Wow, I'm finally back...for real!!!

To all of you who are still following my blog, I'M BACK!!!To the newcomers, I welcome you:)

I'm finally ready to hop back on my journey to fabulous.  I gave birth to our fifth child this past December and I'm not liking this new body of mine one bit.  Clothes shopping isn't all that fun when you need them because nothing you currently have in your closet fits.  Like most good parents, I want to be an example to my kids. I'm always on a mission to provide them with good nutritional values and staying active. I have no problem working out, but I must get a grip on my poor eating habits. I know I can do this because this isn't the first time I've embarked on this journey.

I plan to start off by using my elliptical machine, free weights, treadmill, various DVDs, then eventually P90X. I'm a breastfeeding mom, so I want to keep my caloric intake around the 2000 mark.

I will be posting measurements, pictures, and starting weight this upcoming Saturday, April 9th.  Please click the "follow" button on the right to keep up with me and help to keep me accountable.

Enjoy the rest of your week and I'll  "see" you on Saturday.

Dee~

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I'm back(sort of)!!

I gave birth to my little girl on December 3, 2010.  I will be updating my family blog later today to fill you all in on her birth story, etc.   Today I am 5 weeks postpartum.  I'm not sore anymore but the energy isn't all there yet.  Being a mom of five takes a lot of hard work.  Anyway, my 6 week checkup is scheduled for January 19th.  Once I get the okay from my Midwife, I will resume my weight loss journey.  I hope you all had a fabulous 2010 and I hope that 2011 is even better!!  I will be back in about a week and a half to talk more about where my head is at with this weight loss thing.

Dee

ANNOUNCEMENT

We're happily expecting #5 so this blog will be inactive until the little one gets here....thank you all for your support!!!

I have started a baby blog if you want to follow along;)  http://therobinsonfamilyseven.blogspot.com/

I'm around

Just focusing on other stuff for right now.  Some of you may know what I'm speaking of, some may not.  I just want to let you all know that everything is going well and life is good!!  This post probably makes no sense whatsoever, but I didn't want anyone to think something was wrong.  Ta ta for now:)

Dee~

Wednesday Update

C25K: W3D3

3% incline, 3.6mph(walking), 5.2mph (running)

Punching bag-15 min.(My new love!!)

50 jumping jacks

80 oz. H20

1258 calories consumed

After this workout tonight, my abs felt like they were on fire for about an hour.  VERY annoying!!I suppose running and hitting the punching bag are to blame for that.  But as the saying goes, "no pain no gain". 

I'm a little worried about what I have on my social calendar for the remainder of the week.  Tomorrow night a few girlfriends and I are going to see a chic flick, "Valentine's Day".  Will I be able to refrain from get that salty bag of goodness and saturating it with cups of butter??On Friday I'm going to a Pure Romance party at a friends house.  A bunch of women laughing at naughty stuff always leads to eating without thinking.  Blah!!Saturday I'm going to a friend's house to play Bunco(dice game).  Everybody is bringing something that is not kind to the waistline.  What the hell am I doing?? I think this is going to be a major test of my will power.  I suppose I should at least go to each event thinking "moderation".

 Dee~

Monday update

C25K W3D2

10 min. Elliptical 1.06 mi. 163 calories

10 push ups

50 sit ups

40 bicep curls-8lb. weights

1365 calories consumed

80 oz. H20

I just want to quickly say that I actually enjoyed running tonight.  I think that the incline I was previously running (5%) was a bit too much.  So I switch it to a 2% incline and did a heck of a lot better.  Going to bed now!Nite nite:)

Dee~

Spreading myself thin

I'm sure most of you who are moms can relate to the following paragraph.

Between my four children, my husband, the house, organizing my mommy group, blogging, and taking care of myself, I feel like I want to scream sometimes.  I mean where is the "down time". Does that even exist??  This isn't really a complaint post but when it comes time for me to workout, I honestly feel like I don't have it in me ever!!You know how you feel when you first wake up in the morning wishing the alarm clock would shut the hell up, well that's how I feel when its time for me to workout at 1pm! I think that's insane.  I currently have a load of laundry washing and drying.  I feel like I should move my bedroom to the basement because I'm either down there working out or doing laundry.  I think I may need to have my iron levels checked.  But then on the other hand I think I may need to learn to let the dishes or laundry wait.  BUT you know if I do it, I will have hell catching up.  Its a never ending cycle I suppose.

Hubby and I celebrated Valentine's Day last night.  I totally surprised him by taking HIM out on a date:) We ate at Ruby Tuesdays(I don't even want to know how much damage I've done there).  We saw the movie "The Avatar".  I highly recommend seeing it!!I got him a few gifts as well.  I wanted to change things up this year and show him that this "holiday" shouldn't be about the woman all the time.  He takes good care of me and the kids, so he deserves it.

I feel a little sad about this but I only made it 13 days in a row working out.(Had a ticker below my weight loss ticker to track).  I wanted to make it 30 days.  I suppose that was a bit unrealistic given my lifestyle. 

I completed W3D1 of the C25K and I must admit that it was hard as hell.  Running for 90 sec/3 minute intervals really suck!!!!I hope my body adjusts because how in the heck will I make it through a 5K??

Well sadly its 11pm and I have a play date in the morning since the kids don't have school.  So I need to finish up a few things and head to bed.

Dee~

12 more hours please!

Early today I talked about how I can’t wait for my watch to arrive.  Well now I’m actually to the point of anticipating my first run using it.  I will be so glad when the weather clears up(that could be May for all I know) and I can go for a run outdoors.  I’m considering going to our community center and use the indoor track there.  We have been stuck in the house all day and I think we need to stay out for a bit after I pick the kids up from Preschool tomorrow. I’m really dreading having to run errands in this weather. There is only so much entertaining I can do before snapping! Two of my kids have colds, so they are super cranking.  Today has just been LONG.    Its just unreal that we had so much snow and its STILL continuing  to come down right now.  I don’t think I’m ever going to get use to winters here.  I think we need to invest in a snow blower at some point because I can really feel it in my arms tonight.  Hubby brought home his W2 almost a week ago and I still haven’t done our taxes yet.  I’m also trying to read two books at the same time(Twilight Series: New Moon and Little Pink House) Its not working out so well:/There is never enough time to get everything done.  I feel like I’m going to scream.  If I take care of one thing, I’m neglecting something else.  Then on top of all that, three of my children want to exchange Valentine’s with their classes on Friday.  So I get the honor of putting together approximately 60 cards for their classmates.  BLAH!!!Well I’m going to shower and try to get some more reading done unless hubby wants to watch more Anime.

Sunday’s stat’s 2/7: 5% cline-4.5-5mph(run), 3.5(walk), 4501 steps, 2.08 miles, 33 min., 344 calories

30 sit ups, 30 arm extensions, 30 bicep curls-5lb. weights

1456 calories consume; 80 oz. H20

Today’s stats 2/8:

Elliptical 20 min, 2.11 miles, 325 calories

Cardio-kickboxing DVD, 30 min.

1 hour snow shoveling

1445 calories consumed;100 oz. H20

Dee~

Running watch, etc.

I've been doing some research for a few weeks and I have finally decided on a new running watch.  Its a Forerunner 305 GPS watch by Garmin.  I'm really excited about trying this out.  I can't believe I'm even running for that matter let alone purchasing a running watch to increase my performance before running a 5K.  It should be here by Wednesday(I love express shipping!)I would go for a run outside to test it out, but we are in the middle of a winter storm, so on the treadmill it is:/Its not fun looking at a wall when working out!Still no relief with my poop issues.  I've decided that there is no way I would be able to do the 5 day detox/fast and still be able to do everyday stuff.  I wouldn't be able to function.  I'm not sure if I didn't get any comments on the previous post because of what people didn't want to say to me, but I know that I can do something safer that won't have me wonder if I've done harm to my body.  I suppose I should start with some prune juice like I said I was going to get along with milk of magnesia.  

                                   

For today's workout, I'm doing The Biggest Winner: Cardio-kickboxing with Jillian Micheals.  I love that woman!! She is one bad-ass chick!!!Its really a jam packed workout in a short amount of time.  If I could, I think I would do this workout everyday but its hard on the legs.  There is a girl in the video who does the modified version but I don't think I would work up much of a sweat.  If I don't sweat a lot, I'm not satisfied with my workout.

I have a toddler eagerly wanting out of her high chair, so I'll be gone for now;)

Dee~

Detoxification

I've been thinking about doing something about my bowel movement issues which I have mentioned in a previous post last week.  Its really getting to the point where it is affecting my performance during workouts.  I have no reason to feel sluggish before AND after a workout.  That just doesn't add up to me.  I've also notice that my skin is breaking out even though I drink more than enough water and cleanse my face and skin daily with Oil of Olay.  If you go back to some of my post in the last couple of months, my hormones/mood has not been at its greatest, thus affecting my weight loss. 

So with all that being said, I've done tons of research on what I may need to do in order to regulate things.  I've decided to use Nature Secret's Ultimate Fasting Cleanse Kit.  I know I need to do this in order to be at my best in every aspect of my life.   Here's a brief synopsis of what the cleanse will provide:

"The digestive system feeds the brain, liver, heart, and every other organ, gland and tissue in the body-right down to the cellular level. When compromised, your digestive system can no longer keep nutrition intake and waste elimination running smoothly, thereby affecting your physical vitality and stamina as well as the ability to fight illness, delay aging, improve moods and enhance well-being."

Rebuild the foundation of your health with a 5-day Ultimate Fasting Cleanse that will:

Reduce the body's toxins

Support immune function

Promote cell health and elimination

Increase tissue oxygenation

Enhance mental alertness

I feel that this will be a true test to my will power.  I'm really hoping to be able to complete this program and get the results that I need.  This is NOT something that should be done weekly or even monthly.  This is something that I'm doing to regulate my digestive system.  If you don't have any problems in that area, then you shouldn't need to go this route.   I've read that we can hold anywhere from 5 to 15lbs. of waste in our colons.  I can only imagine what's sitting in my colon since we're suppose to have at least one bowel movement per day.  I've had this problem for quite sometime even with changing my diet and before having kids.  I'm so sick of having to resort to laxatives.  That's just not normal in my opinion. 

I started the 2nd week of the C25K program on Friday.  I must say that I had a difficult time with it.  I'm not certain if it was because I increased the incline to 6% or what but I felt like my lungs were going to collapse.  Today will be day two of for this week and I must admit that I'm not too excited about doing my workout. 

Friday's Stats:

C25K W2W1

6% incline, 5mph(run), 3.5(walk), 377 calories burned, 4536 steps, 2.16 miles, 33 min.

30 jumping jacks, 30 chest curls-5lb. weights, 20 pushups
1188 calories consumed-80 oz. H20

Saturday's Stats:

Wii Fit Plus: 1hr. 5 min.
1384 calories consumed-100 oz. H20

I hope everyone is enjoying the rest of their weekend:) GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!

Dee~

Short and sweet!!

Today's stats:
Elliptical
30 min. 3.23 miles, 502 calories burned
50 bicep curls and 20 bent over rows using 8lb. weights
100 ab crunches
80 oz. of H20
Not calculating dinner, 975 calories(I'll explain tomorrow)

I'm super sleepy so I'll be cutting this one short tonight. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thursday:)

I'm loving this feeling!

I've been inspired lately to make different meals and trying something out of the norm. I love opening my fridge and figuring out what "new" meal I can come up with. People often say that dieting is expensive. well its not breaking the bank here;) I remembered that I had a bunch of frozen blueberries, so I thawed them overnight and made a smoothie for breakfast this morning. Yummy!!
My husband asked if there was anything in it besides blueberries lol. There's yogurt, skim milk, banana, a few cubs of ice, and about 2 tsp of sugar. It was VERY filling!!

For dinner, I didn't feel like making anything super complicated so I had two tuna sandwiches on wheat. I haven't had tuna in a LONG time and it was heavenly. I think I'm going to make a tuna casserole for lunch tomorrow if I have the time. Here's a pic of the sandwiches:D

Today's stats:
C25K W1W3
31 min. 3.5mph(walk),5mph(run) 3.33 calories burned, 4288 steps, 2.01 miles
40 squats with arm raises; 3lb. weights
20 pushups
20 side leg raises(per leg)
100 oz. H20
1434 calories consumed

Time for me to lay down and watch some anime. I hope everyone has had a great day;)

Dee~

Pondering

Today I felt like there was no stopping me. Tuesday is most definitely MY most productive day;) Got my chores done, had leftovers for dinner, got the groceries delivered(a true blessing when you live in MN), did some reading, and spent quality time with the kids. Along with all of that I got my "me time" in an exercised and it felt awesome. This is day #4 of me working out. I've challenged myself to see if I could make it 30 days in row exercising. Some might say "that's not good for your joints" or "you're gonna wear yourself out". But what's the alternative?Being unhealthy? Feeling like crap all the time? No, I don't think that's the path I want to take anymore. I've invested too much time and effort into becoming a better person. I'm cross training for my 5K, so today was my "day off" from running.

Today's Stats:
Elliptical 50 min. 5.30 miles, 819 calories burned
30 bent over rows & 30 bicep curls-8lb. weights
50 ab crunches
1304 calories consumed
100 oz. H20

This is a totally random question but I would like to know what time of the day do you workout? Do you feel this is the only time you have to workout or is it that this is when you feel like you have the most energy to give it your all?I'm asking I guess because I get jealous of all the moms I know that are able to get up at 5am for a spin class, etc. and have the whole day to do whatever. I, on the other hand, workout during nap time. I put on my workout clothing while the kids eat, then get them cleaned up from lunch, read to them or something of that nature, get them upstairs for naps and then I dash downstairs like a mad woman. I'm not complaining about it but I just wish some days that I were a morning person lol. I'm always up at 7am but not by choice:D

Dee~

Maybe a little TMI

Well I'm moving right along with this dieting and exercising thing but there is one problem. I don't remember the last time I've, well, pooped!!That's NOT good at all. Its been at least a week:/I'm always watching how many grams of fiber I eat everyday. I've never been blessed with good bowel movements unfortunately. I'm really sick of having to resort to laxatives to get things moving. I drink at least 100 oz. of water daily. So I'm not quite sure what the problem is. But I think I'm going to look into purchasing a colon cleanser of some sort. If you have any products you woul recommend, I would love to check them out.

Today's stats:
Couch to 5k W1Wo2:
31 min. 330 calories, 3.4mph (walking), 5mph(running)
4285 steps, 1.99 miles
50 situps
10 minute stretch
1270 calories consumed

Its almost 9pm and I didn't hit my goal of 1400 calories. I guess that's not a bad thing I suppose. Well, I'm going to watch some Anime before heading off to snoozeville.

Dee~

Feeling good

I just want to quickly say that I love my elliptical machine!!Its almost an obsession. If I had my way, I think I would only use that piece of exercise equipment for every workout lol. Since starting to train fro my 5K, I've come to realize that I need to replace my Forerunner 50 watch. I guess I'll start out by looking on ebay in the morning.

Today's stats:
1350 calories consumed
100 oz. of H20

Workout:
Elliptical
45 min. 4.62 miles, 713 calories burned

30 bicep curls;5 lb weights
30 tricep ext. 10 lb. weights
30 chest curls 3lb. weights
Today was the way I hope it could be everyday. But there is no such thing as a flawless victory;)

Dee~

I'm gonna keep on smiling:)

Despite my ups and downs, I'm really loving myself and feeling good about life in general. I just have so many reasons to smile.

Well last night I decided that I didn't want to wait until Monday to get back on track. Instead I went downstairs to my "gym" and started my Couch to 5K program over and got on my wonderful elliptical machine!!I feel great:)I've started again with my food diary as well. Been back on track with that since Friday. Since I have some making up to do in regards to weight loss, I've decided not to weigh-in again until 3/3/10. I think its a reasonable amount of time to get it in gear and not to start obsessing about the scale again.

Here are my stats for Saturday's workout:

Couch to 5K: Wk1Wo1: 31 min., 1.98 miles, 5%incline; 5mph running, 3.4 mph walking
327 calories burned

Elliptical
30 min. 3.01 miles, 463 calories burned

8lb weights
20 tricep extensions, 20 bicep curls

3lb. weights
20 shoulder press

Exercise is truly wonderful for my overall well being and I sleep like a log after every single workout. I just wish I could get to bed at a decent hour. But I'm a night owl, so no chance of that happening anytime soon lol I hope to blog more regularly but I can't make any guarantees as being a mom of four is one full time job!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend:)

Dee~

Still alive;)

I just needed break from everything. I've been feeling very overwhelmed with all of my responsibilities and caring for four little ones. Just plain drained. Hopefully, I will be back on track next week. I hope you all are doing well!

Dee~

Weigh-In Wednesday

Well, I gained 1.8 lbs. I'm okay with that. I'm happy because I was expecting more WAY more:PI'm not going to throw myself a pity party because that never does me any good. Instead, I'm moving on and rectifying my mistakes. Mostly too much snacking in between meals. I'm going to the basement to start my 2nd day of the Couch to 5K program then do my EA Active workout. I'll be back later, need to workout now since its nap time and I can focus without being interrupted;)

Dee~

Couch to 5K-Week 1/Workout 1

It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be!!My abs are burning like fire right now though. Is this normal after running? My workout days for this program is Mon/Wed/Fri. I really can't believe that I, passionate hater of running, made it through. Here are my stats for this workout:

301 calories burned
1.92 miles
31:08 minutes

I'm not sure if that's good or bad since it was a combination of a 5 min. warm up, 60 secs of running, 90 sec. of brisk walking, then a 5 minute cool down. But I do know that I did it!!!

Dee~