pregnancy weight loss birth | Bikini Contest Prep 10 Weeks Out

pregnancy weight loss birth

Just popping in to share a progress picture I snapped today- 10 weeks out from my bikini contest.  I am seeing good progress, but I also am standing tall and "sucking in"! ;)  I hope that in the next few weeks, I wont have to try so hard! 

Im happy to be back home so that I can stick to my eating and training routine.  Last week I was off my game with the trip to Dallas and then the Gala on Saturday night.  But, being home, I can eat my food and on schedule.  Its a lot of food to eat, but Im hungry every few hours, so its perfect right now.   

Also, while I was gone, we didnt get much sleep, staying up with late-night pillow chats that I wouldnt miss, but paid for when I got home.  Im back on my sleep schedule now (which is CRUCIAL for the workouts Im doing.  I notice a huge difference in the difficulty level of my workouts when I havent gotten enough sleep.  Like, I want to quit and go home, but my trainer keeps me going.   I tend to be a night owl, but I find myself being ready for bed by 10:00 p.m. now.

I have to do posing practice for the show too.  I went to one session and it was terrible.  My coach said I was stiff and couldnt twist enough- she said I needed to get massages to loosen up . . .   My next posing practice is Friday, and I hope it goes better!  It feels ridiculous, but I dont want to embarrass myself on stage.

My trainer measured my body fat last Thursday, and it was down to 21% (from 25% when he first measured it).  I also lost 3 pounds.  Im not sure how accurate the measurement it, and I really want to go to a facility to get it tested with the Bod Pod yall recommended, but I havent made time for it yet.  

I found the first picture I posted when I started working out again after the New Year.  It was taken on February 6, 2014.   The second picture is the one I took today, April 29, 2014- so just about 3 months apart.  And I only started with my trainer 5 weeks ago.  Im wearing the same sports bra in both pictures.  Seeing it this way makes me realize how far Ive come.  Im proud of my efforts!

Okay, off to bed!  Gotta get that sleep!  Thank you for following in this journey with me!

Read the rest of this post >>

Do you find information about pregnancy weight loss birth are you looking for? If not, below may help you find more information about the pregnancy weight loss birth. Thank you for visiting, have a great day.

Read More..

pregnancy losing weight but getting bigger | Sample Bikini Contest Prep Meal Plan

pregnancy losing weight but getting bigger

I know some of you would appreciate a bikini contest preparation meal plan that includes the nutritional breakdown of the food, so I snagged one from a friend of mine who is a bikini competitor. She is in her early 40s, about 53 and this is her second year competing.  She gave me permission to post the meal plan here, so its all yours!

Have a great WEEKEND!

Read the rest of this post >>

Do you find information about pregnancy losing weight but getting bigger are you looking for? If not, below may help you find more information about the pregnancy losing weight but getting bigger. Thank you for visiting, have a great day.

Read More..

post pregnancy weight loss average | Bikini Contest Prep 8 Weeks Out Sample LEG Workout

post pregnancy weight loss average

Hi friends! Thank you so much for following along on this fitness journey of mine.  This Saturday marks 8 weeks out from the bikini competition.  I guess this is where the rubber meets the road so to speak because I have more tweaks to my training and diet.  I weighed in today (May 8, 2014) at 108 pounds and 19% body fat.  We will be measuring every 2 weeks. 

Back on April 1, he measured me at 25.5%, so Ive lost about 6% body fat in 6 weeks.  I was also 113 pounds, so Im down 5, but Ive gained muscle Im sure.  Im aiming to get to about 10% body fat, so my trainer said he wants to modify my diet.  Well, its already so strict, I didnt want him to cut anything, so I had to fess up that Im still adding a small amount of peanut butter to my pancakes (and sometimes I eat those twice a day) and I sometimes only get 4 of my 5 meals in.  He was very stern about "peanut butter is not on the meal plan" and explained that everything I put in my body counts and makes a difference. Also, getting in those 5 meals is crucial because eating so often is revving up my metabolism and skipping a meal (for me its usually the last one) causes my body to store more fat instead of burning it. 

Heres a reminder of the MEAL PLAN Im on.

For me, Ive been eating:

7:30 - 8:00 a.m.  1/2 cup ground oats, dash of cinnamon, 3/4 cup All Whites, 1 real egg white, splash of water (less than 1/4 cup) and make it into a pancake.  I spray the pan with spray coconut oil.

11:00 a.m.  5 oz. chicken (I buy frozen chicken breast and microwave them on the defrost setting- this makes them juicy and not overcooked), 1/2 cup brown rice, 1 cup broccoli or green beans

3:00 p.m.  5 oz. chicken, 1/2 cup brown rice, 1 cup broccoli or green beans

6:00 p.m.  5 oz. fish (I buy frozen Mahi Mahi and cook it in the skillet), 1/2 cup brown rice, 1 cup broccoli or green beans

9:00 p.m.  protein shake

Its this last shake that I need to get in.  I have had cheerios (oops!) a few times or my pancake with peanut butter, but no more.  Eating this way honestly hasnt been that bad (or as bad as I thought it would be).  Once I figured out how to cook my chicken so it wasnt bone dry, I enjoyed it more. Also, I know I COULD eat whatever I want really- Im CHOOSING to do this because I want to see the results.  I LOVE the impact this eating/exercise plan is having on my body.  Im almost 40 and getting into the best shape ever.  

:: WORKOUTS :: 

We are upping my cardio to 45 minutes 5 days a week.  He actually recommended 5-6 days, but dang!  AND finally, we are training together about 4-5 days a week- up from 3.  Im doing the cardio right before or after our workouts just to get it over with for the day.  

This has me pooped people!  I definitely need my sleep or Im so out of steam in the mooring for the workouts.  These exercises we do are killer.  My heart rate is up the whole time, with maybe a minute rest after 3 sets.  

To give you an example, we worked LEGS today.  I did:

Inner leg machine (20 reps x 3- 40 pounds?)

Outer leg machine (20 reps x 3- 40 pounds?)  Not too bad, weight isnt that heavy.  Maybe I should up it next time?

via

Walking lunges (probably 200- I lunge up and down the gym 4 times.  No weight.)

Tire Tipping (outside- down a long row- up and back- 3x) That tire is f*&king heavy.  And dirty.  My hands were gross. 

via

Sled Pushes (outside- down a long row- 3x pushing, then pulling it backwards 3x- not sure the weight, definitely not as much as pictured below- maybe 25 pounds??) Feeling like a sweaty beast.  A strong sweaty beast.

via 

Step-up on high step (15 on each leg x3)

Step-up on even higher step (12 on each leg x 3)  OMG- Im short remember??!! 

Bike for one minute (x3)  Never has one minute felt longer.

Kettle Bell Plie Squats (30lb) my feet were each on a step, and I had to touch the kettle bell to the ground (15 reps, 3x) Dang these hurt, I have to stop mid-way through for a quick second.  Legs on fire.

Bike for one minute (x3) Are we done yet?!?! 

via

Then off to 45 minutes on the treadmill.  I alternated walking briskly at 3.8 no incline and incline at 15% at 2.5. 15% is as high as their treadmills go. Sweaty.  Sweaty.  Sweaty.  And hungry.  The end.  Until tomorrow.

Read the rest of this post >>

Do you find information about post pregnancy weight loss average are you looking for? If not, below may help you find more information about the post pregnancy weight loss average. Thank you for visiting, have a great day.

Read More..

pregnancy weight loss diet | Healthy Meal Prep Grilled Chicken Salad

pregnancy weight loss diet

Today (Thursday) marks Day 7 of our 40-day Fat Loss Challenge.  I measured in on Day 1 at 24% (calipers) and today was at 22%!  Woo-hoo!  A 2% difference in 1 week is a big deal!  I'll show you some progress pics soon so you can see what it looks like.  I'm also using my heart-rate monitor (twice) and have been surprised at how little amount of calories it says I'm burning during my workouts.  I'll get into more detail on that in another post soon too.

Today, I'm sharing one of the meals I've been eating- a Grilled Chicken Salad and I always make multiples at a time so I can just pull the assembled salad out of the fridge and I don't have to spend time reprepping.  

Step 1 is to always have grilled chicken on hand or prepare enough for several salads.  If I'm just cooking 4-8 chicken breasts at a time, I use a grill pan.  Spray that pan with cooking spray, and heat to medium-high heat.  I pound my chicken breasts a little so they are thinner and cook evenly.   My seasoning of choice is Mrs. Dash, which I put on both sides, then cook for about 4 minutes per side   or so until they are cooked through, and let rest before eating so they stay moist. 

Read more »

Read the rest of this post >>

Do you find information about pregnancy weight loss diet are you looking for? If not, below may help you find more information about the pregnancy weight loss diet. Thank you for visiting, have a great day.

Read More..

post pregnancy weight loss before and after | Bikini Competition Prep 15 Weeks Out

post pregnancy weight loss before and after

I have always wanted to enter one of those fitness bikini competitions, but never have.  My first one will be July 5, 2014!

via

Jamie Eason has been my inspiration because she is short like me and I admired her physique, thinking mine could look similar if I really dedicated myself.

via

I know that to get in that kind of shape, you have to train hard consistently, but equally as important, you have to eat in a very regimented way (5-6 small meals a day with a specific balance of protein, carbs and fat).  I never thought I had the discipline to sustain that kind of lifestyle for any length of time so I let that goal go, and went on with life, but continued working out and tried to stay in shape.  But, back of my mind, I always wished I would have gone for my goal and wondered, "What if?".  

Last year, my cousin began competing in fitness competitions (over age 40!) and she recently visited from California, encouraging me to enter one this year as well.  She helped me get online and find a contest close to home that I could train for.  A "typical" training period is 12 weeks (for those who have done them before), but I chose a competition that is currently 15 weeks away (July 5 to be exact), and I start training with a trainer 3 days a week starting tomorrow- Monday, March 24- and Ill also workout on my own.  My trainer will prepare a meal plan for me.  Since I have been eating really clean and 5 meals a day for the last 7 weeks, Im more mentally prepared to keep it up through the contest prep time.  Well see . . . .

15 WEEKS OUT

Here is what I look like now (15 weeks out from the July 5 competition):  As you can see, I have quite a bit of muscle to gain.  Im 51 and weigh about 110 now. 

Im super excited to see how I can develop my body in this amount of time and Im happy to be reaching for one of my "bucket list" goals, even if it doesnt make sense to anyone else. This is a perfect time for me to train for this competition because Im currently staying home and my son is in pre-school part of the day.  I take care of our household, keep up my two blogs (this one and Honey Were Home), and help out my parents, but Im the kind of person who likes to have lots going on, accomplishing things throughout the day.  

Ill have to figure the training out as we go since my sons school ends in May.  I know that lots of women do this kind of training while working full-time, but I dont know how they do it (especially when they have kids too)!  

_______________

For background, in terms of female fitness competitions there are several divisions in the NPC (National Physique Committee of the USA) and I will be competing in the "bikini" division. 

Bodybuilding- extreme, big, bulky muscles (think women with muscles as big or bigger than men)

Physique- similar to bodybuilding, but toned down a few notches

Fitness- very lean and muscular, but no extreme bulk or veins and requires a 2-minute routine scored for strength, flexibility, and cardio/tempo

Figure- small degree of muscularity with separation, but no visible striations, overall muscle tone with shapely lines, firmness; lean but not excessively ripped. Overall appearance including make-up, suit and skin tone is part of the package. Muscular but still feminine; definitely not as much size as a bodybuilder.

Bikini- very athletic and fit with balance and shape, usually with visible abs

BIKINI DIVISION RULES FOR NPC TEXAS

POSING SUITS: Bikini contest posing suits (two-piece) for am prejudging must be brought to check-in and be approved by the Head Judge. The bottom of the suit should be in good taste – not too low in front and covering 50% of the gluteus area (bring a second suit with a more modest bottom, just in case). Bikini suits should be “off the rack” types. Thong suits are not allowed. Competitors must wear high heels. Jewelry may be worn (think tasteful). 

You should bring a second suit in case there are questions about a suit style or some other mishap occurs. Emphasis is on “tasteful”, remember these are family shows. There are also a variety of different products to temporarily glue your suit to your body. 

HAIR / MAKEUP: While there are no rules on how to wear your hair, just remember that judges cannot judge what they cannot see. Remember to move your hair aside so the judges can see your back development. For makeup, the more finished and feminine you appear, the better your overall presentation. Keep in mind your face and body tan should blend. 

POSES: The bikini swimsuit round will consist of the model walk at center stage – front stance with hand on hip, full turn to a back stance with hand on hip, and return to front stance. No lewd acts are permitted and will result in disqualification. 

SCORING: The scoring for bikini will be done during prejudging in one round –two-piece. Live scoring at the night show consists of front/back turns. 

Judges will be scoring competitors using the following criteria: 1) Balance and Shape; 2) Overall physical appearance including complexion, skin tone, poise and overall presentation.

________________

via

____________________

I will be tracking my progress here and will share my training regimen and diet as I prepare.  Kinda scared for my first training session tomorrow . . . . . 

Read the rest of this post >>

Do you find information about post pregnancy weight loss before and after are you looking for? If not, below may help you find more information about the post pregnancy weight loss before and after. Thank you for visiting, have a great day.

Read More..

post pregnancy weight loss app | Bikini Contest Prep 6 Weeks Out My Daily Meals

post pregnancy weight loss app

Im FINALLY in a really good groove with my meals.  Now that Ive learned that I can actually season my food, Im so much happier with the taste!  I (sorta) joked with my trainer/nutritionist that he could have mentioned that about 7 weeks ago!!  I eat the same thing over and over, but since I like it, I dont mind.  I still struggle with my last meal of the day (a protein shake or egg whites with side salad) because at that time of night (about 8pm) I just want a bowl of cereal.  I have caved and had cheerios several times. 

Protein Pancake:  My breakfast is a protein pancake that I eat around 7:30 a.m.  I top it with Molly McButter (butter flakes, also known as manna from Heaven after you havent tasted butter for so long) and all natural fruit spread (both trainer approved).  My pancake is kind of like dense bread with butter and jelly.  I actually love it now.  I eat it like pizza.

I make my protein pancake with 1/2 cup of ground oats (I buy whole old fashioned oats and grind them in the food processor) with 3/4 cup of All Whites and a splash of water- less than 1/4 cup.  I used to make it with cinnamon and flax seed, but lately, have just been doing the 3 ingredients above.  I make one big pancake in a small skillet.  You flip it when its just about solid on top.

After the pancake is cooked (Ill touch it to feel that it is firm), I cut it into 4 pieces let it cool on the stove top (or a wire rack) because I found that if I put it directly onto the plate, it was still steaming and got soggy.  

Meals 2, 3, and 4 are 5 oz of fish (mahi mahi), 4 oz of potato, and 1 cup of veggies (green beans or broccoli).  I eat this at about 11:30 a.m.; 3:00 p.m.; and 6:00 p.m.

FISH:  I buy individually wrapped fish fillets and defrost them in the fridge or in a bowl of hot water.  In the bowl of water, they only take about 5 minutes to defrost.  Then, I pat dry, sprinkle with Mrs. Dash and garlic powder and cook on the stove top on medium high heat for about 7 minutes.  Im careful not to overcook it, and take it off the heat when its just about cooked through so its still moist and juicy inside.  This fish is really good and has a mild flavor.  

POTATOES:  I wash and prick with a knife, then microwave for 4-5 minutes.  Then I chop them up and toast them up in a skillet.  After they are browned, I season with Molly McButter.

VEGGIES:  I buy big bags of frozen veggies, measure 1 cup onto a plate and microwave for 3 minutes.  Then, season with Molly McButter.

SALAD:  I can also have salad (no iceberg lettuce) so I use romaine and spinach, with fat free dressing.

PROTEIN SHAKE:  My last meal (around 8:00 p.m.) is usually a protein shake with one scoop of protein and 6 oz of water. 

Until my trainer/nutritionist modifies my meal plan, this is what Im eating.  Every day, all day.  My husband said hell do this last month with me (but hell do chicken and lean red meat instead of fish).  Hes seen me lean up and wants to lose some weight too.  

I go for my bikini consult (where I choose my competition suit on Tuesday evening, so Ill be sure to report back about that experience).  Have a great week!

Read the rest of this post >>

Do you find information about post pregnancy weight loss app are you looking for? If not, below may help you find more information about the post pregnancy weight loss app. Thank you for visiting, have a great day.

Read More..

pregnancy weight loss after birth | Bikini Contest Prep Training Schedule 14 Weeks Out

pregnancy weight loss after birth

Last week was my first full week with my trainer.  We worked out three times for one hour, I did 5- 30 minute cardio sessions on my own (3 on the treadmill, 2 on the stair mill) and also did an ab routine (3 exercises) 4 days.  Thats hard work so I felt pretty proud of myself.  So, I think Ill be keeping the schedule below for now, until he changes it up.  Ill probably end up doing longer cardio and abs every day by the end.

On Friday, my trainer measured my body fat using calipers and the skin fold test.  Body Fat Percentage – is the amount of body fat (pounds) divided by total body weight listed as a percentage. 

I told him I guessed I was at 18% body fat.  He took the measurements and said hed text me after he calculated it so we could get right to working out.  But, based on the measurements he just took, H most of my fat is in my stomach, lower back, and calves.  Later that day, I did my ab routine and 30 minutes of cardio.  Afterwards, I snapped a pic of my abs as they were looking pretty good right then.

But thats the thing about abs.  They dont always look so tight.  (At least mine dont.) Even in the two pictures above, you can tell that I have more fat in the second picture than in the first based on the way Im standing and leaning.  Sunday evening, my trainer texted me my body fat results =  25.5%.  He said not to be concerned, as long as my lean mass continues to rise and my body fat decreases, Im fine.  Hes also working on my eating program.  But, I couldnt help but feel discouraged.  :( I thought my number would be much lower.  I tried to google what 25% body fat looks like on women, but of course its so relative depending on that particular persons body fat distribution, body shape, age, etc. 

Here are some of the images I found . . . I have no idea how the person writing the articles identified the people at that percentage, so who know if its really accurate??  Interesting though . . .

via

via

Yesterday, on Monday morning, after breakfast and before my workout, I snapped some more pics of my stomach so I can track my progress and so you can see that the "tight" picture above, taken right after abs and cardio, doesnt always look that way.  Its true that Im holding fat in my back and stomach. . . 

 

At Mondays workout, my trainer said that about 8-12% body fat would have me at show ready (he previously said that 6-10% is where most women compete so Im going to edit that post).  I have decided that Im NOT GOING TO FOCUS ON THE NUMBER.  Same with the scale.  Im just going to keep going, keep training, keep eating clean and watch my body develop. I KNOW it will change.  I KNOW that this stubborn fat is melting away.   Im ready for this week.  Lets get to work!  

_________________

Read the rest of this post >>

Do you find information about pregnancy weight loss after birth are you looking for? If not, below may help you find more information about the pregnancy weight loss after birth. Thank you for visiting, have a great day.

Read More..

pregnancy weight loss before and after | Bikini Contest Prep 6 Weeks Out Progress Update

pregnancy weight loss before and after

I went for my bikini consult to order my suit and Ill share that with you next, just off to the gym now and wanted to post my latest progress update. Although things are coming together, and if I hadnt committed to this contest, Id be very satisfied with where I am now, but I still have lots more work to  do to get "competition ready."  

My body fat is 19% right now, but it only came down from 19.75 in the last two weeks.  We are looking for it to come down at least one point a week, so my trainer was saying he needed to adjust my diet. I had to confess the Cheerios I was eating at night.  He explained that ideally I would lose another 8 pounds before the contest, so every calorie counts and eating carbs right before bed is not a good idea. In fact, he prohibited any carbs after 6 PM from now on. I promised no more Cheerios, and I would instead be drinking my protein shake like I was supposed to.  Ive been doing that the last couple days and I am hungry at night, so Ive been going to bed earlier. This is actually a good thing because then I wake up more energized in the morning. Eating my meals consistently throughout the day prevents me from getting any midday slump.   

I also admitted to my trainer that I have not been able to give up my coffee creamer. He tried to persuade me against using it but said I could keep using it as long as I only used 1 tablespoon. Its a deal!

I really dont know if I can lose 8 pounds in six weeks,  but I am uping the intensity of my cardio now. Im making sure to get in five, 45 minute sessions at a more intense rate.  Im typically on the treadmill and do 15 incline at 2.5-3.0 intervals. This should help me burn more calories. I also measure everything I eat so I know Im getting precisely the exact amount. I realized one fish filet per meal is not enough, it needs to be one and a half to equal 5 ounces cooked. 

I share all these details with you to let you know exactly what it takes to do something like this and also to chronicle my journey. I really appreciate you following along and your supportive comments. Thank you. 

One of the things I like most about having a trainer to help get me ready for this contest is that I dont have to stress about whether what Im doing is working.  I can be confident that, if I just follow his directions, I will see changes and results.  When I used to workout before, I was never quite sure if what I was doing was going to get me the best results.  (Should I be doing more cardio?  How much?  Should I lift heavy weights or lighter?  What exactly should I be eating?) Its not easier with the trainer- I still work my tail off, but the mental part is better.  I dont feel like Im spinning my wheels. 

On another note, Victorias Secret has the cutest swimsuits lately.  I ordered the one above and 2 other mix and match styles.  Love them!

Have a great Thursday!  Its almost the weekend again!

Read the rest of this post >>

Do you find information about pregnancy weight loss before and after are you looking for? If not, below may help you find more information about the pregnancy weight loss before and after. Thank you for visiting, have a great day.

Read More..

post pregnancy weight loss breastfeeding | Bikini Contest Prep THE PLAN

post pregnancy weight loss breastfeeding

I started working out with my trainer this week and its been very challenging.  Im training to enter a fitness bikini contest that is just shy of 15 weeks away- July 5.  This post is a brief overview of the training plan so that you can get started too.  If you want a bikini body this summer, you need to start working on it now!  As the weeks progress, if the plan changes, Ill let you know.  I will also break down the exercises into more specific details in future posts.  

 Jennifer Nicole Lee image via

For now, heres the plan: 

TRAINING PLAN (15 WEEKS OUT)

WORKOUTS

Workout 3 days a week with my trainer (1 hour sessions, hitting all body parts in those 3 sessions).  The workouts consist of plyometrics- also known as "jump training" based on having your muscles exert maximum force in as short a time as possible.  The result is to make you burn calories and fat, seeing body-shaping results sooner as your muscles adapt to more challenging fitness workouts.  We have been doing 3 exercises in quick succession (12-20 reps) followed by a 2-minute rest.  Weve been doing 4 rounds of this, so 12 different exercises in all.  This kind of workout really gets your heart pumping and Im gasping for breath by the end of each set.  But not so much so that Im getting light headed or going to pass out.  My trainer said in 3 weeks, my conditioning will be greatly improved and these first workouts will seem easy.  Im trying to remember the specific exercises so I can write about them in more detail later. 

CARDIO 

I do 4- 30 minute cardio sessions per week on my own.  I usually do the treadmill (sprints - 30 seconds on and 30 seconds off at a 8.0 mph or walk at an incline of 21 at 2.1 - 2.5 speed without holding on.)  Or I get on the stair master and alternate between 60-80.

ABS

I do an ab routine right before cardio 4 times a week.  

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

I take all the same vitamins and supplements I posted about with the addition of glutamine (for muscle recovery).  I havent bought the glutamine yet, but will soon. 

MEALS 

I havent had to change my eating at all since Ive been on a solid meal plan for the last 7 weeks.  My trainer said that were going to see how I do with the exercise and cardio first, without changing my diet.  Then, well add more cardio and/or adjust my diet as necessary.

Heres what my meals look like now:

7:00 a.m.  Protein pancake (1/2 cup oatmeal w/ 4-5 egg whites w/ 1 tblsp natural peanut butter and 1 tblsp sugar free syrup.  Coffee with vanilla caramel creamer.

9:30 a.m.   Lean protein (appx. 4 oz), 1 cup veggies, 1/3 cup brown rice

12:00 p.m.  Protein shake

3:00 p.m.  Lean protein (appx. 4 oz), 1 cup veggies, 1/3 cup brown rice

6:00 p.m.  Lean protein (appx. 4 oz), 1 cup veggies

8:30 p.m.  Greek yogurt

This is a general guideline.  I still use condiments and seasonings.  Snacks include cashew, apple or celery with natural peanut butter.

(My meals vary week to week, right now Im eating my Tex Mex but have added brown rice and bell peppers and I also steamed asparagus to eat on the side). 

BIKINI CONTEST GOAL FAT PERCENTAGE = 8-12%

Whoa! Thats really low, right?!  My trainer explained that the goal of our training plan is to decrease body fat while increasing muscle mass.  He understands that the "bikini" girls are not supposed to be huge, just fit/athletic-looking with visible abs.  He commented that most people come to him in less good shape than Im already in, but there is still a lot of work to do. 

I really like his approach though because he advises that the process should be enjoyable and I shouldnt feel miserable or like Im dying.  Hes careful to let me take a break when were working out when he sees that I need it, but hes still super challenging.  I can tell you I wouldnt workout this hard with plyometrics if I didnt have a trainer.  I do enjoy (for the most part) my meals and eating healthy. Like most people, I have a lot of stresses in my life.  My dad is sick (but healed in Jesus name), my mom is worried sick, my brother is going through stuff and life can be hard in general.  God, the power of prayer, keeping tight with my family, and working out HARD are my stress relievers.  I am thankful that God made me capable of exercise, that I have the physical ability to do it.  

We will measure my body fat on Friday, so well see where I am now.  I am so curious to see what my body will look like as we continue.  

________________

Read the rest of this post >>

Do you find information about post pregnancy weight loss breastfeeding are you looking for? If not, below may help you find more information about the post pregnancy weight loss breastfeeding. Thank you for visiting, have a great day.

Read More..

post pregnancy weight loss blog | Veggies Mushrooms Onions Brown Rice Meal Prep

post pregnancy weight loss blog

We all know its important to eat our veggies, but how many of us are actually doing it? I know I wasnt until recently.  The surprise is, I really like it!  I look forward to eating my vegetables, especially a variety, and prepping them is really easy.   

Im eating a good 2-3 cups of veggies per day and typically prep a big bunch (my husband eats them too) so they are ready to eat right away. On Monday evening, I made a colorful variety of steamed veggies, brown rice, and sautéed onion and mushrooms to add to my lean protein meals.  Be warned, this makes a lot of veggies, so you may want to half it. 

Veggies = appx. 17 cups 

• broccoli (2 bunches)
• cauliflower (1 head)
• squash (2)
• zucchini (2)
• carrots (1 cup)

Mushrooms & Onion 

• mushrooms (16 oz pre-cut) 
• onion (1)

Brown Rice = appx. 10 (1/3 cup servings)

• brown rice (1 cup) 

After washing and chopping my veggies, I put them into a large pot with about 2 inches of water.  Put the lid on and let the water come to a boil and steam for a few minutes.  I dont let it boil too long because I dont like mushy veggies and these cook quickly.  Then, I strain the veggies and rinse in cold water to stop them from cooking.  I dont use any salt or seasoning. 

 

 

The mushrooms are pre-sliced, so I just cut up an onion and put it in a skillet with about a tablespoon of olive oil and let them sauté, uncovered, until nice and brown.  Just turn every once in a while.  They take a good 10-15 minutes to cook on medium to medium-high heat.  At the end, I poured in about a tablespoon of blackberry balsamic vinegar, but you dont need to.  

For the rice, I dont follow the package directions because I never thought it tasted right, so I found a way of cooking brown rice on the web (I dont recall the site) that recommends rinsing the rice (I use one cup dry rice), then add it to a lot of water (maybe 4 cups) and boil uncovered for about 15-20 minutes- I keep tasting it until it tastes cooked through.  Then drain and rinse again, returning to the pot with the heat off for a few minutes.  I dont use any salt or seasoning. 

I prepped and cooked everything at once.  The picture below is just before I put the lids on the veggies. 

And below is everything all cooked. 

Its really nice to have this prep done so you dont have to think about it for the next few days at least.   It takes a little time on the front end, but then no time later.  :) I havent made this large a batch before, so Im not completely sure how long it will be before its gone (or stays good).  

Heres the food in action the next day at lunch and so you can see how I store them.  I just popped this in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. 

_________________

Read the rest of this post >>

Do you find information about post pregnancy weight loss blog are you looking for? If not, below may help you find more information about the post pregnancy weight loss blog. Thank you for visiting, have a great day.

Read More..

baby weight loss after 3 months | Bikini Contest Prep 4 Weeks Out

baby weight loss after 3 months

Were in the final stretch now, and Im really starting to look forward to the end.  This last two weeks I had to kick it into high gear to try to lose more weight and body fat.  I did it by upping the intensity of my cardio and staying as strict as possible on my diet.  As of today, I weighed 106 (at the gym, 103-4 at home) and am at 17% body fat (down from 109 gym pounds and 19% body fat two weeks ago).  I started this journey at 25% body fat and 110 pounds (at home).  Go here to see my pics at 15 weeks out.

For cardio, Im doing 45 minutes, 5 days a week and its usually on the treadmill at a 15 incline and a speed of 2.7-3.0.  If I need a break, I lower the incline for a couple minutes, then ramp it back up.  Im also doing more ab exercises (at the end of each workout).  I use my iPod and iPhone to pass the time and also met a woman who also does cardio at the same time so well chat.  For abs, I typically do 2 ab exercises 4 times and 20 reps.  Im working with my trainer about 4 days a week.

Im still amazed at the level of physical effort all this training takes.  Its exhausting.  I realize now how intense you have to train and diet to get in the kind of shape for a NPC bikini competition.  I do love the results and how my clothes fit (down to a size 24 jean - was a 26).  

I still need to lose a few more pounds in the next four weeks.  Last recap, I wrote about how much mahi mahi I was eating, but I got concerned about the mercury levels, so now Im incorporating grilled chicken salads with fat-free dressing for a couple meals and eat fish for one meal.

Lately, I have been craving all kinds of food and thinking more about when this is done, how nice it will be to not be SO strict with my food.  I ate a pint of Gelato on Saturday (while watching Orange Is The New Black Season 2 marathon- are yall hooked?!) and really enjoyed it.  Dont tell my trainer!  

The black striped bikini was taken at 5 weeks out.

The aqua bikini pic was taken at 4 weeks out. 

I go for my bikini fitting tomorrow!   p.s. These bikinis are from Victorias Secret. ;) 

Read the rest of this post >>

Do you find information about baby weight loss after 3 months are you looking for? If not, below may help you find more information about the baby weight loss after 3 months. Thank you for visiting, have a great day.

Read More..