Stay Encouraged!

I noticed we have all in some way been avoiding the blog this week, but I say stay encouraged!!! I still have not gotten back to where I was before the start of my birthday weekend but over the last couple days I have gotten up early and gone to the park for early morning jog/run. I've surprised myself because I can run just over 1/2 mile non stop with music of course! That is a great accomplishment for me. I hope everyone is doing well and I saw this article online and think you all should check it out. It has a few pointers that could be useful. One thing I saw was drinking 1-3 cups of coffee a day, personally I'm not a big coffee drinker (except if it has cocoa & sprinkles... LOL!) but green tea is a good substitute and I think Plantation or Biglow has a Pomegranate Green Tea that is very good even without sugar. Check out the article:

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/yourbestsummerbody/5-things-keeping-you-from-a-flatter-stomach-463631/

Feeling Good...

Although we haven't started our workout just yet (we're starting tonight), I'm at least feeling good about breakfast and lunch...hey its a start! Back to the good ol' oatmeal & Healthy Choice steamers for lunch! They are actually VERY good. Frozen meals are coming along way these days!

Mel

Guess what...???

Hey Ladies...

I LOST WEIGHT!! It's only 1.4 pounds but that's how much I've lost since last Monday. Woohoo!! I don't know how but something is working. I hope I can keep it up because I want to lose at least 15 before I go to Cali!! I need to kick up my cardio and try to drop these pounds!! I'm so happy!! Let's hope I don't gain it back by next week... LOL!

Starting Over...

Okay ladies,

Sounds like most of us had similar weekends with no time for exercise, lots more celebrating with good food, drinks, desserts, etc! There will be weekends like this we just have to be prepared for. Just make sure to get back in there & keep moving! That's what we've decided. After not having time (I shouldn't make excuses!) to work out this weekend and of course being wined and dined by our mama's....we too fell off the wagon. But we get back on and keep going. Since we were only 1 week into P90X, we decided to just start the program over. We'll just repeat last week this week, so in a way adding a 5th week to our 1st month's program. We don't have any other trips or anything planned until I go to California in July, so I think this will be good and allow us to get in a groove and routine before we break the cycle again. Soooo....I won't post my pic up until this Friday! =) Mel

I WANT CAKE!!

So now I'm feening for something sweet and carb-ish! I want some chocolate cake...chocolate molten cake would be great right about now. I found a cake recipe on sparkpeople but it doesn't sound all that appealing after I look at the ingredients. I'll post it for you all after I try it out, I'm willing to sacrifice for you guys...and food!! LOL!

All I've been eating lately are meat and veggies, hardly any carbs, and I don't know if it's making a difference but I know that it leaves me hungry an hour or so later. If I added a carb to my meals then it would fill me up for a longer time but I don't want the extra pounds associated with eating a lot of carbs. Anyone have any suggestions??

One More Recipe for the Day...Carribean Chicken!

Here's one more that sounded too good not to share:

Caribbean Chicken

Serves: 6

This sweet and spicy salad adds a bit of exotic flavor to just about any meal. Ready in just 20 minutes!

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound skinned and boned chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
2 cups pineapple tidbits, drained,
¼ cup juice reserved
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon dried garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon dried ginger
1 medium banana, diced
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1 cup uncooked brown rice

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large sauce pan cook rice according to package directions.
2. In a large skillet sprayed with vegetable cooking spray, sauté chicken for 5 minutes until tender. Stir in pineapple and green pepper.
3. In a small bowl combine the 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice, water, cornstarch, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well.
4. Pour mixture into chicken mixture. Mix well to combine. Continue cooking for 5 minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring often.
5. Fold in banana and almonds. Heat through.
6. Prepare brown rice according to package directions.
7. Serve over cooked brown rice.

NUTRITION INFO

(per 4-ounce chicken & 1/3-cup rice serving):

Calories: 323.0

Fat: 11.2 g

Carbohydrates: 34.9 g

Protein: 21.3 g

New Recipe ~ Mexican Lasagna!!

I got this off Sparkpeople.com (the website I told you all about that's suppose to be really good with helping you lose weight) but haven't tried it yet. I have a few that I will share with you all from time to time...enjoy!

Mexican Lasagna

Serves: 6

A tasty cultural crossover with layer after layer of delicious surprises.

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. ground turkey
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 onions, chopped
2 (10 oz. each) cans black beans, drained and slightly mashed
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 cups tomato sauce
1 (10 oz.) can stewed tomatoes, coarsely chopped
6 medium whole wheat tortillas
1 cup low fat shredded cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven 350° F.
2. Sauté meat, 1 onion, and 1 garlic clove on high heat while breaking up meat. Cook until meat is no longer pink. Stir in black beans. Set sauté pan aside.
3. Heat oil in another sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté remaining onion, until soft. Add remaining garlic, chili powder and cumin, sauté for 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce and tomatoes with juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, simmer partially covered for 20 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened. Transfer all but 1/2 cup sauce to meat and beans; Mix well.
4. Dip half the tortillas, one at a time, in the hot tomato sauce. Lay tortillas in the bottom of an 8.5 x 11 casserole dish. Spread half meat and bean mixture over tortillas. Sprinkle half the cheese over meat and beans.
5. Add another layer of tortillas and meat & beans mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 35 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes.

NUTRITION INFO (per serving):

Calories: 546.3

Fat: 20.3 g

Carbohydrates: 60.4 g

Protein: 34.9 g

Falling off the Wagon!

Okay so I've taken a break in my program since Friday afternoon and it's all been down hill since then. I feel as if I've fallen of the wagon and been rolled over a couple of times. I have had a great weekend I've eaten everything that I should not have and drank everything that I did not need and I am now paying the price. I have gained 4 lbs (That's because of the martinis) and damn they were good! Today I honestly don't feel like doing anything, I just want to relax, relate, and release! So before the day is over I'm sure I will do something -- but nothing too strenuous and tomorrow will definitely be a better day.

Not Motivated...Losing a Degree!!

This week has SUCKED for me!! I've worked out once and I'm too sluggish to do anything more. I worked out yesterday, sweated like a pig, but was tired during the process. My mind AND body were both not into the workout. I did what I had to do to get through it but had no motivation...that's why I'm not working out today, too tired! I came home from work, got in the bed, on the computer, while snacking on some Hershey's bars...the little individual kind. I had 8...I now have 3 left! I don't feel like cooking, so the other 3 will more than likely be dinner.

Reading everyone elses posts has motivated me mentally, now I need physical motivation!! HELP!!!!

Signed...
-1°

Motivation by Humiliation Round 2

So, I've decided I'm going to do a "round 2" of "Motivation By Humiliation"! I figured this would keep me honest to myself, motivate me to do better, and would encourage me to push harder so I can finish this 90 day program! I'm taking a big "gulp" as I say, I will be posting my weekly picture up on the blog each Friday! YIKES! Scary thought...especially if other friends and family join our blog! BUT, like I said I want to push myself to get through this program because I've heard a lot of people quit. =( If people see my fat at the beginning and do a "Ugghh...damn" (like in a bad way with a twisted face), I DON'T CARE! At the end when I'm finished with the program it will be a different story! =)

My program says to take a before and after pic and another at 30 and 60 days, but I'm going to post weekly. I know at the beginning the results will probably not be seen visually, but hopefully as time progresses, the pictures will tell my story! (oh my...what am I thinking!)

Mel

This Will be US at Age 71 - Awesome Inspiration

I thought you might appreciate this!

Step it up Ladies!



Trainer, 71, is inspiration to clients By Ericka Blount Danois Special to The Sun ERNESTINE SHEPHERD Age: 71Profession: Certified personal trainer and retired school secretary at City Springs School in South Baltimore ..Training grub: She drinks 16 ounces of water and eats a light snack that includes a bagel with peanut butter or two hard-boiled eggs before starting her workout.On the run: SusanG. Komen Breast Cancer , Turkey Trot, Women's Classic in Baltimore , Resolution Run at Patterson Park , Race for the Kids, the Dreaded DruidHills at Druid Hill Park , Baltimore Marathon .Other acclaim: Has appeared in Essence (1991 and 2003); The Baltimore Times (2002); and the book Self Seduction, Ultimate Path to Inner and Outer Beauty (2003); has appeared on The View (2001); in a Carmaxcommercial (2004); and in the Miss America Senior Pageant (2004). She models for Nova Models in Baltimore .Status: Married to Collin Shepherd, 77, for 52 years. They have a son and a grandson.What her husband say s: "She is a very determined person and she is not only in this for herself, she is interested in helping other people, including myself," he says."We exercise at home. She is an inspiration to me;sometimes I get lazy, but she gets on me. I learned you are never too old to exercise." "I usually start off with about 15 minutes of cardio, running in place, then we do floor exercises working on the abs, legs, upper and lower obliques, and then we proceedwith the weights," she says about her training sessions that last about an hour. Wendy Barry, 38, started training with Shepherd six months ago. After her weight went up to 241 pounds, she started working with a nutritionist and lost 50 pounds.When she started working with Shepherd, she lost another 20 pounds and traded her size 22 dress for a size 8. Some days she walks 10 miles with Shepherd before she goes to work at the Department of Social Services in Baltimore .With 10 percent body fat, Shepherd is 5-foot-5 and about 130 pounds of inspiration to her clients, many of whom she includes in her routine of walking or running,which begins at 4 a..m. At Druid Hill Park .Sharron Woods, 60, and her mother, 85-year-old Eva Miller, attend Shepherd's Saturday class at the church. Both are former body builders who have successfullycompeted in weightlifting competitions.When Miller was 70, at 5 feet 3 inches tall and 150 pounds, she could bench press 175 pounds. So she and her daughter were skeptical when they began Shepherd'sfirst class and were instructed to run in place."I looked at my mother and said, 'This is not going to get it; we are used to vigorous exercise,' " Woods says. "Well, then she pulled out some exercises I had never seen.Before we left, I was begging for more."Some of the exercises, Woods recalls, included trunk twists while holding a pole-- right, and then left, before going down and doing squats still holding the pole.Still, Woods wasn't convinced. When Shepherd asked her to run with her in the morning, her first thought was, "She's 70, I can keep up with her." "That woman was aroad runner!" remembers Woods. "I am really energized working out with her."Her mother was equally humbled: "She didn't go easy on me because of my age," says Miller, who works part time as a teacher's aide in the Baltimore school system."She works me just like she works everybody else."In deed, she even works hard enough that her former trainer, Raymond Day, can't keep up with her.Though he runs with her some mornings, he is reluctant to take her up on offers to participate in the marathons she runs in. In addition to her regular workout routine andtraining others, Shepherd has participated in numerous 5K and 10K races and marathons.But Shepherd hasn't always had a focus on fitness in her life. In fact, in her younger days she was a "prissy" girl, with little athletic interests.It wasn't until she turned 56 that she began to exercise with the aid of her sister.They were both spurred on to join a gym after shopping for bathing suits and not liking what they saw in the mirror.Day trained them both at a gym on U. S. 40 and remembers that Shepherd was in good shape, but had a lot of body fat and didn't know how to lift weights..Her sister, a year older, acclimated her body quickly to the routines.Then one day in 1992, her sister came into the gym complaining of a ringing in her ears. "A few days later, she passed away," Shepherd remembers Day. "She had abrain aneurysm that burst in her head. They were really close, they did everything together." "When she died, I said I didn't want to do anything," says Shepherd, aretired Baltimore schools secretary. "A friend of mine said, 'You know your sister wouldn't want you to do that.' "Day says that when she decided to come back to the gym, she came back with a new vigor and dedication. Before long, people would compliment her on how shelooked. "She was the most dedicated person I have ever trained," says Day, who worked with her for 15 years.Nowadays, she works with nutritionist Todd Swinney. She keeps busy by modeling in magazine s and commercials and recently participated in the Senior Miss America pageant in Baltimore .But mostly she inspires others."She is a people person," says Woods. "She is constantly asking, 'How do you feel about this? Are you feeling OK?' Most people just follow a routine and they don'tpay attention to how you feel. With Ernestine, everyday is different."So that means, it not only keeps you thinking, it keeps your body thinking and challenges your body," she says. Miller agrees."She is amazing," she says. "I don't think I'll ever look like that, but I am working on it!"

THIS LADY IS AMAZING TO ME!

"Slow and Steady" - Just like the Tortoise

Well ladies you all inspired me so much last week that right after work on Friday I went to the store and bought myself some new running shoes! I definitely have put them to use this week - On Tuesday I decided I needed a change of scenery so I went to a Wade Walker park on the way home and I walked and ran the trail there for at least 45 minutes....mostly walking though. However I am proud of myself for running 4 minutes non-stop that is a big accomplishment for me! I felt great after my workout and had it not been for my ipod this workout would probably have been cut short....the music was a big help but because I didn't have the armband to hold my ipod in place I was about to strangle myself with the cord to the earpiece. Today I dug out my pedometer and I've been trying to track my steps and when I got home I had a grand total of 12,005 steps for the day. Yay!!! I also found my jump rope that I bought the last time I started my new workout plan and I jumped for a little while until Evan decided he wanted to play with the rope too. I did manage to get a 2 1/2 mile walk in this evening before I got home. So my progress will definitely be slow and steady until I get back to the gym. My goal is however more long term to lose 25 lbs by October. Like ATM the food portion of this plan is really going to be difficult. I sort of started a healthy living plan as part of a Non New Year's Resolution and so far I've lost 10 lbs but because of my weakness for sweets and other treats I seem to be maintaining instead of losing but I know with time and motivation from you all I will be able to achieve my goal. I wish you all the best and keep up the good work! I'm going to try to restart my 5:00 am workout video routine tomorrow....wish me luck:-)

I must admit I'm slacking...

So I was suppose to start my cardio today again after my run on Sat.,but failed and went to Zaxby's for lunch :( I've been staying away from fast food for the past 3 wks for this Miami trip but gave in today. My issue is the week before "that time of the month" I don't feel like doing anything and it's so hard to go workout when all I think about is laying in my bed. BUT tomorrow I will make it to the gym!!! Oh and my ankle has been bothering me, but I'm hoping it'll go away tomorrow.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Some encouraging words for you ATM on eating healthier- I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT! I've seen you do it for at least 10 weeks when we did Motivation for Humiliation. I know you have the determination and the dedication to get the results you need. I know it was tough (for the both of us) at the beginning but then it became a lot easier along the way. Everyone knows it only takes 20 days to build a habit. It will become second nature- I keep reminding myself that too!

If by reading about all our workouts got you moving again this week (even through the pain), maybe sharing the healthy meal I had for dinner will encourage you to do the same! =) We took a trip to the Fresh Market after our workout today and bought some Talapia (Mark sautéd it with salsa-yummy!) and picked up some veggies and fruit. We have a juicer so we juiced about 5 cups worth of beats, carrots, apples, pears, broccoli, blue berries, black berries, cauliflower, strawberries, and kiwi. That was our "side" if you want to call it that! LOL. Believe it or not, it was SO good! We had leftovers, so we stuck it in a pitcher and in the fridge for a healthy morning drink!

P.S. I know you all know I didn't like/normally don't eat seafood, fish, or anything else slimy, wet, and that lived in the ocean once upon a time, but I've discovered something new about myself recently....I LOVE SUSHI (and can even eat with chopsticks)!

My back won't stop me!!!!

Hi Ladies!

Well I got on a roll last week and I worked out three times. I was ready to go this week, clothes in the car, to head to the gym immediately after work. Then what happens, during lunch I start getting back spasms and couldn't make it. Still hurting yesterday. Today there was still some pain, but I said forget it, I'm getting out there (especially after seeing different people in the office who have been working out and losing weight and seeing all your posts about sticking to it) so today I came home and ran/walked 45 minutes today!!! I think it actually made my back feel better.

Exercising helps me to clear my brain and think while I'm running. So I needed it. It was great! I love the feeling of working out afterwards, it's the getting there part that's tough.

Now, the next thing I have to work on, which is EXTREMELY hard for me is the food......this one could take some time for me to manage.

Until next time.......

ATM

Recipe ~ Chicken a la EveLuv!!!

Good morning Ladies,

I have a recipe (something I created the other night and it was very good) that you all should try… I think it’s more on the lines of a stir fry but work it how you want to work it :)

Ingredients:
Boneless, skinless chicken breast
Bell Pepper (I used green – cause that’s all I had – but you can use yellow and red as well…I’m sure it’ll add a nice flavor)
Mushrooms
Garlic
Olive oil
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Cayenne Pepper Flakes (I love to add cayenne pepper flakes to my food but it can be an optional add)

Prep (5 mins.):
I sliced the pre-seasoned chicken into edible, not to small, chunks and put it to the side. I chopped and sliced the vegetables and put them to the side.

Cooking (8-10 mins.):
I sliced the garlic and sautéed it in a tablespoon of olive oil. Removed the garlic and added the chicken to the oil. I sautéed it until the chicken was no longer pink in the middle (about 8-10 minutes). I added the veggies and sautéed them until they were crisp and done, but not limp. The prep and cooking time took about 15 mins. all together. Quick, easy, healthy and delicious!!

You can also add other ingredients like onions (which I would’ve added if I had), pineapples (would give it a sweeter kick), bamboo slices and/or water chestnuts (something different and gives it a more oriental flare), or tomatoes (fresh sliced or canned diced).

If you need a carb to eat it with then brown rice (for those that like it) would be a healthy choice. Or, you can do like I did and match it with some herb and butter mashed potatoes (um, yummy!!) or pasta would be a nice selection. Whatever makes you happy!

I just wanted to share a recipe with you girls! Try it out and I hope you enjoy!

"My chest, My back....work my booty and my fat"

Okay...wow ladies! This P90X is no joke! So as you might have noticed we posponed our "start date" since the program starts on a Monday...thought it would be easier to follow along if we started on the "right" day. So last week, we purchased our yoga mats (ok, Mark actually already had one...along with a video, lol), our pull up bar, resistance bands, and supplements! We are ready to be one sexy soon-to-be wifey and hubby couple! About the work out...First day worked out our chest, back and abs. I can totally see how you will achieve results if you follow the program. I guess that's with anything, but this thing is intense! For 60 minutes your doing pushups of all kind, pull ups of all kind, and abs. I will admit, we got a little more than half way throught the program and had to stop it was so hard! They keep telling you to pace yourself, because if you do too much in the beginning, its hard to finish it out since they have you doing so much. Aqueelah- I felt like I used to at the beginning with DJ- when you get light headed and sick to your stomach because of the body shock! Anyway, we'll be back at it again tonight though...not sure what it has planned for us, but whatever it is...I'm sure it will kick our ass!!

It Begins!!

Hey Ladies,

Yesterday I tried to sign up for a 1 month membership at LA fitness but the man told me that it $75. That's a bunch of bull! There is no way that I'm paying $75 dollars for ONLY ONE month. My hair is less that that or I could buy a great pair of shoes! So instead of joining the gym, I'm just gonna work out at my apartment complex.

Last night was my first night in a long time. I went and worked out for about an hour and a half. I did 30 minutes on the treadmill, 20 minutes on the bike (with arm weights), 20 minutes on the elliptical, and 100 abs. I did this all while watching dancing with the stars and the new season of the bachelorette :) My bedtime is usually 9-10pm, but I told myself that I had to excise NO MATTER WHAT! I always use time as an excuse but NO MORE!

I did eat before I worked out (a black bean burger, yummy) but afterwards I was so hungry . Does anyone have any good ideas on a snack that I can eat after I exercise but is not too heavy? Last night I ate cheese and some light potato chips (they had only 75 calories). I was thinking out trying hard boiled eggs tonight.

Today, I'm going to walk honey for 2 miles then go to the gym for at least an hour. I'll let ya'll know how my walk goes.

Oh, I almost forgot. The other week I got some pants from Old Navy that were too tight and I could barely pull them up but they were on sell ($13). Also, I needed some jeans because my Maternity Jeans are too big and my Pre-Nyla jeans still don't fit :( like they used to. Anywho, I tired the Old Navy jeans on this morning and guess what? They FIT! I'm wearing them now :)

My goal is to lose at least 10 pounds by the end of June! If I do, then I'm allowing myself to have a spa day before I go to Missouri. :) Who wants to join me?

Happy Working Out,
Dom

Newbie...

Hello Ladies,

I'm new to blogging so I hope I'm doing this right. This past week (May 10 - May 16) I worked out 4 days...woohoo!! That's the most I've worked out in A VERY LONG TIME! I'm very proud of myself and hope I can keep it up. I like to work out with others because it motivates me to get up and go! If I am depending on myself to workout...it probably won't happen or happen too often. So I hope I can depend on you all to motivate me and even workout with me (local Ladies of course) if you all are free. If I cannot keep up a four day workout week I will strive for at least 3! My 1st goal is to drop 20 pounds by July 1st! Let's see what happens...

Toodles,
EveLuv

Welcome to 7° of Motivation!

First meet the team....
Aqueelah, Windy, Nicole, Dominique, Tahiana, Evette, and Meleesa!

We'll be tracking our progress through this blog and hope that others join us in our journey to maintaining a healthy lifestyle! There are 7 of us, 7 different cities, and 7 different life demands and schedules. We'll be sure to stay focused and on track with the goals we've set since we have 7 degrees of motivation helping us along the way!