My Weightloss Journey

Miwok in Indian means "Park from Hell"

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:31:00 -0800

Today Dante wanted to do a third very challenging workout with me, so he moved the location over to Miwok Park in Elk Grove. We walked over there from house and he was nice enough to let me carry the 35lb Kettle bell to and from the park. He helped part of the way, but it was heavy for him too - seriously?!?

Surprisingly Miwok has several obstacles that you can use that fit in with the Mud Run training as well as general everyday workouts. No gym required. The children out there found me very entertaining and thought the kettle bell was like some magical ball.

Todays workout consisted of ruining my lovely “piano hands” so that I could develop ugly calluses. Monkey bars, jump boxes, bear crawls in the wood chips, pull ups, sprints and a few other exercises I dare speak of. It was a tough workout for me as it felt like Day 1 all over again, but Dante just keeps on pushing me to my limits.

Tomorrow is yet another Mud Run Training at Kennedy High School, so I am taking it easy the rest of today as there is supposed to be more cardio than in the past trainings. Yea!

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Aleasha’s Tuna Melt Ingredients 1 Flatout 5 Grain...

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:39:43 -0800

Aleasha’s Tuna Melt

Ingredients

1 Flatout 5 Grain Flatbread
2 oz Canned Tuna
1 TBSP of Veganaise (Dairy Free)
1 TBSP Pickle Relish
1/4 Cup of Celery
1/4 Cup Lettuce
2 Slices of Tomato
1/8 Cup of Daiya Mozeralla Cheese (Dairy Free)
Seasonings - Pepper and Dill

Preparation

- Mix Tuna, Veganaise, Relish, Pepper, Dill and Celery into Food Processor and mix
- Place the Flat Bread down on a grill and spoon the tuna mix onto with the Daiya Cheese and cook until warm.
- Add Tomato and Lettuce and enjoy!

Servings: 1
Calories: 311

Garlic and Lemon Tilapia 4oz tilapia fillet 3 tablespoons fresh...

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:14:20 -0800

Garlic and Lemon Tilapia

4oz tilapia fillet
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon I can’t believe it’s not butter
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Rinse tilapia fillets under cool water, and pat dry with paper towels.
Place fillets in baking dish. Pour lemon juice over fillets, then drizzle butter on top. Sprinkle with garlic, parsley, and pepper.
Bake in preheated oven until the fish is white and flakes when pulled apart with a fork, about 30 minutes.

Salad is butter lettuce and cherry tomatoes with Balsamic Spritz Depressing, Asparagus is grilled and seasoned.

Serving: 1
Calories 286

Saturday Mud Run Workout #3 After Friday’s Breakthrough...

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 17:38:54 -0800

Saturday Mud Run Workout #3

After Friday’s Breakthrough Workout I was really leery of going to the Mud Run training the next day. But I really like getting in a 4th workout with Dante. This workout was Scheduled at Kennedy High School because they have an ROTC training area, which features several of the mud run obstacles.

We started off on the bleachers (REALLY!?!?) luckily high school bleachers are much smaller than college. We had to run up and down the stairs 6 times. Then I had to run 2 laps around the track.

After a short break we moved onto weighted lunges, doing lat, front and shoulder raises with 8lb weights…finishing up the warm up with 1 minute planks and a 100 meter sprint against Dante. Even with a head start he still blew right past us. I really don’t think he is human sometimes.

Todays circuit, which was focused on mud run obstacles was tough. We started with front and backwards bear crawls, jump squats, tire runs, pull-ups, a climb over the wall and ending with a 1 minute wall squat. We had to do it 3 times.

OMG it took every ounce of energy for me to get through this workout. I was already exhausted just from the warm up. The wall was my biggest concern, but I put everything into getting over it every time. It was hard but I did it, with a lot of support from the team and Angel who did my 3rd lap with me. Thank you!

I came home and went straight to bed and just crashed. Unfortunately I re injured the pulled muscle in my neck/back and my shoulders and calves are sore beyond belief. I even have little badges of honor (bruises) all over my legs.

Sunday I took the day off from all activities to rest and heal my shoulder.

On Friday as we were driving home from a client meeting and...

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 17:07:00 -0800

On Friday as we were driving home from a client meeting and Dante sent me a text telling me to meet him at Sac City College for our workout. When I arrived I found out today was going to be Breakthrough Workout #2. One of Dante’s other clients, Jes also came out for support.

The workout started out with running up and down each stairwell all the way around the stadium. Hello Asthma attack! Never did I think that I could accomplish that intense of a workout with that many stairs. Someone had mentioned it was like 1500 stairs. We then did a partner exercise where Jes got on my back for me to do calf raises. I can tell you now that it’s Sunday that my calves got worked. They are still on fire. The last part of the workout consisted of 100 meter sprints and quick squats at each end of the sprint. By the time we were finished my legs were done.

I finished the workout and really saw how much I have evolved in the past 6 weeks. My endurance level amazes me. When you look at all the bleacher stairs your saying to yourself oh he’ll no. But once your halfway through it, your telling yourself you’ve got this! And I did.

Krista’s Very Low Sodium Fried Rice 16oz Ground...

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:56:00 -0800

Krista’s Very Low Sodium Fried Rice

16oz Ground Chicken
1/2 Cup Chopped Onion
1 Cup Snap Peas (sliced in half)
1 Cup Chopped Mushrooms
4 Eggs
1 Cup Shredded Carrots
4 tbsp Hoisin Sauce (Premier Japan Biologique
1 Package of Traders Joe’s Frozen Brown Rice

Seasonings: Mrs Dash Original, Thyme, Basil

- - - - - -
Cook ground chicken with seasonings and onions, mix together
Once chicken is half way done. Put 4 eggs in a seperate frying pan and scramble and cook.
Add mushrooms, snap peas, and carrots to the chicken, mix together
Add 4 tbsp of Hoisin Sauce to the Chicken and vegetables, mix together
Add cooked eggs to the chicken, mix together
Microwave the brown rice 4 min

I add the brown rice to the plate. I do not mix it with the chicken and vegetables so that I can eat the other portions at another meal as I am not allowed grains at all of my meals.

Plate 1/2 Cup Brown Rice, place 1/4 of the protein and veggies on top and serve.

Servings 4
Calories per serving: 444
Sodium: 474

Restaurant Friend Rice has anywhere from 800-1000 mg of sodium per serving

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:11:00 -0800

This has been a big topic lately in different conversations with people. I am no different than the average person and I used to make excuses as to why I didn’t want to workout or eat healthy. I was just being lazy.

From the start of my journey I vowed not to give excuses, especially to Dante. I was going in giving nothing but 100%. This is not just a personal investment, but a financial one too. I don’t have the luxury of wasting his or my time. I keep trying till I am able to do it, just like I do with my running. I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to, just like I do with my business, I should have the same mindset with my health too. Its all mind over matter, and we are all capable of doing things - our athletic level, age, injury, etc. should not be an issue.

Some people live their lives filled with excuses, whether they use their age, athletic ability, time or other people from holding them back. Non of us can live a full life if we are constantly giving excuses, when we all know its just because they are lazy. Admittance is the first step - If you don’t try, how will you ever know the amazing things you are capable of doing. If you tried just a little harder each time, just think of the results you will have! People set themselves up for failure. They cannot blame anyone but themselves when that happens because we all have control of our lives and the choices we make and the food we shove in our mouths.

Last Saturday I did a Mud Run Training, there about 16 of us out there. All different age levels from 20’s to 60’s as well as athletic abilities, and some with injuries as well. We all did the same exact workout. Some finished quickly and some didn’t, but no one was looked at any different. You just kept pushing through till you were finished.

“The day you take complete responsibility for yourself, is the day you stop making excuses, and let nothing stand in your way” - Krista

Mud Run Day of Tips

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:20:00 -0800

I’ve been reading several different blogs that offer tips on what you need day of race. I’ve taken the time to compile a list for those who are running in the April 21st Survivor Mud Run in Lathrop.

Don’t wear goggles or sunglasses.
Do not wear any jewelry.
Wear Sunscreen.
Take photos before and after the race.
Duct tape your laces to your shoes.
Stay hydrated before the race.
Warm up and stretch your muscles before the race
Dress comfortably. Long sleeve spandex shirts, pants or shorts will help with the mud and little rocks you encounter.
Dressing up in a costume can add to the fun.
Wear thick socks (ankle high) and all terrain shoes for better traction.
Bring gloves. Football gloves are the best.
Bring a garbage bag, towels, change of clothes and shoes for after the race.

1 Month Weigh-In Before / After Photos

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:44:33 -0800

1 Month Weigh-In Before / After Photos

Lunch - Homemade Fried Rice, - seasoned ground chicken, brown...

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:35:00 -0800

Lunch - Homemade Fried Rice, - seasoned ground chicken, brown rice, onion, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, and an egg (calories 405)

30 Day Weigh-In…

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:43:00 -0800

I can’t believe its only been 30 days. I feel like I have accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. Sadly, I did not win Dante’s weight loss bet, which was to lose 38lbs in 30 days to win $200. I came in at 36lbs, missed it by 2lbs, but I am thrilled with the results either way!

I did win the body fat loss bet, -4% since my 21 day weigh-in. I lost a total of 5%. So my prize was a pair of shoes of my choice! So before even working out today we all went over to Sports Authority so I could claim my prize.

In total, -36lbs, 11.88% percentage WL, -49.75 total inches, -20.2% Fat loss.

Here is the breakdown (Pictures will be posted here tomorrow):

Day 30
Weight: 267 lbs
Upper Arm: 18
Forearm: 10
Calves: 18
Thigh 27
Hips: 44 3/4
Waist: 46
Neck: 13 3/4
Chest: 48

Day 21
Weight: 280 lbs
Upper Arm: 19
Forearm: 11
Calves: 19
Thigh 29
Hips: 47
Waist: 48
Neck: 13.75
Chest: 49

DAY 0
Weight: 303 lbs
Upper Arm: 21
Forearm: 11.5
Calves: 19.75
Thigh 29.5
Hips: 59
Waist: 55.5
Neck: 16
Chest: 53

Spent Sunday watching the Super Bowl with friends at...

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:23:48 -0800

Spent Sunday watching the Super Bowl with friends at Palermo’s. Sticking to the plan wherever I go!

How I was just 30 Days Ago...

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:08:00 -0800

My 1 month anniversary of starting my journey is just around the corner and I had a realization the other day about the person I was just 30 days ago.

The best way to describe me when it comes to food was I was just flat out LAZY. I didn’t care what foods I was eating, where they came from and what it was doing to me physically. Plus I always had an excuse and tried to appease people who expressed concerned with my habits and say that I would eventually do something about it. The whole I’m going to start Monday Syndrome was used far to often.

A typical week for me was spent eating out, at least 4-5 meals. My work schedule can be long and hectic and we are at times on the road a lot, so fast food and restaurant dining were done out of convience. Not only was I spending a lot of money, but now I realize just how bad some restaurant food is, the high sodium and fat levels is what concerned me most.

At home I really didn’t care either. We would buy unhealthy foods, I did not have the motivation to cook and I felt bad for making Aleasha do it as she has a bad back. So I would say lets go out to eat - often. So bad foods were becoming a staple in my diet and I was slowly ballooning up into the 300’s again. I just stopped caring about myself.

Exercise = Non Existent

Present Day, I’m no longer that LAZY person when it comes to my health. In just 30 days I feel brand new. I feel stronger both mentally and physically. I have learned so much about foods and my body and that I can make big changes in a very short amount of time. I have never felt this good in my entire life. Not even in the past when Ive lost weight. This has been a completely new experience for me.

We now only eat out once per week, maybe twice, but never more than that. We choose restaurants that cook fresh food and that we can inquire as to how foods are prepared. My new saying No Salt, No Oil, No butter. My food selections are portioned properly and I only choose healthy meals excluding my 1 cheat meal a week. If I am ever unsure I always ask Dante and he is great at helping me select something within my plan.

As I said before, cooking was not my thing. Now I love to cook, and love coming up with ways to make new and healthy recipes that stick to my food plan. I love taking recipes and tweaking them to include the foods on my list. Granted several of my recipes are in the beginning stages, but I really enjoy perfecting them and sharing them with others. Unfortunately, Aleasha is my guinea pig and has to eat what I make but she is a really good support and gives me good feedback and suggestions. I really enjoy cooking now. Weird!

Exercise was non existent 30 days ago and now I am accomplishing things I never though I could. Last night in just under a week of running since I was sick, I ran a 5k. That is such a big deal to me because the last time I ran a 5k I trained for several months to finish one. I love seeing how fast my physical capabilities have changed in such a short amount of time.

30 days in and I refuse to be lazy anymore. I’m done making excuses for bad habits and it’s all about me achieving my weightloss goal.

I am so thankful to have Dante enter my life when he did, if he had not I’m sure I would be heading towards a very dark place, health wise. He has made this process very easy and he has given me the tools and support I need to reach my goals. I feel strong and its all do to his knowledge, expertise and what he knows I can accomplish by constantly pushing me.

Thank you Dante for saving my life. I appreciate and value the time we spend together and especially our new friendship.

Lunch - Krista’s Special: Ground Chicken, Spinach,...

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:20:00 -0800

Lunch - Krista’s Special: Ground Chicken, Spinach, Mushrooms, Onion and Seasonings. All Organic and Fresh. No Cans! (calories 267)

"Murph" - More like MEH

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:03:00 -0800

Todays workout was more of an endurance challenge that was named after Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. This was his favorite workout.

The workout consists of the following:

1 mile Run
100 Pull Ups
200 Push Ups
300 Squats
1 mile Run

All to be completed within an hour. I completed it in 1 hour 15 minutes.

It was grueling but I don’t think my time was that bad. I would rather complete the entire workout than stopping short due to time. I’m sure when I do this workout again that I will be well within the time frame.

And no this is not my favorite workout. :o)

Survivor Mud Run Medal #Motivation!

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:41:32 -0800

Survivor Mud Run Medal #Motivation!

Spicy Coconut Shrimp - Still trying to perfect this recipe.

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:49:10 -0800

Spicy Coconut Shrimp - Still trying to perfect this recipe.

Weight Bar Creed This is my weight bar. There are many like it,...

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:51:54 -0800

Weight Bar Creed

This is my weight bar. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

My weight bar is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.

My weight bar, without me, is useless. Without my weight bar I am useless.

My weigh bar is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a sister. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, and its accessories. I will keep my weight bar clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other.

Weekend Wrap Up!

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:34:37 -0800

I had a very eventful weekend. Dante hosted an open session workout on Saturday which lasted 2.5 hours! Yes you read that right 2.5 hours! When I first learned about the length I thought he was crazy. He said we would be doing some martial arts - Jeet Kun Doe, relays, a 25,000 lb lift challenge, and finishing the day with 1 mile run.

It’s been just over 3 weeks now that I’ve been working with Dante and I lasted through the entire workout. I was only able to run 1/2 of the 1 mile run, but I was exhausted by the time we were done. The rest of the day I was a walking Zombie.

On Sunday I had to get out of the house, so we headed over to the Pocket Levy for a run. I actually beat my Personal Best! I ran for 2.13 miles straight, which was a 13 min mile. The last time I ran that long was almost 5 years ago and I ran a 14:45 min mile. I was so excited and in complete shock.

I can tell that I’m a lot stronger and my endurance level is changing. I love the results I am getting. I’m thrilled about the weightloss, don’t get me wrong. But to see what your body is capable of doing after such a short period of time is amazing!

Overall the weekend was focused on exercise but I had so many accomplishments it made for a fantastic weekend. Big Smile!

Krista’s Chickieloaf Recipe Ingredients 1lb Ground...

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:31:00 -0800

Krista’s Chickieloaf Recipe

Ingredients

1lb Ground Chicken (Smart Chicken - Cage Free, Grass Fed)
1 Can Tomato Sauce (Hunts)
1 Egg White
1/4 Cup Oatmeal (Coaches Fine Grain)
1/4 Cup Chopped Yellow Onion
2 TBSP Prego 100% Natural Basil / Garlic Tomato Sauce
Seasoning: Mrs Dash Original Blend, Thyme, Basil

Prep

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a bowl, place the ground chicken, tomato sauce, egg white, oatmeal, onion and seasoning and mash it together using your hands.

Once it’s completely mixed together, put it all into a glass baking dish. Place into the oven for 1 hour.

Once it’s cooked all the way through, add the 2 TBSP’s of basil and garlic tomato sauce to the top and serve. Great with Mashed Cauliflower and a Salad with Balsalmic Vinegrette. It’s also great to use for sandwiches the next day.

Serves 4 people, 4 oz each.
Calories 233 per serving