June Fitness Goals!!!

Happy June 1st!  It's been a rough week with stress including a death in the family, but I know I have to get myself back on track.  And what better day to do this than the first of the month?

So here are the goals I've set for myself for the month of June:

1. Lose 10 pounds - doable as I commit to the other goals below.
2. Play more tennis!  I try so hard to get better and have so much fun I don't realize I'm exhausted until afterward.
3. Get back to drinking more water.  Over the holiday weekend and the stressful few days that followed, I drank diet soda more than I should have.  Time to cut that out!
4. Keep up with Spinning and Pilates.
5. More fresh produce - my fruit & veggie count wasn't that great this week either, and now is the perfect time to get the good stuff in!
6. Walk/run on days I'm not playing tennis or spinning.  I've done a lot of walking, but it's time to step it up more with running intervals.
7. Come up with more healthy alternatives for favorite foods that are not so good for me.  Limit treats!

My plan is to rock June!  How about you???

Biggest Loser 12: Makeovers and Motivation

Almost everybody loves Makeover Week. I say almost because Bob didn't seem too thrilled about it. (More on that in a minute.) It's exciting every season to watch people who've literally worked their butts off get a chance to celebrate the fitter, more confident people they've become. I think many of us also think about what we would do with an opportunity like this...we work our butts off in more ways than one at home and would love to be treated like royalty for a change- or just be appreciated.

The Biggest Loser contestants certainly deserve the pampering and updated looks they received. I have to admit, the women's makeovers are always the best part. Unless, of course, you have men who started out looking like shaggy dogs or disco kings with afros from the 70's. This season those guys got voted off before the makovers, so we'll have to wait until finale to see those transformations. (Except for Ramon, who gave us a treat ahead of time!)

Becky's transformation was the most drastic, due to the short haircut and complete air of confidence that glowed from within her. She doesn't even look like she belongs in the upper age group on the ranch! Sunny and Vinny also had amazing makeovers, because they got to wear things that they thought would never have been possible. I love seeing people believe in themselves...even more so because it's a lesson I keep learning everyday for myself.

Once everyone was back on the ranch it was all business once again. I was really touched when Sunny told Anna how much she appreciated her, since I've learned to appreciate Anna more each week. I admit to having my doubts when the season started, especially with the way everything was portrayed in the first few episodes. (I have to keep remembering - reality show editing takes some of the reality out of it!) Like Sunny, I want to get better at tennis...because I love the sport and want to be able to play longer with my family. It would be an honor to learn from Anna, and I'm glad Sunny realized it and was able to express her thanks while still on the ranch. I'm actually sorry that Anna won't be back next season. I think she was finally starting to hit her groove!

Hearing Sunny's conversation with Anna only made the weigh-in more painful. Bob went ballistic when Sunny only lost one pound and thought she didn't have much of a reaction. He also blamed it on the time spent away for the makeovers. At first it seemed like Bob was overdoing it, but when I remembered that last week Bob mentioned how much Sunny reminded him of his sister it all made sense. I'm sure Bob would love to drill those same points home to his own sister too. Everyone else did pretty well, considering the limited time for exercise this week.

Sunny wound up falling just short of the Final 4, but seeing her stay dedicated at home really motivates me. She gets up early for bootcamp, goes to the gym, takes tennis lessons...oh yeah, and teaches all week too! She proves that if you really want it you will find the time for it. I can't wait to see her final transformation at the finale.

Next week is homecoming for the Final 4, along with the marathon. It will be interesting to see who trained hard at home and wins the other spot in the finals. Can you believe it's less than 2 weeks to the finale? The season really is flying by!

Summertime...Loving Berries Is Easy

I love being able to have fresh fruit in the summer. My mom's favorites were peaches, nectarines, and cherries. I do like all of those, but what I love the most are strawberries and blueberries. I just picked up some fresh berries yesterday, and they are on sale right now because everyone is making their red, white, and blue 4th of July desserts with them.

I prefer mine with either some Cool Whip on top or mixed into Greek yogurt. Of course they are also great on my cereal, but on the days I'm not indulging in a decadent treat (everything in moderation!) this takes care of my sweet craving. I get plenty of vitamins and other nutrients from the berries, plus it's a lighter dessert...so I don't have to wait as long to go swimming or play tennis after I eat them. The more time to enjoy summer activities, the better!

Remember to take advantage of the season's fresh fruits and vegetables, especially when they're on sale. Berries freeze well too, so you can use them later in smoothies and other desserts. Also take advantage of the beautiful weather to enjoy your favorite sports and activities. Don't let summer pass you by...enjoy every moment you can and love life!

I'm A Size Active!

I've probably mentioned this company before, but it's definitely worth repeating. Junonia makes sportswear and activewear for women, starting at size 14 and going up to 6X. Look for them at www.junonia.com. Their clothing is very high quality and will stand up to the wear and tear of whatever sport you like to participate in. They also carry sports bras in larger sizes that actually give you the support you need. I can still remember Dolly Parton saying that if she went jogging, she'd have two black eyes...and I know exactly what she means! I've tried sports bras that offer no support whatsoever, even those that claim to give good support. With Junonia's bras, you will be comfortable and have the right amount of support.

Do not ever let your size stop you from swimming, playing tennis, or performing any activities that you enjoy. Sports are not just for slender people...they are for everyone! I know in the past it's been a problem to find the correct clothes in certain sizes, and that made it harder to participate. Since Junonia makes those garments, there is no excuse not to play those sports you love. I will also be on the lookout for other companies that offer plus size sportswear as well, and pass the information along to you. Live life NOW...don't wait!!!

ACTIVE Holiday Weekend!!!

On Memorial Day Weekends Past, we didn't do a whole heck of a lot. The most that would happen was attending BBQ's and eating a lot, then sitting around and talking with family and friends. Of course it was nice to catch up with everyone and have those conversations, but we were certainly not burning off all of the calories we had just eaten. In fact, we were too full to even feel like moving out of our chairs. We only got up to get another drink or more dessert.

Now to Memorial Day Weekend Present...we only had one BBQ to go to, and healthy food was served. We grilled at home as well, keeping to chicken or lean turkey burgers with salad and plenty of vegetables. Instead of big bowls of ice cream, we cooled off with sugar-free fudge pops. We went on long walks and bike rides, and played tennis. This is the first time I've ridden a bike in years. Until now, I had trouble balancing my extra weight and getting my legs to pump fast enough to get going. I still have a lot of weight to lose, but it's much easier to get on that bike now that I'm 35 pounds lighter.

The best thing is, we actually FELT like exercising! We didn't eat those heavy meals that would make us want to sit around or take a nap. We enjoyed our food, and it was fuel to help us do all of those fun activities. We drank plenty of water to stay hydrated, and didn't even miss all of the greasy, heavy foods. When I finally did sit out on my deck to read, I was able to really enjoy it because I had already gotten plenty of exercise and earned the time to just chill.

This is going to be a great summer. We are going to make the most out of every single day, just as it should be. I can't to see what our future holiday weekends have in store!!!

My Personal To Do List...What I Want To Accomplish This Year!

Since my birthday was on Monday, I decided to make a list of the things I want to accomplish before next April 26th. Some of them will be no surprise to you...but others might.

My List To Accomplish During My 44th Year

1. Know God even better
2. Become a published author
3. Run first 5K (scheduled to run Race For The Cure)
4. Learn Ballroom Dancing
5. Sing with a band
6. Record and publish my songs
7. Get more freelance work, especially magazines
8. Tennis lessons
9. Learn to swim
10. Start skiing again
11. Finish losing weight and reach my goal!


As you know, some of these goals are already in progress...like weight loss, freelance writing, and my novel, which is just about ready to shop around. The others are the things I've wanted to do for a long time, but now it's time to make them happen. Now I need to not just dream...but make plans and do!

What would be on your list of things you would like to accomplish? Let's all move from thinking to doing...write it down and make it happen!

Tennis Anyone? I'm Ready!!!

Well, I may not quite be ready to face Maria Sharapova yet, but I'm ready to play tennis! I'm so happy that the weather is getting nicer and I can actually do things outside. Pretty soon I'll be planting a garden, so I can have fresh veggies right in my own backyard that are free of chemicals and pesticides. I haven't planted one in years, but now is the time. I have more energy and will be able to keep up with the gardening now. It always tastes better when you grow it yourself!

My absolute favorite spring and summer activity, though, is tennis. I've loved the sport ever since I was a young girl, and enjoyed hitting the ball around with my friends. When no one else was available to play, I would bounce the tennis ball up against the brick wall and just practice by myself on our cement patio. I could literally do this for hours...or until all 3 balls from the Wilson can had been hit up onto our roof and gotten stuck. Then I would have to fetch my dad so he could get up on the ladder and retrieve them for me. He would always give me "that look" when I came to get him, but I knew that he really didn't mind, because I was getting some good exercise.

I've played sporadically over the years, and never had actual tennis lessons. Last summer I started hitting the ball around with my son, and we both have a lot of fun. I would like to get better, and take lessons when I have the funds to do so. One thing I have noticed, however, is how much better I've gotten since we had to put the racquets away for the winter. I can run better, hit better, and have more stamina now. I attribute this to having 34 less pounds to lug around while I play. I can really tell the difference...and there will only be more improvement as I continue to shed weight.

So if you ask me if I'm up for a few sets, I will gladly tell you yes. But be aware that this woman does not go down easily...in tennis or in life. Bring it on!!! ;o)

Cabin Fever...Be Gone!!!

It is SO nice to be able to go outside and enjoy this nice weather! Spring may not come for a couple of days yet on the calendar, but we definitely have great weather here in Northeast Ohio. Mother Nature is being very nice to us, and I couldn't be happier. (Hopefully she doesn't "treat" us to one of those April snowstorms!)

I was starting to have a really bad case of cabin fever for a while. It snowed like crazy in February, and the beginning of March was still pretty chilly. The treadmill was getting boring, and even though I have other workouts to mix things up, I craved walks outdoors. No sunshine made for a grumpier me at times. I had to crank up the Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney to lift my mood and make me think of warmer weather. The music also helped me think about swimsuit season coming up!

I love that I can take long walks again outside, and run those sprints up and down the hill in our backyard. Soon I will be playing tennis again, and I really can't wait for that. The racquets are ready, and so am I. Bring on spring...full speed ahead!

Independence Day

I'm declaring my independence from fat. This has still been a crazy week, but I'm doing so much better with my eating and exercise. Walking, dancing, and tennis are my calorie burners of choice right now, but I'm sure I'll mix it up a lot more to keep it interesting. Dancing was the perfect activity on Tuesday when I had a migraine...the music helped me to not think about the pain, and once I got moving it helped to loosen up those tight muscles.

This migraine also proved two things to me: first of all, I really can work through the pain. Now, I know sometimes you still need a day of rest when the pain level is excruciating. But...I always used these headaches as an excuse as to why I couldn't work out, even on the days that they weren't that bad. Then I would feel sorry for myself and fill up on chocolate or fast food. I'm sure that's part of the reason I got so out of shape. By now you know how I feel about excuses...no more!!!

My second discovery concerns magnesium. A friend of mine who also suffers from migraines told me a deficiency in this is linked to migraines, along with other joint and muscle problems. A few weeks ago I started taking 250 mg of magnesium oxide daily in addition to my regular vitamin, which does not have enough this element in it. I have not had a migraine since starting the supplement...but I ran out and missed taking it for 5 days. Lo and behold, I got the first migraine that I've had in almost 2 months. As soon as I started taking it again, the headache went away and hasn't been back. I've learned my lesson - I will make sure I never run out again.

On this Fourth of July weekend, remind yourself that you also are declaring your independence from fat. Celebrate the freedom to dream, dance, and be who you want to be. With God, there is nothing that is impossible. Also make sure you say a prayer for all of our soldiers, past and present, who fought and still fight to keep our wonderful country safe and free. Happy Independence Day to all of you!

Empowered

Yesterday was such a nice day here, we took advantage of it and played tennis. Our son is ten, and he has picked up mine and my husband's love of the game. (Of course...I had to say LOVE!!!) I have not had any lessons, but hope to take some when we have the funds for it. One thing I can tell for sure...I am moving around much better, and my serves and volleys have improved since I started working out again. I do have an exercise video that is a tennis workout, but I need to get the VCR working again so I can use it. It's such an awesome feeling knowing that I am getting stronger everyday: in body, mind, and spirit!

Since we did tennis, I did not get on the treadmill, but I did part of a dance workout DVD and some wall push-ups a little later in the evening. Today we are getting thunderstorms, so if there's too much lightning going on I will either do that DVD again or one of my Leslie Sansone walking DVD's. I used to make excuses when there was a storm so I could skip my workout...but like I say now: NO MORE EXCUSES!!!

I'm still enjoying my organic Starbucks and Fage Greek Yogurt, and I have made a vow to include even more fruits and vegetables in my diet. I've always eaten them, but I know it was nowhere near the amount I'm supposed to be eating. Drinking a lot of water everyday helps as well. I'm not missing the diet soda at all, which is saving us money on our food bill. It's all about choices at the grocery store...cut back on the stuff you shouldn't eat and then you can afford to purchase the foods that are better for you.

God has not only given me the strength to do this, but He is showing me that I had strength from him all along that I was not really using. He has also brought many wonderful people into my life. I want to give a special shout-out to all of the Biggest Loser and Dance Your Ass Off contestants who are on Facebook, and all of the other awesome people involved with those shows who are my friends there as well. You all inspire and motivate me, so I can do the same for others who may need it. I'm very blessed to get to know all of you, and may we all continue to help others become empowered in their lives! xoxoxo