I don't know about anyone else - but I am extremely anxious to try the new easy tone apparel by Reebok that just came out. I asked for the entire outfit for christmas (easytone pants and long bra top). I have seen the easytone pants and long bra top and they don't look like anything special and they are not even that cute (pretty plain). But I still want to try the top and the pants just to see if they work. Here is a link about them and it explains how each of the items work.
http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2010/11/20/reebok-easytone-apparel/
Has anyone tried either the pants or the top? I want to hear some feedback and experiences with these items. Is anyone else thinking about trying them??
Once I get mine I will be sure to post pictures and my thoughts and feelings on the apparel.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
P90X Worksheets
Did anyone out there doing the P90X workout system know that there were legit workout sheets for keeping track of your goals, actuals, heart rate, etc.? I had no idea! Here was doing the workout and hand writing everything - which took FOREVER and made my workout so much longer when I could have just been printing off these worksheets. I even came across food tracking sheets as well. Those of you doing the P90X workout systems know how inconvenient it is keeping track of everything and I think these sheets could really increase the convenience. I read somewhere that you can get these sheets on the beach body website ( I don't know this for sure - I didn't go and look.) I also think it would be pretty easy to make one on excel. I will list the link for anyone who is interested.
http://teambeachbody.com/get-fit/fitness-tools/workout-sheets
http://teambeachbody.com/get-fit/fitness-tools/workout-sheets
Legs and Back
Legs And Back Highlights:
The last workout that I did was legs and back, and that was on Monday before I went on vacation - almost a week ago. Here are a few notes on Legs and Back - I hope it helps any of you who are beginners and wondering what to expect form legs and back.
balance lunge - This exercise is tough. I found it really hard to keep my balance hence the name. It also took me longer to do 25 reps for each leg than the time allotted on the video so I had to pause it until I could complete it.
calve raise squat - I think the calve raise squats are really easy. I thought that I got a better workout the lower that I got. The longer I went the harder it was to go as low but I did 25 reps.
reverse grip pull-up - The reverse grip chin-ups are very tough. I used my pull-up bar because the bans weren't giving me the workout that I was looking for. I only did one reverse grip pull-up and my goal was only 2.
skater squat - I didn't mind this exercise, I just thought it was complicated to get the footing right and achieve the right motion. I had to pause the video and practice it a few times before I got into the 25 reps.
wall squat - I honestly could do the wall squats all day. The wall squats would have to be my favorite exercise of this video. Every sport I've ever played in high school, we had to do this exercise during practice.
step back lunge - I don't mind the lunges at all. Again with this lung I had trouble keeping my balance but I was feeling the exercise in my quads for sure.
side lunge - Balance again was an issue, but the lunges aren't bad at all. I prefer them over the other ridiculous exercise and that's probably just because of the low level of difficulty.
overhand pull-ups - I'm back to struggling with the pull-ups. I really struggled to just do 3. I really need to rebuild my upper arm strength and this video will do that.
dead lift squat - I think I was doing this one wrong because I was basically only feeling it in my shoulders and not really in my back. I didn't think it was working the right area - need to practice it a little more.
3 way lunge - balance off again, had to take it slow.
toe roll lunge - I thought this one was fun. It was hard for me to keep my knee from going over my toes though. I really felt this exercise in my butt and thighs. I really enjoyed this exercise.
speed squat - This one was tough. I tried to practice it while having the video paused, but I still couldn't get the hang of it at such a fast pace so I just paused it and did it at my own pace.
sneaky lunge - too hard to not let your heel touch. It was tough to get through all the reps.
I really enjoyed this video and I really like the lunges. If you have any questions or need any tips - just ask. But my advice is just to go at your own pace and just pause the video and do whatever you need to do to get through it. Best of luck!
The last workout that I did was legs and back, and that was on Monday before I went on vacation - almost a week ago. Here are a few notes on Legs and Back - I hope it helps any of you who are beginners and wondering what to expect form legs and back.
balance lunge - This exercise is tough. I found it really hard to keep my balance hence the name. It also took me longer to do 25 reps for each leg than the time allotted on the video so I had to pause it until I could complete it.
calve raise squat - I think the calve raise squats are really easy. I thought that I got a better workout the lower that I got. The longer I went the harder it was to go as low but I did 25 reps.
reverse grip pull-up - The reverse grip chin-ups are very tough. I used my pull-up bar because the bans weren't giving me the workout that I was looking for. I only did one reverse grip pull-up and my goal was only 2.
skater squat - I didn't mind this exercise, I just thought it was complicated to get the footing right and achieve the right motion. I had to pause the video and practice it a few times before I got into the 25 reps.
wall squat - I honestly could do the wall squats all day. The wall squats would have to be my favorite exercise of this video. Every sport I've ever played in high school, we had to do this exercise during practice.
step back lunge - I don't mind the lunges at all. Again with this lung I had trouble keeping my balance but I was feeling the exercise in my quads for sure.
side lunge - Balance again was an issue, but the lunges aren't bad at all. I prefer them over the other ridiculous exercise and that's probably just because of the low level of difficulty.
overhand pull-ups - I'm back to struggling with the pull-ups. I really struggled to just do 3. I really need to rebuild my upper arm strength and this video will do that.
dead lift squat - I think I was doing this one wrong because I was basically only feeling it in my shoulders and not really in my back. I didn't think it was working the right area - need to practice it a little more.
3 way lunge - balance off again, had to take it slow.
toe roll lunge - I thought this one was fun. It was hard for me to keep my knee from going over my toes though. I really felt this exercise in my butt and thighs. I really enjoyed this exercise.
speed squat - This one was tough. I tried to practice it while having the video paused, but I still couldn't get the hang of it at such a fast pace so I just paused it and did it at my own pace.
sneaky lunge - too hard to not let your heel touch. It was tough to get through all the reps.
I really enjoyed this video and I really like the lunges. If you have any questions or need any tips - just ask. But my advice is just to go at your own pace and just pause the video and do whatever you need to do to get through it. Best of luck!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sunday
Today should have been the Yoga X workout but instead I did Yoga on the Wii Fit (my brother has a Wii fit and he suggested I try it). I found it much more enjoyable than the Yoga X. After I was finished I took my Wii fit age (which was extremely old) and played some fitness games.
I also ran/walked/jogged a little over 2 miles today - doesn't seem like much but it's a start for me. I really enjoy running especially when it's cold out.
Since I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow I'm sure I will be doing a lot more running (probably on a treadmil) since I will be living in a hotel for the next week and won't have a lot of space to work with.
I am worried about my trip. I feel like I'm finally getting on the right track and I just know this trip is going to mess everything up because I have no will power.
Wish me luck! And I'll keep you in formed with what's going on!
I also ran/walked/jogged a little over 2 miles today - doesn't seem like much but it's a start for me. I really enjoy running especially when it's cold out.
Since I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow I'm sure I will be doing a lot more running (probably on a treadmil) since I will be living in a hotel for the next week and won't have a lot of space to work with.
I am worried about my trip. I feel like I'm finally getting on the right track and I just know this trip is going to mess everything up because I have no will power.
Wish me luck! And I'll keep you in formed with what's going on!
Saturday
On Saturday I got up extremely early and did the shoulders and arms video. This is still by far my favorite video. I wasn't as good about taking notes for this one because I was in a hurry to get my workout in and start my saturday ( with all the pausing to take notes it really lengthens the duration of the workout).
After my workout I have to admit that my workout really wasn't over. I had my 2 year old niece for most of the day - I now know the meaning of terrible two's. It was a none stop chase the entire day. And when I wasn't chasing her I was lugging her around with my already sore arms. I'm sure your thinking - how heavy could a 2 year old be - she weighs about 40 some odd lbs (not fat or anything, just really tall).
As for my meals on Saturday:
Breakfast: Steak, egg, and cheese, on an english muffin
Snacks: far too many to list - come on I was with my 2 year old niece all day, what would you expect
Lunch- breaded cauliflower and cheese sauce and stuffed pepper soup
Snacks - again far too many to list
Dinner - Pancakes with fat free butter, homemade jelly, and syrup
Late night snacks - ice cream (fail!)
I am working on eating more sensible and portion control.
After my workout I have to admit that my workout really wasn't over. I had my 2 year old niece for most of the day - I now know the meaning of terrible two's. It was a none stop chase the entire day. And when I wasn't chasing her I was lugging her around with my already sore arms. I'm sure your thinking - how heavy could a 2 year old be - she weighs about 40 some odd lbs (not fat or anything, just really tall).
As for my meals on Saturday:
Breakfast: Steak, egg, and cheese, on an english muffin
Snacks: far too many to list - come on I was with my 2 year old niece all day, what would you expect
Lunch- breaded cauliflower and cheese sauce and stuffed pepper soup
Snacks - again far too many to list
Dinner - Pancakes with fat free butter, homemade jelly, and syrup
Late night snacks - ice cream (fail!)
I am working on eating more sensible and portion control.
Friday - Plyometrics
Breakfast: 2 pieces of whole grain toast with scrambled egg whites with chicken
Snacks between breakfast and lunch: Dried fruit, cashews, and grapes
Lunch: yogurt, an apple, and a peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread.
Snacks between lunch and dinner: 2 apples and peanut butter, and a bowl of Special K
Dinner: Shrimp stir-fry which was take out so I'm not so sure how healthy that was
Snack before bed - NONE : )
As you can see, I'm not exactly going with the p90x diet - I am just eating sensible.
Workout Recap:
Again I'm winded and tired out during the warm up. I smoke far too much for this business. But I must say that this warm up is easier to get into and really gets you moving for the exercise.
Run Stance Squats - low difficulty, don't really feel like I was getting much out of it.
Airborne Heisman - I love this one! It's probably my favorite exercise out of the workout
Swing Kicks - another favorite of mine, but my stool isn't near as high as the ones in the video.
Jump Squats - I don't mind them, I like to get really low.
Squat Reach Jump - I try and touch the floor every time and I have a really soft landing
Squat Switch Pickups - I don't think these are at all challenging
Double Airborne Heisman - I really like this one for some reason - I really feel it!
Circle Run - I really like this one! I really feel the exercise in my fat ass.
Jump Knee Tucks - Hate it! I'm really not a jumper and I defiantly can't perfect a quiet landing with this one
Mary Katherine Lunges - I did this one with my hands on my hips and it was easy. I would say next time I
could do it with my hands in the air.
Leapfrog squats - I think this one is stupid and I didn’t participate in this exercise. I took an extra break.
Twist Combo - I liked this one. It came natural to me because I’m an avid skier and I just imagined myself on the mountains - not in my living room working out.
Rock Star Hops - nope not having it, it just makes me feel foolish.
Gap Jumps - I really lack the space for this one - but I was into it because it was so easy
Squat Jacks - These made me feel extremely off balance, but I really felt it in my legs - I tried to go as low as possible (so sore the next day).
Military March - I couldn’t get my legs very high, but I was really feeling it. I had to go extremely slow. I was really lacking form.
Run Squat 180 jump switches - didn’t mind them but by this point I was beat for sure and all the spinning made me dizzy - but they weren’t hard at all
Lateral Leapfrog Squats- my thighs were burning so bad - I wanted to quit but didn’t.
Monster Truck Tires - again lack the space for this one and every time I jumped for some reason my dog went after my pant legs
Hot Foot- This one hurt my foot a little and I just felt like I was going to fall over. I think this is a bad one to save for last. I could really feel it in my calf muscles.
At this point my heart rate was 172 - a little high I’d say...
Pitch and Catch - I was into the throwing but then when it came time to get low - I felt like my legs were jelly and I couldn’t get back up.
Jump Shots - again I was so worn out at this point I could barely jump and it also brought back awful memories of basketball training that I'd like to forget
Football Hero - Uhh It was never ending - and Tony just wouldn't shut the hell up. I was
beyond annoyed and I think that it motivated me to just finish and push myself.
After the workout I had a protien shake and tried to catch my breath and regain feeling in my legs.
Snacks between breakfast and lunch: Dried fruit, cashews, and grapes
Lunch: yogurt, an apple, and a peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread.
Snacks between lunch and dinner: 2 apples and peanut butter, and a bowl of Special K
Dinner: Shrimp stir-fry which was take out so I'm not so sure how healthy that was
Snack before bed - NONE : )
As you can see, I'm not exactly going with the p90x diet - I am just eating sensible.
Workout Recap:
Again I'm winded and tired out during the warm up. I smoke far too much for this business. But I must say that this warm up is easier to get into and really gets you moving for the exercise.
Run Stance Squats - low difficulty, don't really feel like I was getting much out of it.
Airborne Heisman - I love this one! It's probably my favorite exercise out of the workout
Swing Kicks - another favorite of mine, but my stool isn't near as high as the ones in the video.
Jump Squats - I don't mind them, I like to get really low.
Squat Reach Jump - I try and touch the floor every time and I have a really soft landing
Squat Switch Pickups - I don't think these are at all challenging
Double Airborne Heisman - I really like this one for some reason - I really feel it!
Circle Run - I really like this one! I really feel the exercise in my fat ass.
Jump Knee Tucks - Hate it! I'm really not a jumper and I defiantly can't perfect a quiet landing with this one
Mary Katherine Lunges - I did this one with my hands on my hips and it was easy. I would say next time I
could do it with my hands in the air.
Leapfrog squats - I think this one is stupid and I didn’t participate in this exercise. I took an extra break.
Twist Combo - I liked this one. It came natural to me because I’m an avid skier and I just imagined myself on the mountains - not in my living room working out.
Rock Star Hops - nope not having it, it just makes me feel foolish.
Gap Jumps - I really lack the space for this one - but I was into it because it was so easy
Squat Jacks - These made me feel extremely off balance, but I really felt it in my legs - I tried to go as low as possible (so sore the next day).
Military March - I couldn’t get my legs very high, but I was really feeling it. I had to go extremely slow. I was really lacking form.
Run Squat 180 jump switches - didn’t mind them but by this point I was beat for sure and all the spinning made me dizzy - but they weren’t hard at all
Lateral Leapfrog Squats- my thighs were burning so bad - I wanted to quit but didn’t.
Monster Truck Tires - again lack the space for this one and every time I jumped for some reason my dog went after my pant legs
Hot Foot- This one hurt my foot a little and I just felt like I was going to fall over. I think this is a bad one to save for last. I could really feel it in my calf muscles.
At this point my heart rate was 172 - a little high I’d say...
Pitch and Catch - I was into the throwing but then when it came time to get low - I felt like my legs were jelly and I couldn’t get back up.
Jump Shots - again I was so worn out at this point I could barely jump and it also brought back awful memories of basketball training that I'd like to forget
Football Hero - Uhh It was never ending - and Tony just wouldn't shut the hell up. I was
beyond annoyed and I think that it motivated me to just finish and push myself.
After the workout I had a protien shake and tried to catch my breath and regain feeling in my legs.
Back at it - A Recap of Thursday
On Thursday I had a revelation, I hate my fat stomach and I'm sick of just bitching about it. So I decided to start my P90X workout over AGAIN. I have a totally different mindset and I'm in it for the long hall this time.
This was my diet for Thursday:
Breakfast: Bowl of Special K with Skim milk, with a grape fruit (no sugar), and a whole grain bagel with fat free butter.
Throughout the day I snacked on cashews, sugar free pop-cicles, and fat free yogurt.
Lunch: 6 inch turkey and ham sub from Sub-way with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, light mayo, and provolone cheese. I also had baked Doritos.
After lunch I had a home made fruit salad for a snack and then before dinner I had another fat free yogurt.
Dinner: I had a grilled chicken salad
Before bed I had 5 sugar free popsicles ( It doesn’t matter what I am eating, I’m a binge eater when it comes to anything!)
As for the workout on Thursday it went a little something like this:
Chest and Back
I was winded during the warm up and wanted to quit but I pushed on - I had to pause a few times but I mad it through. Then here is a break down of my exercise goals and actuals. (I am using my bands, rather than the pull-up bar.) I’m not sure if I’m using the bands right because it seems a lot easier than an actual pull up and I’m doing a lot.
Goal Actual
Standard Pushups 10 7
Wide Front Pull-Ups 15 12
Military Push-Ups 5 3
Reverse Grip Pull-Ups 8 12
I like to pause and extend my break about 5 extra minutes.
Wide Fly Push-Ups 5 3
I’m most certainly not ready to lift one leg while doing these - these are so hard
Close Grip overhand Pull ups 12 8
Decline Push-ups 8 12
I really like this one - it sort of hurts my ankles though but I really feel a the burn during this exercise!
Heavy Pants 15 15
I used 8 lb weights for this one - I like this exercise a lot too !
Again another extended water break : ) - about 3 extra minutes. And the soup I decided to stir was broccoli cheddar baked potato and I believe I was salavating
Diamond Push-Ups 5 2
I hate these so much - they are way too hard! And there is no making contact with my chest to my hands - I just fall down and don’t want to get back up. \
Lawnmowers 10 10
I don’t get anything out of this exercise so I’m obviously doing it wrong and that frustrates me. I don’t want to do it at all if I can’t do it right. And I used my 8lb weights for this one not the bands.
Dive Bomber Push-Ups 3 0
I hate these - I don’t think I’ll ever get the hand of these; my body doesn’t work that way. It’s basically like the yoga moves.
Back Flys 10 15
I didn’t extend this break - I just wanted to get it the hell over with. This video just basically annoys me.
Since round 2 is the same workout just a different sequence - I won't recap it. I kept my goals the same (low) and I did about the same as round 1.
Ab Ripper X went pretty well. It just took me double the time to finish because I had to take so many breaks - but I did do 25 reps for each exercise.
This was my diet for Thursday:
Breakfast: Bowl of Special K with Skim milk, with a grape fruit (no sugar), and a whole grain bagel with fat free butter.
Throughout the day I snacked on cashews, sugar free pop-cicles, and fat free yogurt.
Lunch: 6 inch turkey and ham sub from Sub-way with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, light mayo, and provolone cheese. I also had baked Doritos.
After lunch I had a home made fruit salad for a snack and then before dinner I had another fat free yogurt.
Dinner: I had a grilled chicken salad
Before bed I had 5 sugar free popsicles ( It doesn’t matter what I am eating, I’m a binge eater when it comes to anything!)
As for the workout on Thursday it went a little something like this:
Chest and Back
I was winded during the warm up and wanted to quit but I pushed on - I had to pause a few times but I mad it through. Then here is a break down of my exercise goals and actuals. (I am using my bands, rather than the pull-up bar.) I’m not sure if I’m using the bands right because it seems a lot easier than an actual pull up and I’m doing a lot.
Goal Actual
Standard Pushups 10 7
Wide Front Pull-Ups 15 12
Military Push-Ups 5 3
Reverse Grip Pull-Ups 8 12
I like to pause and extend my break about 5 extra minutes.
Wide Fly Push-Ups 5 3
I’m most certainly not ready to lift one leg while doing these - these are so hard
Close Grip overhand Pull ups 12 8
Decline Push-ups 8 12
I really like this one - it sort of hurts my ankles though but I really feel a the burn during this exercise!
Heavy Pants 15 15
I used 8 lb weights for this one - I like this exercise a lot too !
Again another extended water break : ) - about 3 extra minutes. And the soup I decided to stir was broccoli cheddar baked potato and I believe I was salavating
Diamond Push-Ups 5 2
I hate these so much - they are way too hard! And there is no making contact with my chest to my hands - I just fall down and don’t want to get back up. \
Lawnmowers 10 10
I don’t get anything out of this exercise so I’m obviously doing it wrong and that frustrates me. I don’t want to do it at all if I can’t do it right. And I used my 8lb weights for this one not the bands.
Dive Bomber Push-Ups 3 0
I hate these - I don’t think I’ll ever get the hand of these; my body doesn’t work that way. It’s basically like the yoga moves.
Back Flys 10 15
I didn’t extend this break - I just wanted to get it the hell over with. This video just basically annoys me.
Since round 2 is the same workout just a different sequence - I won't recap it. I kept my goals the same (low) and I did about the same as round 1.
Ab Ripper X went pretty well. It just took me double the time to finish because I had to take so many breaks - but I did do 25 reps for each exercise.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Recipe for Veggie Pizza
Found a great recipe on http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/veggie-pizza/Detail.aspx for veggie pizza. I changed all my ingredients to fat free and was very suprised to find that they actually have fat free crescent rolls and they actually taste the same as the fat ones. Enjoy!
I got this recipe from http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/veggie-pizza/Detail.aspx
Ingredients
- 2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup halved and thinly-sliced radishes
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a jellyroll pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pat crescent roll dough into a jellyroll pan. Let stand 5 minutes. Pierce with fork.
- Bake for 10 minutes, let cool.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, dill weed, garlic salt and ranch dip mix. Spread this mixture on top of the cooled crust. Arrange the onion, carrot, celery, broccoli, radish, bell pepper and broccoli on top of the creamed mixture. Cover and let chill. Once chilled, cut it into squares and serve.
How big is your muffin top?
Lets talk figures, as of today I weigh 115 lbs and I’m only 5’2. Ideally, I’d like to be 115 pounds of solid muscle. To me it’s not about the weight, it’s about looking good in a bathing suit; which could be another problem of mine. I guess it won’t be until I have a real problem like high blood pressure or diabetes till I start to become concerned about my health - isn’t that the way it goes.
Anyway I can talk or blog about it all I want that isn't changing the size of my muffin top.
How is everyone else's muffin top, or hate handles?
Anyway I can talk or blog about it all I want that isn't changing the size of my muffin top.
How is everyone else's muffin top, or hate handles?
Hate handles
I was starting to see results with P90x even though I wasn’t following it precisely. As of now I have put back on a fair share of the weight that I had lost. My clothes are back to fitting me somewhat snuggly and it makes me sick. My muffin top is back, oh that dreaded muffin top. The love handles are my main problem area - who even came up with the name “love handles” ? Who could ever love them? I'd perfer to call them hate handles!
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again - I’m not over weight (and no I’m not in denial). I just have those problem areas around my waist. It’s like I get dressed everyone morning and before I put on my top I put an inner tube on around my waist- well that’s what it looks like - uh what a nightmare.
I have been dealing with this for sometime now and I have perfected hiding the love handles in most cases.
Rule #1, always wear a cami under every thing! Why? The cami serves the purpose of smoothing out the lines of the pants against the love handles, as well as, sucks you in a smidge like a girdle. But don’t make the mistake of wearing a cami that is too tight, because then the love handles will just look worse.
Rule #2, make sure that the shirt over the cami is in fact higher than the cami itself. I let about an inch to an inch and half of my cami show, no more or this will defeat the purpose. This creates a distraction from the love handles and breaks up the body more creating an allusion.
Rule #3, when posing in a picture place your hands on you hips like you are pushing the love handles in. Be careful that you aren’t pushing too hard because then the fat just comes over the hands and that is not the look we are trying to achieve. This also creates a distraction and depending on how big your gut is can make you look 3 times skinner. I recommend practicing this in the mirror. I absolutely do not recommend “sucking it in” when it comes to posing in a picture because that is definitely obvious.
Last but certainly not least - Rule # 4, BUY JEANS THAT FIT YOU. This sounds like a simple task but some people have an issue with the size they wear. Some people swear they are a 5/6 and will only buy size 5/6 because oh that is their size. But they have 3 inches of a muffin top hanging out over the jeans - these people would look a lot slimmer if they would go up a size. Who cares what size the pants are - you should be more concerned with how they fit and how they look.
I hope these rules are helpful for those of you with love handles! Let me know if you try any of my tips or if you have tips of your own - I would love to hear!
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again - I’m not over weight (and no I’m not in denial). I just have those problem areas around my waist. It’s like I get dressed everyone morning and before I put on my top I put an inner tube on around my waist- well that’s what it looks like - uh what a nightmare.
I have been dealing with this for sometime now and I have perfected hiding the love handles in most cases.
Rule #1, always wear a cami under every thing! Why? The cami serves the purpose of smoothing out the lines of the pants against the love handles, as well as, sucks you in a smidge like a girdle. But don’t make the mistake of wearing a cami that is too tight, because then the love handles will just look worse.
Rule #2, make sure that the shirt over the cami is in fact higher than the cami itself. I let about an inch to an inch and half of my cami show, no more or this will defeat the purpose. This creates a distraction from the love handles and breaks up the body more creating an allusion.
Rule #3, when posing in a picture place your hands on you hips like you are pushing the love handles in. Be careful that you aren’t pushing too hard because then the fat just comes over the hands and that is not the look we are trying to achieve. This also creates a distraction and depending on how big your gut is can make you look 3 times skinner. I recommend practicing this in the mirror. I absolutely do not recommend “sucking it in” when it comes to posing in a picture because that is definitely obvious.
Last but certainly not least - Rule # 4, BUY JEANS THAT FIT YOU. This sounds like a simple task but some people have an issue with the size they wear. Some people swear they are a 5/6 and will only buy size 5/6 because oh that is their size. But they have 3 inches of a muffin top hanging out over the jeans - these people would look a lot slimmer if they would go up a size. Who cares what size the pants are - you should be more concerned with how they fit and how they look.
I hope these rules are helpful for those of you with love handles! Let me know if you try any of my tips or if you have tips of your own - I would love to hear!
Confessions part 2 - Who am I Usher?!?
Ugh, here it is, Sunday again... Sunday my favorite day to blog. I like to blog on Sundays to somewhat wrap up the week. The problem this Sunday is that there really isn't anything to wrap up... I didn't workout at all last week - no p90x, no hula-hoop, no box jumps etc. Normally I can at least relate to something interesting I’ve heard or read but not this week.
Recently I just haven't been able to find the time to workout. I know I talk about the time issue in a lot of my posts but it's the truth. I am a full-time college student in my senior year. I work two part-time jobs; with everything going on I find it hard to squeeze in a good workout. Even a day where there isn't much going on, I am mostly so run down and worn out that I just physically and mentally can't find the energy to motivate myself to workout.
These leads me to wonder how high fitness is on my list of priorities - how bad do I want it? Right now I keep telling myself I'll workout extra hard tomorrow and it never happens. I think it's almost like I'm afraid to change my life style. I find this also in my attempts to quit smoking. I become my own worst enemy when it comes down to it. Consciously I know I shouldn't eat those McDonalds' French Fries and that McRib sandwich or smoke that cigarette... Like I said, I think it is the fear of such a drastic life style change. I feel like I’m failing at getting fit on purpose and it’s so frustrating. It’s almost like I have no control when it comes to food what so ever. That makes me think about some other possible reasons as to why I do eat the way I do.
Most people talk about their relationship with food and how they eat their emotions or something like that - that’s not my story. When it comes down to it, I’m just obsessed with things that taste good - point blank. I’m not depressed, I’m not eating to compensate for anything - food isn’t my friend or my enemy - I just down right get excited about food, healthy or unhealthy.
I am constantly thinking about food and that is no exaggeration of the mind. I wake up in the morning and my first thought is what’s for breakfast and after breakfast I’m already thinking about what or where I’m having lunch. I get excited when my favorite restaurants add new things to their menu - I mean who else is doing this - please . I really never realized how much I focus on food until I started doing p90x.
It has really been a real eye opener and I don’t know how to go about changing this fixation on food.
Here is the perfect example of this issue. I am going away on vacation for Thanksgiving. I’m going to be in Georgia and all I am concerned about is what food does Georgia have to offer - like what is their specialty dish - what does one have to eat when in Georgia? That’s all I care about - I have been pondering this since my trip was booked - weird, I know.
I wish I was the guy from man vs. food - where do I sign up to get his job?
Is there anyone out there at all that shares this food fixation at all? If there is anyone out there I would love to hear from you!
Also, It is still fairly early in the evening, so there is still an option to workout - stay posted.
Recently I just haven't been able to find the time to workout. I know I talk about the time issue in a lot of my posts but it's the truth. I am a full-time college student in my senior year. I work two part-time jobs; with everything going on I find it hard to squeeze in a good workout. Even a day where there isn't much going on, I am mostly so run down and worn out that I just physically and mentally can't find the energy to motivate myself to workout.
These leads me to wonder how high fitness is on my list of priorities - how bad do I want it? Right now I keep telling myself I'll workout extra hard tomorrow and it never happens. I think it's almost like I'm afraid to change my life style. I find this also in my attempts to quit smoking. I become my own worst enemy when it comes down to it. Consciously I know I shouldn't eat those McDonalds' French Fries and that McRib sandwich or smoke that cigarette... Like I said, I think it is the fear of such a drastic life style change. I feel like I’m failing at getting fit on purpose and it’s so frustrating. It’s almost like I have no control when it comes to food what so ever. That makes me think about some other possible reasons as to why I do eat the way I do.
Most people talk about their relationship with food and how they eat their emotions or something like that - that’s not my story. When it comes down to it, I’m just obsessed with things that taste good - point blank. I’m not depressed, I’m not eating to compensate for anything - food isn’t my friend or my enemy - I just down right get excited about food, healthy or unhealthy.
I am constantly thinking about food and that is no exaggeration of the mind. I wake up in the morning and my first thought is what’s for breakfast and after breakfast I’m already thinking about what or where I’m having lunch. I get excited when my favorite restaurants add new things to their menu - I mean who else is doing this - please . I really never realized how much I focus on food until I started doing p90x.
It has really been a real eye opener and I don’t know how to go about changing this fixation on food.
Here is the perfect example of this issue. I am going away on vacation for Thanksgiving. I’m going to be in Georgia and all I am concerned about is what food does Georgia have to offer - like what is their specialty dish - what does one have to eat when in Georgia? That’s all I care about - I have been pondering this since my trip was booked - weird, I know.
I wish I was the guy from man vs. food - where do I sign up to get his job?
Is there anyone out there at all that shares this food fixation at all? If there is anyone out there I would love to hear from you!
Also, It is still fairly early in the evening, so there is still an option to workout - stay posted.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The Skinny on Diet Soda
So many people out there drink diet soda like they should be drinking water. I thought this was a great video that really shows how harmful diet soda actually can be. I also recently read that if you are a diet soda drinker you are more likely to suffer from obesity. Like in this video the researchers talked about life style choices and the thought that the person who is drinking diet soda is probably over weight already - this information was controlled for and did not seem to be statistically significant in the study in which I read.
I also read that diet soda could be linked to cancer - but it seems like basically everything is linked to cancer - who knows....
Just thought it was interesting and wanted to share - - I would love to get some peoples reactions to diet soda and all the new information and harmful effects that are coming about about it recently. Post me your opinion or experience with diet soda!
Eat This, Not That - My Experience
I am a huge fan of the Eat this, Not That! informative books. I have the the basic Eat This, Not That! - 2007 revised copy, also Eat This, Not That! Supermarket Survival Guide, and Eat This, Not That! The Best (& Worst) Foods in America.
I must admit that I don't use my books as bibles, just basically for entertainment. I say that I don't use it as a bible because I don't take them everywhere with me and I don't always choose to eat the Eat This item. I say that I use my books most for entertainment because I find it so interesting, the comparisons between the eat this item verus the not that item. When I see people eating or drinking an item from the book I feel the need to tell them the facts about it. This mostly happens between family members and they just get annoy with my not so new obsession with food.
I highly recommend these books for all the great information on all foods imaginable! I think that they are great, especially if you are extremely serious about eating the proper things. I think from my blog everyone should realize that i'm not extremely serious when it comes down to my eating habits - which has been a key factor in my lack of success in my p90x pursuits. Even if your not super serious about food choices and enjoy fun facts like I do then you'll most certainly enjoy them!
I must admit that I don't use my books as bibles, just basically for entertainment. I say that I don't use it as a bible because I don't take them everywhere with me and I don't always choose to eat the Eat This item. I say that I use my books most for entertainment because I find it so interesting, the comparisons between the eat this item verus the not that item. When I see people eating or drinking an item from the book I feel the need to tell them the facts about it. This mostly happens between family members and they just get annoy with my not so new obsession with food.
I highly recommend these books for all the great information on all foods imaginable! I think that they are great, especially if you are extremely serious about eating the proper things. I think from my blog everyone should realize that i'm not extremely serious when it comes down to my eating habits - which has been a key factor in my lack of success in my p90x pursuits. Even if your not super serious about food choices and enjoy fun facts like I do then you'll most certainly enjoy them!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Eat This Not That
This is a great, somewhat lengthy video of a tutorial on the way that the book Eat This, Not That works. Another thing that is great about the video is how it even incorporates the author of the book. This video also gives examples from the book that you may find surprising - Check it out!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Confessional
I'm currently feeling like an alcoholic who needs to get to a meeting.
Oh the temptations are everywhere...bowls of left over halloween candy - the McRib from McDonalds is back, not to mention my mom has been going on a full blown out cooking spree. Last night was homemade pizza, which I guess wouldn't have been too bad but I smothered mine in ranch dressing. Tonight, homemade ham pot pie - talk about carb over load in the worst way. Oh and there was also buffalo chicken dip by the tortia chip load. I'm sure there are a ton of awful things I've ate or drank that I'm leaving out but I'm only giving you the highlights..But come on I mean this has got to be the worst time of year for a diet. It's getting so cold here I don't want to leave my house let alone get off the couch.
It's only Tuesday and it's already been a week - I haven't worked out once in the past three days and I obviously can't even say I've been sticking to the diet either... And I only predict worse things to come. Next week I have 2 huge projects due which is going to increase my stress right along with my cal. intake. Stay tuned for more confessionals.
On an even lower note, at work tonight I was goofing off and tripped and twisted my ankle - classic. The ankle is a little tender but a workout is on the agenda for tomorrow - if the ankle isn't up to it then i'll do the ab ripper x video and some hula-hooping.
Well folks, that's where I'm at today - Hope it's going great for the rest of you all!
Oh the temptations are everywhere...bowls of left over halloween candy - the McRib from McDonalds is back, not to mention my mom has been going on a full blown out cooking spree. Last night was homemade pizza, which I guess wouldn't have been too bad but I smothered mine in ranch dressing. Tonight, homemade ham pot pie - talk about carb over load in the worst way. Oh and there was also buffalo chicken dip by the tortia chip load. I'm sure there are a ton of awful things I've ate or drank that I'm leaving out but I'm only giving you the highlights..But come on I mean this has got to be the worst time of year for a diet. It's getting so cold here I don't want to leave my house let alone get off the couch.
It's only Tuesday and it's already been a week - I haven't worked out once in the past three days and I obviously can't even say I've been sticking to the diet either... And I only predict worse things to come. Next week I have 2 huge projects due which is going to increase my stress right along with my cal. intake. Stay tuned for more confessionals.
On an even lower note, at work tonight I was goofing off and tripped and twisted my ankle - classic. The ankle is a little tender but a workout is on the agenda for tomorrow - if the ankle isn't up to it then i'll do the ab ripper x video and some hula-hooping.
Well folks, that's where I'm at today - Hope it's going great for the rest of you all!
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