The Challenge - Final Weigh In Results

Here are the final results of the 8 week challenge. 

I am feeling really proud of what I have achieved, it hasn't been easy but it has sure been rewarding.

My Goals for the 8 Weeks...

To loose .5kg - 1kg per week.

*I lost .65kg per week

For my Size 12 Jeans (pictured in before photo) to fit comfortably.

*Whilst they are more comfortable I would like them to be a little looser.

To be able to run 4km continuously in under 30minutes.

*Knee has prevented me from running but my fitness level has improved.

To get adequate rest (bed before midnight).

*Had maybe one night a week that I went over curfew and then it was only by an hour at the most.

Follow Exercise and Nutrition Plans.

*I am so happy with my dedication to this, even when I did come off the rails I was able to get back on again which is a huge accomplishment as in the past I would of just given up.

Hyrdrate my body by drinking 2Lt of Water per day.

*I didn't get my 2Lt everyday but I have been drinking more than I used to - I would like to improve on this.

Increase Skeletal Muscle % and Decrease Body Fat %

*Achieved - Whoo Hoo!!

Read more "The Challenge - Final Weigh In Results"

The Challenge - Weigh In #8 (Last one)

Well, unfortunately I didn't end the challenge with an awesome weigh in result but I'm not letting it get to as its only a gain of 300 grams and the other results didn't change which are actually the more important statistics. 

OMG how far have I come! Before this challenge an increase of even 100 grams would of been a huge issue and had me down in the dumps for days but I've come to realise that the weight reading on the scales can be a very fickle thing in deed - not to say that its not important, its just not the only indictator of whether or not I am on the right track.

Besides that, the overall total is what matters the most and focusing on the positives is what will keep me forging forward.

Read more "The Challenge - Weigh In #8 (Last one)"

The Challenge - Day 4, Week 8

I am sooooooo sore that tonight I have decided not to go to my Impact Training Toning class!  Gotta say though that its a good sore as there is nothing worse than working my arse off and not having anything to show for it . 

Monday: 

40 minutes of Cardio & 45 minutes of Impact Boxing

Tuesday:

10 minutes Cycle (warm up), 45 minutes PT & 60 minutes Fighting Fit

Wednesday:

45 minutes Boxing & 20 minutes Spin Cycle

Thursday:

60 minutes (30 minutes PT & Cardio/Weights)

Total so far this week: 325 minutes (5hours 25minutes)

Whoa that's massive I knew that I had done a bit but didn't realise I'd done that much, I don't feel so guilty not going tonight now. 

Well on that note I do believe that putting my feet up and veging in front of the idiot box is the way to go!

Read more "The Challenge - Day 4, Week 8"

The Challenge - Day 2, Week 8

Whoa what an intense workout day its been any wonder I am buggered!

Endurance based weight training. (PT session with Kerriann)

10 minute warm up doing a Fat Burn on the Recumb Bike.

1.  Barbell Upright Row - Shoulder Press - Upright Row and so on repeatedly until fatigue and then I got to drop the heavier bar and do it all over again with the lighter one!

2. Pushups - on my toes!!  Yep, you read it right a proper full ROM pushup and when I couldn't do that anymore it was girly ones on my knees.

3.  Straight Leg Deadlifts - 20 reps plus some.

4.  Chin Ups starting outwide for 10 reps and then coming in narrow for 10 reps

5.  Spin - up out of the saddle on high tension for 30seconds and then a Sprint  - Repeat!

Repeat 1, 2, 3, 4

6.  Abs - Incline Bench with weight (10 x RHS Russians, 10 x LHS Russians, 10 x Overhead Crunches)

Repeat 3, 2, 6

Cool Down Treadmill Brisk Walk at Increasing Inclines

Needless to say that I this afternoon I had a nana nap LOL!!

Fighting Fit Class at Gym (with Neil)

This was an intense Cardio/Circuit/Abs workout that burnt over 600 calories and as full on as it was I will be doing it again for sure. 

We did 1 minute on each of the circuit posts with high intenstity Boxing/Combat moves in between. 

We went though the circuit 4 times before doing Abs and then some Tai Chi style stretching.  

Oh and on top of that we did some Mitt Work, while jogging on the spot with knees up.  Jab Cross Punches, Upper Cuts and Hooks.

Circuit:  Barbell Bicep Curls,  Weight Shoulder Press, Bike, Skipping, Bike, Floor to Ceiling Bag, Speed Ball, Boxing Bag, Speed Ball, Boxing Bag, Floor to Ceiling Bag, Leg Lifts, Step Ups, Bike, Resistance Band, Step Ups 

Well in saying all that its now time for bed so that I can do another Boxing class tomorrow.

Read more "The Challenge - Day 2, Week 8"

The Challenge - Weigh In #7, Day 1 Week 8

I got the Trifecta again which I am very happy about, so happy infact that I even did a little victory dance in the Gym this morning LOL!! 

So far in 7 weeks I have lost a total of 5.5kg Weight, 3.3% Body Fat and Gained 1.4% Muscle.

I now have less than 10kg and less than 6% BF to loose until I am at my goal.  Although I know that its still a little while away I at least know that I can (and will) do it!  Gotta say that the thought of reaching it is a little scary and leaves me thinking..."what happens then?" but; as the saying goes I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

I am sooooo tired tonight, I even had to push myself to go to Boxing and normally I can't wait to get there.  It goes to show that relying on motivation alone is not the key, you need to do it regardless of whether you are motivated or not!!

In saying that I have a big week ahead of me as I want to end the challenge on a high!

Lastly I wanted to share my newest Before and After picture. 

Before 2000 and After July 2010.

Read more "The Challenge - Weigh In #7, Day 1 Week 8"

The Challenge - Day 7, Week 7

Last night Glenn and I went to an engagement party and so we decided to make the most of a kid free night and get all glammed up.  I brought my dress at Femme (Caroline Morgan) which is one of the little Asian Shops and its a Size L (12).  I must admitt that I felt pretty good being able to see that my hard work is paying off, and I am so proud of myself as there were '2' chocolate fountains and I managed to avoid temptation.  I did have 1 party pie and 3 lollie snakes but I burnt those off by shaking my groove thang LOL!  Oh and stuck to good ole H20 all night too - no hangover for me!!

Today's plan is to be good food wise and to chill out spending quality time with my precious family!!

Read more "The Challenge - Day 7, Week 7"

The Challenge - Day 6, Week 7

The end of the 8 weeks challenge is drawing ever near and that to me is a little sad!  I have however made the decision to continue on with the nutrition and exercise plan for an extra 4 weeks - taking it to a total of 12 before having a short break (which NO, doesn't mean going off the rails and eating junk and not exercising) and then taking up the next Challenge whatever that may be. 

Whilst this challenge has only been for a period of 8 weeks, to me it has been a learning experience and one that I plan to make 'life' changing - so really this 8 weeks is only just the beginning!  Not only is it the beginining of a new me but also of new friendships and special bonds that I am so blessed to have made.

Anyway enough of the soppy stuff I just wanted to touch base and fill you in of this weeks Food and Training!

Food wise I am back on track which was hard to do after the big splurge but I didn't want to see bad results at weigh in and so fingers crossed that come Monday I will have a good result.

Exercise wise I mixed things up a bit this week due to having different trainers and let me just say that my poor old body is definitely feeling it - OUCH!!  Even though I am sore I know that I have worked hard which feels AWESOME!!

This weeks achievements....

New PLANK Record is 2:50.  My next goal is to reach the 3 minute mark.

I pressed 80kg (my body weight) on the Squat Rack.

All weights have been increased - now that challenge is on!

Read more "The Challenge - Day 6, Week 7"

The Challenge - Weigh In #6 Day 1, Week 7

I achieved the Trinity this week - Lost Weight, Lost Body Fat and Gained Muscle!! Whoo Hoo - AWESOME result!

My motivation over the weekend and for the most part of today was pretty much non existant.  On top of that I have also felt drained and just generally blah. 

Despite feeling this way I managed to kick myself up the butt (after a good cry) and find the motivation to clean my house and go to Impact Fitness Boxing Class.

I am now happy to report that I am feeling more positive and ready for a productive week.  Its amazing how empowered one can feel after bashing the crap out of the boxing mitts!

Well that's it from me for tonight, I have a big upper body workout planned in the morning so its time for some much needed rest.

Thank you all so much for the support it is very much appreciated.

Only 2 weeks of the Challenge remaining!  (Well the Official Challenge anyway, I've decided to do the 12 weeks instead of 8 - crazy I know!!).

Read more "The Challenge - Weigh In #6 Day 1, Week 7"

The Challenge - Day 7, Week 6

I have the GUILTS something bad right now - OMFG what the hell was I thinking?? 

Friday Night I had 2 Chocolate Crackles (320 calories), an Atkins Peanut Cluster Bar (110 calories) and a Small Bag of Potatoe Chips (127 calories).

Saturday Night I had 2 Chocolate Crackles (320 calories), a handful of Dixie Drumstick Snacks (59 calories) and a 125g of buttered popcorn (685 calories)!!  

Even though I didn't pig out today I skipped meals and didn't choose as wisely as I should have considering the past couple of days pigouts!  Which I think is just as bad.

Was it worth it?  NO! NO! NO!

Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the Popcorn lots because as we all know its my favourite!  As for the others they were just me eating because it was there.  Well the chocolate crackles were because Acey made them and was very excited!   

This feeling right now SUCKS.  All that is going around in my head is "What if the fat % on the scales go up", "What if the girls look at my Calorie King?".  I considered just writting the days off and not writing down and sharing my embarrasment but that would be lying to myself and as honesty is the best policy I just couldn't do it - besides if I did that how could I learn from it?

So anyway as bad as I am feeling right now I need to try to forgive myself and just get back on track.  These things are going to happen, but its how I handle and learn from that matters.

Read more "The Challenge - Day 7, Week 6"

The Challenge - Day 2, Week 6

Today was a 'blah' kind of day for me to the point of me bawling my eyes out in the Gym (half way through my PT session) like a sooky girl - how embarrassing!  

I am so frustrated that my knee is still sore and prevents me from doing certain exercises (eg. Dead Lifts) when I really want to work to my full potential.  On top of that I felt that my performance was pathetic as I was struggling to push past my sticking point, which for me means that it beat me and that is something I don't deal with very well. 

I am so thankful to my traniner Kerriann and to my team mate Sarah who comforted and reassured me that I was just being too hard on myself.  

Once I got myself together I managed to dig deep, focus and push on to finish the session which I feel is a postive step as I could of just walked away.

Anyway I felt that it was equally as important to share this side of the challenge as well as the highs.

Read more "The Challenge - Day 2, Week 6"

The Challenge - Weigh In #5, Day 1 Week 6

Well in the words of Mr. Meatloaf, 2 out of 3 aint bad!!  Weight Down, Muscle Down but No Change in Muscle Percentage.

So far over the past 5 weeks I have lost a total of
4.1kg and 2.1% body fat.

I looked up in the Louise Hay 'You can heal your life' book tonight about Knee Problems and this is what it says:  'Stubborn ego and pride.  Inability to bend.  Fear.  Inflexibility.  Won't give in.'  Which as much as I hate to admitt it (perfect example right there LOL), does speak volumes!

Affirmation:

"I bend and flow with ease, and all is well."  Forgiveness, Understanding and Compassion is the key!

This weeks goals:

• To loose .5 - 1.0kg
• To loose .5% - 1.0% Body Fat
• Hopefully increase Muscle Percentage without it affecting my weight
• Stay true to my Nutrition plan

Well that's it for now as I have a million and one things to get done before my midnight curfew and I need my rest as I have a feeling that tomorrow I will be tortured in my PT session!

Read more "The Challenge - Weigh In #5, Day 1 Week 6"

The Challenge Day 4, 5, 6, 7 - Week 5

This week has been one of frustration, complatency, guilty splurges and self punishment and so I am interested to see how it is reflected in tomorrow's weigh in results again if it is a not so great result I have only myself to blame!

I have still exercised this week despite my knee giving me crap which I know is a huge step as I haven't let it beat me.  I must say though that the limitations have been incredibly frustrating to say the least.  I brought a brace on Friday and since wearing it I have noticed some improvement.  I am hoping that it will provide enough support to be able to work a little harder this week. 

Food wise I have been slack and allowing myself to have little splurges here and there.  Although its nothing major all the little bits and pieces add up, for example:  stealing one of the kids chips when I open their packet, having a bite of Glenn's piece of cake, a low fat muffin, an extra serve of pasta with 'real' cheese.  I really need to kick myself up the butt and get back on track or else all the hardwork I have put in will be undone! 

So that's it from me for today.  Stay Tuned for the weight in results.

Read more "The Challenge Day 4, 5, 6, 7 - Week 5"

The Challenge - Day 2, 3 Week 5

I did it!!  I went to the movies and did not have one single piece of popcorn!!  I was even passing it back and forth between Glenn, Mum and the Boys and managed to stay strong.  I am so proud of me right now. :oD

Its been a week of ups and downs with regards to motivation for training but I have been plodding along and trying to keep up the determination.  I must say though that having an awesome trainer who won't let me give in even when I say "I can't" makes all the difference.  

Oh now for the bit the sucks;  I hurt my knee at Zumba yesterday :o( and so now I am a little limited with training until it heals which is f*#('n frustrating.  I am not letting it slow me down completely though as there is plenty that I can still do as long as I don't push. 

I was thinking today when I was doing Boxing that if I had of been injured a couple of months ago I would of used it as an excuse not to be able to do anything except sit on my butt and eat popcorn LOL - goes to show that a leopard can change its spots if it really wants to!  Another accomplishment!

Oh, lastly I wanted to share a couple of really Yummy food ideas.

Maple Mustard Chicken

Chicken Breast

Sugar Free Maple Syrup

Wholegrain Mustard

Mix the Maple Syrup and Mustard together and rub into Chicken.  Place under Griller and cook both sides.

Lamb Wraps

Lamb Strips (Marinate in Yogurt, Garlic, Rosemary and Mint)

Onion

Capsicum (Tri Colour)

Lettuce

Mountain Bread

Lite Greek Yogurt

Cook up Lamb with Onion and Capsicum.  On a Mountain bread, place Lettuce, Lamb, Onion and Capsicum and top with a Dallop of Yogurt.

That's it for tonight, sorry I haven't been doing daily entries but I have been feeling a little behind the 8 ball and there are just not enough hours in the day.  Thank you so much for the support.

Read more "The Challenge - Day 2, 3 Week 5"

The Challenge - Weigh in #4, Day 1, Week 5

Todays weigh in result was as I expected - a GAIN!!  But, on a plus I didn't let the team down because my Body Fat % was a LOSS!  So it at least shows that I did something right.  I am fairly confident that the weight gain is not just due to me splurging on Birthday Cake and Fish 'n' Chips but also a lack of bowel movement and muscle gain. 

I can't help but still feel disappointed even though theres also a positive result but beating myself up about it will only lead to destructive behaviour and I am so not going back there.  So its time to get back on track and just keep on keeping on. 

Surely if I do all the right things again this week I am bound to find the balance point for Weight Loss, Fat Loss and Musce Gain!!  

Read more "The Challenge - Weigh in #4, Day 1, Week 5"

The Challenge - Day 7, Week 4

In general this week, I was happy with my exercise effort but know that I could of done better food wise.

My Baby Boy turned 5 yesterday and so its been a HUGE weekend of celebration.

I am shitty at myself, if tomorrows results suck then I have no one to blame except myself and that means not only have I let myself down but my team mates too.  Note to self:  NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS BEING THIN WILL FEEL!!

OK tomorrow is a new day and the start of a new week and regardless of the result I will just keep on keeping on, we all make mistakes how we amend them is what matters.  IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO START AGAIN!!

Read more "The Challenge - Day 7, Week 4"

The Challenge Day 1, 2, 3 Week 4

Not a huge weight loss this week but the fat loss percentage more than makes up for it.  Finally it looks as though I am on the right track, I just hope that I can reach a balance at some point soon so that I can achieve both my weight loss and fat % goals.

Total of 3.9kg, 13.5cm and 1.5% BodyFat 

I have missed out on blogging the past couple of nights due to being too exhausted on all levels - mentally, phycially and emotionally and although I am still feeling much the same,  I really felt as though I needed to get it all out.

I must admitt that I have been somewhat stressed this week as I feel as though the Challenge is consuming me.  Of course it doesn't help that I am juggling it all around my family, work, study and other committments.  I am however confident that when it becomes second nature and once the 'challenge' side of things is over I can find some kind of happy medium so that I can fit everything in nicely. 

Physically I have been working hard this week so I can hopefully achieve good results in both weight and fat loss.  One of the best decisions I have made this week was to use my Personal Training Sessions to focus on my Resistance Training rather than Cardio, its amazing what one can achieve with a kick up the butt!!

Emotionally its been really hard to stay focused as I have been worried about my Step Dad who was rushed into hospital for an emergency operation (incarcerated hernia) on Monday.  He is up in Mackay QLD and I'm here in Victoria so I'm feeling very usless as I just wish there was something that I could do to help.  This afternoon we found out that since the operation he has developed an infection which sets back recovery.  I am hoping with all that I have that he will pull through and get better soon.

 Well thats it from me for now, Thank you so much for your support.

Read more "The Challenge Day 1, 2, 3 Week 4"

The Challenge - Day 6 & 7, Week 3

Another week is almost over and tomorrow is weigh in and measure day which I am kind of nervous and excited about all at the same time.  The past week has been the hardest so far due to a number of factors;  moontime, lapband adjustment and general complacency, however I am still as motivated as ever to reach my goals.

Total Exercise:  5 hours and 45 minutes

Monday - Boxing Class with Impact (45 minutes)

Tuesday - Upper Body Resistance + Cardio (60 minutes)

Wednesday - NOTHING

Thursday - P/T, Fat Burn, Lower Body Resistance + Toing Class with Impact (2 hours 30 minutes)

Friday - Group Training Circuit (45 minutes)

Saturday - Boxing and Toning Class with Impact (45 minutes)

Sunday - REST DAY WHOO HOO Sleep in until 2pm!! 

Food:

My Calorie intake has improved slightly although still not where it should be at between the 1400 - 1600 calorie mark, but I am working on it.

Read more "The Challenge - Day 6 & 7, Week 3"

The Challenge - Day 4, Week 3

EXERCISE:  2 Hours and 30 minutes!!

Whoa!!!!!! It was a huge training day but somehow I managed to dig deep and do it despite feeling flat and I gotta say that I am so proud of that accomplishment.  Its amazing how time flies when you are in the zone and working out with friends!

30 minutes Personal Training.

Warm Up on Treadmill @5kph

CIRCUIT X 3

Stairs with 6kg Dumbell (singles down - doubles up X2)

Boxing - 8 Jab Cross + 4 Scissor Jumps (over and over again)

Bar - Upright Row, Overhead Raise, drop bar behind shoulders and Squat, Overhead Raise and Lower (over and over)

Stepper

30 minutes Fat Burn on Recumb Bike

30 minutes of Lower Body Resistance 

15 minutes of Abs

45 minutes Toning Class

FOOD:

Dinner was really YUMMY and I will make it again for sure.

Easy Chow Mien

Serves 5

1 tbs Olive Oil

1 Brown Onion

1 tsb Garlic

500g Lean Mince

500g Bag of Coles Coleslaw Mix

3 Stalks of Celery

2 tsb Curry Powder

2 tsb Soy Sauce

400g of Ardona Tomatoes

500ml Water

1 tsp of Salt Reduced Chicken Stock

I basically just browned off the Onion, Garlic and Mince in olive oil and then threw everything else in and turned it onto simmer for 15 - 30 minutes (depending on how soft you like your vegies).

Read more "The Challenge - Day 4, Week 3"

The Challenge - Day 3, Week 3

I did it - I had .5ml removed from my band!!  Now I just hope and pray that it works in my favour and not against gotta say that I'm not feeling all that optimistic but its worth a try either way.

I didn't do a workout today as my iron levels are way too low and I am feeling very drained and just generally blah (moontime).  Do I feel guilty about it - yep!!  I am however trying to convince myself that it is OK.

Food wise I have done well and my calories are almost where they should be which is fantastic - a plus of 'no exercise' - no deficit.  I have been craving chocolate and comfort food all day though which has been hard to deal with, but I have been strong.

Well thats all for today, I am going to bed to snuggle with my wheat bag, watch the idiot box and not eat chocolate (boo hoo).

Read more "The Challenge - Day 3, Week 3"

The Challenge - Day 2, Week 3

After yesterday's weigh in result I allowed myself to splurge a little and I woke up this morning feeling really guilty - all I can say is Thank goodness I did the Impact Boxing Class last night otherwise I would of completely blown out the calories.  Check out what I pigged out on Here.  I know its not 'really really' bad I still feel like I went overboard.

In the past I would of let it get to me and then spent the day either not eating or eating and purging or maybe not purging, exercising to the extreme or not at all and just generally beating myself up about it.  Today however I decided to build a bridge, get over it and just get back on track which is another HUGE Step for me!

FOOD:

Tonights dinner was D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S.  I was inspired by the front cover of the June 2010 Recipes + Edition and made my own version of Minted Lamb and Peas Pie.

Minted Lamb and Peas Pie

(Serves 5)

1 tbs Olive Oil

1/2 tbs Minced Garlic

500g Lamb

1 Brown Onion

Fresh Mint

1/2 Cup of Peas

1 Carrot (Diced)

400g Ardmona Chopped Tomatoes

2 Cups Water

1 tsp Salt Reduced Chicken Stock Powder

Mashed Potatoe or Kumera (I used both)

Brown lamb with garlic, onion and fresh mint.  Add peas, carrot, tomotoes and Chicken Stock and bring to the boil.  Spoon mixture into individual ramikins and place into oven at 180 degrees until cooked.  Top with Mashed Potatoe and Serve.

Note:  I sprinkled tasty cheese on top of the boys potatoe and put them back into the oven until it melted which was a big hit!

EXERCISE:

Normally on a Tuesday I head to the Gym where I put Jazz into Creche for an hour so that I can do a half hour PT session followed by an extra 15 minutes on the bike BUT today that didn't happen and so I did my Upper Body Workout in my Home Gym and finished it off with a Jog/Walk around the block.  

OVERALL:

I am discovering that it would become very easy to get complacent at this stage in the challenge and so I am trying very hard to keep my enthusiasm up.  I say trying because the whole increase in body fat % has been really playing on my mind.  I feel as though I have let the team and my trainer down and most of all myself.  Yes the weight loss is awesome but its only one part of the bigger picture and I don't want to be 'Skinny Fat' - I want to be Fit and Healthy.

Once again today's calorie intake SUCKS (no where near 1000 calories) and so in order to try to get more food in so that I can come out of Starvation Mode and boost my metabolism, tomorrow I am heading off to get my lap band loosened.  I will be honest and say that I contemplated cancelling my appointment today and not going through with it but I need to be brave and remember that I am now in control and I can do it - Food does not rule my life!  I am hoping that it will make a difference even if only just slightly.

Read more "The Challenge - Day 2, Week 3"