Fitness Friday; 12WBT Week#2

I bought size 10 pants this week! I will concede the fact that they are from Target, and their sizes do tend to be generous but WHO CARES? My clothes are feeling looser and I have to smile every time I don't have to breathe in to do a zip up!

I am trying new recipes I never thought I would like; the roasted carrot, chickpea and feta salad was a big win for me, and I changed Monday nights tofu and veggie skewers into a chicken and veggie stir fry using the same marinade ingredients. The kids loved it and even asked for more! My one weakness is still chocolate - so have been 'sneaking' that in by allowing myself a protein bar twice a week after a weights session. They are only 150 calories, and I use them as one of my snacks.

I don't feel deprived of anything which is why I believe this will work long term. And the buzz I had after running 25 minutes non stop Thursday morning is making me get up and do it all again at 6:30am tomorrow!!

Another small loss on the scales brings my total loss since the start of the year to 3.5kgs - 1.2kg since starting the 12WBT. That is already half way to my goal weight, so will continue to chip away at it!! Hope everyone has had a sucsessful week!


                                        

Wordless Wednesday - an unexpected gift ...

My eldest turned six this weekend. THIS is what she received from her Aunt, Uncle and cousin.......

Meet Goldie and Lollie - the newest additions to our home!










Playing along with the crew at My little Drummer Boys on Wordless Wednesday!

The last time I listened to modern music THESE guys were popular....

     I don't listen to the radio very much, just in the car on the way and from work, picking the kids up from school, you get the idea. My dear friend who is tying the knot in April has asked me to put together a play list of songs so we can all have a groove at the end of the night.

     They are not hiring a band or DJ, as family friends play in a string ensemble and have offered to play for the ceremony and as background music for the reception. It would be hard, however, to imagine an acoustic guitar and violin doing much justice to the Nutbush.

     Here is where I get stuck. Once you get past your 'must haves' (AKA anything that has repetitive dance moves that everyone except Aunty Val knows) I have absolutely NO knowledge of what is on the charts at the moment. From what I can gather, the guest list is mainly older family members and friends who are similar age to myself. I think I would be fairly safe to include lots of 80's and 90's stuff, but would like to get some new tracks in there too.

     So this is where I need your help. I would love to hear what would make you run to the dancefloor and not leave. Any songs I should avoid if I don't want to commit musical suicide? The bride and groom have pretty much given me a blank slate - HMMM, where to start?

       

Week One over and done! - well, nearly .....

I saw the sunrise yesterday morning. It felt surreal - the moon was still shining, the neighbourhood just waking up. I felt cocooned in my own little world; just me, the pavement, and the C25K music pumping in my ears. Yep, a six a.m. appointment with a workout. Who would've thought I'd be doing THAT a few weeks ago?

Image source

One week into the 12wbt and I am exhausted - but it reminds me that I am living up to the promise I made to myself and all the 12wbt crew; to work hard, not slack off or make excuses.

The food I am struggling with a little more - I cannot look at a piece of bread in the morning, so have just been having healthy cereal. Hands up who LOVED the lasagna? (ME!) The whole family devoured it and I got looks of envy from workmates the next day. I have been following the calorie content of the given meals and substituting things I know the family will eat instead. I am now addicted to mandarines (!) and they make a sweet afternoon snack (and only about 80 calories too.)

Drool! (Image source)

My main issue is I don't burn enough calories in my workout sessions. If you watched the Wednesday live session, Michelle outlined that you should be aiming to burn 500-600 calories in a cardio, and 350-450 in weight training. My 40 minute tae-bo workout the other day only yielded 285 calories. I worked up a sweat, I was puffing. I didn't slack or miss any of the moves. What am I doing wrong? Is anyone else in the same boat?

Overall for me so far so good. I lost 800 grams for the week (OK not much, but when you only have a few kilos to lose it's not going to drop off) and I'm feeling great. Feeling even greater with the announcement that the finale workout and party is in MELBOURNE!! Woot! - I will be there with bells on my size 10 dress!

Keep slogging everyone - 1 down, 11 to go!

Fitness Friday - here we go!

  Holy crap! How did week 1 creep up so fast? I am actually feeling rather apprehensive now I have seen the nutrition plan and exercise plans on the website. How will I fit this all in? Some of the food looks rather 'exotic' too.

   OK - deep breath, I have roughly sketched exercise times into my diary, as per one of the Preseason tasks, I have one of the Michelle Bridges cookbooks to be able to find alternate meals with similar calorie levels, and I REALLY, REALLY want to conquer a 5K run.

    For those of you I haven't 'met' who are joining in with the 12 week blogger transformation - here are my vital stats!

     Skye - 35, 2 kids (almost 6 and 3). My main reason for doing the 12wbt is to help claw back some me time whilst reclaiming some semblance of fitness! The nutrition plan will help keep our family eating well, as well as challenging me to step outside my comfort zone in terms of the kinds of food I tend to cook.


     I tried to start the C25K running program last year but got really sick at about week 3 and chucked in the towel. This time around I am at the start of week 6 and doing so much better than I expected. I haven't decided whether I will join a gym or do the toning programmes from home - guess I better make up my mind soon!


   Good luck to all starting - may we be a source of encouragement for each other and keep each other motivated if when things get tough!

LETS JFDI!!

Singing and Pinning - Wedding Bells

In a few months, some very good friends of mine will FINALLY be getting married. It has taken a long time for them to realise that despite their differences, they are quite perfect for each other.
I love a wedding, and in another life would plan them for a living - if my adversity to being screamed at by stressed out brides was not so strong! I love them so much, I even have a pinterest board dedicated to all things matrimonial .........

Source: luxefinds.com via Skye on Pinterest

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Skye on Pinterest

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Skye on Pinterest

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Skye on Pinterest

Come and join everyone at 5 minutes just for me for more great pinning inspiration!
                                                   

Thankful Thursday - the school edition

My big girl started Prep today. I felt different than I thought I would. The whole week I was anxious, not for her, but afraid I would forget to pack something, do something that she needed.
I find it hard to fathom sometimes, how much she has changed in the last year. She is nearly six now, so much more confident, independent, than I sometimes giver her credit for. There were no nervous tears as she entered the classroom, no clingy goodbyes - only a slightly overwhelmed look as it hit home to all of us how much this changes everything.

Today I am thankful for the new world of experience and opportunity that is opening up. I am thankful that the school we have chosen has a great reputation for happy, successful, community aware children.
I am thankful that Shannyn has five girls in her class that were at Kinder with her last year to make transition a little easier. And I am thankful for the well wishes of many friends and family, such a big day is to be celebrated!

Come and find out what else people are thankful for today at Kate Says Stuff!