Hello!
I just wanted to come on here and update my blog because it's been almost a week! I'm so sorry I haven't kept up with this regularly.
The reason I haven't been updating this blog isn't purely from being lazy. Aside from being at work almost 12 hours every day this past week, I felt like the material was kinda boring and wasn't really sure what direction I wanted to take from there. I want this to be a place where you can come to get information for your advantage all while staying motivated by my success.
I have not fallen off my current goals. The past week has actually been one of the best weeks that I've had in months! I've been putting in an hour of cardio every day along with two total body circuits that I designed for myself. (3 rounds of each circuit, at 12 reps each)
I think the focus I want to try and take from here is inspiration and motivation. I will post motivational quotes, pictures, and answer the most common question that I receive from you.
Please feel free to ask me any questions you might want answered. If you have a question, I'm sure a lot of other people have the same question.
Also, I am currently working on a biography. It is almost complete, it's just going through some editing right now. The bio will tell you more about me, my life, my set backs, why I've done what I have done, how I did what I did and so on. I hope to get that on here within the next month or so.
Keep up the good work and remember, if you fall and scrape your knees, just put a band aid on and keep moving forward!
-Amanda
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Day 6/90
Breakfast
Banana vi shake
-banana
-shake
-1/2 cup milk
ice
Snack-
Lunch-
1/2 deep pit sandwich
snack
-apple
Dinner- Turkey burger
Today was amazingly fun. I got to run the Volkslauf Mud Run. This run definitely challenged me in many ways more than physical.
The Volkslauf is a 5k mud run hosted by the United States Marine Corp. as a fundraiser in order to raise money for Toys For Tots.The first challenge in itself is the run. It isn't that I can't physically run 3.2 miles, but the fact that I wasn't able to distract my mind with music in my ears.. As I was running, I couldn't help but hear all the runners panting and breathing. This seemed be much louder to me than it probably really was. As I became tired trying to keep up with my uncle, it was a mental struggle to keep running past the tiredness my mind was telling me I was feeling.
That mental struggle became tougher to deal when it came to the first wall. As I was trying to get over the first wall, my weight shifted backwards and I fell 5-6 feet out of the air straight to the ground on my back and head. It hurt. My head was hurting the rest of the run (well into most of my day) and I was walking funny from the way I landed on my back. (I think it is bruised and hope that it is nothing worse.)
Although I completed the entire course all the way through, the fall on my first wall afftected me mentally the rest of the run. Alot of the obstacles dealt with height and all I could think about was falling again. I can honestly say I was scared to complete any more of them due to my first fall. Luckily, my uncle was there to insist on completing the course correctly. Had he not been there, there is a good chance I would have chickened out on the remaining obstacles.
Overall the run was fun. It was a challenge both mentally and physically. I have many battle wounds thoughout my body and I do feel sore but it was an experience I'm glad i got to do. Our finish time was an hour and eleven minutes and we finished within the first 200 of the over 1000 runners.
Doing this challenge, I realize that your mind will give up before your body will.
-When it hurts, just keep going.
Amanda
Banana vi shake
-banana
-shake
-1/2 cup milk
ice
Snack-
Lunch-
1/2 deep pit sandwich
snack
-apple
Dinner- Turkey burger
Today was amazingly fun. I got to run the Volkslauf Mud Run. This run definitely challenged me in many ways more than physical.
The Volkslauf is a 5k mud run hosted by the United States Marine Corp. as a fundraiser in order to raise money for Toys For Tots.The first challenge in itself is the run. It isn't that I can't physically run 3.2 miles, but the fact that I wasn't able to distract my mind with music in my ears.. As I was running, I couldn't help but hear all the runners panting and breathing. This seemed be much louder to me than it probably really was. As I became tired trying to keep up with my uncle, it was a mental struggle to keep running past the tiredness my mind was telling me I was feeling.
That mental struggle became tougher to deal when it came to the first wall. As I was trying to get over the first wall, my weight shifted backwards and I fell 5-6 feet out of the air straight to the ground on my back and head. It hurt. My head was hurting the rest of the run (well into most of my day) and I was walking funny from the way I landed on my back. (I think it is bruised and hope that it is nothing worse.)
Although I completed the entire course all the way through, the fall on my first wall afftected me mentally the rest of the run. Alot of the obstacles dealt with height and all I could think about was falling again. I can honestly say I was scared to complete any more of them due to my first fall. Luckily, my uncle was there to insist on completing the course correctly. Had he not been there, there is a good chance I would have chickened out on the remaining obstacles.
Doing this challenge, I realize that your mind will give up before your body will.
-When it hurts, just keep going.
Amanda
Day 4/90
Breakfast-Peanut butter/Banana Vi shake
-1 tbsp peanut butter
-1 banana
-1/2 cup milk
-shake mix
-ice
snack
-5 Ritz crackers
Lunch- Don Pericos Mexican restaurant
-2 Grilled chicken tacos
-1/4 cup pinto beans
-1/4 cup rice
Dinner
-1 1/2 cups chicken soup
(zucchini, celery, carrots, chicken, cabbage)
Overall, the day was decent. I knew I was going to go out for lunch with my cousin at a restaurant, so i made sure to eat a decent breakfast. At lunch, I decided to have the grilled chicken tacos- not fried with only a couple bites of rice and beans. I was pretty well disciplined with the chips on the table. I only had a few.
While I was at work today, I was re-racking some weights. As I was doing it, I couldn't help but complain to myself not because I was cleaning up someone else' mess but because the weights were heavy. Of course, most of my complaining was in the weight room because that's where most of all the heavy weights were laying around (45lb plates, 100lb barbells, and 50lb+ dumbbells all the equipment the big muscle heads use. My frustration was 'if they were strong enough to curl them and lift them, why is it such a big deal to simply re-rack them?' Then I realized to myself as I was carrying two 45lb plates to the rack, 'man, this is 90lbs, I used to carry this much weight around on a daily basis. I don't remember how I lived through that. Just from re-racking the weights, I was winded, struggling, and sweating just carrying them 20 feet across the room.
Sometimes its hard to see something as it is now until you look back on it later.
-Faith is believing in something you can't see.
Amanda
-1 tbsp peanut butter
-1 banana
-1/2 cup milk
-shake mix
-ice
snack
-5 Ritz crackers
Lunch- Don Pericos Mexican restaurant
-2 Grilled chicken tacos
-1/4 cup pinto beans
-1/4 cup rice
Dinner
-1 1/2 cups chicken soup
(zucchini, celery, carrots, chicken, cabbage)
Overall, the day was decent. I knew I was going to go out for lunch with my cousin at a restaurant, so i made sure to eat a decent breakfast. At lunch, I decided to have the grilled chicken tacos- not fried with only a couple bites of rice and beans. I was pretty well disciplined with the chips on the table. I only had a few.
While I was at work today, I was re-racking some weights. As I was doing it, I couldn't help but complain to myself not because I was cleaning up someone else' mess but because the weights were heavy. Of course, most of my complaining was in the weight room because that's where most of all the heavy weights were laying around (45lb plates, 100lb barbells, and 50lb+ dumbbells all the equipment the big muscle heads use. My frustration was 'if they were strong enough to curl them and lift them, why is it such a big deal to simply re-rack them?' Then I realized to myself as I was carrying two 45lb plates to the rack, 'man, this is 90lbs, I used to carry this much weight around on a daily basis. I don't remember how I lived through that. Just from re-racking the weights, I was winded, struggling, and sweating just carrying them 20 feet across the room.
Sometimes its hard to see something as it is now until you look back on it later.
-Faith is believing in something you can't see.
Amanda
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Day 2/90
Day 2 of the challenge went well. I'm stoked to say that I got to do a photo shoot for my website and upcoming book that I am writing. I can't wait to see the proofs of the pictures. It was a lot of fun, but I couldn't help but laugh at some of the witty poses the photographer had me doing.
As I was getting ready for the photo shoot, I just remember thinking of back when I was in high school getting ready for my senior pictures. I've changed so much more than physically. I'm such a different person. I remember being self-conscience of how I looked-not feeling attractive, over weight, not knowing how to style my hair or make-up, etc.
I was getting ready that day as a total new person. I felt attractive. I knew how to style my hair, how to properly apply my make-up. Although, I felt timid and shy when taking the photos during some of the poses, I had so much more confidence. I felt worthy of a photo. I walked with a pep in my step while we were shooting down town with random people watching us from a distance.
I've learned that when you surround yourself around people who bring out the best in you and distance yourself from people who bring you down intentionally or unintentionally, you become such a better and more confident person.
It's an amazing feeling that you can only understand when you live it. It's hard letting go of people you love but sometimes we need to learn to love ourselves before we can give it away to others.
Breakfast- Chocolate banana Shake 315
-vi shake
-banana
-chocolate
-1/2 cup milk
ice
Snack- Almonds 160
Lunch-Chicken and rice 252
Snack- 1/2 peanut butter sandwich 170
-1 slice whole wheat bread
-1 tbsp peanut butter
Dinner -Taco Salad 350
-1/2 cup chopped chicken
-2 handfuls spinach
-1/2 cup pinto beans
-1/2 cup rice
-salsa
-5 crunched tortilla chips
As for fitness, my little brother had soccer practice. I went to the park where he was practicing at and ran 2 miles and did 30 mins worth of body weight circuits and sprints in a sand playground.
2 miles
Body squats 15 reps
High knees one land mark to another
Lunges 15reps
Spider man push ups 15 reps
Sprint one land mark to another
1 Leg dead lifts 15 reps
Regular sit ups 15 reps
Side sit ups 15 reps (both side)
3 sets of each circuit
As I was getting ready for the photo shoot, I just remember thinking of back when I was in high school getting ready for my senior pictures. I've changed so much more than physically. I'm such a different person. I remember being self-conscience of how I looked-not feeling attractive, over weight, not knowing how to style my hair or make-up, etc.
I was getting ready that day as a total new person. I felt attractive. I knew how to style my hair, how to properly apply my make-up. Although, I felt timid and shy when taking the photos during some of the poses, I had so much more confidence. I felt worthy of a photo. I walked with a pep in my step while we were shooting down town with random people watching us from a distance.
I've learned that when you surround yourself around people who bring out the best in you and distance yourself from people who bring you down intentionally or unintentionally, you become such a better and more confident person.
It's an amazing feeling that you can only understand when you live it. It's hard letting go of people you love but sometimes we need to learn to love ourselves before we can give it away to others.
Breakfast- Chocolate banana Shake 315
-vi shake
-banana
-chocolate
-1/2 cup milk
ice
Snack- Almonds 160
Lunch-Chicken and rice 252
Snack- 1/2 peanut butter sandwich 170
-1 slice whole wheat bread
-1 tbsp peanut butter
Dinner -Taco Salad 350
-1/2 cup chopped chicken
-2 handfuls spinach
-1/2 cup pinto beans
-1/2 cup rice
-salsa
-5 crunched tortilla chips
As for fitness, my little brother had soccer practice. I went to the park where he was practicing at and ran 2 miles and did 30 mins worth of body weight circuits and sprints in a sand playground.
2 miles
Body squats 15 reps
High knees one land mark to another
Lunges 15reps
Spider man push ups 15 reps
Sprint one land mark to another
1 Leg dead lifts 15 reps
Regular sit ups 15 reps
Side sit ups 15 reps (both side)
3 sets of each circuit
Day 3/90
Day 3
Breakfast-Banana/spinach Vi Shake 280 calories
-1 banana
-2 handfuls fresh spinach
-1/2 cup milk
-vi-shake
-ice
Snack-1/2 peanut butter sandwich 170 calories
-1 slice whole wheat bread
-1 tbsp peanut butter
Lunch
-1 chicken thigh 236
-1/2 cup pinto beans
Snack -Berry Vi-shake 210
-1/2 cup frozen berries
-Vi-shake
-1/2 cup milk
Dinner
-1 cup pasta w/chicken &marinara sauce 200
-1 Cup vegetable steamers 70
Total 1200
Overall the day was good. I had a long, busy day at work so I had two shakes instead of one. They are quick and easy on time for me. As far as a workout, I led a group class at work of high intensity circuit training for 30 minuets.
My body is adjusting to the cleaner eating and I can definitely tell the difference in my energy level at work. I feel more energetic and uplifted just from what I am eating! I'm lucky enough to work in a gym because of the positive environment I'm constantly surrounded in. This is a place of hope and a perfect place to start shaping your future as a YOU.
I will soon start posting workouts and/or exercises of the day!
Always remember that the hardest part is starting. Once the momentum begins to pick up, it will start to become a habit.
Stay disciplined. Stay dedicated. Stay hopeful. Have Faith. Believe.
-Amanda
Breakfast-Banana/spinach Vi Shake 280 calories
-1 banana
-2 handfuls fresh spinach
-1/2 cup milk
-vi-shake
-ice
Snack-1/2 peanut butter sandwich 170 calories
-1 slice whole wheat bread
-1 tbsp peanut butter
Lunch
-1 chicken thigh 236
-1/2 cup pinto beans
Snack -Berry Vi-shake 210
-1/2 cup frozen berries
-Vi-shake
-1/2 cup milk
Dinner
-1 cup pasta w/chicken &marinara sauce 200
-1 Cup vegetable steamers 70
Total 1200
Overall the day was good. I had a long, busy day at work so I had two shakes instead of one. They are quick and easy on time for me. As far as a workout, I led a group class at work of high intensity circuit training for 30 minuets.
My body is adjusting to the cleaner eating and I can definitely tell the difference in my energy level at work. I feel more energetic and uplifted just from what I am eating! I'm lucky enough to work in a gym because of the positive environment I'm constantly surrounded in. This is a place of hope and a perfect place to start shaping your future as a YOU.
I will soon start posting workouts and/or exercises of the day!
Always remember that the hardest part is starting. Once the momentum begins to pick up, it will start to become a habit.
Stay disciplined. Stay dedicated. Stay hopeful. Have Faith. Believe.
-Amanda
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Day 1/90
Day 1 of my 90 day challenge went well. Aside from some personal things that I am currently going through, I ate exceptionally well - maybe even a little too low on the calories- and had a decent workout.
My meals
Breakfast- Chocolate Banana Vi-Shake
-banana 100 calories
-1/2 cup chocolate soy milk 70
-Shake mix 90
Snack
- 2 hard boiled eggs 140
Lunch
-Vegetable Steamers 240
Snack
-1/2 Cup chicken 136
Dinner
-1/2 cup baked chicken 136
-1/2 cup mashed cauliflower 50
-1/4 cup pinto beans 120
Snack
- Banana 100
Total estimated calories 1926
I have heard multiple times about mashed cauliflower. The reviews I have heard is that it has the same consistency and general taste of mashed potatoes. This is smart choice for those who love mashed potatoes but don't want all the carbohydrates that come with them.
After trying out the recipe, I definitely couldn't get the consistency of mashed potatoes. It was more of a chopped, mushy cauliflower texture. As far as taste, to me, it tasted like broccoli. It wasn't a bad taste, just not the taste of the mashed potatoes I was expecting. My mom tried them and said they tasted a combination of mashed potatoes and broccoli.
After trying that recipe, I will probably continue on a search for a better recipe or limit my potato intake.
As far as everything else, everything was general and simple. I just seasoned the chicken with some chicken seasoning that I bought at the store and threw it in the oven.
Yesterdays workout consisted of a 70 minuet "bluff run." It was moderate to intense with different levels of hills to run up and down. Nothing too difficult.
Staying committed to my nutrition and fitness is going to be tough. Although I have overcome such milestones, I am still challenged on a daily basis of staying motivated. I am determined to develop better habits by the end of these next 89 days.
Day 1 = success!
- Be Better Than The Best
P.S. If you have any experience with mashed cauliflower, please send me the recipe!
Amanda :)
My meals
Breakfast- Chocolate Banana Vi-Shake
-banana 100 calories
-1/2 cup chocolate soy milk 70
-Shake mix 90
Snack
- 2 hard boiled eggs 140
Lunch
-Vegetable Steamers 240
Snack
-1/2 Cup chicken 136
Dinner
-1/2 cup baked chicken 136
-1/2 cup mashed cauliflower 50
-1/4 cup pinto beans 120
Snack
- Banana 100
Total estimated calories 1926
I have heard multiple times about mashed cauliflower. The reviews I have heard is that it has the same consistency and general taste of mashed potatoes. This is smart choice for those who love mashed potatoes but don't want all the carbohydrates that come with them.
After trying out the recipe, I definitely couldn't get the consistency of mashed potatoes. It was more of a chopped, mushy cauliflower texture. As far as taste, to me, it tasted like broccoli. It wasn't a bad taste, just not the taste of the mashed potatoes I was expecting. My mom tried them and said they tasted a combination of mashed potatoes and broccoli.
After trying that recipe, I will probably continue on a search for a better recipe or limit my potato intake.
As far as everything else, everything was general and simple. I just seasoned the chicken with some chicken seasoning that I bought at the store and threw it in the oven.
Yesterdays workout consisted of a 70 minuet "bluff run." It was moderate to intense with different levels of hills to run up and down. Nothing too difficult.
Staying committed to my nutrition and fitness is going to be tough. Although I have overcome such milestones, I am still challenged on a daily basis of staying motivated. I am determined to develop better habits by the end of these next 89 days.
Day 1 = success!
- Be Better Than The Best
P.S. If you have any experience with mashed cauliflower, please send me the recipe!
Amanda :)
Monday, October 8, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
90 Day Challenge
Tomorrow 10/07/12 marks the beginning of a new challenge that I am setting for myself. I will be using this blog to track my journey while I take control of this challenge.
I am doing a 90 day challenge. By the end of this challenge I hope to be at
1. 25% body fat
2.At 150lbs
3.Size 8 pant size
I am currently at
1.31% body fat
2.At 176lbs
3.Size 10/11 pant size
I am someone who started their weight loss journey at the beginning of 2011 and have since then lost over 100lbs, 14% body fat, and 10 pant sizes. That in itself is an accomplishment, however, I still aspire to continue on my success. Although I can honestly say that I am a much more happier person in general, there is still plenty of room for growth in my life. I never want to settle less for what I can achieve.
During my initial weight loss, I recieved an education in health and fitness and have since then become a certified personal trainer. I realize that I recieve a bundle of common questions that many people struggle with while they are working on their own fitness goals.
I want to use this blog, my website, youtube channel, and facebook fan page to communicate these answers to you. Most answers are a simple concept but hard to initially incorporate into your every day habits at the beginning of your journey.
On this blog, I will communicate with you on a daily basis on the journey of attaining my current fitness goals. I will post all my meals, my workouts, pictures/videos, and how my day was in general. I want you to be a part of my journey so that I can help you in any way possible to reach your goals and to hold accountability for myself.
During this challenge, the only supplements I plan on using is a multi-vitamin and the Visalus meal replacements. I use this product because of its quality of ingredients and because it is literally a meal-on-the-go.
I'm excited to see what the end of my 90 day challenge holds for me.
-Always remember
Be fit not skinny
I am doing a 90 day challenge. By the end of this challenge I hope to be at
1. 25% body fat
2.At 150lbs
3.Size 8 pant size
I am currently at
1.31% body fat
2.At 176lbs
3.Size 10/11 pant size
I am someone who started their weight loss journey at the beginning of 2011 and have since then lost over 100lbs, 14% body fat, and 10 pant sizes. That in itself is an accomplishment, however, I still aspire to continue on my success. Although I can honestly say that I am a much more happier person in general, there is still plenty of room for growth in my life. I never want to settle less for what I can achieve.
During my initial weight loss, I recieved an education in health and fitness and have since then become a certified personal trainer. I realize that I recieve a bundle of common questions that many people struggle with while they are working on their own fitness goals.
I want to use this blog, my website, youtube channel, and facebook fan page to communicate these answers to you. Most answers are a simple concept but hard to initially incorporate into your every day habits at the beginning of your journey.
On this blog, I will communicate with you on a daily basis on the journey of attaining my current fitness goals. I will post all my meals, my workouts, pictures/videos, and how my day was in general. I want you to be a part of my journey so that I can help you in any way possible to reach your goals and to hold accountability for myself.
During this challenge, the only supplements I plan on using is a multi-vitamin and the Visalus meal replacements. I use this product because of its quality of ingredients and because it is literally a meal-on-the-go.
I'm excited to see what the end of my 90 day challenge holds for me.
-Always remember
Be fit not skinny
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