End of Week 3

So I wasn't awesome this week. I only exercised about 3 times, ate less than desirably and didn't really drink much water. However, I managed to lose 1 pound. I'm grateful for that 1 little pound. The quote this week that has really helped me is, "Progress, not perfection." It kinda says it all.

So in 3 weeks, I've lost 9 pounds, and my BMI has gone from 27.9 to 27.2. For some reason my scale says that my body fat percentage has increased 0.8% which I don't understand...I'll assume that function is broken! ;D

Like I said..."Progress, not perfection."

Because Inflammatory Bowel Disease Really Sucks

Dear Wonderful Girls in Shape,

Inflammatory bowel disease might not be on your radar screen, but it is a family of rotten diseases called Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis. These are medically incurable, chronic diseases that attack the digestive system. There are approximately 1.4 million Americans suffering from IBD. Let me tell you about three of them:

Rowdy is a semi-professional mountain biker, Brazilian jiujitsu Pan-Ams medalist, dad to three teenagers and my sweet husband. He was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at age 12. In the intervening 26 years, he has had four surgeries to remove diseased bowel. In two weeks, he will be having surgery #5, after once again failing medical management.

Jenny's the mom of seven children, including one terrific sister missionary. Her husband is a physician and the bishop of their ward. She spends most of her time going back and forth to her kids' activities, walking and serving others. She was diagnosed with Crohn's disease a couple of years ago. Her symptoms are largely controlled, thank goodness! She has no time to be sick!

Larry is Rowdy's biological dad. He has Ulcerative Colitis, and several years ago had all of his colon removed due to life-threatening complications from the disease. Since he doesn't have a colon anymore, he is not experiencing symptoms. However, UC left him a little reminder that it won that round--he has a permanent ostomy bag.

You may also divined that I really, really hate Crohn's and wish that it could be eradicated from the face of the earth. One of the things that pisses me off about that rotten disease is that I can't fix it. I have no control over Rowdy's flares and I can't heal him. But I found something that might just one day lead to much-improved treatments. I am running the Las Vegas Rock-and-Roll Half Marathon on December 5th with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation's Team Challenge. As part of this endeavor, I have made a goal to raise $4,400 towards research into cures and treatments, as well as support systems for sufferers of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, which is the catch-all term for Crohn's and Colitis.

I realize that this is a lofty goal, especially in these economic times and with so many other wonderful organizations and causes to which you can donate your time and energy, but every little bit helps. Your employer might even have a gift-matching program, so that your charitable dollars are doubled.

So, do it for Rowdy, or Jenny, or Larry, or someone else that you love, like,or just are acquainted with, or just because 1.4 million Americans suffer from IBD. Click on the hyperlink above, or just click on this: http://www.active.com/donate/lv10sandiego/LVDBricco

Thank you!
Tenacious D

End of Week 2

I'M DOWN A TOTAL OF 8 POUNDS!!! In just 2 weeks! I can't believe it. I don't think it's as much P90X as it is Eating Clean. I'm loving it, and can't wait to loose more!

My BMI this week is down to 27.3 so that's good too. 15 more pounds before I'm in the "normal" range. I still have a lot of hard work to do.

This week I'll try harder to keep my water with me so I can drink more. I've been noticing that when I don't drink enough water, my weight the next morning isn't impressive. I'm not consuming much sodium so that's good, just need to drink more to stay hydrated and in prime condition.

I'm really enjoying making healthy food for my family. I took a look around Costco the other day and they have lots of cool new "clean" foods that I hadn't noticed before. They have Fage yogurt. It's plain Greek yogurt which can be used instead of sour cream, cream cheese (when strained overnight), mayo, and my favorite way to eat it is with berries and a little honey...YUM! It's my dessert when others are having ice cream, I have my Greek yogurt.

They also now have flavored single serving Greek yogurt called Chobani. It's really good too. Greek yogurt is better than regular because it has less sugar.

They have ground bison! They have it for $10 for 2 pounds which is a great price since at Henry's it's $8/lb. Bison is a lean protein so if you're getting sick of chicken, turkey, and fish, give bison a try.

They have agave nectar in a 2 pack for almost half the price at Henry's.

They have Jalapeño Greek Yogurt Dip which has been fabulous! I love it on sandwiches and on my bison burgers in place of cheese. It's smooth, creamy, and has a tiny kick...not very spicy, but very flavorful.

They also have hummus, not only in big tubs, but also in a box of 16, 2 oz. single servings. Dirk takes them to work to dip his carrots or sugar snap peas.

Oooo, and my new favorite is that they have Orchard Bars. It's all nuts, seeds, and fruit, and oh so yummy. If you can't prepare your own food, it's a great quick and healthy option.

I bring this up because there are lots of healthy options around you! Just take a look and be creative thinking what you can substitute.

Have a great week and make better choices!

End of Week 1

So although I ate really well the first part of the week, and not so well the last... I still lost 3 pounds! I'm super excited! My BMI is 27.7. My goal this week is to continue to try to eat well and keep up the water intake. Thanks for all the comments. You guys...I mean girls...are really helping with the motivation factor!

Ready, Set, P90X!!!

So I've been a quiet contributer for long enough! I've enjoyed the posts and keep up to date on this blog, but now the time to be silent has come to an end. I need encouragement and I knew just where to come! I trust you all. :D

I'm starting P90X tomorrow, August 9th and I'll finish November 6th. I weighed myself, took my measurements, and my scale has a body fat percentage calculator, I've noted my BMI and my husband and I will take "Before" pictures when the kiddos are in bed tonight. Can you think of anything else?

I want to hold myself accountable to someone so this is where I'll do it. Every week I'll update you all on my progress. I think the only number I'm willing to broadcast is my BMI. It's 27.9 so yes, I'm overweight. Ideally I'd like to get it down to 22.8. So I've got a bit to go!

For the first 2 weeks, I'll eat well, cutting out all white flour, sugar, dairy products, juice, bread, salad dressings-except lemon juice and vinegar, spreads, and high-sodium foods. I'll eat 5 meals a day, each being a lean protein with a complex carb. I'll need a lot of will power and determination to not "cave" and snack on my kids treats for their school lunches (which are healthy...but still...) I'll also try to not eat within 4 hours of bedtime. And drink a gallon of water a day.

Ambitious, I know...but I'm sick of being fat! ;o)

So, we'll see how it goes...wish me luck and motivation!