Day 26: Signs of success

 

 

Anyone can do anything for a month, right? You can stick to a diet, live with a bad haircut, or a paint color you hate...but what about the next month and the month after? 

We need signs of motivation to push us through when we're at our lowest. Maybe the scale isn't moving as fast as we want it to...perhaps that paint color doesn't match anything---but then the signs arrive.

It doesn't need to be huge, after all it's probably the small things your going to notice anyway. I love the small things. Like when I put my shirt on and it's loser in the sleeves, or that button up shirt that once stretched now buttons with ease. It's these things that keep me from throwing in the towel.

Sure, I can be proud that I've successfully drank the shake for 26 days now and that I've lost 8lbs during that time. But, I'll be even prouder when my rear doesn't stretch out those jeans or when I start getting the glances of jealousy I used to get...oh yeah, I noticed those.

See, it's putting up with the highs and the lows. I didn't feel like going to the gym tonight...ugh no I certainly did not, but, I decided I wasn't going to listen to my "id". I was going to shove him right back in the hole he crawled out of and get it done. I was happy I did. I think they call that "perseverance"

I'm not the preachy type, but I need to remind myself that shit's not easy and I'm not always going to have those days where I look at the scale and I've achieved so much. I need a post and perhaps you do too where I can remember what it takes to put back on the driving gloves and punch it.

So use this post as your muse for success.

On a different note, I was listening to Dr. OZ on PIX11 this morning and he was talking about weight loss and working out. He said a lot of the time people will workout and continue to eat whatever they want (ahem, don't know WHAT he's talking about) and will over compensate for the workout. The average person---and honestly you should be doing better then this at the gym--burns 200-300 calories in a workout. If you get out of the gym and eat 600 additional calories you just filled back in what you've burned and can sometimes have a surplus. Makes sense. I was able to reflect on this because in all reality it wasn't until I got my diet in check that I'm starting to see results. Don't get me wrong, I was not eating junk, it just was too much vs. my energy burn. That's all right though, I got it now. So remember diet can be up to 90% of what it takes to lose weight. This doesn't mean you shouldn't exercise, so get your butt back on that treadmill!!!

One last thing, I apologize as I feel gabby tonight---Skinny Cow Ice Cream kicks butt too. Try the "Oh Fudge Nuts" Ice cream cones. 150 cals per cone. REALLY good. See you don't need the high cals for an awesome sweet tooth satisfy.

Well good night - until tomorrow.

Day 25: How to save money on the shake

So I wanted to inform you all of what I find is the best method for milking the Shake Cow. If you want to save money on the shake than here is a clever way to do it.

I find that Riteaid is the best place to get GNC products. You'd think you'd get better deals at the GNC store at your local mall, but you'd be wrong!

Riteaid has this great program called their "riteaid wellness card". This card is the best thing since sliced bread and if you shop at Riteaid as often as I do you'd be crazy not to get one.

I made it well over 1,000 points last year and now I save 20% off in the store EVERY TIME I GO (of course some of the fine print things apply, like no beer at a discount or if the sale item is better than the 20% no double couponing...whatever)

Anyway, I save money on all kinds of things there with this wellness card, but, it wasn't until I discovered the handy dandy combo of the Wellness card and the Gold Card of GNC, because you can use your gold card at Riteaid! Whoo-hoo!

For all of you who aren't familiar with a gold card, it's a discount card from GNC that you pay a fee to join and save 10% or more on their products the first week of the month. If you're visiting GNC monthly for big ticket items, it can be helpful, plus there is some extra perks with the card if you're vigilient, honestly don't have the time to be super gold card member.

So you become a wellness card member and a goldcard member and you can really start to play with  Riteaids discounts and deals. Most of the time Riteaid will have sales on their GNC products for Wellness card members (buy 1 get 1 free, buy 1 get 1 50% off, save 50%, etc.)

If you combine your wellness card and goldcard at checkout (remember you'd have to do this first week of the month) than you could get some super savings.

When I bought my shake, I bought it in the beginning of July (10% off Goldcard) with my Wellness card (20% off) and ended up saving 30%. Plus it was buy 1 get 1 50% off.

If the companies offer the programs...use em!

Info:
Riteaid Wellness Card
GNC Goldcard

Day 25: Back to the Grind

It's early Monday morning and I'm heading back to the grind after my weeks vacation. I feel rested and energized, but, at the same time it's moments like these that make me wish I had my own business. It's not that having your own business allows you to sleep in but I am a pretty independent woman who prefers to manage and answer to myself. I hope one day that I'll have the ability to have my own business...whichever one may surface.

Anyway, today is day 25 on the GNC Total Lean shake. I drank my shake yesterday morning and went to my friend's baby shower. I managed to stay away from everything "unhealthy" which was pretty hard, but, the food was good. I even avoided the cake! As rude as that may be, I have obligations.

I DID find these new Fiber one brownies though (90 cals per brownie) WOW surprisingly they're really tasty. I was able to eat one...okay two...of those and have my sweet tooth satisfied. I'm hiding the box.

I'm trying to strategically think how to use my blender right now seeing how my whole house is still sleeping. I worry that if I chop my ice up and hit crank on the blender---I'll be met with angry scowls.

No one that's not me wants to be met with the sound of a ferocious blender at 7:30am. After all it's "wakey wakey eggs and bakey", not "wakey wakey dietary shake with skim milk come and get some!"

Alright, twenty minutes until I have to rock and roll down the road, more to come later.

Day 23: Down 8lbs

I finally took a breath and stepped on the scale at the gym a few days ago. I was greeted by a happy surprise as I am down a total of 8lbs since starting the GNC total lean shake 23 days ago.

It felt good to see the success in front of my eyes. I always tell people that steady is the way to progress. I know that weight loss and fitness is not a weekly goal it's a life long achievement.

I'm a certified personal trainer, but, pregnancy and having a desk job lead me down the wrong path. But, knowing that you need to change and taking the effort to make the change is what matters.

Truth is I don't want to be "thin" I want to be fit. I think curves are the most beautiful thing on a woman. There's been a confusion between fat and curvy, curvy is not fat, curvy is what makes the boys go mamamamama :-).

Heroin chic is out, pin-up girl is in. I've always been proud of my hour glass figure. I just want it to have nice abs.

Anyway, I ask all of you if you're going to take the shake to take it as a part of your daily life style. Do it because it's a healthy choice not a miracle cure. It takes work, dedicated, determination and a life change. But, remember as corny as it sounds, work to be the best you not the best "her".

Day 18: Vacationing myself thin

On vacation finally! I've been waiting for what feels like forever to be out here. I looked in the mirror yesterday trying on my...ugh swimsuit...I was happily surprised. It may take a few weeks to really see the effects of your work, but, it does work, and I can say is steady wins the race.

On Saturday morning I drank my shake before we sat in the car for a while. It was actually better than eating since I tend to get somewhat car sick riding passenger.

Sunday yesterday, I ate like I was on vacation haha but, I AM on vacation

Today, (monday) I need to get back on it before I ruin my progress. I'm going to make a shake today. I have to go get ice for the mini blender so most likely it'll be a shake for lunch. But, that's okay, I like shakes.

:) I'll write soon, but, for now back to the lake.

Day 13: Early in the morning

Beautiful Sunrise - An awesome blogger's photo.

Early post this morning. Just got done drinking total lean and will be heading to work shortly. Only a few more days until I get some time off. It's been months since I had a week off from work and now I'll get that opportunity next week.

I'd like to keep drinking the shake through the vacation period. I know vacation is for taking a break, but, should you really quit progress for a week of fun? I don't know, even if it is vacation, it will still pile on the pounds if you play cute.

Hitting the gym tonight, get my fitness on.

Got to keep on keepin' on. My goal is to be successful with this program.

The blog is helping to keep me in check. I'll do this.

Day 12: Inch by Inch

I'm starting to feel the effects of this shake. It's been almost 2 weeks and I've lost roughly 5lbs. If you replace a meal a day with this shake, it will cause a calorie deficit sometimes as much as a few hundred calories in one meal, depending on what you eat, and with that comes weight loss. It's pretty much guaranteed.

As I lose more weight I will begin posting before and after pictures.

I feel my energy levels have definitely increased.

Usually around this "time of month" (yeah, yeah, I know) I get sluggish, have some serious hankerings for chocolate. This time I don't. Of course feeling like you had a milkshake for breakfast probably helps that.

I haven't had any side effects from Total Lean yet, no stomach pains, bloating, weight gain, etc.

I don't feel deprived and starting to settle into a nice routine.

I wake up in the morning, yawn, stretch, and grab the blender.

I throw my ice in, my milk, and my shake and do it it to it.

Plus...I think the sound of the blender wakes you up!

I get my loyal beer mug, and fill it up and enjoy my morning.


I've also decided to join the Rowing Club again. I miss crew and it's great exercise. I feel good today, like I'm putting myself back together :-)

Until tomorrow friends.

Day 10: Shake, Shake, Shake your body

Back on the shake, feeling great. I was looking forward to it when I woke up. I'm ready to take it on again for the week.

Sal brought home these GNC Total Lean Energy Chews. He bought them to have something to give him a mid-day boost (he works outside in the woods). I realized it was part of the same system I'm on. I've been taking them for the past few days and if you can get passed the taste, they're not bad.

They have caffiene to keep you moving and fiber to keep you full. I wouldn't really replace my coffee with them as I like coffee, but, for that extra mo-jo, it's not bad.

Day 9: Saturday life

Well Saturday is over, I wish Monday went that fast! Anyway, I didn't drink the shake today, yes its a confession. I thought giving myself a break for the last 2 days and eating normal food would be good for me. It will keep me from feeling deprived. I didn't go nuts today though.

I had a curry chicken wrap
2 cookies *gasp* (first sweet in 9 days)
and baked chicken w/ whole wheat ravioli.

doubleshot espresso (140 cal), vitamin water, 1 cup of coffee, 1 starbucks green coffee (60 cals), 1 cup of  1 % milk, and water.

est. around w/ drinks and cookies 1400 cals.


I'm really trying to be concious of what I am eating and want to achieve my goal. Before I had my daughter I was a size 6/8. I think that was the best size for my height and frame.

On another topic, I want to vent a bit: This girl on some website called skinny gossip called Kate Upton fat, incase you don't know who she is, here's a picture:

okay...?

Anyway this angered me but than I thought, eh, the skinny girl is probably just jealous that no one mistakes kate for a small asian man. Though I am sure if she ever saw this blog, she'd probably puke on herself...

anyway, moving on.

I think this is something a young woman should strive to be, a girl with curves. This is a look that suits me well.

well, it's about mid night here in NY. Time to hit the hay. The Mixology continues tomorrow. What's nice is I'm craving the shake :)

cheers.

Day 8: Break day...maybe

Friday, July 13th, 2012:


I decided that I wanted to take a break from the shake at least during the day. I may have the shake for dinner again, but, we'll see.

No gym today, I'll go tomorrow morning.

I think it maybe good to take a break from the shake for a day, after all it IS a supplement.

But, who knows? I may guilt trip myself into drinking it for dinner.

I'll log more tomorrow.

Feel good though, I think the shake is working. I think I lost a few lbs this week.

Day 7: Feel the burn!

Thursday, July 12th, 2012:


SEVEN DAYS 1 shake a day. Maybe next week I can force myself into two shakes a day and just eat one meal a day? I don't know isn't that like anorexic or something?

Anyway, decided to say to hell with drinking the shake for breakfast and lunch! I wanted REAL food!

I CRAVED an onion roll w/ a cup of coffee aaaalllllllll week. I know, strange right? So I went and I got one, yep, that's right BREAD with BUTTER. Oh lovely.

Then for lunch, I hit up Panera bread for their BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad. I love that restaurant and the salads...mmmhmmmhmmm.

(I swear I do NOT work for these companies, I just like what I like)

I went to the gym after work for a two hour session. OH IT FELT SOOO GOOD TO WORK IT OUT!

Sometimes after sitting all day it is so nice to go and sweat for a few hours. It's like taking a hot shower.

I decided through guilt that I would eat the shake for dinner.

and that is what I did, and you know what? It wasn't that bad!

I ate a zone bar after I left the gym w/ a starbucks green coffee energy drink. That spiked my blood sugar level up a notch to be good until I got home.

I even cleaned the kitchen first BEFORE I drank the shake.

Had my shake around 8pm. I was good for the night.

Day 6: You better really like Chocolate

Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

It's a good thing I like chocolate. Day 6 on the shake.

Finally remembered my shake from work and had the opportunity to mix it up with my beloved blender before work.

No gym today either, again, my turn for pick up/drop off. Tomorrow is a different story.

Anyway, made my lunch this morning. Roast beef and a slice of cheese on multigrain bread.

Had some corn chips w/ salsa with my sandwich.

Kept me good and full until dinner.

Dinner wasn't the best choice, not the worst either. Naturally Rising pizza. At least it's made with decent ingredients. I know excuses, excuses. Spinach on the side---had to make up for it some how.


I have to admit, I'm not nearly as crazy hungry as I imagined I would be.

All good in the hood though. I'm still diggin' it.

Day 5: Keep on going

Tuesday, July 10th, 2012.

5 days of drinking something isn't that easy. I'm glad it tastes good.

No gym for me this morning or this evening, as I sacrifice myself for my child's fun. It's my day to drop her off at summer camp and pick her back up.

I left the shake powder at my job yesterday forgetting I was going to be home in the morning, snag I could have used the blender! Oh well.

Decided to eat breakfast for the first time in 5 days with my daughter. I ate Fiber one Honey something, 80 calories, blah blah blah. Had to admit, it was nice to have food for breakfast for a change.

Did the shake for lunch: or part of lunch.

Mixed it up with the Skim Milk. After an hour or two after drinking the shake I was really hungry. Work was super busy, so I need to make sure that it's not stress eating. I kept it cool and went and got home made chicken noodle soup from the farmers market and half a slice of bread.

That helped and kept me full until dinner. At that point is was spinach stuffed organic ravioli w/ Bolognase.
and spinach on the side.

I'm just proud that I have managed to replace a meal a day and stick with it.

Day 4: Mundane Monday

Monday, July 9th, 2012

 


"Happy" Monday.

Hit the gym early this morning, cardio and abs. It was a good workout. I like getting up early and getting to the gym but it's always the "getting up" part that hurts. Once I'm there, I'm good. But, my ID comes out and says "no, no gym, no worries sleeep....SLEEEEPPP.

Yep, Freud was right.

Headed to work after the gym. I have a lot to do this week into next week to get ready for Vacation. I'm a "stress" eater. I know this about myself, so I have to be careful not to quit on myself.

Bought a quart of skim milk to bring to work with me. Normally, I hate that stuff and go for the 1%. But, they didn't have 1 % and it was either that or 2%. Wanting this shake thing to work out, I grinned and beared it and took the Skim.

Mixed up my breakfast at work again. :( no Mr. Blender. But, having it with milk was the next best thing.

Not too shabby.

Drank my shake, went and got some lunch in the afternoon and had Dinner which was Chicken and potatoes and beans.

I'm still feeling lighter, and I think I'm noticing my thighs are shrinking.  

Day 3: Am I skinnier?

Sunday: July 8th, 2012

I feel lighter.

 I don't think I actually AM lighter, but, hey even if it's giving me a positive out look, I'm happy.

Slept in a little bit before my dog and kid woke me up with vengeance, went back to Mr. Blender, and whipped up another breakfast.

Sal, that's my boyfriend, came in and decided with the rest of the shake that was left over to throw in his GNC something something 60, and the rest of the morning coffee. Hit blend again.

I had to admit with his additions it was a good shake. Added more protein and a kick in the pants.

Kept me full for the rest of the morning. Got to admit, I'm digging the shake.

DAY 2: A Revelation

Day 2: Saturday, July 7th, 2012


Ah happy, happy Saturday. Got up early this morning, drank a cup or two of joe, and hit the gym with my boyfriend. I like working out with someone, or at least going to the gym with someone. Did a 2 hour workout *love the long sessions*, went home and decided to pull out my old friend Mr. Blender.

I've had these two ice blocks in my Freezer from a party in May (does ice go bad?), broke a few pieces off that bad boy and went to town. Decided to ditch the water and go with 1%. Added the 2 scoops of shake and hit smoothie. I blended the shake until I couldn't see any more texture of the granules. Took a beer mug - yes, I guess I replaced beer with nutrition - and poured a tall one.

It tasted AWESOME. I drank that glass, and having more in the blender, filled it up again and drank that down.

I don't think I can have the shake any other way than that again.

If you're going to go with the GNC shake - get...a...blender!

DAY 1 on the Total Lean Shake by GNC

I'm an on the go woman. I have a family, a 45 hr a week, sometimes traveling, career. I sit at a desk almost 9 hours a day. EEK. Nutrition and making sure I have my nutrition correct is something that is always stressing me out. If I'm not thinking about my waist line, I'm worried about what I ate, what I have to eat, shopping for it, (continued rant).

Fed up with the cycle of insanity, I decided to give GNC Total Lean shake a go. I wasn't into doing the whole program, maybe in the future but as for now the shake is fine.

Last week, I picked up the "Chocolate Swiss" Total Lean Shake at Rite Aid. Thanks to my nifty Gold card and the 20% wellness discount I get, I picked it up for about $22.00.

I decided to replace 1 meal per day with shake. This is my journey.

Start weight: too fucking fat. So we'll say size: 12.

Height: 5'9.

Activity Level: 3-4 times a week, 1-2 hr sessions, cardio + weights.

Since I started my journey a week ago, but, just started this blog, I will put in my days up to today in multiple entries, so ignore the date posted and pay attention to the titles.






DAY 1: Friday, July 6th, 2012.

I decided to mix the shake w/ water the first day. I was at work and was mixing it into a cup w/ water. The texture was THICK. I think it was the first time I've ever chewed a drink. The taste wasn't half bad, but, the texture was new to me. During the day it caused bloating, but, went away a few hours later. I felt pretty good, and made it to lunch eating very little. That night, we did take out. I had originally ordered stuffed peppers, but, the cook had messed up and I ended up with Chicken Parm. It was great, but, I ate very little of it. I'm not a fan of white pasta.