"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion, or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or a gazelle, when the sun comes up you'd better be running." Author Unknown

Thursday, April 30, 2009

P90x: Day 5

Legs, Back and Abs

Let me just say that this is not my first try at P90X. I bought it almost a year ago (maybe longer). I remember starting it and loving it... but I didn't get passed the second week. Probably because I was carrying 20 more pounds then I am now.

I don't remember being this sore? Does it mean that I'm doing something right this time? or maybe wrong? All I know is that I am dying for a rest day already! My back, arms and inner thighs are killing me. I cant sit down without moaning and groaning about it.

Today's workout is Legs, Back and Abs... can I just say that I will be in tears the entire workout! I am determined to lose the last 40 lbs now though... so BRING IT!!!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

P90X: Day 4

As predicted, my arms hurt as bad as the rest of me! I waited for Hubby to go to his martial arts class last night before putting in Shoulders and Arms. I LOVE this workout, it makes me feel so strong. Mostly because I like working my 'glamour' muscles. Lets face it, summer is here and those tank tops are slowly making their way to the top of the drawer. Time to focus on those areas that will be seeing more sunlight!

Today is Yoga. I would love it if I could find an area in the house where I could do it in peace and quiet. Unfortunately I have two kids that make it impossible to focus... and when you are in twisted triangle, lets face it, you need to focus! So my plan today is to do it late tonight. Hopefully after the kids are asleep. I don't know if this will work, as I am usually not far behind them in falling asleep. I will try to keep energized!!

Its a beautiful day today and I am going to take the kids and the dogs to the park... pray for me!! LOL

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

P90X: Day 3

I am sore, and not just the 'ooh, that feels good' sore. I mean the 'OUCH' , every time I move, sore. Today's workout is shoulders and arms, which should even out the soreness by tomorrow. (just in time for a grueling Yoga session)

I usually weigh in on Wednesdays.. but since it will be right in the middle of my p90x week, and I will be retaining water like crazy, I decided to move my weigh in to Sunday mornings. That way I get a nice rest day in to drop water before I step on the scale.

I was looking at my goals and realized that I am not far off the plan. I was hoping to be 180 for my birthday, but landed on 188. My next goal is 170 by May 25th. That means I need to lose 4.5 lbs a week. A little much... but if I can hit 2-3 lbs a week I will at least be in the mid 170's!!

I need to keep focused on my food. I tend to focus more on my workouts and that can be disastrous for my food. If I can just keep up with the veggies, fruits and protein shakes, I should be ok.

Monday, April 27, 2009

P90X Day 1 and Day 2



Thanks for all the wonderful birthday wishes. I had a great day. Hubby sent me out to have a relaxing day while he cleaned house, cooked, bathed the kids and made the birthday cake. I got my hair dyed (I am now a brunette with blonde highlights!), bought 4 books and a couple of nice shirts at a new store in town. I made it home a little late for my own birthday party... but it was fantastic. Hubby scored an A with his BBQ chicken, corn on the cob and salad. His chocolate cherry cake was to die for and everyone had a blast. I couldn't have asked for a better day.




On to Sunday, my first day of P90X. It was chest, back and ab ripper X. I did amazingly well doing a total of 183 push-ups and 116 pull-ups. I definitely noticed that I need to eat more calories to get through my workouts. I was shaking and sick by the end of my workout... Today I am going to make sure I get in 1800 calories and see how I feel in my workout. Tonight is Plyometrics..... nothing like jumping up and down for an hour!!




Friday, April 24, 2009

31

Tomorrow I will be celebrating my 31st birthday. I thought I would share 31 things I've learned in that time....

1. When you fall down, it hurts.

2. Always get back up...

3. The faster you get up the faster you forget you fell in the first place.

4. Always smile, it burns more calories

5. It takes less effort to make friends then it does to make enemies.

6. True love comes in the form of a child.

7. Arguing with your husband is healthy for the relationship, but making up burns more calories.

8. Be yourself, no matter who is around.

9. When you hear a good song... DANCE!

10.Sometimes you just need to lay on the floor and play with the kids.

11. Say 'I love you' whenever you can. You never know when it will be your last time.

12. Forgive and forget. Life is too short.

13. Sometimes you should just laugh until you cry.

14. Always take band aids off fast....

15. Peanut butter takes gum out of hair.

16. A two year old CAN reach the top shelf in any house.

17. If you cant imagine a day without him... marry him!

18. Don't stress over money.

19. Trust in Gods plan.... it always works out!

20. Never give up on yourself.

21. Your never too old to start over.

22. Any goal is reachable!

23. Sing at the top of your lungs when a good song comes on in the car.

24. Look through the eyes of a child... its a whole different world!

25. Take the time to say Hello.

26. Take advantage of a beautiful day.

27. Always look both ways at an intersection.

28. Don't block with your face.

29. Never turn your back on a friend.

30. Express yourself in what you wear.

31. Lather, rinse, repeat and enjoy!!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Bring on the BBQ

Sorry Carlos but Hubby will not part with his BBQ sauce recipe... but I will share my recipe for the best BBQ Beans ever!

BBQ Beans (warning: this is not a 'diet' recipe)

This is an easy one-pot meal to cook while camping. Preheat grill (or stove) to medium. combine all ingredients in a large pot; mix well. Simmer covered for several hours; stir often. Remove from heat when vegetables are soft.

Serves 8... more or less!

1 15oz can pork and beans
1 15oz can pink beans, rinsed and drained
1 15oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 lb bacon, cooked and chopped
2 cups smoked ham, chopped
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 small green chili pepper, chopped
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
3 cloves garlic, chopped

Ok, so I had an awesome workout yesterday. One hour of Tae Bo that had me dripping sweat. I LOVED it. What is a little strange is that I am working out every other day... and my workouts are better! I sweat more, I feel more... all in all, they are 10x better workouts then when I was working out 5-6 times a week. Is that weird? Or is that why I am finally losing weight again?

I start P90X again on Sunday and I am a little afraid to workout 6 days a week again... but I will give it two weeks and see how I feel.

So one of my birthday presents from my mom this weekend is a day at the salon getting my hair done. I am going to change my hair color... maybe get some streaks and highlights in it? I'm super excited because I am usually stuck doing my own hair at home... this is a real treat!

Today is a rest day. I've already gone off my diet with pancakes for breakfast, so I need to be strict with what I eat the rest of the day!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Just when you start to feel good....

someone manages to shoot you back down.

I took the kids to the park yesterday. It was the first day that the winds weren't blowing 60 MPH and the temp was over 50*F. Anyway, we played and played. I was stupid enough to wear a black tank top with NO sunscreen. (I always start the summer with a terrible sun burn) After an hour the girls and I were sweaty so we thought it would be a great idea to stop at the grocery store for an ice cream treat. (no worries, I picked a no fat/soy ice cream sandwich) While we are standing in the isle trying to decide which yummy treat we wanted, a nice old lady came up and started talking to the girls. Just as she was walking away she asked Baby, my youngest, if she was going to have a baby sister or a baby brother. Baby looked at me with the same quizzical look I was giving the old lady....

The woman walked off, feeling good about her little conversation with the kids. While I stood there trying to catch my reflection in the freezer doors.

Weigh In Day and Progress Pics

- 3 Pounds

I was hoping to match last weeks loss of 4 pounds, but 3 will work just as well! I had a cruddy day yesterday so food was out of sync... but I'm fixing that today. Already have the veggies picked out, cleaned and ready to eat for the day.

So I decided to take a look at pics from the old days. In 2007 I was at my heaviest of 225 lbs. It has taken me 2 years to get where I am today... but it sure has been a big change. Hopefully by 2011 I will be at my goal weight... with a 4 year Masters degree in eating right! Anyway, if your interested in seeing the changes I added a Progress Pictures link on the right hand side!

I also realized it has been a whole year since I've taken a weight loss pic. I think I will wait until I hit the 180 mark to do it!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Diet is not just another 4 letter word.

W: 188.8 (-3 lbs, no change)

W: rest day

F: fresh fruit/raw veggies only

No change in weight since yesterday, and I think I know why. I have been slowly adding to my diet. You know, a little more here, a second helping there. Now, its not enough to make me gain, but its enough to make me stall. Today I am back to my strict, no nonsense diet.

I had a terrible soar throat all day yesterday, so no workout. Since today is a scheduled rest day it will just give me another reason to stick to eating right.

This Saturday is my 31st birthday. It doesn't seem to be hitting me as hard as my 30th. I guess I have come to accept that I have lived my twenty's and that its time to make my 30's something to brag about! I was hoping to be at 180 by Saturday, but I don't think that is possible. I will just aim for being healthy and happy. Hubby wants to BBQ on Saturday to celebrate. I cant say no... his homemade BBQ sauce is to die for!

Time to get the day started. God Bless.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Monday Morning

W: 188.8 (-3 lbs)


Workout: One hour Tae Bo


Food: Focus on quantity AND quality


I had a great weekend. No binging, no splurging... just good!


I have to make this short and sweet. With only two days left till my weigh in I have to make sure I get a good workout in today.... and time is already running short this morning!

Friday, April 17, 2009

Its Not What It Used To Be

W: 189 (-2)

Workout: Rest Day

Food: Fresh fruit/Raw Veggies

I gained back a pound, but that doesn't surprise me. I did an awesome workout yesterday and am extremely sore in my arms and back, so I must be retaining a little bit of water. I stuck to my food perfectly, up until the late night sweet tooth in which I gave in and ate a couple of marshmallows and a gummy thing. All in all, not a bad day.

This weekend is jam packed. The most important thing on my list is getting my car in the shop. It is making funny noises and I have no air conditioning... two things that desperately need to be fixed. You don't want to get stranded in Arizona... especially without air conditioning! Even though last nights temp was 20*F ... yeah,FREEZING. I wish summer would hurry up and get here. I am ready for the sweatfest of 2009!!

I am off to do grocery shopping this morning, which is exciting because I have been eating nothing but celery, carrots and bananas for three days because I did some poor shopping last week. This time I am loading up on every fruit and vegetable there is... I'm craving them now!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Week 4, Day 1

W: 188 (-3 lbs)

Workout: 1 hour Tae Bo

Food: fresh/raw fruits and veggies

Your not seeing things.. I lost 3 lbs overnight. Yesterdays food was fresh fruit/raw veggies and a protein shake for 3 meals and dinner was shrimp with whole wheat pasta and fresh tomatoes, squash and onions. I drank tons of water... and hot tea at the bar last night. I'm repeating the food today. Lets see if I can pull another 3 lbs! LOL I doubt it...

Last night was fun. My girlfriends canceled on me at the last minute... sick kids... so I called my Mom who, in turn, called her boyfriend, my grandmother and my aunt. Good grief. It turned into a family outing. Of course, I was the only one that got up and sang karaoke... but my mom did get up and dance with me, which was fun!! Since having my girls I have gotten used to taking the backseat when around my mom.... so it was nice to have a little one-on-one time again. Even though she and her boyfriend kicked my butt at darts... three times!

The weather is crazy around here. Last night it was a blowing snow storm. Today is nothing but blue skies and sunshine. *sigh* If it will warm up a little I'm letting the girls out to get some of this pent up energy out!!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Weigh In Day

-4 pounds

I have to say that is the best number I've pulled in months! I was hoping for the nice clean number but will be happy with 191.

Today is a rest day, because lets be honest, I only worked out 3 days last week and lost all that weight. Obviously I am way more conscious of the food I eat when I am not sweating it out. So I will take a couple of extra 'off' days then normal... at least for the next week.. .and see how I do.

For you P90Xer's , no worries. I am planning to go back on the 26th. This time I will be doing it with a friend, so it should be a little more enjoyable... I will be starting with Day 1 again, but that's OK, at least I will be starting!

Tonight is karaoke night with my girlfriends. Which means lots of drinking, for them.... and lots of water for me! LOL

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

600 posts....

W: 191 (-. 5 lbs)

Workout: 1 hour on the treadmill

Food: Focus on control

This post makes 601 in the Where Is Tigerlilly?? journey. There is a part of me that is a little disappointed that it has taken this long. If I had followed through with the first plan , back in Dec. of 2007, it should have only taken 180 posts. But life happens. The good thing is that I have lost weight and am continuing to learn more about myself everyday.

I lost another half pound yesterday. It will be nice to be in the 180's again.... I want to feel that good again. But I'm not going to settle... which is what happened, and why I think I ended up gaining 10 lbs back. I was feeling good, looking good and was happy to be 184 lbs..... which lead me to being a little too relaxed about what I was eating. Not this time. I am striving for 160... and I am going to make it.

This time I'm not going to rush myself. I'm going to relax and enjoy the process. I'm going to take the time to notice the good changes that I feel every time I lose a little weight. I may even take up a little meditation now and then to help my body release the stress.

Tomorrow is my weigh in... and I am not stressing it one bit. I am already down 4 lbs... it can only get better!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Week 3 Day 5

W: 191.5 (-3.5 lbs)

Workout: 1 hour on the treadmill

Food: Focus on control.

I don't know how I lost 3.5 lbs. It could be a little bit of everything that's been going on...but I think mostly it was the fact that I finally confessed to Hubby about my eating habits. Don't think it could be that bad? Well, I didn't either, until I started telling him everything. For example: I get so excited at the thought of him leaving... only so I can run into the kitchen and eat whatever I want and not worry about him walking in on me. How about when I pretend to walk to the bathroom, only to stop in the kitchen and sneak food while Hubby is watching TV. Yes, the more we talked about it the more ashamed I felt. I haven't been honest with myself.

Hubby new exactly what I was feeling though. The man said he did and felt the same way when he was an alcoholic. He would love it when I had to go somewhere so he could down 3 or 4 beers before I got home.

Knowing that, I have hope. Hubby has been sober for 4 years. If he can fight it, so can I. With both of us knowing what my habits are, hopefully we can both keep an eye on me!






Friday, April 10, 2009

(Insert Title Here)

Yesterday I spent the day waiting for the phone company guy to show up. Hubby has decided that dial-up is for the birds and that it would be so much easier for him to use the computer if we had DSL. All I could do was jump up and down with excitement. So I called to set it up and they said they would be here between 11 and 1 pm.

At 5 pm I got a call. "We don't have a port open for you right now, so he will be out there sometime next week."

Now, I know that we live up in the boonies, but seriously... why cant we get good customer service? Just because I live hundreds of miles from the city, does not mean that I am some redneck, backwoods, one toothed woman that does not appreciate good customer service.

So, now I have to wait until next week 'sometime' to get high speed. BLEH!

In the weight loss front, I am feeling pain. My legs are cramping, or I should say the back of my legs are cramping. From my butt to my knee. I drank a ton of water yesterday, thinking I was dehydrated... but this morning my legs are still hurting. Any ideas?

In a turn of events... I am going to give my body a break from working out. I know that exercise is part of that perfect equation for losing weight... but I think I am addicted to one and not the other. The other being eating right. I need to make myself focus on my eating habits. So, for the next month I am going to take a break from working out and see if I can lose weight by just eating right.

(Bare in mind that I have two young children and am far from being a couch potato all day!)

I want to send a big hug to Michelle for our gifts.... a friendship like yours is priceless. Thank you!!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Week 2 Day 7

This is about the time I get tired of watching the Biggest Loser. All they worry about is the 'game' and they can't focus on losing weight. Honestly, if they just did that they would be above the yellow line every week and would never have to worry about getting voted off. I think the point where I turned off the T.V. last night was when the mom (I can't remember her name) loses 2 lbs and then says she is tired of letting herself down every week. WHAT?? Are you serious? You lost 2 lbs, that is fantastic! Why would THAT be letting yourself down?

I am done with BL until the finale... because I always love to see the changes in everyone.

So today's WI was +2 lbs. I'm not gonna whine and cry about it. I know exactly what I did wrong and am making the change today.

***sigh****

Staying in the real world is far less painful than hiding in food and fat.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Week 2 Day 6

W: 193

Workout: Rest Day

Food: journal and water

We are having the strangest weather. It is warm and sunny for a couple of days and then, out of nowhere, we get a freak snowstorm. Its been doing this for two weeks now.. and this week is going to be the same. Yesterday was wonderful and today is supposed to be even warmer... but tomorrow's forecast is SNOW. WTH?? I am going to take advantage of the sun today and take the kids to the park. Maybe even get them to walk the track with me!

Yesterdays food was 'ok'. Since tomorrow is my weigh in day I am going to have a perfect day today... with lots of water. No working out today either. My body is sore.

Don’t forget that when the heart is heavy and resistance is low, and the mind is troubled and confused, there is much comfort in a true and understanding friend standing by.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Week 2 Day 5

W: 193

Workout: P90X Core synergistics, 30 min run

Food: Journal

I had a great weekend. I got my taxes done on saturday morning and spent the rest of the day breathing a sigh of relief. Sunday I managed to get my homeschooling supplies organized and did my plans for the week. Then Hubby started craving ice cream... *sigh*. I had been perfect all weekend, sticking to my perfect meal plan. We ended up having a cheat meal of pizza (4 small slices) and 1 cup of ice cream. That was it. I didn't stuff my mouth, I didn't eat a gallon of ice cream... and I feel okay with it all. A nice treat... now, back to business.

I may indeed be very busy, but I won’t have a life if I don’t put my program first.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Week 2 Day 2

W: 192.5 (-0.5 lb)

Workout: P90X Legs

Food: Keep journaling

So, I am finally seeing a minus sign by my weight. It feels good to have control over my eating again. I am journaling everything I eat... and I'm telling you, if you don't do this now, you should start. I started by just writing down the food. I'm too lazy to figure out calories. LOL But it helped me see what exactly was being stuffed in my mouth all day. Then I looked at the list and realized I could fine tune it a little and have a perfect day. I took a little out here, added a little bit there and vuala... I've had two perfect days with my calories somewhere in my 1300-1700 calorie range and the perfect mix of protein, carbs and veg/fruit. Today will no doubt be another great day!

I went out last night with my friend. We did our usual karaoke night at the bar. It was fun. There is another singing competition going on. I competed two weeks ago and qualified to be in the finals in June.(Let me just say that I only drink water at the bar and it terrifies me to sing now) My friend is trying to qualify too. Anyway, we were playing pool with a couple of the locals. While I was standing there a couple of great songs came on and I started to move a little bit. I remembered seeing the add for Hip Hop Abs and wondered if that really worked. Let me tell you... the six minutes that I moved and grooved to the music I crunched my stomach in (trying not to make it obvious, which probably made me stand out even more) and this morning I am seriously feeling my abs. Anybody try the Hip Hop Abs?? Let me know what its like!

I'm thankful its Friday.. I'm ready for a weekend with the family.

Every time I give service without counting the hours I give or looking for any reward, I am filled with freedom, friendship, joy, and abstinent recovery.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Week 2 Day 1

W: 194 (+1)

Workout: 30 min run, P90X Yoga

Food: Journal EVERYTHING

Don't worry, I'm not going to cry over the one pound gain. I am s-o-r-e from yesterdays workout. The muscles in my shoulders, arms and thighs are swollen.. so I'm pretty sure that is all water retention. Besides.. I tracked my food yesterday and was right on target! So if I gained, it wasn't because I ate it!!

So, Hubby passed his entrance exam for the new job... but that is only the first of 4 tests he has to pass before he can even enter the training program. We are just excited that he passed the first one. We will worry about the next one when it comes!

I am feeling good today, probably from eating healthy for a whole day! I have a bunch of cleaning to get done... and I have a super long workout today... so I better get going!

Any action, no matter how small, will help us to overcome deadly procrastination

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Day 7... yes, I'm back!

W: 193

Workout: P90X , 30 min cardio

Food: Protein, Carbs, Veggies and fruit... rinse and repeat.

Thank you girls (and boy!) for your words yesterday. It meant the world to me.

I slithered my way on to the scale this morning. Like the biggest loser scales, my scale jumped all over the place. For a second there I saw 197 and I sucked in a breath. Please GOD, not another gain. It settled on 193... back down to where I started. Thank you Lord!

Journaling worked well yesterday. It reminded me, at the end of the day, why I should not have that second bowl of spaghetti.

So Hubby is at a job interview today. I don't want to say too much and jinx it.. but if all goes well this could be very big for us. It could mean a move.... I am praying it all goes well. Its time for a change, for both of us.

In Step One, we learn the principle of honesty as we admit our personal powerlessness over food…that without help we cannot successfully manage our own lives.