July 26, 2009

I've been told that I need to wear better sandals due to recent foot problems. I guess the foam bottom Roxies that I practically live in aren't a good enough sandal for daily wear.  I've thought about getting a pair of Birkenstocks, but I like those better on men, even though they do have some cute new styles for women.

I'm curious about the claims made from women wearing the FitFlop Walkstar. Apparently, more than a million women swear by these super sandals.  There have been claims made ranging from super-tight bottoms, disappearing backaches, to instant relief from pain in the feet.

Here's how Bliss describes the Original FitFlop Walkstar.

Why we love it:

•it's got the gym built in!
•helps tone and trim the legs
•absorbs shock and helps to reduce joint strain

Italian designed, with an all-leather, microfiber-lined upper, leaner, longer, lovelier lines—AND they load your leg muscles and boost ‘the bottom’s’, to give you a workout while you walk! Wow. U.S. women’s whole sizes 5-10. Half sizes order down.

Original FitFlop Walkstar $49.99

BlissWorld has a great variety of these sandals that range from $49.99 for the Original FitFlops to $59.99 for the new Walkstar3 FitFlops. I love these in Flamingo!

FitFlop Walkstar3 Jelly in Flamingo $59.99

So, I need some help. 🙂 If anyone out there in the Blogosphere World has a pair of these sandals or knows of someone that does, I would LOVE to hear from you! I really want to get a pair but I'd like to hear for myself from someone that has had results from wearing these sandals.

~LilSis

July 23, 2009

Jillian Michaels "Banish Fat Boost Metabolism"

I've been talking about doing the Jillian Michaels' workout DVDs for a while now:  “30-Day Shred”, “No More Trouble Zones” and “Banish Fat Boost Metabolism”.  Last Sunday's Parade Magazine had an ad for a free copy of “Banish Fat Boost Metabolism”, which is the cardio blast video which will kick your butt!  Trust me.  This WILL get your bod to sit up and pay attention!

To get your free copy, go to JillianMichaels.com.  You will have to pay $4.95 shipping, but you're still ahead since the retail price of this video is $14.95.  You also get a 2 week free trial of Jillian's online weight loss program.  Be sure to note that you'll need to cancel the program before the trial ends, otherwise you'll be charged for continuing it.

If you need a little boost and a little fat banishing – who doesn't – then this is the ticket!

~BigSis

July 12, 2009

Here we go again! Back. To. Square. One.

After eight weeks of having this boot on my foot, eight pounds have managed to creep back onto my body thighs! (Okay, I'm sure everyone is sick of hearing about the ding, dang boot; I promise that I won't mention it again.)

I worked so hard to get to where I was and now find myself back at square one starting over. It's not going to do me any good to bitch and whine, so I won't. I've managed to get through the disgusted and frustrated stages, so now I'm just mad and motivated, which, for me, is a good combination.

Now that I'm able to walk again, I have to crank up the cardio in order to give my metabolism a much needed kick in the pants! I'm not yet able do all the jumping required to do Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred like BigSis is doing now , but I hope to be able to do that soon.

In an attempt to lose two pounds a week, here's my plan for the next four weeks.

• Boost cardio to an hour and a half each morning. (Either walk, bike ride, or treadclimber at the gym)
• Start back to yoga classes three times a week.
• Add one spinning class a week.
• No Mexican Food or Chips and Guacamole, for now.
• Eat healthier snacks.
• Add a 30 minute bike ride after dinner each night.

I'm also making a more conscious effort to watch the calories. For the most part I eat pretty healthy, but sometimes, when in a hurry, I don't make the best choices for snacks. Most trainers will tell you that it is best to eat five small meals a day, which includes a mid morning and mid afternoon snack.

There really are a lot of choices for healthy snacks. I think the key is making sure that you have them on hand so you don't end up grabbing something unhealthy just because it's fast and easy. Check back in a few days for a list of my new favorite healthy snacks.

~LilSis

May 29, 2009

Yikes!  Swimsuit season has snuck up on us again?  Wasn't it just Christmas??  I know I keep saying that, but seriously, didn't 2009 just begin, like 5 minutes ago?

Flickr photo by Glorius

Whether I'm ready for it or not, swimsuit season is here.  And when it comes to my health and fitness level, I'm having some of the same challenges as you, LilSis.   I've got stress in my world and we know that triggers the nasty little hormone called cortisol, which does it's darndest to make you fat.  I also have the “getting older” factor which means hormonal stuff and slowing metabolism, on top of my thyroid issues.  Plus I love spicy and salty foods, so I'm always trying to dodge a mexican food or pizza or chip ‘n' dip disaster!

In spite of all that, I'm determined to be as healthy as possible, and to not use any of these real challenges as excuses for slacking off.  I'm up to 8 or 10 hard workouts a week, and I'm trying to be extra-careful about my eating.  I still feel as though I'm barely maintaining though, and that my body is really wanting to pack on some extra pounds.  It's frustrating that I used to get by with 3 or 4 workouts a week and ate much more, but was in better physical condition.  I guess that's the reality that we women all have to face, right?  We may as well accept it and try to find some solutions that work for us.  Here are some things that help me.  None of them are magic bullets (wish they were) but after decades of trying to be healthy, I know these are the tips that work for me.

• Eat intentionally, thinking of food as fuel for the things I have to do physically and mentally.  I have enough calories to spend on fuel, and none to waste on junk.

• Drink lots of water.  So important!

• Fruit only til noon on some days to give my system a rest.  Never skip breakfast!

• No sugar or other white stuff…white pasta, white rice, crackers, white bread, potatoes.

• Small meals keep the metabolism going and the fuel burning.

• Since I've been vegetarian for almost 15 years, I make sure to include protein at lunch and dinner, if not at breakfast. I also have a boiled egg, low fat string cheese or a small protein bar as a snack in the afternoon.

• Make dinner the smallest meal of the day, and ideally with no starches at all.

• No soft drinks and no caffeine.

• Limit alcohol.  Talk about empty calories!

• Watch the salt, especially at night.

• Take the supplements that your body and lifestyle demand.

• Cardio, cardio, cardio!

• Strength training.  Great for your bones, your posture, and your physique.

• Don't forget facial sunscreen every day, whether you're planning to be in the sun or not.  I like Neutrogena Dry Touch and Skinceuticals.  Neither breaks me out, which is saying a lot.  If you like color on your body but avoid the sun, Loreal Sublime Bronze self-tanner is awesome!

So those are the rules I set for myself, and try to follow (sometimes more successfully than others!).  Having said all that, I do allow myself a treat from time to time!

Oh, and before I go, how about an update on Jillian Michaels' attempt to kill me via her “30 Day Shred” DVD?  I did Level 1 eight times and then moved up to Level 2, which I've done three times so far.  Can I tell you this is hard stuff?  So hard but so great!  I love it.  So far my heart rate on the treadmill is already down.  I'm feeling stronger, with better posture and a tighter core.  As long as I skip a day in-between Shredding, my knees can tolerate it.  I also bought two other of Jillian's videos: “Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism” and “No More Trouble Zones”.  I haven't done them yet, but can't wait to give them a try!

Now let's get out there, ladies, and enjoy our summer whether we're in the shape we want to be in yet or not!  Today is all we have, so let's celebrate it!

~BigSis

May 28, 2009

Okay, what was I just talking about a couple of days ago before BigSis had to throw in the Triple Chocolate Birthday Cake recipe? Oh yeah, I was talking about trying to lose 5 pounds before Summer! 🙁

Thanks for the recipe, BigSis, but there ain't no way I'm going to have something that good in this house when I'm trying to lose weight and trying to get SirHoney to eat more fruits and veggies!

It's so nice to be able to make something like that and take it to work to share with everyone. I know they all love it when you bring one of your homemade treats to work to share!

I bet this chick doesn't eat cake!

On second thought, she probably doesn't eat anything!

We're always looking up the science behind weight loss and coming up with diets or interesting theories (such as this “alternative to not eating” for men, science is apparently still undecided if the same would work for women.) I want to share an interesting article that I just read in the June edition of whole living body+soul magazine. The title of the article is “Secrets to Healthy Weight Loss.” After speaking with several weight-loss experts, the writer of the article identifies the eight most common reasons people struggle with their weight. Additionally, losing weight might be one way to last longer in the bedroom too!

Here are the 8 Biggest Obstacles:

• Not enough exercise
• The wrong foods
• Mindless eating
• Getting older
• Poor portion control
• Stress and fatigue
• Goal plateau
• Yo-yo dieting

So, you're supposed to find the one that best describes your biggest obstacle and follow their strategies. If you fit into more than one category, you just combine the strategies to best address your needs.

I think that I fit into three of these categories. Those would be Getting Older, Stress, and Goal Plateau. Within each category, there are three or four solutions on how to overcome these obstacles. They actually have some pretty good suggestions.

You can read the entire “Secrets to Healthy Weight Loss” article here on whole living. As always, we appreciate any comments or suggestions that you may have for us! If you'd rather see more awesome chocolate cake recipes instead of reading about weight loss problems, you just let me know and I'll put BigSis right on it! 🙂

~LilSis

May 13, 2009

When LilSis mentioned Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred video, I was immediately intrigued. I've seen The Biggest Loser a couple of times, so I knew that Jillian was a hard-core trainer. Who wants Jillian to get them shredded? Me! Who wants to see results in 30 days (or 30 workouts)? Me! Who wants to see a change in their body as summer approaches? Me me me!

I have an “all or nothing” personality, so when I decide I want to start a new eating plan, workout or whatever, I want to do it NOW! So I marched myself up to SuperTarget and got the video on sale for $13. If you're more patient than me, Amazon has 30 Day Shred for $8.99. This video is the #2 biggest seller out of all their Movies and TV category! There are 3 workouts on the DVD, all at around 25 minutes each. Level 1 is the easiest so you start there, and then move up to Level 2 and then Level 3 as your fitness level improves.

I started the DVD right away, and I just finished my fifth workout at Level 1. When I did the workout the first time, I thought it was kind of short and wanted a little longer workout. The next day though, I realized the 25 minutes was plenty long enough. My entire body was sore…I mean: arms, back, pecs, legs, butt, abs…the whole kitten caboodle (however you spell that). I was surprised to be that sore since I do cardio and weights at the gym 5 times a week, and walk outdoors whenever the weather allows. Obviously, this workout hit my muscles in a new way which is a great thing!

This is not a fluffy little dancy DVD! Oh no no no! It's push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, tae bo punches, jumping rope, lunges, zercher squats …you get the idea. It's stuff that a trainer would have you doing in a gym if you paid him or her $180 an hour. All you need is a mat and a set of hand weights. I love the way Jillian combines small muscle movements, like bicep curls, with large muscle movements, like lunges. Jillian is encouraging and motivational, and gives clear instructions about the correct form.

So the million dollar question is, do I see results? Heck, yeah! Woo hoo! After my third or fourth workout, I caught a view of my arm in the mirror and was surprised to see some new definition there! I'm not kidding. My lower “quadrant” feels tighter, thanks to the squats and lunges, and my core feel stronger. I'm going to stay with this workout, and see where it'll take me. I can't believe I'm seeing results of this magnitude already. It's truly amazing. Because of this positive outcome, I'm already trying to persuade my friends to try a similar workout and they all seem up for it, especially my friend that said he's willing to try it because it gives him an excuse to have a look for some of the best men's workout shorts on the market. Well, if that persuades him to take part, then so be it. When it comes to myself though, I can't wait to continue with this workout journey. If I can, I'd like to do 5 more workouts at Level 1, and then move up to Level 2 for 10 workouts, and end with 10 workout at Level 3. That'll be the 30 workout barometer, and I'll report back about my progress…if Jillian hasn't killed me!

If I have one note of caution to add, it's to be very careful if you're like me and have bad knees (too many years of step aerobics!). Be sure to strictly use the proper form in every exercise. The side lunges were hurting my knees, so I've backed off that exercise a little and substituted a move with less knee stress.

Overall? On a sister scale of 1 to 10, I give this video an 8.5 so far! Oh, and LilSis, thanks for the suggestion of this video. And I apologize for this post…I hope you don't feel like I'm rubbing your nose in the fact that you're still in that darn boot and can't exercise for a while! You'll be back to your old working-out self soon, don't worry!

Update: This video is now #1 on Amazon as of May 14th! And Jillian has two other videos in the top 10! I'm tempted to order these two but I'm going to wait until I finish this first 30-workout challenge.

~BigSis

December 28, 2008

It's definitely a busy time of the year and we all have more to do than usual. When I'm feeling overwhelmed and stressed, it is even more important to make sure that I exercise every day. On the days when I may not want to go to the gym or if it's not nice enough outdoors to go for a run, our new Wii Fit game is going to make it so much more fun to do something at home. I've never been good about doing exercise videos at home, so having a Wii fit game that can help me is great. Even if you don't have a Wii at home, you can use an emulator similar to the Dolphin iOS emulator to turn your phone into a Wii console! If this is something you're interested in, you can learn how to install dolphin emulator here. Not only is it great for keeping you fit but it makes a great Christmas gift!

The Wii Fit is really an amazing game! Thanks Bo for the great Christmas gift! I'm not going to lie, I was a bit skeptical about this game at first, but once I realized how popular it was amongst people who enjoy playing the Nintendo Wii, I just knew that I had hit the jackpot. I would even go as far as saying that it's on the same level as these options for wii games download because these are very enjoyable too. My friends are just some of the people that would know how good these games are. So, we couldn't wait to get stuck into the Wii Fit. On Christmas Day, we all took turns getting weighed and getting our BMI calculated. (Sounds like fun, huh?)

I intentionally have not stepped on a scale in a long time. And, I really had no intention of doing so on Christmas Day after a week of parties and overindulging. So, when we got the Wii Fit, HayHay persuaded me to get on the balance board. Not only does it weigh you very precisely, it also calculates your BMI. First, you take a body test and go through a few balance tests that enables the Wii Fit to calculate your BMI and your Wii Fit Age. (And it also tells you if you're overweight.) If you're not happy with your weight or your BMI, you can set a goal and track your progress daily. Visit the Nintendo site to check it out!

Once you start training, you can choose from yoga, balance games, strength training or aerobics. I had a friend from my yoga class tell me that the yoga on Wii Fit was really hard and she was right! It's really good and the hula hoop is a hoot! I think HayHay and BigT like the snow skiing the best.

My BMI was good, but I've set a goal to lose a little weight. I've recorded my goal on the Wii Fit and am now putting it in black and white so the pressure is on! My first New Year's Resolution is to lose five pounds in the next month.

If I crank up my regular exercise routine and add some fun aerobics from Wii Fit, I'm hoping, and praying, that I can accomplish this goal.

~LilSis