Feeling a little Sassy - You Gal Sassy

I've gotten over my lingering sickness and I'm back on the scene and what I must say is that I'm feeling a little sassy. Sassy you may ponder yes sassy! It has nothing to do with the 8 lbs that it's taken me 7 weeks to lose but more so with the way that I'm feeling about the changes that I've implemented.

I'm so loving my sessions with Jason the personal trainer here at the office. I'm not lifting hundreds of pounds or running unstopped but I'm making time for me. I love that I can walk away from my desk and get in a good workout and go home and I love the fact that I'm pushing myself when walking the trail because I've added a little jogging in there.

In the past I've viewed time as my enemy and I'm not saying that I have all this new found time but I'm choosing to allocate my time a little differently.

I love the fact that I've carved out a plan and I'm executing it.

Just the other day someone was talking about how they weren't motivated to lose weight and my reply to them was do what motivates you! Don't do what others are doing just do you! There is no success in fulfilling the goals of others.

Weight: 181
Steps: Didn't wear my pedometer
Activity: 45 mins at the fitness center

Breakfast: 2 boiled eggs
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Sofrito Chicken, black beans & toss salad
Snack: Walnuts and dried cranberries
Dinner: 1/2 dozen blue crabs
Snack: Apple

Stacy gone M.I.A?!?!?!

In my infamous Dr. Oz TV appearance voice, "Heeeeeeyyyyyy!" I know it seems like forever and a day since I last posted a blog. I must send out my apologies to you all, life has been coming at me hard and fast but I am moving strong and holding my head up.

So in the midst of life happening I have NOT completely fallen off plan or my activity schedule I have just had to make some readjustments here and there and made 1 or 2 u-turns as well. I will admit in the past two weeks I partook in a half a brownie sundae and even had a few sips of soda .. YIKES (No worries Dr. Roizen set me straight!!)! However, u-turn made, new schedule that actually fits into my life and those of my kids has been made and I am sticking to it and moving forward! After all I need to hit my goal before the end of this Sexy by Summer Challenge!

I made the dreaded trek across campus to the Fitness Center this morning to weigh in. I'll let you in on a little secret .. I hate weigh in time!!! The scale was actually quite mericful. Here are my results:

Weight: Lost 5lbs
Waist - Lost 1/2 inch

I'd say for encountering some minor setbacks this is not bad at all! This also opened my eyes to the need of consistency. No matter what life throws at us stick to your master plan and what is important to you, granted we may be side tracked and even down for a minute but we MUST get back up and continue to strive for what we want!

So if you find that life threw you into a rut don't stay down. Dust yourself off and keep on moving forward. If you need assiantance never be afraid to ask for it.

Up and Moving

Hey all! I'm still moving slow and YOU Gal Stacy says that I'm running too much, not resting enough and need to go back to the doctor so I think that I may take her up on slowing down, getting some rest and revisiting the doctor. My baby girl is doing much better after a trip to the ER, doctors office, a couple of days in the hospital and follow up trip to the doctors office and some TLC from mom and dad.

I've been hitting those steps off and on and steering clear of the felons. Feeling the way that I do makes you not want to eat and I'm not a whinner and I hate taking meds or going to the doctor but this time around somehting has to give.

I weighed in this morning and the scale says I'm up .7 lbs so weighing in at 181.9.

Welcome back to all of you who were on spring break, under the weather of just not reporting in. Let's dust ourselves off and getter done!

If you aren't feeling well make sure your focus is on getting better and eating right, the weight/waist loss will come.

Happy Stepping!

Toni

Just recently my grandma spent some time here with my family and me. Anyone who knows my grandma knows that if it’s on her mind that she is going to say it. So while I think that sometimes grandma can keep some stuff to herself, those who are near and dear to me love to point out that I am similar to my grandma, meaning that there are times when I have limited to no filter but I don’t think so…lol.

Well on her last visit as she sat across the table from me she looks me dead in the eye and says…..you better hope Dr. Oz doesn’t call you back any time soon, you’ve gained weight. I’m like WT…

I tried to explain to her yes I had put on some weight, I wasn’t always hitting those steps or amping up that cardio but I was back on it and was sure that if the show called that I would be more than a welcomed guest.

As part of Sexy by Summer I want to start by getting down to my original goal weight that I reached and boy was I cute…lol. I had reached 175 lbs and was doing well but got a little lazy with the winter months and there you have it at the beginning of Sexy by Summer and weighing in at 188.6 lbs.

Today I was preparing for a women’s social at my church (shout out to Redeemed Assembly of Jesus Christ!!!) where me of all folk would be speaking about weight loss, my journey and what it takes to maintain….I’m still working on the latter. So, I was watching the video footage from the show finale and realized that I was back to my finale weight of 181 pounds. I know that’s not a lot to be proud of but what I can say to my grandma is that if they call me back, I’m good to go! I think that I’ll call her NOW!!!

YOU Gal Toni down for the count!

Hey folks! I have been down for the count. My little one has been ill (couple days in the hospital) and has transferred her cold to me. If you are waiting on a e-mail response from me please hold tight! I’m catching up slowly.

With that said I’ve been out of pocket with little to no steps but I have been watching my food.

I do have weight loss to report:

Weight: 181.2 lbs (total down 7.4)
Waist: unsure will get measurements shortly

Food: Not much

Note: When not feeling well remember to stay hydrated!

Plan on Plans Failing!

What a week! This past week was Spring Break and I had some terrific plans in store. I was flying up to NY with one of my daughter’s to drop her off with my family for the week while I got in some great family fun and also got in some work time in the NY office. Since my cousin has also been turned onto this healthy lifestyle we were so excited to be hitting the gym together and sharing in some fun 10,000 steps and beyond challenges (she’s competitive – lol!) I made sure I packed gym clothes, sneakers and my “A” game. My cousin and I had laid out our workout schedule and planned out the meals we would be eating. Just because I was on vacation and that doesn't mean I was on vacation from health and wellness.

Saturday morning Yvalisse and I rose and anxiously got our bags together and headed to the airport. We arrived at the airport at 1pm for our 3p flight only to be told each hour that our flight was delayed due to the terrible storms that ravaged the East Coast. My daughter grew anxious and disappointed. Finally by 8p we were told our flight was canceled and the next flight would be on Monday. No worries, I tried explaining to my daughter that sometimes life throws us curve balls and we just have to deal with them the best we could. Deep down I was feeling anxious because I wasted a whole day and did not get in my 10,000 steps – I was feeling defeated.

Sunday we had a very special religious event which meant I spent all morning washing, blow drying and flat ironing two sets of hair. Then off to get everyone’s dresses on and head out the door. Another day passed and guess what!?! No 10,000 steps. I was beginning to get really anxious.

Now it’s Monday morning and we were up and out the door at 4:45a to catch our flight to NY that finally arrived! Yay!! I would finally make it to the gym and blast through these 10,000 steps – right?! WRONG! By the time I arrived I was exhausted and still had to work. The day was getting away from me, I was growing more and more tired and the gym seemed less and less appealing. Long story short - my pedometer stood in my purse from the security check line. No 10,000 steps!

Tuesday now rolls around and I am in the office plugging away anxiously waiting for my flight back home so I could get in some one on one time with my daughter and get back to the gym. After 5 hours in the airport and numerous delays the flight times out and we are told our flight is canceled! Déjà vu! This couldn't be happening again! All I could think of was getting back to my youngest daughter that awaited my return and hitting the gym with a vengeance.

Wednesday is now here and I am not surprised to find out that my fight is delayed yet again! One would think I could of made the most these extended airport delays by walking around the airport and racking up on stepping miles however, I had on heals and my luggage was checked in so all I could do was sit and wait.

Amidst all this chaos I learned a valuable lesson – sometimes we can create the best of plans but we never plan for our plans to fall through and once they do we are thrown off and thrown down. I woke up this morning realizing that I let life’s detours get the best of me. Instead of getting back up when all my plans fell through the cracks I sat and allowed myself to feel defeated which can easily resurface old bad habits. Granted I lost time and cannot get those days or steps back but today is a new day with a new plan and more importantly a new opportunity to get it right. So U-turn made, attitude adjusted and off to the treadmill to catch up and get it right!!!!

Failure should never and will never be an option for me!! Like Diddy and Mase said, "Can't nobody and nothing hold me down ... oh no, I got to keep on moving!!"

First 30 days - Slow and Steady

Here we go people! I’ve been busy so sorry that I haven’t posted in a few days. My hat is off to those of you who parent more than 1 child. I had my 9 year old sister and 5 year old god daughter over the weekend and my god daughter stayed through Tuesday and man I was tired. Dressing these girls, shuttling them around and just listening to all the giggling, stop, no, leave me alone was enough to take me over the edge, but I survived.

Last week I told you all that I was turning up the heat. I met with the trainer here in the office, took a class and I hit the elliptical all in one day. The next day I just wanted to lie in the bed. I think that I had over done it but you know what......I was back in there with the trainer this week and it felt good. I’ve amped up my cardio and I’m sweating up a storm and that feels good too.

What I’ve been reminded of is that my time is limited but if I want to get this done I’m going to have to carve some time out some way some how. Someone told me that people who work out don’t have more time it’s just how they prioritize. So while I agree with that, when I look at my life I’m either working which is required or caring for my family which is also required. I do believe that I need and must take care of myself and working out is a priority for me but it does not come above my family and my career. I think that it all has its place, it all needs to get done but for me working out is not at the top of the list.

What I have concluded is that I will take a chunk of my work day and shorten it by 45-60 minutes 2 days a week in order to get a nice intense cardio work out in before having to scoop up the little one, 2 days a week I will commit to weight and cardio training with the personal trainer and 3 days a week I will commit to gaining my 10,000 steps throughout the day. Right now this sounds like a plan that will work for me and allow me to effectively focus on all the aspects of my life.

So I missed yesterday’s weigh in but here you go!












Weight:183.9 (total down 4.7)
Waist: 32 ¼

Steps: 12120
Activity: Weight Training & Elliptical

Breakfast: Cheerios & Banana
Snack: Almonds
Lunch: Nutty Chicken Salad (Jason’s Deli)
Snack: Fruit Cup
Dinner: My version of the nutty chicken salad (Chicken, walnuts, craisins, spring mix and balsamic vinaigrette)
Snack: Dark Chocolate

This is some hard work!

Hey Everyone!

So I meet with the trainer and I really have to turn up the heat. He basically said great job on the 10,000 steps but I need to be getting them in quicker or harder. In order for me to drop more weight I need to turn up my intensity. If you read YOU Gal Stacy's last blog...it sounds the same. Well yesterday I turned it up and today I can feel it! I did 30 minutes on the treadmill, 45 minutes in Zumba then 30 minutes with the trainer. I was beat! But it's good to know that I'm on the path of getting it in

4/13/11

Steps: 9739 (i did remove the pedometer for 90 min for a social gathering)
Activity: Walking

Breakfast: 2 boiled eggs
Snack: Clementine
Lunch: blackened mahi mahi, asparagus and toss salad
Snack: fresh melon
Dinner: Jerk Shrimp with green peppers and onions, brown rice & toss salad
Snack: None

4/14/11

Steps: 14151
Activity: Treadmill, Zumba and personal training

Breakfast: Cheerios and milk
Snack: 2 Clementines
Lunch: Jerk Shrimp with green peppers and onions, brown rice & toss salad
Snack: Apple
Dinner: Crab cake and plain baked sweet potato
Snack: Clementines

Can't Stop, Won't Stop!!

Alrighty, we all know what time it is! Weigh in time!! This week I cannot claim a Biggest Loser monumental weigh in however, I can say that it was not all that bad. In all honesty I was not excited at all about weighing in. Last week I was sick with the bubonic plague (a slight exaggeration)and this week water retention and bloating welcomed me. Sounds like a formula for disaster, right? The results are that I neither loss nor gained this week.

So some of you may be thinking what in the world happened, you seem to be exercising all the time! That was my first reaction then I had to realize I weight train 3 times a week, this past week just started going back to kickboxing 1 time a week and go walking daily for those 10,000 steps. So what's missing you ask? Cardio is the answer! A stroll in the park is barely considered cardio as your heart rate is not really elevated. I have been so consumed on walking with a view to just racking up steps that I overlooked the importance of the intensity in which I am stepping.

So what's my plan? I'm about to pick it up! Cardio is about to be introduced into my daily routine. This YOU Gal is about to hot step with pep and attack cardio like never before. Later today when I meet with my trainer I will talk to him about adding in some cardio to the weight lifting. I am also reviewing my schedule to see which days I can commit to doing Kickboxing and getting my mind right to wake up early and get back to these morning jogs! Like the little engine that could said, "I think I can, I think I can .. I know I can, I know I can!!! My new motto, "Can't stop, won't stop!!"

Just another day in the journey to be Sexy by Summer!

4/14

Steps: 10328
Activity: Walking, Personal training session

Food
Breakfast - 2 boiled eggs, Whole wheat toast, 4 strawberries and 1 cup OJ
Snack: Roasted Almonds sprinkled with sea salt
Lunch: Chicken breast with black beans/ brown rice/ tomatoes/ and cilantro
Snack: Grapes
Dinner: Chicken breast, green beans and corn
Snack: Hummus and ww crackers

Turning up the HEAT!

I’ve come to the close of week three of this challenge and I can’t say that I have a weight loss victory but the victory is that I don’t have any weight gain.

What this has moved me to do is to turn up the heat. I’ve just gone out and scheduled my FREE yes I said FREE personal training sessions. The fitness center here at the office where I’m a member for only $15.00 a month offers 2 free 30 minute personal training sessions a week. So I’ve only signed up for 1 a week after the Zumba class and I’m about to get it in!

Weight: 185.8
Waist: 32 1/4
Steps: 11553

4/12/11

Breakfast: Cheerios
Snack: Almonds
Lunch: Turkey Sandwich w/Provolone and mustard, Banana & Almonds
Snack: Cheerios
Dinner: Ground Turkey Spaghetti with whole wheat noodles
Snack: Clementine

YOU Gal Toni - UPDATE!

Hey all! Just like most of you, I’ve been busy especially with this nice weather that we have had off and on and those of you who know me know that I’m always taking on a new task or two. My latest obsessions are natural hair so if you haven’t already like my facebook page Is That My Hair and couponing. I’ve watched the show Extreme Couponing on TLC and I’m hooked. I don’t have it down to a science like those ladies but I saved $73.09 with manufacturers coupons and store coupons.

I guess my couponing venture can help us YOU Gals as well as I was able to get some stuff that is on plan. Here is the list:

Deer Park Water $1.00 off
Cheerios - $1.00 off 2 then a store coupon for $.55 off each box
Perdue chicken breast - $.75 off
Blue Diamond Almonds - $.60 off two
Diced Tomatoes - $1.00 off 3 cans (almost like buy 2 get one free)
Deli Turkey - $1.00 off
Cuties Clementine’s - $1.50 off
Steam Fresh Vegetables: - Buy 2 get 1 free
Crystal Light – Buy 2 get 1 free and a manufactures coupon for $1.00 off
Steam Fresh Meals – Pay full price get a steam fresh vegetable free

I got other stuff but this is what I cold think of off the top of my head outside of my $8 worth of coupons for zyrtec.

So now onto what you really want to know:

Weight and Waist: I’m working from home today so will send when I can get to the fitness center tomorrow.

Sunday - 4/10
Steps: Didn’t have on the pedometer….Wouldn’t stay on my dress
Activity: Church service (generally average about 1800 steps), Skating 1 hour, Grocery shopping 90 mins

Breakfast: Banana
Snack: None
Lunch: Small Chili and Cob Salad (Wendy’s)
Snack: Apple
Dinner: Marinated Grilled Chicken & Salad

Monday – 4/11
Steps: 13119

Breakfast: Turkey and Provolone on a whole wheat wrap & banana
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Cheerios
Snack: Turkey and Provolone Sandwich, Clementine and almonds
Dinner: Ground Turkey Spaghetti with whole wheat pasta
Snack: 3 Clementine’s (they are so small)

Spilling the Beans

Hey fellow YOU Galers! I’ve been hanging out with my hubbie on his days off so I’ve been a bit removed for a couple of days but I’m here to spill the beans! I sware that it’s hard to remember what you’ve done a few days back that’s why we encourage you to write in every day!

4/5 (Tuesday)
Steps: 11781
Activity: Walking….with my hubbie…YEAH!

Breakfast: 2 boiled eggs
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Salad w/balsamic vinaigrette
Snack: Almonds
Dinner: Grilled Chicken with stuffed portabella (Lone Star) with a salad

4/6 (Wednesday)
Steps: Couldn’t find the pedometer
Activity: Walking and playing video games (can’t get a lot of steps playing video games)

Breakfast: 2 boiled eggs
Snack: Apple
Lunch: O’Charley’s Mediterranean chicken wrap
Snack: Rice Chips & grapes
Dinner: Dave & Busters: soft shell grilled chicken taco platter with black beans (no cheese no shell)
Snack: none

4/7 (Thursday)
Steps: 2625 (Had bubble guts….I think it was too much eating out…stayed in the ladies room)
Activity: Minimal walking

Breakfast: Banana
Snack: Almonds
Lunch: Ruby Tuesday’s – Turkey mini’s & salad bar
Snack: None
Dinner: soup
Snack: None


After the slow moving yesterday today I got up pumped so at 10:03 I’m at 4367 and plan to go out at lunch time to walk some more! After reading this I've confirmed what I've always told my husband. He likes to eat out. I can't hang with him even when trying to make good decisions. I'd rather eat at home but eating out can be done you just have to be specific about what you want to eat.

Gearing up for the weekend! Enjoy everyone.

Toni

Listen, Listen, Listen

Despite the mist and drizzle I was still out there in the elements walking and obsessing over these 10,000 steps. Well due to lack of better judgment it turns out I ended up with an upper respiratory infection and have been down and out for the count. One would think feeling sick would cause them to slow down and take some time to heal but this hard headed YOU Gal refused to listen and continued to go do weight training sessions, jogging, walking and pushing herself.

Why wouldn't I stop to rest you ask? First, I have come to realize that I do not like the feeling of sitting around. I have come to love working out, exercising and staying active. Secondly, it dawned on me that laying around and feeling lazy scares me. It worries me that doing so will cause me to slip into my old couch potato ways and previous bad habits. Although I took on a new healthy lifestyle and that person I used to be is a thing of the past I am still very cautious about slipping back into bad habits. After seeing the Dr I realized rest was much needed if I wanted to get better and back to my routine.

The morale of this story is listen to your body. It often sends us signals when we need to take a break and when we choose to ignore it our bodies will force us to listen by shutting down. I am glad to report that I have been resting and am on the mend. I am looking forward to getting back to the swing of things very soon.

4/4 Food Journal:

Breakfast: Egg white omelet, cheese, salsa and a WW tortilla
Snack: Cantaloupe
Lunch: Hummus, veggies and WW pita
Snack: Cantaloupe
Dinner: Baked Tilapia and mixed veggies

WCS

For me this week is full of would have, should have, could have…..

I would have finished all 10,000 of those steps every day if

I hadn’t been tired
Sky pie hadn’t been under the weather
I had more time in the day

I should have
Pushed myself to finish
Skipped that cupcake (but I loved the time with my skypie)

I could have
Reached out for help when I needed that extra push


But last week is behind me and I’m moving full speed ahead. If you have mishaps or fall by the weigh side, reach out for help if needed and pick yourself up and keep moving. What I don't want you to do is to be stuck...it gets you no where!


Weight: 185.8 (Starting weigh 186.6 down 2.8lbs)
Waist: 32 ¼ (starting waist 33 ½ down 1 ¼ inch)

4/4

Breakfast: Banana
Snack: Apple
Lunch: Vegetable lentil soup & salad
Snack: Blue Diamond Bold Carolina Barbecue Almonds (helped with my potato chip crave)
Dinner: FRIED CHICKEN (boneless skinless chicken breaks with 100% whole wheat bread crumbs, pan seared in olive oil and finished in the oven)
Snack: Rice Chips & mixed fruit

Happy Stepping!!!

Stepping into week 3!

Saturday was a great day! I had a little me time and was able to spend time with friends! Thanks to Kamala for inviting me to your line dance party and I can’t wait until the wedding so that I can put my moves into action! DNA Fitness was kind enough to host this event and Savondis who led the session. I left there and headed to whole foods and got some really good fruit!

3/2
Steps: 11300
Activity: Line Dancing

Breakfast:
Snack: Banana
Lunch: salad with grilled chicken
Snack: Rice Chips & Strawberry Cupcake (I couldn't resists)
Dinner: Ground Chicken Spaghetti & WW noodles
Snack: Mixed fresh fruit


Sunday I felt like I was floating on the lazy river but I enjoyed some time with my baby girl while my hubbie was away. We spent Sunday at church, had a little dinner and spent some girl time with my little one at the cupcake shop…yes I said cupcake she kept asking for one) and at the Barnes and Noble reading books. Since this 3 year old doesn’t move at the same speed it slowed me down. Many of you moms will know that when she napped, so did I!











3/3
Steps: 5211
Activity: Walking

Breakfast: Breakfast burrito (ww wrap, 1 slice turkey 1 egg, 1 tablespoon roasted red pepper and goat cheese sauce)
Snack: banana
Lunch: Ground Chicken Spaghetti & WW noodles
Snack: mixed fresh fruit & strawberry cupcake
Dinner: salad with deli turkey
Snack: Banana

On the Road Again

It's Saturday and this YOU Gal is up and at em! I think that I just needed some rest. Being wife, momma, administrative assistant and YOU Gal Toni can wear on you sometime. Last night I was able to share the bed with me….that’s right just me and got some much needed rest.

I’ve thought about going out and walking a bit to get it in but since I was up until 1:30 last night and it’s 8:19 and I’ve been surfing the web since 7:30….I think that I’ll go back to sleep. Got a great day planned. My new gff is having her bridal gathering today and she decided to do a line dance party. So off again to line dance for my life (said in my RuPaul voice), but that’s not until 4. I promise to get some walking done then dance into the night!

3/31
Steps: 10047 (I missed the mark on 12,000 Thursday’s but wait till next week!)
Activities: Walking
Mood: asi asi (translation – so so)

Breakfast: Fresh Fruit (melons & berries)
Snack: none (I need to go to the grocery store!)
Lunch: turkey sandwich w/banana peppers and mustard on 100% whole wheat bread & sautéed vegetable medley
Snack: Turkey sandwich (I was hungry)
Dinner: homemade chicken, vegetable and rice soup
Snack: 100% whole grain apple cinnamon muffin

4/1
Steps: 7038 (So in this case please do as I say not as I do! But we’ll be moving to more of the follow the leader status starting NOW!)
Activities: Walking
Mood: bueno (translation – ok)

Breakfast: 100% whole grain apple cinnamon muffin
Snack: None
Lunch: homemade chicken, vegetable and rice soup
Snack: None
Dinner: Turkey sandwich
Snack: homemade chicken, vegetable and rice soup

I guess in reading this I really do need to go to the store....I'll put that on my list of things to do for today as well!

Need a little inspiration? Click Here

Hump Day!

I don’t know why but I’ve hit a rut! It may be these cloudy skies but I need to shake it off! I did get my steps but just barely. This girl needs a little sunshine in her life but is thankful for the rain that is preparing the way for the spring flowers!

While in the doctors office I was reading about speed walking...that peeked my interest...stay tune!

3/30
Steps: 10255
Activity: Walking

Breakfast: Banana
Lunch: Salmon, asparagus, white asparagus parmasean flan
Snack: Fresh Fruit
Dinner: Chicken meatballs with marinara sauce, vegetable medley (diet orange soda)
Snack: Fresh Fruit

Beverage: Water

Rise, Shine and Walk It Out

I tried something new yesterday and it proved successful for me. I set my alarm for 5:30a so that I could rise with the sun and walk my way to 10,000 steps early in the day. I will admit that alarm went off and I was far from pleased. I kept snoozing the alarm and at one point turned it off completely. Then somehow in my sleep guilt began to creep in! I was having a conversation with myself and telling myself I was cheating only myself and that I made a commitment to rise early and get it in. Here I am having a lecture with myself in my sleep - was I going nuts?!? Either way that subliminal pep talk stirred me to action! I woke up at 6:20a washed up, got dressed and headed out the door with the dog.

It was so nice! There was a cool brisk breeze, the sun was rising and it was just the dog and I. My thoughts ran loud and clear through my head, I heard the birds chirping and had a gorgeous landscape to watch as I kept it moving. I am so glad that I rose early to make "me" time. This rise and shine attitude helped to relieve my mad dash to 10,000 steps that I normally feel on a daily basis. Weather permitting I think this is something I am going to strive for daily!

The good news is I had a little over 10,000 steps by lunchtime! Anything additional was a bonus!!

Do YOU think you can rise and shine and walk it out too?

Steps: 13,013
Activity: Walking It Out

Food
Breakfast: Oatmeal made with water, no sugar - added granola, raisins and strawberries
Snack: Pineapple
Lunch: Salad: Field greens/ tomatoes/ onions/ black beans/ chicken breast/ craisins/ blue cheese crumbles/ carrots. Soup: Thai Tomato Soup
Snack: Grapes
Dinner: Hummus/ Blue Chips and a fruit salad
Snack: None

Traveling Tuesday

Tuesday was tough I did a round trip to Northern Virginia to our corporate office. That was a total of 4.5 hours on a corporate bus. But I recovered and got in those 10,000 steps but barely!

3/29
Steps: 10052

Breakfast: whole wheat English muffin with turkey, swiss and egg white
Snack: Almonds
Lunch: Salad with sliced turkey, cup of berries and melons & cup of tomato soup
Snack: Grapes & Almonds
Dinner: store brought rotisserie chicken (breast), sautéed fresh spinach & plain baked potato
Snack: 100 calorie pack of craisins

Stacy's Weigh In Results Are Here

Well today was weigh in and while I would love to report some Biggest Loser results the reality is there are none. I stepped on the scale and have the following measurements to report:

Weight: 208 (down 1 lb)
Waist: 32 (half inch down)
Mood: Motivated

Although I could easily feel defeated and wonder what went wrong especially since I worked so hard this past week with training, cardio and eating right I decided against that mind frame. The truth is I did everything I was supposed to do and with consistency I will only get better, stronger and leaner. So I stand tall and proud of my 1 lb and 1/2 inch loss and look forward to the rest of this journey!

How was your weigh in?

Food:

Breakfast - 2 boiled eggs, 2 slices of Whole Wheat Toast
Snack: Pineapples, grapes
Lunch: Falafel Wrap (Whole Wheat wrap) with a side salad of tomatoes, Kalamata olives, onions and feta cheese
Snack: Berry Fruit Salad
Dinner: Chinese Shrimp and mixed veggies in a white sauce and brown rice
Snack: None

Steps: 10,016

Week 1 Weigh In Day! - YOU Gal Toni

It’s weigh in time!!!! Yes! We’ve completed one full week of the Sexy by Summer challenge and I’m still amped! The week had its highs and lows and it had its challenges but overall it was a great week and indicative of what life has to offer. There will be stumbling blocks, obstacles and wrong turns but what we have to do in those moments is remember to make a YOU turn and change the behaviors and start over.

Monday was a great day for me. I was up and moving early as I didn’t want to be a prisoner to the steps as I had been the day before and because of that I was able to finish proud and strong.

So I’m sure that you all are waiting for the weigh in results….well what happened to me in the past 24 hours is evident as to why you may not want to weigh often. I decided that I would take a sneak peek at the scale to see my progress and I was down a whopping 4.2 lbs. but since today is the official weigh in day I still showed up and weighed in today and the results were not as rewarding there was a difference in almost 2 pounds. Something to remember the scale can change overnight and over the course of the day so don’t fret just keep moving towards your goal and continue to measure your waist.

Drum roll please…….



8/28
Weight: 186 lbs (down 2.6 lbs.)
Waist: 33 1/4 (down 1/4 inch)
Steps: 12379
Activity: Walking, walking and more walking



Breakfast: 2 boiled eggs and a large banana
Snack: Almonds
Lunch: Turkey & Swiss cheese on whole wheat bread and mustard & sweet peppers & sun chips
Snack: Grapes & almonds
Dinner: Chicken meatballs with marina sauce & vegetable medley (cabbage, broccoli & carrots)
Snack: 100 calorie bag of craisins (too many sugar grams but was craving something sweet)

Stacy's Week 2 of the YOU Gals Sexy by Summer Challenge

Week 1 is a thing of the past and I am still feeling excited about the upcoming 83 days. I kicked off Week 2 in the gym with a serious weight training session - to many it's no surprise as I have been called a gym rat. Although I love working out and weight training it is not something that comes easy. There are times I have to push through exhaustion, juggle priorities and get my head in the game just to make it happen. The good news is once I am there and going strong I feel such a sense of fulfillment, contentment and not to mention a major energy boost.

Here is what I did in the gym today:

Warm Up
- Treadmill (15 minutes)

Each of the following was 4 sets/ Reps of 15, 18, 20, 18, 15 (Increasing weight with each new set of reps)

Squats
Push Ups
Bicep curls
Alternating Lunges
Shoulder press
Reverse Pull ups
Crunches
Planks
Side Crunches

Steps: 10,115

Food:

Breakfast - Carnation Instant Breakfast with skim milk and 1 banana.
Snack - None
Lunch - Chipotle Burrito Bowl - No rice, No Sour Cream
Snack - 1 cup Green grapes
Dinner: Grilled Chicken breasts with onion and peppers/ Whole Wheat Tortilla and guacamole
Snack - Hummus/ Blue Chips

Here's to a great rest of the week!

Sluggish Sunday

Sunday oh Sunday! I was worn out from all of the festivities from Saturday but my family and I pressed our way and off to church we went. It was a great service and the message was really uplifting, so I’m glad that I was there (thanks Minister Branch!). After service I ran a couple of errands, came home and cooked dinner, worked on this week’s newsletter and the blog also responding to coaching emails and facebook post. After all of that I was whipped so off to bed I went. I napped and I napped and enjoyed every minute of it. When I woke up it was 7:00 and my pedometer was reading about 4,000 steps. Part of me sensed a bit of panic while another part of me was like oh well. I continued on my day and had some dinner and finished up the newsletter and just sat there! I didn’t have the strength to carry on.

We prepared for bed and I had come to the resolve that I only had about 4500 steps and was going to send my regrets to you all and start over on Monday then the guilt set in. I couldn’t face the music of having to say that I had failed to plan and push forward so I put on my sneakers and turned on the TV and got to moving. It was 10:10 p.m. and the clock was running so off I went. I watched the Master Class Episode on Oprah that had just recorded and vowed to keep going until I reached the end. I’m proud to say that by 10:45 I have reached my goal. I ended the night victorious!

3/27/11

Steps: 10209
Activity: Walking in place

Breakfast: Granola Bar
Snack: Banana
Lunch: 2 baked chicken legs, sweet potato soufflé (sweetened with agave nectar, cinnamon & nutmeg), vegetable medley (cabbage, carrots & broccoli)
Snack: grapes
Dinner: 2 baked chicken legs, sweet potato soufflé (sweetened with agave nectar, cinnamon & nutmeg), vegetable medley (cabbage, carrots & broccoli)
Snack: grapes & sun chips

Beverage: Water

YOU Gal Stacy's Week of Reflections

Whew!!!! Week 1 of the YOU Gals Sexy by Summer Challenge has come to an end. Looking over this past week I can honestly say I am proud of myself. I have been motivated and felt so driven. I've committed to 10,000 steps and even exceeded them on a daily basis.

What really stood out in my mind this week relates to my physical condition when I first started this same challenge on the Dr. Oz show in 2009. YOU Gal Toni and I used to walk on the trails at work, well it more like she walked and I was being dragged behind. As she effortlessly walked I was huffing and puffing on the verge of an asthma attack - I liken it to a near death experience. In fact, one day we were walking on the trail and my calf's started to cramp and spasm. I was in exhruiting pain and on the verge of tears, ok I was in tears. Toni encouraged me to stop. I felt horrible but had to sit out. When I think back to that day I could remember the pain so well. After refusal to be defeated I kept at it day by day, week by week. One day on the trail Toni had even mentioned I had picked up some speed and she had to catch up. This past week Toni and I had the opportunity of meeting back on the trail and walked it out. We discussed this very scenario and laughed it off.

I say all of this to remind each of you to look at how far you each have come. Reflect over the hurdles you overcame and commend yourself on a job well done. Sometimes we forget all about the progress we've made and just need a little reminder. Trust me, I went from being the tortoise (or more so snail) to now being the hare. We all become better with time, effort and endurance.

Day 6 - On the Run but Staying Consistent!

Day 6 was full of fun and family time! I started off with Nay Nay House (that’s what Skylar calls the sitter) as we did our annual consignment sale shopping. Then I came home and went to a birthday party at Monkey Joe’s (Happy 2nd birthday Darius!!) and then more fun with our Children’s Church Ministry at Skate Land where I skated for over an hour. I was ripping and running Saturday but sure to stay consistent.



3/26
Steps 10200
Activity: Walking and Roller Skating

Breakfast: 1 pack granola bar (Best option from Target)
More breakfast: 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons guacamole and roasted red pepper and goat cheese dip ½ cup oj
Snack: 100 pack almond/walnut mix & apple (had this while the kids had pizza and cake)
Lunch: Side salad and medium fruit cup w/water from Chic Fila
Snack: Dill pickle and water (at the skating ring)
Dinner: grilled chicken quesadilla w/gauc and red pepper dip (polished the rest off)
Snack: Fresh fruit salad

Beverage of choice: H20

YOU Gal Toni

Day 5

This is getting easier by the day! Especially when I plan, but in general Friday’s are a struggle for me because I work from home and don’t get much movement. After dropping the little one off it’s real easy to come here and just sit for 8 or so hours working. On this day I had an errand to run and need to go the strip mall near my house. What I decided was that I was going to take a break and head to the store and I was going to walk. I was walking with a purpose. I chatted with a friend as I walked and before you knew it I was at the store. My friend asked in astonishment…..you walked and I said yeap and I’m here, she then replied that didn’t take you long.

Be sure to remember to break out of your routine and take time for you and as folk say kill two birds with one stone when you can. I ran my errand and on foot and with the cost of gas now days that was an all around smart move!


3/25

Steps: 10283
Activity: Walking

Breakfast: 3 eggs with 2 tablespoons guacamole and roasted red pepper and goat cheese dip ½ cup oj
Lunch: spring mix with tomato and 1 can tuna with balsamic vinaigrette and fresh fruit salad
Snack: Santa Fe barbecue Rice Chips
Dinner: 6 inch turkey sub from subway with Sun chips and fresh fruit
Snack: Almonds & fresh fruit

Day 4 and counting! Woot Woot

It was 12,000 Thursday's and we were getting it in! Thursday I was off to a slow start, I had someone working with me so I couldn't really get my walk on but you know what......I got my 12,000 baby!

This YOU Gal walked it out...woot woot (lol)

3/24/11
Steps: 12,423

Breakfast: 2 boiled eggs 1 banana
Snack: Almonds
Lunch: Salad with Shrimp w/balsamic vinaigrette & fresh tomato soup
Snack: Orange
Dinner: Chicken spaghetti and whole wheat noodles
Snack: Fruit salad (grapes, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries & mango)

Beverage: Water

Day 3 - Don't be a victim of self sabotage

Day 3 was just as successful for me! Another day on the walking trail with YOU Gal Stacy! 9972 steps all before 5 p.m. so I could head home and not wig out because I had far to go was a relief. It was great decision because my baby girl was slightly under the weather so I could focus on her and not on trying to get these steps in.

A few things that I have noticed from some of the food journals and that’s the honesty about what you are eating. So I applaud the honesty but if we are going to get you where you want to be in the next 90 days what we really need change the eating habits. I know this is week one and a week of discovery but all of you are working so hard and getting in your 10,000 steps or more and I don’t want you to sabotage your success with food. I’m speaking from the heart and from experience. Those Krispy Kreme doughnuts were good and hot but they are gone but the jiggle in my thighs remains, if I had only said no thank you!

Happy stepping everyone! Like Obama says…..Yes We Can!

3/23
Steps: 10986
Activity: Walking

Breakfast: 2 eggs with 2 tbsp roasted red pepper dip and 1 large banana
Snack: Orange
Lunch: Salad with chicken and shrimp (meat leftovers from Mon and Tues dinner)
Snack: BBQ Rice Chips
Dinner: Ground Chicken Spaghetti with whole wheat pasta
Snack: Fresh Fruit

Beverage: Water

Sexy by summer Day 2 - YOU Gal Toni

Day 2 was lovely! I feel so accomplished and was able to exceed my goals. I was able to take a nice walk with YOU Gal Stacy over lunch and was done by the end of my work day.

After work I had a meeting at my home and wanted to make sure that I had a healthy snack for the attendees and went to Whole Foods and found:

Stacy’s Whole Grain Pita Chips, Stacy’s Kitchen Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Dip and made a fruit salad with mangos, blackberries, strawberries and grapes. The pita chips and dip were all new to me but yummy. The dip was so good that we used it on our quesadilla’s at dinner and I had some with my eggs for breakfast this morning. YUMMY!

I think that I’m so excited because everyone else is excited. Let’s get this done people!!!!

3/22/11
Steps: 11794
Activity: Walking

Breakfast: 1 large banana & 1 orange
Snack: none
Lunch: Nutty Chicken Salad from Jason’s Deli, Fruit plate
Snack: BBQ Rice Chips & fresh fruit
Dinner: Jerk Shrimp Quesadilla with guacamole and roasted red pepper and goat cheese dip
Snack: Fruit

YOU Gal Toni's Day 1 Update

Day 1 was great! Congratulations to the following for reaching their 10,000 steps and earning 1 ticket into this month's bi-weekly drawing:

Chiniqeia Kenner
Vanessa Nixon
Shirley Keeves
Karlene Riley
Linda Jones
Shana Smith

Here is my update:

Steps: 11360
Activity: Walking

Breakfast: 2 boiled eggs
Snack: Orange
Lunch: Salad (veggies, chicken & balsamic vinaigrette) I didn't get any cheese or craisins (saturated fat or sugar….that was hard)
Snack: Orange & Apple
Dinner: marinated grilled Chicken kabob & cabbage, carrot & broccoli medley
Snack: Sugar free gum

Beverage: Water

YOU Gal Stacy's Sexy By Summer Update

I successfully completed Day 1 of the "YOU Gals Sexy by Summer" Challenge. I will say yesterday I woke up feeling pumped and ready to complete this next phase in my life. I was able to complete all 10,000 steps although I do admit the last 4,000 steps were challenging. I could blame the weather, or the fact that I was busy at work and once home was overwhelmed with household motherly chores but I will spare you all the excuses. The truth of the matter is I did not plan as effectively as I could have and in the end I had to scramble to meet the day's goal.

Well today's a new day and my goal is to knock out as much steps as possible over my lunch break and any other breaks I take throughout my day today. I know I will be successful!

Enough talking here are my current stats:

3/22/11
Weight: 209
Waist: 32.5

Goal: To lose another 30lbs and work closely with my trainer to tone and sculpt these curves.

As for Day 2 of the challenge I say, "Bring It!"

YOU Gal Toni's - Sexy by Summer Update

Today is the Day 1 and I'm PUMPED! I've got my measurments and I'm ready to report out:

3/21/11
Weight: 188.6
Waist: 33 1/2

Final Goal: To drop 20 lbs and tone my body

This morning I didn't quite plan but I think that I have it together at this point. I've had breakfast and a snack, will grab some lunch (salad)shortly and I have chicken breast thawing out at home for dinner. I got up this morning and did a little Leslie Sanzone so I'm at 3950 steps and all before lunch! I'm heading to the gym before I go to pick up the little one to try and knock these steps out but I'm feeling like I'm in a GREAT PLACE!.....To be continued!