Personal ~ Teresa

Christmas gifts I’m loving…

As I sit here and watch my kids play with their new toys ~ most popular were the trampoline-turned-ball-pit, plethora of baby doll stuff and the Razor scooters ~ I thought I’d share a few of my favorites that were under our tree this Christmas! Time with family, a week off work and celebrating baby Jesus are the real gifts (of course)… but a few running & fitness related items are always fun to head into the new year! Many thanks to Santa, my hubs and our parents for helping me prepare for another 365 days of merry miles & time on the mat. 🙂

My Top Five Fitness Gifts of 2017

1. lululemon “The Towel” – I seem to be one of the few at Harbor Yoga without one of these! With their 103 degree temps, having an extra layer to absorb the sweat seems like a great idea.

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2. Training Journal – I’m big on journaling and recording my miles and workouts.  To me, its super motivational, and can help with goal setting & planning out your week. This could be a blog post on its own!  I’ve used several different types over the years ~ BELIEVE training journal, plain lined journal ~ and this year asked for an Erin Condren planner to try something new.  It has spots for writing goals, motivational quotes (which I’m a sucker for), weekly planning and more!

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3. Gift cards and a shopping trip with my mom – I’ll be heading to Dick’s & lululemon to start, searching for a new running coat. I am NOT a cold weather runner, so once it hits 20s or lower, I’m definitely in a jacket. I’ve been eyeing the luluemon Down for a Run and the Northface Thermoball Active Jacket.  I currently have the lululemon Fleecy Keen run jacket that I’ve had for a few years… LOVE it and want a white or more reflective option as well. Let me know if you have any insight!

4. Destination trip details!! –  Eeeek!  One of my absolute favorite things is to travel! Isn’t it fun to explore new places, especially while running?! Stocking stuffers included…

  • Registration to the Knoxville Half Marathon in March – this will be my 10th state and we are excited to spend a few days in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina for our spring break this year.
  • Denver Running Tour – we are headed to Denver in July for our anniversary (my first time!) and we are scheduling a City Running Tour! I originally was hoping to do the half marathon while we were there, but since its a short trip, this is a good compromise. I’m hoping to run stairs or do yoga at Red Rocks as well, it’s come highly recommended!

5. Hubby running Cap City – so this one wasn’t wrapped up under the tree, but within the last few days he’s committed to running the Cap City half marathon! This has become one of my top five gifts this week. 🙂 He will train with me over the next few months and will start at least the first half of the race with me in the two hour pace group… then he may pull ahead and finish strong. This will be his second half marathon and compared to the Flying Pig, will be flat & fast.  I look forward to the time we’ll spend during training miles, the race and the after-party!!

Other gifts this year included a NoxGear visibility vest, Honey Stinger fuel, some new water bottles, Nike running gloves, Nike running vest, oodles of running socks (which my husband will likely steal, even though they are pink), a renewed subscription to Runner’s World and a new book, Run Less, Run Faster.  Runners are easy to shop for, in my opinion.  Anything that helps us stay warm, stay focused or just look “put together” while we sweat gets an A+ from me!

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Completely unrelated to running – my mom wrapped up a coupon for our first Disney Cruise on spring break of 2019! This will be our first and I’m super excited! More on this in the future.  Can you turn a cruise into a running blog post?! Hee hee.

Hope your Christmas or holiday was a fun one! What great running, yoga or fitness gifts did you get (or give)?

Now time to put all this stuff to good use and start focusing on those 2018 fit goals!

Fit Momma Monday – Getting back to the run

Getting into running shape – whether you’re a first time runner or are getting back at it after a hiatus – well, to be frank… it kinda sucks!  Its hard.  You’re out of breath and can’t carry a conversation.  Your lungs burn.  Your legs feel heavy.  You look at your Garmin and have only gone .34 miles.  How on earth will you ever get to that happy place of easily running (and talking through) a four mile run?

Set small goals that you can achieve!  Breaking it down into mini milestones will make the journey more enjoyable and seem more achievable.

Here are a few of mine…

1. SLOWLY progress to running four+ miles.  Four miles has always been a personal milestone for me.  Four miles (or 35-40ish minutes) is a good workout length and four miles is a good base to start training for longer races.  When my three year old son was born, my doctor made me wait until my six week checkup to run.  This time around with our daughter, I suppose I’m an old veteran because my doc gave me the green light right after delivery.  She said “Do what your body allows.  If you can run, run!”  She did advise me to hold off core work for 6-8 weeks, and I decided to wait 3 full weeks before I started running [stitches, milk supply and other TMI facts!]

Here is the [slow] progress I’ve made so far…

  • 2 weeks postpartum – Walked 1.5 miles
  • 3 weeks postpartum – Ran/walked 2.5 miles (ran first mile, then ran/walked last 1.5)
  • 4 weeks postpartum – Ran 2 miles
  • 5 weeks postpartum – Ran 3 miles

At six weeks, I plan to up my runs to two times per week.  I started slow to make sure my body could handle it.  I also DO NOT WORRY ABOUT PACE.  I don’t even wear my Garmin.  I want to gradually build mileage before I worry about pace and I don’t want to be discouraged by feeling slow.  After a few weeks of conquering and feeling good about three miles, I’ll add that 4th mile on and then eventually a 5th and even 6th.  Quality over quantity, in my opinion.  And at some point, hopefully in a month or so, I’ll start wearing my Garmin again.  For now its FitBit only.  Tracking steps and mileage and NOT allowing myself to go crazy about pace [or lack thereof!]    

 

My FitBit flex syncs with my phone, my Weight Watchers app (gotta lose those baby-weight pounds) and allows me to focus on steps and mileage right now… not concerned with pace just yet!     And I love the Tori Burch accessory hubby got me, dresses up my FitBit Flex when I want more style.

Oh and group runs make it more fun!

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**Sidenote… leave the baby at home in the beginning while you’re running!  It will be good bonding time for your spouse or other caretaker(s), good for you to have some ‘momma’ time AND will make it easier on your run while you’re getting back into shape.  And for safety purposes, most stroller companies recommend not jogging with a baby until they have decent head control.  You can invest in a good jogging stroller and bring baby along in a few months.  I usually nurse my little, head out the door for a run, then am back before she needs to eat again.  For now, if you want to spend time getting FIT with baby, WALK with the stroller, or better yet, carry baby and keep them close! 

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2. Run a timed mile, 1-2 times per week.  I plan to gradually work toward a 9:00 minute mile then ultimately back under 8:00 (my goal pace for a PR 5k).  I did my first timed mile last week and barely kept it under 10 minutes – 9:51, see below.  Between carrying an extra 20 pounds of weight I need to lose, and not having run much since last October, I knew it would be a challenge.  Progress not perfection, they say!  In my defense, the last leg of it was up hill and against wind, not the ideal elements for a strong finish.  I plan to do one mile per week on this same route, and one per week at the track or a flatter terrain.  Doing 1-2 timed runs per week will allow me to incorporate what will feel like a little bit of speed work and push my lungs & legs to get faster over time.  Keeping it low in mileage (one mile) will help prevent any injury or strain on my body by potentially doing too much too fast.

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3. Sign up for a race.  This always gives me the focus I need for training.  Several runners in our Living Fit run crew have signed up for the M3S Sports FORE! Miler on Thursday, May 28.  This gives me two months to work up to running four miles at a pace I can be proud of.

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Well, guess I’d better stop talking and start walking.  Heading out for a quick run now.  Good luck in your journey and hope to see you out on the trail!

 

As 2015 becomes 2016…

[by T Gellenbeck]

Happy almost new year!  Hope you survived the holiday cookies and meals and are still on track with your fitness regime!

I am safely into my third trimester and anticipating 2016 very much, due to both a new addition to our family (late IMG_5388Feb!) and getting back to the fitness scene this spring/summer.  I have had some previous pregnancy complications and medically am considered ‘high risk’ so I’ve been taking it easy the last few months.  I try to take walk dates with my FitBit or do some slow flow yoga or light weights here and there, but for the most part my main source of exercise has been chasing around our almost-three-year-old.  He will keep you active, you can borrow him anytime to see ~ toddlers NEVER seem to run out of energy!  Although I’ve been enjoying some rest from running & hot yoga, I definitely miss the fitness scene and all my cbus pals.  I see fitness posts all over my social media feeds… friends checking into yoga classes, raising money and participating in road races for a cause and volunteering at local fitness events.  I feel like I’m living vicariously through them and inspired by them daily, in awe of their motivation and commitment to living a fit lifestyle.

 

 

I’m not a huge resolution maker, but I do like to set fitness goals each year, so its time to start thinking about it!  Last year our runners set MILES & MATS goals… check them out to get some inspiration.

–> 2015 Miles & Mats <–

Although I won’t be making any personal goals until after we settle in with the new little one, I certainly plan to be more active in 2016 and tackle some of my 2015 Miles & Mats goals.

So what are your plans for 2016?  

Here are some ideas to get your brain and body moving…

  • Kick off the year with a juice cleanse from Native or your favorite juice bar (been wanting to check out Vitality right here in Dublin)
  • Participate in the Ohio Health First on the First 5K or sign up for a future race to train for
  • Check out a different yoga studio or return to your favorite one… some of our regular spots are Harbor, Thank & VPower
  • Try a new fitness routine, something to get that body moving!  Orange Theory Fitness has locations all over Columbus and will be starting a Columbus Weight Loss Challenge on Jan 11.  I personally can’t wait to try System of Strength once I’m back on the wagon!
  • Buy some snazzy gear – we love lululemon, Bend Active and Columbus Running Company
  • Try a new healthy recipe – some of our go-to sources are Cbus local WholeLivingLauren.com and also HeAndSheEatClean.com
  • Get inspired by following other fit lovers’ blogs (see our fav list HERE) or Instagram feeds

Whatever your goals & resolutions are, be sure to make time to “fill your bucket” with things that give you a positive outlook, balance and renewed energy.  Hope to see you on the mat or trails in the new year!

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LeBron is coming home

[t gellenbeck]

I’ll make this short and sweet because I know most of our followers are into running, yoga and fitness… not necessarily basketball and sports.  But LeBron’s breaking news is at least worth mentioning!

Joey and I root for all Ohio teams… The Buckeyes [duh], the Bengals, and we always liked watching the Cavs games, especially when James was playing.  The pics below are from a game we went to a few years back and it was a lot of fun!

LeBron wrote an essay stating; “I always believed that I’d return to Cleveland and finish my career there. I just didn’t know when… I have two boys and my wife, Savannah, is pregnant with a girl. I started thinking about what it would be like to raise my family in my hometown… This is what makes me happy.”

How will Cleveland react?  Will he be the famous #23 again?  Will his monstrous mural be reapplied to the big wall it once graced?

It will be interesting!

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LeBron’s Instagram post [follow him @kingjames] 

21/21 ~ COMPLETED 21 day Jump Start Challenge!

I’m a little behind in posting… my 21st day of the challenge was actually Sunday, but it has been a BUSY week!  It is the week before Spring Break so lots of ‘cramming’ going on at school and we are trying to prepare for our family vacation next week.  Fun, fun!!!  

If you’re just tuning in, here are some links to the first two phases;

Click HERE to see DAY ONE and my Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss Journey.

Click HERE to see phase two.

21 Day Challenge – overall results & personal thoughts —> 

Successes!  FeetOnScale2Reasons maybe YOU should try a fitness jump start…

  • You will lose weight.  I lost 5.5 pounds total during the 21 day challenge.  After 14 months, I AM FINALLY DOWN TO MY PRE-PREGNANCY WEIGHT!  That in and of itself is enough to justify the time, money and sacrifices I made!
  • You will lose inches. Mine ~ Chest = 2.5 inches, Hips = 1 inch, Waist = 1 inch.
  • You will learn to eat cleaner. I now try to grab more veggies, fruit and protein when I’m feeling the need to snack (previously I used to grab anything carb or crunch related!)  “Go-to snacks” included carrots, hardboiled eggs, bite of peanut butter.   Learned to eat protein at each meal.  Learned I can order a one-pump Starbucks (instead of the FOUR they put in a grande!) latte.  I don’t like the ‘skinny’ artificially flavored one, I like the real deal, so one pump saves a lot of sugar!
  • You will become more focused on your FITness goals.  Having the support of others in the group, knowing you paid money, tracking your diet & exercise… these reasons all help to motivate you to eat healthy, exercise, drink lots of water, get more sleep and DE-STRESS!

Challenges:  Things to be aware of…

  • You may get headaches (in the beginning).  This was common among several group members, your body is essentially going through withdrawal from sugar & caffeine!
  • You may be a bit tired (and if you’re like me, cranky!) during the detox.  This is lessened if you can get a good night’s sleep, at least 7-8 hours.
  • You may feel weak during long cardio workouts.  I found it difficult to not eat carbs during half marathon training and I think some of my runs suffered.  Up your (low GI) carbs, especially in the AM, if you are training for a distance race.  These include veggies, especially squash, and sweet potatoes.  I even added in some oats or Ezekial bread before my long Saturday runs.
  • For me personally, working full time and having a 14 month old has its challenges when trying to find mommy/workout time!  The pic below was taken while trying to capture my ‘AFTER’ photos… you can see for yourself!

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 During the ‘after’ photo shoot – happy, but clingy!

I’m not really into putting selfies of myself in a sports tank all over the internet.  No judgements to people who can/do, I just choose not to because #1, I work with high school students and #2,  I’m not quite where I want to be!  I hope to take a family photo on vaca this week and post to my ‘weight loss journey‘, since I’m finally down to my pre-preggo weight.  Overall I am extremely happy with the results and I am excited that I met my goal.

If you are debating signing up for your own ‘Kick Start’ challenge of any sort (Whitney’s, Advocare, etc) and want to see my results, email me and I’d be happy to share!

 

 Rewards:

My promise to myself after meeting my goal was to buy one cute/work outfit and one running outfit.

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Reward outfit #1 [for work]

Dress, Old Navy & Scarf, Francesca’s… only $25 total!

 

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Speaking of which, more exciting news on lulu coming soon!  Stay tuned! 

 

I may have splurged on a chocolate dessert… who can resist Cadbury mini eggs?  Everything in moderation 🙂

 

 Have you done a fitness jump start?  What was the outcome?  

Find your BEST YOU ~ start TODAY!!!

 

 

Photo credit (of scale) to; espressoandcream.com

16/21 ~ Day SIXTEEN of JUMP START Challenge

Whitney Carlson’s 21 Day Jump Start Fitness Challenge 

DAY SIXTEEN…

We are in phase TWO of the fitness challenge… only a few more days!IMG_4451

 Click here to see phase one.  

Phase two consists of…

  • eating lots of veggies ~ I’m talking LOTS, more than I’ve ever eaten within a 16 day period in my entire life
  • eating (no more than) 3 servings of fruit
  • eating lean protein; healthy meats, beans and TLS shakes
  • eating (no more than) 2 servings of low GI starches which can include squash & sweet potatoes
  • No carbs/gluten
  • VERY limited fats which can include ONE SERVING of advocado, egg yolk or healthy oils (olive, coconut)
  • a customized FAT-BURNING workout routine.  Whitney has us exercising six days per week, five of which include strength training and three+ cardio days.  

DAY SIXTEEN, my personal thoughts… 

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  • Down about 5 pounds!  Lost 6 during the detox phase, but gained one back last week after adding back in protein and starches.  I put the scale away this week so I wouldn’t be tempted.  It is supposed to be more about INCHES and less about POUNDS.
  • Learning to eat cleaner, don’t have (as many) sugar cravings.  Haven’t had any chocolate in sixteen days, which is an accomplishment in and of itself for me.
  • Like the camaraderie (we have a FaceBook group) and being in touch with like-minded fitness folks with similar goals.
  • Been a lot more focused on my FITness goals during this process.   Great to have this JUMP START!

Cons:

  • Headaches for first 4 days of detox, off and on
  • Tired and cranky during detox (mostly the whole 7 days, according to my students :))
  • Now that we can have protein, I definitely have more energy.  However, after almost passing out last week during a run (low blood sugar maybe?) I did ‘cheat’ and have half of a whole grain english muffin with some peanut butter before our 8 mile run this past Saturday.  I decided my body needed the glucose!  And I’m pretty sure I burned it off 🙂
  • Went to a wedding Saturday and fell off the wagon a bit.  Luckily I had run 8 miles and walked 1 mile that AM, so hoping the 900+ calorie burn compensated for some of the wedding cheats.  Why is it so hard to be healthy when you’re out being social?  Glad I put that scale away!

Be sure to check in early next week when we reveal our total inches/weight loss amounts and MAYBE some before/after photos!  We don’t want to scare you away though…

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Please contact Whitney if you’re interested in pursuing a fitness challenge of your own!

Click HERE to see DAY ONE and Teresa’s Weight Loss Journey.

“My body, like my life, is a work in progress!”  ~ Jessica Simpson, Weight Watchers spokes-momma

Here’s to LOSING weight while GAINING confidence and an even happier, healthier, FIT life!  

Cheers!

Photo credit to; espressoandcream.com 

8/21 ~ Day EIGHT of JUMP START Challenge

Whitney Carlson’s 21 Day Jump Start Fitness Challenge 

DAY EIGHT…spring_detox-2

The DETOX phase is complete!  Woohoo!

The next phase consists of being able to add a healthy, lean protein back into each meal.  Still no carbs/gluten and VERY limited fats.  Also consists of a customized FAT-BURNING workout routine.

DAY EIGHT, my personal thoughts… 

Pros of DETOX phase:

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  • cleansing body of impurities
  • ate more vegetables in seven days than I think I have in last seven weeks
  • lost 6 pounds!

Cons of DETOX phase:

  • Headaches for first 4 days, off and on
  • Tired and cranky (mostly the whole 7 days, according to my students :))

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Please contact Whitney if you’re interested in pursuing a fitness challenge of your own!

Click HERE to see DAY ONE and Teresa’s Weight Loss Journey.

“My body, like my life, is a work in progress!”  ~ Jessica Simpson, Weight Watchers spokes-momma

Here’s to LOSING weight while GAINING confidence and an even happier, healthier, FIT life!  

Cheers!

Photo credits to; www.lytnyc.com & http://farmfreshdirect.net

3/21 ~ Day THREE of JUMP START Challenge

Whitney Carlson’s 21 Day Jump Start Fitness Challenge 

DAY THREE…

More of the same!  Still just fruits (3), veggies (unlimited) and the TLS supplements.  IMG_4138

You start each morning with a glass of warm water and the juice from half a lemon.  The TLS info describes how it helps your gull bladder and aids in fat-burning.  The photo on the right —–> from The Farmacy states other benefits, including this article from The Chalkboard.  So drink up!

DAY THREE, my personal thoughts… 

Yesterday I learned that too much lemon water = heartburn.  I got all excited about its health benefits and the sweet taste, but I think I had one glass too many!  So I’ll likely limit it to just the morning detox one and maybe one other throughout the day.

My headache had subsided upon wakening this AM, but it was back in full force by 9AM.  I plan to drink more water today (although I’ve already been drinking a lot!) and I’m hoping since its day 3, this will soon dissipate.  From researching and talking to others that started a day before me, the first 2-3 days are the hardest.

9PM ~ had a cup of coffee around 7PM (half decaf and a little soy milk).  I am not perfect!  I can’t seem to kick the headaches, so I’ve been allowing myself VERY. SMALL. CHEATS.  ~ only the ones allowed, smiggins of protein and coffee.  Hoping that if/when the headaches subside, I will be able to have a couple of CHEAT FREE days before this 7 day detox is over!

Off to bed.  Day 3 in the books.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Follow along as we [me, my husband and mom, 2 other LIVING FIT members] document our 21 day journey.  Please contact Whitney if you’re interested in pursuing a fitness challenge of your own ~ she will have another one starting April 2014.

Click HERE to see DAY ONE and Teresa’s Weight Loss Journey.

“My body, like my life, is a work in progress!”  ~ Jessica Simpson, Weight Watchers spokes-momma

Here’s to LOSING weight while GAINING confidence and an even happier, healthier, FIT life!  

Cheers!

2/21 ~ Day TWO of JUMP START Challenge

Whitney Carlson’s 21 Day Jump Start Fitness Challenge… 

If you didn’t see yesterday’s post, a few Living Fit members are participating in a 21 day jump start challenge by Whitney Carlson.  We LOVE her site, HeandSheEatClean.com and have made many of the recipes!

DAY TWO… 

The program starts with TLS Weight Loss Solutions‘ SEVEN DAY DETOX.  For SEVEN DAYS you eat fruits (max of 3 per day) and vegetables (unlimited) ONLY, along with the TLS supplements, as your body cleanses itself of all its toxins.  This is for health, but also fat-burning benefits!

You can see my trip to Trader Joe’s at the right.  —->DSC_0446

We are also supposed to limit exercise (eliminate strenuous activity, just walk or do slow flow yoga, if needed) and concentrate on resting, stress-relief and getting plenty of sleep.

DAY TWO, my personal thoughts… 

I have never done a cleanse before.  I have ‘eaten clean’ for 7 days, 12 days, 21 days [the longest I have EVER gone without sugar], but I’ve never done a true toxin-cleaning detox.

Day 1 was challenging, but I have to admit… I did cheat and have coffee yesterday.  Going cold turkey with no sugar, no caffeine, no carbs, no protein was SUPER challenging and I had a pretty bad headache off & on for most of the day.  So I figured the coffee was better than a giant spoonful of peanut butter!  The ‘rules’ allow you to have one cup of black coffee and/or 3-4 oz of clean protein, if needed, but it is not recommended during the detox (especially the first 3 days).  Dang!

Day 2 is proving to be difficult as well.  I think I could live on just fruits and veggies… IF I could have my coffee too!  I don’t really miss or ‘crave’ much except for my tall hazelnut cream cup of joe to get my day started.

I am cold [like shivering cold] and my headache has returned.  Could be the teenagers I work with ~ just kidding kids 🙂 ~  but I’ve done some research and its common to have these symptoms, so I guess I’ll just bare through it!

Oops ~ cheated again!  I HAD to add 1 tb of protein to my shake at dinner.  I was feeling weak and almost sick!  I still had 3 hours to go until bedtime and a 13 month old to take care of, so hopefully this doesn’t throw me off course too much.

Going to sleep a bit earlier tonight to make sure I get my 7+ hours.

We can do this!!!  Difficult, but not impossible!

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Follow along as we [me, my husband and mom, 2 other LIVING FIT members] document our 21 day journey.  Please contact Whitney if you’re interested in pursuing a fitness challenge of your own ~ she will have another one starting April 2014.

“My body, like my life, is a work in progress!”  ~ Jessica Simpson, Weight Watchers spokes-momma

Here’s to LOSING weight while GAINING confidence and an even happier, healthier, FIT life!  

Cheers!

1/21 ~ Day ONE of a 21 day JUMP START Fitness Challenge!

Whitney Carlson’s 21 Day Jump Start Fitness Challenge… & Teresa’s Weight Loss Journey

So even fitness lovers like myself need a little JUMP START every now and then!

A few Living Fit members are participating in a 21 day jump start challenge by the one and only Whitney Carlson.  We found her online a few months ago when looking for clean recipes… her sister site, HeandSheEatClean.com has some amazing recipes and tells her story from ‘Regular Whitney’ to ‘Fitness-loving [modeling, blogging, personal-training] Whitney!’

The program starts with TLS Weight Loss Solutions‘ SEVEN DAY DETOX.

Today is day one!  For SEVEN DAYS you eat fruits and vegetables ONLY (along with the TLS supplements) as your body cleanses itself of all its toxins.  This is for health, but also fat-burning benefits!

This was dinner tonight…

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Lots o’ veggies and veggie stuffed portabellas.

The program also includes a private FaceBook support group, workout plans, meal plans and most importantly, MOTIVATION & ACCOUNTABILITY!

Here is why I personally chose to pursue this 21 day jump start…

 

Teresa’s Personal Weight Loss Journey ~

Goal to accomplish accomplished!:  lose those last stubborn [10] pounds post-baby

My story: It has taken me ONE FULL YEAR to lose my baby weight.  I have a handsome, healthy one year old to show for it, and zero regrets for taking it slow.  However, recently I decided it was finally time to lose those last few pounds and get back into running, fitness, clean eating and SLEEP!

I am 5’7 and typically fluctuate between 135-140 pounds.  I never used to openly discuss my weight, but if others can gain inspiration from my weight-loss story, then I’m willing to share!

I was down to 125 pds on our wedding day in 2011, but looking back, I was too thin and looked HUNGRY 🙂   After the wedding I went back to my ‘normal’ routine of eating, running, cross-training (and enjoying the occasional ice cream cone or chocolate truffle… rare treats when I was in wedding mode!).

Before my pregnancy in 2012, I weighed just under 140 pounds.  A healthy, FIT weight and lifestyle.  This was a photo taken shortly after finding out we were pregnant…

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We are pregnant!

I  ran until the baby was 32 weeks and then slowly tapered off to not doing much the last 6 weeks; holidays, cold weather, treadmill in storage, bought a house… too many excuses to not continue exercising!  I gained 40+ pounds total and topped out at 182 pds the week JP was born.

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38 weeks!  Last pregnant picture… gained 40 pounds! 

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Joseph Parker stole our hearts on January 24, 2013.  Best day of our lives!

After JP was born, the first 20 pounds came right off and I figured since I was nursing, the weight loss would continue.  After 8 weeks (and doctor’s clearance), I began jogging, but was cautious to not exert too much energy as I was still nursing and didn’t want to impact my milk supply.

By that Easter, however, I had still not lost any more weight!  JP was already three months old and I’d only lost half of my baby weight.  I saw this photo of myself and realized I needed to take better care of my body…

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Easter 2013, 20 pounds to go!

In late April of 2013, I had focused on my baby and milk supply solely for three months and began to start working a bit more on my own health and weight.  I joined Weight Watchers, started eating cleaner and trying to work out more (at this point, I had only worked up to running one mile, then walking).  Exercise was difficult, I’ll admit… working full time, caring for an infant and getting NO sleep!

Over the next 8-10 weeks, I lost another 10 pounds and by summer 2013, was feeling good about my accomplishments.

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May 2013 ~ 15 pounds to go…

I decided not to worry about the last 10+ pounds and just enjoy my life with my family and my amazing 6 month old son.

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August 2013 ~ 10 pounds to go…

 

January 2014 brought JPs first birthday.  For one full year, I’d committed myself to him… not sleeping well, not exercising as much as I needed to…

  • One, my milk supply was affected if I exerted too much energy sweating – in hindsight, I could have probably just hydrated more, but I was already drinking close to 75 ounces per day of fluids!
  • Two, I wasn’t sleeping well so I was always too tired to exercise anyhow!  JP nursed exclusively for 11.5 months and was up every 3-4 hours almost EVERY SINGLE NIGHT

Here is a [low quality, sorry] photo from JP’s first birthday party that made me realize it was time to start working on those last 10 pounds…

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Jan 2014 ~ HAPPY, but about 10 pounds away from HEALTHY!

March 2014 – I have lost 7 (yes SEVEN!) pounds since JPs birthday by EATING CLEAN, beginning to train for the CAP CITY HALF and incorporating new workouts like interval training and yoga into my exercise routine.

I hope to lose a few more  doing Whitney’s 21 day plan (detox, clean eating, new workouts designed by Whitney). Not everything in fitness should be about weight loss, but I’d personally like to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight once & for all.  Once I see 140 (or lower!) I will be doing a HAPPY DANCE!  And maybe, instead of celebrating with chocolate, I’ll celebrate with a new pair of skinny jeans 🙂

Check back soon to see how we do!

“My body, like my life, is a work in progress!”  ~ Jessica Simpson, Weight Watchers spokes-momma

Here’s to LOSING weight while GAINING confidence and an even happier, healthier, FIT life!  Cheers!

Update [April 2014]

After following Whitney Carlson’s 21 Day Jump Start Fitness Challenge, I FINALLY lost the last few pounds and got down to my pre-pregnancy weight.  From JPs 1st birthday on Jan 24, 2014  (photo above) to our Spring Break vacation in Mexico on March 30, 2014 (below) Joey lost 15 pounds and I lost 12!  Joey somehow gained weight during my pregnancy as well, although I hear this is common. 🙂

I’ll spare you from bikini selfies, but here is a family photo from our vacation…

A quick one with the boys

A quick pic with the boys

I was also announced as the winner of Whitney’s 21 Day Fitness Jumpstart Challenge!  I cropped my ‘after’ photo below so you didn’t have to be subjected to my ‘ab shot’ ~ but this is a good angle showing how challenging it can be to find time for fitness when you have a little one.

Make time for yourself and know that a healthy, fit momma = more energy for chasing around that toddler!  

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So now…

Here’s to MAINTAINING weight, while gaining strength and speed for a new PR.  

See you on the trails!