LiveFit The FINAL RESULTS(week 9-12 combined)

sorry this is sooo late..... but I'm

Done.

Yup. 12 weeks. Finished.

I am so proud of myself. It was not easy, but it was fun. Honestly, this was such a life changing experience. I worked my butt, arms, and stomach off and I feel fantastic.

I feel smaller all around the numbers show success.

The last three weeks were the hardest mostly because you had to pay the most attention to your diet and push hard every day to ensure results. I had to switch things up a bit because my schedule got very crazy. It turned out that I worked out 3-4x a week (Weds-Sunday) and I managed to get the 7 days worth of exercise in by doubling up on certain days.

I slacked a bit on the cardio, I really tried to do every one, but I seriously only had about an hour a day and the weight lifting itself takes a lot of time if you are going to do it right.

I did however, learn to love HIIT--High Intense Interval Training for the cardio.

Me right after a HIIT workout. 

Sweat and all!

Sprinting 30 sec at a 2.5 incline at an 8.0 speed then 30 sec rest, repeat for 30 min.
I felt like a beast, and doubled my calorie burn in less time. Whoot!

The diet for the final phase changed dramatically. We started carb cycling. I would usually go Sunday-Tuesday low car, High carb wednesday, and the last week high carb Saturday. The interesting part was that you kept the same calorie intake for each high or low day. So I found low carb higher calorie foods for low days: such as nuts, cottage cheese, string cheese etc; and then switched to low calorie high carb foods such as oatmeal, apples, bananas, soup etc. It was fun but repetitive.


The weight lifting also switched gears. Instead of focusing on pushing yourself to high weight you lowered you weights and pushed yourself to more more reps. That was hard. You really had to concentrate on form because even though you were using less weight your were doubling or tripling the amount of time you lifted it. Ouch.

Overall, I am ecstatic with my results. I feel wonderful, my body looks fitter, and best of all I feel stronger!

My Numeric Results:

          Before:                                                       After:

• Weight                 139lbs                                                  140lb
• Body fat:            24%                                                    21%
• Chest:                   34 in                                                    35.5in
• Arms                    11.3 in                                                 12.5in
• Hips                    36.50 in                                               34in
• Waist                  33.50 in                                               31in
• Thighes                 22in                                                     22.4in
• Calves:                 15 in                                                    14.5in
• Forearms:       8 in                                                      9in
• Shoulders:          40.5 in                                                 42.4in

 

          What's next?

More weightlifting and more HIIT!
I think I'll be on the look out for  another program ( I like striving for a goal, keeps me motivated), but until then I might just use the workouts from phase 2 and 3. They are just so great and versatile. I think I'll do carb cycling often but not every week.

I hope that my journey helps you find your way through yours and know that you are not alone. It's never ending but we can all do it together! On to the next thing!

 

Wanna See my whole journey through LiveFit? 

CLICK HERE

and scroll down! 

LiveFit Phase 2 Results

 

 

Wow, What a phase. 

I really didn't think there was much change besides me just upping my weights with more ease, but if you look at where I started things are looking good.

Everything is a little more 'pulled' in, which is always a plus. 

My measurements are what tell the truth and honestly, nothing drastic except in my waist which I am very thankful for:

 2.5 inches 

GONE.

Measurements: 

Chest increased :  35in to 35.3in

Arms increase:   12in to 12.2in

Hips decrease:  36.5in to 36in

Waist decrease: 33.5in to 31in

Thighs increase:  22in to 23in

Calves increase: 14.7in to 15in

Forearm increase:  8.5 in to 8.8in

Shoulders increase  42.5in to 43in

Anything fantastic in this phase? Not really.
 I just really focused on the diet because it switched up a bit. 

No more "carbs" for dinner, instead you have 3rd full serving of carbs  with your small meal; mid-afternoonish. 
This made me really think outside of the box when it came to making dinner. 

For most of my life dinner meant: pasta, breads, rice, potatoes, etc. but it had to quickly become, salad, veggies, kale chips, and more salad paired with LOTS OF PROTEIN! 

 I also had to think about last meal as well. I have yet to have 5 egg whites for my last meal--sorry Jamie. But I have had fun making protein filled "dessert" like meals. 

Such as Greek yogurt with some honey, fresh strawberries and a tbs or two of 70% dark chocolate chips. 

Or my all time favorite: Mock-Wendy's Frosty Protein shake. 
This will rock your world. 
3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk 
1 packet truvia (or stevia) or sweetener of choice
1 heaping tbs of cocoa powder
 (more if you want it more chocolatey)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
8-10 ice cubes (this is key to making it a frosty) 
Blend a heavy duty blender 
(I did this in my cup blender and broke it. sad day)  
 Enjoy your seriously delicious healthy protein packed dessert shake.

  

Alright, so Phase 3 is next and things are going to be different. 

I recently got a Lead in a Musical (ANNIE GET YOUR GUN) so rehearsals will be taking up my evenings for the next 10 weeks which puts a damper on my workout times. So I've decided to drag phase 3 out and only work out 3 times a week attempting to doubling up work outs on those days. 

It is not going to be easy but I am determined to stick with it and finish this trainer.

I'll still maintain the diet laid out, which I LOVE, and will try my hardest to keep it for the remainder of my life. 

I love being a healthy and strong woman. 

Who's with me?

Here's to the long haul. 

Wanna read more about my journey through LiveFit Trainer? 

CLICK HERE and scroll down.

 

LiveFit Update (a.k.a.Phase 2 Week 8)

Well... I was in a car accident.

A pretty bad one;  

actually coming home from the gym...

I totaled my car and badly banged up my knees

How did this happen?!? 

Well it was snowing in May....really... MAY!

 I miss you so cal, I miss you.

 Praise be to God, I am alright and no one was badly hurt.

Sad thing? 

I had to put a  little hold on LiveFit. 

Not for too long though.

It's been about a week since the accident and I picked up day 55 this past Friday. 

Since I bruised my knees pretty bad the doctor told me to lay off the heavy weight lifting the requires leg strength for about 2 weeks.

She did say I could move this up if I felt like I could handle it, but to go slow. 

Friday I was not ready, but today is Sunday and they are doing/feeling okay. 

Still look ugly--bruises don't go away quickly. 

But I think come tomorrow I will start up day 54 (I did 55 before 54 since 54 is legs) and finish week 8 and thus finish phase 2.

I apologize this wont be like my other posts where I give weight lifting and food advice, but I didn't want to leave the people following my journey, now and in the future, hanging.

I look forward to the new challenge and am excited to start phase 3!!!!! 

Pictures from phase 2 will come soon! 

** *UPDATE Same day: I should have looked into phase 3 before I posted this. First 2 weeks include high pressure on the knees with all those plyometric jumps. 
So I think its best if I repeat week 8 just to get back into the momentum. I promise to push my self hard.
  I got this!***

 My thoughts exactly:

If you interested in following my journey,

 CLICK HERE and scroll down.

LiveFit Phase 2 Week 7

Phew! This week FLEW by. 

I have been so busy, that that days just seem to blur together! 

I didn't add up my weekly weight total because I just didn't have time. But I know I upped my weights yet again and she was not kidding when she said we would be sore because she up the set total from 3-4. 

Body part of notice, my thighs! 
I have always been self conscious of my legs because they are big. I have come to terms with this over the years and when I was heavy into running they became big in a lean muscle way. However, thanks to this program, I have the beginnings of beautiful definition. Like GOOD LOOKIN' definition that you know you admire from a far in the gym in really buff people....I've started that... be jealous!

Weight Training Tip: Squats!
 
One of the most effective full body weight training exercise out there are weighted squats.  Most people think that they are just a leg exercise but if you are performing them with the proper form you will know right away you are using your entire body to do the exercise. 
Don't let the weight intimidate you and give it try with these great instructions from healthylivingforyou.tumbler.com 

How to Squat
The Squat Setup

• Approach the rack with the bar at approximately mid-chest height.
• Move under the bar and place it on your back. Hold the bar in place with your hands.
• Stand with and even stance. Your feet should be shoulder width apart with your feet facing out at a 30 degree angle.
• Lift the bar out of the rack and take ONLY one step back. Take a big breath. Tense your entire body. Squat.

Squatting Down

• Start from the hips – Bend at your hips and sit back into the squat. Imagine you are sitting down on a seat. The hips joint should always bend before your knees.
• Check your knees – Keep your knees out. Your knee joints should be pointing in the same direction as your feet all the way down. If your knee buckle in it normally means that the weight is too heavy.
• Keep your weight back – Keep your weight distributed towards your heel.
• Go all the way down – You should always aim to squat to at least parallel. Meaning, your hip joint needs to be at least parallel with your knee joint. This is incredibly difficult to judge yourself, even with the aid of a mirror. Ask someone else to assess your depth either in the gym or by video taping.
• Think about squatting up - On the way down think about squatting up. This will help to prepare your brain and make the upward movement easier.

Squatting Up

• Bounce off the bottom – At the bottom position of the squat your hip muscles should be tight – storing energy. Use this energy to help you bounce out of the bottom of the squat. Ensure that you are bouncing off the hips – not the knees.
• Focus on your glutes – When powering up out of the squat concentrate on squeezing your glutes together.
• Drive your hips up – Most of the power for the squat comes from the hips. Drive the hips in an upward motion.

Racking the bar

• Step forward. Ensure that your bar is over the pins before lowering the weight.

Food!!!!

I am finding it hard to eat a mid-afternoon 'meal' that includes 6 oz or meat and a carb because I have a desk job, and for lunch I can leave and it's no problem whipping out that meat, but mid-afternoon, I'm still at a desk and whipping out 6oz of meat is pretty odd. 

So I normally try and make  meal with equivalent protein. 
Some examples of this would be: 

• a pita filled with 2 tbs of almond butter mixed with 1 tbs plain greek yogurt, and 1 tsp honey and half of a banana paired with lots of veggies. 

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese with lots of veggies and some rice cakes, 

• a protein shake with some rice cakes.

• 1 oz of Almonds and veggies

Any other ideas? I would love to hear them! 

I have been sticking to the no starchy carb for dinner and after though. So I'm proud of that. 

About to start the last week of phase 2: Week 8 and I know I've got this! 

LiveFit Phase 2 Week 6

 

This is the half way mark!

 6 Weeks DONE!

 6 Weeks to Go!

Other than that, honestly, not much. 

 I felt a little drag this week but I kept going. 

I will finish strong. 

The cardio became something I looked forward to and I'm feeling great body-wise. 

Body part of notice: My neck. 

Oddly enough I am gaining muscle there and I think it makes my face look leaner...

...if that is possible. 

Any-who,

Weight Lifting Tip: 
Less weights more reps vs heavier weight less reps.

•  Truthfully, they work hand in hand if combined in a proper sequence. I have read article after article where these two statements hash it out  ...."lift lighter for more reps for leaner muscle, no, lift heavier for less reps for lean muscle"; but really it's just working your muscle groups in a verity of sequence that will give you the ultimate lean muscles. 
• Don't be afraid to lift heavy, in fact it stimulates the muscles in a positive way. 
• With that said, don't over do it. Add a few lighter sets into your workout to work form, and keep your body from over exertion.  

Food Tip: 

More is better. 

• When I first started my weight loss journey I bought into the lie that I needed to eat less to weight less. It worked for awhile, but then I plateaued, then I had to do some crazy meal shake diet which was all just a temporary fix and I never felt right.  Thankfully,  my knowledge of healthy and wellness expanded and I learned that if I ate more, and more frequently while maintaining a healthy workout regimen I was actually feeling better and loosing weight and keeping it off.  This was huge for me because I LOVE FOOD. Seriously, I love it, which is 80% of the battle; luckily I learned out to use and eat it to help me get healthy. 

Think of it this way.

•  Food is fuel. Eat often--every 2-3 hours--and you're keeping a full tank, and your body is constantly  working to digest it into energy to keep you moving. Bingo! Weight loss, more efficient digestion, and a more satisfied you. 

• Eat more--instead of 3 big meals have 3 medium meals and 3 small meals--(notice I am not saying snacks, but meals) to supply your body with the proper nutrients and energy for those workouts you have planed. Our bodies need energy to burn energy so fuel up before and after those workouts, optimizing you body's use of food. 

Here's to 6 more weeks! 

Want to read more and see my progress? 
CLICK HERE and scroll down.  

LiveFit Phase 2 Week 5

 

I had a love hate relationship with this first week of phase 2. I LOOOVED the addition of cardio but the longer workouts were not fun.

Seriously,  I am already pressed for time running straight  from work to the gym and having only  about an hour to get it all done. So my rests are shortened, making me more tired.

And, I hate to admit it, but I skipped the last leg workout....Gah I know, but I was so busy this weekend that that 6th workout day was too much.

BUT I WILL KEEP ON! Have you seen my Phase 1 Results? After those, how can I not.


So here we go.

Weight Lifting Tip:

Do not be afraid of free weights in the weights section...yes that section...you know which one I am talking about. 
Machines are great and can really help with form but free weights give you more versatility and  whole body stabilization .   Also, more muscle groups are at work when using free weights giving you a better workout.
Free weights are great alternatives if you don't have a specific machine to work a specific muscle group but use with care and caution, always with proper form, knowledge, and technique. 

Need help figuring out how to start? Bodybuilding.com has a great workout database. If you select a workout it will show you the proper form and technique as well as alternative exercises if applicable. Check it out!


Food Tip:
It is not often we hear healthy and fat in the same sentence. But they excist: healthy fats. 

Some of theses include Almonds, Almond butter, Avocado, Brazil nuts, Peanuts, Peanut butter, Walnuts Coconut oil, Sunflower oil, Olive oil, Fish oil, and Flax seed to name a few. 

Our bodies need fat to burn fat so don't  be afraid to eat your healthy fats! 

Want to read more about my progress and the program? 

CLICK HERE and scroll down

 

LiveFit Phase 1 ULTIMATE Results

 

Wow. Wow. Wow. 

4 weeks CAN make a difference. 

First things first: 

PICTURES!!!!

Jamie, along with many health-nuts out there, are right,

 ABS ARE MADE IN THE KITCHEN. 

Seriously, we hardly did any abs workouts, but look at that definition!

And of course arms! We do a LOT of those so I'm glad to see some change!

YEAH PROTEIN! 

Now, actual measurements

Chest increased : 34 to 35in

Arms increase:  11.3 to 12in

Hips decrease: 37 to 36.5in

Waist decrease: 34 to 33.5 in

Thighs increase: 21.5 to 22in

Calves decrease: 15 to 14.7in

Forearm increase: 8 to 8.5 in

Shoulders increase 42 to 42.5in

I feel incredible. I am so excited to see what happens in phase 2!!! 

Want read more about the program and get some weight lifting and food tips?

 CLICK HERE and scroll down.

LiveFit Phase 1 Week 4

I MADE IT! Phase 1 of 3 complete!

I am so happy and proud of myself. I made it an entire month with no-cardio, a huge feat for this cardio addict. But I feel amazing. In fact This is the best i've felt, ever!

I'll be posting my results from Phase 1 in different post since I want these posts to be focused on each particular week, just for my personal reference. But stay tuned!


How was week 4? Long.

Seriously, this week dragged on for me; workouts included.
I loved everything we were doing but I felt like it was taking more time to do a set than normal.
But I again, completed every work out and will now enjoy this 2 day break before I began the next phase which includes cardio!


Weight Lifting total: 31,260lbs!!!

Impressive: I know. For this final week I upped my weight sets by 5-10lbs  and even though I was quite sore--a feeling I have a love/hate relationship with--i felt very strong. 

Weight Lifting Tip: Unsure when to up your weight? 

Here is a simple guideline; If you can complete one set of 12 with ease and in perfect form it's time to up your weights. If you do up your weights say from a 15 to a 20, and you are half way through the rep with the 20lb but can no longer complete the rep in proper form, switch back to the lower 15lb weight and finish the rep. It will take your body time to build the strength to hold the 20 for the entire rep but you also don't want to over work your body and hurt yourself. Remember form is everything!

Food wise I felt like I was all over the place. I didn't have a food prep day so I was always running around trying to figure out what to have to equal 6oz of meat. 
I ate 2 meals of Tuna , cooked 4 chickens breasts (for 2 meals) , and cooked some ground turkey which made it into one meal and I have yet to comsume the other. 

Some things I made: Tuna cakes, Tuna sandwich, Chicken salad with rice cakes, Fiesta Chicken salad, Ground turkey with brown rice and broccoli. 

I still have a healthy shake for breakfast, usually a hard boiled egg and a homemade protein bar for snack, lunch, veggies with either hummus or cottage cheese for snack, dinner, and some high protein dessert: protein cake, chocolate protein shake, greek yogurt with cinnamon, vanilla, and banana. Yummy!

Food Tip: Meal prep! 

It's hard, I'm not going to lie, especiallly if you are not a single person becuae I am also trying to figure out what I can make that my husband might want too! But it is key. If any thing get those snack prepped for the week. I hard boil my eggs, make my protein bars, and prep my veggies on Sundays so that during the week I can just grab them and go. 

I am sooo excited, and a littler nervous to start Phase 2. There are some changes in the diet and as mentioned before, in the workout out--cardio! 

I'm looking forward to posting my End of Phase 1 Results. Coming soon! 

Clean High Protein Meal Ideas

 

Hello there! 

As a participant in the Jamie Eason's 12 week LiveFit trainer program (Read more here) I have to eat a LOT of protein every day: 130-140g.

This almost doubled my previous intake but man do I feel better, fuller, and more energized.

I apologize if you are vegetarian. Most of these wont suit your fancy.
I'm a meatatarian--it's a personal choice--and most of these meals are packed full of the stuff.
But don't shy off yet you veggians I have some awesome snacks and desserts that may suit your fancy.

This week:  

Chicken Stuffed Sweet potato                    Directions:
4 oz chicken breast, shredded         Wash sweet potato and puncture
1 medium sweet potato                    several times with a fork.
1/4 tsp chili powder                         Microwave for 5 min. Then flip
1/4 tsp garlic powder                         and microwave for another 5.
1/4 cup black beans                         Carefully slice potato up and
salt and pepper to taste                    mix up the insides to get them
greek yogurt for garnish                  soft. Toss shredded chicken and black beans in spices  and top over sweet potato. Garnish with a dollop of greek yogurt.
265 cal * 35 carbs * 3g of fat * 28g protein* 8g fiber

Turkey Avo Sandwich             Directions
6 oz of turkey breast                 Toast 2 pieces of whole wheat bread
1/2 avocado                               meanwhile, mix avo, garlic powder,
1/4 tps garlic power                  pepper, salt, onion flakes, and lemon
1/8 tsp pepper                           in a small bowl. adjust flavor as
1/8tsp salt                                 desired. Fold in chopped tomatoes.
1/2 tsp onion flakes                  When bread is toasted, smear avo mi
1/4 tsp lemon juice                   evenly on slices. Layer turkey breast
                                                      3 grape tomato, chopped          and close.
                                                      2 slices whole wheat toast
421 cal * 31 carbs* 14g fat * 49g protein * 9g fiber

Mug Protein Cake              Directions:
3 tbs egg whites                   Blend oats in a blender until a powder.
1/4 cup oats (blended)         Thoroughly mix oat flour, egg whites,
1 truvia packet                     truvia packet, flaxseed and cocoa
1/2 tbs ground flaxseed        powder in a large mug. Microwave
2 tsp cocoa powder              for ~1 min until cooked.
1/4 cup greed yogurt            Mix greek yogurt, vanilla, truvia, and
1/2 tsp vanilla                      cinnamon in a small bowl.
1 truvia packet                     Remove cake from mug and lay on the
cinnamon to taste                 bed of greek yogurt. Garnish with
                                                      chopped banana                   sliced banana and extra cinnamon.
222 cal * 31 carbs * 5g fat * 18g fat * 6 fiber*

Cottage Cheese and Veggies
1/2 cup cottage cheese
veggies of choice; my favorite are:
sweet peppers, carrots, cherry tomato,
celery, and cucumber.

nutritional value will vary on the amount of veggies and the type of cottage cheese you use: 4%-fat free ,small curd to large curd.  But 1/2 a cup will have ~12g protein!!! 


ENJOY!!!

All nutritional information provided is for reference purposes only. Nutritional value may very based on the ingredients used

I'll be posting a few of these protein loaded meals, snacks, and dessert so stay tuned!

*Update* For my next list of Clean High Protein Foods 

Click {HERE}

LiveFit Phase 1 Wk 3

 

Week three was harder mentally than anything else.

 I just had a lot going on and was tired after almost everyday after work--the time I go to the gym-- that the gym just didn't seem to be my friend. I did do every workout to its fullest and always felt satisfied with my work so that is check off the list. 
 
I did, however, mess up my workout schedule because I didn't notice until Thursday that the amount of rest days was reduced to 2 from 3 so I had to workout on Saturday (a day I normally don't) because I took off Wednesday. 

It wasn't too bad. The gym, at least the weights section, was pretty bare so I had the weights station to myself for the most part. 

My body? Still feeling amazing. I love eating, period. And the fact that I get to eat a lot on this program is a bonus. I still watch the amounts I consume caloric wise;  approx 1300-1450 cals with 130-135g being protein, but my body is responding really well. 

This week's body part that I noticed change is the inner part of my thigh. I've always had bigger legs, even with the unhealthy weight gone, they just got big in muscle instead of fat...anyways, us bigger legged woman--You know that part that touches together at the top of the inner thigh, well mine has shrunken a lot over the last year but has not completely stopped touching together when standing feet close together, until now! It's pulled in and looking great!!!! It must have been those wide legged bar bell squats....OUCH. 

Strength Training Tip: 

• When weight training providing your body with maximum nutrition is key. It is highly encouraged to take a daily multivitamin, a fatty oil (fish or flaxseed), extra calcium if needed. These are to make sure you body is fully equip to build and rebuild lean muscle while maintaining a healthy balance everywhere else.

Food wise, I have some awesome recipes that have been coming out on my blog: quinoa pizza bites with turkey pepperoni, turkey balls, chicken stuffed sweet potato, and  tuna cakes. Many more to follow. 

I am also still working on that high protein meal post with pictures and recipes posted all in one location for easy access. It's coming, I promise. 

Food tip: 

• Don't think Chicken, Turkey and Fish are your only healthy meat protein options. Feel like a steak? Go for it!  There are some great nutritional value in lean red meat. 

Some options: 

• London broil
• Top round
• Plank/skirt steak
• Pork chops 
• Bison 
• Other game meat.

If you would like to read more about the LiveFit 12 Week challenge and my previous week  results

CLICK HERE

I am excited to start week 4 just to say I made it a whole month on the program.  

Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potato

 

This is seriously a 15 min meal. I was in a hurry to make a hearty meal before the gym and bam-wazam this was made. 

Now, you do have to prep the chicken beforehand or have a rotisserie on hand but seriously this is an under 30 min meal if you add that into the equation.

Double, triple, or quadruple to your families size needs but all you have to do is pop, slice, spread and a enjoy!


Ingredients: 
4 oz  chicken breast, cooked, shredded
1 medium sweet potato
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup black beans, rinsed
salt and pepper to taste
greek yogurt for garnish

Directions: 
Wash/scrub sweet potato then puncture several times with a fork.
Microwave for 5 min. 
Then flip potato and microwave for another 5 min.
Toss shredded chicken and  black beans in spices
Carefully slice open potato --be careful of steam--and top potato with chicken mixture. 

Dollop with greek yogurt and serve with a side salad. 

ENJOY!!!!

 Nutritional Information 

1 stuffed potato

265 cal * 35 carbs * 3g of fat * 28g protein* 8g fiber