When Working Out is a Breeze

Do you ever have a workout where you feel you were able to get through it with ease? It doesn't happen often. And if it does happen often, then maybe you should up your workout intensity - it should be challenging most of the time :)

Today was one of those days for me. Some days I get on the elliptical and I think I am never going to make it to 700 calories - I'm fatigued and my legs don't want to move anymore. Other days I have a mental block and think I won't make it past 300 calories, but I push myself and feel great with the results. Still, other days I have a positive outlook, am excited for my workout and push myself to do my best. Then there are days like today, I get on the elliptical and go. I zoned out and before I knew it I was about 350 calories - half way there! Next time I looked at the monitor I was at 560 calories and I knew I was going to make it to 700 without a problem. It felt like a robot. It's good to have days like this once in a while! I felt like I was in control of my workout! 

Maybe I'll do an Insanity workout later and let that video work me out! :)

1400 calories left to go! How is your workout week looking! There is still time to get 3500 calories in!

BUSY DAY!

Well, today my normal schedule with thrown off so I wasn't able to get to the gym today. If I have the energy, I may try to fit an Insanity workout in later tonight! Otherwise, I'll be back at the gym tomorrow!

Cravings Are Back

Last week I was so good about not snacking. I had cut out cookies, ice cream, etc. And my waist seemed to shrink before my eyes. Then this week hits and my cravings are back (and so is my waist). I am trying to fight back. It's amazing how much will power you have to have in order to make healthy decisions! Do you have any tricks that help you avoid snacking? I usually avoid having treats in the house, but I caved when I went grocery shopping on Sunday. At least I haven't gotten any ice cream!

Other than that, I burned another 700 calories on the elliptical. 2100 calories left to burn! What was your workout like today?

Week 18!

It's the beginning of week 18! And it's off to a good start. I burned 700 calories on the elliptical the morning and did my ab exercises! I'm hoping to get a walk in with Nora later too!

Start your week off right too! It's never too late to fit a workout in, even if it's just 10 or 15 minutes!

End of Week 17!

I finished my 565 calories on the elliptical this morning. And as a bonus, Chris, Nora and I went on an hour long walk today. That should help with the box of cookies I at today. Back to no sweets tomorrow! Join me for week 18!

INSANITY!

I am working really hard to be my 3500 calories burned in just 4 days of working out this week. I burned 775 calories on Wednesday; 860 calories on Friday; and today I burned 700 on the elliptical, about 100 calories on a walk with Chris and Nora, and 500 calories in an Insanity workout! That means I have 565 calories remaining to burn tomorrow - yay!

I really liked the Insanity workout video I did tonight. It was a lot of running in place and jumping. Overall, most of the moves are simple in nature to perform, but you can work at a high intensity to really get your heart rate going. I definitely had to modify some of the exercise moves right now. As I continue to workout I'll be able to work at the level in the video. I really liked the workout! Thanks to Nicole for introducing me to Insanity! :)

What was your workout like today?

One more day left in week 17!

Working Hard at the Gym

I burned 860 calories on the elliptical today. I was hoping to get to 1000 calories, but I couldn't handle staying on the elliptical longer. I am thinking about trying the Insanity workout tonight and getting more calories burned tonight. So far, I have 1865 calories remaining!

Baby Blues

Well, the week started off rough with still feeling sick and not being able to workout. Yesterday seemed be to a good turning point for me since I was able to get to the gym, but last night Nora wasn't sleeping at all. We finally figured out she had a fever and gave her some Tylenol to help her feel better. So I'll be staying home with my baby girl today, hoping she feels better when she wakes up!

Back At The Gym!

Finally, I got back to the gym this morning. Burned 775 calories on the elliptical! Since I didn't workout on Monday or Tuesday, it means I have to burn 700 each day for the rest of the week. So I wanted to get ahead as much as a could and got an extra 75 calories burned! Yay!

Workout with a Friend

Today I went on a walk with a friend and our babies. It was so much fun. I didn't really keep track of how long we walked so I'm not counting any calories burned. If you have someone you can workout with, ask him/her to meet up and workout together. It can be fun to exercise with a friend. Plus, it keeps you committed to your workout when you know someone else is expecting you to show up!

I'm planning on getting back to the gym tomorrow morning. My cold and sore throat seem to be getting better!

Week 17: Rough Start

I was hoping to get up and get to the gym this morning, but my cold just seems to be getting worse. Sore throat, fuzzy head, low energy. This is not fun at all. I hope to feel better letter today and get some type of workout in!

Happy Father's Day!

I woke up this morning with low energy after a long day and late night yesterday. I am still hoping to get to the gym this morning. I was debating pulling out my step and just stepping at home, but I will only burn about 150 calories in 30 minutes, versus getting 300 calories burned in under 30 minutes on the elliptical.

Are you struggling to get out of the house and go to the gym today too? Just remember the good that your workout will do for you! Working out always gives me more energy and puts me in a good mood.

After my workout, I am looking forward to a wonderful day with my family! Hope everyone has a wonderful Father's Day!

Chris and Nora in the hospital. Almost a full year ago!

Getting Itchy When I Walk

Over the past few years I have suffered from becoming severely itchy when I go on walks - inside or outside. I could only handle walking below a 3.0 pace in order to not become itchy. It has been such a pain. After walking a short distance my legs, stomach, chest, and arms would get itchy to the point I couldn't walk anymore.

This has been a huge disappointment because when Chris and I met we use to LOVE going on long walks together. We would walk all around Madison or hours. It was fun to just hang out, talk, and walk.

This started a few years ago. I can't really pinpoint the start, but I think it started after I hurt my knee in college. I use to run cross country in high school and continued running in college for the first 2 years. Then I hurt my knee and couldn't exercise. Then I got so busy that I didn't make much time for exercise. I got out of my exercise routine and wasn't finding my way back to it.

We wondered if my itching was related to dry skin, being allergic to something in the air, etc. Name it and we tried to figure out if that was the reason for my itchiness. I could still do step aerobics without getting itchy, but walking (and running) were out of the question. We would try to go on short walks, hoping to build up my tolerance - which did happen to a small degree.

I joined the gym at the beginning of this year and started using the elliptical machine. I wanted to get a good workout in without hurting my knee and was recommended that I stick with the elliptical. Working out almost everyday on the elliptical has been perfect. I feel like I get a great workout in and now I can walk without getting itchy! Crazy, right!? I can go on long walks with my husband and daughter without being miserable. It has been such a blessing! The timing couldn't have been better with wanting to go on walks with my baby girl this summer! So I guess the itchiness was related to my inactivity over the past few years!

I will comment with my workout later today!

Is Your TV Keeping You From Reaching Your Goals?

Over the past week I have dropped from 115.4 lbs to 113.0 lbs. My workout is the same as it has been over the past few months, but my after dinner routine is different. After dinner and getting Nora to bed, Chris and I usually relax and watch TV. I usually want some snack or dessert to veg out too. So if we have snacks in the house I have those, or I send Chris to get my favorite ice cream from the pizza place down the road.

The week has been different. After Nora is in bed, I am in go-go-go mode. I am cleaning, organizing, painting, etc. I haven't sat down and watched TV all week! Staying busy in the evening, not eating after dinner, has made a huge difference.

Do you snack when you watch TV? It is so easy to do. Try to focus on something more productive or do some exercises in front of the TV to keep yourself more occupied and away from the kitchen.

Burned 600 calories on the treadmill. Then went on a 75 minute walk with Chris and Nora, burning about 200 calories. 900 calories left to go!

Great Workout DVDs for Sale

I have a small library of workout DVDs that I am no longer using. I purchased most of these when I was attending Fitness Conferences, looking for new exercise ideas. I am now selling some of my collection for just $5/DVD. I have a list of the DVDs and pictures below. If you are interested in buying any of these DVDs let me know.

Yoga & Pilates: Dynamic Power Workout


Mountain Yoga

YogaAbs


YogaButt

YogaFit Seniors


Balletone: Sole Synthesis (combination of dance, yoga and fitness movements)


I'm not sure why blogger flipped this picture. I can't figure out how to rotate it back.

All About Abs: 4 workouts (with a medicine ball, stability ball, body weight, and sliding discs)


Urban Striptease Aerobics

I also have 2 DVDs that come with equipment, so I am selling them for $10.

The Firm Power Sculpt Workout: with 9lb Body Bar


Core Training & Buns and Thighs Workout: with Bender Ball

I am stilling going through my DVD collection so I will be posting more in the future as well. If you are interested in any of these DVDs comment on this post or email me at jaimedurheim@gmail.com

Getting Sick and Working Out

I woke up this morning with a sore throat and a big headache! I hate that. I was in a good rhythm with my workout and then I get sick. I am a bit more functional after taking ibuprofen and sleeping in a bit (luckily Nora slept in too). I know I could probably try to get to the gym and workout through my fuzzy head and sore throat, but I don't want to over do it and feel worse. So I am taking the day to rest and have a relaxing day with Nora. If I feel a lot a better later, maybe we will get to the gym - I hope so!

Good luck with your workouts today! I'll comment if I get a workout in. Remember, if you are sick or have an injury, you don't want to workout and potentially make things worse. Take it easy and let your body recover first.

Junk Food Holding You Back?

During my "No Sweets Week" I never allowed myself to have any candy, ice cream, cookies, etc. I did allow myself to have chocolate chip granola bars, which didn't really do me any good. I was able to satisfy my chocolate cravings with the granola bars, but I didn't try hard to learn that I don't need chocolate every day.

This week has been a good "No Sweets Week" so far. I haven't had any ice cream, cookies, chocolates, etc. Not even 1 granola bar! And, oh my goodness - the scale has dropped! It just goes to show how many calories I was truly consuming with my chocolate addiction.

I am really proud of myself for not caving so far this week. If you are trying to lose weight and feel the scale isn't budging, try to stay away from your weakness, whether it be chocolate or something else!

Burned 500 calories on the elliptical again today! Then ab exercises and stretches. It was a great workout! 1800 calories left to go!

Having Strong Will Power

As you have read, I have a major sweet tooth. It is bad! I love just about anything chocolate and ice cream. When I went grocery shopping last week I made a point not to get any chocolate so I don't have any treats in the house. And my mom hasn't had any chocolates in her house for me to snack on recently. Yesterday, I successfully went the entire day without having a sugary treat. I would usually crave ice cream at the end of the day, but I was so focused on getting furniture painted that I didn't take the time to have any cravings.

With working out hard yesterday and keeping my diet under control I have gotten back to a weight I am really happy at and hoping to continue this progress the rest of the week! Having a strong will to accomplish something is the start to making true progress. Without that motivation we tend to get distracted. What is it that you really want to accomplish? Whatever it is, take that motivation and move forward, pushing yourself each day to do something that helps you reach your goal. That is why I created this blog, so that every day I am pushed to work towards my health and fitness goals! Comment along with me and use this blog to help reach your health and fitness goals too!

I am still going to get to the gym this morning! I will comment with my workout later today.

Week 16: Put in the Work, Get the Results

Yesterday was one of those days where I seemed to go the entire day without really accomplishing anything. I was determined today to turn that around and accomplish a lot! And that I did.

Nora and I got to the gym this morning and I burned 700 calories on the elliptical! Then I did my physical therapy ab exercises. Once we were home and ready for the day I was able to get more painting done and went on a nice long walk with Nora around our neighborhood! It was a wonderful day.

I know that today turned out well because I had a game plan for the day and stuck to it. I was able to accomplish so much when I set my mind to it and put forth the effort. If you really want to accomplish something: weight loss, running a 10k, doing a triathlon, or getting your house clean; you will get there if you set your mind to it, create a game plan, and put forth the effort!

Did you workout today? What was your workout like?

Remember the Power of a Morning Workout!

Do you ever have days that seem to pass you by? Days that you have so much to accomplish and you don't know where to start, but by the end of the day you didn't get the one thing done you should have accomplished first?

Today was one of those days. I was behind on laundry and cleaning around the house, I had more furniture I wanted to paint for Nora's big girl room, I needed to workout, and the list goes on. I started the day by focusing on the furniture because I am so excited for the results (hoping for good results, fingers crossed)! It is now the end of the day and I never did any laundry, cleaning, or went to the gym! I should have gone to the gym first!

Going to the gym and getting a workout in first thing in the morning always makes me feel good. It is a great way to start the day - by doing something good for yourself! I need to remember that on days like today! And I have found in the past, when you get a workout done right away in the morning you usually have a lot more energy and motivation to get your other stuff done.

So, Week 15 I didn't meet my calories burned goal, but Week 16 is a new week. A week to start over, start fresh! I'm excited to get up in the morning, get a great workout in, and accomplish the many things I didn't accomplish today! Week 16 starts tomorrow! Join me in the challenge!

Better For You Fettuccine Alfredo

Chris's Favorite: Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo is usually loaded with cream and loaded with calories! I have had Fettuccine Alfredo before at restaurants and it is one of my husband's favorite dishes when we eat out. Actually, on our first date we had a spicy Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken. It was delicious and the first time I had been introduced to pasta with a white cream sauce.

I was really excited to see a Fettuccine Alfredo recipe in Rocco's Cookbook: Now Eat This since it is one of Chris's favorite dishes. The sauce uses a little butter, garlic, cornstarch, nutmeg, chicken broth (low-fat, low-sodium of course), some grated Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese, Greek Yogurt, and a little salt and ground black pepper.

I was really happy with this recipe and look forward to making it again in the future. Chris liked it as well, but he has been spoiled with the rich spicy restaurant versions. Adding more ground black pepper really added more flavor to the dish which we both liked a lot. Next time, Chris wants to make chicken to go with our meal, which I think is a great idea! Overall, we saved ourselves about a 1,000 calories. This recipe is just 336 calories/serving!

My workout today was not a great success. I'm distracted from my regular routine because I'm in project mode! I'm painting some old dressers, night stand, and day bed for Nora when she gets bigger and transitions to a big girl bed! It is so rewarding doing a project like this. But it is also distracting. I did get a long walk in with Chris and Nora, burning about 280 calories. I have 1120 calories remaining for tomorrow! Oh no! I will try my best to get a great workout in tomorrow along with all my other fun projects!

Do you ever get distracted from your regular workout routine? How do you still fit in exercise when you are busy with something new in your schedule? Or how do you make sure you get back into your routine once your distraction is gone?

Chicken Piccata Anyone?

Chris's Chicken Piccata!

Chris made Chicken Piccata for dinner and it turned out wonderfully! It was mostly prep work with a little cook time. This was my first time having Chicken Piccata so the flavor was overwhelming for the first few bites. We will definitely make this again. We got this recipe, of course, from Rocco's cookbook! He uses Egg Beaters (instead of Eggs), Whole Wheat Flour (instead of All Purpose White Flour), Lemon Juice, Capers (which I had never heard of before), Garlic, a little butter (we used Earth Balance Butter). It was really good and overall healthy.

I also got my workout in today. 700 calories burned. 1400 calories left to go. I am still loving the elliptical! What is your favorite piece of workout equipment?

Stir Fry: Didn't Make the Cut

My Stir Fry 

I tried another recipe from Rocco's Cookbook. It was a beef stir fry with broccoli, cauliflower, and onion. I have been trying to find a stir fry recipe that I really like and I was hoping this would be it. The sauce had ketchup and vinegar in it which I didn't like. The soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in the sauce were good, but over all I'm not looking forward to remaking this recipe. Does anyone have a Stir Fry recipe they really like? Share it with me and I'll test it out!

Other than that, I burned 700 calories on the elliptical and did my physical therapy ab exercises! What did your workout look like today?

Week 15: Burning 3500 Calories, New Cook Book, & Ab Exercises

I took the past 2 days off to enjoy the weather and give my legs a nice break. Today I am back to my routine and have to workout the next 5 days in a row in order to get to 3500 calories. I am committed to working out and burning 700 calories each day!

We have also been cooking a bit more over the past week using recipes from Rocco Dispirito's new cookbook: Now Eat This Diet. It is amazing! We have had Fajitas, Penne a la Vodka, and Jamaican Jerk Chicken - all delicious, healthy, and low calorie! I am excited to try more recipes in the next few days! I have definitely been enjoying dinner more and my waistline is loving it to!

I was so sore after my physical therapy session that I took the next few days off from doing my ab exercises. I got back to it last night! I'm up to the full plank and full side plank. I am also doing a series of leg extension exercises where one leg/knee is bent 90 degrees and I extend the other leg out and switch sides. During this my head is rested on the floor and I am focusing on keep my back neutral - no arching or pushing my back to the floor.

I know it's already Wednesday, but I am excited to start my first day of this week's challenge! Join me in burning 3500 calories!

NO SWEETS WEEK - RESULTS

Today is the last day of my "No Sweets for a Week". I was successful all week. I avoided chocolates and ice cream. It was really tough at times and I overindulged in granola bars, which I allowed as my one exception!

The biggest thing I learned is how much I snack during the day that isn't necessary. So I am going to try to keep up on not snacking during the day, except for the healthy snacks between meals, such as fruits! So no chocolates during the day!

I have also learned that I am able to enjoy my meals more when I am not snacking on high calorie chocolate and ice cream. So I am looking forward to good meals now instead of treats.

I will still want a treat once in a while in the evenings, but I have learned that I can live without Chocolates and Ice Cream for a week! I am going to make more of an effort not to buy cookies, chocolates, and ice cream to have in the house to snack on so that I have to decide if I am hungry or not and then go with a banana if I am.

On another note: This is the first week I didn't get 3500 calories in. I worked out 4 days this week, burning 700 calories each day. I worked out this morning, but skipped my workout yesterday to do some housework and hangout by the pool! Overall, I am still pleased with my accomplishments - no chocolate/ice cream treats, burned 2800 calories, and maintained 115.4 weight! The scale was going up with my lack of self control with my treats the week before, so this week was very helpful in getting me back on track! I am still going to finish today with no treats!

Week 15 starts tomorrow! Back to burning 3500 calories and loving my workouts!

NUTRITION TIP: A Great Sour Cream Substitute

Last night we had these AMAZING FAJITAS! We got the recipe out of Rocco Dispirito's new book: Eat This Now! I didn't follow the recipe exactly since I accidentally bought Taco seasoning instead of Fajita Seasoning, but it still tasted great. Along with Green Pepper, Onion, Guacamole, Salsa, Cilantro, Low Carb Whole Wheat  Soft Tortillas, and Filet Mignon. It was fantastic!

One thing I love with my Mexican food is sour cream. Rocco suggested using Greek Yogurt instead so I tried it and it was AWESOME! You couldn't tell the difference! I was a little skeptical from my poor experience with my smoothie, but I got a different brand of greek yogurt for this (FAGE 0% fat free, plain) and it worked great.

Here is the comparison of 2 TBSP of sour cream and 2 TBSP of Greek Yogurt:


Daisy Regular Sour Cream:          60 cal (45 cal from Fat), 5g Fat (3.5g Sat. Fat)           
Daisy Light Sour Cream:              40 cal (25 cal from Fat), 2.5g Fat (2g Sat Fat)
FAGE 0% Plain Greek Yogurt: <20 cal (0 cal from Fat), 0g Fat (0g Sat Fat)

The Sodium content is also much less:

2 TBSP Daisy Regular Sour Cream:15mg           

2 TBSP Daisy Light Sour Cream: 25mg 

2 TBSP FAGE 0% Plain Greek Yogurt: <10mg 

Overall, it tasted just the same and had fewer calories and less Fat! Try it and let me know what you think!

Taking a day off from working out today! 1400 calories left to burn! Back to my workout tomorrow! Are you getting a workout in today? If so, what are you doing?

DAY 3 OF NO SWEETS WEEK and Sore Abs

Well, I am entering my third day of no sweets week! Yesterday went better than the day before. I had 3 granola bars instead of 4! That was improvement! I have also found myself eating more fruit and snacking less in general!

On Tuesday I had eaten a lot of higher calorie food - pasta salad mostly, mac and cheese for dinner, 4 granola bars, etc and found the scale had gone up. Since I was better yesterday, the scale moved down - yay!

Now I just have to get my workout in later (700 calories burned and leg exercises)!

On another note, my abs are so sore! I went to my third physical therapy appointment for the split in my abdominal wall. I started with a 2-2.5 finger split and I am down to a 1-1.5 finger split above and below my belly button! Now my physical therapist has me doing really intense exercises! I am pretty excited about this so I am going to start making my husband do my ab exercises with me in the evenings!!! :)

Is there a workout you are doing that you are really excited about? Share it with us!

NO SWEETS FOR A WEEK CONTINUES!

Yesterday was rough as far as my cravings for sweets. After getting home from the gym I was hungry but needed to jump in the shower. I had a bag of chocolate chips in the cabinet, but instead grabbed a BANANA!

Then at my parent's house I usually search for chocolate in the usual places, but I didn't even let myself search. I did eat a lot of pasta salad and indulged in 2 granola bars.

Before dinner I wanted a snack and grabbed grapes! I was really proud of myself. Then my cravings hit me again after Nora went to bed. I just want to relax in front of the TV with some Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Ice Cream! It's my favorite and I usually send Chris out to get it at least once a week. I never asked for my ice cream, but I did complain about it and ended up eating a few more granola bars.

My allowed weakness right now is of course - granola bars. I probably shouldn't have allowed that, but it is helping me stay away from my other weaknesses. So, one weakness allowed? I guess for this week and maybe next week I will try to limit the granola bar intake too.

Worked out on the elliptical today - 700 calories burned! And ab exercises! How was your workout today?