sorry for my absence.....life is CRAZY!!!

Laurel D'andrea | Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Hi Everyone:  sorry for the lack of communication..You would think after working for a communications company for 22 years (my past life) that I would be better at this.

So my 8 week measurements were GREAT!!!  did I say GREAT!!!  I am very pleased with my progress, losing the weight, reshaping my body and attempting to keep my stress levels down are some of my goals.

Most parents know what it's like to work, take care of children, your spouse (if you have one) and make time for yourself....it's HARD!!!!  The thing is we NEED to make sure we take the time for ourselves...if we do then WORK is better.....we are better role models for the KIDS...and we are happy with ourselves.

I am so glad that I have rediscovered exercise and proper eating....it really does WORK....the Fall issue hits the stands next week and we talked about my journey.  Make sure you grab a copy...

Here are some of the key points that I have learned from Errol and Judi over the past 8 weeks:

• work with someone who knows what they are doing...not only  do they keep you on track they motivate and empower you!
• exercise is key when it comes to relieving stress...I lead a pretty stressful life (yes my fault) and there are days that all I can think about is how anxious I am to hit the gym and work out....when I am finished I always feel better.
• proper diet...I hate that word...let's change it to...a proactive eating regime....5 meals a day is what saves me from eating junk, over indulging and being careless.  Some of my "meals" maybe a scoop of peanut butter, handful of almonds or protein shake....birds eat when they are hungry...how many fat birds do you see flying?
• pick the right work out place and routine FOR YOU!!! I like the gym for many reasons...gets me out of the house...the people there are very friendly and encouraging and like you they are there because they WANT to be... it's nice when a stranger comes up and tells you you are looking good....
• ask questions:  whenever I am not sure if I am doing things right or want a new recipe I just ask Errol and Judi....SUPPORT really is key...
• water...water...water....for the past several years I have been good at drinking a lot of water...when you work out...don't wait til your thirsty...drink the whole time you are at the gym...

Well time to get back to my busy, hectic crazy world...I am excited for the next four weeks...then we will reveal how much I have changed in the 12 weeks... LITTLE BLACK DRESS...here I come!!!

If you want to contact me or Errol or Judi please do so ...we will help in anyway we can.....TRUST ME you will be glad you did.

Laurel

8 Weeks In.

Errol and Judi Hannigan | Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Here it is 8 weeks in and it’s time for Laurel’s newest set of measurements.

Between the three of us, Laurel, my wife Judi and myself we all have not been at the top of our game over the last couple of weeks because of various illnesses and reactions to medications etc., which has caused us to cut short and to even miss certain workout days.

Laurel in particular has had a very difficult time of it leading up to this set of measurements as she has had to work both day and night getting ready to meet this issue of the magazine’s deadlines and as I said in the the last paragraph, has also had to deal with not feeling her best.

This set of measurements and photos were taken on Monday August 30th and showed that since she started the 12 week body transformation program 8 weeks ago she has lost 16 pounds of bodyfat and dropped 11 inches from her overall measurements. Not only has she lost weight, bodyfat and inches but she has also taken her BMI (Body Mass Index) from the poor category when she started to where it is now, which is in the very good category.

I would say that these accomplishments are fantastic especially when you consider what she has been up against for the last couple of weeks and I made a point of telling her so.

She is now 2/3 of the way through this 12 week body transformation program and I hope that anyone reading this blog sees and understands that there is no big secret to getting into better shape and that anyone can do it. What Laurel has accomplished so far has been done just the way that anyone else could and should go about doing it. She is raising her two teenage boys as a single mother, grocery shopping, looking after her home and doing everything else that mothers everywhere do and is working what many times ends up being 12 to 16 hour days. While doing this she has made sure that she is keeping her nutrition at the forefront by continually eating her 5 to 6 small high protein, low glycemic carb and good fat meals each and every day.  This doesn’t mean that she has sat down at a table for each and every meal. Laurel simply makes sure to take in the proper amount of nutrients and remembers to plan ahead. By that I mean that if she is going to be working at her desk, in meetings or running around Kelowna all day she makes sure to take a couple of protein shakes with her before she goes out or puts a scoop or two of her protein powder in a shaker bottle and adds water when she’s ready to drink it. This way she has not been reaching for things, especially things like junk food or pop that would sabotage her fitness program and that is why she continues to see her bodyfat and inches dropping each and every time we take her measurements. 

Along with this she has done her best to get in three gym workouts per week which consists of about 50 minutes or so of strength training and then about 20 minutes of cardio.

As I said there is no secret to Laurel’s success. She has combined good nutrition, strength training and cardio and a healthy dose of determination and the results are speaking for themselves.

If you think she is doing a good job send her an email care of this magazine and let her know as I am sure she would love to hear from you.

Health & Quality or Price

Errol and Judi Hannigan | Friday, August 13, 2010

The very first discussion I had with Laurel I told her that getting into better shape involved taking a three-pronged approach and those three prongs were: nutrition-weightlifting-cardio and in that order.

I personally consider nutrition to be the foundation for any type of body transformation, whether the individual is interested in losing weight or bodyfat, building more muscle or increasing their overall fitness level. 

Just like when you're building a house, if the foundation isn’t strong there is a good possibility that everything built on top of it will eventually come tumbling down and I believe that the same goes for a body transformation. What you put into your body nutrition wise will determine how well your fitness program will work and the better the nutrition the higher the probability that you will have an even better body transformation.

Without getting into a lot of detail basically nutrition consists of protein, carbohydrates and fat sources and the higher the quality of these sources the better and healthier it is for your body. As more people understand how important it is to eat antibiotic, nitrate and hormone free foods, they then have to make a choice. They have to choose between buying and consuming quality “clean” foods or forgo keeping those chemicals out of their bodies and opt for the cheaper price.

I have been asked numerous times, “is there really that much of a taste difference between free range and hormone free meat compared to the majority of meat out there?”

I tell people that after having had the opportunity to do a taste test between free range, nitrate and preservative free chicken and those that have been raised in a cage, force fed chemicals and then injected with water prior to being frozen for delivery, I was astounded at the incredible taste difference. I was reminded of how good chicken used to taste when I was growing up on the farm.

I believe that the price variance is not only worth it for the taste difference but I am also tired of having to eat the chemicals, growth hormones, nitrates and antibiotics that the majority of producers put in their products while only guessing at the damages they have and are doing to my body.

As consumers we have grown lazy and rather than going to one of our local green grocers, farmer’s market or vegetable stands for our fruits and vegetables, a fish monger for our lake and sea food and/or a butcher for our meats we are choosing to make one stop at one store and buy everything there just for the convenience, even though we are not getting the quality we deserve.

My wife Judi and I not only believe that there is so much of a difference in quality and taste that it is easily worth the few extra dollars to go to and support our local merchants.

Here in Kelowna we are blessed with an abundance of locally grown fruits and vegetables and yet many times what we buy at the big box stores is brought in from other areas, other provinces and even other countries. 

If we don’t support our local farmers and merchants pretty soon we won’t have them as a choice and that definitely would not be healthy.

week 5

Laurel D'andrea | Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Just like the Kelowna weather,  we had an up and down week. This was a tough week for us...On Saturday Laurel was doing a seated leg press and on my last set I lifted a little too much...I was very sore and my back was tight...I tired to stretch it out but I was done.  The great thing with Errol and Judi is they know that when something hurts then back off.  (no pun intended) Our work out was cut short and Laurel went home and alternated ice and heat. 

One thing about me is I am a Rotarian....we always serve beer that the Okanagan Sun Football games.  It was the season opener and I was in so much pain....I didn't think I was going to make it.  The good news is I told myself getting up, being active and moving would be the right thing to do....

Well on Sunday morning I was glad that I went.  I felt better, still tight but less pain.  Before I started this program I would probably been flat out for a few days.  Building my core really helped with the recovery time.  It is those little things that I am noticing the most. 

Poor Judi was hit very hard with her Lupus.  It is such a terrible thing to deal with. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder and it effects organ systems, skin, joints, and internal organs. Lupus can effect both men and women, but it is eight times as likely in women. It can also occur at any age, but the typical age range for someone to get Lupus is ten to fifty. Judi being the trooper she is tried very hard to show up so we could do our thing.  We ended up only doing partial work outs this week, it seemed as though we all needed a little break. 

It's important to listen to our bodies and not push it...the key is repetition and staying with a schedule.  Yesterday we were back at it and let me tell you, missing just those couple of days did affect my performance.  So it made me realize even more how I am glad I made this choice and that I need to be true and keep my schedule.  Even if you have to modify your routine...some is better then none.

Next week I will give you a break down of what my meals have been. I am getting better and understanding diet so much more. 

Have a great week, take time to breathe...do some form of exercise for YOU!!!! When it comes to eating, read the labels...the sodium content in foods will blow your mind.... This world is a pretty amazing place and I really do want to stick around for at least another 50 years... Hey maybe that is why I called the magazine BEYOND 50???

week 4 and how it went

Laurel D'andrea | Saturday, July 31, 2010

Well here it is week 4 and we are still having a great time.  My life is not the typical 8-4 or 9-5 concept so getting into a routine has been a challenge.  The scheduled work outs are great...I love and really look forward to every Monday, Friday and Saturday.  This is my "me time" and it is empowering.

We are working out at World Gym on  Dilworth and the facility is great.  The things I like about it are this:

lots of space
lots of equipment
staff are friendly and helpful
hours are flexible
the people who work out there are all ages, shapes and sizes so you don't fell intimidated
separate space for women if that makes you more comfortable
Judi and Errol change our routine and have me use different equipment so we see which one is best.  It also gives you a variety and you work muscles in different ways which is positive.

Now the part that I have had to really work hard at is the eating end of this program.  I am slowly learning the VALUE of having the 5 meals a day.  Retraining your mind will help change your metabolism which will help lose the weight.  Judi and Errol are very involved and keep asking me questions and challenging me which is very helpful.  I can ask them anything and they don't treat me like I am stupid.  Having someone to communicate with on all of these levels is important.

The greatest motivators for me are simple:

I am feeling better about myself
People I know are noticing the weight loss
CAN'T is not a word that we use.  When I get tired or weak I just look at what Judi and Errol have done and that is empowering.
If you think you can't or it's not for you...come to World Gym on a Monday, Friday or Saturday am...around 10 am...You will see something magical:

Errol - who had his leg amputated from the knee down
Judi - who has fibromyalgia and lupus
Laurel - 6'2" and who has had reconstructive surgery on both hips, two surgeries on her wrist
All three of us have faced some pretty major physical challenges....The good thing is all three of us have a strong belief in ourselves and we motivate and encourage each other each and every day.

 Well off to the gym!  Hope to see you there..

Laurel

After the first four weeks.

Errol and Judi Hannigan | Thursday, July 29, 2010

My wife and I designed a nutrition program for Laurel that required her to follow a different type of eating regime than she had previously been used to and had her eating 5 to 6 small, high protein, low glycemic carb and low fat meals per day. Our program called for her to eat on an average every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. She didn’t know what eating this often would do as far as helping her lose both the weight and bodyfat she wanted to be rid of, but she had faith in us and our program and has been eating both what and when she should.

She also gave herself over to the exercise routines we designed and she went about doing them with enthusiasm.

Laurel had not stepped on the scale to see if and/or how she was progressing since she started and Monday, July 26th marked the four week mark, which was the time we scheduled for her first set of progress measurements.

I am not going to list every bodypart here but after 4 weeks of eating healthier and more often along with exercising 3 times per week I am happy to say that Laurel has lost 6 full inches from her starting overall measurements while also dropping 7 1/2 pounds of bodyfat. Accomplishing this has taken her Body Mass Index (BMI) which was classified as poor when she started to now being classified as good.

These are definite improvements and very encouraging signs for Laurel especially seeing as she has only been on the program for four weeks.

The next set of measurements are scheduled for August 27th and I am positive that if she keeps up the great work she will once again see great progress.

Week 3....the peeks and valleys

Laurel D'andrea | Sunday, July 18, 2010

Well week three definitely had it's "peeks and valleys"  I was feeling very tired this week and it really showed in my work out.  I am not sure if it was the heat, the stress of life or Laurel not focusing? 

Working out with  Judi and Errol or having a gym partner really is the key....We all need to have someone who can help us get over that hurdles, empathize with what we are feeling and remind us we are only human.  NO ONE is perfect and we all have our moments of weakness, but if we can have someone help us when we are weak that is the key.

I am finding my focus at the gym is great and I love going each and everytime. The area I need to be more pro-active is the eating.  This is where Judi is a great resource for me.  I ask her lots of questions, tell he my concerns and she gives me great suggestions and alternatives.  Wait to we put her fudge recipe on line...KILLER!!!!!!

For our cardio we have spent alot of time on the recumbant bike.  Cycling is a comfort zone for  me, I love to bike whenever I can.  Judi told me we are moving to the  elliptical machine (also sometimes called a cross-trainer) is a stationary exercise machineused to simulate walking or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries.

Judi had no idea how uncoordinated I am, so this will be FUN!!!!! 

One thing that I noticed at the gym is there are very few of us who actually record our progress in a book.  This method keeps you on track, lets you refer back to the previous weeks and helps you achieve your goals when it comes to  increasing your weight or repetitions.  I am not sure how all of the other people keep track of their progress and success?  Maybe they all have photographic memories?  (wait til they hit peri- menoapause)

The other thing that is very important is water, water, water.....some people don't even pack water when they work out.  I find the harder I work the more I drink.  Judi and Errol both explained the importance of keeping hydrated and they are right.  I am not sure if I would still be at the gym if I didn't have them on my side to mentor me.  Just like in a good marriage we all need support, encouragement and communication.  Judi and Errol provide that for me and for that I am grateful!

So the goal for week four:

keep working hard with the weights

don't fall off the elliptical

get the eating thing really under control...the 5 meals a day really are important

wish me luck

Laurel

It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.

Errol and Judi Hannigan | Saturday, July 17, 2010

 As personal trainers or actually personal health and fitness coaches a lot of time my wife and I wonder if a lot of what we say to our clients gets through to them or if they even remember certain things we have tried to emphasize, especially considering all the information that we give them. 

Laurel's individual needs.

Errol and Judi Hannigan | Wednesday, July 14, 2010

 When we did our in-home consultation with Laurel we asked if she had any physical or medical issues that we should know about before we begin designing her particular body transformation program and she told us that she has always had hip problems, resulting in 5 surgeries and having both hips replaced. As well she has had surgery on one wrist and has had a pin inserted in her big toe that prevents it from bending. On top of that she is a single mother of 2 teenage boys, owns this (Beyond 50) magazine, which requires her constant time, effort and attention and as if that wasn’t enough she has a big house to look after, is actively involved in the community and as she explained, is battling the onset of menopause.

Her busy schedule only allows her at the most 3 - 90 minute openings per week for her gym appointments and seeing as we make sure all of our programs take into account people who have jobs we made sure that her workout routine took all of that into consideration and would allow her to achieve a significant transformation.

Judi and I considered Laurel’s individual needs and requirements and designed her body transformation program so that she will be able to meet her fitness goals as well as being able to easily transition herself and her family into a much healthier lifestyle.

Our program for Laurel is made up of three parts and those parts are:

Nutrition, weightlifting and cardio and in that order. 

With nutrition being our first priority we needed to redesign Laurel’s eating habits since when we met she told us that she did not eat breakfast.  So the very first thing we did was explain how important breakfast really was and what happened if she skipped it. We told her that by not eating breakfast (and we have all tried doing it that way to lose weight) she was causing her body to go into what is called starvation mode.

Her body didn’t know from one day to the next when it was going to be fed or how much, so when she did eat her body would hoard the food and store almost everything as extra bodyfat, so that it could use it to sustain itself or for emergency’s. That is why people who choose to diet by skipping meals, especially breakfast, are never able to maintain a weight loss. Their body may initially lose weight but the very first chance it gets, their body wants to gorge and eat everything in site so that it can replenish itself. The reason for that is that they haven’t taught their body the right way to lose bodyfat and still be nourished.

We told her that as funny and contradictory as it sounds, the best way to lose bodyfat is not by eating less but rather eating more ... meaning more often. To lose bodyfat we need to eat a larger number, ideally 5 to 6 small, high protein, low glycemic carb and good fat meals per day spread about 2 1/2 to 3 hours apart, with possibly 2 or 3 of those meals being in the form of protein shakes or other higher protein snacks.

Ideally it would be best to eat all whole food meals but most people don’t have the time to prepare whole food meals every few hours all day long, especially someone like Laurel who is on the run all day long, so the protein shakes will be an important part of her nutrition program.

Laurel now starts her day off with a healthy breakfast as well as eating between 4 to 5 more small meals throughout the day and even though it has only been two weeks she has told us how much better she is feeling and how much more energy she has. This not only proves that what we are telling her about how to nourish her body is true but will also give her more confidence when it comes to following the other aspects of her program.

Week 2 was great....I am looking forward to Week 3

Laurel D'andrea | Monday, July 12, 2010

Hi Everyone:  well there are alot of things in life that a person can become addicted to: alcohol, ice cream, gambling.  I am sure glad that my new found passion is none of the above, instead I am addicted to my time in the gym with Errol and Judi.

Week  two was great!  I am starting to get into a better routine when it comes to our work outs.  Week one I was like a fish out of water, the good news is Judi and Errol are both great at explaining things.  Not only am I learning alot I am feeling a little less intimidated by all the hard bodies around me.  We are working out at World Gym on Dilworth and the facility is great, love the range of hours, the equipment is first rate and the staff and people I have met there are very dedicated. 

Errol and Judi are both great motivators both in and out of the gym, not only are they there with me during the work outs but they e-mail and check on me during the week.  They have also given me lots of pointers and suggestions in regards to changing my eating patterns. 

The eating pattern change is a little harder, what I mean by that is I am the type of person who would get up drink coffee and not eat until mid to late afternoon.  (NOT GOOD FOR ANYONE) I am now having 5-6 meals a day and what I mean by that is simple:

• Protein Shake for breakfast with oatmeal in it
• Shake after the gym (no oatmeal in this one)
• Lunch: includes my carbs and protein and veggies
• Snack : proteins
• Dinner: proteins and veggies
• Snack: yogurt & fruit or cottage cheese and veggies

I can even enjoy a glass of wine if I chose.  I told all of you about my "cheat day" well Errol and Judi have renamed it to "earn day"

Learning to read labels was a big eye opener and I'm grateful that Judi and Errol shared that with me.  I never realized how much SODIUM was put into our foods...YUCK!!!

Judi has also been helping me with new recipes and grouping different foods.  I am lucky that both of them have such a handle on all of this and I value their wisdom.  The thing is they are real people who know what they are doing because they do it each and everyday. 

So here are a couple of things that I have noticed since we started:

• I want to work out...wish I had more time but the reality is 3 days a week is all this divorced mother with two boys can do
• I really do miss the days I am not at the gym so I am trying to bike on those days for a bit
• I am standing a little taller, just more conscious of my posture....God made me 6'2" and I need to be proud of that
• I am sleeping better, not longer just a more restful sleep
• I think I'm a little less cranky....ok maybe we should let my boys BLOG on that one....

So week 3:  here are a few goals I have set for myself:

• sweat a little more
• really work on the eating plan and make sure I do what I need to do
• beat Judi on the recumbent bike when we do our cardio
• lift a little more weight when doing the stomach crunches, hate those jelly rolls

Well time to have my protein shake...enjoy your week and make yourself one promise....try to do one thing to improve your health this week...in the end everyone you love will benefit.

Laurel

Laurel's fitness journey from her health & fitness coach's perspective.

Errol and Judi Hannigan | Sunday, July 11, 2010

I, Errol Hannigan have known Laurel D'Andrea for a couple of years and have written health and fitness oriented articles for her magazine for about the same period of time. Since meeting Laurel I always thought that she could benefit from some “me time” (meaning time for herself) as she was constantly on the go and was always doing so many wonderful along with some really amazing things for people (my myself and my wife Judi included) with little time, thought or consideration given for herself. 

On June 25, 2010, she surprised me by phoning and asking if my wife Judi and I would take her on as a client with our personal health and fitness coaching business.

To say that I was surprised would be a huge understatement because as I wrote in the previous paragraph she doesn’t usually take time for herself and so the first thing I asked her was...”why now?”  

I asked her that question as I usually do with all of our potential clients because I wanted to make sure that she understood that this wasn't just a quick fix and that she was hiring us for the right reasons and honestly wanted to make a change in her lifestyle.

She answered and without going into a great deal of detail she showed a real desire to include health and fitness as part of her daily life and so we set up our first appointment, which was a meeting at her house to take her overall measurements and discus her nutritional program. 

My wife and I work as a team and we showed up at Laurel’s house to evaluate her physically so that we could determine what type of personal fitness routine would serve her best as well as finding out if she had any physical or health concerns or limitations that we should know about prior to designing her fitness routine. We took her overall measurements including height, weight and bodyfat percentage and as well always do we took some photographs, which I am sure you will be seeing in this magazine and on these blog pages and those are to show how she looked the day she started working out and we will be taking more pictures in the coming weeks and months so that she can document her continuing body transformation. 

After that we did nutritional tutoring and explained to her how to read labels on food products along with what to look for as well as watch out for when it comes to grocery shopping. I am not going to say that Laurel’s cupboards and fridge had a lot of what I would call "fitness sabotaging" food in them but let’s just say that her local food bank will be receiving a sizeable food donation.

Before we left we made her first gym appointment with us and on the scheduled day we arrived at the specified time only to find Laurel had already arrived and was eagerly warming up on a cardio machine while she waited for us. It didn’t take us long to figure out that this lady was motivated with a capital M.

A Time for Change

Laurel D'andrea | Thursday, July 08, 2010

TIME FOR CHANGE ~ THIS ONE IS ALL ABOUT ME!

The first part is always the hardest, I am the type of person who tends to put everyone else’s needs before my own. I am like the energizer bunny when it comes to helping people. At the end of the day there is nothing left for me. All that is about to change, the best thing I can do for myself, my boys and my career is get back in shape. It’s not about weight loss, it’s about feeling strong, healthy, happy and capable.  

Errol and Judi Hannigan came into my life back in 2008, they are the type of people who make you feel you "CAN" achieve. Thye have been writing articles for the magazine since we met and I love how they inspire so many of our readers.  Now it's my turn, on Friday the 25th of June they  agreed to mentor me….this could be there biggest challenge…lol

The first thing Errol asked me was why now? He wanted to make sure I was doing this for the right reasons, part of the battle is being committed to changing ones attitude and lifestyle.  It is not for 2 weeks or 2 months it's forever. 

So the steps we will be going through over the next 12 weeks are as follows:

Step One: communication – why I want to do this

Step Two: photos/measurements/bodyfat/weigh in – what every woman loves to do – NOT!!! (sometimes mirrors really are NASTY!!!)

Step Three: cupboard and fridge inspection: this is where they will go thru what we currently eat . There will be a lot of stuff taken away and then we will create the new shopping list.. Say goodbye to the Potato Chips Laurel

Step Four: the gym, for me I had to set a realistic goal on how often I could hit the gym. I did not want to set myself up for failure so I agreed I could do Mon, Fri and Sat…I am a mom of two active teenagers, run my own business and active in the community so I have to make sure I can still do all that I do

Our work outs will be 90 minutes long and will include weight training and cardio.

So the journey will begin and I have to say I am excited. My life has never been easy for me physically. I have suffered and lived with hip problems since I was about 12. I have had 5 surgeries on my hips and so I have to be cautious of that. I have also had surgery on my foot and wrist. Despite all my new BIONIC parts I can and will thrive on this program. The reason for that is because it is real, there are no weird things to eat, not strange exercises. It is about commitment to myself, a desire to live a healthier life style and feeling good for me!

I’m a 46 year old mother, and hints of menopause have been popping up, (god help those around me) so I want to be ready when it hits. I want to be able to make it thru the joy of menopause without losing my mind, my friends and my family.

JUNE 27th

Well today it begins: Errol and Judi will be here at 10am for the weigh in, measuring, going thru my cupboards and setting this 12 week plan in motion. I am excited, nervous and very happy all at the same time. Wish me luck.

WOW talk about an eye opener! You like to think we are intellingent when it comes to reading labels. If you have never had anyone show you how I would recommend you do. The biggest thing I found was the sodium content…YIKES!!!

The cupboards are cleaned out, a big donation went to the local food bank. The measurements are in…this is one time you really don’t want to see HIGH numbers.

The grocery shop was an adventure, even my 16 year old was reading the labels….this is going to great for all of us.

Monday: the first work out was exciting, informative and fun. Errol and Judi are not only patient but explain what we are doing and why. I actually survived!

Well it’s about 11pm and yes I am a little sore but that is ok it is pain with a purpose. I also experienced a headache….sugar withdrawal and need to drink more water…

Well had my first week of working out…let me tell you what an eye opener it was for me. I have done weight training before but it has been a very long time.

I really enjoy the buddy system with both Errol and Judi. I am able to get insight and information from both of them and that is very useful.

Did my body hurt…ahhhhhh yes…….but in a good way….Judi is very good at reminding me to stretch after each work out.

I love the fact that I am doing this for me…like most parents we put our kids, our spouses and our jobs first and at the end of the day there is not much left for ourselves. The fact is if we do this for ourselves they will be the ones who reap the benefits. Healthier people are happier, more productive and fun to be around. So why the heck did I wait so long?

I have spent my life battling pain…I have endure many surgeries for a lady who is only 46…so I do have to watch what I do when I am working out. The great thing is Errol and Judi don’t treat me like a person who had limitations…they have taught me to try and give it 110% and that itself is empowering..

Ok now the eating end of this program…still working out the kinks…changing your mind set is very hard at times. I have had a few sugar withdrawal headaches…yuck!!

I am not eating carbs after 3:00pm and it’s hard but I am finding that I am less sluggish at night and I am sleeping better…

I have to remeber my 5-6 meals a day....consume lots of water....and stretching really does help after a work out.

Learning new recipes is fun and I am open to anything…ok except turnip and tuna casserole….a girl has her limits…

And guess what everyone we get “cheat day” each week you get one…so each and drink what you will. The good thing is even on cheat day you are careful. I did eat a little too much and I felt like crap the next day,..stomach was sore and my sleep pattern was out of wack.

Even my boys have enjoyed our new meal plan…they are also curious and learning so much.

Errol and Judi told me to set a goal and NOT to use food as the goal…My goal is a little black dress by December….so look out…
 

Wish me luck!
Laurel