Insanity Week 5 Day 6: June 24-30, 2013

Day 6: I was suppose to do Max Plyo Cardio today but, I ran a 5k in 35:11 minutes and burned 485 calories, so I am happy with that. I will also play kick ball and baseball in tonight's family reunion, which will add some more cardio to my day. Tomorrow is my day off from everything, so have fun!!
#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Week 5 Day 5: June 24-30, 2013

Day 5- Max Interval Circuit- ok, it was AWESOME!!! I had a lot of energy and I did my best trying to keep up with Shawn T and his team. I am excited on how my fitness level has improved so much.

For those of you that are following me and know about how much I am struggling to lose weight, know that I have not lost ANYTHING yet. I made an appointment with my doc, Aug 14, to get some tests done to make sure everything is aOK.

Also, I bought the Polar FT40, it came today after I did my Insanity® workout, so I'm going to try it tomorrow
Day 40 of 60
#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Week 5 Day 4: June 24-30, 2013

Day 4- Max Recovery- it hurt, hurt, HURT a whole lot and I sweated a whole lot too! This was hard on my legs and arms. It wasn't cardio but resistance, a lot of resistance which hurt! I am loving the workouts thou. Did I mention that it hurt? ouch!!! I took 3 Ibuprofen an hour later because...you got it!, IT HURT!!!
Day 39 of 60
#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Week 5 Day 3: June 24-30, 2013

Day 3: Max Cardio Conditioning- for the love of muffins!!! hard, hard, HARD workout. Seriously it was HHHHHAAAAAARRRRDDDD!
#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Week 5 Day 2: June 24-30, 2013

Day 2- Max Interval Plyo- W  O  W!!! this was the mother of workouts!!! for heavens sake!!!! I am almost bathed in sweat and I LOVE IT!!!

Yesterday I bought a new battery for my heart  monitor and I used today, I think I need a new one because the reading on this one seems to be inaccurate. I sat down and it read 223, I worked out and read 68 heart beats. Looking at the Polar FT40 and Polar FT60, decisions decisions.

#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Week 5 Day 1: June 24-30, 2013

Day 1- Max Interval Cardio- kicked my butt BIG time!!!! Oh my!! I am so glad that I took 2 days off because this workout was go-go-go the whole time and my knees were not feeling good but, by the end of it they were fine. Now that its been almost 12 hours since I finished my right knee is kind of sore. Anyways, pure sweat and hard breathing the whole 59 minutes. I haven't done the Fit Test, which I am suppose to do today and I am not sure I will do it anyways. In the morning I planned on doing it during the evening but now I am not so sure about it.
Day 36 of 60
#FromFat2Fab

To Workout and Not To Lose???!!!

It is really hard to workout so hard and not to lose a pound. I have been doing Insanity now for 5 weeks, a whole 35 days and NOTHING. It can make anyone discourage BUT, I am determined to finish the program, which is 60 days. I want to finish to really know if it works or not.

I have had problems with how many calories I should be consuming and have adjusted it 3 times. Now that I am set to eat 1300kcal a day, I will start with phase 2 tomorrow doing all the MAX workouts and I will be done in less than 4 weeks.

Sometimes I wonder if I need to add more exercise, due that I only burn 440 calories doing Insanity but, I swear that when I am doing it I feel like I am doing it at my 90% of exertion or my heart monitor is not working properly, it might be old (thinking on buying a new one after I replace the batteries on this one).

Anyways, I have been keeping a food journal since week 3 and I keep weighing myself every single day and taking my stomach measurements with no results. This I don't like. I feel that I should be at least a pound or one inch smaller!!! In fact my BOOBS, my BUM and my THIGHS are BIGGER. And I weigh the same. Plus my knees are HURTING. What the crap?!

I guess we need to wait until I am done with the 60 days.
#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Recovery Week Day 6: June 17-23, 2013

Day 6- I did not do it! I needed a rest and I took it and I am glad I did. My knees need to feel better before I start the second phase of the program which starts tomorrow.
#FromFat2Fab

Baked Oatmeal Bars

Yeah, I need to have something to snack on but, I like healthy better options. Here is a pretty good snack bar:

Ingredients

1 1/2 c quick oats

1/2 c chopped walnuts

1/2 c dried cranberries

2 T sesame seeds

2 T flax seed

1 t cinnamon 

1 t vanilla extract

1 t salt

1 egg

1 1/4 c 1 % milk

Procedure

mix everything

place a piece of parchment paper on a 9x13 bake safe dish

pour mixture on top of parchment paper and spread

bake at 350º for 40 minutes

After baked, let cool down. Used a pizza cutter to slice

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 53 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories  113 Calories from Fat  41

% Daily Value*

Total Fat  4.5g 7%

Trans Fat  0.0g

Cholesterol  14mg 5%

Sodium  211mg 9%

Total Carbohydrates  14.7g 5%

Dietary Fiber  2.0g 8%

Sugars  6.7g

Protein  4.1g

Vitamin A 1% • Vitamin C 0% Calcium 5% • Iron 4%

Nutrition Grade C

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points

• Low in saturated fat
• High in manganese

Bad points

• High in sugar
• Contains alcohol

#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Recovery Week Day 5: June 17-23, 2013

Day 5- I did it!!! And I did it early, right after waking up on an empty stomach. I felt good during the whole thing, even thou my leg muscles are fatigued. I am glad I put in the workout early because I am going out and I don't want to have the "I have to exercise" thought on the back of my head, I wanna be able to enjoy the whole day.
Day 33 of 60
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Insanity Recovery Week Day 4: June 17-23, 2013

Day 4- Oh wow!! I tried putting in the workout in the morning, as I always do but, after the first 6 minutes I was feeling so bit and burned that I stopped.

 I stopped and I went on to do my day's duties and didn't even think about it. Then I looked at the time (1700) and said to myself c'mon, you are not a quitter! are you going to let this day pass without working out? 4 1/2 weeks done for what??? plus, if you want to watch the game (NBA game 7-Spurs vs Heat), you HAVE to do it NOW!!  and I changed my clothes and I pressed play. I am so glad I did it!!! and no, I didn't feel tired or burned but, proud of myself.
Day 32 of 60
#FromFat2Fab

No Sugar Cookies

This cookies are LOW in sugar and easy to put together and 47 calories per cookie!!! what you'll need: 

Ingredients (Yields: 24 cookies)

2 c quick oats

2 ripe bananas

1/2 c raisins

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 c 1 % milk

Procedure

mashed bananas

add rest of ingredients

mix together

bake at 350º for 15-10 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 25 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories  47 Calories from Fat  5

% Daily Value*

Total Fat  0.5g 1%

Trans Fat  0.0g

Cholesterol  0mg 0%

Sodium  3mg 0%

Total Carbohydrates  9.6g 3%

Dietary Fiber  1.1g 4%

Sugars  3.3g

Protein  1.3g

Vitamin A 0% • Vitamin C 2% Calcium 1% • Iron 2%

Nutrition Grade A

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points

• Low in saturated fat
• Very low in cholesterol
• Very low in sodium
• Very high in manganese

Bad points

• High in sugar
• Contains alcohol

#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Recovery Week Day 3: June 17-23, 2013

Day 3- Oh yeah!! I am done for today!!!! I felt kind of bit in the middle of the workout but, I finished it strong. I am going to make a post of the struggles I have had and what has helped me to keep going.
Day 31 f 60
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Insanity Recovery Week Day 2: June 17-23, 2013

Day 2- Ok, yesterday I went for a 1 mile jog in the afternoon. I don't think I will do that today. I am kind of tired and pounding a headache. The workout felt amazing and I sweat like crazy. I am excited that I have completed 30 days of the program and getting ready to start the second half. What I will do next? Asylum or Hip Hop Abs
Day 30 0f 60
#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Recovery Week Day 1: June 17-23, 2013

Day 1: Ok, it wasn't bad. I liked the workout and I burned almost 400 calories which is good. It is slow pace but your heart goes up really well.

Day 28 of 60
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Insanity Week 4 Day 5: June 10-16, 2013

Day 6: Plyo Cardio Power- I did it, even after coming home so late.
#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Week 4 Day 5: June 10-16, 2013

Day 5: Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs- So today I had appointments almost all day long and I came home to watch a RedBox movie I needed to return today and after I watched I changed unto my workout clothes and I did it. I struggle a lot during the Pure Cardio and stopped 100 times but, I finished it and I did Cardio Abs.
#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Week 4 Day 4: June 10-16, 2013

Day 4: Cardio Recovery- I really really love this recovery, especially today that I woke up with a vague idea on not working out but, I got unto my exercise clothes and said to myself, you just have to get it done and I did. I am planing to go for a 1 mile run later this afternoon so will see.
Day 25 of 60
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Insanity Week 4 Day 3: June 10-16, 2013

Day 3: Plyometric Cardio Circuit- Ohh it feels sooooo good!!! I even feel that it went faster, don't get me wrong, it is really challenging and hard. I am so proud of myself for doing this program. I haven't lost a pound yet and I am gaining inches, which is kind of discouraging but, my Team Beach Body coach told me that I might be building up my muscles and then, hopefully, on the second phase I will lose weight. So, we just need to wait. Peace out!
Day 24 of 60
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Insanity Week 4 Day 2: June 10-16, 2013

Day 2: Cardio Power & Resistance- Loved, loved today!! this workout usually kills my legs but today I did so much better!! I am still taking cold medicine for my throat and nose, I hope this cold goes away FAST. I love this torture and the sweat.
Day 23 of 60
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Insanity Week 4 Day 1: June 10-16, 2013

Day 1: Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs-  Ok, today this Pure Cardio felt as it was my first time doing it, so tiring and fatigued but, I did it all and I did Cardio Abs. I love how I feel AFTER I am done and how much I sweat during the workout and 5 minutes after. Yesterday I started getting sick and I started  taking cold medicine. I hope I don't get really sick because there is no room for sickness in my plan.
Day 22 of 60
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Insanity Week3 Day 6: June 3-9, 2013

Day 6: Plyometric Cardio Circuit- Whoooohhoooooooo!!! Week 3 is OVER!!! I successfully finished another week, I am so proud of me. I love the intensity of every single workout. Today I did better on the first set that emphasizes a lot on legs, shoulders and arms. It still hard for me to do the ski plank and in-out plank.  Tomorrow is day off and I am going to love it too!!
Day 20 of 60
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Insanity Week 3 Day 5: June 3-9, 2013

Day 5: Cardio Power & Resistance- this workout really KILLED ME! wow, so intense!!!!! Anyways, as I mentioned before, I am eating more to keep up with the workout and to lose weight, today I am bathed on sweat and I LOVE IT!!!! It was hard and I almost vomit during the first set but, I managed and I kept going. I am glad I am done but, at the same time I am so excited for tomorrow. I can't wait to see my body change. I am loving this torture!!! And as Shaun T will say, Peace out!
Day 19 of 60
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Insanity Week 3 Day 4: June 3-9, 2013

Day 4: Cardio Recovery- I love, love this workout!!! It is a perfect!! I have a better attitude due to eating more, I feel more energetic and NO HEADACHES!!! I am really loving the more food. Woot-woot!
#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Week 3 Day 3: June 3-9, 2013

Day 3: Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs- Done!!! It felt good and tiring. It is amazing how much better I am doing but, at the same time it is still so HARD. Yesterday I emailed a different Team Beach Body coach for some answers, my original coach hasn't answered my email and I was in desperate need. Anyways, this awesome lady coach responded pretty soon. Her advice: EAT MORE!!!

Yes, I need to eat more. Since I started Insanity I kept eating 1200-1500 kcal a day when in reality I need 2100 kcal, so see ya later, I'm gonna eat!

#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Week 3 Day1: June 3-9, 2013

Day 2: Plyometric Cardio Circuit- wow! it was good, it feels good. It is hard, hard work. The first set is a lot of leg workout and the second set is arms and core. I am dripping sweat everywhere!

#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Week 3 Day 1: June 3-9, 2013

Day 1: Fit Test- wow! the beginning of week 3, I can't believe it. I am so glad!!!
So here is my beef with Insanity: It is a HARD workout, it feels great after you are done but, the weight lose is not as fast as it should be. I know that my cardiovascular side is getting way better but, I would love to see a HUGE drop down on the scale.

Weight

		May 20		June 3
Weight		169.5 lbs		167 lbs
LOST		- 2.5 lbs

Fit Test

		May 20		June 3		Improvement
Switch Kicks		37		70		33
Power Jacks		30		45		15
Power Knees		60		95		35
Power Jumps		20		25		5
Globe Jumps		6		7		1
Suicide Jumps		10		10		0
Push-Up Jacks		15		21		6
Low Plank Oblique		40		50		10

#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Week 2: May 27-June 2, 2013

Day 1: Cardio Power & Resistance- I started really slow and I even felt inadequate but, I kept going. By the end of the warm up I was warmed-up hahahaha and I picked it up. It was hard and it hurt but I did it and I finished strong. I am getting afternoon headaches, so I went back to the Elite Nutrition pamphlet and I found out that it can't be from dehydration because I drink 1.25+ gallon of water a day and that is WAY more that what I need for my body weight and the exercise. So I am lacking on nutrition. Hopefully tomorrow I can start taking care of that and feel better in the afternoon.

Day 2: Pure Cardio- OMG! I wanted to get it out of the way as soon as I heard Shawn T screaming but, then I started the warm-up and everything went away. It was intense and I feel really good now that its done but, gosh!!! that I had to push. Today I ate more and I added red meat and beans to my intake and I didn't have any headaches. Plus I took a 10 minute nap and I think those extra steps combined helped with the headaches.

Day 3: Plyometric Cardio Circuit- Ok, this one really killed me. I stopped 100 times but, I finished it. I was bit almost the whole time. I am feeling a little bit of headache.

Day 4: Cardio Recovery- I love this workout, it feels sooooo good after all that hard work from the previous 3 days.

Day 5: Cardio Power & Resistance- Well, I left my workout for the afternoon and I didn't do it :( I started it but in the warm-up I gave up and shot it down. What a wimp!!!

Day 6: Pure Cardio AND Cardio Abs- I got up early and did it!! I can't leave it for later especially if I want to take advantage of a beautiful warm day. Pure Cardio is brutal and I love how much I sweat. Then it came Cardio Abs, talking about brutal. I did the best I could and I am glad it is done.

Tomorrow is day off!!! But I may go for a 3 mile jog due that I missed day 5.
#FromFat2Fab

Insanity Week 1: May 20-26, 2013

Day 1: Fit Test- Fit Test wasn't that bad, I loved how much I sweated and how hi my heart beats were. I loved the challenge. Had to paused a few times to be able to breath but, I did it!! Can't wait for tomorrow's workout!!! Feeeling good and SUPER excited!!!!

Day 2: Plyometric Cardio Circuit- Sooo funny, today I got up feeling SKINNY hahhahahaa I know, I know it is ridiculous due that I only have done the Fit Test. Anyways, I did put in my workout at 9am, thank goodness I have a laptop to use because power was gone from 9:30am till the afternoon. Today "I came" prepare to my session (towel to dry off bullets of sweat, enough water and recovery drink). I have to say that it felt SO FREAKING GOOD, I had a high sensation for the rest of the day and I can feel a few tender muscles, yeay!!

Day 3: Cardio Power & Resistance- Oh man that it HURT, even though I did my best but I felt so bit the whole time :( I am still excited but, I surely hope tomorrow's session which is Cardio Recovery helps me to feel better.

Day 4: Cardio Recovery- Thank goodness for Cardio Recovery, I really really liked having this "easy, slow" workout today. Don't get e wrong, it is not easy but it is slow. My legs were B U R N I N G.

Day 5: Pure Cardio- Soooo glad to report that I did all the warm-up without stopping!!! It was really Pure Cardio and it felt really good. I am really enjoying this journey and loving how much I am sweating, can't wait to see the results!!! Today I got a call from my Beach Body Coach, John Rivers. It was nice to go through a few things with him and really nice to know that I have someone to ask questions to and to keep in touch.

Day 6: Plyometric Cardio Circuit- Oh W O W!!! This is the best workout to start the weekend and have a day off. Again, I sweated a whole lot and I had to stop a few times to catch my breath and to shake-up my legs. This is really INSANE!!
I DID IT. One week down!!!
Day OFF tomorrow!!!!! Yeah!!!!
#FromFat2Fab

Choose to Lose: The After

Ok, here it is my AFTER information for the month doing and following Chris Powell's Choose to Lose book's indications. I know for sure it works, it even worked while I was on vacation, a whole week of vacation. I am pleased for the results but, now I am going to try something new and more challenging starting today May 20, 2013. So here we gooooooo!!!!!!!!!

Weight

		Apr 15		May 19
Weight		174 lbs		166.6 lbs
LOST		- 7.4 lbs

Measurements

		Apr 15		May 19
Neck		14 in		13 in		-1 in
Breast		38 in		38 in
Waist		38 in		35 in		-3 in
Hips		43.5 in		42.25 in		-1.25 in
R. Arm		12 in		12 in
L. Arm		12 in		12 in
R. Thigh		26 in		23.5 in		-2.5 in
L. Thigh		26 in		23 in		-3 in
LOST		-10.75 inches

Not bad!!
#FromFat2Fab#FromFat2Fab

I Am Going to do Insanity!!!!

I need to be Insane to do Insanity, I have seen the infomercial several times and it really scares me, as I said before, I tried the 20 minutes Insanity® Fast & Furious and I was dying. Anyways, now I am a proud owner of Insanity 60-Day Total-Body Conditioning Program.

My starting day is May 20, 2013 and last day Aug 21, 2013
I am really excited!!! I can't wait!!

Here are the BEFORE pictures, easy on me... I already know they are hideous but, it is what it is....until I am done with Insanity, just wait for it!

#FromFat2Fab

A New Era

Yeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh! Tomorrow (May 20, 2013), I start:

Oh yeah!!! I am so excited that I can't even wait!!!!
#FromFat2Fab

Week #4: May 6-12, 2013

Ok I did it, I weigh myself in after the awesome vacation and I am so HAPPY and PROUD to report that I only gained 1.2 lbs, so my current weight is 167.2 pounds. Keeping up the good work!!

#FromFat2Fab

I'm Back!!!

Sorry guys, I went on.....
VACATION!!!!

Yes I did and it was fuuuuuuunnnn. I am afraid to step on the scale or do any measurements at all but, I will say that during vacation I went out and ran a mile almost everyday and I swam almost everyday but, not enough to overcome bad aka "delicious" eating. But DON'T WORRY I am committed and results will be amazing!!!!

#FromFat2Fab

Storing Vegetables For Later!!!

We all buy vegetables thinking we'll eat them before they go rotten or before we have to throw them in the garbage because they dried out.

Well, I found that instead of throwing away my money I will stretch it out as much as I can.

I had a HUGE butternut squash that I know I won't use completely  in at least 4 weeks, so today after I opened, peeled and cleaned it, I cut it into pieces, divided it into sandwich size ziplock bags and then put all those "portion size" bags inside a labeled freezer ziplock bag to store in my freezer until I'm ready to use one of the pre-packed portion.
#FromFat2Fab

Healthy Veggie-Chicken Soup

Yield 20 portions 

Ingredients:

3 washed, peeled and cut white potatoes

3 washed and cut carrots

2 washed and cut celery stalks

2 C washed, peeled and cut butternut squash

1 chicken bullion cube

1 tsp salt

10 C water

2 washed, cleaned, fat trimmed out, and cut into 3 parts each, chicken quarters

Place everything in a large pot and cook for 30 minutes

Nutrition Facts per portion:

Calories: 60

Carbs: 3g

Fat: 4g

Protein: 3g

Sodium: 203 g

Sugar: 1g

#FromFat2Fab

Today: To Workout or To-Not?

Well, I got up today with the disposition of working out but, by 9am all those desires were GONE!

I didn't want to get on the treadmill-boring- so I drag myself unto my DVD case and took out Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30 and the only Shaun T's DVD that I have Insanity Fast & Furious, which I have never ever tried before. I just bought it and as soon as it came, I put it in the case. I love watching his infomercial and thats why I bought this workout (I would've bought the whole thing but don't have enough mula).
Anyways, I know it has to be brutal because it is only 20 minute insane workout.
So here I am, deciding which one to do. Shaun T scares me and Jillian not so much. I have done Jillian in the past but I can't stand her constant talking and when I try her DVD on the music only setting I missed the time on when I have to switch exercises.
Decisions, decisions....I went for Insanity Fast & Furious. Yes, I did!!! and I'm glad I did it. It was INSANE, I couldn't keep up with him but I did my best and I sweat like there is no tomorrow. I LOVED IT!!!! I would love to buy the whole 60 days program to see those amazing results in only 2 months but, as I said before I am lacking on funds.
 #FromFat2Fab

Cottage Cheese Pork & Beans

Looking for an easy quick snack? Look no more!!! This combination sounds weird but it taste good!

1/2 c pork & beans, warmed up

1/4c cottage cheese, 2%

Mix and enjoy

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 212

Carbs: 27g

Fat: 3g

Protein: 22g

Sodium: 849g

Sugar: 7g

#FromFat2Fab

Week #3: Apr 29-May 5, 2013

Ok, so this week I did not exercise 2 days and I ate whatever came my way, it is amazing that I still lost .40 of a pound and an inch of stomach. The truth is that on Tuesday I ran like a runner for 3 minutes then I lost all motivation and didn't do anything until Friday that I went out and did a 186 calorie walk, then on Saturday my wonderful husband went out wit me for a good jog. Anyways, I just need to stay focus because I know what I can accomplish and I really want to get to my goal, which is 149 pounds.

#FromFat2Fab

Week 3

Apr 29-May 5, 2013	Data
Neck	13 in
Chest	38 in
Waist	33 in
Hips	42.5 in
R. Arm	12 in
L. Arm	12 in
R. Thigh	25.5 in
L. Thigh	25 in
Weight	165.6 lbs

Spaghetti & Meat: The Healthy Way

Just for my low-carb day, I made this delicious spaghetti with meat. Instead of using regular pasta noodles, I used spaghetti squash. At the end this meal was not only delicious but low in calories!!!!

Yields 4 portions

Ingredients for Spaghetti Squash:

1 spaghetti squash

1/4 c parmesan cheese

2 tbsp butter

1 tsp garlic powder

Procedure

1. wash and cut the squash lengthwise 

2. poke the outside of the squash multiple times

3. place in a safe bake dish with open side down

4. bake at 400 degrees for 35-45 min or until tender in the center

5. using mittens, remove from oven and turn around

6. still using the mittens, using a fork, remove the pulp of the squash, it comes out as spaghetti noodles

7. add reminder of ingredients

Ingredients for Ground Beef:

6 oz ground beef

1 green bell pepper

1 red bell pepper

1 medium yellow onion

2 tbsp salt

Procedure

1. wash veggies

2. cut veggies into cubes

3. place meat in pan, add veggies and brown

4. add salt

5. cook until done

6. top squash with the meat

Nutrition Facts per portion:

Calories: 158

Carbs: 6g

Fat: 11 g

Protein: 9g

Sodium: 655g

Sugar: 3g

#FromFat2Fab

What Can I Do To Curb My Chocolate Cravings?

Source: The Craving Coachs

The best way to curb chocolate cravings is to enjoy it in moderation and to stick to the healthier dark chocolate that also contains lots of antioxidants.

Craving chocolate is also often an indication of a lack of certain nutrients such as iron, copper, magnesium and potassium. Let’s see what other foods you should be eating to make sure you get enough of these nutrients.

Iron – eat brown rice, whole wheat, liver, dates and beets

Copper – eat nuts (especially cashew), sunflower seeds, chickpeas, liver and oysters

Magnesium – eat peanuts, tofu, broccoli, spinach and soybeans

Potassium – eat apricots, bran wheat, raisins, figs, and baked potato with skin

I understand that sometimes you just have to have chocolate and the idea of eating some tofu or a slice of whole-wheat toast just won’t work. Grab a small piece of quality dark chocolate and savor it. Take your time, really taste the chocolate melting in your mouth and enjoy it without feeling guilty. This should take care of your craving and keep you from binging on a box of Hershey’s bars.

#FromFat2Fab

April 2013

Here are my numbers for the month of April. Now, this is only from the 15th of the month to the 30th. Why? Well, because on the 15th is when I started ~again~ to take care of myself. 

April 2013

		Day 15		Day 30
Weight		174 lbs		166 lbs
LOST		-8 lbs

Measurements

		Day 15		Day 30
Neck		14 in		13 in		-1 in
Breast		38 in		38 in
Waist		38 in		34 in		-4 in
Hips		43.5 in		42.5 in		-1 in
R. Arm		12 in		12 in
L. Arm		12 in		12 in
R. Thigh		26 in		25.5 in		-.5 in
L. Thigh		26 in		25 in		-1 in
LOST		-7.5 inches

Not bad!!
#FromFat2Fab

Week #2: April 22-28, 2013

One more week and I am happy for what I have accomplished, especially in 2 weeks. Tomorrow is the end of the month and my numbers are spectacularrrr!!!! Here is my report for the month of April 2013.
Going back to my week: well...it was a little bit challenging, week 1 was easier. I wanted to do good but I wasn't all there. Of course, seeing the results of 2 weeks gave me a boost. So I am ~again~ 100% committed. This is for me, I am doing this for me because I want to feel good with myself!
#FromFat2Fab

7 Healthy Ways to Satisfy Your Chocolate Cravings

Source: Fit Day

Many people have a weakness for chocolate and suffer from the dreaded chocolatecravings. Allowing yourself to cave in to these cravings can be detrimental to a healthy diet or weight loss goal. Having a huge bowl of chocolate ice cream or big piece of chocolate cake several times a week is not going to allow you to meet your goals. But, the good thing is that there are some healthier ways to satisfy those cravings and keep you on track.

1. Wait Period

Give yourself 10 to 20 minutes before caving in to a chocolate craving. If, after that time has elapsed, you are still having the craving then have a small piece of chocolate or try one of the alternatives listed below. Usually, however, if you allow yourself this period before giving into a a craving, you will find that after the waiting period your chocolate craving has diminished significantly or even disappeared.

2. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate, in moderation, is actually good for you. It is full of antioxidants, which help protect the body from aging, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Try to avoid dark chocolate that contains nuts, caramel, or other fillings, however.

3. Fruit

When you are craving something sweet, fruit is a good alternative to other sweet treats that are full of fat and calories. In addition, fruit is good for your body. Some good choices are oranges, grapes, grapefruit, watermelon, cantalope, honeydew melon, strawberries, blueberries, and bananas. Fruit juices are also a sweet alternative to chocolate.

4. Carob

Carob, while naturally sweeter than chocolate, is much better for you than chocolate. It does not have the caffeine, cholesterol, oxalic acid, and theobromine that chocolate contains. Carob is low in fat and sodium and high in fiber and calcium. Carob is smooth and rich, but for some, it is an acquired taste. Many prefer chocolate to carob initially but, with time grow to enjoy the flavor and benefits that carob provides.

5. Water

Okay, water is definitely not as tasty as chocolate and probably will not satisfy your sweet tooth. However, if you drink plenty of water throughout the day, it is more likely that you will not feel as hungry and will have fewer cravings overall.

6. Cocoa Powder

Try adding a little bit of cocoa powder to different drinks and snacks. It is a good addition to yogurt, cottage cheese, smoothies, shakes, tea and skim milk.

7. Have a Little

Moderation is key. Allowing yourself to have a little chocolate every now and then is really not going to cause a lot of damage. In the larger scheme of things, having a small piece of chocolate once or twice a week is not going to break a diet or cause weight gain. However, do not allow yourself to cave and eat an entire chocolate bar or big piece of cake. You have to be able to have some control if you do choose to include chocolate in your diet. Also, eat the piece slowly, enjoying each bite. This will stop you from not feeling satisfied when done.

#FromFat2Fab

If You Are Craving....

If you crave this…	What you really need is…	And here are healthy foods that have it:
Chocolate	Magnesium	Raw nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits
Sweets	Chromium	Broccoli, grapes, cheese, dried beans, calves liver, chicken
	Carbon	Fresh fruits
	Phosphorus	Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes, grains
	Sulfur	Cranberries, horseradish, cruciferous vegetables, kale, cabbage
	Tryptophan	Cheese, liver, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach
Bread, toast	Nitrogen	High protein foods: fish, meat, nuts, beans
Oily snacks, fatty foods	Calcium	Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
Coffee or tea	Phosphorous	Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes
	Sulfur	Egg yolks, red peppers, muscle protein, garlic, onion, cruciferous vegetables
	NaCl (salt)	Sea salt, apple cider vinegar (on salad)
	Iron	Meat, fish and poultry, seaweed, greens, black cherries
Alcohol, recreational drugs	Protein	Meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, nuts
	Avenin	Granola, oatmeal
	Calcium	Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
	Glutamine	Supplement glutamine powder for withdrawal, raw cabbage juice
	Potassium	Sun-dried black olives, potato peel broth, seaweed, bitter greens
Chewing ice	Iron	Meat, fish, poultry, seaweed, greens, black cherries
Burned food	Carbon	Fresh fruits
Soda and other carbonated drinks	Calcium	Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
Salty foods	Chloride	Raw goat milk, fish, unrefined sea salt
Acid foods	Magnesium	Raw nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits
Preference for liquids rather than solids	Water	Flavor water with lemon or lime. You need 8 to 10 glasses per day.
Preference for solids rather than liquids	Water	You have been so dehydrated for so long that you have lost your thirst. Flavor water with lemon or lime. You need 8 to 10 glasses per day.
Cool drinks	Manganese	Walnuts, almonds, pecans, pineapple, blueberries
Pre-menstrual cravings	Zinc	Red meats (especially organ meats), seafood, leafy vegetables, root vegetables
General overeating	Silicon	Nuts, seeds; avoid refined starches
	Tryptophan	Cheese, liver, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach
	Tyrosine	Vitamin C supplements or orange, green, red fruits and vegetables
Lack of appetite	Vitamin B1	Nuts, seeds, beans, liver and other organ meats
	Vitamin B3	Tuna, halibut, beef, chicken, turkey, pork, seeds and legumes
	Manganese	Walnuts, almonds, pecans, pineapple, blueberries
	Chloride	Raw goat milk, unrefined sea salt
Tobacco	Silicon	Nuts, seeds; avoid refined starches
	Tyrosine	Vitamin C supplements or orange, green and red fruits and vegetables

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