Tag Archives: Skinny-fat

STRESS GOT YOU DOWN?? February 10, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Motivaton, Tips and tagged with , ,

I’m happy to report my weight is still on a steady decline. But now, I’m throwing a big wrench in my routine by moving. Can you say STRESSFUL??

And forget about keeping up with my diet and exercise plan. If I’m not packing, I’m sleeping. Stacking boxes is all the exercise I have time and energy for, and the anxiety is making me miss my old best friends; Oreos, pizza, and a bottle of cab.

So what’s the best way to stay on track when dealing with big changes?

1) Keep healthy snacks handy! Almonds, blueberries, and cottage cheese are quick nutritional options when you’ve got the stressed out munchies.

2) Sleep, sleep, sleep! Giving our bodies a chance to recuperate can make us feel refreshed and ready for the day. Try turning off electronics before going to bed (that includes cell phones) if you have difficulties falling asleep.

3) Be positive! Sounds trite but if you get out of your routine a couple of days, having a good attitude about it can help motivate you to get back on track and not give up.

4) Just breathe! Taking a couple of deep breaths can help calm your nerves and put everything in perspective.

Remember, achieving long term results is the ultimate goal, so when life gets stressful don’t give up. Just take a step back, regroup, and begin the journey again.

KEEP THAT MOTIVATION! January 28, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Motivaton, Uncategorized and tagged with , ,

It’s been a few weeks now since I said bon voyage to the old me and began moving on to better health and fitness. I’ve seen some progress (lost a few pounds), had some set backs (ate dessert three days in a row), and learned that I’d rather have my toe nails yanked off one by one than try to do pull ups.

As the month of January comes to a close I find myself wondering if I’ll be able to keep the momentum through February. And what happens once I reach my goal? Will I be able to maintain it??

I don’t know, but I guess that’s not the point. The point is, it’s a new day and that’s all I have to survive, right? So this is what I’m going to do to stay on track:

1) Take it one day at a time. It does no good to stress about the dreaded Wednesday weigh ins. I need to focus only on today’s progress, and making sure I stay active and avoid inhaling a large french fry from McDonald’s.

2) Remember this is not so much about my appearance but about my health. Once the initial elation of reaching my goal has departed I’ll need something more than looking like a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model to keep me going (LOL!). Focusing on my overall health will be my new goal.

3) Speaking of goals…I’m going to set short term and long term goals. That way I’ll always be achieving something and working on something new.

Hopefully with these ideas in mind I can continue on my journey and not get lost along the way. I’d love to hear how you’re staying motivated, and maybe together we can reach the final destination!

WEDNESDAY..EEK! January 23, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Uncategorized and tagged with , ,

Ahhhh, the morning’s crisp, the sky is blue, the squirrels are fighting over acorns across my roof, and the bathroom scale is waiting patiently for me to step aboard and see my progress, or lack there of. So here goes…

Well it’s always nice to see that another pound has come off! I just wish I could tell if the strength training is starting to work. I’m still doing a modified version of the couch potato work out but I’ve been adding more reps almost every time. I no longer feel like I’m going to vomit after the push ups and squats, so I’m thinking that’s a plus. Some of my clothes are a little looser, and my husband SWEARS my butt has lifted three inches, lol, so I’ll continue to weigh myself each week but let the mirror and my clothes be my guide.

How long until you started seeing results??

THE CALORIE EQUATION…January 21, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Uncategorized and tagged with , , , ,

So in case you haven’t noticed, this blog is for the fitness novice like myself. If you’ve been working on your health for a while you probably won’t benefit from reading this, unless you want a hearty laugh now and then in which case I invite you back any time! 

Anyway, since I’m just beginning, I have a voracious appetite for knowledge. It used to be for Oreo cookies but I’m trying to channel it in a different direction now. What I’ve been reading recently is how to create a calorie deficit which is the only way to lose weight. It actually becomes quite a math equation when you try to figure it out. Maybe I should have listened to my teacher when she said I’d be using algebra all my life. Sheesh! 

Instead of confusing you with an unintelligible explanation, I’m going to post a link to an article that gives the step-by-step way to calculate how many calories you should be eating to maintain your weight and how to make sure you’re not overeating. It only takes  an extra 3500 hundred calories to add a pound. That’s half a Turtle Cheesecake! What?? Like you’ve never splurged before..

http://exercise.about.com/cs/weightloss/a/howtoloseweight.htm

 

WHAT’S YOUR SHAPE? January 20, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Tips and tagged with , , , , ,

I was talking to my sister the other day, and she mentioned wanting to start doing some strength training too. Then, like most conversations between women, the topic turned to those problem areas we can’t seem to get rid of. I wish I had smaller thighs (like her) and she wishes we could trade arms. LOL!

It got me thinking about all the shapes women come in. Even those from the same family. My sister’s an apple (I’m telling all your secrets, Ash) and I’m a pear. But what does that mean? And does our shape dictate how and where we lose weight?

Yes it does! Not only that but our shape may be linked to health issues! Here’s an article that talks more about what to do if you carry weight in your middle, and what to do if the junk’s in your trunk:

http://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Woman_Body_Types

Of course, there’s no such thing as spot losing but if you know your shape and diet and exercise accordingly, you’ll see much better results!

DRESSING ROOMS…CUE THE JAWS THEME SONG-January 18, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Tips and tagged with , ,

How many of you out there LOVE trying on clothes?? Ha! Do I even have to ask?? Well yesterday was my day. My husband’s company is hosting a conference in a couple of weeks, and since I’ll be meeting some of his clients at a cocktail reception, he suggested I go buy a new dress. Not only that, but after the conference we’re taking his employees and their spouses for a night on the town.

Sounds fun, huh?

Ya, great, especially when my husband’s instructions are, “Nothing frumpy.” His definition of frumpy is very different from mine. To my hubs anything that’s not skin tight is frumpy! LOL!

So off to Dillards I went, hoping that I would find the perfect cocktail dress and night out outfit that would be sexy enough for my husband and comfortable enough for me. What did I find? Panic in the dressing room!

As soon I took my clothes off and stood naked in front of the mirror I wanted to gag. Add to that the bad lighting, warped mirror, and the fact that I’m PMSing, and I was soon looking for a makeshift noose. I did end up finding something I think will satisfy both our wants, but as I was trying on a million different styles I wondered how many women have ever felt like I do, and are there any tips for feeling good while trying on clothes? Turns out there are:

http://shine.yahoo.com/fashion/user-post-how-to-feel-good-about-trying-on-clothes-2464573.html

Wish I had read this before I went, but maybe it will help you the next time you have to face the…da dum da dum da dum…dreaded dressing room.

Check back next Wednesday to see some more (GULP) progress..

2ND WEIGH IN..January 16, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Motivaton and tagged with , ,

Did I mention how much I HATE Wednesdays?? Especially this Wednesday? So I weighed myself and GASP! I’ve GAINED 1.5 lbs. WHAT!!?? I’ve been sooo good! Counting my calories, exercising almost everyday and for what?? I almost gave up and shoved my head into a box of Krispy Kreme’s.

Then I looked at the calendar and yep, I should be getting my period soon. Welcome to PMS City. Do not pass go, do not collect your bikini. Instead, pull out your sweats, grab your kleenexes, and turn on Lifetime Movie Network.

What I WON’T be doing is drowning my sorrows in a pint of Ben and Jerry’s “Everything but the…” No I wont. I won’t. Right??

Right. And here’s why:

http://cardiopump.com/2011/05/25/44-snacks-for-surviving-pms-pitfalls/

It’s a great site for healthy PMS snacking. And yes, it’s all about the chocolate. Enjoy.

ANOTHER TIP January 11, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Tips and tagged with , , ,

To all my fellow couch potatoes! I found a work out routine just for you. And me. Heh. Here’s the link:

http://online.prevention.com/couchpotatoworkout/index.shtml

I’m into my second week now, and I have to say, the strength training isn’t getting any easier. LOL! In fact last week I think I pushed myself too hard and ended up crashing. Not good when you’re healing from adrenal fatigue but you live and learn, right?

I’ve found another snack to quell the sweet tooth. Cut up an apple and dip the pieces into one tbls of light peanut butter. I like creamy Jif, but if you’re really health conscious you could use a natural nut butter. I tried, but I’d have to dump a pound of sweetener on top so I’m thinking I’ll stick with the good stuff.

Not only is this low in calories, about 180 per serving, but it’s also a mood enhancer! Who couldn’t use that?? I like to have it with a cup of skim milk which does add more calories and sugar, but it’s pure yumminess.

Ok, I’m letting you guys in on a little secret…shhh…I bought a bathing suit for St. Thomas! It’s a one piece but is a little on the sexy side. Not hoochie side, just a little daring. Here’s a link if you want a peek:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/robin-piccone-penelope-crochet-overlay-one-piece-swimsuit/3240353?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Geranium&resultback=0

I got it in black, but the geranium color is pretty too. Maybe I’ll get both. I’d love to hear what type of bathing suit makes you feel the most sexy!

OUCH! January 3, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Tips and tagged with , ,

I survived yesterday’s workout but am feeling the effects today. That’s good right? Here’s what I did:

During E’s True Hollywood Story on Selena Gomez (I’m pathetic I know) I did stomach crunches for the first commercial break, squats and lunges for the second, and push ups and bicep curls for the third. I also went to the track and jogged/power walked for 45 min.

Dinner was a very healthy and yummy chicken dish that I got from this nifty website:http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/quick-recipes/dinner/dinner-in-20-easy-healthy-dinner-recipes/?page=2. I also went grocery shopping and stocked my kitchen with fruits and veggies, almonds, greek yogurt, and some protein bars. I’ve decided my favorite snack so far is cut up veggies (bell peppers, carrots, and celery) dipped in a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese. Delish and perfect for carb cravings!

I’ve been scouring the internet for healthy eating tips and stumbled upon something very interesting:

YOU CAN EAT CONSTANTLY AND STILL LOSE WEIGHT! WHAT??!!

Thats right, people! Now I’m not talking about throwing back an entire box of Twinkies during a Friends marathon. I’m talking about keeping your metabolism steady all day so you burn more fat. That means several small meals a day instead of three big ones. Yes, I’ve heard eating small meals is better than eating big ones, but scheduling those small meals is key. Breakfast followed by a mid morning snack ( a few almonds may be all it takes to keep your metabolism going), lunch followed by a mid afternoon snack, and dinner.

The key is not to starve yourself. We all know what happens if you do that. You’re body figures you’ve been stranded on an inflatable raft in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and decides to hold on to every single fat cell it can possibly find. Even if that fat cell resides in your pinky toe your body will find it, and send it with the rest of the renegade fat cells floating around, straight to your behind!

So eat for goodness sakes but be smart about it. Repeat after me: This is a lifestyle not a diet. This is a lifestyle not a diet. this is a lifestyle not a… Ya, you get the picture.

AND SO IT BEGINS…January 2, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Motivaton and tagged with , , , , , , ,

Ok, let me just start by saying I am NOT a fitness expert. I’m barely a fitness beginner! I am also NOT a blogger.  I have never blogged before nor have I ever had the desire TO blog.  So you might be wondering why I’m blogging now. Well, the answer may surprise you.  This is not so much for YOU but for ME.

For the last several years, my husband and I have led a pretty healthy lifestyle. I cook light meals, we don’t snack on too much junk food, and we try to get regular exercise.  Sounds pretty good right?? Then why in the last year have I gone up a DRESS SIZE??? That’s not a rhetorical question, people. I need to know. Is it because I hit my thirties and my metabolism decided to go on vacation? Permanently? If so, how do I make my body feel like a fun filled week in Bora Bora so it will come back?

What have I done so differently this last year?

You may also be wondering why I call myself a skinny-fat girl. I don’t remember where I heard the term but when I read the definition I realized it was describing me.

SKINNY-FAT: Having a body that’s not overweight (and can even be underweight), but has NO muscle tone.

There are many women out there that fit this bill. I can’t believe the info and pics I find when I Google the term, and while I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that, especially if they are comfortable in their own skin, I feel that I’ve lived my life like this for way too long. It’s time for me to do something, to take control of my fitness, hence this blog. I could just keep a diary, but I know that if others are reading this and rooting me on, maybe even going on a fitness journey themselves, then I’ll be more apt to keep going.

So I propose a challenge, not because it’s a new year but because it’s a new beginning. Let’s get fit, people!!

But how?? Well I’m going to start by identifying all the ways I think I’m being “good” but really being “not so good”.

1) Portion control. I cook healthy meals but when I’m eating triple the calories I should be, I might as well be eating french fries for dinner.

2) Weekend Binges. For some reason I feel like since I’ve been relatively good during the week I deserve to eat chocolate creme brûlée and filets  cooked in a pound of butter for every meal on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

3) Exercise. This is tricky. I love cardio, but hate strength training.

Solutions:

1) Buy a food scale. It may seem daunting to weigh everything you put in your mouth but I’m hoping knowing the exact amount of food that’s going down my throat will be a wake up call. I also signed up for a calorie counter.

2) Enjoy ONE cheat meal on the weekends. ONE.

3) Continue doing cardio but add in some strength training at home. I’m going to start slow by doing some crunches, pushups, lunges and squats during commercial breaks!

I know these changes seem small but to a chronic couch potato like myself it feels like I’m training for the Olympics.  And by the way, did I mention my ten year wedding anniversary is in 2 and 1/2 months and my husband is taking me to St.Thomas? Motivation much??

So get ready, get set, here I go! Whose comin with me?