Lost 100

When a Plus is Really a Minus

I didn't have the guts to take a close- up of this woman. Mind you, I am not making fun of her... It's just that she had on a $5000+ outfit and it looked AWFUL on her... This outfit is made for a size 2 who is lanky with no curves, the fact she could by it is beside the point. The point is: when you have the assets to buy whatever you want (and folks this lady took it to a new level with the awkward, flouncy multiple hemlines of the dress and the coat) you should dress the body you have- find what works best for it. You shop for style first, and then the outfit. Prada didn't do this woman any favors, instead of looking chic (pronounced sheek) she looks more EEK!

Music that keeps me going...

Love, love, love this song...it has gotten me through more long runs than I can tell you (and truth be told, short runs too).  I feel so raw when I'm listening to this song, especially the part about walking on the bridge, being over the water and being scared as hell...and yes, I do know there's something better, I just do. 

Paula Cole, Me

I am not the person who is singing
I am the silent one inside
I am not the one who laughs at people's jokes
I just pacify their egos
I am not my house, my car, my songs
They are only just stops along my way
I am like the winter
I'm a dark cold female
With a golden ring of wisdom in my cave

CHORUS:

And it is me who is my enemy
Me who beats me up
Me who makes the monsters
Me who strips my confidence

I am carrying my voice
I am carrying my heart
I am carrying my rhythm
I am carrying my prayers
But you can't kill my spirit
It's soaring and it's strong
Like a mountain
I'll go on and on
But when my wings are folded
The brightly colored moth
Blends into the dirt into the ground

Chorus

And it's me who's too weak
And it's me who's too shy
To ask for the thing i love
And it's me who's too weak
And it's me who's too shy
To ask for the thing i love
That I love (6 times)

I am walking on the bridge
I am over the water
And I'm scared as hell
But I know there's something better
Yes I know there's something
Yes I know, i know, yes i know

That I love (5 times overlapping chorus)

But it's me
And it's me
But it's me (4 times)

Duplicity...fit or fat or both?

So I know I'm suppose to be inspirational and all that, but I've gotta tell you, I'm not feeling very inspirational right now.  In an attempt to make some additional money and to increase my visibility I have begun videotaping workshops, seminars and the like & converting them to the DVD for the presenters.  Sounds like a no-brainer, right?  Find workshops I'm interested in and either barter or get paid to do something I would like to be doing anyway.

What I didn't count on was how I would somehow find a way to get some screentime.  I don't like to watch myself on video, I just don't.  So imagine my surprise as I have to thrice edit last night the piece I shot 10 days ago...I'm all over it, in the shots & then, here's the killer--we go into a yoga studio & I park my butt directly in front of the camera (to be fair, the other participants left me no choice as to spots).  I got to watch myself getting into positions and my shirt riding up and what my stomach looks like when I'm not consciously sucking it in and really the view no 360 mirror could ever provide...

Am I being hard on myself?

Maybe.  But maybe not.  I have an image of myself as fit.  I believe (or at least as of yesterday afternoon) that I am a fit person.  And honestly the facts back that up--I'm in good shape: I can run for over a hour without stopping, I swim in a masters swim class, I spin, I lift weights, I do Pilates, I do these things with ease.  But sometimes I don't.  Sometimes I plagued with injuries.  Injuries that anyone can get, sure, but really excess weight exacerbates.  I fit into a size 14 (which for me was a HUGE fete, and I realize that for some people that's a nightmare, but for someone who's a size 20-24-28-32 it's a dream and it's a dream I achieved).  Except when I don't (and then I don't really talk about it).  Sometimes I feel really 'in my body' and loving my curves and my hips...except when I don't, and I fixate on a problem 'area'.  But here's the thing, what I saw yesterday didn't show a person who appears fit.

I question whose eyes I'm viewing this body, my body, with?  Sometimes I think they are rose-colored glasses...Or can they be the harsh, judgemental glasses of woman-collective (that part of us that can sum up another woman harshly and concisely and limited, but comes way-too-easily for almost all of us)?  If I jump on the bandwagon of you aren't fit unless you look this way, and your BMI is this and your jeans are a single digit then where does that leave me--am I irrelevant?  But on the other hand do I give myself 'too much worth'- and is there such a thing? 

This is what I know (or at least I thought I knew):  I have a problem with fat-advocates, I don't think they do a service to women.  Obesity is a killer, by saying weight should not be a factor in this world is misguided to say the least.  But I also have an issue with the set that tells me I don't fit in with their crowd because I'm not a size 2, or 4, or 6.  Where does that leave me...right now, quite frankly, I feel alone.  I feel like I am alone in the middle.  Am I really serving anyone anymore?  I am really even serving myself?  If I admit that I don't believe I am worthy as a size 14, have I just told an amazing group of women (and men) who follow me that are size 16+ to collectively fuck-off?  Conversely, if I don't fit the expectations of the 'Fit-is-Us' crowd, do I even belong at the table, have I essentially become a 'fat advocate'? 

How much longer can I sit at this precipice?  There's an old phrase, 'shit or get off the pot'...does this mean I need to lose the 'rest of the weight'?  Maybe it does.  I do know that the woman I saw on that video did not look as fit as I desire to be, she appeared to move more slowly getting on and off the floor than a vibrant woman should.  Damn, that woman was me.  But so is the woman in my head.  The duplicity of it all....

Part of Loving Each Other is Exercising Together!

I just want to comment that because of my dear mother-in-law my hubby & I were able to sneak away to a hotel for the night on Valentines Day.  A night without the 2 year old and 3 year old was divine.  But you know what was even better?  The fact that once we checked into the hotel we both desired to go for a 5-mile run together in Central Park.  It's no secret, running together has set our marriage on fire.  No kidding.  Moreover, it feels really good to know that what helps mark a great date together isn't just some delicious meal, drink or dessert; but an activity that renews us physically, spiritually, individually, yet celebrated together.  A wonderful feeling to know our physical health is important to us both! 

Do you exercise with your significant other, sibling, BFF?  What benefits have you found?

The 10 Best Food Documentaries of All Time :: Blogs :: List of the Day :: Paste

I found this blog post today & LOVED it!  In fact, it inspired me to host a series of documentary viewings & thoughtful discussions for my newly formed group, 'Wellness Moms'.   I wish I could get a grant to hand these movies out for free to folks.  I plan to ambush my mother-in-law with 'Food, Inc.' this weekend!!!

The 10 Best Food Documentaries of All Time :: Blogs :: List of the Day :: Paste.

The Shamrock Shakedown

We had a big snowstorm the other day here in suburban NYC (aka New Jersey).  Everything was closed (even the gym!).  I unfortunately needed to take my brother to pick up a rental car & the weather was only going to get worse.  I knew this storm was coming and had prepared.  I got in a great workout on Tuesday & hit the grocery for a houseful of healthy food, plenty of grab and go veggies and fruit.  

Ah, the stress.  Never underestimate the stress.  What stress?--bad drivers, bad roads, screaming toddlers.  Ugh.  

And then I saw it.  The big green sign.  My old salvation.  Should I, could I?  What does it say about me if I do it?  Fuck it (sorry mom).  I pull in, drive up to my former nemesis and say those three little words:  shamrock shake please.  

Okay, yes, I ordered a shamrock shake.  And I ordered the kids one too.  But you know what.  I've been thinking about it and it was one shake.  I didn't order a 'large' or a bunch of fries or a 20 piece mc-fake-chicken.  I didn't obsess about getting another one.  I drank my shake, yum, it was tasty and I moved on.  I haven't considered going back and I doubt I will.  Fast food is not a part of our regular diet.  I hadn't had something from McDonalds in probably 4 months.  I doubt I will have McDonalds again for another 4 months.  The old Jennifer ate there a couple times a week.  The old Jennifer would be racked in guilt and would then go buy ice cream and whipped cream and a huge package of reeces pieces to console herself (ya, pretty smart, right?!). 

It was a shake, I craved it, I bought it, I drank it, I enjoyed it, and now it's done.  It's almost not worth mentioning.  Maybe I feel guilty for giving into a craving.  Maybe I should feel guilty.  But then again, maybe I shouldn't.  

If anyone asks, I'll just tell the truth, it was a case of a shamrock shakedown! 

The girls ran across the finish line with me at the 4 mile race this morning!

Sarah & Zoe (our 3 & 2 year old daughters) ran across the finish line with me this morning!  I am hoping the photo people got the shot & I can post it soon. 

Let me tell you, it was not my best race, yet it was a wonderful, joyous morning.  My ipod broke about about a mile into the run...so I had a wonderful opportunity to practice listening to my soul, enjoying the sounds of nature and not just the beat of the music.

After the race, I was retrieving my bag and saw a familiar face...couldn't quite place it at first.  So being a complete ass, I blurted out (to a very stunned woman), 'Miggy?!'  Yes, you've got it, Miggy, the mama-half of the green team from the current season of The Biggest Loser was there.  And so was, 'Nicole?!' (much less stunned, as she is probably used to running into bozos like me--haha).  Nicole was from season 7 of The Biggest Loser, a member of the red team, along with her then fiance (now husband), Damien.  Both looked amazing and graciously asked how my run went.  I actually hope to check out Nicole's spin class in the city some time soon.

It was a great way to spend a Sunday morning, especially one that typically would be rought with over-eating (Super Bowl Sunday!--more on that later...I'll post of pick of the healthy stuff I'm taking to the party tonight).  I also met a very nice young woman, Kara, who has lost 85 lbs & is training for the NYC Marathon this year.  She has an awesome blog, Karathon, if you get a chance, check it out.

Two great thoughts to share:

1.  Even when things aren't exactly as you expect them to go, enjoy the journey, at the end of the run, I have to say, even with my pants falling down (yes, they were loose!) & a broken ipod & frigid temps, I enjoyed myself, found joy and peace in the practice of moving my body and drew inspiration from the other runners all around me.

2.  What an awesome example for my daughters!  They got to run across the finish line with their mama & received more cheers than even the lead runner!  I can't wait for the day that we can run together as a family--how cool!

Feeling & looking fit!

Here's the latest picture of me--down 85 lbs! My bodyfat % is actually lower than it was when I weighed less! Must be all those muscles from swimming, running, biking, & lifting!

I feel great & am so excited as I enjoy the training journey toward the 1/2 marathon on April 25th!

A little nervous about the 9 inches of snow predicted for this weekend as I am running 4 mile race in Central Park on Sunday--check back, that should prove to be an interesting update for sure!

Had an interesting experience yesterday...found that I was really struggling during my master's swim class. I equated it to being tired and having been sick. But the more I swam the more I realized I hadn't eaten enough food!



Quite an interesting position to be in. When you find yourself fighting food & overeating you start to see food like the enemy. It reminded me of sex a little bit--your whole adolescence you're told that sex is 'bad', then when you finally have sex you might feel a strange feeling of it being wrong. As any normal person knows--sex is wonderful & important & should be enjoyed, not feared! Same with food. We need food, food is our friend. So why don't we choose to embrace food in the same way we embrace sex--an important part of ourselves :-)



Using food as fuel for our bodies is a very healthy way to think about it. When we put in the good stuff our engines will run optimally. And who wouldn't want optimal performance for their body? Afterall, it's not like we can trade it into Toyota for a new one!

Black & Blue Challenge--It's On!

So, recently I discovered I fit into a pair of black pants I had purchased some 18 months ago & had never fit.  Now I'm wearing them (however snug they still are) and reminding myself of the small changes I'm making.

Yesterday, I grabbed these jeans (thus the 'blue') out of my closet that my mom bought me for Christmas last year.  A little history:  When I tried them on last year I couldn't even get them over my butt.  She said, I got them cheap, don't return them, it won't be worth it.  So I held onto them.  

Fast forward to this week:  my favorite jeans (okay, really my only jeans) now have a small hole in the butt and the thigh and I'm starting to panic.  I'm not buying a pair of jeans right now, I'm just not.  So, grabbed the jeans out of the closet that my mom had got me, but were light years away from fitting.  Got them up!  Yay.  Buttoning them would prove much more of a challenge.  However, the good news is that I'm close, I'm very close.  I could see myself being in the jeans within the next 3 weeks perhaps! 

So what does that mean?

It means my black & blue challenge to myself is on!  I will be wearing those jeans in 3 weeks and these black pants that I'm wearing right now won't look like they are straight out of a 'paint the pants on the girl' store.

I may even snap a picture of myself in the pants/jeans.  [By the way, that's not me in the picture, it's a stock photo from the internet, not that there's anything wrong with the picture or the woman, just clarifying!]

Anyone else have a black & blue challenge they are up for?

I've Been Sick

So I've been sick...had this stomach virus that really kicked my butt.  It wasn't so much being sick, but the next 3 days I had no energy, no appetite & haven't worked out. 

I'm hopping back on the band wagon tonight and going to get in a workout...but how frustrating because I feel like I've lost a little edge. 

It's a time like this that I remind myself that this is a life journey.  Excercise, races, tri's they are fun events and training for them should be fun.  And it is!  I love seeing how my body can do new things, reach new peaks, and feel better over time. 

I love that my hip feels better all the time & that I'm being kind and gentle to my body while still working out hard.  To me, it's the yin & the yang of things...a hard workout & gentle Pilates...a hard run & gentle swim...a hard swim & fun hike...heavy weight training & long languid stretches.  This balance makes me love my body more and more everyday.  I love my curves, I love my muscles, I love my strength & I even love my fat (but sort of that kind of love you have for your smelly great aunt--you wouldn't mind if she smelled a little less, ya know?!).

So back to my wonderful practice of enjoying moving my body in old & new & fun ways :-)

International Disasters & Falling Off the Wagon: Why it's Important to Stay True to Yourself During Trying Times

If you're like most people you are having a hard time reconciling going through your daily activities 'business as usual' while the devastation in Haiti is going on.  The images on the TV, the voices of the correspondents cracking as they fight back tears, the cries on anguish...and you feel so helpless.  Perhaps you think, 'if only I could be there...'.  As someone who has been observing this disaster and specifically my reaction to & my history of reactions to international disasters, I'd like to take a moment to use my psychology & social work degree.

Haiti, Asia's Tsunami, Katrina, 9/11...they are in our collective conscious, in our shared history, they are perhaps the things we will tell our grandchildren about and will be asked about, they are things we will never forget.  Where were we when we first heard?  When did we realize it was worse than we could have imagined?  How did we feel?  What did we do?

I remember in each of the previous disasters feeling helpless.  I actually have Disaster Relief skills/background, as well as social service management/systems management/volunteer coordiantion skills, all of which could be put to great use.  I remember being angry that I could not be there to help (especially for Katrina, when I certainly felt I could jump in the car and drive to Lousiana, indeed that had been my plan, except for the fact that I realized I was pregnant just 2 days after the hurricane hit).  So in each of these past disasters (less so for the Tsunami because I had a newborn AND I was pregnant) I used my displaced feelings of helplessness & instead of channelling them into 'living my best life,' I did what I do best: zone out, eat, wallow, glue myself to the TV.

The thing is, it's not about us.  That may sound harsh.  But it's not.  There is always going to be somoene at any moment of the day on this earth going through hell.  There is always going to be someone having the best moment ever.  When we choose to sit back and live vicariously through people's lives, either through their tragedy or their success (think--celebrity obsession, reading about celebrities, wanting to date them, meet them, be them...) we are not being true to ourselves. 

I'll say it again, we are not living our best life, we are not holding true to our purpose in life when we allow all the things that go on in the world to derail us from what we should be doing.  The earthquake happened in Haiti, not in your kitchen.  There is no reason to overeat, to not cook, to fall off the wagon (so to speak).  You can still make a healthy meal, and have gratitude that you have the ability to cook, to purchase healthy food, to have the knowledge of wellness.

And here's the thing, when you live your best life; when you are, so-to-speak self-actualized, you actually contribute to the world through your energy, through your own goodwill.  Last night, as I watched the Golden Globes for a moment, actress Meryll Streep won an award.  She talked about feeling a bit incongruent putting on her nice dress, getting her hair & make-up done, celebrating during a time of so much sadness...then she remembered her mom's attitude and said, she felt gratitude that she could do something she loved and get paid so well, so because of the celebration she is quite wealthy, which meant that she's going to 'give today and give tomorrow and give the next day and the day after that...'. 

If you haven't been living your best life, choose now to do so.  Turn the negative emotions into a positive.  You don't have to continue to eat in front of the television crying when something bad happens.  Turn it off and tune in to your life.

Jillian Michael's Hawks Diet Supplements, is This in Line With What She Preaches?

My friend Judie, recently blogged about Jillian Michael's hawking diet supplements.  Is it in line her belief system?  What do you think about this?  Are you angry, happy, indifferent?  Here's my perspective:

I think I have a somewhat unique perspective: first, I use to weigh over 300 pounds, second, I’m a huge fan of TBL, third, I’ve met Jillian personally, and forth, I now work in the ‘the biz’.

When I met Jillian, I found her to be a person who is extremely passionate and authentic in what she does. She was at a small event with Sanjay Gupta for FitNation (CNN Special). She spent at least 10 minutes with each person, hearing their story, inspiring them & in turn being inspired (many of the people there were in ‘the biz’ and there were some people who lost a lot of weight & others who were trying to. She personally signed every book & wrote individual messages to each person, after learning a little about them. I found this to be so authentic & wonderful (especially considering that Rachel Ray left & never shook one hand).

On the other hand, having been a large person who looked for every shortcut in the world, I totally would have stocked up on this protein drink in the past (or anything someone told me to buy). But now I know & advocate just getting your butt out there and doing the work. I don’t need any protein, vitamins, specialty items. Just a pair of running shoes, a sports bra, my favorite workout outfit, my gym membership & 2 hours/day! My nutrition comes to me through my healthy diet. I have seen my body feel healthier, look healthier & now my bloodwork, etc. proves I am healthier. 5 years ago & 1000 protein drinks later I am sure I would still have 300lbs. The problem is you can’t sell inspiration, you can’t help people to make the connection unless you spend time with them, coach them, and find the inspiration within themselves–you can’t sell this & thus you can’t make money.

It is a mixed message, don’t fully agree with it (selling unnecessary protein supps), but I can understand it. Hopefully the good of TBL & her new show (where she moves in with a family for a couple weeks) will outweigh the effects of selling the bogus stuff!

The Biggest Loser, Season 9, Episode 2: Purple Mama Patti Goes Home

Purple Mama, diabetes-sufferer & the biggest loser from week 1, Patti martyred herself for her daughter (Stephanie) & headed home.  After losing 23 pounds (23 pounds people!) week one, Patti lost 4 lbs. week 2.  However, today she's lost a total of 43lbs, weighing in at 200 lbs.  Okay, so maybe it's not the 100 lbs that James lost last week, BUT more important that the weight is that Patti was taking 9 meds and now only 2.  She ran a 5K on Thanksgiving Day!  She's working out with her other daughter & her husband.  All her health indicators are significantly better and her goal is to be off all meds and hopes to no longer be considered diabetic.

I'll post a link to her video on Wednesday morning, as well as get the chart up and running for the season (sorry to be a bit tardy...would rather slack off on that than on my work outs, to be honest!).

Check back in the morning peeps :-)

< /br> < /br> If you're new here, you are about to see something amazing--my 'everything but the kitchen sink', all-encompassing chart including height, weight, BMI, losses, percentages, etc.--check it out:
< /br> < /br> Here is a link to Purple Mama Patti 'where are they now' video: < /br> < /br> < /br> < /br> Here is a link to James' 'where are they now' video: < /br>

The Biggest Loser, Season 9, Episode 2: Purple Mama Patti Goes Home

Purple Mama, diabetes-sufferer & the biggest loser from week 1, Patti martyred herself for her daughter (Stephanie) & headed home.  After losing 23 pounds (23 pounds people!) week one, Patti lost 4 lbs. week 2.  However, today she's lost a total of 43lbs, weighing in at 200 lbs.  Okay, so maybe it's not the 100 lbs that James lost last week, BUT more important that the weight is that Patti was taking 9 meds and now only 2.  She ran a 5K on Thanksgiving Day!  She's working out with her other daughter & her husband.  All her health indicators are significantly better and her goal is to be off all meds and hopes to no longer be considered diabetic.

I'll post a link to her video on Wednesday morning, as well as get the chart up and running for the season (sorry to be a bit tardy...would rather slack off on that than on my work outs, to be honest!).

Check back in the morning peeps :-)

Signed up for My Races Today!!!

So, today I signed up for several races:

4 miler February 7th, 10K March 13th, 15K (that's 9.3 miles) March 28th & a HALF MARATHON April 25th!  I made a training plan & I can do this!!!

I am also doing 2 or 3 sprint triathlons this year...June, August & October (the October one is the 1st one I did last year, the one where I was dead last, like 15 minutes after the last finisher!  So I'm really looking forward to going back and being in better shape & finishing stronger!).

I told my husband today that for Mother's Day I want a wetsuit & a couple sessions of open water swims in the Atlantic.  Very exciting stuff, but hey, it's better than a vaccuum cleaner!  haha.

How about YOU????

New Year, New You

Happy New Year everyone! You may have heard me rail against 'new year resolutions' in the past...I find that come November 1st everyone decides to do nothing about their health because of 'the holidays'... And proceeds to gain 10-15 lbs only tothen buckle down January 1st and lose those same 10-15 lbs and then lose interest in their health-- the net result is that they are no happier or healthier!

But alas it IS January 1st today & many of you may have resolved to turn over a new leaf and make your health a priority--so good for you! The key is to focus on one day at a time & make small weekly goals!

If you would like individual support I would be willing to coach you for 50% off my regular fees. In fact I would offer anyone a free no-strings-attached consultation- just reference 'new year' when you e-mail me.

Jennifergriola@yahoo.com

Best wishes & I thank you for allowing me to take this journey with you!

No More New Year's RESOLUTIONS! Decide TODAY to change your life!!!

I use to get inspired by people making New Year's Resolutions--especially when people would stick to them (duh!).  But if you think about, really think about it....WHY?  Why do we need a day to decide to change?  Why can't we decide to change at any moment?  Right now, for instance, would be a great time to make a change.  You don't have to do what you always did...you don't have to have your 'same old story' be your story today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year.  It's just a story--YOU (and you alone) can write your story--YOU CAN MAKE YOUR LIFE WHAT YOU WANT!  What amazing power--what amazing power you have within you.  Don't wait until after the holidays--make this moment a moment to re-commit & get healthy!!!

The Biggest Loser Finale--Chart of All Players

Here is a full season chart of weights, heights, percentages, BMI's, etc. etc.

Download Biggest loser8 FINALE

I'll have a more critical analysis later today....mostly serious, but perhaps a bit snarky too :-)  Honestly though, so much inspiration from the folks in the show last night...really, really amazing stories!

DANNY is THE BIGGEST LOSER

Danny lost an amazing 239 pounds (weighing in at 191) to claim the top spot tonight...more to follow!

55.58%

A Biggest Loser Proposal!

Antoine proposed to Alexandra--she said YES (of course), after lots of tears :-)

SHAY Gets a SUBWAY Offer She Can't Refuse

Subway is paying Shay $1000/pound to lose weight...she'll weigh-in at the Season 9 Finale in May!!! 

She's 304 now, down from 476....lost a total of 172 lbs already (36.13%)!  Congrats Shay, you look AMAZING!!!

Rebecca Wins the 'At Home' Prize

Losing 139 lbs, a total of 49.82% Rebecca takes home the 'at home prize'

AMANDA is in The Biggest Loser FINALE (with Rudy & Danny)

America just voted Amanda into the FINALES!!!  Congrats my fellow Jersey Girl!

The Biggest Loser--Finale TONIGHT...Who will it be?

Will it be Amanda, the sweet & cute 20-year-old OR Liz, the middle-aged 'maybe it's not the last song afterall'?

We'll find out tonight in the much anticipated finale... One of those 2 ladies will vie for the title against strong-as-an-ox Rudy & 'i found my groove again' Danny....

Stay tuned...live blogging updates!!!

Back from vacation

Back from vacation! Hope y'all had a very happy Thanksgiving :-).

So we have a lot going on here in lost100 land.... Gotta update you on The Biggest Loser-- finale is next Tuesday! Also I'm working on a special feature updating the 'where are they now'- in case you missed it there was a special last week with lots of updates & I have even more since then for y'all!

Also want to update you on a couple workshops I attended & some new cardio classes I've been checking out... Stay tuned! Same bat channnel, same bat station.

Thanks!

I am thankful for being able to run in Central Park this Thanksgiving! Grogeous day- 60 & sunny!

It was important for me to give thanks today for my beautiful & amazing body & I couldn't think of a better way to give thanks than to do something active & in nature!

Biggest Loser Season 8, Episode 11 Re-Cap: Last Week On Campus & Allen is Eliminated

Well, we know one thing for sure:  Allen is NOT The Biggest Loser.  At this point, it's no longer heartbreaking for someone to go home--after all, they were all going home the next day.  It's about who's going to take home the big prize now!  The final four are: Liz, Rudy, Danny & Amanda.  Next week they'll probably do what they do every season--the bottom two contestants will be voted on for the finale & won't know until they are on live TV on December 8th.  But who knows, we'll find out next Tuesday for sure!

This episode was like most 'last week on campus' episodes: very nostalgic.  They lay it on a bit thick if you ask me.  There were the heart to heart talks (Amanda & Bob's nonsexual love affair anyone?), the song written by and sung by a contestant (Danny), the crying (Liz), the talk of gratefulness/2nd chances/getting my life back & the fear of 'going back'.  The proverbial challenge where they put all their weight back on and take it off a little at a time to mirror the season (this time with weighted footballs)...it was nice for Allen, he won the ProBowl tickets this year, so that's cool!

Suze Orman showed up and discussed the staggering statistics of how much money we, as a country, spend on obesity-related health care ($100's of billions every year!).  Also, the fact that an obese employee is paid, on average, $7000 less than their fit counterpart.  It appears Suze had individual sessions with each of the contestants, talking about the stresses of money leading to people overeating--really essentially acting as a life coach in this area for these contestants.  

Here's the link to the weekly chart: Download Biggest loser8 wk11

After the show Allen appeared on the Jay Leno show & he looked great!  He stated he now weights 200 lbs, he's wearing his wedding ring again (something he wasn't able to do for 8 years!).  I didn't know this, but not only is Allen a firefighter, but also a caterer & a county coroner!  He cooked a healthy pizza with Jay & fellow guest Charles Barkley (who needed some tutoring to slim down himself)!  On the pizza--no salt marinara, peppers (red, green, yellow), mushrooms, onions, turkey pepperoni, toful italian sausage & lowfat mozzarela.  I thought it looked delicious, but it was panned by Jay & Charles (who for a man who was supposedly running for governor a few months ago, had awful pronunciation--he said 'veg-a-tables' over and over again!).

Here's the link to the 'where are they now' video...I got a little teary-eyed when his wife discussed how they really weren't close before he got on the show, but that this had brought them closer & they had reconnected (oh, he also mentioned on Jay Leno that he & his wife were trying for another baby).  Congrats Allen on your incredible weight loss!

SOUND OFF: Yes, you (you!) need to wear underwear at the gym!!!

I didn't think I would need to re-visit this...but, ahem...fitness instructor at the gym today really showed her ass (and I don't mean that in the figurative sense). 

So, AGAIN, when you wear black workout pants they may seem to be opaque, but when you bend and stretch they become see-through.  Yes. They all do.  Even the thick ones. 

Now you know when it's really bad?  When the buxom fitness instructor is doing squats directly in front of you, and she bends and her butt is facing you and then you look and realize you can see everything (and I do mean everything!).  I mean really, she's the instructor--EVERYONE is going to be looking at her butt just to see what they are suppose to be doing!  And yep, commando folks!

And while we're on the subject, can we please stop wearing thongs under your workout gear unless you have like 8% body fat.  It's like if you wear your Saturday night date bra to the gym--not quite the same support for the girls...so when you're wearing that thong, honey your cottontail is wagging all over the place.  Keep the thong for everything else, but maybe stick to the boy shorts for gym...please.

What do you think???  What underwear is best for the gym???

Holidays Scaring You? Plan Out Your Workouts for the Week!

                                So it's Thanksgiving week!  So excited....but I know there are those of you shaking in fear because you know this is the time of year you can easily pack on 10-15 lbs. between this week & the 2nd week of January.  Maybe it's time to change your story!  Instead of same old-same old, make this the year you maintain, or better yet, lose weight this Holiday season!  How?  Simple:  PLAN.  You heard right, plan it out! 

This week for instance I know that I have relatives coming and it's easy to miss a workout.  Well, instead of waiting to plan until the day of, I know exactly what I'm doing this week.  And everyone else will just plan around it or go on without me. 

• Tuesday:  interval cardio class, gym 12:30PM-1:30 PM, abs, weights, more cardio to follow
• Wednesday:  running in early AM (7 am baby!), evening masters swim program 8-9PM
• Thursday:  Thanksgiving!  running 6 miles in Central Park after watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
• Friday: 7:30 AM  Masters swim program, followed by weight training session
• Saturday:  Pilates
• Sunday:  running in AM

Another important thing to remember:  take a daily walk after dinner.  Make it a family event if you'd like.  Catch up with your Great Aunt Sally over a 3 mile walk after Thanksgiving dinner.  You don't need workout attire, but the simple act of moving around will keep your metabolism going and keep you from stuffing yourself to the breaking point!

Good luck--and don't forget the silly, but true old adage:  If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!

Happy Thanksgiving week :-)

Wow--30,000 visits to the blog as of today!

I know there are people who get 30,000 hits in a day...but I'm kind of excited because as of today there have been 30,000 lifetime visits to this blog.  Hopefully folks are getting inspired and changing their lives.  If you already are living a healthy life, today's challenge:  inspire someone else--pay it forward people!!!

Biggest Loser Season 8, Episode 10: Rebecca Goes Home & Finds Love With Daniel!

Do you find it interesting that The Biggest Loser series seems to have nearly as much luck in love as they do in weight loss? Why is it that the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise can only boast ONE marriage, while TBL has 3 marriages and at least 2 happy/ serious couples under their belt (ahem, no pun intended!). Last night Rebecca was sent home (she was up against Liz) & it was revealed on The Jay Leno show (although I already knew because Daniel has it on his facebook page) that she's in love with Daniel! I've got to be honest, I was a little surprised...she's 5 years older than Daniel for one thing. But as Rebecca put it, 'I fell in love with my best friend.' Who can argue with that folks?!

This week was make-over week & the contestants all looked amazing! We had the beard-trimmings & hair-dying & fancy clothing. I have to say, I really like Tim Gunn (the fashion dude)...he seems to be genuine & really relates to the contestants, he's able to talk to them about their fears & encourage them to try new things in a way that does not seem at all contrived. They all looked amazing. I have to say, this season I was reminded once again of my own journey. I feel like I made it to 'make-over week' and then that was it, like somehow my journey was over. I would LOVE to be able to run right through this plateau & experience the success the contestants do as they leave the show and prepare for the finale! I can imagine I'm not alone in these feelings!

The weigh in was surprisingly good, especially in light of last week when the contestants all lost so much weight. Amanda reminds me so much of Season 6 winner Michelle. Michelle for the first 8 or so weeks just seemed to coast along, never really had the HUGE weight losses of the other contestants, then one week pow, she hit 10 lbs & she never looked back! Our little Amanda may be the sleeper winner this season! Otherwise, it's looking pretty strong for the 3 men, Danny, Rudy & Allen have all been playing their cards right and setting themselves up to make it to the finale. My guess is that Liz will not be in the finale, but then again I didn't think Helen had a chance last season either (this is why I'm a blogger & not a Vegas odds-maker!).

Rebecca looked beautiful, confident, fit & happy at the end of the show & on the Jay Leno Show. On Jay, she revealed she's lost a total of 122 lbs & currently weighs 157 lbs. Her shoulders & arms were cut & she had on a mini-dress that showed a lot of leg & when she sat down her legs looked really strong & muscular! Her goal is to open a gym for overweight children! Check out her video below.

Here is the link to my handy-dandy, everything but the kitchen sink chart: Download Biggest loser8 wk10

How to Be Fit Without Joining a Gym!

Local gym memberships can range from $20/month to well over $200/month.  But if money is tight, does that mean you have to resign yourself to a life without fitness?  No way sister!  Here are some fitness tips to liven up your gym-free life!

First, make every attempt to lead an active lifestyle.   Things like:  parking as far away as possible, walking to the train, taking the stairs, doing your own yard work & gardening really add up. 

For moms of young kids, do you ever find yourself in awe of their energy, their core strength (monkey bars anyone?) & that exercise is fun for them?  Well, maybe it’s time to join the kids!  

• Run around in the yard or the park with the kids—set up races, play tag, do an obstacle course.  We have a play park at Flood Hill in South Orange is perfect for an obstacle course—I saw a nanny build up a full-on sweat chasing her 5-year-old charge one day.
• If you have a wee one, wearing that baby will not only give you that special closeness, but also give you the opportunity to work on your core muscles/fitness.
• Dance with your kids—kids love to dance & they don’t care if you can’t carry a beat to save your life—so pull down the shades and kick up your heels!
• Baby yoga…there are DVD’s, books, etc. on how to do yoga with your newborn.

For the real fitness buffs out there who are looking for something with a bit more substance:

• Walk/run at a local park.  We have a (land) reservation with a traffic-free loop, its 2 miles.  Or you can add the 2nd loop for a 5K route.  Sick of that, but like the scenery?  Try alternating a cardio segment (jumping, galloping, skipping, side shuffle) with a leg exercise (walking lunges, walking squats, side step with a band) with an upper body exercise (on a long route bands work best).
•  Up for a challenge?  Run/ sprint up a big hill 10 times.  In between try jogging around the area or doing some calisthenics.
•  Have cable?  There is a whole collection of FREE exercise videos for different fitness levels ‘On Demand’.
•  For a small investment you can create your own super duper mommy workout in the privacy of your own home that you can do several times a week.  You’ll need a step (ie. Step aerobics), an exercise ball, hand weights (choose 5, 8, 10, 12, or 15 lbs), and a clock with a second hand.  You’ll do each of these sets 3 times before moving to the next set: 

1.  30, 45, or 60 seconds of step ups (up and down on the step as fast as possible, change lead foot half way); 12 lunges with each leg; tri-cep kick backs; 20 hand-offs with the ball (lay flat on your back with the ball between your outstretched legs—pass the ball between your hands and your feet, ‘crunching up’).
2. 30, 45, or 60 seconds of side step downs (straddle the step, start with both feet on the step, and hop down with one foot on each side); 12 squats with bi-cep curl & shoulder press (this is a GREAT move, 3 exercises in 1!); using step 12 reps of 1 arm rows (for your lats/back); 30 second plank (for your abs).
3. 30, 45, or 60 seconds of jump rope/ jump ups (onto the step)/ climbers (in a plank alternate pulling legs in) or skaters (jumping from side-to-side like a speed skater); lay on step 12 reps flies (for the chest); plie squats (legs wide stance with toes pointed out); bicycle abs 30

*You can design any program—the key is to do 1 segment each of cardio, upper body, lower body, & core!
 Main muscles to hit:  
• Legs:  quads (front of thighs), hamstrings (back of thighs), glutes (butt), calves, inner/outer thigh 
• Chest/Back/ Shoulders
• Arms: Bi-ceps, Tri-ceps
• CORE—abdominals (top, bottom, obliques/sides, lower back)

The best indicator of a successful fitness program is one that you do regularly.  So don’t set unrealistic or unachievable goals for yourself.  How much exercise do you need?  Current CDC guidelines recommend:  adults “should get 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle group.”   In addition, research shows that having a workout buddy (spouse, friend, partner) will make you 60% more likely to stick to your routine.  So find a buddy.  Chances are someone out there is looking for a buddy too!

Success Story: Alanis Morisette Shares How She Recovered from Anorexia/Bulimia & Found Strength

If you're anything like (the old) me, then you may have been sort of jealous of a confession of an anorexic that they ate only melba toast, carrots & black coffee for 4-6 months at a time.  Hell, if you've ever been obese you know that the go through times when it's hard to eat less than 4000 calories a day!  To have that kind of will power is admirable, right?  Um, wrong-o.

Really, anorexia & morbid obesity are equally as bad...If you look at eating/health habits on a continuum, it may look something like this:

1. Anorexia     
2. Bulimia
3. Struggling to eat enough
4. Restrictive Diet   

      Eating to Live   

1. Overeating
2. Overweight
3. Obesity
4. Morbid Obesity
   

 

No one wants to be in the fringe.  Let's for a second think about the life of an anorexic--they have the same shame as those of us who overeat, they know they have bad eating habits, but different from us, they seemingly get lots of attention, 'good attention' told they look great, idolized by most mainstream magazines, and unless they become 'bony' most friends and family members will continue to give them positive attention for their body.  On some levels I think it may be harder to change in that climate, whereas there are so many more resources and ways to get positive attention when you are losing weight. 

Fundamentally, we all want the same thing...we want food to be something that sustains our bodies, and isn't tied to emotional issues.  To have food be a non-issue in our lives is a huge goal for both anorexics and morbidly obese people.  We are not enemies, but allies.  We can learn from one another and support one another. 

Alanis Morissette's recent interview with December's issue of Health Magazine (on newstands Nov. 24th) and CNN shows a confident, strong, self-actualized woman who has overcome her issues with food & can now concentrate on the things that are really important to her, 'integrating all the parts of me -- jock, musician, writer, poet, philosopher -- and becoming stronger as a result.' 

I applaud Ms. Morissette for sharing her story and her journey & hope more people can come to experience the success she has, regardless of where they fall on the eating spectrum!

See the CNN article below:

(CNN) -- Alanis Morissette was the definition of "fierce" when she arrived on the American music scene with one of the big break-up songs of the '90s, "You Oughta Know." But behind that tough exterior were secrets of a difficult past.

"As a teen, I was both anorexic and bulimic," Alanis Morissette recently told Health magazine for its December issue. "I was a young woman in the public eye, on the receiving end of a lot of attention, and I was trying to protect myself from men who were using their power in ways I was too young to know how to handle."

By the time Morissette was 14, she had already starred in a popular Canadian children's show, started her own record label and had a publishing contract with MCA Canada, according to her Web site.

"Disappointment, sadness and pain hit me hard, and I tried to numb those feelings through my relationship with food. For four to six months at a time, I would barely eat. I lived on a diet of Melba toast, carrots, and black coffee," she said. "I began recovering at 18, when a sweet friend confronted me."

Now that she's older, Morissette, 35, said she's no longer starving herself and has begun to look at eating as "a sort of spiritual practice." Her healthier view of food and nutrition is thanks in no small part to a book she discovered a few years ago called "Eat to Live."

"It's become my bible, pushing me to completely reorient my thinking about what to put into my body. ... Now I concentrate on eating high-nutrient foods like fruit, nuts, collards, kale and spinach. I'm obsessed with them. I even put spinach in my smoothies," the Canadian musician admitted.

The seven-time Grammy Award winner has also sworn off dairy, on a tip from Woody Harrelson, no less. "Woody Harrelson [told] me I needed to get rid of the dairy in my fridge to clear up my skin," she said.

It's had a positive effect: Morissette said her skin "looks great now."

But all of that health consciousness doesn't mean Morissette has lost appreciation for the more delectable things in life. "Don't get me wrong," she said in the interview, "I still indulge in a glass of wine or chocolate -- treats are mandatory. Without deviating from the day-to-day healthy diet once in a while, it wouldn't be sustainable for me, and that's what I wanted: an approach to eating to last my entire life."

Resolving her issues with food and body image has helped Morissette to develop clarity in other areas of her life as well.

"I'm really clear about what my life mission is now. There's no more depression or lethargy, and I feel like I've returned to the athlete I once was. I'm integrating all the parts of me -- jock, musician, writer, poet, philosopher -- and becoming stronger as a result," she said.

"I hope my effort shows any woman battling an eating disorder or poor body image that she's not alone -- support is out there -- and inspires her to discover her inner athlete. It doesn't matter what your fitness-skill level is."

Health magazine's December issue hits newsstands November 24.

Yummy dinner!

Made a delicious dinner last night of grilled tilapia (I love my George foreman grill) with a warm mango salsa & broiled zucchini & yellow squash- yum!

For the zucchini:
Cut up veggies, put in large bowl (that has a fitted lid), add fresh garlic, fresh Rosemary, ground pepper, 1/2 tbsp evoo, a pinch of sea salt. Place lid, shake it up--put on broiler pan & put under broiler for 10 minutes or so. Enjoy!

Biggest Loser Season 8, Episode 9: Shay & Daniel Go Home in a Surprise Twist!

There was a air of foreboding throughout the entire episode.  Everyone was risk tonight.  For the first time ever, there was a 'red line'.  Whoever had the lowest percentage of weight loss would immediately go home.  Then the 2nd & 3rd lowest would fall below the yellow line and be put up for a vote.  A few twists...one person would win immunity & their weight would not count, and another person would win a 1 pound advantage, perhaps enough to keep their above the yellow line.

Jillian & Bob seemed shocked by the turn of events.  Were they?  Who knows.  They did talk a good game about 'playing with these people's lives'...alluding to the fact that while this is a reality show, it's real life.  Unlike any other reality show, you can't fake it.  You have to do the work to lose the weight...and weight is a HUGE emotional issue, she playing with people's emotions is not looked at fondly.  Jillian pleaded with Bob to try to set someone up to go home, in order to save Shay.  Bob insinuated that it was Amanda....was it?  Who knows. 

Rudy won immunity through a challenge, but there was some sort of alliance that Shay alluded to, that Rudy seemingly broke...he seemed to perceive the conversation differently....not sure how to view it, but Rudy has seemed the most steadfast in this morals/ethics/beliefs throughout this competition, so I believe it was a misunderstanding.  Allen won the 1 lb weight advantage.  Would it matter, yes, more than you'd ever know.

Shay weighed in, and was hoping for a 12 lb loss, she LOST 17 POUNDS!  A huge sigh of relief was uttered on my couch I'm telling you.  She had it in the bag, I was sure.  Well, one by one, players weighed-in and they all brought their A-game.  By the end, had there not been any immunity/extra pound advantage the numbers would have looked like this:

1. Liz          5.5%                            Rudy (immunity)
2. Danny     5.11%                           Liz             5.5
3. Rebecca  4.57%                           Danny       5.11
4. Shay       4.33%                           Rebecca    4.57
5. Allen      3.95%                           Allen         4.35
6. Amanda  2.42%                           Shay         4.33
7. Rudy      2.41%                            Amanda    2.42  
8. Daniel    1.92%                            Daniel      1.92

So, Daniel was always going home, but it could have been Rudy or even Allen (say Rudy didn't know he had immunity, my guess is, he would have worked harder, it only made sense that he didn't kill himself this week, because he'll save a huge number for next week then) vying against Amanda to go home.

Interestingly, they showed a video from Daniel at home....they didn't for Shay.  What does that mean?  I was able to find the video on TBL site...I'm just surprised they didn't show it last night. Also,I stayed up and watched the Jay Leno show after TBL was over, and guess what--both Shay & Daniel were there and they looked AMAZING--absolutely gorgeous.  Shay had on this leopard print dress, with a high belt, she looked so great, I actually thought she weighed under 300 lbs.  She stated that she weighs 320 lbs (a loss of 150lbs+!), but it made me wonder if she actually weighed a bit less and was game-playing just to keep folks guessing.  According to Daniel he stated he's lost 230 lbs total, which should put him in around 224lbs.  Also Daniel has a girlfiend--yeah!  Oh, he also met with with David, his old partner who does not look too good.  He was making a lot of excuses and said he was tired and resting and working and other things were more important right now.  It was very brave of Dave to make this appearance, I hope that Daniel acts as a good influence over him! Shay discussed working out 4 hours/day on workdays, and 6-7 hours/day on the weekends--wow! She also has 6 trainers and is doing several different kinds of workouts including strength training, kick boxing, cardio & the street strider (like a bike meets an eliptical). Way to go Shay!

Next week is make-over week-I can't wait!!!

Here's the link to my handy, dandy, everything but the kitchen sink chart:

Download Biggest loser8 wk9

 

Here's is Daniel's 'where are they now' video:

Here is Shay's 'where are they now' video:

Biggest Loser Season 8, Episode 8 Re-Cap: Ouch-Hi Tracey, it's me, Revenge, You Just Got Bit on the Ass

Yes folks, everyone's favorite love-to-hate her loser is outta there!  Actually, the producers have softened up on Tracey the last few weeks, and the hate has lessened.  But let's be honest, you smiled a little when Tracey went bye-bye, didn't you?

This was actually a very nice episode...the troops went to DC to talk up fitness, nutrition and the importance of education.  They got a tour of the White House, ate food directly from the WH garden & met with the chefs of the WH.  They recruited people to come and exercise with Bob & Jillian on the mall. It was inspiring to watch all these people pull together for the health!

But numbers are numbers folks, and bitches are bitches & for one bitch her number was up. You know, I would have been sorry Tracey, and even began to think maybe she was given a bad rap...then I saw her on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno...and no, she's not a nice girl--no apologies...doesn't even see it, all the stuff, and how she was not nice...she said, 'I finally was taking care of myself'. Whatever. She's gone. She does look great & I wish her well in life, but hope perhaps she does a bit of work on her histrionics...

Here is my super-duper all encompassing chart with height, weight, percentages, BMI, etc. Download Biggest loser8 wk8

Here is the 'Where are They Now' Video:


Here is the Today Show Video:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

5 Weight Loss Success Stories

So, I came across this site, and found some pretty inspiring 'real people' success stories.  They look awesome!  The only thing I wish is that they posted the before/after on the same page...I like to compare them.  Oh well.  Anyway, click on the link below to check out these 5 ladies.  And keep on keeping on my weight-loss warrior friends!

Ladies Home Journal

Crazy Week...but Good Saturday Morning!

Hello Lost 100 peeps!  I had a super crazy week this week.  Two canceled babysitters, one all-day project that fell in my lap & I had to complete in 14 hours (on the day the babysitter canceled no less)!  Missed a couple of workouts & didn't get the 3-4 posts up that I was hoping to during the week.  My apologies.  I will try to catch up with a couple of them (priority on the biggest loser re-cap) today and tomorrow.

But I have good new to report from the land of running.  I, yes, me, your friendly neighborhood blogger/jogger, ran a 5K this morning.  Without. Headphones.  Not a big deal, you say?  Au Contraire.  You are talking to the chick that has a hard time running a 100 yard dash without music!  But it was kind of nice, I actually had to have a little conversation with myself (in my head of course, I couldn't have all the folks at the South Mountain Reserve thinking I'm a dingbat!).  It was a nice way to clear my head and enjoy the scenery & do a little planning/dreaming/thinking.  I must admit I missed Kanye West reminding me that, 'that don't kill me will only make me stronger'...but in a sense I learned more--I can & did run without headphones.

By the way, the reason this is so important is that I'm self-absorbed and love talking about myself  that triathlons & other official races do not allow headphones/ipods, etc. of any kind during the race.  I'm realizing it's a mental game & I put up a BIG WIN today!

Loving my 35-year-old Body!

Derartu Tulu won the NYC marathon today yesterday.  She's a 37-year-old mother of six (ages 11, 3 & 4 adopted--ages of her adopted children were not given).  She's amazing.  Paula Radcliffe began to trail behind and Tulu encouraged her to stay with the lead pack.  She looked amazing, strong, happy, relaxed.  Coming in second was a 41-year-old.  It just sort of makes me think being in your 30's is perhaps perfect, or about as close as it gets!  I don't have the unrealistic expectations or insecurities of my 20's...and I am amazed at the pinnacles my body can take me to.  I am loving seeing progress every week in my runs and my swimming & seeing what Tulu did by winning the marathon after a long break away makes me think the best is certainly yet to come!  Woohoo for women & our bodies! 

Longest Run in 2 Years!!!

Yeah!  So, we set out today to run a 10K today (6.2 miles) and along the way I had to pee.  Unfortunately I was right in the middle of my run...hmm...what to do?  Well fortunately I kept my wits and my iphone with me.  Facebook app.  Kristen, my friend, who I've never actually met in person (but we have kids the same age and chat all the time on Facebook, on BigTent--we're in a mommy group together, etc), lived up the hill.  Phone number--yes.  At this point I haven't even stopped running--another reason why I love my iphone (this is completely unsolicited praise, they don't pay me folks, but if they want to, I would happily accept!).  I call super-mom Kristen who has just put out her gourmet carved pumpkins (can I patent that?)...she's home.  I can come use her bathroom.  I feel like a complete ass! 

So, when I say she lives on top of a hill, I mean a steep hill.  A STEEP hill, I'm not kidding.  It's like a San Francisco-esque hill, and then you get to the top....and it keeps going up!  We ran a little of it, but mostly kept our heartrate souring with just walking up this steep hill!  When we left sweet-Kristen's house we actually ran through a rock quarry and added a bit of mileage! 

On the way back to our car our legs felt like jello.  I hadn't run 7 miles since the marathon 2 years ago.  No, I didn't do the marathon.  But I did watch it on TV and went to the gym and ran 7 1/2 miles without stopping on the treadmill as I watched.  To this day I hold that day in history up as my pinacle of fitness.  So perhaps I've turned a corner?  Jello legs and all?!  Oh, also my arms (not the bi-cep, not the tri-cep, but the part right in between, which is probably technically the bi-cep) are feeling VERY sore these days--all that swimming!  So...all in all it's been a successful week in Jennifer-fitness-land.  Tired, sore, but not injured, perfect!  Now, if only it weren't Halloween, & we didn't have a houseful of candy and the mother-in-law hadn't just made a sh!tload of unhealthy, fat-ladened, food.  I know, I know, I can make a veggie burger and not eat the candy....and I will.  Sometimes I just like to bitch. 

Anyway...Happy Halloween & I hope y'all have productive, energizing workouts this weekend!

My workout today

Just finished an interval cardio-resistance training session & now onto the pool for a little lap time!

Swimming, Swimming in a Swimming Pool...'Look at the Moon'

Well, another day of training has come and gone, and I've had the pleasure of learning more than I thought I ever needed to know about swimming.  Yes, my master's swim training was yesterday.  The water hasn't fully drained from my ears yet (I tried some earplugs the other day...it felt worse!) but I wanted to detail my training.

200m warm-up

Drill set (with flippers)     6 sets

• doggie paddle, head up  25m                                 
• freestyle stroke, head up  25 m
• freestyle 25 m

Main Set

• 4xbreast/back/free (25m each)
• 4x100 freestyle (right side breathing only)
• 3xbreast/back/free (25 m each)
• 4x100 freesyle (left side breathing only)

Cool down--100 m

I felt a little bit like 'Baby' in the movie Dirty Dancing when she's going over all the things she going to do that night when she was going to perform ('I'm going to keep my head up, my arms...'), basically some positive self-talk.  So as I swim I'm saying to myself...keep you head in the water, tuck you chin, after you stroke-glide, breath like you're putting your chin on your shoulder and your looking behind you at the 'moon'...I actually feel differently in the water, not drastically different, but a little different.  I am still terrified that I'm going to swallow water and drown.  But I am breathing differently...that little advice the coach gave me about rotating my body, looking behind me, not to the side, but behind me, really paid off.  I added the part about looking at the moon...nobody gets it, I know that, I'm not that crazy (well, maybe fans of 'Harold & the Purple Crayon'), but I get it, so I tell myself to look at the moon & I do.

I have a lot of work to do.  I told the coach I think I know why I'm having trouble getting my whole head in the water...because water splashes into my mouth when I breath and then I get scared that I'm going to drown.  She said, 'well the edge of the pool..'  I stopped her right there.  Like I explained, no excuses.  In a triathlon there will be a a hell of a lot more splashing...I just need to work through it.  I don't want to make excuses, I want to understand the barrier, work through it, around it, over it, under it--whatever--it just needs to be gone!  So there.  I know the issue, and now it's time to figure out how to get out of my head and into the game!

Oh, and I am now the proud owner of the official-unofficial swimmers swim suit.  Yep, took the plunge (ahem) and bought the suit, actually got a pretty good deal--it was $68, on sale for $43 & I had a Dick's $10 certificate...so I felt like it was worth it!  Now, if only I looked as good in my suit as the other women...I will!

Biggest Loser Season 8, Episode 7 Re-Cap: Abby Rike Finds Herself Again & Inspires Millions

I just now am able to write.  Tonight's episode of The Biggest Loser shook me to the core.  Abby, our dear, sweet Abby opted to go home to save Amanda, Shay & Daniel.  Why?  She simply said the journey for her was not about losing the weight, but finding herself and finding out what was out their waiting for her.  It was emotional...even Ali was crying. 

I always think to myself, 'if Abby can get out of bed everyday and face her life, then I can do anything.'  I can keep running, I don't have to stop because I feel tired.  She inspires me.  And from visiting her Facebook fan page tonight, it's clear I am not alone. 

I was so happy to see Abby out there speaking at schools to students and teachers about choices.  I don't know where she gets her strength from, but she does--she actually said, if the man who had killed her family had lived she would show him compassion and tell him there's redeption and second chances.

Abby, in her speech said:

You can choose differently.  You can choose to overcome your cicumstances.  You can choose to overcome your hurts.  You can choose to be everything you always wanted to be...

As of tonight Abby has lost a total of 80 pounds (which puts her at 167 pounds, BMI 28.7).  She looks amazing!  Her eyes are shining, she's smiling & she confident and putting herself out there.  Her dad said it best when he said that every single person who comes into contact with Abby will be a better person because of it.  I couldn't agree more...I've never met Abby, but she is certainly an inspiration & I believe she will continue to inspire millions of people in the years to come.

Chart & video to follow later.

Success Story: Angela Stokes Goes Raw & Loses Half her Bodyweight!

Here's another weight loss success story. Angela Stokes made a huge life shift and began eating a RAW diet...through this she lost 160 pounds and has kept if off for 4 years. I like this CNN.com article because they interview a registered dietitian and give a well-rounded review of this approach. I firmly believe that there are many roads one can take on the journey to health--this is just one of those. Take what works for you...and leave the rest. I don't think a fully raw diet is right for me, but I certainly know that eating more raw fruits and veggies would be a welcomed event that my body would love. I find myself embracing elements of this lifestyle. Enjoy the video and article!







by Jackie Adams, CNN Producer

Angela Stokes had never been overweight as a child.
Angela Stokes, 30, lost 160 pounds in two years after she adopted a raw-vegan diet. She now weighs 138 pounds.
But she steadily started gaining weight as a teenager because of an under-active thyroid gland. By the time she graduated from college her weight had ballooned and she wore a U.K. dress size 26-28.
"I was 300 pounds, very unwell, very miserable," recalls Stokes. "I ate junk food all the time. I was very closed down emotionally. I had no interest in dieting; I just wanted to eat all the time ... that was like my comfort in life."
At the time, she says she was so "emotionally shut down" she refused to talk to anyone about what was happening. The weight was also taking a physical toll on her health and she frequently battled infections and illness.
Stokes says living her everyday life became a challenge.
"My mobility was quite restricted ... I was unwilling to participate in things from cutting my toenails to going on a walk with my friends," remembered Stokes. "I tried to give this impression that I felt fine about everything, but inside I was in a lot of pain a lot of the time."
Two summers after she reached her heaviest weight, Stokes was working at a greenhouse in Iceland, when a friend lent her a copy of a book about the health benefits of eating raw foods. Stokes, who had never been interested in diets, says she was completely "absorbed" by the approach.
She started eating raw the very next day.
"Everything in my life completely shifted. It was like a light bulb moment to be like ... 'this is what I was waiting for to reclaim my health,' " said Stokes.
She went cold turkey or "cold cucumber," as Stokes often jokes. She stopped eating meat, animal products and processed foods and instead switched to a diet that consisted of uncooked and unprocessed vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.
"To me, the thing with raw food is that it just makes sense. It's simple and natural, eating food straight from the earth. There's no rocket science, no mystery," said Stokes. "Once you understand the simple principle that no other animal in the wild eats cooked or processed foods. That's it."
The raw food diet completely transformed her life, she says. Within the first month of going raw, she had her first boyfriend in more than five years. In just two years, she had lost 160 pounds and has experienced dramatic improvements emotionally, physically and socially and is "happier than I've ever been."
Andrea Giancoli, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, says everyone could stand to eat more fruits and vegetables.
"We all need to be moving towards a more plant-based diet," Giancoli said. "There are more pitfalls to a typical American diet with all of the processed foods and focus on meat than there are to a plant-based diet."
Is it healthier to eat uncooked vegetables? Not necessarily.
"The raw diet, specifically, the philosophy behind it is scientifically incorrect," Giancoli said. "Raw foodists believe that cooking food destroys enzymes that are essential for the body. While that's true, so does the gastric acid or juice in your stomach.
"So those enzymes are broken down anyway in your gastro-intestinal tract."
Giancoli believes there's a nutritional downside to a vegetarian diet. People who eat no animal foods run the risk of nutritional deficiencies such as a lack of vitamin B-12, iron and zinc and the powerful Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, she said.
Giancoli recommends people meet with a dietitian to develop a balanced eating plan before they embark on a raw food diet.
Stokes, who now weighs 138 pounds, has kept the weight off for four years and authored several books on "raw foodism" lifestyle.
What tips does she have for people considering a raw vegan lifestyle? First, start slowly.
"I recommend people start out being at least 50 percent raw and go from there," advises Stokes. "Maybe it ends up at some point you are completely raw, maybe not. As long as the majority of the stuff or at least 50 percent is fresh raw food ... then you're tipping the balance in your favor."
Stokes also advises people to start eating things they like such as peaches, plums or spinach and then slowly incorporate more fresh raw foods. She admits the lifestyle can be socially challenging and she encourages people to connect with other "raw foodists."
"It's great to get support. If you look on the Internet and around you, you may find pot lucks," said Stokes. "Read books to inspire you to keep going on this journey."

A Run With a View

Here's a pic from my Sunday afternoon run...I ran from my town (West Orange) across South Orange to Maplewood & back. It sounds more impressive than it actually was. Gorgeous, perfect autumn day-- perfect for a run! Get out & enjoy the weather!

What Messages Should You Listen to..

Today I had an experience that left me a little ruffled. I had an engaging conversation with the director of a local health club. I shared my story & told him about my wellness coaching & the workshops (that are still in development). He seemed impressed. Now let me digress for a moment...my goal was not to press him, but rather to share my story--you never know who you will touch, perhaps he knew someone I neede to meet or someone who needed to meet me!

Anyway, as our conversation wound down he expressed interest in having me come and do some presentations at his club. GREAT, I was thinking! This is what I was hoping for-- put yourself out there, share your energy, and be authentic & your dreams can & will come true, right?

Um, wrong. Mr. Healthclub couch his (dis)invite with 'as soon as you lose the rest of the weight, of course'. Slam. Put me right back into the 'you're not good enough' category again. Here's the problem--that's just a story, an old story, & it's not true. I no longer believe that. And neither should you.

Here's the deal: if we want to embrace fitness & hold it up we need to be prepared to embrace all levels of it & not just those some director of a healthclub deems worthy!

Biggest Loser Season 8, Episode 6 Re-Cap: Dina: A Mother Finds Her Inner Strength

The entire black team went home last night on The Biggest Loser.  Actually Blue won the chance to go home, but they gave it to Black as a strategy move.  I kind of like when the players go home mid-season, often they have to face their demons...and they get the chance to learn and re-work things that give them hang-ups. 

I think all the players were blown away by how much food was the 'norm' in their families.  Each contestant verbalized this concern in some way (Abby 'okay, I can't eat brisket'; Dina 'look how much food is on this table and the meal hasn't even arrived yet'; Danny, 'no kids we can't go out for Italian tonight, we're going to make fresh kabobs'; Shay was shocked at her husband & step-children's eating habits and lack of concern for trying to eat healthy with her).

The other issue the players face at home is making that 6-8 hour daily commitment to exercise. Now obviously in the real world, once the contest is over no one is going to be exercising that much. But it's easy to slip into old habits and slack off, or get lost. Amanda admitted to Jillian via telephone that she felt a bit 'lost' in the gym because she wasn't sure of what equipment to use. Dina found that childcare became an issue because it was a vacation week from school for her son and she ended up taking her son with her. In the real world this wouldn't fly...I've never been to a gym (and folks I've been to MANY gyms) that allows a child on the fitness floor, let alone sitting on the floor next to a machine, or perched on top of the leg press machine! But it is TV and it does illustrate how people much work hard to continue to show a commitment to themselves and their bodies.

Daniel had a bit of an epiphany this week--he realized that he had this anger and animosity toward his mother...everytime she tried to help him to lose weight or help him get healthier, he perceived it as 'I'm not accepted/ I'm not good enough' and he rebelled by getting fatter and caring less about himself. He realized that his mother LOVES him unconditionally and is so incredibly proud of him. He was upset with himself for not seeing her actions as those of a loving parent and not taking action sooner. This is the shift he was looking for. But as I've said before, emotional baggage 100% makes you hold onto weight...and as I expected, he gained weight for the week. The great news is that Daniel should be firing on all cylinders from here on out...so if you're a Daniel fan that's good news for you because he just positioned himself to win this whole thing!

As you know by now, our sweet Dina was eliminated. I was really enjoying Dina's journey. She 'found' herself. She believes in herself & recognizes the power within her. She is really a quiet inspiration. Soft spoken, no huge numbers, but someone who really came into her own. As you'll see in the attached video--she lost an additional 30 pounds since going home! For a total of 65 pounds to date. Dina completed a 1/2 marathon & hopes to do a full one. I really love her story, because she represents many women--she's up on her box now--she did it herself, on her terms and NO ONE can EVER take it away from her--go Dina!!!

Here is the link to my super-duper, all inclusive chart that covers height, weight, percentages, BMI, etc. Enjoy!
Download Biggest loser8 wk6

Taking off the Water Wings and Jumping into the Master's Swim Program

So, the first thing that was apparent to me when I walked into the pool area for my first session as a *master swimmer* was that I had somehow not gotten the memo about the uniform.  No, my multicolored red/purple/pink, high-neck so the girls don't pop out speedo, the one that all the old ladies in the locker room and pool deck just love (and yes, it does make me bitter when I get compliments about my suit from blue-haired ladies)...no my comfy, practical suit does not fit in the uniform scheme.  Which simply means I stand out like a sore thumb even more.  Just in case you were wondering, the apparent standard uniform for such an endeavor is a black TYR suit.  See pic on left.

Second, as I walked up upon the group I got the stink eye.  Yes, I really did.  And it caught me by surprise.  None of this Kumbaya bullshit that one gets at the end of a triathlon.  No, I represented these ladies worst nightmare--not only was I 'fat', but I may take up some of their precious time with the coach.  I'm sure they were wondering, would I be needy?  Would I get in their way?  Would I drown and have to be give mouth-to-mouth?  Don't worry, I float!

Third, first conversation I hear as I come upon the group [& this is not tongue-in-cheek in the least, I swear]:  "ya, yeserday I ran 19 miles & today I ran a fast 11."  A fast 11, huh.  Dude, I don't even think I've driven a fast 11!  In fact, if I ran 11 miles I would call every single person in my address book and casually mention I was feeling good, but a bit tired because I had just run 11 miles.  It would be on my Facebook page for a week.  I would tweet it.  I would post a newsletter to my college.  This would not be the fodder for a casual conversation at the pool.

Anyway, class started & it was hard.  I learned some things:

• I need to keep my head in the water more, my head is at an angle not really completely in the water.
• Because I'm pulling my head up too much my body is not flat in the water, but my leg appear to hang, which creates drag.  A good cure for this is to look at my feet.  Funny:  I can barely see my feet when I'm out of the water, much less in the water!!!
• When you swim your center of gravity is in your chest, not your hips...as you swim your body should rotate...if a stick is attached to the bottom of the pool, your body should rotate as you stroke so that the stick is under one armpit and then under the other.  Your hips rotate even further. 
• As soon as you breath, when you put your face back in the water you begin exhaling, and you exhale the entire time until you take your next breath.  At no time should you be holding your breath or should you be exhaling once your head is out of the water.

Our workout was solid & I was placed into a group with 2 other women.  They were stronger swimmers than I, but we made it work and I never got passed!

• 200M warmup
• drill, 2 stroke, 3x50M
• Main set:  3x50M (1:30)
• 3x100M (3:00)
• 2x150M (4:30)
• 2x100M (3:00)
• 3x 50M  (1:30)
• drill, drag & catch, 6x50M
• cool down, 100M
• Total M:1850

Now, I probably did about 6 lengths less than this between instruction and corrections.  But I still swam more than I ever have!!!  It was hard, but having other people there made it easier & of course having a coach to critique you helps a lot!  I'm planning another swim workout on Friday of this week, I'm going to try and swim the same routine.

I'll be back to 'The Master's Swim Program' (and yes, in my head I say that with a deep voice like 'masters of the universe!') next week and try to resist the urge to buy the uniform...but I may not be able to help myself...

Success Story: Sharon Twitchell loses 110 through WW on-line!

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN's doc-in-residence brings us this inspiring story as part of his 'Fit Nation' series: