Monday Madness: Image

I recently was tagged in a picture from back in 1995 when I was on my senior trip. I was like, "wow!" when I first saw it. I use think I was SO FAT back then...I can't believe it!!!!
I was 130 pounds and yet I never felt comfortable in my skin. I always covered up. All my girlfriends sporting around in bikini's that summer when I couldn't even shed a one piece. What was wrong with my head???
Ok, sure, I wasn't as skinny as the two standing next to me, but still, I wasn't fat. I should have enjoyed that body...and re-thought that hair style. But anyway, I really want to examine my body image thoughts, where they came from, and how to let them go. I think it's an important step in changing my life as well as preparing the way for my daughter to live in a hate-free home.
Where it started...I always remember my Mom standing in front of a mirror, examining herself, always with a frown on her face. She never thought she was skinny enough and always asked the question, "does this make me look fat?"
She commented frequently on my body, watching the foods I ate, even hiding deserts if she felt I shouldn't have them. I felt controlled. I felt fat. I felt as if I wasn't good enough, didn't look good enough, or would ever be good enough...for anyone. 
When I turned 18, graduated, started college, and got married, i was finally free to make my choices. I ate and enjoyed it. I quickly put on 20 pounds. My Mom's words, thoughts, and shame never left me. I criticized myself repeatedly. I joined a gym around 19 in hopes of loosing weight. My Mom's only comment, "don't do those weights and get big legs." Her idea of an attractive body was a slim body, not necessarily a healthy body.
How can I blame her, her Mom was so tiny, her sister as well. My Mom was the larger one at a 120 pounds. I'm sure that played on her mind. 
But I think the one thing that really bothers me is that one day my Mom turned to me and told me no man would want me at the weight I was at. I was going through my second divorce at the time and I'm just not sure those words were as productive as she had hoped they'd be.
I still remember the moment. Where we sat, her voice, her tone. She didn't sound mean, and I know she was trying to help me, but it just wasn't the right way.
And where I am today...still struggling with my weight. I wonder if I will ever see myself as other's truly see me or if I will constantly be stuck inside a girl who never feels good enough.
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Monday Madness: HCG

So, we all know the different diets and fads out there, you've read over them in health brochures, breezed through magazines while standing in line to buy groceries, and even heard your girl/boyfriend chatting about them. Well, today I'm taking a look at HCG {Human Chorionic Gonadotropin} and trying to decide if it's right for me. 
HCG is a hormone naturally produced by the body during pregnancy, making it possible for the body to use stored fat to feed mom and baby. For weight loss purposes, HCG is used in small amounts {and is safe to be used by both men and women} to unlock stored fat to be used as energy and further your weight loss success. 
Now, here's the thing, nothing works wonders by itself, it takes time and effort to change your body. Understanding your caloric intake as well as physical activity is a major factor in successful weight loss, but now with HCG, maybe the body can get a little boost in the shedding the pounds department.
What about You? Have you tried HCG? Share Your story. Like this post? Vote for me! 

Monday Madness: I Am Tired...

Every morning I wake up, roll over, and hit my snooze button. And yet every day I secretly criticize my body, the extra weight I carry, and compare myself to other women. Every. Day.
I'm so tired of it.
I'm ashamed that the thoughts of my body have become a constant battle in my head. I seriously wish I could move past this and "love myself for who I am, not what I look like..." I'm not saying my value as a person is set by the number on the scale but I am saying that I'm disappointed in the way I look. I don't feel comfortable in my clothes....or my skin. I want to feel the way I did a couple of years ago, when I was running. I enjoyed that body...I enjoyed catching glimpses of myself in the mirror. :)
And, over these last few months I've been trying to work out, I've done different DVD's, started and stopped running programs, but I've seen no results from any of it. It's time to seriously get back on track.
And so it's time to take on this mind frame....

I'm just not sure it could be said any simplier. It's just time....
Workout Schedule: Monday: C25K {morning}, bike ride {afternoon} Tuesday: C25K {morning} with 30DayShred {afternoon} Wednesday: C25K {morning} bike ride {afternoon} Thursday: C25K {morning} 30DayShred {afternoon} Friday: C25K {morning}
What about You??? What workout program are You enjoying at the moment??

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Monday Madness

The only down side, for me, to working out...soreness. I can't stand it. I'm such a baby when it comes to pain so when I found this article on how to combat the day after soreness, I was thrilled. I agree with the cardio aspect of helping to bring blood flow to sore muscles. If my legs are really sore a light ride on my stationary bike will usually help. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the article as much I did...and let's keep moving!

A Sore Subject

By Harley Pasternak, creator of the 5-Factor Diet

By now you've probably noticed that after working out a particular body part, it's often sore for the next day or two — especially if you're not in the habit of exercising. This is called delayed onset muscle soreness, and it's caused by tiny tears in the muscle fiber. Over time, the tears heal and cause the muscle to grow. Don't worry: The discomfort you're feeling is typical after an intense resistance workout, so don't let it keep you from sticking to your workout plan.

Challenge yourself to keep going, even if the going gets tough. You can fend off the soreness somewhat by stretching the body parts you're working out during the rest periods between supersets. If you're already sore, ibuprofen or aspirin will ease the discomfort a bit; and some studies suggest that extra doses of vitamin C can help get rid of the ache.

Engaging in some light aerobic exercise, because it increases blood flow, will also help reduce soreness. Remember: Pain is not part of a successful workout, and if a muscle is still painful after four or five days, check with your doctor to make sure you haven't sustained an injury.

original article: http://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/team/tips/a-sore-subject.aspx?xid=tw_weightloss_20120217_fitness

This week's workout schedule: 

Monday: C25K Week 7, Day 1

Tuesday: Weight Training

Wednesday: C25K Week 7, Day 2

Thursday: Weight Training

Friday: C25K Week 7, Day 3

Goals: 

100 ounces of water a day

No carbs without protein 

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