1 week later...

Oops!  I didn't realize it has been A WEEK since I last posted.  Time is a-flyin!

What is new?  Well...

I'm in 2nd place!!  Dirtttty!  I only lost 4 more pounds BUT I was down 7% body fat!  And I'm down 15 inches all together!  Now that's what I call results!  I have to bring out the big guns in the next couple of weeks to get me to that $1500!  Bring it!

I started a new menu today.  Like zero carbs - no berries, no sweet potato - just protein, veggies and healthy fat.  So far I'm feeling pretty good.

Workouts are feeling good.  Dance is feeling good.  Life is feeling good.  My clothes all fit!  Woop!

I think that is all for now.

Yay 2nd Place!

Love your results queen,
SJ

Half Way!

Well a day over half way but that still counts!  I feel like the hot yoga took all my energy stores away so I've been SOOOOO hungry!  But I guess that just means the process is working like a charm...first place here i come!!

I honestly can't believe its half over.  I definitely think I am going to keep this up all of the way until Christmas so I am in crazy shape for snowboarding season and nursing placement.  Maintenance will be much easier than trying to lose weight during my first experience with shift work.

I know I'm not supposed to know about Christmas presents, but I'm getting a snowboard for Christmas!!!  I think that is a pretty sweet reward for doing all of this..and let me tell you, it is a Sexxxy board!  I cannot wait!!

Ok, real life talk over.  Skinny jean talk...

I woke up super early to get my whole workout in today, but it was great!  I haven't increased the amount of times I go through the circuit but I have added weights and my intervals are improving so I am going to increase next week when I have more time.  It still takes me an hour so I am still getting huge benefit.

Last week I forgot to say that I had to study without snacks for the first time in over a year.  I was scared but it went really well!  And I got an awesome mark!  So the key was to prepare ahead of time and take breaks.  I also think this challenge is making me smarter.  Plus, dancing with live music turns on 98% of your brain - so my brain has been thriving on dance days!

I think that is all for now.  I don't want to bore you all!

Keep up the healthy yourselves!!

SJ

Day 19

I'm back!

Yes I know, it's been days and days but sometimes (especially when you're in a weight loss competition) life just gets busy!

So what is new...?

This weeks workouts have been awesome!  I have increased my weights and repetitions and I've really been able to push myself.  I know it's been effective because I've been getting some sore muscles again.  And!  (Now that I'm running again) I've been able to run intervals regularly at an 8.0 but I've done a few 10s!  Woohoo!

The new meal plan was tough at first.  I felt hungry all the time, but I think that is a good sign that I was switching it up enough to trick my body into avoiding a plateau.  The past couple days I have had energy and have been feeling better.  I am also taking iron every other night which I think is helping as well.  My iron has always been lowish.

Lots of veggies this week = Lots more groceries and chopping!  A little time consuming but making my meals 2 days ahead has really helped.

Big news this week as well is that I am wearing jeans again!!  I bought them last year when I had lost weight and when fall came I couldn't fit into them!  Feels darn good!

I took today off from the gym so I can have a good couple dance classes tomorrow.  This means I am down a cardio sesh this week but I feel like 3 hours of dance makes up for that.  Plus I'm busting out my secret weapon on Sunday - HOT YOGA!!!!  It really worked for me last year when I was off running for a while, so I hope another switch up can give me another leg up!

That's all the updates for now homeslices!

Happy Weekend!

SJ

Week 3 Begins!/Results!

Ahoy Matey's!

Sorry for the 4 day delay, but it was worth the wait.  I wont keep you waiting any longer!

Drum roll...

3rd place!

My number is -6.3.  This is my weight loss, body fat loss and inches lost added and divided by 3.  Soo...it was about 10 lbs, 2% body fat, and about 6 inches!  YAY!  The two people ahead of me were -6.3 and -6.7 -- close game!  A comeback to first place is possible!!!!!

Meal plan 2 also started today.  I made the morning smoothie/shake and I had to do two batches because it didnt fit into the magic bullet!  LOL! But super good -- even though it has spinach in it.  I feel like it will be an energy bomb!

Workouts are feeling really good.  I am just truckin along like a champ.

That is all for this exciting post.

SJ

CRASH! (Day 11)

BANG!  I knew the energy had to run out at some point...it was this afternoon.  I don't know if it was the smart idea of 5:00AM gym session or the adrenaline surge from volunteering at a paramedic school event but this afternoon I was doneeeeeeeeeee...CHECKED OUT!

I had a little power nap which helped.  But I'm gunna just relax tonight to get my energy back and DEFINITELY go to bed early.

But the good new isss...I ran today!  1 visit to the chiro and pain free!  I'd say that is pretty darn good!  I find a much more intense cardio workout on the treadmill vs. on the bike.  But I will say that I was able to sprint faster so I think the cross training helped a bit.

I'm done all my weight workouts for the week!  So I think just the cardio tomorrow wont be too much to ruin Saturday dance!

And don't forget...weigh day Sunday!! Almost as exciting as Sunday night football...HAHA! ooor not!  so place your bets!! I'm going to guess last so you guys do get any hints!

Love love!

SJ

Day 10

A week and a half in.  YAY!  I still have bundles of energy!  I have never gotten so much done in my life. I love this!  I also finally got L-Carnitine which I learned helps burn fat, but I think it has just given me more energy.  Awesome!

The workouts are feeling a little bit easier this week, which is good.  But trust me, they are still intense.  Doing running intervals I tweaked my achilles tendon the other day so I haven't been running, but I'm doing rehab and hopefully will get back in the game soon.  I miss it already.  The bike is not a good substitute if you ask me.  Plus, the bikes at the gym make my hips hurt.  But, I guess a little cross training never hurt anyone.

I think I am ready for the meal plan that starts next week.  Time for a change!

SO! I was talking to my friend about this the other day and he was telling me about his diet and training routine and i felt so good after the chat. Sooo...readers...tell me something.  What are you doing now that is working?  Or what would you like to do?  Or have you made any changes recently that you feel really good about?

Finally, because it is weigh/measure day on Sunday it's time to place your bets!! How many pounds and inches do you think I will have lost these first two weeks??  The winner this time gets bragging rights and good practice for the final bet where if I win the $1500 the closest person to my total loss will get $50!!!  SERIOUSLY!  So let's hear it!  How well, or not so well, do you think I've done!?!?!?

That's all for today! Can't wait to hear your comments!

SJ

Day 8

Happy Thanksgiving!!  Sorry for the temporary hiatus, but I got sidetracked with family, turkey and homework.  

Updates...

Still going strong.  I had my day off the gym yesterday which was nice, but a little weird.  So, today I was back at it and I killed the workout.  I got through it 2 times this time and felt good, which is better than my 1 1/2 times last week...YAY!  BUT I got on the treadmill and ran my first interval and my achilles tendonitis started acting up again so I had to finish on the bike, which for me is not ideal.  (I emailed my chiropractor as soon as i got home - i need to fix this little problem FAST!!!)

Eating is still good.  Turkey was awesome!!! So much better than my dried out chicken breasts.  So I got ALL of the leftover white meat to take home.  Still eating it...mmm.  My dad also cooked me a bunch of chicken the proper way, so I am set for a while now.  No more wanting to vomit every meal. 

I feel like I am being more productive, sleeping better and feeling pretty darn good about myself.  AND I have zero cravings.  I honestly have never done this well on a nutrition plan before IN MY LIFE.

We got cable at our house so I am enjoying a marathon of 'suits' with my roomate while catching up on homework on this beautiful thanksgiving Monday.  I love holidays!

Back to the grind tomorrow though.

Peace out!

SJ

p.s. still no L-Carnitine.  The store was out.  It must be on popular demand.  The search continues in London this week.  Wish me luck!

Love Jazz

Hello Again!  I just couldn't wait to post after dance class today!  Maybe this blog should turn into a dance blog once my contest is done...hmm.

SUPER GOOD CLASS!  Ahh!  First off, Friday is going to be my new rest day!  My body was tiiiiiiiired today...I was already shaking during the warm up.  But other than that...I got lots of complements from the teach...woo hoo!  I even got asked to move to the front of the class to dance the combo so others could see me...that's right!  Superstar!  LOL!

Ok enough feeding my ego for today.  But seriously dance = happy.  Even if I get stuck in traffic and it takes twice as long to get home!

Ciao!

SJ

Dance Day!!!

Good Morning!!!  It's dance day so naturally I'm in the best mood ever.  Plus I got to drink green tea out of my favorite mug!  -->  (it says 'world class sweetheart' :) )

Haha!  Don't laugh!  I love disney!  And I swear my parents keep this one at home to lure me here on a regular basis.

I think that's all for now!  I really just wanted to post about the mug!  Happy Saturday!

SJ

Comments!!

By the way!  I know there are a few lurkers out there, so feel free to post comments!  (Please!  My mom is taking over this page!  I need to redeem myself!)

Day 5

Flew by!  Wow! And now its the weekend!!! And 2 days off workouts!! (minus dance tomorrow but that is the most fun workout of all!)

Today was sweet!  The workout was not as hard as they said it would be and I got through it with minimal problems.  I had tons of energy all day and got lots of stuff done!  I'm actually surprised that I am still awake right now.

The only frustrating thing was that I couldn't get the rest of my supplements tonight because the store that I went to on my way home (which I called today to make sure they were opened until 9) was closed at 8:15! WTF!!!  Sooo...post dance road trip tomorrow for mutli-vitamins and L-Carnatine! Haha!  Ohh my life is so exciting right now.

But! Tomorrow is also Turkey Day at my house! No more yucky chicken!!!!!!!!!!  Hope everyone is having a good Friday!

SJ

Still Sleepy!

Today was crazy busy!  But I just want to say a few things before bed.

Huge motivator today was not being able to decide what to wear...nothing looks good/fits!  Can't wait for that to change!!!!

Also, my roomate, Rosie, did intervals at the gym on the treadmill with me today and honestly helped so much I would have quit otherwise!

Friends Are Awesome!

Also, I salsa danced today...super fun!

Night

SJ

Day 4

I know I've been slacking but I was too tired to post last night!! Yesterday was very good though after my crazy intense workout.  I definitely had more energy but I've still been sleeping like a rock!  Which I guess is a good thing and means I'm tiring myself out.  And it is still easy to get up in the morning.  So all-in-all feeling good.

The only thing yesterday was the thought of eating chicken made me want to vomit all day!  I think I just did a really terrible job cooking my chicken on Sunday...suuuuuper dry!  I now remember why I became a vegetarian so long ago.  I've decided that a boyfriend would be nice due to the fact that other than for the obvious reasons they are really good for cooking meat!   I will be taking leftovers from home after this weekend for sure!

Today's workout wasn't terrible.  Still exhausting though.  Squats, lunges, and burpees in two count-down circuits...my legs were toast.  Speed intervals on the treadmill were not very easy after that!  I can't wait until this stuff starts to feel easier!  If that ever happens.  But I must say, pushing myself like this makes me feel very good at the end of the day!

Last thing, I realized I am so sore because I have not picked up the L-Carnatine supplement yet which is definitely the one to help repair muscle...ooops!  I will definitely be stopping to pick that up on my way home on Friday!

That's all for this morning!  Enjoy the beautiful weather!

SJ

P.S.  All of your comments are so helpful and motivating!  Thank you!!!

Day 3

Ok, so now I know why they cry on The Biggest Loser!  Trying to run intervals with legs and butt so sore that it hurts to touch them was just stupid!  I had to walk between sprints today.  But I still got my cardio in.  However, the urge to cry came when I could not handle 90 (yes nine-zero!!!) plank get ups!!  I actually think the tears were on the surface around number 50 and then my roomate, Rosie, made the mistake of telling me to get my hips down and I almost tackled her!

But I finished the workout and a challenge is good...right??  And I'm sure I will get better at these workouts as the challenge continues.  It's definitely better than it being too easy.  I'm just wondering how people who are in absolutely no shape are doing...I thought I was in reasonable shape but wowwwwwww...it doesn't feel like it.

That's all for now.  I don't feel like crying anymore and I'm enjoying my cup of tea before class.

SJ

Tired Day

So I felt hungry and tired all day today.  If this wasn't a challenge, the meal plan probably would have been thrown out the window around 2:00 pm today.  It didn't help that it was a long day at school.

But I made it through!!!!  Got zero schoolwork done, but I feel like that is acceptable for day 2 blues.  I just keep thinking how many days it takes to make a habit...anyone know???

Self talk has been key today.  But I ended my day with a nice walk with my roomate to get 'Daryl's bars' which I can have instead of a protein shake.  Switching it up is exciting.  I will let you know how I feel about them.

Feeling good before bed.

Night!

Day 2

Ok...ouch!

Day 2, but strength workout number one...also known as the first killer.  The thing said 1-3 rounds of the circuit consisting of 8 bodyweight exercises.  Halfway through round one I thought I was going to die!  I ended up doing 1 1/2 sets but holyyy my whole body is still shaking!  I could barely get up and down the stairs to get to my car.  I think I may just be sore tomorrow...definitely going to treat myself to a massage after these first 2 weeks.

BUT!  I was proud of myself for even getting out of my cozy bed this morning, because that was definitely a struggle.

I'm thinking the next 2-5 days will be the biggest struggle with my body getting used to all of the changes, but I keep telling myself that if I make it through this first week I will be golden.

So last nights dinner was awesome! Especially after an ok lunch of dried out chicken breast (apparently I'm no good with a BBQ) on salad.  I am officially a fish person due to my tilapia baked in tinfoil with spices last night...mmmm

Today is a long day at school, so I have packed almost all of my meals.  Speaking of...time to get ready!

SJ

Day 1

Finally Here! I have been excited and nervous for today for quite a while now, but really it's just like any other day so far!

Gymmed it this morning and did my cardio, because the videos of the prescribed workouts weren't available yet. I hit the treadmill at the gym for interval session that looked like this:

minutes 0-5: warm-up
minutes 5-19: speed intervals of 7.4 and 5.1 (by the end of these 7 intervals i was tiiiiiiiiired)
minutes 19-22: cool down

The treadmill said I burned 290 calories for just over a 20 minute workout - sweeet!

The meal plan feels like a lot of food, and constantly eating (every 3 hours) so it has been pretty easy so far.  The only hard thing is just drinking green tea instead of regular with milk, which i love.

So far so good and feeling like I could do this for even more than 6 weeks.

That's all for now.  Updates later tonight or tomorrow!

SJ

Bonjour!

Hello family, friends, and strangers!

Welcome to my 6-week skinny jean challenge blog.

Here's what it's all about: I entered a contest along side 23 other people in an effort to lose weight, inches and body fat.  At the end of the 6 weeks, the person who loses the most (an average of all three factors) wins $1500!  Whoa!  That's a pretty sweet deal on a student budget!

So here I am, weigh-in day: Today marks the beginning of my journey.  I weighed in and got measured and got a handful of information including meal plans and exercise plans.

It took me 2 hours to grocery shop and put together my meals for the next 2 days.  But it will definitely be a time saver in the long run.

I am really excited to be on this journey, and I will have more to post as day 1 starts officially tomorrow with a 6:00am gym session!

Here goes nothin...

S.J.