All posts in category The New Rules of Lifting for Women

This is How I Work It!

I have mentioned in last week’s post that I have decided I need a plan of attack for my workouts.  When I was doing The New Rules of Lifting for Women I was kicking butt and taking names.  Six days a week at the gym suited me well and I felt strong and in control.  I am DYING to get that back!  It has been a LONG time since I have had a challenging workout.

It just so happens that I stumbled upon a Running for Weight Loss running schedule.  I took my crazy pills and decided to use this program to build up my endurance and get my feet wet with running.  It got me thinking after I got this comment:

Why am I waiting?  I know I don’t want to injure myself  and running on 250+ pounds can be murder on the joints, but if I listen to my body, stretch, and start slowly there is no reason why I can’t start running.  It may even spark something in my weight loss.  I know my body has built up an endurance to the Elliptical and it may just give me a little motivation if I know I’m not going to be doing the same boring exercise everyday.  So I settled it in my mind: I am going to start running.

I’m not going to lie, that last sentence scares me a little, but I started this journey to try new things and keep it interesting, and that is just what I am planning on doing!

This will be my first week starting a new plan, and since I can’t go to the gym until around 4:00 everyday I need to make sure I have an impenetrable schedule to stick too.  It is the only way I will stick with it.  Here is what I have come up with for my schedule:

Monday: 20 minute treadmill session.  Walk 10 minutes, 6 minutes alternating between running and walking, 4 minute cool down walking. Stretch (btw, I have been a stretching fool these last few weeks, and I am getting quite flexible!).  To make up for cardio I am lacking (I am use to doing at least an hour), I’ll hop on the elliptical to burn some extra calories.

Tuesday: NROLFW weight lifting session (I’ll be using this combined with some other moves until I can find a new program for lifting I like)

Wednesday:  20 minute treadmill session, 10 minute walking, 8 minutes alternating between running/walking.  Elliptical for remaining time, and stretching.

Thursday: NROLFW weight lifting session

Friday: 20 minute treadmill session.  8 minute walking, 10 minute alternating walking/running.  Walk 2 minutes, remaining time on the elliptical, and then stretching.

Saturday: 20 minute treadmill session.  Walk 6 minutes then alternate for 12 minutes between running/walking.  Remaining time on the elliptical, and then stretch.

Sunday: Rest.

I have decided 2 days a week weight lifting will help to improve my skills with running, and I get a lot of satisfaction from it.  You may wonder why I am doing all of my miles on the treadmill.  I love on a mountain, and I don’t think I can quite take running up and down hills……yet.

Although yesterday I went for a much-needed walk and used my Garmin for the first time!

Don’t laugh at my time, there is only room for improvement!

Oh!  One more thing!  I did full on planks (not on my knees, but on my toes) last week!  I held each one (3) for 40 seconds and then went to my knees for another 30 seconds!  This has been a long time in the making considering the entire time I was doing NROLFW I was doing them on my knees!

Good things are happening people, and I can’t wait to report back after my first workout tonight!

6 Comments
by Shrinking Carrie on May 14, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in The New Rules of Lifting for Women, Working Out

Posted by Shrinking Carrie on May 14, 2012

http://shrinkingcarrie.com/2012/05/14/this-is-how-i-work-it/

Kickin’ It Old School

Embarrassing confession:  I love infomercials.  When I first bought my Vitamix I watched the instructional DVD twice, and it is basically an infomercial.  I love watching the P90X, and Insanity infomercials, and if it is a cooking product that is trying to be sold….forget about it!  The only thing that keeps me from watching TV with my credit card at the ready is a thing called a spouse.

You know what one of my favorite infomercials are?  The FIRM.  Ten years ago I couldn’t sleep and I was introduced to The FIRM DVD’s.  And what do you know, they sold the entire system at my local Target.  That year I pooled all of my birthday money together and bought the whole set with 3 DVD’s and the patented “Fanny Lifter” (good old southern girls!).

Then a couple of years later, I bought the newest DVD (which had 3 workouts on one disc), and added “The Sculpting Stick”.

Those little purple things are called “twigs”, and they weigh about a pound each (ya, I know, I’m gonna get ripped).

This morning I didn’t feel like bundling up the baby to go out for a walk so I dug into my stash of OLD workout DVD’s.  I put on the Sculpting video with ab’s and got moving.

The last time I had done this video was when I was two months out from having Hanna, so it has been almost a year and a half.  I was so out of shape that I had to stop at about 20 minutes in because my legs couldn’t handle “fanny lifting action”.  Just the warm-up had me huffing and puffing.

I was anxious to see how I stacked up this round.  The verdict:  I kicked that “Fanny Lifter’s” a$$!  Not that I didn’t feel a little burn in my legs (I’m working out, that IS the point!), but this time I didn’t get winded, I kept up with all of the reps, and my knees didn’t hurt!  Success!  Apparently, The New Rules of Lifting for Women really amped up my muscles.  I love it when you see results!

Activity Center Update

Dustin and I went to check out the Rec center that is available for us by living in the area (and by available I mean that we have no choice in paying an annual fee so we may as well try to get out money’s worth).  They didn’t have our information on file yet, so we have to wait or get charged a daily fee to use the facility.  Womp, womp.  I am not paying $8 a day to use some crappy overused cardio machines.  There had to be other options out there.

A Whole New World

With all of the technology out there, it is hard to come up with an excuse of why we are not working out.  We are fortunate enough (or stupid enough, depending on how you look at it) to have a Wii, Playstation 3, & XBOX 360 (if you know where I live, please don’t rob us).  All of these devices connect to Netflix and HULU Plus, both of which have an endless supply of workout snippets to try at whatever time of day you desire.   I have decided to take this route for a while and see how much I can get accomplished doing at home workouts.

I have also warned my hub’s that I am going to purchase an exercise ball and a yoga mat.  I have found, from this mornings workout, that exercising at home has its advantages.

  • You can get your protein recovery in right after your workout to help rebuild those broken down muscles.  This morning I made a Pea Protein shake immediately after I was done working out, and I did feel a bit of a difference.
  • No driving to and from the gym.  I’m saving on gas, and time.
  • Playtime for Hanna.  She thinks me working out is a game.  When I was doing push-ups she was climbing on my back (a little more resistance couldn’t hurt), and when I was on the floor doing ab work she was climbing all over me.  It added an element that I just don’t get at the gym, that’s for sure!
Working out from home has been a welcomed change and frees up my time for an afternoon walk with Hanna.
Do you work out at home as opposed to the gym?  If so, what do you do?
Ever bought something off of an infomercial? 
Now I’m off to curb a craving and have a hummus wrap, have a great day!

4 Comments
by Shrinking Carrie on March 30, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Challenges, Motivation, The New Rules of Lifting for Women, Working Out

Posted by Shrinking Carrie on March 30, 2012

http://shrinkingcarrie.com/2012/03/30/kickin-it-old-school/

Not Too Shabby

Sweat it Out:
Weightlifting 45 Minutes
Elliptical 45 Minutes

First off, I have gotten a lot of great comments lately!  Normally I have tried to respond to each and every one, but I have been so busy lately that the blog has taken a backseat for a little while.  But I wanted to say thank you anyway for the responses I have gotten on some of my posts as of late.  I really appreciate you guys!

Today I started The New Rules of Lifting for Women for round 2.  I literally JUMPED out of bed this morning, I was so ready to get myself back on track after this past horrible week (which is now in the past and forgotten).  Here is what my workout looked like:

  • Barbell Squats: 3 sets of 12 (70#).  When I started the program back in August 2011 I could only squat around 30 pounds.  I had a major lack of muscles, especially for someone who has been naturally strong her whole life.  Pregnancy did a number on my muscle atrophy.  I also figured out an easier way to use the squat machine where I wasn’t having to smash my neck into the bar.  I’m already feeling my muscles, and I will most definitely be sore tomorrow.
  • Seated Row: 3 sets of 12 (60#).  All I could think about while doing these was how it was helping the fat that sits on my bra line.  I have already seen a big difference since I started losing weight and I can’t wait until it is a little smoother.  I do realize that I am going to have extra skin and I have already seen it start to form on the insides of my arms.  I’m ok with it.  I’m embracing it.
  • Push-up’s: 3 sets of 15. I have lost some muscle on this exercise and I am not where I was 3 weeks ago.  This is what I get for not doing any weights lately.
  • Step-ups: 3 sets of 12 (40#).  I felt strong on this workout.  They were challenging, but I wasn’t hating them like I was a few weeks ago.  I think my muscles were just happy to be being used.
  • Prone Jack Knife: 3 Sets of 15.  I haven’t worked my stomach muscles out in WEEKS!!!  The last stage of NROLFW doesn’t have any ab moves in the workouts so it has been a while since I have done any abs.  I am happy to report that I can still complete this move, and I’m feeling it already!
  • Planks: 3 60 second holds.  Loving it.  Me and my abs have a love/hate relationship right now.
  • Tricep pull down: 3 sets of 12 (50#).  This move is not in the program, but I added it in any way because I felt like my tri’s need some love.  I may add in a few of my own moves to each workout since the first phase is pretty short and sweet.

All-in-all, I had an awesome day at the gym and I think my muscles were ok with the 3 week rest that I gave it, but now they are ready to WORK again!

I forgot to mention that I did get on the scale today, and it wasn’t as bad as I thought.  It just shows that things can sometimes seem worse than they really are. I am glad I didn’t derail myself to far off the mark!

Now I am off to go look at appliances (for the second time) for our new house!  I LOVE shopping for home stuff! Happy Monday/Presidents day!

 

4 Comments
by Shrinking Carrie on February 20, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Challenges, Energy, Motivation, The New Rules of Lifting for Women, Working Out

Posted by Shrinking Carrie on February 20, 2012

http://shrinkingcarrie.com/2012/02/20/not-too-shabby/

FMM: Before Photo’s

This post is a long time coming.  I am so glad that Friend Making Monday is on before and after pictures.  Let’s jump right into it!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Before Photos

1. Are you on a weight loss journey? Have you lost weight in the past? Are you trying to lose it now? Yes, Yes, & Yes.  Apparently I have a bit of a weight problem that will be a life long battle.

2. Do you like being in pictures or do you shy away from the camera?  I don’t go out of my way to be in a picture, but I also don’t mind my picture taken.

3. Does looking at your old photos motivate you?  YES!  I still can’t believe I started at 282.8 pounds and I looked a lot bigger than I deluded myself to think.

4. Weight-loss bloggers: Do you post progress photo’s on your blog?  Yes, but I haven’t in a while so this will be good for me!

5. Will you share a before photo with us (even if you don’t have an after yet)?  Yes!  I can see such a difference it is really motivating to post these!  Just keep in mind that my photographer s at work, so I had to take self portraits in my mirror.  And the lighting is much different in each pic, which makes a bit of a difference.  Here they are!!!!:

I’ve seen a pretty big difference in my stomach and under my bust.  What do you think?  Can you see the difference?   34 pounds lighter, and just finished “The New Rules of LIfting for Women” 2 weeks ago!  What a great way to start this week off!
11 Comments
by Shrinking Carrie on February 13, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Friend Making Monday, The New Rules of Lifting for Women

Posted by Shrinking Carrie on February 13, 2012

http://shrinkingcarrie.com/2012/02/13/fmm-before-photos/

The Verdict.

Sweat it Out:
Weights 45 Minutes
Elliptical 45 Minutes

This last week was less than stellar eating wise.  I’m not going to re-cap what I ate because doing that will only make me feel frustrated and defeated, and that is not what I need at the beginning of a new week.  I am VERY motivated this week. I have tasted success and it feels so good that I have to keep going.

Yesterday was the LAST day of the 21-day PCRM Vegan Kick-start challenge!  I finished, and I only had a couple days where I fell off the wagon.  Since December 26th I have lost 13.2 pounds! I have had major energy, I’ve been sleeping better and my head feels clear.  It is hard for me to deny the way that I have felt these past 3 weeks.  So what have I decided to do?  Do I want to continue on with this lifestyle?  Do I want to keep putting my husband through plant based hell?

Yes.  Yes I do.  In some form.

I mentioned how baby steps are the only way to make an impact on my way of life.  A BIG baby step was participating in the challenge.  But I am not going to deny that it is going to take some time to perfect it.

My next step is to replace the word “Vegan” with “Plant Based Diet”.  I was not a fan of the looks I got when I told people that I was doing a Vegan cleanse.  To me a Vegan is someone who is 100% dedicated to that lifestyle.  They are interested in Animal Rights, and use NO animal products (i.e. leather and such), and also benefit from the healthiness that the lifestyle brings.  Don’t get me wrong, I love animal rights, and know the animal cruelty that comes along with the slaughter of animals for big food industries is wrong, and I have researched it in the past.  The other side is that I think God put certain animals on this earth for us to eat…….sparingly.  That means that if we are eating meat the way God intended, there wouldn’t be a high demand and they wouldn’t have to slaughter millions of animals so that I can eat meat or dairy products 3 times a day like most Americans.  (steps off soapbox)

No more dairy.  I noticed the biggest difference when I quit dairy & eggs.  I didn’t think I ate that much dairy until I started trying to eliminate it.  Come to find out I was eating multiple forms of dairy, multiple times a day.  Besides there are some great cheese substitutes.  I made a Mac & Cheeze recipe yesterday that was BETTER than the dairy form.  And it was packed with protein.

No more red meat.  I enjoy myself a steak every now and again, but I don’t want the fat and cholesterol that comes with it.

Meat 1-2 servings a week.  I love fish and I love chicken, so I have decided that on the weekends we will have a MAX of 2 servings of meat.  For now.  In order for my hub’s to be on board for the rest of the week, I have to compromise with meat.  I may end up just making it for him, and me not eating it.

Bottom line.  I will listen to my body and eat what it craves.  It does not crave dairy, but every now and again it wants meat.  If there must be a label put on the way I am eating it would be a Flexatarian.   

New Rules of Lifting for Women:

I am happy to report that I am 2 workouts away from completing the final phase of NROLFW.  This last phase has been a killer!  Every workout is circuit style and has higher reps and more sets.  I wish that I had documented the last half of the workouts better, because I don’t have anything to compare it to.

I will promise that this next go around (start again next week) will have better results and better documentation.  I can’t wait to see what this program can do for me once I pair it with my new way of eating.

Musings….

I’m thinking of doing bi-monthly or monthly weigh in’s instead of the weekly weigh in’s like I have been doing.  I find myself getting a little frustrated with the scale and I’m thinking that doing it on the day I do measurements would help me out. I though about this because I haven’t had a weight change this week, but my body feels different.  My hub’s and I even noticed that my face is looking thinner. Thoughts?

I will being doing progress photo’s and measurements next week, as I have decided that I am going to do one more meatless/dairy-less week and see where it gets me.

What’s going on in your neck of the woods?

 

 

6 Comments
by Shrinking Carrie on January 23, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in 21-Day Vegan Kickstart, Diet, Energy, Health Benefits, Nutrition, The New Rules of Lifting for Women, Vegan

Posted by Shrinking Carrie on January 23, 2012

http://shrinkingcarrie.com/2012/01/23/the-verdict/

7 Days Later….

Sweat it Out:
30 Minutes Weights
45 Minutes Elliptical

So here it is, 7 days after starting the 21-Day Vegans Kickstart.  How do I feel? ………..

Amazing.  I’m not even kidding.  Exclamation points can’t even describe the difference that I have felt from starting this cleanse.  So I’ll just continue using under-dramatic periods.

The first 4 days were tough.  Not so much eating, but energy.  My workouts had to come down a level, and I found that I was just dragging.  Then Friday came.  Holy cow!  I was all over the place cleaning and doing laundry.  Normal tasks that I usually HATE doing became easier because I had the energy to do them.

Here are some of the things I have noticed since I started the vegan diet:

  • Skinny Fingers.  I don’t get that bloated over salted feeling.  My wedding ring almost falls off my finger.
  • Energy.   I can’t say enough how much more energy I have had!
  • I sleep better.  I am a pretty big toss and turn kind of sleeper, but I have noticed lately that I sleep almost through the entire night now.
  • Cold.  I actually get cold now.  As a big person, I usually don’t even need to wear a coat when I go out in the cold, but now I have to wear warm socks around the house or my feet are constantly cold.  It feels good to finally not be warm all. the. time.
  • No Cravings.  Absolutely none.  I eat when I am hungry and stop when I’m full.
  • My Stomach Has Shrunk.  I now eat about 6 times a day, small meals around 250 calories each.  Dinner use to be a HUGE meal, but now it is less than 400 calories, and completely satisfying.

I have also gained some creativity in the kitchen.  I am finding all sorts of recipe’s that I would never have tried before, and I find that the challenge of making something without meat that my husband will actually EAT is very rewarding.

Now we get to the tough part.  The Weigh in.

Starting Weight: 282.4 Pounds
Last Weeks Weight: 255.8 Pounds
This Weeks Weight: 254.4 Pounds
Total Week’s Loss: 1.4 Pounds
Total Loss to Date: 28 Pounds

I will admit that I let myself get totally phased by the previous weeks 9.4 pound total loss.  I feel like it’s the second week on the biggest loser where you can’t get two good numbers two weeks in a row.  Although, a 1.4 pound loss is nothing to scoff at, and I know that my body is still adjusting to this new way of eating.  It’s hard to get frustrated with a small loss when I feel so good!

Side note:  I have been trying some GREAT recipe’s and I will post links this week to where I found them and how good they are!

The New Rules of Lifting for Women

I know I haven’t talked much about NROLFW lately, but it is still alive and kicking.  I finished Phase 5 strong last week, and after looking over Phase 6, I have decided to take the option to skip this phase and move on to Phase 7.

Phase 6 is an optional strength Phase, and I decided that I will do this Phase on my next go around later this year.  One thing that I will promise, is that I will do a LOT better at documenting my weightlifting on the next time through.  I feel like I have been all over the place and I haven’t kept a proper exercise journal like I should.  I would also like to see what this program will do coupled with my new diet.

Phase 6, Day 1, Workout 1:

  • Barbell Squats: 4 sets of 10, 70 pounds
  • Static Lunge Rear foot Elevated: 4 sets of 15, 40 pounds
  • Push-ups: 4 sets of 15
  • Barbell Romanian deadlift: 4 sets of 20, 40 pounds
  • Dumbell Bent over Row: 4 sets of 10, 40 pounds

How are your New Years Goals coming along?
What was your workout today?

5 Comments
by Shrinking Carrie on January 9, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in 21-Day Vegan Kickstart, Diet, Energy, Motivation, The New Rules of Lifting for Women

Posted by Shrinking Carrie on January 9, 2012

http://shrinkingcarrie.com/2012/01/09/7-days-later/

Syncing Up

Sweat it Out:
Weights 30 Minutes
Elliptical 45 Minutes

Yesterday was the first day since I bought my Bodybugg in October that I actually synced my calories burned with my calories consumed.  I had a great day yesterday, and the scale is showing some results.

I can testify to food journaling and why it needs to be done.  My track record in the past was that I stayed on track with calories most of the day until I hit dinner.  Dinner is usually when I have meat products and eat the bulk of my food.  For example, on Wednesday I made chicken fajitas and my total calories consumed during dinner were 827 calories.  That is with using healthy alternatives!

Last night I made a Butternut Squash soup and steamed broccoli, and had strawberries and 2 cuties for dessert.  The total calories consumed for last nights dinner were 483.  Quite a difference, and I felt like I ate a LOT!

I ended up eating a total of 1547 calories yesterday, which is actually lower than I would have liked, but I felt like I was eating ALL DAY!  It just shows how much you can eat when you are filling up on healthy foods.  Here is how the day ended according to Bodybugg:

I ended with a deficit of 1757 calories!  I am shooting for more like 1800 calories a day, because this morning when I woke up I felt fatigued like I didn’t eat enough yesterday, but I keep it to 1800 calories a day and continue burning like I have been, there should be some serious results in the future.

One more success is that I made a butternut squash soup that my hub’s liked so much, he finished of the ENTIRE pot!  I was planning on having some left over for lunch today, but…..oh well.

Butternut Squash Soup
1 small onion chopped
2 celery stalks chopped
handful of baby carrots chopped
2 medium red potatoes cubed
medium butternut squash cubed
32 oz. water
6 Chicken Bouillon cubes

Combine butter, onion, celery, carrots, red potatoes, and butternut squash into pot and cook for about 10 minutes stirring occasionally.  Add water and chicken bouillon cubes and simmer for 40 minutes.

Once vegetables are soft, transfer to blender and blend on high until smooth.  Transfer back to pot and add salt and pepper to desired taste.  I added a lot of pepper because I like it spicy!  I also think that you could experiment with other things like adding curry or other spices, if you like that sort of thing.

My husband will eat anything once, so I have to ask him if he would eat it again, and he reluctantly admitted that he LOVED this soup.  I think it is because it is healthy and low-calorie that it is hard for him to admit that he like it.  I will be working this soup into the meal rotation.

And here are the nutritional stat’s:

Are you a picky eater?

Weights:  I don’t know if I can really say that this workout was from NROLFW I modified it so much!  I am having a hard time with this phase because some of the moves are awkward and I can’t feel them working anything.  Normally I would just add more weight, but then my form is all off.  This has been a frustrating phase for me.  I only have two more workouts left for this phase and then I can move on.  Phase 6 is a lot different from the rest of the phases and I am eager to move on!

  • Deadlift: 4 sets of 10, 60 pounds
  • Bent over Row: 4 sets of 4, 60 pounds
  • Lat Pull down:  sets of 8, 80 pounds
  • Single leg squat: 4 sets of 8
  • Push-ups: 4 sets of 10
  • Seated row: 4 sets of 6, 80 pounds
  • Plank: 4 60 second holds

1 Comment
by Shrinking Carrie on December 30, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Body Bugg, Daily Stats, Dustin, Recipes, The New Rules of Lifting for Women

Posted by Shrinking Carrie on December 30, 2011

http://shrinkingcarrie.com/2011/12/30/syncing-up/

Going Crazy for Christmas!

Sweat it Out:
60 Minutes Weights
15 Minutes Foam Rolling & Stretching

I am basically running around like a chicken with my head cut off.  I am 3 for 3 for the gym and I know that it has helped alleviate the stress that this time of year brings.  I am ALMOST done with all things Christmas and I’m hoping that Hanna can put up with one more day of running tons of errands in her car seat.

Today I tried to make some Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread for some of the girls I visit teach in my church and I had a major baking #fail.  I totally put too much pumpkin and forgot the baking powder, and there was a little too much…..clove?  I think?  Anyway, very bad and they immediately went down the garbage disposal.  I am usually a very good baker and so I was glad that I tried them before I gave out for people to consume!

I did get in a KILLER workout today at the gym, and I have found that with all of the stretching I have been doing lately, I am getting considerably more flexible! I also added in push-ups to my A day’s routine, and I’m seeing a lot of progress.  I have decided that instead of getting through my weights and doing cardio, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday will be dedicated to weight lifting and stretching only.  When I finally get my diet under control, I know I will be seeing some major differences.  Here is what my workout looked like today:

“The New Rules of Lifting for Women” Phase 5, Day 5, Workout A

  • One armed dumbbell squat snatch: 4 sets of 8, 22.5 Dumbbell
  • Single leg deadlift: 4 sets of 8, 40 pound bar
  • Bent over row: 4 Sets of 8, 40 pound bar
  • Seated Row: 4 sets of 8, 70 pounds
  • Push ups: 2 sets of 10, 2 sets of 15
  • Planks: 4, 60 second holds
  • Horizontal Wood Chop: 4 sets of 10, 60 pounds

Body Matrix

  • 48 Squats with 22 pound body bar
  • 24 Alternating Lunges with 22 pound body bar

Did some great super sets.  The first three I did straight through with a 60 second rest in between each super set.  4th and 5th rotated exercises with 60 second in between, and the 6th and 7th exercises as a set with 60 seconds in between.  It got my heart rate up, and made for some good circuit work.  I was sweating buckets, and it felt so good!

#WEverb11 December 13, 14

December 13th: Read.  What article or book changed your outlook on an issue or life?

I would have to say that I didn’t get to read a whole lot of thought-provoking books this year.  I did, however, discover healthy living blogs and quickly got addicted to the inspiration and motivation that I found in them (you can check out my blog roll page with links to some of my favorite blogs).  They have inspired my weight loss beginning and have played a huge part in the decision to start my own weight loss blog.

If you want to read my blog story you can here.

I look forward to seeing where my blog goes in the upcoming years, and I am so grateful that I found the blogosphere, and all the amazing people who are apart of it.

December 14th: Breathe.  How did you make space+peace for yourself in 2011?

I guess this one is actually pretty personal.  I am a believer that weight is a mask for something deeper.  I know that I gained back the majority of my weight that I lost in my early 20′s because of the emotions I experienced when my parents got divorced.  I thought that going through something like that when you were an adult would make it easier, but I think that instead of dealing with my feelings, I ate them.

I took control of my life by being in control of my environment (all except food).  I tried to control my husband for the first few years we were married (we all know how that turns out), I controlled my work environment by becoming a manager and being “The Boss” helped me to be able to run things the way I wanted them.  I had a schedule that I would get upset if it didn’t go exactly the way I wanted it to go.  I didn’t like surprises, and if things didn’t go the way I wanted them I would lose my mind!

I don’t even know how I recognized this behavior, but after a few years I have learned to relinquish control of the things going on around me, and stop trying to control people and situations around me.  I could only control myself.  This year was the year I decided to let go and forgive myself.  I can’t change things that happened in the past, but I can make changes in the future.  I have decided that I need to talk about my feelings more and let myself actually feel those feelings. If I need to yell, then I do (as nicely as I can).  If I need to cry, I do (this happens a lot more since having a baby).  The point being is that I have learned that this is the way life is and I have to embrace the feelings that come with it.  Feeling my feelings is giving me peace.  it helps me to not have all the woulda, shoulda’s, that comes when you don’t stick up for yourself when you need to, or when you let someone say something to you that should not have been said.

I hope any of that made sense, but it has made a huge difference in my outlook on life.

How have you made space+peace for yourself in 2011?

What book article have you read that changed your view/outlook on an issue in life?

4 Comments
by Shrinking Carrie on December 14, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in #WEverb11, About Me, Blogging, The New Rules of Lifting for Women

Posted by Shrinking Carrie on December 14, 2011

http://shrinkingcarrie.com/2011/12/14/going-crazy-for-christmas/

Motivational Monday

Sweat it Out:
50 Minutes Weights

Well my Monday is starting off great.  I tried to get to the gym right at 8 to meet my friend Kelly, didn’t get their until almost 8:15, cut my workout a little short so I could get Hanna to the Dr.’s office for her booster Flu Shot, and found out that it wasn’t until Wednesday!  Boo!  I am usually so good at remembering dates!  I must have a lot going on in my head right now trying to get everything done for Christmas before next week!  So much to do, this week should be interesting to say the least.

This is my motivation for this week. Lots to do and not a lot of time to do it in!  I don’t mind being busy, it really takes the focus off of constantly thinking about food!

Since this is my last week to make any sort of dent in my diet, I’m going to make a few goals for this week so that I can stay focused:

  • Drink 100 oz’s of water daily
  • Gym it up!  6 days, NO EXCUSES.  1 down, 5 to go.
  • Meal plan.  Getting this done today.
  • Eat my veggies.  This has been lacking lately. Some sort of green everyday.
  • Wear my bodybugg everyday.

I have found that if I wear my bodybugg to bed every night, it is WAY more accurate.  This is a good thing considering I was getting a little frustrated not hitting my 3100 calorie burn on days that I would workout like a beast!

#WEverb11 December 12: Thrive.  What was your healthiest habit of 2011?  What would you like to change or do differently in 2012?

My healthiest habit was drinking water.  It is pretty rare that I go a day without drinking at least three 32 oz. Nalgenes.  I have actually had a good habit of drinking a lot of water since I was in my early 20′s.  I get bladder infections pretty easily and if I don’t drink enough water, it is a definite that I will get one.

What I am doing differently, and will continue doing differently in 2012, is carbonated drinks.  Soda and energy drink are out this next year.  I’ve been doing really good lately, and as long as I keep a water bottle with me I seem to not be tempted to drink soda.

Sweet Tooth Challenge Update!

So far, this challenge has been helping me out this holiday season.  I did have some frozen yogurt last week, but it wasn’t necessarily Ice Cream (details).  I also drank about 8 oz. of Dr. Pepper when we had free Cafe Rio.  I had forgotten my water bottle and gave into temptation.  I’m not beating myself up. It happens, and it’s not the end of the world.  The fact that I haven’t had any Egg Nog this year is a miracle!  I shut my eyes past the displays at the store.

I purchased my Pea Protein (vegan protein powder) for the Vegan 21 day Kickstart, and I am excited to get started when I get back from Arizona!

Here’s to a successful holiday season so far!

How is your Holiday going?  Are you busy, busy, busy? 

“The New Rules of Lifting for Women” Phase 5, Day 4, Workout B

  • Romanian Deadlift/Row: 4 Sets of 8/4, 60 Pounds
  • Lat Pulldown: 4 Sets of 8, 80 Pounds
  • Single leg squat: 4 Sets of 10
  • Back Extension: 4 sets of 60 second holds
  • Shoulder Press: 4 sets of 8, 35 Pounds
  • Plank: 3 sets of 60 second holds
  • Prone Jack-knife: 2 sets of 15
4 Comments
by Shrinking Carrie on December 12, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in #WEverb11, 21-Day Vegan Kickstart, Holiday, Sweet Tooth Challenge, The New Rules of Lifting for Women

Posted by Shrinking Carrie on December 12, 2011

http://shrinkingcarrie.com/2011/12/12/motivational-monday/

FMM & FUFF

Sweat it Out:
Elliptical 5 minute warm-up
50 Minutes weights

This day has kind of gotten away from me.  I’ve been busy trying to plan meals for the week, doing grocery shopping, and trying to watch Dexter online which was finally a success!  The cable company has finally figured out that we have had free cable for the last year and a half, and because I like to have noise going on in the background, I’ve been watching old seasons of The Office  to tide me over until we get out cable back on Friday.  Boo to having my internet bill double, but yay to having more kid channels for Hanna to watch when I let her watch tv.  Spongebob Squarepants is getting  a little old.

Since it is the last day of Fire Up For Fall, I’d thought I begin participating in Friend Making Mondays again, so here goes!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

 

FMM: Thanksgiving Plans

What are your plans for Thanksgiving this year?  Does your family have traditions?  If so, share them…(I know that some of you live outside of the US so  feel free to fill us in on other holiday traditions!)

I LOVE Thanksgiving!  A holiday based around food?  YES, PLEASE!  We have only one tradition on Thanksgiving and it is that we go to my husband’s families home every year.  My family gets Christmas (because my mom is a spazz about Christmas).  We don’t get to see the hub’s family too often, but luckily we only live about 2 hours away and can make it a fun day trip!

One thing I know that my hub’s is excited for is Black Friday.  I on the other hand, would much rather sleep and stay FAR away from the mall.  The weekend after Thanksgiving is when you put up Christmas decorations and blast traditional Christmas music (my fave is John Denver and the muppets, just in case you were wondering).

The one thing that I will be doing differently this year is that I will be going to the gym the day of Thanksgiving!  My gym is open from 7-2 and I plan to be there right at 7 so I can get in a good workout for the day.  This is something I have never done before, and I am starting a new tradition!

This week I am just thankful that my hub’s gets a few days off and we get to spend time with family, nothing better than that!

Last week was the final week for Fire Up For Fall, and I am happy to report I made all but 1 goal.  the only goal I missed was to hit my 10% mark, but I know it will happen soon enough!  This really is a tough time of year.  Normally, I would just say “whatever” and wait it out until January to get started on losing more weight, but I really want this year to be different!

Day 2 of no caffeine!  I’ve got a slight headache, but I’ve taken some Tylenol and it has helped dull the pain.  I will be headache free by Thursday!

I started Phase 5 of “The New Rules of Lifting for Women” today and have decided that while Hanna is still in her morning nap phase, I will have to get the best workout possible within an hour.  This is the only way it seems to work for our schedule.  Hopefully, I only have another month or two of her napping like this and then I can put a little more time in it.  Until then, I will really have to watch what I am eating and not go over my calorie budget.

How is your week so far?  Any plans for Thanksgiving?

“The New Rules of Lifting for Women” Phase 5, Day 1, Workout A

  • Single arm dumbbell snatch: 3 sets of 8, 17.5 pounds
  • Dumbbell single leg romanian deadlift: 3 sets of 8, 30 pounds (my legs are already MAJOR sore!)
  • Barbell Bent over row:  3 Sets of 8, 40 pounds
  • Dumbell single arm overhead squat: 3 sets of 8, 7.5/10 pound weights
  • Dumbell incline bench press: 3 sets of 8, 40 pounds
  • Plank: 3 60 second holds
  • Reverse Wood Chop: 3 sets of 8, 60 pounds

Body Weight Matrix: (this is the section that I accidentally skipped in phase 3)

  • 24 Squats
  • 24 Lunges
  • 24 Jump lunges (I did these without the jump, because I couldn’t keep my form)
  • 24 Jump squats (hurts so good!)
4 Comments
by Shrinking Carrie on November 21, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Fire It Up for Fall, Friend Making Monday, The New Rules of Lifting for Women

Posted by Shrinking Carrie on November 21, 2011

http://shrinkingcarrie.com/2011/11/21/fmm-fuff/

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