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!