What is Barre?

Well I am back on the mend and gained back that 10 pounds I lost :-(   It was expected but I am still bummed but not bummed enough to stop eating like a mad woman! Its been junk all week! Cheese curls, wine, chips, wine, chocolate, wine, pasta, wine well you get the point. I dont think I had a decent meal all week lol just junk!

I know the mind game the body plays with weight loss so I expected these ravenous cravings but that doesn't excuse my behavior so its time to reel it in! I got used to seeing less of those number on the scale!

Well in an effort to mix it up I am going to try something new this week! Its called Baree! I was getting results with my workouts and I had a good two weeks of rest and now I want something else. I overheard some of my Junior League members talking about it and low and behold a livingsocial deal came across my email and I put a call out and one person texted me and said let's do it! Sooooo

What is Barre you ask?

Barre. combines Pilates, yoga and ballet moves to give you beautiful, sculpted, lean muscles – without the impact and injuries dancers endure.

Barre class

So this Monday its on! I went to dinner at the 13.5% Wine Bar  with a friend and mentioned it and she goes too! The place is closer to where I live than the livingsocial deal so if I like it I will take classes there! I'll be sure to report back! She already warned me they are very small but instense movements and she ends the class dripped in sweat so sounds like what I need!!

I am going to Weight Watchers this weekend to check in I should still be a pound or two down from my last visit. Aside from that I have my chapter meeting and possibly a date Saturday night. We'll see.

Sunday is the Junior League 5K and later that afternoon my chapter has a Fundraiser. Monday is a holiday! Thank goodness and I am working on decluttering my basement so I can finally get the tile finished in the basement! All good things!!

I have to add a before and during picture with my friend Dawn who had a pre-Birthday Happy Hour! It was a great time to catch up with my old work friends and boy does that feel like a lifetime ago!

Anyway can you tell a difference!



   

 2012

 





2009



:-) That makes me smile

Have a great weekend!!



 









Wow! Is that really YOU?!

WELL GUESS WHO BIZZ-ACK! I know it’s been a minute and I guess every time I run off like this I say that but time really does fly! It’s October! Can you believe that? I certainly can’t! But that doesn’t stop Father Time so no sense in complaining I suppose!

Life has been good but busy as per my usual! I am just getting over some stomach virus that helped me lose 10 pounds in 6 days! Nottt that I am complaining too much lol It helped me break my plateau and I am 9 pounds from goal again! Its been a great workout season ironically, however, I started losing when I backed off of the exercise. The body is so weird!

My clothing is wayyy loose and I can see a difference in the mirror. It’s a little surreal to be that close to goal again and I am already thinking what next. I now know maintenance is actually harder than losing and I just need to focus on savoring the moment.

Speaking of savoring…it’s been non stop events! The Junior League of Baltimore did an event called Sip, Savor, Shop! It was a fab concept! Food, WINE, shopping, & discounts for $25.00 a person! Very cool! I even won a cosmetic basket and free facial! I love it!

This weekend the winner from my Sorority’s  Day at the Races fundraiser raffle invited me and a few others to her prize; which was a private wine tasting and pairing at Basignani Winery where I had my 35^th Birthday party. Well I know the owner but she didn’t acknowledge me and finally I said “Hi there it’s Cylia! Good to see you thanks again for your donation!” And she looked dumbfounded and said “CYLIA? WOW! Is that really you?!” I said “Yes indeedy!” She still looked so shocked and gave me a big ole hug! LOL

I remembered it was two years ago and chimed in “Yeah I have lost a little weight!” She said “A LITTLE?! You look great! It was more than a little!” I said “Well, true maybe about 25 or so since then.” :-) She gave me kudos and I was reflecting on that and in actuality its more like 30 pounds. Its so weird I still don’t see that big of a difference but it was a good feeling to see her expression! J Good reminder to stay focused on these last 9 pounds!

In other weight loss news I actually decided to try something new! Hypnosis! I will blog more about that later it’s a 10 week thing and its to supplement my Weight Watchers, exercise, and vision boards. I just realize I need as much reinforcement as possible and its almost like meditating and getting to my subconscious mind to get it on board with the program to help with better choices and cravings. Again I will report back! But here's a quick article about it Weight Loss & Hypnosis.

I’ve have some great newsssss! I was selected as a 2012 Maryland Daily Record Leading Women honoree! The award identifies women age 40 or younger for the tremendous accomplishments they have made so far in their career. They were judged on professional experience, community involvement and a commitment to inspiring change. Even though it was a bad week health wise that perked me up big time!! I am looking forward to the reception! http://thedailyrecord.com/2012/09/27/the-daily-record-announces-its-2012-leading-women-honorees/

What else, ohhhh The Junior League of Baltimore Commit to be Fit 5K is coming up! I remember kicking this idea around when I was on the Board a few years ago! I am so excited to see it happen! I think as a organization that is about leadership development, helping the community (the last few years childhood obesity has been a focus), and creative networking a 5K is an awesome idea and there are close to 200 runners and walkers signed up! If you are in the area you should join us!!

http://www.eliteracemanagement.com/commit-to-fit-5k/

5k Run & 1 Mile Walk

Date: October 7, 2012
Location: The Hunt Valley Towne Center in Sparks, MD
Time: 5k @ 8:00 AM, 1 mile walk begins immediately after

Entry Fees:

5k: $20 until August 17, $25 until October 3 ($30 at packet pickup and on race day)
1 Mile Walk: $15 until October 3 ($20 at packet pickup and on race day)

On the workout front I was off for about 2 weeks. I did go spinning on Sunday and whew was I winded! I plan to go spinning again tomorrow and this weekend and build back up to four days! My energy is getting better but I think my body needed the rest anyhow.

Well I will leave you with a few pictures from my escapades!  

Ohhhh pump the brakes!!! I met my Dating Coach Paul Brunson! He came to Baltimore last week! So cool to meet him! His new book Its Complicated (but it Doesn’t Have to Be) will be released this month. I still have a follow up with him and he said after the 11^th he will be good to go!

Of course I threw in the dating towel a few weeks ago (again) and then met two interesting men shortly thereafter. Paul won't be pleased that i gave up already since he warned me to be patient and think longterm so maybe that's God little reminder. Both are pretty unique and appealing in their own ways so I am gettign to know them and enjoyign that. No pressure. So anyhoo I will contact Paul after the 11th for the follow up. I still need to do most of my homework anyway lol Ahh always something! 

Well that’s all for now! :-) Be back soon!! Hope you all are doing well!

Sip, Savor, Shop @ Towson Town Center~ JLB



Paul & I



Foolin' with them Ques!

Back like it was! Skee Phi party with Rho Tau Lambda

Don't ask lol

Bmore Night Life!

At Phaze 10 in Baltimore

Got a few workouts in too! "Mr. Impress Me!"

Wine tasting!

De-lish!

:-)

Back to WORK!

Excited about what Fall will bring!

"Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy"

My goodness it is already the middle of August!?! All together now "Where did the time go!?!" Well life has been good and busy and well after a bit of a hiatus I am theoretically dating again. I mentioned I secured the services of a Matchmaker/Dating Coach. A one Paul Brunson . If you don't know who he is yet...give it about a week and you will. :-)

The first session was pretty informative and I learned a lot about myself and I got a bit of homework. No sooner than I got my marching orders I met a bunch of men and some in the most unlikely places including a sorority event where I neverrr meet men! LOL

About a week ago I had a very different post but I got busy and never finished it and I guess I didn't save it either! Oops! At the time I had 2 dates lined up but didn't go to either. I am not sure what Paul's feedback will be once I give him the details but I just think timing and chemistry are important.

Anyway, the take away advice from Paul was the #1 way people still meet their mates is via friends and family. The #2 way is online dating.  The up side is I know a gang of people, the down side no one has tried to hook me up in a meaningful way. Now it may be for two reasons that kind of go together... (1) I am very busy with life (2) I may not be viewed as "needing" a man. While I am proud to be as independent as the next woman I never thought I gave off the I don't need a man vibe. So that's something to work on...

Online dating I am not adverse to although my last experience was well...it wasn't good. I know plenty of happily married couples that "clicked" online so I threw my hat in the ring with some tweaking from Paul. I was slated to meet a guy this weekend but that situation went downhill pretty fast so it didn't happen. I am in various stages of talking to other guys but we will see where that goes.

The issue I always have is seeking balance. A good friend pointed out that I take things on as projects like my weight loss, my sorority, Junior League, school, etc. and right now I have some down time in all those other areas and so the level of frustration I am feeling is tied to the fact that I don't have my other distractions. He may be right...no he is right... I know people who have met their mates at the same events I have gone to or via the same ways I have tried to meet men and well my luck ain't their luck is all I can say lol Another guy said I am thinking about it too much that may be true but its not like I am sitting at home and not living life! Its like I am told to live my life and it will happen and while i do that people are saying you are too busy for someone. I mean whats a single girl with world domination on the mind to do? LOL No seriously what? Ah well thats what Paul is getting paid for right? :-)

Right now my workouts are king and there is a reason why people tend to gain weight when dating or when they get married because you spend time together and if you are not with someone equally interesting in health and fitness that can be a challenge. And honestly its not a challenge I need while I am trying to reach my goal of 23 pounds gone by the end of the year.  Terrible ain't it?! So I may be getting in my own way becasue of that fear.

But we will see. I think we are what we attract and I think as I keep working on myself and the homework Paul gave me about my wants vs. needs it will come together. I have a follow up this week and we'll see how that goes.

I am finally getting back on some kind of a routine with my Personal Trainer Charles! Its been months at this point and every time I get back with him I remember why I make the investment/sacrifice to have  a personal trainer! I am soooo sore! And its not like I haven't been working out because I have! But its just different when you have someone else to push you beyond what you think your limits are!

Right now my workouts look like this:

Mondays- Personal Training, Chizel It morning class & Chizel evening class

Tuesday- Off

Wednesdays- Spinning & other cardio

Thursdays- Personal Training, Any other cardio/machines, etc

Friday-Off

Saturday- Spinning/Body Combat/Body Pump

Sunday- Body Combat and other cardio

I am clocking some good hours and it feels good. I was feeling kinda salty or maybe pissy is a better word yesterday during my second Chizel it class because I was looking at other women in the class thinking I have to work twice as hard for half the results and that just got me into a foul mood. Poor Charles knows my moods and he called me on it lol

But I noticed that the shirt I was working out in was kind of big on me and I actually bought it like two years ago and when I got it, it was so tight I could barely get it over my belly! So I had to get my mind right. Because the negative thoughts were actually affecting my workout. I have been doing "Two A Days" for a few weeks now but last night I felt so winded and I kept stopping and I just realized that was me falling down mentally because I was comparing myself to these other women. My body will do what I tell it to but all that negative self talk was impacting that connection.

I still got a great workout and I went home and had two good conversations with two guys. The one guy from the AKA events I don't think its romantic connection in that sense but he is attractive, funny as heck, and very cool. The other guy has a Pharrell-esque thing going on and I am looking forward to getting to know him better.

I am still not in my normal happy go lucky space but it was raining cats and dogs this morning and I left my umbrella at work and I remembered I had a rain coat in my basement that I bought back in May but it was too tight. I really liked it got it in hot pink and black but barely wore it because I couldn't button it and the arms were way too tight but I figured it would be ready to wear by the fall. To my surprise I put it on and buttoned it up without even thinking and it fit! Talk about right on time!

I hateee bathroom self shots pictures LOL but I didn't want my coworkers asking why I needed to document this lol It just reminded me the only person I need to compare myself to is MYSELF! And that's not just in terms of weight loss but in all areas I think the areas I need to be most mindful of are relationships and weight loss because I really dont get down about other areas or goals so this was an on time reminder!

Have a great week! I'll check back in soon! I am 23 pounds away from my 2010 goal weight (1st pic) and 76 pounds from my start weight (2nd) I am excited and focused (me in scary bathroom self shot today)!

A Hot Commodity

Well somehow it is August 2012! I don't have a clue where the time has gone but what i will say is I am having an absolute BLAST!!!

 I had a lot of things going on over the past two weeks (I know what’s new) but the biggest of which was my sorority’s conference in San Francisco! I have been to SF a few times but never like this! Once was work related the other two times I was a kid so its almost as if it doesn’t count! But this trip?! This was full on GROWN WOMAN B.I. (that’s short for business I think!)

There’s really way too much to write about but the highlight was the Golden gate bridge walk/run! About 30 of my sorority sisters and I did a 5k plus lol its 1.7 miles across one way J Goodness what fun!! What commitment!  Because it was cold as heck! LOL Bt we did it! I am such an AKA and gift geek I got commemorative pins made and gave them out! Sorors loved it!!! J

I will post some pics and stuff below there was a lot of wine gorgeous Sonoma and Napa Valley! I mean I love to travel overseas but goodness know the good Ole US of A has got to be one of the most beautiful paces on the planet as well!

Well I also neglected to update you on my dating coach/matchmaker I mentioned thinking about doing it and well I put my money where my mouth was and did it. The first session's feedback was great and I have “homework” so I will keep you posted on that progress!

I did a networking event last night called a "Plus 1 Happy Hour" at Phaze 10 and it went well. The concept is that you invite about 10-15 people you know then ask them to invite one other person. The only catch is no one else can know them. Its a way of expanding your network and meeting other people. Simple and easy right?  Soooooo tell em why only one person brought a legitimate Plus 1 with them? I know I am a rules person but this did not seem like a hard concept to ask a friend or co-work to join you for a 2 for 1 Happy Hour drink downtown on a Thursday. And the one person who did bring a legit Plus One seemed like they were on  a date so it was kinda hard to encroach upon them but at least he did it lol

Sooooo that meant I had to meet my own new people... and I did six inf act three where the owners and the others were three random guys at the bar.  See easy...lol... I got into a really good relationship conversation with random  guy #1 and one of the guys I invited. It was something made for tv for real! The good thing is guys can catch it as bad a women in this game and not that, that made me feel better but it made me feel..normal. Dating, relationships, etc. is not  walk in the park and choosing wisely is the best course of action.

Part of my matchmaker homework is narrowing down my deal breakers/wants/needs based on what I with Paul's help that I identify as my top three values. He pushed me to identify my top three  after giving him a list of 10--No fair! A/w they were

#1-Sense of humor

#2- Caring for others

#3- Being committed or passionate about something that will improve or add value to the world.

Who knew I was THAT deep? lol Bottom line if someone doesn't match those three they gotta go. And in looking at past relationships I see why we didn't "fit" if those things are important to me I need someone who respects that and lives their lives accordingly.

All good things to actually know and think about I am going to work on my list for out next sessions and we will see. One other good thing he told me was I actually meet more men and date more than the average person lol well shoot I guess that's good considering there were years that went by when I didn't date at all!

I am a hot commodity!

I met some new people and one guy called me a hot commodity because I was 37,  educated, single, never been married, and I have no kids. I laughed and asked him really? I mean I think I am the best but its nice to hear accolades from others :-) I have to run but I wanted to brag and say I worked out everyday I was away and lost 1.2 pounds! I see collar bones yall!!

Have a great weekend!

Beating my body into submission...

Ok in an effort to stay current I wanted to talk about the last few days. Well when I last left you all I was feeling good and on track. And for the record I still am. I have had some really great workouts in fact I have worked out everyday since Saturday! Including last night when I had 2 Junior League meetings to go to! I know right?! And let me just say a word about my Junior League of Baltimore leadership team! I put it out there that I HAD to go to the gym last night and before I got started on my presentation the President said and I know you have to get to the gym so we will not keep you too long!

I don’t get the warm and fuzzies over a lot of things but I must admit that I really felt…supported… by that statement. I have been in other settings where my workout schedule or my food choices were…well dealt with differently and I had to actually pause and be grateful for that. I gave my report, got some great feedback, had some wine…and got outta there! The benefit is there is a Lynne Bricks gym at the corner but I opted to drive to the one closer to my home because I didn’t want to stay downtown too late. Well I ended up calling them and they stayed open till 9:30pm which was news to me because I never workout at night! It was about 8pm and I made it there by 8:30pm and there were like 3 or 4 other women there. Needless to say I had my choice of workout equipment but I quickly avoided the Stairbeast lol and opted for Lippy (aka The Elliptical!)

WOW what a new day it is when Lippy is the lesser of two evils lol

Anyhow I did 35 minutes and took my tired butt home!

This is that tipping point in my set point. I can feel it. I am craving all kinds of crazy things like cupcakes… and as the devil would have it who do I spot yesterday when I was catching my late bus! Pinky the Curbside Cupcake truck! I mean seriously! I haven’t seen that damn pink truck in like 50 years ok like 5 months and of allll days it comes creeping and to MY bus stop?!? *kissing my teeth* And my bus was late!

But I resisted temptation!  Ok and the bus came… :-) LOL

Anyhoo I am back to training with Charles starting tomorrow! I mentioned in passing he closed his gym L So in an effort to keep his clients on the healthy path he worked out a free 30 day gym membership with my other gym (yes I have only 2 gyms it was 3 but Krav Maga is on hold for the moment) Anyhoo he is teaching his Chizel it class on Mondays and Wednesday at one location and Monday evenings at the other. So on Monday I did A "2 A Day!" Yes 2 workouts in one day! Whew! I think that will be my Monday norm from now on.

I am burning lots of calories at least according to my old heart rate monitor! My new one seems to clock almost half as many. Yes one day I wore them both. I don’t know what to do! I think one is too low and one may be too high! What’s a girl to do! The rule of thumb for Weight Watcher is 100 calories for 10 minutes so in 60 minutes on average the average size person would burn 600 calories. Everything has a margin of error so I guess the best thing to do is stay within my calories and workout consistently and it will pay off!

I have been logging into My Fitness Pal every day for 45 days now! Yeaaahhh me and I have been more active on boards and in groups. I was telling someone last night that I have to really immerse myself in the weight loss culture to stay focused. Birds of a feather I guess. So that’s what I have been doing.

But my body and mind are totally conspiring against me! I woke up yesterday morning craving steak! I don’t even like steak! I ended up having breakfast vs my normal Atkins protein shake and I had a fried bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich and do you know when I counted up the calories HALF of the sandwich (which is what I had) was almost 500 calories! I used to eat them like almost daily! Gheeshhh that’s just breakfast!

I know I am not one of those people who can say she doesn’t know WHY she gained weight or stayed heavy for so long. I like to eat! I enjoy food, fat, greasy, rich, flavorful foods! I just have to make better choices! Or like yesterday not have as much. First bite, 25th bite same thing except the calories.

Like last night after the gym it took EVERYTHING in me not to stop for a cookies and cream milk shake! Mind you the Chick-fila milk shake is like 800 calories! I had to speed by the shopping center! To make matters worst I guess I just didn’t realize how many fast food or other food places there are on my way home from the gym! I had to drive by all of these:

Wendy’s

Burger King

Popeye’s

Subway

BoneFish

Qdoba

Famous Dave’s

Noodle & Company

Outback

Five Guys

2 Italian Restaurants

At least three Chinese Restaurants

And I know I am forgetting a few! I only live like 7 miles from my gym and 3 miles are nothing but houses oh and a cornfield! That’s crazy! Right?!

So I did break and stop for a small bag of sour cream and onion chips and as my luck would have it I am wearing my gym clothes of course and it was a tshirt I got from a fitness event that says on the front “Don’t Just Exist” so the clerk goes “Ok I won’t just exist then but ughh what does the back say…”

In my head I said “NEWMAN” Here I am coming from the gym at almost 9 pm at night stopping off for chips wearing a shirt that says “Don’t Just Exist” on the back reads “Be Fit”

#EpicFail

So needless to say I turned around... and I turned red… and said “Ha well ignore the junk I am buying now ha ha ha!” So without judgement he proceeds to tell me about his new apartment and they have a gym and the first day he could only run less than a mile and he went again yesterday and was about to do 2.8 miles! So I said “That’s great! In no time you’ll be ready for the half marathon!” He smiled and I walked out with my sour cream and onion shame!

I mean ONLY ME! It’ll be good for the book though lol

Anyyyhoooowww I am dragging energy wise b/c I am still behind on taking my iron pills and I am feeling it today. I guess with all the working out and calories cutting and another natural thing the body does is it makes you feel more sluggish and tired as it tries to hold on to dear life to the stored fat cells. So I gotta push through and take my darn iron pills!

Well no real weight loss updates YET! But at least I have been consistent within a pound or two so hoping for a break through shortly! J

I am headed to the gym tonight for spinning and I am debating going to the Beres Hammond concert. I am debating going becauseee I don't want to run into "Beres Fan" b/c more than likely he will be there. Oh we had it out one last time and for real this time I am done. No hard feelings but its just not what I want and vice versa. I am ok with that. I'll have more dating updates in a few weeks! For now all is quiet and well. *Exhaling*

Be back soon!

Keep Calm and Love The Life You Live!

That's the motto!

Well I have been a bad bad blogger... I apologize but life has...all together now...been sooo busy!!! Right! What is new!? Well I have millions of updates MILLIONS but I will narrow it down to three!

FIRST! My 37th Birthday was AWESOMMEEEEE!!!! I am SOOOOOO grateful for my life and not just the fun times but literally for my life. The end of 2011 up until..well last week I have experienced a lot of death family members, friends, sorors. Some as young as 32 some as seasoned as in their 80s. I really can’t tell you how sobering it is for me to lose all these people back to back to back. I've been to more funerals in the last 6 months than in my entire life!

Its just renewed my belief in celebrating life and living my best life ever. So in keeping with that I picked an adventure themed birthday weekend which included white water rafting! I am awesome! Yup I said it!

Wisp Resort so peaceful!

View from our room!

My Birthday Goodie bag for my guests :-)

The girls!

I along with some friends and my Bobbie Christina went to Deep Creek, Maryland on the Saturday before my birthday and stayed at the Wisp Resort in McHenry. The Whitewater rafting took place at Adventure Sports Center International.  From Baltimore its less than 2 hours and it is a picturesque trip. The five of us road along our merry way and got there in no time! I had a whole itinerary planned out (which none of them read by the way!) and we were going to do the ski lift and hike back down but it didn’t look operational and to be honest the five of us are busy career women and I think we were so taken by the beauty of the place we just went to the restaurant and opted to enjoy the beautiful scenery and each other’s company! We even skipped dinner got to bed at a decent time because we... ok I... went on youtube looking for whitewater rafting videos and I was getting a lil scared lol But it was too late to punk out now!


I came up wit the idea from a friend who went a few years ago and I thought what a great idea but at my highest weight I couldn’t really imagine doing that so set it as a goal threw it up on a vision board and when I began this blog I thought of all the things I could do with this new body and I posted a few on the poll and I am checking each item off  1) Hot Yoga – √ 2) Indoor rock climbing-√ 3) hiking-√, anddd now white water rafting-√

Here are a few pictures! And as my life would have it I was the ONLY one to end up in the dang gone water lol The 15 minute this is what to do if you fall out the boat message basically was “Keep Calm” so when I saw the Keep Calm & Love the Life You Live poster it seemed like a perfect fit! :-)

 I had a blast!!!  It was a great getaway and I would do it again in a second! I actually won two free white water rafting passes at my Sorors’s nonprofit’s annual fundraiser Hand in Hand Baltimore! As my life would have it I lost the certificates :-( I called the and even though they couldn't find it in the system they let me book the trip anyway! Of course I found it last week so I plan to scan and email the kind woman who believed me! The ASCI set up is great and our guide was awesome! I have been convinced to start a travel blog so I will put more details there on how it all works, cost, etc. In the meantime here are some pictures!

Anddd we're off!

See how I am no where to be found?!?

#2 Non stop eating-Conference recap

Last week I had a two day conference in Baltimore! It was awesome! Ok the conference was just ok but the commute was awesome! I was back to my 20 minute door to door commute what a difference that made in my life! I love my job but the commute is horrible because I spend a good 3.5 hours four days a week just getting to and from work! On a good day. If it rains forget it! Anyway I used the extra time to hit the gym and pack snacks I was so prepared for the carb loaded stuff they had there! I was proud of myself!

One thing I noticed was I eat nonstop. Literally. ALL. DAY. It stood out because we were sitting in rows and while others were taking notes or texting nonstop I kept eating nonstop!  lol Now the items were low cal or healthy items I accounted for point wise but it just made me realize when I am NOT mindful of what I am eating that is how the calories add up so quickly!  I work with someone who is very very thin and I guess because I am always looking at food and weight/sizes I notice she eats non stop all day too but its like shredded wheat and carrots. :-/ Boo! When I really get into something work wise I eat non stop and I don’t usually pay attention to what it is.

I know this was true in law school and I know that contributed to my weight gain because of the stress. I don’t know the take away other than I understand I use food for stress and as I work on reducing that I need to be mindful of what I am snacking on. Stick with zero point fruits and veggies or be mindful of the portions of the other types of snacks I keep around. I went shopping for stuff because I didn’t want to be at the mercy of the vending machines and that worked well.

Conference stash didnt have half of it but better safe than sorry!

#3  The Set Point and Switching Up workouts – Percor and Stairmaster

I was watching Discovery health and they had a special about obesity and the effects of the body and they began discussing the Set Point Theory and it reminded me of the fact that I can’t do what others do and lose weight. My set point is higher and my body will fight me to keep it there out of self preservation. My body doesn’t know that I am still overweight. I went back and did more research again and it was a good reminder that while my set point may be higher than what I want I can beat my body into submission. It sounds cruel and abusive however it is what must be done. That was why Charles was so critical when I lost weight in 2009-2010 he kept switching up my workouts. My body had to keep guessing and building muscle helps to speed up my metabolism which is key in re-setting your body’s set point.

I posted something on the article that basically said this information was liberating to me because I spent a lot of time beating myself up about not having enough self control and motivation to lose weight but its deeper than that its biological. Knowledge is power. So I am jumping out of my box while Charles is in transition (he is closing his gym this month) so I tired some new machines and my goodness is my body responding. I feel good. Stronger. Leaner. I set a goal earlier this year to lose 44 pounds by the end of the year I am already 10 pounds in! Leaving 33 to go! More info on Setpoint can be found. As I said on the board it goes under the file of life isnt fair but its good to know. I wont lose 5 pounds in a week like others b/c my body will crave high calorie/fat food to feel safe at its set point so I have to ride it out and workout hard. Or don't! My choice.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/326795-how-to-change-your-body-weight-set-point/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/256965-how-to-lower-weight-set-point/

Da Beast!

I have also been obsessive over my calories/points because a piece of cheesecake will add 5 pounds to me while my body is fighting to get back at its higher weight and in someone else it will have no impact. So as I have been out and about traveling, partying, and socializing I am being overly critical of portions and options. I lost 2.4 after July 4^th that’s a huge victory! I had bites of a few things and didn’t over do it. Same at my Aunt’s 75^th birthday dinner which was held at Pine Bar & Grill in the Bronx. The food was great but the portions were huge! A few bites and pushed the plates away! It helped that my dress was so cute and I didn’t want anything poking out that shouldn’t be ;-) But honestly the first bite and the 25^th are the same except the calories.

On my way to my Aunt's 75th Bday dinner!

The beautiful birthday girl a two time brain cancer suvivor! She's amazing! 75 years young!

My fave Doc and Cuz all the way from JA!

My Cuz cuz (aka second cousin!)

White Sangria!

Pine Bar & Grill very nice! The BX!

I had another birthday for Soror and the restaurant's portions are crazy huge I went in knowing I would take food home and it’s a 2 for 1 dinner and lunch the next day. Blue Dolphin is great though! Just not diet friendly without self control :-)

All in all life is good! My workouts are back on track. I am glad I am not someone who hates working out I do get a great sense of self satisfaction when I compete a workout!  

My heart rate monitor has been key! I stopped using the new one it was low balling me! I think my old one with the new strap may be a lil high but its closer to the online calculators so I am going with that. My goal isn’t to eat any of them anyway so its all good!

Oh I also joined Black Girls Run Baltimore! I will do another post on that! I heard about it from Mimi and she has a workout blog I have mentioned before Again not a huge fan of walking or running but it works! It’s a cool group and some of my friends 10+ years joined me last Saturday to do it! It was about a 5 miler! Whew~!

The pink BGR  pom pom I am legit now!

Last week I went to the Baltimore Farmer’s Market and got some great stuff! I spent like $25 and good tons of veggies and fruits! They taste so clean and pure! Love it! I know I still owe yall a Farmer’s Market post and I will get it done soon promise!! Last week was their 35^th Anniversary so there were a lot of people including the Mayor who is looking gooodddd and thinnnnn! I saw her in Annapolis at a sorority event and I was so shocked I gave her a high 5! It was good to see she was still holding on tight to her results! Awesome!

That's all for now! Ok a few more pics from the shenanigans over the past few weeks!

  

 Remember!!!

Keep Calm and Love The Life You Live!

At the July 4th Baltimore NPHC Day Party

SkeePhi- Rho Xi Omega's event with the Alphas

Vegas baby!!!!

Birthday Cigars! Yes I am GROWN!

My Birthday Happy Hour!

My chapter Sorors!



Life is good!
:-)
If you are keeping track I am back to being 75 pounds down! :-)
That's like the size of a 1st or 2nd grader! I didnt really appreicate that last time so I need to celebrate!

June 2012~ Look At Me Naw!

It’s the first week in June already! What can I say? Time flies!

Last week I was pumped to drop 2.6 pounds after going out every day for a week straight. PUMPED! I got back to the gym and worked out with my personal trainer Charles. What a workout it was! He pulled out all the big guns! This month is our 3 year personal trainer-versary! And like any good man he knows how to keep our relationship fresh lol he pulled out the floor latter which I had to jump in and out of while doing bicep curls with 10 pounds weight, some new ab workouts, as well as some crazy BOSU ball push up and lifts I aint never seen’t before! All good stuff! I also ran on the treadmill like without stopping. I mean I know that’s not a big deal for some people but I usually walk and job lightly but I ran the whole time and I felt GOOD! Needless to say I am still sore like 3 days later! LOL To my credit I also stayed for his Chizel It class which is a combo on weights and cardio. So I got a good 2.5 hours in and I aint mad!

Laundry day I guess! Yikes! My old work shirt...



Some extra room there for sure lol



Sunday I went to the Great Grapes Wine Festival with some friends and my cousin cousin (2^nd cousin) who came by on break from medical school. I found an old picture of his brother, him, and me over 10 years ago and I was wearing the shirt above and it was TIGHT!!!! I don’t know why I still have these random 2 and 3x clothing hanging around but my Mom came recently and did laundry (didn’t know she put them in the guest room until my cousin came and I found them) so I found that old tshirt and wore it to the gym. It wasn’t until I was doing weights in the mirror that I noticed how HUGE the shirt was on me. I looked crazy! Why do I still own this shirt? Its trash! But I washed it and kept it anyway I guess its a good reminder.

That was over 10 years ago so I think those pictures will do the trick. Anyhoo the event was great! Here are a few pics!

Love my new dress!

Me Cousin cousin & lil sis

Love them!

This journey has had its ups and downs that’s for sure this week has been pretty busy and I have not cooked which means I have been eating out. Last week went so well but I am not too sure about this week.

I went to the Capital Jazz Festival on Saturday and I had food before I went but I was sooo tempted to have a fried plate of fatness and I know this is gonna sound horrible BUT there were so many morbidly obese people there I bought some peach lemonade and called it a day. But even the peach lemonade was a size gigantic! It was crazy! I didn’t see a lick fresh fruits or salad ANYWHERE! Good thing I wasn’t hungry anyway! My sister and I went to Red Lobster and even though I did ok the calories added up sooo quickly! We also went out Friday night and again I spilt everything in half but still!

Sunday I had a crab cake at the Great Grapes Wine Festival and threw away the bread and had a good bit of wine and enjoyed some music and sun! But they had these fresh cut & fried potato chips and by the end of the afternoon I couldnt resist! the only plus side is I had 5 people to share them with and I did! No food P@#n pic its better that way lol

The Blueberry was gooddd

Monday I took my cousin to IHOP for breakfast and again the calories just crept up on me! I saw Beres Fan yesterday (yeaaa and booo hiss) he bought (another vintage) car needed a favor in the form of a ride so I said ok. I felt really bad I forgot his birthday! Like totally forgot then I ended up getting him a gift so when he called it seemed like good timing. We got the car, went to the auto parts store for a few things, then we went to dinner. We had a good convo but he’s still a man and they have their limits when it comes to chatting! LOL but I dunno I think we are too different and both too stuck in our ways to change enough to make it work… but only time will tell in the meantime its almost my birthday!! And whitewater rafting is on the menu! But so is losing this extra 7 pounds!

I am logging everything into My Fitness Pal and well we’ll see how next Saturday goes.

I packed my lite Cesar salad kit, watermelon, apple, soup, and fiber 1 bar to take with me today. I am already halfway through my 64oz water bottle and I plan to finally hit that boxing class tomorrow night! All good things!

I hope all is well on your ends!!!