Weekly Challenge: Do a Hot Workout

WARNING: I've looked and looked and can't find any study to support what I'm going to say, but I know it works cause I've done it and can tell a huge difference.  Just be careful and know this could all be in my head lol.

The challenge is to workout without in a little hotter environment.  For a long time I thought that sweating meant you were burning more calories, but my search for something to prove that actually proved otherwise.  It's fairly understandable since various environmental factors, such as humidity, can play a roll in how much you sweat.

So what benefit does it have? It gets my heart rate up where it needs to be to burn fat effectively MUCH more quickly and with less effort.  Working out at 60-75% of your maximum heart rate has been shown to be the most effective zone for burning calories. (check out what WebMD has to say and see a formula for calculation your max HR here) In a time-crunched society, we need our workouts to be more efficient.  For me being turning off the air right before I work out gets my heart to the target zone faster and I don't have to kill myself in my workout to get there.

I'm not suggesting you go and workout in 100 degree weather.  That could be very dangerous.  Heat exhaustion and dehydration are a huge concern for working out hot.  We use window unit air conditioners in our house, so I just turn the one off in the bedroom just before my workout.  We generally keep that one at 65 degrees, anyway so it is by no means very hot in the room.

If you choose to try this challenge, then please take a few precautions.  First, make sure you've worked out and are beginning to get fit before attempting this.  I would not recommend it to anyone with heart problems or to people who don't sweat.  You do not want to overheat.  Second, take it slow.  Don't do like my hubby and workout with 3 layers of clothing in 90 degree weather right off the bat.  He's worked very hard to get there and is extremely fit.  The room I workout in probably gets to around 75-80 degrees, which is quite mild in this Houston climate.  Thirdly, stay hydrated.  Be sure to drink enough water.  Having enough water will help you recover faster and help keep you cool.  Drinking too much can make you water-logged, though so drink only just as much as you need.  If you start to feel like you're getting too hot or start getting nauseated just turn the AC back on.

So like I've said, this could all just be in my head, but I don't really think so.  I certainly notice a big difference in my workouts when I turn off the AC.  Like with anything on here, ask your doctor if you're healthy enough before trying this.

Progress Report: Week 1

I'm so excited for this report! I was so nervous that I wouldn't make any progress this week, and would have to admit my failure.  I'm excited to say that I'm right on track for my goal!

Begining Stats	This Week
Weight: 195.4 Waist: 39" Bust: 43" Arms: 12" Hips: 44.5" Thighs: 26.5"	Weight: 193.0 Waist:  38" Bust:  41.5" Arms: 12"  Hips: 44" Thighs:  26"

I'm so excited! That's 2.4 pounds down and 1 inch from my waist! I did cheat a little bit, and am very bummed I did.  I wonder what my stats would be if I didn't cheat! Oh, well, I'm back on track now!

Beginning Photos

 I also missed one day of working out.  I was kinda down on myself for doing that, but I know that mindset will just cause me to fail again.  Yesterday I did two of the EA Sports Active 2 workouts back to back.  I can feel my body getting stronger.  I can now complete 10 push-ups, do a lot of sit-ups at once.  I'm amazed at how fast my core is getting stronger! The workouts are getting easier too! I think after next week, I'll begin to run in the mornings!

Week 1: A little different from week 1!

I really need to work on getting enough sleep.  I should be waking up at 7:30 working out and eating by 9 am in order to get my metabolism on the right track, but I'm all backwards.  I've been going to bed at 2 and waking up at 11 am, yes L will sleep that late.

Please let me know what your stats are this week! I'd love to have support from others on this journey.

I almost forgot, how do you like the new look for the blog? I've been working for about a week straight getting it to look good.  There are tabs on the side and across the top to make navigation easier for you.  The tabs are pretty self explanatory and each page will tell you what days they will be updated.  Thanks for being on this journey with me!

Product Review: Danskin Now- Surplice Foam Sport Bra

One of the toughest problems I've had is finding a sports bra that will support me properly.  When I would workout and run, or jump my 38DD's would practically hit me in the face.  Not to mention how it hurt when they would "drop."  I did a little digging around to see what sports bras were out there that would actually keep the girls still and where they are supposed to be.  I found this great article that not only gives recommendations for good bras, but tells what to look for in a bra.

I would have loved to get one that she recommends, but I didn't want to shell out so much money for a sports bra when I'm losing weight and wouldn't be able to wear it in the future.  So with my info in hand, I decided to start where every redneck woman starts--Walmart.

I was thrilled to see that they had several great options there.  I quickly narrowed my choices down to just a few and headed to the fitting room.  You absolutely MUST try before you buy! There's no way to ensure a great fit if you don't!  While I was in there, I made sure to give a jumping test and running test.  Only 2 made the cut.  

I decided to go ahead and buy only one.  I chose the Danskin Now-Surplice Foam Sport Bra.  It's a great High-Impact bra.  (You can see a pic of me wearing it in the beginning progress shot.)  I went with the white one, but only because our store didn't have them in other colors.  I really wish I could get the red one in the picture.  

This bra continues to amaze me.  I got the 38D which is the largest one they had there.  I should have gotten the 40 D as I'm stuffed into it. I love the molded cups and the hook-eye closure. It's an extremely comfortable bra! There have been comments about my boobs bouncing while I'm wearing this, but I don't feel the "drop" like I used to.  And honestly, jiggle is going to jiggle.  I really don't feel any bounce at all in this.

The only cons are because of it being a size too small.  My boobs are stuffed in their like a sausage.  I don't like that it pushed my boobs together as much as it does.  I have been known to get a little rash in my cleavage from them being together like that.  A little more separation would go a long way.  I honestly don't know if a bigger size would fix that for someone as large-chested as me.  

All-in-all it's a great bra with a price you can't beat ($11 and change).  I Highly recommend it to anyone with a little bit extra bounce :)

Weekly Challenge: Grocery Overhaul!

Alright, here's the very first challenge! Each week I'll post new challenges to keep us all on the right track! I'll be posting these on Friday because of the grocery challenges.  I know most people do Grocery shopping on the weekend, so it just made sense :)

Challenge 1: Clear out the Crap

This one is perhaps the most important, and possibly hardest, part of any weight loss journey.  Get rid of everything in your pantry that is unhealthy.  No candy, ice cream, snack cakes, chips, fatty dips.  Nothing that will cause you to stumble!  Instead fill your pantry with fruits and Vegetables, low fat dips (I like to dip my veggies in low fat Ranch dressing), plain yogurt (to go on the fruit, nuts, etc.  There are healthier versions of nearly everything out on the market.  Instead of full fat chips, get baked chips, or better yet, organic, whole wheat pretzels! Switch out the fattening pre-made bean dip, for delicious hummus! 

Challenge 2: Make a Menu

This one is as important as clearing out the crap.  It will help your budget too!  Choosing a meal plan that works for you may seem like a daunting task, but it's key to loosing weight.  No matter if you choose low carb, low fat, counting your bites, or standing on your head for 3 hours a day to lose weight, not planning properly will sabotage your diet.  It doesn't have to be too in depth, either.  My menu plan looks like this (click to enlarge):

Challenge 3: Don't Buy White

Make all of your grains whole grains.  Exchange white rice for brown.  Get whole wheat bread and buy whole wheat pasta.  You'd be amazed at how much they have switched now days! At first, I was scared things would taste HORRIBLE if they were whole grain.  I was amazed that the whole wheat pastas didn't taste very differently, at all. I even think they are better! I absolutely LOVE brown rice, but hate white.  Some flavors and textures do take a little getting used to, but it's well worth the effort!

Challenge 4: Read the label

Read the labels on just about anything you buy.  Educate yourself about healthy amounts of things to consume.  (you can start here).  There are several things you need to try to avoid altogether.  Trans Fats, I'm not an expert so can't tell you why, but stay away! (I'm sure a simple google search will get you the answer ;)) High fructose corn syrup, this stuff is in everything you wouldn't think it would be in! It's just added, often completely unnecessary sugar.  It's processed and tends to indicate a lower quality product. Partially-hydrogenated oils, your recommended daily intake of these is 0.  So just stay away, far, far away.  

Challenge 5: Lean Protein

Choosing lean proteins will help you tremendously.  Consider replacing ground beef for ground venison, turkey or buffalo (yes, you can still buy buffalo).  Eat lots of fish.  Take the skin off of your chicken breast.  Go out on a limb and try some tofu.  Heck, eat beans and rice one day for dinner or for lunch.  Swap Greek yogurt for regular, it has 16g of protein! Nuts are also a great source of protein and they have heart-healthy fat!  I'm quite in love with blue diamond sea salt almonds :)

I know this is a lot for one week.  You can break it down into smaller tasks, but it really is best if you just do it all at once.  NOW is the time to get healthy.  Breaking it down will just prolong it, and in my experience, will make it harder for you to stay on the right track.  It will be harder if you have others in the house. They won't like the change, but it's great for EVERYONE.  We are going for a lifestyle change, not a diet.  Nothing makes me feel prouder than when L asks for a plate of veggies for lunch, or fruit salad for a snack. 

In the Begining (starting stats)....

I was really over weight.  I'm totally committed to being completely transparent on this blog, but I have to say, this is probably one of the hardest things I've ever done.  I've seen pics of myself clothed, but to see them when I'm not so clothed is very difficult.  I can't believe I've let myself get this way.  My waist is as big as my bust measurement was when I was skinny :(

Below you'll find my stats.  They are quite depressing this week, but that's all going to change! Please ignore the knee brace.  I hurt my knee last Friday. And please, please forgive me for not picking up the floor before the pics were taken!

Each Tuesday I'll post new pictures and measurements.  If you miss the blog post, you can check up with the progress each week on the progress page.