Still on track ...

& down another 2 oz. This brings my total weight loss for the week to 2.8 pounds. I'm so excited to keep seeing the weight come off. I'm not letting the weekend bring me down like I have in the past. I have planned out my meals & DH & I are going for a nice trail walk/jog after breakfast. Gotta get out there before it gets to warm. I'm thinking summer is gonna be a heat wave with the way spring is. We need rain!!! If you've got some extra ... PLEASE send it our way!

Food of the day;

Breakfast
	Cals	Fiber	Fat	Carbs	Prn
Fiber Choice Supplement (orange), 1 serving	16	4	0	4	0
Regular Coffee, 3 cup (8 fl oz)	7	0	0	0	1
Cream substitute, Coffee-mate fat free, 2 tbsp	20	0	0	4	0
Milk, nonfat, 1 cup	86	0	0	12	8
Instant, Quick, and Regular Oats Cereal, 0.75 cup, cooked	104	3	2	18	4
Instant, Quick, and Regular Oats Cereal, 0.75 cup, cooked	104	3	2	18	4
Instant, Quick, and Regular Oats Cereal, 0.75 cup, cooked	104	3	2	18	4
Brown Sugar, 3 tsp packed	52	0	0	13	0
Cantaloupe, 1 cup, balls	62	1	0	15	2
	553	14	6	102	24
Lunch
Onions, raw, 4 slice, medium (1/8" thick)	21	1	0	5	1
Turkey, Ground turkey, 93% lean, 2.5 oz	100	0	5	0	14
Salsa, 5 tbsp	22	1	0	5	1
White Rice, medium grain, 0.5 cup	121	0	0	27	2
Fiber Choice Supplement (orange), 1 serving	16	4	0	4	0
	281	7	5	40	18
Dinner
Broccoli, fresh, 2 spear (about 5" long)	17	2	0	3	2
Cauliflower, raw, 0.5 cup	13	1	0	3	1
Chicken Breast, no skin, 0.4 breast, bone andskin removed	104	0	1	0	22
Cheddar or Colby Cheese, Low Fat, 2 oz	98	0	4	1	14
Oriental Rice RECIPE, 1 serving	120	2	5	17	2
Oatmeal Cookies, 1 cookie	57	0	3	8	1
	409	5	13	32	41
Snack
Apples, fresh, 1 medium (2-3/4" dia) (approx 3 per lb)	81	4	0	21	0
	81	4	0	21	0
	1,324	30	26	195	83
	1240 - 1590	25 - 35	33 - 58	168 - 242	60 - 130

Video Switch a Roo

I was all set to do my little Prevention walk this morning but as the day drug on & I kept putting my workout off I just couldn't seem to get motivated to basically march in place. I know it's a fun video but I wanted something fresh ... something new. Well, MIL needed to go to Walmart to pick up some meds so I decided to look for a new workout video. Walmart is not my favorite place to look for videos (excercise) because they just don't have a very good selection anymore. I don't know why but they don't. Well as it happens there was a video that I have been thinking about getting for a while now but for some reason or another I decide not to get the thing ... well not this time.

I absolutely love this dance video--it's just plain fun. However, it could prove difficult for people without any dance experience. If I hadn't taught dance aerobics classes for a couple of years plus done all the other dance videos that breaks down steps, I would have been completely lost. Many people may not pick things up as quick as I do, but if you have limited or no dance experience, I wouldn't recommend this DVD unless you are naturally very coordinated.

This summer I'm taking a Latin Jazz class, and this DVD features many Latin dancing staples (the Cha Cha, the Samba, and the Paso Doble). "Dancing with the Stars" will be a great way to reinforce the routines in the Latin Jazz Class. As an additional selling point, Maks has beautiful line and great technique--I loved watching him demonstrate (and the fact that he is gorgeous and 6'2" only added to my enjoyment). The bubbly Ashly can move at lightning speed with flawless precision.

The last segment, the improvisational bonus challenge, was high-energy and fun to watch, but for me, completely undoable. Instruction was almost non exsistant which really sucks when your used to getting a break down of moves first. Overall though ... for $10 and a steaming hot video ... if you can learn dance steps after a couple of viewings then you'll love this video.

If you've ever watched a season of Dancing With the Stars, then you've seen how fit the stars get from dancing week by week. All that booty shaking can really burn a lot of calories (one hour of ballroom dancing can burn 300 calories). Two of the professional dancers on the show, Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Cheryl Burke, demonstrated a dancing workout on People recently that looks like a lot of fun.

 

 

Here are highlights:

Dancing’sMaksim Chmerkovskiy, who, along with Seasons 2 and 3 champion Cheryl Burke, shows his moves below. “Working out on machines is so boring,” Maksim says. “This way, you can change the atmosphere, the mood – and you’re also learning how to dance.”

For a step by step guide for getting in a workout with three different dances, just read more

The Samba: 1. Stand with feet together, bend at the knees and bounce to the samba beat while contracting abdominals. 2. Step to the side and back to the center. This benefits your thighs, calves and abdominals, says Maksim. To increase intensity, bounce up on your toes as you move.

Paso Doble: 1. Swing your partner from one side to the other (as a matador swings his cape, which Cheryl represents). 2. Move your hips forward, twist your body and make a circle with your arms to stretch and tone abs and obliques. 3. Finish by swiveling your hips and allowing your partner to open her arms.

The Rumba & Cha-Cha: 1. For the rumba, lunge on one leg – great for thighs and glutes. Your partner leans in, working her inner thigh. 2. Now, the cha-cha. Spin your partner. To maintain her center, she keeps her abs tight throughout. 3. “Twist the body, extend the arm but don’t relax your abs or you’ll fall off balance!” Maksim warns.

If you're feeling this type of a workout, then you may also want to try the Dancing With the Stars DVD.

Weigh In Day!!!

Every Friday is weigh in day for both of the diet groups that I belong today I was happy to weigh in as the scale gods have been great to me all week long. I guess I have been good to them to cause I'm not breaking their backs as much as I used to. he he he.  I'm down 2.6 for the week ... I have no doubt that I will have continued success. SO the scale says ...

         

 

Food plan for the day ...

Breakfast
	Cals	Fiber	Fat	Carbs	Prn
Fiber Choice Supplement (orange), 1 serving	16	4	0	4	0
Regular Coffee, 4 cup (8 fl oz)	9	0	0	0	1
Cream substitute, Coffee-mate fat free, 2 tbsp	20	0	0	4	0
Cantaloupe, 1 cup, diced	55	1	0	13	1
Milk, nonfat, 1 cup	86	0	0	12	8
Multi-Grain Cheerios Cereal, 1 cup	108	3	1	24	3
	294	8	2	57	13
Lunch
Savory Spinach with Tomatoes RECIPE, 0.5 serving	28	2	1	3	2
Hard Boiled Egg, 1 large	78	0	5	1	6
Salsa, 5 tbsp	22	1	0	5	1
Apples, fresh, 1 large (3-1/4" dia) (approx 2 per lb)	125	6	1	32	0
Peanut Butter, smooth style, 2 tbsp	190	2	16	6	8
Fiber Choice Supplement (orange), 1 serving	16	4	0	4	0
	459	15	24	51	18
Dinner
Peas, edible-podded, raw, 12 pea pods	17	1	0	3	1
Baby Carrots, raw, 5 medium	19	1	0	4	0
Chicken Breast, no skin, 0.4 breast, bone and skin removed	104	0	1	0	22
Parmesan Cheese, grated, 3 tbsp	68	0	5	1	6
Whole Wheat Spaghetti, cooked (pasta), 0.6 cup	104	4	0	22	4
Whole Wheat Spaghetti, cooked (pasta), 0.6 cup	104	4	0	22	4
Spaghetti/Marinara Sauce (tomato sauce), 0.5 cup	71	2	3	10	2
	488	12	10	63	40
Snack
Pears, fresh, 0.5 pear, medium (approx 2-1/2 per lb)	49	2	0	13	0
Whole Wheat English Muffin, 0.5 muffin	67	2	1	13	3
Honey, 0.5 tbsp	32	0	0	9	0
	148	4	1	35	3
	1,389	38	37	206	75
	1240 - 1590	25 - 35	33 - 58	168 - 242	60 - 130

 

Video of the day:

 

Three separate indoor walking-style workouts plus an audio CD for your outdoor fitness walks. Each workout uses a specific fat-burning technique — you can choose from: fast/slow aerobic intervals, steady-pace cardio or aerobic/toning intervals. This varied format is a motivating mix that maximizes interest while it challenges your muscles in different ways. These always-easy-to-follow programs offer more variety than many walking workouts. Besides the usual marches and kicks, Chris Freytag also includes salsa, taps, “speed skating” and jogs. Note: all three workouts have the same warm-up and cooldown. 2 to 5 lb. dumbbells are used in the aero/tone section. The separate audio CD features five 10 to 15-minute walks at five intensity levels; it keeps you on-pace with precisely programmed instrumental music and occasional walking tips. I love this video on days when I don't want to do anything else. The instructor is a great motivator ... some days I think I like her better than Leslie Sansone ... her voice doesn't grate on my nerves. he he he

 

Recruiting

ThinChicks is opening it's doors for new membership for the month of June. If your interested, please read on.

The name of this challenge?

This month we are changing things up ... we'll be working along side the D-I-E-T weight loss group. We figure more ladies = more support.

Things to ponder when deciding to join ThinChicks;

Are you in a weight loss slump? Did you start the year all gung ho but now your suffering from diet fatigue? Well, come on in & sit a spell ... get rid of the diet fatigue with fun daily challenges & sometimes comicical conversation. What have you got to lose but some weight?

This challenge starts June 1st & runs until June 30th. Good luck in the challenge & may the biggest loser win.

Challenge Rules: 1. You must check in no less than once a week.

2. You must post your weight each Friday. Photo prefered but not required!

3. If you chose to drop out of the challenge you will not be eligible for the prize.

4. After the challenge starts you can join in the challenge but you won't be eligible for a prize.

5. You must be willing to send me your snail mail if you win the challenge so I can send you your prize.

Group Rules that must be followed or your membership will be terminated without advance knowledge.

1. NO DRAMA!!! If you have a problem with someone in the group e-mail the founder privately, DO NOT address the group as a whole! (founder address can be found on the main Thin Chicks page).

2. This is a group for support so to get it you must also give it.

3. You must check in no less than once a week.

4. You are not permitted to change your e-mail delivery to special notice only. Daily Digest is acceptable however it is discourage because any photos that may come through the group will not be shown on daily digest.

Think this group/challenge is for you? Click below to join.

 

Click to join thinchicks

Day 4 ... strolling along

Not happy with how I look in the mirror but baby steps taken will make my appearance much more appealing.

Tip for the day: Adding new food & variety to your plan will help keep your diet interesting & keep you motivated.

 I'm still on target with my weight loss. The scale was acting a little funny this morning so I'm just gonna put in the # that showed up the most. The lowest was 202.8 & the most was 204.6. The most common number is;

 so that's what I'm going with this morning. That's another 4oz gone for me ... a total of 2.2 for the week ... I still have 3 more weigh ins for the week. Tomorrow is my official weigh in for ThinChicks & then Monday will be the first weigh in for the D-I-E-T June challenge. I'm so darned excited about this weight coming off. I truly hope I can continue with this momentum cause seeing a loss ... even so small is making a HUGE impact on my mood.

  My food is still on target ... eating most everything that Spark People has set up for me. Went shopping yesterday so I have no excuses for not sticking with my plan. I've noticed the closer I stick to my diet & fitness routine ... the more I stay thirsty. I drank about 170oz of water yesterday ... yes 170 ... I was still thirsty when I went to bed & even thirstier when I woke. Here's my food plan for the day ...

Breakfast
	Cals	Fiber	Fat	Carbs	Prn
Strawberries, fresh, 2 cup, halves	91	7	1	21	2
Fiber Choice Supplement (orange), 1 serving	16	4	0	4	0
Regular Coffee, 4 cup (8 fl oz)	9	0	0	0	1
Cream substitute, Coffee-mate fat free, 2 tbsp	20	0	0	4	0
Nutrasweet Equal packet, 5 packet	0	0	0	0	0
Milk, nonfat, 1 cup	86	0	0	12	8
Shredded Wheat Spoon Size Cereal, 0.6 cup (1 serving)	100	3	0	24	3
	322	14	2	66	14
Lunch
Lettuce, leaf salad, 2 cup, shredded	20	2	0	4	1
Ham, extra lean, (5% fat), 3 slice (6-1/4" x 4" x 1/16")	111	0	4	1	16
Bread, whole wheat (including toast), 1 slice, thin (3-3/4" x 5" x 3/8")	92	2	2	17	3
Bread, whole wheat (including toast), 1 slice, thin (3-3/4" x 5" x 3/8")	92	2	2	17	3
Kraft Mayo Light Mayonnaise (Mayo), 0.5 tbsp	25	0	2	1	0
	340	6	11	39	23
Dinner
Onions, raw,4 slice, medium (1/8" thick)	21	1	0	5	1
Peppers, sweet, green, fresh, 0.5 large (2-1/4 per lb, approx 3-3/4" long, 3" dia)	22	1	0	5	1
Chicken Breast, no skin, 0.4 breast, bone and skin removed	104	0	1	0	22
Cheddar or Colby Cheese, Low Fat, 2 oz	98	0	4	1	14
Whole Wheat Spaghetti, cooked (pasta), 0.6 cup	104	4	0	22	4
Whole Wheat Spaghetti, cooked (pasta), 0.6 cup	104	4	0	22	4
Salsa, 0.5 cup	36	2	0	8	2
	490	12	7	64	48
Snack
Pineapple, fresh, 2 slice, thin (3-1/2" dia x 1/2" thick)	55	1	0	14	0
Popcorn, air-popped, 2.5 cup	76	3	1	16	2
	131	4	1	29	3
	1,283	37	21	198	88
	1240 - 1590	25 - 35	33 - 58	168 - 242	60 - 130

 

On to my video of the day:

Another $10 special ... this time at Target. I like this even a little more than the first workout. I think it's possible for all levels to gain something from this. You can choose your own personal workout by choosing from the various segments here. Each segment is around 10 to 15 minutes and they all do different things like fat burning, flexibility and toning various muscle groups. Even better, if you are a woman there are segments that focus a lot on abs and thighs. Bob and Kim are enthusiastic and help you along, and it's nice to see real people (former contestants) perform the routines (instead of the always stick thin exercisers).
All you need to get started is a fair bit of room, weights, a stability ball and you can opt to use a medicine ball if you have one. Overall, it's a great workout that is made better by the customisation which I love. I really like it and have found already in the while since I've gotten this, that I'm feeling good. Hope you love it too.