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 #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 #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)

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!