July 1, 2011

So today was the 60 day mark- and I have to say that I am happy with my results.  I do wish the scale would reflect some lower numbers, but I am lifting heavy too, so ultimately what is most important to me is the inches and the way I feel. 

May 1st 
Weigh in: 183.2 pounds
Bust: 40 inches
Stomach: 37 inches
Hips: 43 inches
Jean size: 10/12

June 1st
Weigh In: 180.5 lbs
Bust: 39 inches
Stomach: 36.5 inches
Hips:41 inches
Jean size: 10/12


July 1st
Weigh In: 176.8 lbs
Bust: 38.5 inches (Thank God the girls aren't going away too easily!)
Stomach: 33 inches
Hips: 41 inches (I think it's just all my muscle building in my glutes :) )
Jean Size: 10

Total Lost in 60 Days:
Weight: 6.4 lbs
Bust: 1.5 inches
Stomach: 4 inches
Hips: 2 inches

So this morning when I saw how much my stomach dropped, instantly I was happy- Then I was REALLY happy when I realized that a hard month of doing good results in one really really really bad, but oh so stinkin’ glorious cheat meal…. And my mouth was salivating!  I didn’t know what I wanted, but I could promise you it was NOT going to be grilled chicken, boiled shrimp, lean turkey, tuna fish made with 1 tbsp of fat free mayo, ¼ cup of brown rice, or salad… In fact, I didn’t even wanna see anything green in my cheat meal unless it was covered in cheese.  So a greasy cheeseburger was the winner- and I wanted bacon and fries… Problem- I missed the turn to Five Guys… I took it as a sign from God that I was supposed to end up at the Chinese Buffet because I DIDN’T miss that turn. 

I walked in, let’s not lie… I RAN in like a starving Ethiopian at an all you can eat white rice giveaway - grabbed a plate, and headed straight to the Lo Mein… It was seriously like a magnetic pull- Ashley and Noodles were about to be reunited like Sonny and Cher (pre-death obviously)… I loaded up that plate with General Tso’s Chicken, Bourbon Chicken, Honey Chicken, Black Pepper Chicken, 1 Fried Dumpling, one scoop of broccoli… wait!!!  I wasn’t supposed to have any veggies, unless they were covered in cheese right?!  HaHa, don’t you worry, I didn’t forget…I chose to pick my 1 scoop from the CHEESIEST section of the broccoli J And then, placed on top of my plateful of “fat assness” was one deliciously golden, perfectly crisp, amazing egg roll-in all of its fried gloriousness.  Ahhh heart attack heaven!  I will spare you the embarrassing details of my actual food consumption as I am sure all table manners ceased to exist, but let me tell you- for those few minutes, until my GI Tract said “what the hell are you doing?!” I was in a peaceful heaven where weight didn’t matter, working out was only for fun, and being larger just meant there was more to hug.

Good news, after one plate I was so beyond disgustingly full, I couldn’t imagine putting anything in my mouth other then my finger.  At least my minus 4 inches stomach was putting a stop to my outrageous behavior before those little Asians got scared and I was hauled away in a white straight jacket talking to my egg roll.  Thankfully, I had to work that night and was able to get to bed quickly because I thought I was dying a slow and painful death.  Never again… Well at least never again this month!  Ironically, this was my “Learn Chinese” fortune cookie…

Now, if that doesn’t scream “Feeling Guilty yet fat ass?!?!  Mooooooooo” I don’t know what does.  J

All jokes aside, I really do feel like it is super important to reward yourself after being crazy strict for a month.  Let’s face it, I didn’t get to 200 pounds because carrots were my favorite meal- I got there because cheat meals were just a way of life!  I always joke that my mom craves veggies, and I crave KFC.  Its just a different mentality-probably one that will never go away so I just learn to deal with it by rewarding myself for good behavior. 

My plan is to stick with the same eating plan as last month because clearly it worked, but I would like to add some more running-well I don’t want to really but I do think it would help.  I did 30 minutes on the stair master-AKA Death Trap- today and as I was panting, gasping for air, and making up new curse words, I figured I should start doing that torture device at least twice a week.  And I think I may even start swimming-eek, bathing suit-twice a week in the early mornings when no one is awake enough to see me J That’s gonna be a mental battle though, so I can’t lie, it may not happen… I’d like to be closer to the 170 mark then I am now, but without sacrificing muscle building.  I am finally starting to see definition in my arms and back and I want to build up on that rather then just worry about losing pounds.  Keep your fingers crossed!  I am heading into the last two months of summer, and I really wanna be a pinch shy of my goals by the time my fall semester starts. 

Unexpected set back...

Unfortunately a few months ago I injured my back doing a leg workout and was out of commission for almost 6 weeks.  I was able to do some things but nothing at its full capacity... Well this week on Tuesday it happened again.  Boo!

I was instantly upset, and wanted to cry.  I've done really  good this month and don't wanna stop!  I taught class about 30 minutes after it happened and I was OK on the bike, however, I couldn't stand up straight when it was over.  I found coverage for my night class that night, and am taking about 4 days off until I have to teach again to give it some rest.

Already it feels a lot better now then it did the first time it happened, but I still have to be careful.  I am really hoping that I am able to finish this month strong... I was starting to feel really good, and I certainly don't wanna go backwards. 

Until then, I will need to focus on eating really good (I say this after I cheated and had California Pizza Kitchen Wednesday--I DID plan for it though!) and I officially broke my dry spell and had the most delicious little cocktail ever!  I made it 1 whole month!!!!  However, I am back to eating strict and not drinking as of Thursday... boring!

I have one full week until I weigh in... I will be weighing in on Thursday June 30th this month because I refuse to weigh in during the days that I work since I eat dinner at 1 am!  I can weigh 6 pounds different between a Sunday and Monday and I want to be as accurate as possible!  Most likely that will be my next post... Keep your fingers crossed!  Man do I want a good weigh in! 

Chest Workout

Let's face it, I am not a guy... I don't have that mentality, "I pick things up and put them down"... Therefore, chest day is probably my least favorite day.  I guess I would like it more if I noticed a huge difference, but I only do it to do it... Its not like I wake up and have these beautifully defined pecs--- I was born a female which means boobs, which means fat- Just a fact.  So while I do a decently long chest workout, here are only a few pictures of a couple things...

Bench Press-

I generally do 3 sets of however many reps I do, around 105 pounds... Wider spread hands to target what I politely call "Boob Fat" or "Arm Pit Fat" and bring the bar all the way down, touch my chest and all the way up.  I also do this on the decline bench and the incline bench but we didn't get pictures of those.

Chest Press-
This machine is a good one, but I will admit I do not always do.  A lot of guys tend to crowd around this one as if it was a hot naked girl, so I take advantage when it's free, and don't stress when it's not.  Gets a good burn going on the "Boob Fat" area.  I don't go to heavy-maybe up to 35 pounds each side? 

Chest Fly-
My favorite of them all!  Total "Arm Pit Fat" buster!  I do go heavy for these-anywhere between 100-145 pounds... I hate that stupid armpit fat...

Now for those of you who want to know if you have armpit fat... Stand in front of a mirror wearing only a bra, drop your hands to your sides... The "roll" that is between your armpit, and boob.... Yup that's what I sweetly call "Arm Pit Fat" or "Boob Fat"- I hate it.  It's one of those things that make me go "Ugh"

Pregnant???

Let me start off by saying, Mom, I am not pregnant, so please regain your composure, pick yourself off the ground, and let's make sure your O2 stats are at 100%--breathe in and out...repeat... Good.

Unless you KNOW 100% that someone is in fact pregnant, keep your mouth closed!!! 

Yes, that is right... Busting my ass in the gym 6 days a week, living life with a belly that always growls, and eating carrots instead of Snickers has earned me the pleasure of being asked tonight "Are you pregnant?"  By a male co-worker none the less, who sees me every week!  Am I pregnant?  No... But in about 5 seconds your gonna wish that pain shooting from your groin was a result of you being pregnant....But wait, it gets better... He then tries to recant and say, "Well it was just the way that you were standing..."  Ummmmmm, pretty much translates to "you're back was arched so your bigger then life belly was protruding outwards causing me to think there was a small village growing inside you."  Keep digging... You're no where near being out of this one yet... 

Sigh....

I debated writing anything about it, but then I remembered what I originally wrote in my first blog: I am writing both good and bad... This is a bad moment.  It does further prove what I always say: "You can take the fat out of the girl, but you can't take the girl out of the fat."  I truly do believe that when you battle your weight, you will always have that fat girl mentality.  It is something that I will always struggle with apparently, and I will just have to accept that. 

Ironically, I was just saying tonight that I was having a skinny day... Ladies you know what I am talking about... the kind of days where your clothes feel good, your belly feels flat, and you're motivated to keep going... Love those days!  ---- Then you get asked if your pregnant...

I can't lie, instantly tonight I thought to myself, what is the point of doing this, if I am going to get asked the sex of my "baby"???  The answer is this: The point of doing this is to be healthy... To be active... To live a long life watching my kids raise their kids... The point is to be the best that my body is able to be, to look the best that I can- not for some janitor at the hospital who is about 70 pounds over weight himself, but for me... OK and let's not lie, the hot  muscular guys covered in tattoos at the gym :)

So am I upset?  Sure... Did I cry? You bet...It hurt!  No other way around it... Stuff like that sucks, but it did make me wanna work out, not eat a snickers!  I am going to channel that frustration at the gym in the morning so that this cannot ever happen again. 

Now if you excuse me, my baby belly is growling for some more salad.  After all, I am eating for two apparently...

Update!

Just wanted to say that I added two new workouts to my leg/butt post in May... Pictures included also.

I am going to work this week and next for taking more pictures of other muscle groups and show you my favorites there too!  

AdvoCare!!!

So I am officially an AdvoCare Distributor!  Distinguished professionals from the fields of nutrition, pharmacology, biology, kinesiology and medicine formulate nutritional solutions that are based on solid science and created with the highest-quality ingredients.

Take a look at the website www.advocare.com/11065556

If something sparks your interest, let me know... Any questions, let me know and I will get back with you personally ASAP with answers. 

The following are a few of my personal favorite products!

Meal Replacement Shakes- Chocolate is WAY good!  24g of protein, lots of fiber, and totally fills you up!

Catalyst- Protein in a pill format!  How great is that???  When your on the go or in between meals, pop three to maintain your metabolism and build lean muscle.

Herbal Cleanse- TRUST ME- Peaches and Cream is the way to go...Citrus... not so much... VERY VERY gentle and user friendly.  It's a 10 day program, so results are slower and nicer then an instant laxative.  Helps nutrients in your diet and other supplements absorb better.

Rehydrate- Amazing way to revitalize your water loss.  Hint: Take before you drink, and after = less of a hangover :) (sorry mom!)

MAX MNS-E- Total energy booster via vitamins.  I took this and felt amazing! 

Spark- Enhances mental focus and stimulates the brain.  Many people replace their coffee and/or soda with this.  I chose to use it mid-day for the added energy boost--- makes for an AMAZING spin class.

They do offer a bundle package with almost everything here, plus a few additional items.  I did the 24 day challenge without restricting my diet that much and lost 5 pounds and 1 inch off my belly.  I wish that I had been more strict because it is not uncommon at all for people to use this bundle package to jump start a healthier lifestyle and lose up to 20 pounds.  Come on, 24 days and 20 pounds?!?  Yes please!!!

I will offer discounts on an individual basis, so email/text/call me!

Ashleyelsebough@aol.com
386.747.8346

Feelin' Skinny

So, I feel "skinny". Yay right?!?  Except that I cheated and weighed myself and well - it's the EXACT same... One week of eating veggies and lean meat, teaching 6 spin classes in four days, NOT drinking, and it's the same?!  Are you kidding me?  That's what I get for cheating and weighing myself!  Serious face, I went out last night and drank water... WATER!!!  My friend drank beer, ate nachos, quesadilla's, mozzarella sticks, and chicken wings.... Horrid people!  Me and my WATER sucked it up and imaged them all fat and jiggly...

I am going to try to forget the horrid numbers on that darn scale and focus on the fact that I feel GREAT!  I finally feel less pudgy and stronger.  My weight training is improving, I am lifting more, heavier, and better again.  My breathing when I run is better, but not great- it is summer in Florida though so let's just take that with a grain of salt- and my cycle classes are right on track for a good butt whoopin'!  I have been going religiously to the gym Sunday thru Friday, lifting weights 6 days a week and doing cardio either once or twice a day 4-5 days a week.  I'd like to maintain cardio at five days every week, but with teaching so many classes, the last thing I want to do on a day I don't teach cycle is get on a bike.... Ouch!  

My food has been good- cheating is actually something that I am very aware of for the first time in a while.  I think about everything that I put in my mouth (that's what she said...HaHa) Lately I have been following a plan similar to the following:

Breakfast: 

1 slice pumpernickel bread

3 slice of lean turkey

1 laughing cow cheese wedge

honey mustard

1% Fage 0% Greek Yogurt

Mid Morning Snack:

1 scoop Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein

10 ounces water

Lunch:

1 cup Spinach lettuce

5 ounce tuna fish 

1tbsp of light mayo

relish

carrots

scallions

1/2 cup of cottage cheese

Mid Afternoon Snack:

1 scoop Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Powder

10 ounces water

Dinner:  

6 ounce lean meat (mostly chicken) 

1 cup steamed veggies

1/4 cup brown rice

Desert (occasionally, not always):

1 scoop Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Powder

10 ounces water

OR

1 Smart Ones desert

I stay full constantly and it's because of healthy protein so I am pleased with that.  If I don't lose more weight/inches this month though, I am gonna cry! 

I have been getting complimented at the gym a lot by fellow members and that's a great feeling.  One guy told me that I was getting a lil bubble in my booty... I told him I loved him... I was three seconds shy of asking him to marry me and be my baby's daddy it was such a good compliment!!!  Today was back day and someone behind me stated that my definition was looking incredible these days... And Sunday, two different guys told me that I had intense shoulders for a chick!  Yay!!!!  All things in due time, I know, but let's face it... Compliments keep anyone, especially any girl, going!

I need to remember that the scale reflects numbers, but NOT how I feel.  I gotta keep going with that.  I feel great, people are telling me I am looking great, and ultimately isn't that what is most important?!  I think all women will battle the scale issue, and I am not different, but I have to make mental strides to control that temptation!  I may have to hide it though until I get stronger.  My will power right now is focused on saying no to bad foods, NOT on not weighing myself. 

 

June 1, 2011

So last month did not go as I originally wanted...But then again- I wanted to be tall, thin, tan, skinny, with big boobs, have my masters degree and land a guy with a huge....wallet.... :) So overall, it's not like my goals were actually achievable in month!  With that said, I can't lie, I was still disappointed in my weight results.  But then I remembered that this was a busy month!  My birthday, Lydia's Birthday, 1 week of binge drinking--still, they are excuses.  I couldn't remember my previous measurements until I looked at them today, and when I did, I was actually pleased...

May 1st 
Weigh in: 183.2 pounds (gross)
Bust: 40 inches (whooooo only bonus to gaining weight-the girls get bigger without spending $5K)
Stomach: 37 inches
Hips: 43 inches
Jean size: 10/12 (so clearly some is muscle!)

June 1st
Weigh In: 180.5 lbs (still gross)
Bust: 39 inches... (Goodbye imaginary DD's)
Stomach: 36.5 inches
Hips:41 inches
Jean size: 10/12

So am I where I wanted to be?  Heck no, but I made some progress... I told a friend that I didn't feel like I was losing weight but I felt like I was shrinking some, and based off my inches, I'd say that was right.  I changed my diet yet again, and today is day 3 on it... I am liking it so far, and trying to make it as friendly as possible so that I do not cheat--- So far I have been able to talk myself out of jumping face first into Peanut Butter M&M's--although I did stare at them on the shelf at Target today for like 5 minutes trying to justify spending $2.99 on a bag "for work" if I "only ate a serving size".  They stayed at Target. 

I haven't had a drink since May 22-not that I am counting- and I am gonna keep it that way until the next birthday or some event comes up.  I think that is a big deal, because when I drink, nachos become "diet friendly"---drinking and eating is like beer goggles for men! 

I am going to try really hard this month to watch the little add on's that I put in my mouth...My adorable nephews are coming down for July 4th and we are having the family over to meet them... I want to be comfortable in a bathing suit so that I can spend every minute I have with them playing in the water and such-- Let's face it... I already have bikini visible tattoos, purple hair, and a nose ring... Let's not add on being fat here!  I am asking to be labeled the black sheep of the family!