-loss. Well, I'm excited to say that the <a href="http://www.halfsizeme.com/025-half-size-me-weight-loss-success-story-tamara-and-the-stretch-jean-incident/" target="_blank"><b>podcast is now up</b></a>, so have a listen when you can! <br />
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Thanks again for the opportunity, Heather; I really enjoyed our discussion!<br />
<br />Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-46017076924118587202012-07-20T10:51:00.000-06:002014-11-17T16:46:52.700-07:00Hows and Whats: No S and BodyPump at home!Well, if you've read this blog with any sort of consistency, you've probably gathered that I have a bit of diet and exercise ADD. I can't let it bother me too much though, because I'm still in the ongoing phase of figuring out what works best for me, with regards to eating, working out and managing my weight. That said, let's see what I've been up to <i>this</i> month, shall we?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">How I'm currently eating:</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nosdiet.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNM0vtew0rJwSclKhz6uC25xU2V6YtWIZW2J7wDzlgd9vnCzOPVGDmoTjqLAP5LUoejuQr7sakZ_l6FefYz4TpZWfztsVTy6EHSLX2YpU2gYdklMJnBew5qZCm7mhHYNpWQvwKFGjaCOk/s400/no-s-diet-book-cover.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br />
The No S Diet. I know, sounds like a fad, right? Those were my thoughts initially, until I scrolled through the <a href="http://www.nosdiet.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and saw how unbelievably simple it was: No Snacks, No Seconds and No Sweets, except on days that start with S. Three meals a day, five days a week. You can also make exception days as needed, for holidays and special occasions, so no need to ever feel guilty. And "No Sweets" is <i>not</i> to be confused with "No Sugar." It's not quite that strict, it's just a way of keeping consumption of Twinkies and the like down to a minimum.<br />
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I actually tried No S a while back, sometime in February/March and initially had good results. But once the numbers on the scale stopped moving, I panicked, stopped watching my diet altogether (this was around the same time we bought our house and moved), and eventually went back to what was familiar (calorie counting). <br />
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As you'll probably remember from <a href="http://thestretchjeanincident.blogspot.com/2012/06/hows-and-whats.html" target="_blank">my last post</a>, I jumped on the SparkPeople wagon as part of returning to calorie counting. Well, once again, the numbers started to make me anxious, I would overeat, then overexercise and/or skip meals to try and keep my calories balanced. <b>This was not fun</b>, at all.<br />
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So far, No-S has made the most sense and has required the least amount of work and stress. I don't do well with Intuitive Eating; it sounds great on paper, but once I put it into practice, I find myself snacking more, thinking about food constantly and justifying not-so-healthy foods more often than I normally would. With No S, I have just the right amount of discipline and don't have to stress as much about indulging on the weekends, which is when I tend to crave treats anyway. It allows me to work with my desire to indulge, instead of constantly working against it.<br />
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I re-started No S at the beginning of this month, and so far, I'm doing well. And to prevent a relapse like last time, I'm reminding myself to have much more patience. The weight will come off slower than it would otherwise with excessive precise restriction, but I'll be more likely to keep the loss off.<br />
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It's been quite a relief; this is the closest I've felt to being a "normal" eater. I'm still eating healthy, balanced meals during the week and with each "free" weekend, I'm enjoying treats, but noticing I can be satisfied with less and less, as each weekend goes by. Some things just aren't as appealing as they once were, which leaves more room for better quality meals and desserts. But if I happen to cave into a slice of grocery-store birthday cake, it's still no big whoop. <br />
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I know it probably just sounds like another one of my phases, but I'm continuing to give it a genuine effort, as I'd like to finally settle into a way of eating that helps me achieve weight-loss (without hating myself) and can be maintained for the rest of my life. <br />
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I'm still using SparkPeople for support and to track my days of sticking with No-S. There's even a No-S Spark Team for additional discussion and encouragement.<br />
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If it's something you think you might be interested in, just reading the information on the website should be enough. I borrowed the book from the library and while it was a good read, it just went into more detail about the developing history of the snack industry (how we got fatter as they got richer), the effects of excessive sugar on the body (which, we can agree isn't good for anyone), and how seconds jack up our portion control and mess with our hunger/fullness cues. There's also a discussion board on the website, should you have any additional questions.<br />
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SO. That's where I'm at with eating. And it feels pretty damn good. But what makes me feel even better?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What I'm Currently Loving:</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/les-mills-pump-workout.do" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="202" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWgCqsbPOK25-vjGE-cR3SgLPdoyGexCk31oUVoE7oLDfYAXV3tfrVJKWxuijj4MAwxFuJAZjLapD3b9veHLZdIQlwo2AinbMt9dpULqmSNFBGjB6o34EDXQuS8Q__9ahBHwj88vWXmt0/s400/lesmills.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Les Mills Pump at-home workout system. Oh. My. God. In a word, <b>obsessed</b>. <a href="http://thestretchjeanincident.blogspot.com/2010/06/bodypump.html" target="_blank">I tried a BodyPump class in-person ages ago</a> and loved it, but the class schedule never worked for me, so it remained unrequited love... Until now!<br />
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When I heard there would be a BodyPump at-home system, I was skeptical. Will it be as challenging as the class? How broke will it make me? Will I get sick of it?<br />
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So far, YES, it is as challenging as the class! And as with any weight-training workout, you just need to continue to add weight to your bar to increase your fitness level. Great instructors with near-perfect cueing and the beat-driven music makes it easier to keep your reps consistent. Most challenging tracks for me so far? During the Pump & Shred disc, the lunges are pretty rough, as is the chest track. After doing what feels like a million chest presses, Joel makes you jump to the floor and bust out push-ups; ultimate muscle burnout!<br />
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Next, the cost. Always an area of concern, especially when considering big packaged deals from Beachbody. Luckily, you can try it for a trial period at a discounted price. Since I already own the smaller type of barbell that's used in the workouts, I just needed the DVDs, so off to <b>eBay</b> I went. I would definitely look into eBay as an option first and do some comparison shopping for the barbell; you might be able to save quite a bit of cash. It ended up being more than I usually spend on workout DVDs (I think my eBay deal came out to about $20/disc), but I was in a fitness rut and desperate to try something new that I could actually grow to love. And I definitely love it something fierce!<br />
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I've been doing 3-4 of the DVDs for about 3 weeks now and haven't gotten sick of it at all. I just love the pace and the challenge so much that I have to force myself to take rest or cross-training days! So far, my favorite disc is Pump & Shred. It's 45 minutes and leaves my muscles shaking and dripping with sweat every time. Pump & Burn is my next favorite, as it's about 30 minutes long and perfect for mornings where I'm short on time, but still want a challenge. <br />
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Results so far? <b>I'm down almost 3% body fat!</b> And I was able to increase my weight load this morning, so I know I'm getting stronger, which is awesome. My upper body is finally making progress! I can't say enough about how great I think this system is; to find something that gives awesome results AND is actually kinda fun is, well, pretty damn rare for me.<br />
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I'd like to do more of a detailed review, but a) I haven't tried all of the discs yet and b) <a href="http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2012/06/les-mills-pump-review/" target="_blank">Fit Bottomed Girls already did a pretty good job</a> of hashing out the details.<br />
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All in all, I can say that July is shaping up to be one of the better months I've experienced in a while, in terms of eating habits and exercise. I'm much more at ease with food, thanks to No S and my body is loving the Pump workouts. Feeling both lean and strong at the same time is the ultimate confidence boost.<br />
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I plan to check in again within the next few weeks to follow up on my progress, both with No S and Pump. I also have the <a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/insanity.do" target="_blank">Insanity Workout System</a> on order (thanks again, eBay!), so I'm looking forward to sharing that experience as well. <br />
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Hope everyone's summer is going well! <br />
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Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-55749890226491670102012-06-12T12:37:00.001-06:002012-06-12T12:45:36.997-06:00Hows and Whats.Haven't done one of these posts in a while, so here it goes!<br />
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<h2>
<center><b>How I'm Currently Sweating:</b></center></h2>
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<center>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-Kickbox-FastFix/dp/B006IRQU5S" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1FW8UrIAE9OdDZH_MgON4nAv-5ZQ4HadhnhHVd7n17ZbGnCE4Md45I_BQiYHzO19FeSfXqIWtIZgxQGNHHr735qFbCXxWeD7vu1j0ApQH7B9avUNLance8JuQZFHKSjzLSUkOClpys-I/s320/jillian-fast-fix-kickbox.jpg" width="224" /></a></center><br />
I checked this DVD out from the library over the weekend, and I must say, bravo Jillian! Although I'm quite the JM devotee, I haven't necessarily been buying her recent DVDs right away because some of them just haven't been a good fit for me. Luckily, the library has been pretty awesome about keeping their selection up-to-date, so I've been able to preview releases and save some money.<br />
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But this disc? Yeah, definitely buying it. There are three 20-minute workouts, each with its own focus (upper-body, lower-body, and abs). Each one gets my heart-rate up pretty fast, so I'm able to break a good sweat in a short amount of time. And since each workout is shorter, I've been doing two of them back-to-back because I friggin' love kickboxing and can say it's one of the few workouts I genuinely enjoy. On a day that I have more time, I'll try to do all three workouts at once. <br />
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The DVD is best suited for intermediate-to-advanced fitness levels. There is a separate tutorial though, so beginners looking for a challenge <i>may</i> find this useful. I say "may" because while it's helpful to learn some of the basic moves, the workouts are still pretty high-impact with very few modifications. <br />
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All three workouts include a fast-paced mix of punches and kicks. The upper-body segment uses dumbbells to perform moves like rows and shoulder presses. In the lower-body workout, lunges and squats are added. For abs, Jillian mixes in sit-ups, bicycle crunches and cardio moves like burpees and mountain climbers, which also work the stomach. <br />
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Even with the tutorial, the choreography is still tricky and fast-paced, with Jillian providing little-to-no time for you to learn each circuit, some of them more complicated than others. I think in general, kickboxing workouts are always a bit frustrating the first time through, for these reasons. But I know the more I do the DVD, the easier the choreography will become. It wasn't so bad that I couldn't keep moving, so that encouraged me to give it more than one try.<br />
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<h2>
<center><b>What I'm Currently Loving:</b></center></h2>
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<center>
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<a href="http://www.sparkpeople.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4qDWUalMwuE73YULJQltezijaN-wedCsU-GWEeAAbwZFf890dUVjXElAXHgAZXix0w2Iu0OjwEcr9M6dOMIaqhdGrGLfYzEXvs-Qgx9OgTgqKLl6ijrsc1Avv9CIYqJizt1-2UAP_muz/s320/sparkpeople_logo1.jpg" width="320" /></a></center><br />
Oh, SparkPeople. Before I blab on and on about why I'm loving this site, I should probably provide some background info...<br />
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First of all, yes, I'm back to calorie-counting. Despite my best (and let's be frank, shitty) efforts to lose some regained weight, tracking the details of my intake is really the only tried-and-true method I've found to be successful.<br />
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That said, <b>I wasn't always on the SparkPeople bandwagon</b>. When I first started Weight Watchers all those years ago, I was simultaneously tracking calories as well on <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/myplate" target="_blank">The Daily Plate</a> (now known as Livestrong's MyPlate). I always preferred the Daily Plate because their tracker was just so much more simple to use and I always found myself feeling overwhelmed with the features on SparkPeople.<br />
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Well, now that I'm re-committing to weight-loss and because the popularity of SP has since grown, I decided it was time to give it another shot and fully embrace all of the site's features, beyond simply calorie-counting. <br />
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You see, when I lost those 90 pounds originally, I was a lot more engaged in a few online communities for extra support. I don't think it's a coincidence that when I chose to stop participating in those supportive communities, the weight started to come back on and I struggled to take it off again. So, off to SP I went. Right away, I started browsing the message boards, member blogs and available SparkTeams. Within my first week, I was contributing to discussions, signing up for team challenges and even added a few friends to help encourage each other and offer support during tough times. <br />
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<i>I get it now.</i> I get why this site is so successful and why so many people have joined. Yes, I have great friends, family, Doug and my dog Randal, but not everyone I know is willing to hear me blab about weight and food and exercise for 1-2 hours every day (ok, well maybe the dog will listen, but you know what I mean). That's just the truth. And it's not a bad thing, it just needs to be pointed out that being successful in weight-loss sometimes requires a special kind of support that only those trying to achieve the same goals can relate to. I'm sure this is "duh" information for some of you, but it's an aspect of progress I've been ignoring for far too long. <br />
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Anywho, the outcome from all of this? I'm down 5 pounds so far, I've reduced my weekend overeating significantly, I've participated in some good discussions and most of all, I haven't felt like I'm struggling because I'm reminded every time I log in to SP, I'm not alone. It's okay to admit you need cheerleaders along the way and it's equally gratifying to cheer on others as well. <b>I was feeling like an absolute failure for gaining back some of the weight</b> (a hard pill to swallow, lemme tell you), but instead of wallowing in my own despair and losing/gaining the same 10 pounds over and over again, I've found it much more productive to, as Bob Harper says, "trust the process," and open myself up to connect with others with similar goals and backgrounds. <br />
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And that, dear readers, is all I have to say about that. Here's to hoping my renewed commitment will translate into more blog updates! Hope everyone is having a great week.<br />
<br />Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-74328090171088274832012-05-15T15:21:00.000-06:002012-05-15T15:21:19.182-06:00Long time, no bro.I debated on posting today, seeing as I haven't updated this darn blog since friggin' January, but I suppose a periodic check-in couldn't hurt, eh?<br />
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Life's been good. Busy, but good. A couple of months ago, Doug and I bought our first house! Pretty exciting stuff. The process also included moving (groan) and now we're discovering the joy (and wrath) that is home repairs and projects. There's also been all sorts of babies and weddings to keep up with, between friends and family. Speaking of which, we're planning our own wedding for September of next year. Sounds like it's a long way off, but I know it'll be here before I know it.<br />
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Still settling into my job that I entered last October. Still studying for my personal trainer certification because my time management skills are crap, apparently. I am proud to say that I finally got back into study mode this week though. Here's to hoping certification comes my way this fall (or sooner)!<br />
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As for weight/fitness progress, well, that's been a bit of a mixed bag. Weight-wise, no real progress to speak of. The house-buying/moving process brought on a ton of stress which was followed by really crappy eating habits that lasted for at least a couple of months. Workouts became sporadic and when I did manage to fit them in, my mind (and motivation) was always somewhere else.<br />
<b><u>Lesson learned</u>: Nothing good ever comes from trying to eat or drink away your worries.</b><br />
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Somehow though, I managed to improve my running performance. I'm finally back up to a 10:00 minute mile and trying to work my way down to 9:30. I was telling Doug last night that I would love to be able to run an 8:00 minute mile, but said it would never happen. His response was that it <i>could</i> happen. I paused to think about it and yeah, it could. If it's something I really want to do, it's just a matter of training properly and staying the course. There was a time where jogging for a few seconds felt like death, so I need to remind myself that I've come a long way since then.<br />
<b><u>Lesson learned</u>: Ease out of self-doubt mode. Give anything a shot and realize your potential. Just <i>thinking</i> about it isn't enough.</b><br />
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Another change that's boosted my motivation a bit is this <a href="http://designerwhey.com/fitness/workout-regimens/basic-training-week-one/" target="_blank">Four Week Basic Training program</a>. I'm not sure why I was so eager to try it since it included quite a bit of my least favorite moves (burpees, mountain climbers, etc.), but I figured if I'm serious about changing the shape, composition and performance of my body, stepping out of my comfort zone is a requirement. I tried the week two workout yesterday and couldn't believe how sweaty and out of breath I was in such a short amount of time. I'm really eager to see my progress over the next few weeks!<br />
<b><u>Lesson learned</u>: As Jackie Warner says, <i>"Chase it, don't run from it."</i> Your body is capable of doing some pretty amazing things.</b><br />
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Between basic training and running faster, a third goal I've set out for myself is being able to complete the <a href="http://www.fitstudio.com/programs/bcx" target="_blank">BCx Boot Camp</a> by <a href="http://www.stevepfiester.com/" target="_blank">Steve and Bonnie Pfiester</a>, a.k.a., my two new favorite fitness gurus (Steve also designed the aforementioned basic training program).<br />
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I can't afford to be part of the CrossFit cult, so it's nice to find some free alternatives that I can do at home to increase my speed, strength, endurance and agility.<br />
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I'm glad I've finally set out some goals for myself besides "lose weight;" constantly setting new goals and challenging myself was what helped me drop 90 pounds a few years ago. But once my goals became generic or non-existent, that's when the weight started to come back on. Sure, I want to look good in my wedding dress, but being able to lift heavier, sprint faster and jump higher, are all at the top of my list. I want to experience life in athletic shape for longer than just a few months.<br />
<b><u>Lesson learned</u>: If quality health and performance are the goals, the process never really ends. And it's not easy. Feed off the feeling of accomplishment.</b><br />
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<b>What lessons have you learned when pursuing fitness and a healthy diet?</b> <br />
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<b>P.S.</b>- Follow my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stretchjeanincident" target="_blank"><b>Facebook page</b></a> for regular updates on new recipes and workouts to try!Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-9041511753797281782012-01-31T16:33:00.002-07:002012-01-31T22:07:44.665-07:00Yeah, we'll just pretend that didn't happen... Or will we?They (still don't know who "They" are) say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Well, if that's the case, based on the past few months, I should be ready to compete in <a href="http://www.arnoldsportsfestival.com/" target="_blank">the Arnold</a>. <br />
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Wait, what? Resisting a box of a dozen <a href="http://www.itsiticecream.com/" target="_blank">It's It ice cream sandwiches</a> at the grocery store (not once, but twice) doesn't increase muscle mass? Oh. Well... Shit.<br />
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In that case, I guess I'll just re-affirm what's been said hundreds of times by hundreds of people in the past: <b>Keeping off excess weight blows.</b> I mean, I'm paraphrasing here, but am I right?<br />
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I breezed through the holidays like a champ. A champ who earned her title from competitive eating and drinking, that is. Do I regret gaining weight from November to January? Of course. Last I checked, I'm still an American woman with typical body issues. I'm also a woman who, on a less shallow level, recognizes the importance of eating clean and working out regularly to maintain adequate-to-superior health. <br />
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But did I have fun from November to January? I did, for the most part. My body became more accustomed than it should have to ingesting booze and cookies on a regular basis, but here I am, back to circuit training, eating roasted Brussels sprouts and browsing the Internet for new things I can bake with protein powder. Going through the motions, fitting back into my clothes and beating it into my head just about everyday that I'm the one who chose this path. For life. And giving up for good simply isn't an option.<br />
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Since I seem to get off on over-thinking things, I found myself blabbing my thoughts to Doug on the living room couch, like I always do. I guess that couch has become my therapy couch and Doug has become my therapist. My payment for his services? Bad jokes and stray curly hairs in the bathroom sink. FINALLY, something that doesn't put me further in debt.<br />
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During this particular blab-fest, of which I may/may not have been sober, I was venting about my frustrations with the whole eat-healthy-and-workout thing. Every few months, I feel a little burnt out from my routine. It happens. I work through it. I might rebel and blow off a workout and/or motorboat a [large] slice of cake. Or, I might go in the other direction and start baking desserts with mashed chickpeas (Note: After several attempts, I'm officially over this trend).<br />
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I declared two things: 1) Gaining weight is one of the easiest things people can do (generally speaking; I'm leaving out those who are naturally underweight and struggle to add mass) and 2) Getting up at 5 am to exercise isn't something I particularly like. In fact, 70% of the time, I despise it. <br />
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BUT...But, but, but. Here's the thing: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCbdJDS_b_sKwmyem9Jd4bj0QalBHQtAX5LdLV6A6lF8qznT9nWdaMwGNKi-CK6NhfuAp3XwQSruSbgU94J-vwGxcDNkHrdHx5yPp0e5JV9FPOjpanJYn9bEyCAhYJzhj6MABYiPmx_q6/s1600/regret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCbdJDS_b_sKwmyem9Jd4bj0QalBHQtAX5LdLV6A6lF8qznT9nWdaMwGNKi-CK6NhfuAp3XwQSruSbgU94J-vwGxcDNkHrdHx5yPp0e5JV9FPOjpanJYn9bEyCAhYJzhj6MABYiPmx_q6/s400/regret.jpg" width="330" /></a></div><br />
And <b>it's not just about regret or guilt.</b> Even deeper down, I know that in addition to getting off on over-thinking things, I also get off on pushing my level of physical fitness and discovering what my body is capable of achieving now that I'm no longer clinically obese. And if I come across something I can't physically achieve, well, just trying it out was pretty cool. I may or may not try it again tomorrow.<br />
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Since I'm returning from quite the lapse in posting, I struggled with what to talk about. All the cool shit I got for Christmas? Nah. A recipe I took from someone else or pictures of an omgAMAZING dinner I ate at some restaurant you'll never dine in? Meh. The latest fitness DVD I've tried? Well, this one I actually considered because there have been a few, but I'm pretty sure <a href="http://www.collagevideo.com" target="_blank">CollageVideo.com</a> or Amazon will serve you well in this arena. <br />
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Just as I go through the motions of eating right and working out, I clearly went through the motions with blog posts. Instead, I decided to bring back a little honesty. A few curse words. Some pinches of criticism. A dash of me. I mean, after all, this is MY blog, so I should be permitted to fuel my ego with whatever content I want, yeah?<br />
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So where am I going with all of this? Fuck if I know. I suppose I'm trying to reintroduce fun in my life. But not necessarily the same kind of fun that helped me pack on the pounds from November to January. A less reckless form of fun. Exploring how many miles, how many sets and how many spoonfuls of <a href="http://www.biscoff.com/DirectionsWEB/webcart_category.php?catid=BSPREAD&pcatid=BISCOFF" target="_blank">Biscoff spread</a> it takes to maintain a healthy flow, day after day after day, until I die. And thanks to the four (yes, 4) jars of Biscoff spread I won in a contest, I may find out sooner, rather than later, how a creamy concoction made with cookies correlates to death. The key word here is <b>explore</b>, folks. Not commit. Not obsess. I've committed to and obsessed over so many eating and workout plans over the years only to sorta hate myself along the way and give up. Rinse, repeat. What kind of crap is that? I'm tired, yo.<br />
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On a more serious note, I know that reading about others working through struggles can be a good thing. Not in a misery-loves-company kind of way and most certainly NOT in a Haha-I'm-better-than-you-at-life kind of way. But perhaps such musings can be helpful in a Wow-I'm-glad-I'm-not-the-only-one-feeling-like-this-and-now-I'm-hopeful-we-can-work-though-it-together kind of way. Ya dig? I sure hope so.Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-49950962225544186012011-11-28T20:10:00.001-07:002014-11-17T16:47:54.914-07:00Basil Gnocchi with Mushroom RaguLong time, no post! I know, I know. It's been a combination of adjusting to my new job, studying, spending time with Doug and a certain <a href="http://thestretchjeanincident.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-partner-in-crime.html" target="_blank">adorable beagle</a> and primarily, just having zero motivation to post about, well, anything.<br />
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But you're not here to read about my excuses and my lack of posting, are you? Didn't think so. Well, to help get me back into the swing of things, I decided to try a new recipe that involved <b>making gnocchi. From scratch. For the first time.</b><br />
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Whilst catching up on my tweets today, I came across a recipe from Fitness Magazine for <a href="http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipe/vegetables/basil-gnocchi-with-mushroom-ragu/" target="_blank"><b>Basil Gnocchi with Mushroom Ragu</b></a>, perfect for Meatless Monday. I had all of the ingredients, more or less, so I decided to give it a shot. We have pre-made gnocchi in the pantry, but I had some potatoes that needed to be used up, so I rolled up my sleeves and started preppin'.<br />
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<img height="292" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/112811din2.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Mushrooms, onion and garlic. I used white mushrooms instead of cremini since I already had some on hand. Added garlic for more flavor.<br />
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<img height="244" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/112811din1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Gnocchi taking over my counter space, waiting to be boiled.<br />
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<img height="295" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/112811din3.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Cooked (and not in a million pieces like I feared!).<br />
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<img height="296" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/112811din4.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Topped with mushroom ragu and parmesan.<br />
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Aside from using different mushrooms and adding garlic, I also used dried basil instead of fresh. And for accuracy, I re-calculated the nutritional info for my version:<br />
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<img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpism0RfDRdRxX4tMnKOgJulkhtOvBiB6T8VMPQsvUL-rCzTP7qA2OKIfuZd3SJsqtXpSdVpXQabiCcL2TBhGYIq2wdV_EeGnNVt0iWd613zddLEx9TN7QvFJZqlGK03QWf_tggKSjweI-/s400/gnocchi.jpg" width="220" /><br />
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Although it took longer than 30 minutes to put together (hey, I even microwaved the potatoes instead of baking them), I still really enjoyed it. I had to sprinkle on some more salt and black pepper at the end, but after that, it was pretty damn good. When I put extra time into a dish, I worry that it won't end up being worth the effort, but this one was. <br />
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Even though I can buy it pre-made, I wouldn't mind making gnocchi from scratch again; I liked the texture (a bit more rustic, if you will) and being able to add herbs to the dough. Perhaps next time, I'll try sweet potatoes and make it over the weekend. Aside from the higher carb content, I was pleased with the nutrition and how filling it was. No complaints here!Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-50118561794775383972011-10-15T08:50:00.001-06:002011-10-15T09:04:44.726-06:00Homemade Surf 'N' Turf.Earlier this month, I was offered a new job. Yesterday was the last day at my old job and I start the new one on Monday. To celebrate, Doug surprised me by buying all of the ingredients for a bitchin' surf 'n' turf dinner:<br />
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<img height="244" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/101411din1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Bone-in NY Strip, grilled lobster tail (with melted butter & lemon slices), fingerling potatoes (with butter & chives), roasted brussels sprouts (!!!) and wheat french bread on the side.<br />
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<img height="295" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/101411din2.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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*bites knuckle*<br />
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<img height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/101411din3.jpg" width="380" /><br />
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I also busted out some cheap raspberry-flavored fizzy booze. Not the best picture, but I was mostly trying to get a shot of Randal, who has decided he's camera shy these days, apparently.<br />
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Not pictured is the special ice cream Doug bought as well: <b>Caramel Hazelnut Chocolate Truffle</b>.<br />
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Definitely a bit more than we spend on food in a typical week, but worth it for the occasion and still way more affordable than going to a steakhouse. Oh, and friggin' delicious, of course! Looking forward to leftover steak and potatoes for lunch.Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-116959468846339832011-10-13T11:24:00.000-06:002014-11-17T16:48:56.093-07:00Bob Harper: Ultimate Cardio BodyTime for another DVD review! Although it was released earlier this year, I just now got around to snagging a copy of this ass-kicker:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Harper-Ultimate-Cardio-Body/dp/B004FUYSUE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1318523835&sr=8-4"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhBOYObQ1Lyl0ElrY5EAGcSth66aZ4xeTZ4Ta2miqeHIAmsobaZVXmtRHbWDrGXyvj1XSxpgUOX3un09c_LkxXRrqPZ1vGF6IJ01tFEtfcq8G5j9bdHC0ydmfIOaW5mnEYtjU6eHeyuem/s400/bob.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br />
I find it kind of twisted that I did this DVD twice in the first week I got it and am looking forward to doing it again this weekend. Yes, it's tough. However, Bob pushes you *just* enough to where you're burning and droppin' f-bombs, but still able to finish the interval (barely, in my case).<br />
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I found that this particular DVD is like a hybrid of his <a href="http://thestretchjeanincident.blogspot.com/2010/09/bob-harper-pure-burn-super-strength.html" target="_blank">Pure Burn Super Strength</a> and <a href="http://thestretchjeanincident.blogspot.com/2010/08/balls-out-with-bob.html" target="_blank">Body Rev Cardio Conditioning</a> workouts. I personally liked this, because while I love (and hate) both of those DVDs, I find it hard to motivate myself to take them on separately since they're both a little over an hour.<br />
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With Ultimate Cardio Body, Bob does get you sweating with standard cardio moves (jumping jacks, high-knees, skaters, mountain climbers and the like), but what really pushes you closer to OMG-I'm-Gonna-Die territory is his use of weighted strength moves performed at a moderate-to-fast pace with basically no breaks in between. I'm noticing that more "cardio" workouts are doing this these days and I absolutely love it. I think using light/medium weights in circuit-style workouts is a fantastic alternative to separate cardio and lifting workouts. <b>Burning fat and building muscle in the same session?</b> Oh, hell yes.<br />
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Some examples of those moves: <b>Squat jumps and split lunges (a.k.a. jumping lunges) WITH dumbbells in each hand</b>. I've probably done thousands of squat jumps in my life, but adding extra weight makes that move incredibly challenging. And it doesn't end there; with both of these plyometric moves, Bob makes you do <b>isometric holds in between</b> (don't ever let his smile and good looks fool you- the man is clearly a sadist). <br />
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While the workout is heavy on lower-body training, Bob also incorporates some basic upper-body work as well with push-ups, planks, shoulder presses, bicep curls and lateral raises. While standard moves, Bob increases the intensity and makes you perform more isometric holds to push your muscles almost to the point of failure. Going from <b>push-ups to plank to mountain climbers</b> (all back-to-back with no break, mind you) made my arms and shoulders weep. <br />
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Toward the end of the session, Bob pushes you to finish strong by performing more <b>agility-type moves</b> like single-leg hops, jumps (as if you were shooting a basketball) and sprint-runs in place. <br />
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U.C.B. also includes a <b>separate Glutes workout</b>, but honestly, I haven't bothered trying it because there seems to be a lot of glute work in the main workout alone. If anyone's tried that, please share your thoughts in the comments!<br />
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Overall, this is a top-choice workout for me. Bob really does challenge all of your major muscle groups and the pace of the workout makes that hour fly by. And during the cool down stretch, when you're thinking about how beaten down you are, Bob makes some funny comments about his knee-high black socks. I must say, I appreciated a good chuckle at the end of a workout like that.<br />
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Definitely for <b>intermediate/advanced levels only.</b> There are a few modifications here and there, but not to the point where I would advise a beginner to give it a try. Another plus is that the only equipment you need is a <b>couple sets of dumbbells</b>. I used 5's and 8's on my first try.<br />
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<b>Bottom line:</b> This is one of the best total-body workouts I've ever done. Bob mastered the balance between cardio and strength training with this routine, so whether you're looking for a new cross-training option or something to break your plateau, U.C.B. has got you covered!Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-13298625984637410032011-09-27T10:38:00.002-06:002011-09-27T14:01:26.432-06:00Supreme 90 Day Check-in and Changes.After doing about half of the Supreme 90 Day system and trying out all 10 discs, I'm respectfully bowing out... Sort of.<br />
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While I've enjoyed the new variety of challenges, there are some specific training goals that I would like to meet which involve going outside of the pre-determined S90Day routines. Those goals include getting back into running and increasing my upper body strength.<br />
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Although I was noticing inches lost and biceps starting to bust out of my sleeves, consequently, I also noticed that <b>my overall endurance was, well, pretty shitty</b>. When attempting longer runs (currently 3-4 miles for me since I stopped running regularly a couple of years ago), I just couldn't hack it. I also tried an hour-long Jari Love DVD the other day and quickly noticed how much I struggled to keep up, just 20 minutes in. I still feel the S90Day discs are effective, but they are also quite short, hence not the best daily choice for my endurance training.<br />
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I definitely plan on throwing in some of the S90Day discs into my new custom routine though; as much as I hated it, the Ultimate Ball disc proved to be a great core workout and the Tabata Inferno disc is still, to this day, one of the hardest cardio workouts I've ever done. <br />
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So what is my routine these days, now that I'm no longer sticking to the S90Day calendar? I'm aiming for 3 days of cardio (primarily running, followed by short/intense intervals of incline walking, stair master-ing and elliptical-ing) mixed with 3 days of strength training. <b>For strength, I'm rotating my Jari Love DVDs</b>. While I liked the idea of working specific muscle groups on separate days with S90Day, I tend to get better results with total-body strength routines and it's really hard to beat Jari in that area (homegirl includes push-ups in all of her workouts, which I need more of). On days where I'm short on time, I'll opt for Jackie Warner, Jillian Michaels, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nike-training-club/id301521403?mt=8" target="_blank">the NTC app</a> or S90Day.<br />
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Another reason for my decision to pursue other workouts outside of S90Day was the difference in <b>calorie burn</b>. Between my slower metabolism and my goal to lose about another 8-10 pounds, I really need a higher calorie burn throughout the week which I just wasn't getting with S90Day (exceptions being Cardio Challenge, Tabata Inferno and the longer Back/Biceps disc). After adding gym-cardio and Jari Love back into my routine, I've already broke my weight plateau in just a week. <br />
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LASTLY, my exercise A.D.D. got the better of me. I know, "how can a person get bored of 10 different discs, Tam?" It's just the way I roll, I guess. I surprised myself sticking with it for the 40+ days though; I thought I would throw in the towel after 30. So, coming from me, that's actually a good sign.<br />
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So that's where I'm at with exercise. <b>I still give S90Day my seal of approval</b>; the price you pay for the number of discs and variety of moves simply cannot be beat. If you're on the fence about trying the program because of the 90 day commitment, consider working the discs into your current routine without following the calendar.Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-12777298958520938682011-09-23T11:55:00.002-06:002011-09-23T12:06:02.325-06:00Health/Fitness Truths.I came across a new blog today, <b>SweatyGirl</b> and read a post about her top 10 <a href="http://sweatygirl.net/2011/09/17/my-fitness-truths/" target="_blank">Fitness Truths</a>. I really dug the idea and decided to share some of my health/fitness-related truths.<br />
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<b><u>1. I think every vegetable is amazing when roasted.</u></b> Seriously. I'm not a picky eater these days to begin with, but if every serving of vegetables I eat could be roasted, that would be a doozy. A doozy of awesomeness. A doozy of awesomeness with a side of ketchup. <br />
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<b><u>2. I still can't do full-fledged push-ups.</u></b> I'm getting closer, but still need more training in this area, even after more than 4 years of working out regularly. Being able to rock out 10 push-ups without having to be on my knees would be a dream come true. <br />
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<b><u>3. One of my fitness goals is to beat Doug at arm wrestling.</u></b> I think that's all I have to say on the topic.<br />
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<b><u>4. I subtly play air guitar and air drums at the gym.</u></b> It's just hard to resist when a kick-ass song comes up on shuffle. And really, 99% of the music I listen to kicks ass, so there ya go.<br />
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<b><u>5. The swimming part is what keeps me from doing a triathlon.</u></b> It's not that I can't swim, I just don't swim well enough. I know it's just a matter of training, but swimming in a competitive event just doesn't sit well with me at the moment. Hopefully that will change in a few years.<br />
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<b><u>6. I really, really, really love vodka. And tequila.</u></b> My penchant for cocktails and shots keep the bro-ham in me alive and kickin'. And also keep my abs from looking better. The ultimate compromise. Sigh.<br />
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<b><u>7. I wear sweatbands.</u></b> But only at home. When doing fast-paced circuit or lifting routines, I rock the sweatband to keep my drippy curls out of the way. Also, I'm the sweatiest person I know.<br />
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<b><u>8. I will never turn down a slice of cake, ever.</u></b> No matter how much I preach about eating better and avoiding excess sugar, I WILL stop whatever I'm saying mid-sentence and eat cake if it's put in front of me. And I'll even take that extra frosting off your hands because it really is a shame to waste.<br />
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<b><u>9. I prefer to exercise by myself.</u></b> I've gotten offers from coworkers to meet at the gym and have participated in a few group exercise classes, but I really just prefer to bust out a sweat session on my own. There's less distraction and I can push harder or go slower without having to worry about someone else's pace. I'm sure working out with others could open me up to some different challenges though, so I'm willing to give it a try more often in the future. (Though, it's hard to find people who already wake up at 5 am most days just to exercise. Hello? *tap, tap* Is this thing on? Anyone out there?) <br />
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<b><u>10. I shop for new weight equipment and fitness DVDs like they're porn.</u></b> Sad, but true. On the rare occasion I have some extra money to burn, my mind doesn't go to clothes, shoes or a new phone (I've had the same sliding Samsung Blast for 5 years now, holla!); I immediately think, "Hmm, I could go for some new dumbbells right about now."<br />
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<b>What are some of your fitness/health truths?</b>Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-33835384247331003922011-09-14T09:31:00.000-06:002011-09-14T09:31:05.826-06:00Beans, Bacon, Beagles.Quick dinner post from last night:<br />
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<img height="297" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/91311din.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<b>Pasta with Kale, Bacon & Great Northern Beans!</b><br />
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Serves two. You will need:<br />
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<ul><li>4 oz pasta (I used Ronzoni Smart Taste thin spaghetti)</li>
<li>4 slices of bacon, diced</li>
<li>1/2 medium onion, sliced or diced</li>
<li>1 clove garlic, minced</li>
<li>2 cups kale, rinsed and chopped (could also use spinach)</li>
<li>1 can Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed (could use any preferred white bean)</li>
<li>salt & pepper to taste</li>
<li>crushed red pepper flakes (optional)</li>
<li>1-2 tbsp lemon juice (optional)</li>
</ul><br />
Get some water boiling for your pasta. While you wait, prep the bacon, onions, garlic and kale.<br />
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In a large pan, cook the bacon. Toss it onto a plate with paper towels and set aside. Drain *some* of the grease from the pan, not all of it. If your pasta water is ready, go ahead and drop the pasta at this point.<br />
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Add the onions to the bacon pan and if necessary, deglaze with a bit of water. Once the onions are sweating, quickly add the garlic, kale and a bit of salt & pepper. Stir continuously until the kale starts to cook down. You may need to add a more water to move this process along. Once the kale reduces significantly in size, add the beans. Feel free to add more salt, crushed red pepper and lemon juice at this point. Add the bacon bits back into the pan, stir, remove from heat and cover with a lid until the pasta is done.<br />
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Drain the pasta, divide into serving dishes and top with the kale/bacon/bean mix. Sprinkle on grated parmesan if you'd like and enjoy!<br />
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Lastly, a random Randal pic for the dog lovers:<br />
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<img height="271" src=" http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Randal/91311randal.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Sleeping, as usual. I always said I would never own a cat because of the hair, but Randal sheds so much, it doesn't even matter. Ah, well. He's cuter than most babies and a total goofball when he's awake, so I can't complain too much.Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-62368802717146219932011-09-06T16:48:00.002-06:002011-09-06T16:58:20.447-06:00Supreme 90 Day: Week FourJust a quick check-in regarding my progress with Supreme 90 Day... I'm into week 4 and almost done with month one! Time does indeed fly when you're having fun... And sweating. And burning out your muscles. And cursing at a stability ball.<br />
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<b>So what kind of progress have I seen, exactly?</b> Well, I'm down almost a whole dress size! Unfortunately, I'm one of those people who doesn't take formal measurements (gasp!) so I can't post a pretty number for you all, but I'm back to fitting in clothes that haven't seen the outside world in about a year.<br />
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In terms of weight, <b>I've only lost about two pounds.</b> And I can tell ya right now that <b>it's all due to my sub-par eating habits.</b> I haven't been eating and drinking like a maniac, but I have been indulging more than I should, so on the plus side, Supreme 90 Day has at least kept me from gaining. Losing the extra inches has been great, but I know I can do better by making better choices and exercising more discipline. I still won't commit 100% to the Tosca Reno meal plan that came with the DVD, but I will definitely refer to it for new ideas. Trying new foods and recipes always boosts my efforts and gives my motivation more endurance.<br />
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<b>Notable improvements:</b> Upper body and core, for sure. My push-ups still need work, but I'm a lot better off than I was prior to starting the program. After noticing a difference in less than a month, I'm stoked to see my final results at day 90.<br />
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<b>New discs since last update:</b> <b>Total Body</b> and <b>Core Dynamics</b>. Total Body reminded me a bit of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred or Ripped in 30; a steady-paced circuit workout with compound exercises that activate all major muscle groups in a short amount of time. I'm also digging Core Dynamics as a nice change from Ultimate Ball; this disc incorporates dumbbells and bodyweight exercises to work your abs and back, which I found to be a nice break from rolling around on the floor with the ball, feeling like a hamster.<br />
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<b>Adjustments:</b> I've been following the program *almost* to a T... I did switch around one of my rest days and on core days (Ultimate Ball or Core Dynamics), I've been adding a cardio session at the gym. I still like to get out of the house every once in a while for some hot cardio machine action and these particular discs are short enough that I can do both. <br />
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So far, so good! I'm surprisingly not bored yet and very much looking forward to months two and three. It's been nice not having to figure out what workout to do each day! Just need to clean up my eating a bit and I should be at my ideal weight and body composition. <b>Remember, kids: Weight-loss is 80% diet and 20% fitness; you CAN eat your way through ANY workout.</b>Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-24593879498482612192011-08-23T10:50:00.000-06:002011-08-23T10:50:12.453-06:00Larabros and Roasted Randomness.Ever since I saw <b>Chocolate-Covered Katie</b> bust out <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/08/18/girl-scout-cookie-larabars/" target="_blank"><b>homemade Larabars</b></a>, the idea struck me as too easy to be true... But, hesitation aside, I picked up some pitted dates in bulk and decided to experiment with some mix-ins we had around the kitchen. The result?<br />
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<b>Almond Joy LaraBros.</b><br />
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<img height="269" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/larabro1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<small><i>Yes, I'm completely aware of what these resemble. Har har.</i></small><br />
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<img height="295" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/larabro2.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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And yes, you read the name right; I can't afford to get sued! I'm known to say "bro" (or, if I'm feeling sassy, "brah") on a regular basis and to be honest, I do have bro-like tendencies, so the name just seemed to fit. No idea what I'm talking about? Do a little more research on these types of guys:<br />
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR91ufD0PBnKo_9JU9kn5lJF8ycHNMPLRZI7QEN8QQIfdIxlbmSPGayxU0egvr6tnq7GSlVKJZUVNGQxB2DTG0i-ewsgnaI6H_3MR5QzD5XXqgOywlcgvxkqsTs_lfZqzruVwDO0YSUkMv/s400/7f7a5f671ce589cdec205df3999c8449.jpeg" width="400" /><br />
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Minus the date-rape, but maintaining the ability to lift weights and throw down some tequila shots.<br />
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ANYWHO, here's my version of the recipe, which yielded 10 mini-bros:<br />
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<ul><li>1 cup pitted dates, packed</li>
<li>1/4 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>1/8 tsp salt</li>
<li>1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (I used the reduced-fat kind by Let's Do Organic)</li>
<li>1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips</li>
<li>1/2 cup raw almonds</li>
</ul><br />
Throw everything in a food processor and blend until well-mixed and you can form the mixture into bars or balls. Each bar has about 135 calories.<br />
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Not much to look at of course, but hot damn, they tasted good and did indeed mimic an original Larabar almost 100%. Had I known how easy, fast and cheap these were to make at home, I would've tried it months ago. I still have plenty of dates left, so next time, I think I'll experiment with some fruit flavors.<br />
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After making my <strike>bars</strike> bros, I proceeded to make dinner. I knew I had some broccoli and asparagus that needed to be used, as well as one of 3 jumbo zucchini that my grandma brought me, so I started by roasting them all in a little bit of olive oil, salt & pepper. After a few minutes of brainstorming, I settled on <b>Roasted Veggie Pasta</b>:<br />
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<img height="290" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/82211din.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Whole-wheat linguine topped with the aforementioned roasted veggies, fresh diced tomato and, wait for it, cottage cheese (mixed with grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt & pepper).<br />
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Definitely one of the more random dishes I've slapped together, but I found it to taste quite good. I often replace ricotta with cottage cheese, so my idea wasn't <i>totally</i> insane. Plenty of protein, fiber, complex carbs and vitamins, so from a healthy point of view, I think I hit all of those nails on the head. Hooray for leftovers for lunch!<br />
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Hope everyone is having a great week.Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-71778112873546978982011-08-19T11:43:00.001-06:002014-11-17T16:50:50.065-07:00Supreme 90 Day: Week OneWell, I survived week one of the Supreme 90 Day workout system. And really, it was much less "trying to survive" and more "kicking ass and feeling strong." If you scroll through my <a href="http://thestretchjeanincident.blogspot.com/search/label/DVDs" target="_blank">DVDs posts</a>, you'll quickly learn that I'm no stranger to working up a sweat at home and rely on DVDs to give me a good challenge.<br />
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Supreme 90 Day has quickly moved up my list of favorites, easily being somewhere in the top 10. Why so much praise, so soon? It meets my criteria for a good (and in this case, great) workout DVD: <br />
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<ul><li>Affordable price.</li>
<li>Reasonable completion time (33-47 minutes each, *including* warm-up and cool-down).</li>
<li>Lots of variety to prevent boredom (10 discs, different disc each day).</li>
<li>Strong base of exercises that can be adapted to increase or decrease intensity, therefore acceptable for various fitness levels.</li>
<li>Challenges all major muscle groups.</li>
<li>Well-balanced mix of cardio, strength and core training.</li>
<li>Requires little space and few pieces of equipment.</li>
</ul><br />
I talked a little bit about the <a href="http://www.stretchjeanincident.com/2011/08/can-i-have-taco-supreme-90-day-instead.html" target="_blank">Chest and Back workout</a> last week, but since then, I've tried a few others:<br />
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<b>Ultimate Ball:</b> Using a stability ball, this workout (about 40 minutes total) focuses on core muscles (think abs and back). I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, but I certainly wasn't expecting to sweat and curse as much as I did! Working with a stability ball quickly showed me how weak my core is, and consequently, how I have shit for balance. Lots of moves requiring you to roll the ball around with your legs or arms, but recruiting abdominal and back muscles to properly execute the move. I know my description is probably a little simplified, but believe me when I say that this disc is no joke. And of course, it hurt to laugh, cough or sneeze for a few days afterward; my abs were en fuego! There aren't a ton of alternatives for a stability ball in this workout; you might be able to get by with a chair or making up your own modifications, but my advice? Either buy a stability ball if you don't already have one OR skip this disc and opt for a moderate-to-high intensity Pilates workout.<br />
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<b>Tabata Inferno:</b> If memory serves, I think this is the longest workout in the whole set, BUT, thanks to <a href="http://tabataexercise.com/about-tabata-training/" target="_blank">tabata intervals</a>, those 47 minutes flew by! In this workout, you do <b>20 seconds of a move at high intensity</b>, usually one that's plyometric in nature (jump squats, burpees, high knees, etc.), <b>recover for 10 seconds, then repeat</b>. You repeat the cycle until you've completed about 4 minutes of work, then you get a full one-minute rest and move on to the next set of exercises. LOTS of different moves in this set, including a few with dumbbells to boost your afterburn even more! This workout may come across as intimidating to new exercisers, but go at your own pace and don't get discouraged; you have 90 days (or more) to improve your force and speed.<br />
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<b>Shoulders and Arms</b>: Pretty standard mix of moves to work the specified areas: clean & press, shoulder press, bicep curls, tricep extensions, triecp kickbacks, lateral raises, skull crushers and bent-over reverse flies. As with the other discs, the exercises are performed at a pretty quick 'n' steady speed with very little rest in between sets, so your heart rate stays elevated, thus more sweat and more calories burned. I'm loving this disc in particular because my arms have never been as defined or strong as I would like; after I did this workout, my arms were nice and warm for days, haha.<br />
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<b>Cardio Challenge:</b> This workout is similar to the Tabata Inferno, but *slightly* less intense and shorter in duration (about 40 minutes total). Instead of 20 seconds of work followed by 20 seconds of rest, you work for 30 seconds and rest for 30. This disc also incorporates more weights for compound moves like squats with an upright row, dumbbell swings with squats (could also use a kettle bell), wood chops, alternating forward lunges with a shoulder press, etc. Non-weighted moves include high knees, pop-squats (could also be defined as a "squat-jack"; kind of a hybrid between a jumping jack and a squat), jumping lunges, straight leg kicks, plank-walks, plank jacks, bear crawls and much, much more!<br />
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<b>Legs:</b> This is another shorter workout (about 32 minutes total) and it uses several variations on two key leg exercises, squats and lunges. This disc uses a stability ball as well, for floor moves like hip/pelvic raises and ball roll-outs. There are modifications provided if you don't have a ball and want to use a chair or weight bench. Since this workout was shorter, I got cocky and did a 2 mile run later that same day... Kinda regretting that now as my glutes are pretty damn sore! All in all though, another thorough workout in a reasonable amount of time.<br />
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One thing to be aware of is that quite a few of the workouts start out with an ab routine after the warm-up... Tom explains that this helps warm up your core for the exercises that follow and the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. Your abs and back muscles do a lot of work in helping you balance and stabilize in a multitude of moves for other muscle groups, so it's good to ensure that those muscles are warmed up as well. I guess my only criticism is that those types of moves should've just been added to the standard warm-up that's performed on every disc. Oh well.<br />
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Overall, I'm really pleased with this system so far. Since I'll be rotating the same discs mentioned in this post for the remainder of month 1, I don't know that I'll post too many more updates. Once I move into month 2, some of the other discs will be incorporated. <br />
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Have a great weekend!<br />
Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-75259556834067984132011-08-15T14:35:00.000-06:002011-08-15T14:35:46.767-06:00Cool as a Cucumber [Sandwich].If you're still suffering in the heat and running out of no-oven-needed meal ideas, help is on the way!<br />
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When Doug and I first started dating, he told me about these cucumber-black olive-cream cheese sandwiches that his mom made for him, growing up. The combination struck me as a bit odd, but once I tried it for myself, it quickly became a favorite that I like to recreate every once in a while.<br />
<br />
Anyway, last week, I picked up a discounted French bread-like loaf from the bakery and some Neufchatel cheese. We had a cucumber and a can of sliced olives on hand, so a fantastically simple (and frugal) dinner was on the way:<br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprQWk-j1jSvVV2Hs4I7AwG4Lsws8xXqNkpxIYlgplvhppnsqQ1b1Y11sQeV0O_mT3tFLrbFlRC_lQSJ-yNoO0_nvohwFV9ihWbE1TKoiqfx4r0PaOHcccFCqbZia9rC-G3CbTQwZtNznr/s400/cucumbersand.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Served open-faced, with a black eye pea/tomato/red onion salad on the side. You could use any type of crusty bread, really. It works well with sourdough, French, whole wheat... You choose.<br />
<br />
I lightly toasted the bread, spread on the Neufchatel, topped with cucumber slices (peeled off the skin and scooped out the seeds as a personal preference), sprinkled with salt & pepper and then crushed the olive slices on top. The textures of this sandwich are pretty amazing. Light, crisp, delicate and refreshing, and simultaneously filling and savory.<br />
<br />
If I ever get around to opening my own restaurant or sandwich shop, I'll be sure to put this one on the menu. My first inclination was to name it "The Doug," but that seems like a better name for something that may or may not include bacon and peanut butter. Since it is, in my opinion, a more sophisticated sandwich, I think I'll go with "The Douglas." Enjoy! Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-66675806637226494652011-08-12T19:51:00.002-06:002011-08-29T16:10:17.599-06:00Can I have a Taco Supreme 90 Day instead?Why hello there, dear readers! It's finally Friday and the week has slowed down enough for a nice lil' blog update. I have another food post coming up soon, but before I work on that, I wanted to throw some fitness schtuff in between.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Today, I started Day 1 of the <a href="https://www.supreme90day.com/" target="_blank">Supreme 90 Day Workout System</a>:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5n3XEnHzOTNEF6KAKzkIOFSpDi0JCfCHQQ9ESckguB8vepV25AQ5-gMwtvt0-ueIBPJ1VUPAOEccKbXlVFaESLmdtZzSRSDot9H7oehpU5k-l41QNh0CKSInIJgqbwMSENR6S-wyZifD/s1600/sup90day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5n3XEnHzOTNEF6KAKzkIOFSpDi0JCfCHQQ9ESckguB8vepV25AQ5-gMwtvt0-ueIBPJ1VUPAOEccKbXlVFaESLmdtZzSRSDot9H7oehpU5k-l41QNh0CKSInIJgqbwMSENR6S-wyZifD/s400/sup90day.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">(got a better price on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Supreme-90-Day-System/dp/B004S2YN5O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313176078&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, of course).</div><br />
I've been hearing about this program for a while, but didn't jump on the bandwagon right away since I'm a bit wary of "As Seen On TV!" labels. I didn't let it fall completely off my radar though, since it's basically a MUCH more affordable option to P90X.<br />
<br />
I kept reading good reviews though and for the price, I decided the risk was pretty low; surely out of 10 different discs, there would be <i>something</i> I would enjoy...<br />
<br />
Now, before I go into the basics of Supreme 90, I felt I should share my experience with P90X...<br />
<br />
First of all, I love Tony Horton. I really do. He's motivational, funny and uh, let's just say that even though he's old enough to be my father, I wouldn't kick the man out of bed for eating crackers. I actually still have, in a box somewhere, his original Power 90 workout system on VHS. So I respect the man and his work. But...<br />
<br />
I just wasn't feelin' P90X. Definitely a great variety of workouts that will no doubt deliver results when done consistently, but all in all, I just felt each workout was too long. Sixty minutes or more, nearly everyday, wasn't doing it for me. I have no qualms (most of the time) about getting in a good workout most days of the week, but I also get bored easily and do best with faster-paced workouts in the 30-45 minute range.<br />
<br />
Enter Supreme 90. <br />
<br />
It could be (and probably has been) labeled as the "poor man's P90X," but I am indeed a semi-poor [wo]man who is still intrigued by the idea of muscle confusion and seeing improvement in all major muscle groups in just a few months. Sign me up!<br />
<br />
The program is hosted by <a href="http://www.teamholland.com/" target="_blank">Tom Holland</a> (who doesn't sound or look <i>unlike</i> Tony). There's also a 28-Day meal plan included, which was put together by <b>Tosca Reno</b> (author of the Eat Clean Diet books and regular contributor to my favorite, <b>Oxygen Magazine</b>). So all in all, it seems pretty legit.<br />
<br />
Anywho, the next biggest selling point to me, after the number of workouts and the price, was the duration of the workouts. Turns out, instead of one grueling hour after another, the Supreme 90 routines fall between 30 and 47 minutes, including the warm-up and cool down stretch.<br />
<br />
Next pro that caught my attention? A short list of equipment: <b>Dumbbells and a stability ball</b>. That's it. No extra pull-up bar or anything like that. Simple, simple, simple.<br />
<br />
Now, that said, a good variety of dumbbells is what I would recommend. After doing the Chest & Back DVD this morning (which I really dug, by the way), a good mix to have would be light (3-5 lbs) medium (8-10 lbs) and heavy (15-25 lbs). The disc I did this morning included a few moves using a stability ball, but Tom provided alternatives to complete the routine without it. I won't say (yet) that you can do the whole program <i>without</i> a stability ball (there's one disc called "Ultimate Ball," for example), but so far it seems like modifications will be prominent throughout.<br />
<br />
SO, how was the Chest & Back workout? Pretty darn good. And fast, too (finished in about 32 minutes, including warm up and cool down). It was a basic circuit routine where you would perform 2-3 different exercises, 8-12 reps each, repeat the set 1-2 times and then move on to the next round. Tom has 3 different people working with him (two guys, one girl) and they all go at different paces so you're encouraged to go at your own pace as well. This was an adjustment for me because I'm used to being in sync with everyone in the video, but it is nice not to feel rushed. Tom encourages you to avoid rushing through the moves because it affects your form.<br />
<br />
Today, I did lots of push-ups, deadlifts, chest presses, supermans, bent-over rows, push-ups to plank rows (kill me) and a few other moves that were completely new to me. Definitely felt like my chest and back got a thorough workout in a short amount of time. The pace was steady enough to work up a nice sweat, but there was also just enough time in between sets for Tom to explain each of the moves and show how to perform them.<br />
<br />
It's a bit early for me to judge, but I'd say this would probably be better suited for intermediate to advanced fitness levels. Although, with the people in the videos going at their own paces and with the modifications, a beginner looking for a challenge might benefit from this system too. Either way, I'll follow up on that after trying the majority of the discs.<br />
<br />
I'm really excited to keep going with this plan. I can't guarantee that I will stick to it 100% for the full 90 days, but I'm sure gonna try. I probably won't do daily blog updates either, but I'll definitely check in every week or so to recap which workouts I tried and how I felt afterward. <br />
<br />
<b>Have you tried P90X or Supreme 90 Day? What are your thoughts?</b><br />
<br />
Enjoy the weekend!Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-55024407742887417902011-07-27T16:44:00.000-06:002014-11-17T16:51:24.211-07:00Almond Butter Whey Cookies, Part 2.So, those <b>Almond Butter Whey Cookies</b> from <a href="http://thestretchjeanincident.blogspot.com/2011/07/treats-in-heat.html" target="_blank">my last post</a>? Well, I decided to follow up on those and experiment with making them more moist. I think I found the trick... <b>Add a ripe banana! </b><br />
<br />
My revised recipe:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>2/3 cup oats</li>
<li>1 tbsp creamy almond butter (could also use peanut butter)</li>
<li>1.5 scoops whey protein powder (I used Designer Whey's vanilla variety)</li>
<li>1 egg white (or 1/4 cup liquid egg whites)</li>
<li>2 packets Stevia (or sweetener of choice; I used 2 tbsp of granulated Splenda)</li>
<li>1/2 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1/8 cup carob chips (optional; I used semi-sweet chocolate chips)</li>
<li>1 small ripe banana</li>
<li>1/2 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>dash of salt</li>
</ul><br />
-Pre-heat oven to 350˚F.<br />
-Whisk dry ingredients together.<br />
-Mash the banana and mix well with wet ingredients; add to dry ingredients.<br />
-Use a teaspoon to scoop the batter onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper & sprayed with non-stick spray. The mixture will be a bit runny. Aim for 12 cookies.<br />
-Bake for 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
<img height="349" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/72611cookies1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
I ended up with 12 this time (2 are missing from the picture after Doug and I did a little quality control).<br />
<br />
MUCH better! The mashed banana made a big difference. Plus, it added a nice banana flavor to complement the chocolate and nut butter. What more could I ask for? Moist, fresh chocolate chip cookies ready in well under 20 minutes.<br />
<br />
The nutrition changed a bit though; instead of the original 30 cals per cookie, my revised recipe makes these <b>58 calories per cookie</b>. Still not bad at all, considering how much more satisfying they were than the first batch. Glad I decided to give this recipe another shot!Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-6411087421441972602011-07-20T10:05:00.001-06:002011-07-20T10:27:12.399-06:00Treats in the heat.Last night's dinner was another specialty a lá Doug. There was brief talk about taking advantage of a special at Domino's Pizza, but remembering how much cake I ate over the weekend and into Monday, I quickly shut that idea down. So back to healthy meal planning we went.<br />
<br />
We ended up with a <b>Quinoa salad, topped with grilled chicken and homemade vinaigrette dressing</b>:<br />
<br />
<img height="293" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/71911din.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
For the salad mix, Doug tossed together <b>diced tomatoes, sliced radishes, green onion and cooked quinoa</b>. For the dressing, he whisked together:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Minced garlic</li>
<li>Lemon juice</li>
<li>Olive oil</li>
<li>Dijon mustard</li>
<li>Apple cider vinegar</li>
<li>Cayenne pepper</li>
<li>Ancho chile powder</li>
<li>Dried cilantro flakes</li>
<li>Salt & pepper</li>
</ul><br />
The chicken was cooked on the grill and brushed with <b>Famous Dave's Texas Pit BBQ sauce</b>. If you want to go meatless, this salad would go great with black beans and corn.<br />
<br />
Fresh, clean flavors and a great summer dish that required minimal use of the stove. Works for me! And apparently it also worked for Randal, who did a great job of cleaning up some quinoa that spilled on the floor:<br />
<br />
<img height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/randalkitchen.jpg" width="314" /><br />
<br />
Before dinner, I already had dessert on the brain, so I decided to try a couple of recipes I had seen in the latest issue of <a href="http://www.oxygenmag.com/" target="_blank">Oxygen Magazine</a>, both of which featured whey protein powder.<br />
<br />
The first recipe was a batch of <b>Almond Butter Whey Cookies:</b><br />
<br />
<img height="295" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/71911cookies1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Bite-sized, of course:<br />
<br />
<img height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/71911cookies2.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
For this recipe, you'll need:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>1/2 cup Oats</li>
<li>1 tbsp creamy almond butter (I used Barney Butter; it's so smooth!)</li>
<li>1 scoop whey protein powder (I used Designer Whey's chocolate variety)</li>
<li>1 egg white (or 1/4 cup liquid egg whites)</li>
<li>2 packets Stevia (or sweetener of choice; I used a generous tablespoon of granulated Splenda)</li>
<li>1/2 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1/8 cup carob chips (optional; I used semi-sweet chocolate chips)</li>
</ul><br />
(I also added about a tablespoon of cocoa powder for extra flavor, along with a dash of salt.)<br />
<br />
Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl, then stir in the wet ingredients with a spoon. The dough will be really sticky and kinda difficult to work with, but mix as well as you can. <br />
<br />
Use a teaspoon to make the dough into golfball-sized portions. Bake in a 350˚F oven for 10 minutes. I ended up with 10 cookies instead of 12, but whatevs. <b>Each cookie is about 30 calories!</b><br />
<br />
<b>Things to do differently next time:</b> While the chocolate flavor in these cookies was spot-on, Doug and I both agreed that they were <b>DRY</b>. Like really, really, I-need-copious-amounts-of-milk-stat! dry. I'm already planning to make another batch, but I will definitely <b>play around with adding milk and/or unsweetened applesauce to give them some much-needed moisture.</b> A little softer, and these could be a pretty satisfying, guilt-free treat when the chocolate craving hits.<br />
<br />
The second recipe I tried was for <b>Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups:</b><br />
<br />
<img height="302" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/71911pbcups.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
In a blender, add:<br />
<ul><li>4 oz water</li>
<li>1 scoop of chocolate protein powder (I used Designer Whey)</li>
<li>1 tbsp peanut butter (I used Peanut Butter & Co's Dark Chocolate Dreams)</li>
<li>1 tbsp cocoa powder</li>
<li>1-2 packets of preferred sweetener (I used a generous tablespoon of granulated Splenda)</li>
</ul><br />
Blend until well mixed, pour into a muffin tray and freeze for 1-2 hours. (I used a mini muffin pan and ended up with 10 cups total.)<br />
<br />
<b>Things to do differently next time:</b> As far as the recipe goes, I don't think I'd change much because they tasted pretty darn good. But they're also <b>super-messy</b> to eat because it's basically like eating pieces of a frozen fudge bar without the stick. That said, I think this recipe would work as a really great base for a low-cal ice cream. I'm going to try mixing it with a few cups of almond milk, freezing it and seeing what I end up with. Given the creaminess of the cups, I think the ice cream would turn out pretty good.Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-41467092069814727792011-07-15T09:25:00.000-06:002011-07-15T09:25:58.030-06:00Perspective; I has it.The summer has been pretty insane and non-stop so far, thanks to various appointments, social gatherings, adopting <a href="http://www.stretchjeanincident.com/2011/05/new-partner-in-crime.html" target="_blank">Randal</a>, making time for family visits, traveling to <a href="http://www.stretchjeanincident.com/2011/07/bro-ing-it-up-in-vegas.html" target="_blank">Vegas</a>, weddings, graduations and of course, making time for the usual workouts and healthy eats.<br />
<br />
On top of all that, I also applied for a new position in my department. I've completed the two interviews, but I'm starting to think I won't get an offer. As with any position, I recognized and accepted the possibility that I wouldn't get it, and that's totally ok. No hard feelings. Playing the waiting game has still been a bit stressful though, so when I found myself lying awake at 4 am this morning, wondering if today would be the day I finally get some news, I rolled out of bed and changed into my workout clothes. I made my way to the gym and did something I haven't done in a loooooong time; <b>I ran 4 miles</b>.<br />
<br />
I wasn't particularly fast and I took my share of walking breaks, but I felt <i>so damn good</i>, I just kept going. And although my running can be sporadic at times, one thing's for sure; I almost always clear my head in the process and feel pretty damn optimistic about, well, everything.<br />
<br />
When life gets busy (see last two months and counting), I tend to lose sight of how good I have it <i><b>right now</b></i>.<br />
<br />
So, how about a quick recap of the things I'm thankful for, eh?<br />
<br />
-Doug<br />
-Randal<br />
-My awesome, smart, hilarious friends<br />
-My family<br />
-My current job (money's tight, I'm a little bored, but bills are still getting paid; others haven't been as lucky in this economy and I need to remind myself of that.)<br />
-Shelter<br />
-Wholesome food<br />
-My strong body<br />
-My confidence and sense of self-worth (didn't have either of these for a good chunk of my life; changing my lifestyle these past few years has made all the difference.)<br />
-My intelligence<br />
-My sense of humor (Doug tends to roll his eyes at most of my jokes, but if I can still make myself laugh every day, that's good enough for me.)<br />
-Peanut butter<br />
-Studying for my PT certification<br />
-Music<br />
-Netflix<br />
<br />
I guess I'll stop there, but the point is, I've got a lot going for me already. That's not to say everyday has been smooth sailing; there's been ongoing financial struggles, arguments, tears, crappy eating and terrible workouts. <b>But that's life.</b> You can't control most of the things that happen to you, but you can control how you respond. Choosing a positive attitude is easier on some days than others, but it's always an option with little-to-no risk involved. <b>What have you got to lose by recognizing the good things in life?</b><br />
<br />
This morning's run helped me come to such a conclusion. Since I don't know what the rest of the day will bring, I at least know that for 50 minutes this morning, I was centered and at peace with myself and my body. I'm thankful that my legs carried me though and that those endorphins lifted me up to a new level of optimism. <br />
<br />
Alright, enough of the hippie stuff. In short, no matter how the day (or month or year) ends up, life, as it is, is pretty bitchin'. And really, how can I ever be upset when I know I've got this face to come home to?<br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPo0HXYKZC9GthNwzbY2Agt3w3JeFhYPxPj-_hp79e5Kk2ODnBYqtUNmOXMK94y4JzcQd2G6xagcd5WQfxZIxTC1yoR3Wm79A4HkbOgGY5xLE28vF6twmdGNfQyXnkLdB5dDAd39UTLHc/s400/randal.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
So, with that said, I suppose I'll close this post with a gentle reminder to pause and reflect on the good in your life. Sure, things could be better, but they could also be much worse. Make the most of what you have. And run! (Or walk.) And eat your veggies. Heh.<br />
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Have a great weekend, everyone.Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-50201479117253116732011-07-13T12:27:00.001-06:002011-07-13T12:32:58.718-06:00Bro-ing it up in Vegas.Um, where the eff did June go? I guess I shouldn't complain about summer going by so fast because I hate the heat, but having time to breathe and y'know, remember what day it is would be kinda nice.<br />
<br />
Anywho, Monday, I got back from a long weekend in Vegas to celebrate my sister's 21st birthday. And also kinda celebrating 5 years with Doug:<br />
<br />
<img height="337" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/meandd.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Ignore the red eye.<br />
<br />
It was a great trip, filled with public drunkenness and drag queens, but of course, the main thing I want to talk about is THE FOOD!<br />
<br />
My mom treated us all to a buffet at the Paris hotel the first night, but after that, Doug and I quickly decided that we didn't want to do the buffet thing during the whole trip. We stuck to cheaper, non-buffet eats (thank you Panda Express for supplying us with veggies!).<br />
<br />
We did however make not one, but two special trips to a new favorite joint, <a href="http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/" target="_blank"><b>Hash House a Go Go</b></a>. I originally saw them featured on Man vs. Food and wrote the name in case we got the chance to actually visit. Turns out, they were located in our hotel (stayed at the Imperial Palace), so we made plans to eat there for breakfast. The dish that beckoned? <b>Sage Fried Chicken & Bacon Waffles,</b> topped with fried leeks and a maple reduction:<br />
<br />
<img height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/chicknwaffles.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Ultimate food porn. I wanted to get a better picture, but I was also eager to try my first bite, so I threw down the camera in a hurry, attacking the poor dish like a lion on a gazelle.<br />
<br />
Definitely a chorus-of-angels-worthy dish. My only regret is that we didn't think to share one plate; this place serves up H-U-G-E portions. Oh well. We munched on the leftovers during the day, so we could skip snacks and lunch. This method came in handy for balancing my walk-around-vodka munchies.<br />
<br />
Since we enjoyed breakfast so much, we decided to go back for dinner. Complimentary <b>buttermilk biscuits</b>, topped with a warm honey glaze:<br />
<br />
<img height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/biscuit.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Sometimes, there just aren't enough calories in day... I would've loved to tried these babies with some sausage gravy!<br />
<br />
Next, we ordered an appetizer; <b>Tiger Prawns, fried in cornmeal</b>:<br />
<br />
<img height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/shrimp.jpg" width="298" /><br />
<br />
Served with a creamy chipotle sauce and garnished with fried angel hair pasta. I must admit, I haven't been to too many places that focus on presentation, so this made the trip so much more enjoyable!<br />
<br />
Next, we decided to SPLIT a burger. We learned our lesson from the Chicken 'n' Waffles incident and knew that one burger would be plenty for the two of us. And it was. This is <b>the #5 burger, stuffed with cheddar, applewood bacon and avocado</b>:<br />
<br />
<img height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/burger1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<img height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/Food%20pics/burger2.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Hot damn. Another winner! So, next time you're in Vegas and looking to splurge, pleasepleaseplease don't pass this place up! Aside from their location in the Imperial Palace, they also have a stand-alone location near the Sahara. Oh, and their original location is in <b>San Diego</b> as well.<br />
<br />
Lots of calories consumed, but we also walked <i>everywhere</i>, so everything balanced out pretty well. We had a blast, but it's great to be home. I've had my share of excess for the year, haha. Hope everyone's having a great week!Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-80870147883103623822011-06-27T10:54:00.000-06:002011-06-27T10:54:36.689-06:00Great minds think alike.Not that I needed more proof that Randal is a great fit for our household, but the places he falls asleep crack me up:<br />
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</div>Hope everyone had a great weekend! Got a busy couple of weeks ahead of me, followed by some much-needed R&R in Vegas. <b>How's your summer going? Busy? Cool travel plans? Work? </b>Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-961750159305495783.post-73851443373991786472011-06-21T11:28:00.001-06:002011-06-21T11:36:25.171-06:00Hows & Whats.<div style="text-align: center;">Time for another edition of <b>Hows & Whats</b>.</div><center><br />
<b>HOW I'm currently eating:</b><br />
<b>DISCLAIMER:</B> As with any nutritional plan, always seek guidance from a professional first; this way of eating is what currently works for *me* and may not be the best option for <i>you</i>.<br />
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Oh, food. You and I always seem to be at odds, depending on the week and where my head is at. For the time being, I'm aiming for higher protein and less sugar, using Jackie Warner's book as a guide:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/This-Youre-Thin-Forever-More/dp/044654860X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1308670989&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/thatsnotfab/9780446548601_388X586.jpg" width="310" /></a><br />
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I actually bought this book shortly after it was released, just never got around to doing a proper review. I know it probably comes across as just another fad, but it's actually a pretty decent read when it comes to food. And nothing is banned; the main goal is to eat less refined sugar and processed foods, which pretty much every one can benefit from. I'm fond of this plan because it works best for my current way of eating (<b>eat clean for 5 days, then allow for some treats on the weekends</b>), but also forces me to improve my meal composition (less sugar, more protein, more veggies and focusing on whole grains & fruits for carb sources). Each day, I aim to eat 4 servings of lean protein, 3 servings of veggies (though I allow myself more if I want), 2 servings of fruit, 2 servings of healthy carbs (oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, pasta, wheat bread or wraps, etc.) and 1 serving of healthy fat (olive oil, nuts, avocado).<br />
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It's not rocket science by any means, but since <b>my fitness goals include improving my sprinting speeds and increasing my lean muscle mass</b>, Jackie's nutrition plan is pretty much spot-on for properly fueling my workouts. Before following her plan, I was eating healthy (for the most part), but had cut back on protein and found myself eating more carbs, in addition to drinking more alcohol and overeating on the weekends. Doing so was starting to affect my athletic performance; I just always seemed sluggish whether I was running or lifting and was taking longer to recover, thus bailing on more workouts. Getting back into my protein groove has already kept me from half-assing a session and has kept debilitating muscle soreness in the backseat.<br />
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I'm into my second week of following the plan and have noticed a dive in my junk food cravings and my appetite is starting to subside as well. First week, I dropped 3 pounds, so I can't complain. And because there's no counting calories or tracking involved, it's keeping my anxiety and binges at bay. I'm not hungry either, which is kind of a big deal. As with any healthy eating plan, there is some more prep involved (taking time to cut up veggies for snacks & lunch; boiling eggs and mixing protein shakes the night before, etc.), but nothing I haven't had to do before. <br />
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<b>HOW I'm currently sweating:</b><br />
Right now, my routine is pretty basic: <b>2 days of cardio, 3 days of strength/weights, 2 days of rest.</b> For cardio, I head to the gym and do some sort of mix of the following, for about 45 minutes or so: sprint intervals, incline walking, stairmaster, elliptical or spinning. I try not to do any single activity for more than 20 minutes because I have a confession to make: <b>I'm officially bored with cardio.</b> <br />
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Back when I first started to lose weight, I adored cardio and despised strength training. Anyone who's followed me from my LiveJournal days knows this is true. It seems <b>after getting into Jari Love and Jackie Warner workouts, I finally learned to love lifting and compound strength exercises.</b> They just always seem to give me that edge when trying to meet a goal, be it improved definition or fat loss. I STILL meet women to this day who shy away from weights or believe they shouldn't start lifting until they're closer to their weight goal. <b>For any ladies reading this, please, please, please- don't put off this type of training any longer.</b> You will NOT get big and bulky (unless you're getting testosterone injections, lifting 300+ pounds AND eating a steady diet of chicken & creatine supplements). Study after study has proven time and time again that weight training boosts fat-loss efforts, improves performance in other fitness activities and improves bone density. You can scarf down all the milk and calcium supplements you want (*raises hand*), but adding some extra resistance in your workouts will ward off osteoporosis and fractures even more. Running, yoga and Zumba are all great, but don't be afraid to pick up some dumbbells a couple times a week.<br />
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Ok, stepping off of my soapbox now. <br />
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<b>WHAT I'm currently reading:</b><br />
Well, technically, all I should be reading is my <a href="http://www.acefitness.org/" target="_blank">ACE</a> Personal Trainer Manual, but I need a break from that every once in a while. Right now, I'm pretty much obsessed with <b><a href="http://www.oxygenmag.com/" target="_blank">Oxygen Magazine</a>.</b> </center><center><br />
</center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjI-0h-Nm7eGa1gSnfxahHE8LoxDZm9T6aOeSrCzmf14EunW8PWYnSQIzmZbQ5Vl2z1xl1ISnbaODecPKz7me2PfZ1SYZEqSzHQqvNuruvg6I9hkJ0Hy-9Z3_yGCCGPQ-G_B8BjriR2h1B/s1600/oxygencover-kristalrichardson.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjI-0h-Nm7eGa1gSnfxahHE8LoxDZm9T6aOeSrCzmf14EunW8PWYnSQIzmZbQ5Vl2z1xl1ISnbaODecPKz7me2PfZ1SYZEqSzHQqvNuruvg6I9hkJ0Hy-9Z3_yGCCGPQ-G_B8BjriR2h1B/s320/oxygencover-kristalrichardson.jpeg" width="237" /></a></div><center><br />
</center><center>I'm letting my subscriptions to Shape, Self and Fitness all expire because I relate to less and less of their content every month. I don't identify with flavor-of-the-month celebs or the numerous underweight models featured on every other page, parading as fitness role models. And when I'm in the mood to read about exercise, I want to read about just that; not flip through dozens of pages featuring beauty products and $500 boots. Can you feel the rage?<br />
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Well, Oxygen is not like the others. Forget the anti-aging moisturizers and bring on the butt-kicking workouts! I've gotten 2 issues so far and just reading them makes me <i>feel</i> like a strong, healthy bad-ass. They cover a variety of workout types, share great clean recipes, tell inspiring success stories and feature models who truly do exemplify what eating healthy and working out should look like, without any fluff. <br />
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Don't get me wrong; those other women's health mags deserve <i>some</i> credit, but they just seem so shallow to me now. And honestly, if I see another Kardashian being played up to be a source of health/fitness inspiration, I'm gonna need corrective surgery to pull my eyes from the back of my head.<br />
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<b>Bonus:</b> You can score a subscription from <a href="http://www.magazinedealsnow.com/title.asp?title=OXYGEN" target="_blank">Magazine Deals Now</a> for a more than reasonable price. (I've used this site tons in the past; it's legit. If you sign up for their mailing list, you get sweet discount codes too.)<br />
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<b>What are some of your current Hows & Whats?</b><br />
</center>Tamarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11363637998040271556noreply@blogger.com1