My "super awesome final weight"

According to me, that is what the final weigh in is supposed to yield, a super awesome final weight. That super awesome final weight for me is 123 pounds! Not quite losing 10% of my weight in 14 weeks BUT it is 9.3%.

I gained (no pun intended) a lot in the past 14 weeks - I discovered Cardio Barre and Bar Method. I've rejoined Bikram and found a happy medium with Tissu class. I've tried new things like pole dancing & jump roping (hard!!). I've become a morning person waking up to go to 6am Spin.

I've re-strengthened my feet to be able to dance on pointe for at least 2.5 hours of my classes. I've developed healthy eating habits. (Can you believe a YEAR ago I was eating McDonald's 3 times a week?!?!?!?!)

The best part is these are now part of my lifestyle. 14 weeks developed HABITS - good habits. Unlike, fad diets, that you can't do forever - the challenge has really dug deep into me and rewired my lifestyle.

This is priceless and I can't wait to continue on. Thanks to, Sister #3 for sending my this link: http://www.mycalorienumber.com/mynumber I am going to focus even more on healthier eating habits.

I read somewhere (forgive me for not remembering but it was a legitimate health journal) that eating healthy should be priority over working out (I guess if you HAD to choose between the two). I think I have done vice versa.

Anyways, that is it for now. Thank you SOOOOO much for supporting me through the challenge. Hopefully, when the time is right for you, you will start one yourself. My "ah-ha" I must do something about it moment was when I was so embarrassed to see my reflection in the mirror while I was changing... I knew then that I had to take control of the situation.

Also, my giveaway winner is Sister #3. She stuck with me through the whole Challenge from week #1 and is going to continue her challenge since she was ill week #13 and fell off the bandwagon. She emailed me every week with goals and her plan.

She gets her choice of (2) Snuggie from Bed, Bath & Beyond, a Lulumelon headband, &/or a Scentbug from Bath & Body Works (with Holiday Scents!). CONGRATS!!!!! Also, I am talking to the California Health and Longevity Center to schedule Bod Pods for us!

Weigh In #13 - One more week!

Weight: 122 pounds
Measurements: unchanged

Wow! I can't believe I'm almost done with the 14 week challenge. This morning in spin I was well...pedaling and thinking how much easier (less hard?) spin is. I also am able to drive by the golden arches without salivating and veering right into the drive way.

I have one more week of this initial challenge, losing 10% of my body weight. I think I might fall short at least 5 pounds, we'll see if I could push it this week.

Things that have really worked for me:

1) Committing to working out as if it were an appointment or meeting.
2) Paying to workout. If you pay $200 a month for a membership somewhere and go twice a month you are paying $100 to workout. If you go 5 times a week you are paying$10 to workout.
3) Planning meals and not planning meals. Confused? Let me clarify. Having staples in the kitchen is important but not over shopping because cravings come and go. For examples, I always have chicken, brown, rice and veggies BUT if I have a craving for scallops I go and get scallops.
4) Not weighing myself everyday and just waiting until Monday. Every day weighing can drive a girl mad.
5) Working out in the morning and the evening. It keeps me amp'd throughout the work day and then through the evening to get things done around the house.

Some Big 10 Challenge Fails:
1) The Master Cleanse. It felt great (aside from crapping myself) but I gained EVERY pound lost as soon as I got off it, despite the fact that I workout every day and ate healthy. It's water weight. Don't get too excited. I finally did lose the weight "for real" though not cutting corners.
2) "Working out at home". All the times I swore to do 10 minutes of abs at home or run from home did not happen. I'm lame. I need to actually go and workout to workout.
3) Vegetarian Tuesdays/Thursdays: Great idea that was going strong in the beginning but is hard to keep up when there are celebratory meals that have meat as its main course.
4) Keeping the readers going. I'm pretty sure most of the people that signed up fell off the wagon. I'm not fretting though. Whenever is right for you, you will do it. I know you will and can.

It's like quitting smoking, you will do it when you want to. I'm not want to force anything on anyone.

Here's to seven more days! This week Bikram is on pause until the weekend and spin/running will replace it. :)

Before Big 10 (July 28th, 2009) and after 13 weeks (October 24th, 2009)

weigh in #12

Those last 5 pounds...

So I'm at 122 pounds. I feel great. I might be slightly addicted to working out considering I workout twice a day at least. Last week I worked out for 18 hours and not a single minute was cardio. SO guess what my goal is? That's right AT LEAST 2 hours of cardio. I clearly don't like cardio. All my activities are barefoot and they feel natural. Cardio hurts me but I got to do it.

Every Friday before the weekend, I write out a workout schedule (which also includes making reservations for certain of them).

This week I run out of Bikram sessions on the 22nd which I will renew over the weekend but until then I'll plug in that cardio.

I think my problem area (lower stomach) and those last 5 pounds have to be "shocked" out of my body with stricter meals (I've kind of let go on Thursdays/Fridays) and by running (gasp!).

Hopefully this works!

My inspiration this week is my boyfriend, Tony. He has inspired me to be the best "me" I could be. It's really been a bonus to date someone that is healthy. In the past, I'd always felt guilty working out instead of hanging out. I love his support and well...his killer bod. I'm not going to include a shirtless picture because I think that would totally embarrass the heck out of him but I have the picture in my dome. I often think of him when I feel like I'm about to pass out and think to myself, "He deserves a healthy partner to play hard with him." So here's to you, Babe. Thanks for inspiring me.

Let me know how you are doing. I've decided to have a big "end of the challenge" giveaway instead of a midpoint. It's been quiet on your end...I have no problems double rewarding myself. :D

Weigh - in #11

Weigh-in #11

Weight: 124 lbs.

BMI: 22.7

Ewwww. 2 weekends up in San Francisco have paid their toll on me and my fitness regime.

Missing ballet two weekends in a row and eating probably 5 times more than I should’ve. I even did the McDonald’s drive thru after missing my flight on Friday night.

The good part? I caught up on sleep. The bad part...I feel really discouraged BUT it doesn’t take away from the fact that I still weigh 7-8 pounds lighter than I did and there are no more weekends like this in the upcoming future...so I have time to get back into it.

Bar Method is unlimited until November and I have Bikram until October 22. I think in mid November – mid December I’m going to do both unlimited as well.

My goal is going to be to remember to drink at least 4 of my 16 oz cups at work and also to take advantage of “vegetable hour” here.

My inspiration for this week is Jennifer Aniston. A former smoker & a naturally "thicker" body she has shared how discipline she has had to be to stay on track. I appreciate that and hope that when I'm in my late 30s/early 40s I'm as fit as she is.

Weigh - in #10

123 pounds

After a busy wedding weekend I feel absolutely sluggish and gross. I ate more than I have in a very long time. I drank excessively and I haven't worked out since Thursday morning.

Sooo...I am trying to get back into the swing of things. Unfortunately and fortunately, I'll be headed BACK to San Francisco on a last minute trip because my mother wants me to do her a HUGE favor and perform a solo. Not too thrilled about it.

In the meantime I have a ridiculously rigorous workout schedule ahead of me for the next 2 weeks ranging from Bar Method/Cardio Barre, Spin, and Bikram.

MY GOAL: I plan on simplifying my eating and perhaps doing a raw food diet to help detox from this past weekend.

Most importantly, I need to get back on a better sleeping schedule. I am ridiculously exhausted.

My fitness inspiration is Kate Hudson. She looks like she works hard to keep fit but also seems like she still plays hard. So many times (and I predict this week will be hard), I want to just stay at home in bed or even stay at work and finish something up. One of the hardest parts about working out is going to actually go work out. This picture reminds me that in order to be where I want to be physically, it's not going to be easy and it isn't easy for anyone.

Death to the Master Cleanse & Weigh In #9

So after crapping myself & missing the strength I have to do my extracurriculars (& reminding myself of ketosis). I slowly took myself off the "cleanse" - introducing soup & then fruits/veggies & then sushi. Now I'm back to my normal healthy eating habits & vigorous workout regime.

At first I really didn't want to come off it. I felt like a quitter but there was a louder voice in my head that was telling me that it wasn't right for ME. I'm not saying my experience was bad at all. If anything it did work. I didn't just run to a drive-thru for fries and I've become more conscious about what I put into my body. I just couldn't do all 10 days without going crazy from not being able to dance or workout as hard as I'd want to.

I'm sorry if I let anyone down. The thing is - you can "cleanse" in shorter periods of time & this specific cleanse isn't the only way to. Your body is always naturally "cleansing" itself so even a day here or there with just raw foods every now in then can help you "scrub, scrub, scrub".

This past weekend I had dance on Saturday & then Cardio Barre Sunday morning and Bikram in the afternoon.

This week before I go & see my ridiculously svelte Boyfriend and squeeze into my dress I plan (& already started) this workout schedule.

Monday: Spin 6am, Bikram 6:15pm
Tuesday: Spin 6am, Bikram 6:15pm
Wednesday: Spin 6am, Ballet 5:30-6:50pm, Ballet 7:00-10pm
Thursday: Bar Method 7:15am-8:15am

Then I'm OFF to SF.

This morning I weighed in at 122 pounds.

My measurements have decreased as well.

Chest: 33 cm
Waist: 26 cm
Hips: 36 cm

My goal this week is to complete the above workout schedule & to NOT fall off the bandwagon just because I'm going out of town. Cheers!

In celebration of the start of a new season of 1 of 2 prime time shows I watch I've chosen Eva Longoria-Parker as my photo inspiration. She's very petite but obviously works out. She makes being in your 30s not so scary. Bonus points: I also love how in love she is with her husband. Super cute.

Holy Crap! Master Cleanse - Day 2 cont.

WARNING: THERE IS TMI IN THIS ENTRY INVOLVING NUMBER TWO. PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE EASILY GROSSED OUT OR OFFENDED BY SUCH TALK. THANKS!




So after leaving work I was feeling pretty damn fab. Besides the cakey tongue I just felt light & clean. I didn't even have an afternoon slump! I packed up my water, towel, mat and clothes for bikram. I got there a little bit early so I can lay in savasana for 15 minutes meditating (or napping...shhh!) The class started & it felt great, I purchased 10 classes & plan to substitute my higher impact workouts (boot camp) for Bikram while I'm cleansing.

After class I wanted my wheat grass dinner & of course Jamba was closed so I scooted over to Lassen's, where they had frozen wheat grass in little "McNugget" like containers. I was going green in so many ways - mostly $$$ since a double shot is about $3 at Jamba and these are about $1.50 each, oh crap, I took 2 anyways...so it's about the same. OOPS! (again) Well at least I have them in my fridge and can take them to work without driving & waiting in line - right??

So far, so good. Then I went home & made my batch of lemonade for Day 3 while warming water for my "sea salt flush". I upped the salt to 1.5 tablespoons instead of 1/2 teaspoon. I chugged it...almost upchucking. I managed to keep it down. I tidied up, watched ANTM (go short girls!) and then took a shower. In the shower I felt the rumbles. Uh oh. Then I felt really faint so I cut it short. Then like clock work (an hour after I drank the flush) it started & it kept going NONSTOP until 11pm (1.5 hours). I don't even know WHAT was coming out. It wasn't poop! (Sorry, but I warned you!)

Anyways, I thought it was over and went to bed. Only to wake up at 1am to go again. When I stood up I felt kind of well, wet. OHMYGOSH. ohmygosh. I touched the back of my pants - WET. I lift up my comforter and realize - I JUST SHAT MYSELF. I run to the toilet to avoid another incident and cry & call Tony. He wake up (4am east coast time) & comforts me and tells me if I start to feel PAIN to wake Rachel up or if I'm starting to feel FAINT. We also made an executive decision to possibly start SLOWLY coming out of the cleanse after a week (september 29) and introduce liquids (juice/soup) on the 30th, then raw foods (fruits/veggies) on the 1st and then one simple meal on the 2nd. That way also, on the 3rd (Angie's wedding), I will be able to run efficiently without any mishaps or pains from getting used to food. What do you think?

This whole conversations calms me down & I clean up after myself and my bed. Exhausted and completely wiped out from calorie deficiency, I finally get myself to bed.

Good news? This morning my sphincter did not let me down & I was fine although the toxins are still making their way out - rather quietly might I add. So here we are Day 3. We have pool tonight at one of my favorite bar food places. I will RESIST the mini corn dogs, their wonderful crinkly fries and the blueberry donuts at the donut shop on the corner.... *sigh*

scrub, scrub, scrub - Master Cleanse

OMG - I seriously feel like a vampire that works at a blood bank. Day 1 was fine, I was on jury duty & sat around doing nothing from 8am-3pm (went to spin 6-7am). When I got back to Thousand Oaks, I took a nap from 4-6pm! OOPS! I guess I'm not used to the lack of calories.

I watched the Inglorious Basterds last night & during the movie my mouth was totally nasty. When I went home to brush my tongue was CAKED in white stuff. Today I googled the side effect and apparently it's completely normal and also a good way to measure where your body is with detoxing.

The "salt water flush" isn't so bad. I think I have to up the salt in my solution because I haven't had to "dispose" as much. Yesterday for lunch I had a double shot of wheat grass and today I had some Psyllium Husk. It's going well, it's not completely unbearable it's just that I work a food company & food is EVERYWHERE. I only have like 8 more days. I owe it to my body to give it a break from digesting all the crap I've eaten the past 27 years. Stay tuned for more updates! Bikram yoga tonight to help quicken the "detox". :)

Apparently our girl "B" did the Master Cleanse before filming "Dream Girls". Yay!
Here's her before & after.

Weigh - In #8

Yay(?) - I still feel great and with 12-15 hour work days last week I did what I could. Spin in the mornings only happened on Tuesday. Then after I donatedAlthough most of the week I was running about carrying 50 pound fish & running around Malibu on a winery with cases of wine or folding chairs setting up. The results: 125.5 pounds. I gained 2 pounds. I'm pretty okay with this because the jump DOWN to 123.5 pounds happened TOO quickly for me, kind of too good to be true. I guess I would've been REALLY upset if I was back to the 127 pound blockade.

Anyways, starting tomorrow *sigh* I'm starting the Master Cleanse. I'm scared, I'm not going to lie but I think it would be good to kind of "hit" reset and this is the first time in a long time there are no "occassions" that will tempt me to break the cleanse. I might report back in a couple more times if it is ridiculously crazy. If you are interested in doing the cleanse with me, email me and I'll send you the .pdf with all the logistics and FAQs and "how-to's".

So that is my goal for this week. 1) Start & stick to the Master Cleanse until October 1.

I don't have my nifty measuring tape with me so measurements are going to have to wait until later. In the meantime, enjoy a photo ode to Melissa Sandvig from SYTYCD Season 5. She is a late 20s (28), ballerina that has a rockin' bod and amazing talent.

Weigh-In #7 - HALF way

Last week I was able to go to spin a couple times in the morning & REALLY made yummy lunches. But really "clean". Very little oil used and only spices for flavor nothing saucy. Thanks to the introduction of lentils from Sister #3, my "side dishes" were lentils and steamed spinach with fish or grilled veggies. It was yummy!

I never felt hungry or anything and felt like a well oiled machine while I danced or worked out. That feeling is why I'm doing this challenge. During the weekend, I had all you can eat sushi, but kept to just the raw fish, I didn't do anything in the mayo sauce or fried tempura. Saturday was busy and I never got a chance to SIT down and eat. I even went out, binge drank (4-5 drinks throughout the night) and came home and ate 3 servings of Costco chicken taquitos. Sunday, I went to the Rock Cola Cafe and I was SO tempted to order a giant burger with fries or chicken strips but I went with the cod, brown rice, egg whites, and vegetable kabobs...I even resisted a milk shake.

...I think my diligence is FINALLY paying off because I got on the scale this morning and I weighed in at 123.5! Yay...I was so shocked. I thought for sure the sushi or the taquitos or the fact that I was in a basement of a pool hall for most of my Sunday would've jeopardized losing the weight.


Waist: 27.00 inches
Thighs: 17.5 inches
Hips: 36.5 inches
Chest: 34 inches




I'm pleased & feel like I've developed a lot of healthy habits without really "thinking" too hard about it. My next 2 goals are.

1) To take a hike this weekend. I want to get outdoors. It reminds me of Tony too. :)
2) Jump rope morning I do not go to spin for at least 5 minutes.

And my inspiration photo today is - Shakira! Her petite frame with curves and amazing abs are completely admirable. I love that she bellydances & I love that you can tell she EATS she just works hard.


Let me know where you are at your half-way point. I feel a half-way point giveaway brewing!

Weigh-In #6

I feel great. I really do & you know what, just because the scale hasn't moved and just because I haven't lost "inches" this week, I'm not going to get discouraged.

Yes, that is right 127 pounds AGAIN. The measurements have decreased by the little tick marks but I'm not doing decimal points.

The greatest measure I have is how I sprinted a mile at 7.0 mph on the treadmill yesterday morning. The greatest measure is bonding with my sister as we head to Cardio Barre. The greatest measure is putting on a dress and feeling comfortable in it sitting for hours at my desk.

Maybe I'd be at 125 pounds if I didn't do the All-You-Can-Eat Buffets this past weekend with my parentals and sister, but you know what, the challenge is about being realistic and those weekends will happen and it's not the end of the world. I'll go about today, eating vegetarian (since it is Tuesday) and I will go to boot camp and I won't beat myself up over the second helping of lobster I had or the cheese I had the friendly guy on the other side of the counter add to my egg white omelet.

Remember, we are trying to adopt habits that will remain with us through time. NEVER allowing yourself cheese or another lobster tail is not realistic.

So here are my rules so far. I decided not to add anything since there are so many, but instead, re-iterate what the existing ones are.

1. Tuesday/Thursday - vegetarian days
2. Cardio for 45 min at least 3 times a week
3. Limit Soda (I saw NEVER) but it'll happen.
4. Breakfast! (I'm loving the quick bite of cereal, fruit to go, and/or keifer)
5. Abs - ENGAGE. Sister #3 and I keep reminding the other to "engage" which means to tuck in your tailbone and work the core/lower abs to hold up your posture straight. Tip came from Kamilah from Cardio Barre Eagle Rock.
6. Fiber Intake - I've messed this up. I'll start adding it to my 3rd 16 oz. water cup of the day. (drink 4 during my 9 hour work day)
7. Do not eat after 830pm. I've done this even days I have ballet until 10pm. :) Thank goodness for Luna Bars!
8. I'm stretching too. I never have that "I can't move" feeling the next day after working out. I am going to credit stretching to this.

Hope you are still sticking to the wonderful goals you have set for yourself. Thanks for keeping ME inspired!! xo, Lani

Fitness-spiration Photo

The super active, outdoorsy: Cameron Diaz

I'm pretty sure I've read she does the "hamster routine" (aka gym) but there is no doubt that she gets out there and has fun during her free time. My kind of girl!

Weigh-In #5

I’m trying not to be discouraged & I’m trying to remember what the personal trainer at the gym told Tony who told me, “Two people can weight exactly the same – but one could be up to THREE dress sizes smaller.” So as you can guess my 5^th weigh-showed no change.

127 pounds.

I kicked this week’s ass too!

I followed every nutrition rule I made for myself with the exception of Saturday night appetizers & Korean BBQ for lunch on Sunday. BUT, you know what is great...I feel AWESOME.

I’ve slept well...clothes feel good, my post workout glow has been complimented on, I’m saving money cooking at home, & I end up getting out a lot of aggression that seriously feels like brain toxins....clouding my head, making me emo and/or irritable.

This week my fitness schedule is/will be:

Monday: Spin AM & Yoga

Tuesday: Spin AM

Wednesday: Strength and Tone & Ballet

Thursday: Boot Camp

Friday: Shane Spark’s Master Class OR swimming 500 yards (depending on traffic...LOL)

Saturday: Cardio Barre or hiking (depending if I go out Friday)

I did measure myself with my nifty measuring tape from Sister #3.

Waist: 27.75 inches
Thighs: 18.5 inches
Hips: 37 inches
Chest: 34 inches

So even though I did not change in weight, I did lose inches in both my waist & thighs. J Working out has been fun – a lot of variety going on and I am in love with Cardio Barre.

My goals this week are going to be:

1) Stretch at least 15 minutes every day. Try to get my middle/right side splits back.

2) Eat completely vegan Tuesdays AND Thursdays.

How are you all doing?? Let me know. Some challengers have been blogging in their existing blogs, some leave comments, some email me directly and some have even created their own blogs to log in their goals, etc.

I’ll leave you with this known fact (think of it more as a reminder).

Kcal Input < Kcal Output AND 3,500 calories equals ONE pound.

and of course...fitnesspiration photo! This week is of the cardio barre instructor we had this past Sunday, Kamilah...who I just realized was in the Top 6 for SYTYCD season 1. She's as gorgeous in real life & is so kind, motivating & inspiring!

Weigh in #4

So I guess it wouldn't be called a "challenge" if it were easy, right? I'm going to honest here, I totally dropped the ball on my "eating out" rule. I ate out a lot this past weekend & threw a party - it was a nightmare nutrition week.

On a positive note, I did workout.

Monday = yoga (1 hr)
Tuesday = boot camp (1 hr)
Wednesday = strength & (1 hr) tone then ballet (3 hrs)
Thursday = lunch workout; 45 minute cardio & 15 minute abs
Friday = OFF
Saturday = ballet (3 hrs)
Sunday = OFF

I ended up weighing in at 127 pounds this week. (+ 1.5 pounds) which is a BMI of 23.2.

Another positive note, Sister #3 ordered a super cool measuring tape. So, I will now be including my measurements as well.

Waist: 28.5 inches
Thighs: 19 inches
Hips: 37 inches
Chest: 34 inches

I have never really measured myself in the past but I know some of my "skinny jeans" (in both senses) are a 26 waist, so that will be my set goal. As for my thighs, I'm not too concerned, I dance & they will be more muscular. I'm just measuring because the tape measure is so darn cool. Hips, I'd actually like to keep, I want to keep my somewhat curvy figure so I don't want this measurement to go less than 36 (especially since Sir Mix-A-Lot requires 36 inch hips, j/k) & my chest will forever be 34 cm. It has been since I was 12.

My goals for this week.

1. I will NOT eat after 830pm. This is difficult with ballet ending at 10pm on Wednesdays. That just means I have to eat a light dinner early on the evening & to pack a little luna bar for our break that is usually given around 8:15 or so. This rule might also have to broken on Thursdays starting in October when I start Culinary School.

2. My days off will not be days OFF of sticking with my nutrition goals. I will also try to do a longer walk with Riley or clean the patio. Things that aren't exactly a set workout but are still active enough.

I am considering doing the Master Cleanse if I still am having problems picking up healthier eating habits. We will see first how this week goes.

I hope you are all still sticking with it! Try not to get discouraged, remember challenges aren't meant to be easy.

Photo Inspiration: Dara Torres.

Okay, so she's kind of an Olympic athlete that trains for a living but still. She's a mother & she's in her 40s and she rocks. I have to give her props. Just because we all can't swim 6 hours a day doesn't mean we can't be inspired.

First Giveaway!

Congratulations to Carol and Sister #3 for winning the first giveaway of the Big 10 Challenge! I am sending them both pedometers (it's fun to try to record and challenge yourself to break x amount of steps during a work day) and copies of food encyclopedias, which include recipes but most importantly the health benefits and nutrition facts of almost every fruit and vegetable, A-Z.

These 2 challengers have shared with me their struggles and their successes in the past 3 weeks. Even though there are hurdles, neither of them have shown the slightest glimpse of giving up and that has helped me stay just as motivated. Thanks & enjoy your prizes. :)

Weigh-In #3

I was so scared this morning to weigh myself because I spent yesterday indulging in crab and korean BBQ at my parents' house to celebrate Sister #3's birthday. The food was just so good but I guess I did make myself swim longer than normal and I didn't really eat a big dinner after the extremely large lunch. This morning when I weight myself at was at 125.5 pounds, which keeps me on track with the 1-2 pound a week weight loss.

This week I did meet my fitness goal! I got myself into the gym Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and had my 3 hour ballet class on Saturday. It was tough to workout some of the days during work but I really forced myself to, even sacrificing my lunch hours.

I also succeeded in eating breakfast, except yesterday, since I knew I was going to be overindulging.

I'm excited because it's time for new goals. Here they are!

1) Abs workout - EVERYDAY. Even if it's just 10 minutes.
2) Increase fiber intake. ("We maybe crazy, but at least we're regular!" -Tony's dad) Raw fruits, vegetables and an afternoon drink of whole psyllium husk.

I have failed to purchase a measuring tape but will do so soon, especially since I feel a plateau coming in weight loss.

Let me know how you are all doing! Email, leave comments, etc.

Here is my photo inspiration this week. Ms. Jackson and her ridiculous abs. (although, they might be a bit too defined for me, she is still such a hard worker and inspirational)

Weigh-in #2

Great News! I totally rocked my nutrition goal for week #1. No Soda! While I was at it, I consciously avoided eating out. I made dinner every night except Friday night - grilled veggie sandwiches, tilapia, lobster tail ($8 sale), veggie curry, vegetable provocal soup, spaghetti squash. It was excellent. I substituted water/green tea for my sodas and I got results! They are a big drastic so I'm hesitant to share, but today I weight in at 127! That is already 4 pounds less than where I started. But as I knew before, I gain and lose weight ridiculously fast, and if I hit my goal early, I'll continue this challenge. Besides, I know from past experiences, at around 120 pounds my body plateus like no other.

Bad News - I totally dropped the ball on my fitness goal. I went to the gym...once during a lunch break. I ran 3.2 miles but other than that, unless you can't running around doing errands, moving furniture, or walking Riley as "working out", I only went once. Pathetic. SO I am repeating that goal this week. I like moving forward so making myself repeat a goal for another weak is enough punishment.

So my goals are as follows:

Repeat Goal #1: 3 days of cardio for 45 minutes/week

Goal #2: Eat breakfast EVERY day. Yogurt, fruit, hard boiled egg, puffins, etc. I'm bringing breakfast back.

I purchased my scale but have yet to grab tape measure, which I feel I should, especially since the pounds go quickly off my frame but do not necessarily take off inches.

I hope everyone is still working on goals. If you fell off the wagon, get back on. It's not too late. It's not a competition, it's just you and it's for you. You can do it!

Here's another fitnesspiration photo. It's Courney from SYTYCD Season 4. She was in the Top 4, with my favorite Katee. Although, Katee rocked her at performing, I always admired Courney's strength and petite frame.

She is an amazing dancer. I love it! Perfect inspiration before classes pick up again.

Weigh in #1

Weight: 131 pounds
BMI: 24
Measurements: N/A

Workout inspiration photo: Jennifer Lopez - she's been my favorite since 1997. She works her ass off without literally working her ass off. I love it.

My weekly goals for this week are.

1) No more soda. I'm by no means a soda addict but I will probably about 7 a week if you consider how large the servings are at movie theaters or in a restaurant. That is at least 800 calories I could cut out. Which equates to about 2 plus hours on the eliptical. What an easy way to budget those calories.

2) Hello, Cardio, I've missed you. I seriously haven't run or done anything of the sort since Kaua'i when I ran down a hike...that was 2 weeks ago and before that it was even more pathetic how long it's been. I will do AT LEAST 3 days of cardio for 45 minutes.

Need to purchase:

1) a tape measure to do measurements
2) a scale to weigh at home (currently using one at work in gym)

What are some of your first goals for yourself??

Welcome to the Big 10 Challenge!

What is the Big 10 Challenge?

The Big 10 Challenge is a challenge to you from yourself to try to lose 10% of your body weight in 3 months. This one officially started August 1 and ends November 1. You can of course start any time.

How does the challenge "work"?

Easy. Calorie input is less than calorie output. How will you achieve that? Through yourself. Set weekly goals that are UNIQUE to yourself (no fried foods, no soda, gym 3 times a week, pick up a weekly yoga class, etc.). The idea is to slowly, realistically mold yourself into a healthier you without any severe drastic changes.

Studies have shown that if you slowly develop healthy habits they will stick. Results may come slower but will last longer.

Who are you?

Hi! I am Lani and I am in my late 20s, I'm highly active but LOVE to eat in large masses. My metabolism is slowing and it's showing. So with the help of one of my older sisters, Sister #3, we decided to challenge ourselves in a 'support group' manner.

I work for a large food company in their test kichen as a corporate nutritionist. I have a background in food science and nutrition but am not a dietitian but a lot of my friends are. Any health claims I may make during the challenge or on this blog will always and ONLY be from reliable resources.


Why should I do the Big 10 Challenge?

There are many, many great health benefits to losing 10% of your body weight (go ahead, google it for yourself "benefits of losing 10% body weight") AND you'll look and feel amazing. I know it. I plan on it.

Also, there will be giveaways through out if you share any tips either via email or on the comment section. Also, I am in the works of developing a grand prize for everyone that succeeds in doing the Big 10 Challenge - losing 10% of their body weight between August 1-November 1. This is on a total honesty policy. But please make sure to 'officially' register yourself by emailing me at the bigtenchallenge@gmail.com.

Also if you have any other questions besides these 'basic' ones listed let me know.

Let's do this - eat right, be active, be supportive and don't give up. One of my big mottos for this challenge is, "No excuses!" Keep remininding yourself that really there are no excuses. There are no high demands going on here - just your own discipline and your own rules. I won't pretend like I know your "nutrition/workout vices", you know them...now take control!

Cheers!