LOOKING BACK AND FORWARD

It has been one year since I began this project and blog, and I am so happy where I am and where I am going, my journey is far from over. One year ago I was just too embarrassed to post my weight and before photos, and my trainer Mike explained to me to be authentic I have to come clean even if it feels awkward. One year later I am so happy I have those photos to chart my progress, and even though I am trying now to focus on fitness I am glad I have a before weight as well. Now at 167 lbs,  It is fun to look back, and  look forward into the future as I envision where this is leading me. I am reaching for the clouds.

This week I worked out with my Trainer Mike on Tuesday and Wednesday and we are really pushing it now, and I admit this week I struggled a little. I was running late on Tuesday and did not eat enough, and I am discovering the role nutrition plays on your workouts. I was a bit sluggish and off, and on Wednesday I ate more but I got a little sick to my stomach. Sometimes I notice if I eat too much right before my workouts, or if I drink too much water it affects me in a not so positive way. So now I am on a quest to find what works, a year later for tougher workouts. Mike is completely patient with me, and I am grateful for his guidance and knowledge, he is an excellent teacher and I cannot believe one year as gone by. 

I am still trying to collect books for my book drive, and I have two bags of beautiful books thanks to generous and talented friends. I need to hang more flyer's and get many more. I am in no rush to do so, my goal is to get as many books as humanly possible. My next charity will be announced after the books are delivered to Reading to Kids.

Last night was one of those nights when I needed sleep bad, and now today I feel completely renewed and refreshed. I am always learning and evolving in my quest to be as fit I can be. Sleep is one of those things when you are expelling so much energy that is non negotiable. Do not skimp on sleep ever.

Happy Thursday and keep moving forward.
Love and Light to all
Namaste'
Rose

One year ago I posted my first before photos, and here they are now.

JULY  10, 2013

JULY 10, 2013

12 STEPS I FOLLOW

I have lost 33 pounds so far.

People often ask me how I am losing weight. This blog is my journey to lose weight, get back into my former dancer's shape and make a difference in the world by sponsoring a charity with every ten pounds I lose. To accomplish all of this is taking a tremendous amount of hard work and determination. In between picking and planning which charities I will assist, comes the day to day work. The dieting, the exercise, finding my zen and my mind and body connection. Every now and then some fun comes up and I am challenged, but the hard work never takes a break or a vacation. It has been an incredible, adventurous journey and I am loving the ride.

With all of that said, my wonderful friend Melissa Bender at MelissaBenderfitness. com has suggested I share what I am doing to be successful. She said even though this is a journey blog and not an instructional blog, that I should still share what I am doing to get to where I am now and where I am going. So here goes. These are the 12 steps I follow to be a success with my plans. I have many more steps but these are the ones I follow consistently.

http://www.benderfitness.com/

#1. I drink 16 oz of water upon waking and when retiring at the end of the evening. I drink water all day long, I try to never let myself become dehydrated. I also drink pure coconut water daily. 

#2 I Eat tons of produce, fruits and vegetables. I do not omit certain ones, I eat them all. First thing every morning is a banana with my water. 

#3 I never skip my morning meal. I probably should eat more than I do in the am, but at 6 am I eat what my stomach can handle. I am obsessed with Think Thin protein bars. They are gluten and sugar free and offer 20 grams of protein. They taste amazing with coffee, and they are what I have been eating since July every morning along with my fruit.

#4. I eat with moderation in mind. No food is off limits, but with that said I cannot tell you the last time I indulged on a big fatty meal. My portions are in check and I use the 90% rule. The majority of what I eat is clean and good for my body.

Everything in moderation, including moderation.” Oscar Wilde

#5. We rarely eat out because it is challenging, but when I do I am still in check. When I order salads I always request oil and vinegar instead of dressing. I eat egg white omelettes at brunch with tons of veggies, and the only cheese I will have is feta and just a bit. I love greek omelettes. I make my health a priority and I do not undo my weekday hard work at one weekend meal.

#6. I exercise 5-6 times a week. Twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays I work out with my Trainer Mike. I do yoga 3-5 times a week and I walk/run as much as I can. I stretch every morning and every evening. Movement is key to my success, but it helps living in this mild California climate.

#7. I am now following Weight Watchers online, it helps me keep in check. I joined after Christmas because I found I was being too strict with my food.  I needed this to slow down and breathe. I have a history of eating disorders and doing Weight Watchers helps remind me that food is not the enemy. I love that I can eat what I want and lose weight. I believe nutrition is healing.

#8. I know there is often a carb and sugar backlash, but I enjoy those things in moderation as well. I use real raw sugar in my morning two cups of coffee, and I eat a few servings of delicious whole grain foods. I love Ezekial Bread when it is toasted, and so does my husband James. It is a spelt bread, so full of natural wonders for the body. I rarely eat white flour, but when I do I do not beat myself up.

#9. I follow a routine Monday through Friday. It keeps me on track and truthful even though it can be hectic. I am up at 6 or 7 am daily and I go to sleep no later than 10 pm.

#10. I never touch artificial sweeteners. I believe they are poison to our livers and our bodies. If for some reason I want a soda, I drink the real deal, bottled with real cane sugar. They call them Mexican Cokes here because in Mexico they still make the sodas the pure, old fashioned way. When I am out with friends I drink sparking water with lime.

#11. I weigh myself every week, same time, same place and then I move on until next week. My diet is healthy, I watch my sodium and eat as many pure foods as I can find. 

#12. I spend as much time outdoors as I can. I believe nature is healing. I work out with my Trainer Mike outdoors, and I walk/run outdoors. I try to make "play" time and make it to the beach to go walking even if it is chilly. I spend time in the sun and under the stars.