beachbody ultimate reset: final results!

We have completed the BeachBody Ultimate Reset! It wasn't always easy, but we did it and wow do we ever have awesome results to prove how hard we worked! I lost 16 pounds and 15 inches total - 3 off of my waist and 6 off of my hips. Tracy lost 8 pounds and 15 inches total - 2 off of her waist and 3 off of her hips. The thing that I loved the most was that throughout the 21 days, I felt very calm and centred. I didn't have to take medication for my anxiety once, which blows my mind. The depression that has been plaguing me for the last 18 months has also lifted significantly. My skin has cleared up, my PMS symptoms were non-existent and my energy was through the roof. And by through the roof I mean, I repainted my dining room, refinished my dining room cabinets and table, and cleaned out my entire garage so that I can put my new Ford Escape in there this winter. I'm not kidding, it was bananas.

My before & after photos:

What's next for us? Tracy is ready to start P90X and Shakeology next week. I am also starting Shakeology again and will be starting P90X2 at the end of the month once I get back from visiting my folks in BC. Until then I will be mixing up some hot yoga and Insanity to get me back in the swing of things. Would I recommend the Ultimate Reset to everyone I know? Absolutely! And if you want to do it, let me know because I just became a BeachBody coach, so if you order your BeachBody products through me you are also helping contribute to my son Max's autism therapy!

Tracy's before and after photos:

beachbody ultimate reset: week 2 results

We just completed week 2 of our Beachbody Ultimate Reset! So far I am down 12 pounds and I am really noticing the changes in my body. Tracy is down 5 pounds and looking awesome. I didn't mind the detox drink as much as Tracy did, and I am finally getting used to the alkalinize drink. My skin is glowing, my hair is shiny, and my energy is fairly high. Sleep is still disrupted, but I think that's mostly due to having a lot on my mind. I can't wait to post our final results and before and after pictures next week! Only one more week to go and we are going strong (though I am looking forward to having my morning coffee again)!

beachbody ultimate reset: week 1 results.

Click here for more information about the BeachBody Ultimate Reset.

beachbody ultimate reset: days 2 & 3.

If you're wondering why I am snapping pics of every meal I eat, it is because the main part of the ultimate reset - as I see it - is eating. I've seen a lot of detoxes/cleanses that really limit your eating to a few select foods. That is not the case with this program. I am also full and satisfied after every meal and have yet to be hungry. There have even been a few meals that I was unable to finish because I was full. I have loved everything on the menu and really enjoyed preparing the meals (though the sushi was a bit tricky the first time). Is it a time commitment? Yep. Does it take a lot of planning and thinking of head? Sure does. But I'm remembering what it's like to eat healthy and my stomach hasn't felt this good in forever. On day 2 I still had a mild headache, but I could already see that I was retaining less water. On day 3, the headache was pretty much gone, but I felt low energy so I took it easy. The thing that makes me the happiest is that I'm feeling a lot less anxious and generally more positive. I don't think it's a coincidence. Only 18 more days to go.

beachbody ultimate reset: day 1.

Day one of the Ultimate Reset is in the bag. Apart from a headache and peeing every 20 to 30 minutes, it went really well. The food was tasty, the supplements weren't so bad (though I won't miss the alkalinize), and it felt good to get out for my two 20 minute walks.  The good thing about taking a week to prepare is that all of the food required is in the house and ready to go. My fridge is bursting with greens and veggies. Before I started, I was a bit wary of the food prep, but so far so good. It really is all about planning. And more planning. And a little more planning. I'm enjoying discovering new foods, and even the kids have gotten into it. Who knew jicama was so yummy? By the end of the day I was ready to go to bed, but my sleep wasn't restful. But, my sleep has been terrible lately, so I can't blame that on the reset. Tracy reported that she too got a headache, was peeing a tonne and was exhausted by the end of the day, so I know we're in the same boat (and she's still speaking to me). Only 20 more days to go!

beachbody ultimate reset: we start tomorrow!

Gulp. Tomorrow morning, my friend Tracy and I are starting the 21-day Beachbody Ultimate Reset. This was my brilliant idea, so if it ends up being super hard, Tracy may in fact stop speaking to me. This is what we looked like at Christmas - friendship strong and intact. Let's hope it stays that way!!

Why are we doing the cleanse? I think we both need a kickstart to get back into eating healthy and prioritizing our diet. Plus, this year has been stressful year and I'm fairly certain neither of us are in the shape we were last summer. If a 21-day detox cleanse doesn't get us back on the right track, then I don't know what will. We've done our grocery shopping (I never knew what a jicama was before), and we are ready to rock this. Thank you in advance to our coach, Gina, for helping us get prepped. I'm looking forward to getting back in my skinny jeans.

90 day challenge update.

I started my 90 day challenge on August 16th by changing up my nutrition. Between supplements cutting out the junk, and eating better, I've lost 5 pounds. I also started P90X again, which has given me a boost. Until this past week that is. I'm not sure if it was the whole back to school thing or what, but this week was tough! I managed to stay pretty much on track diet wise, but my workouts suffered. I guess you can't always nail it, eh? So, back on track starting today! I had a shakeology for breakfast, some blueberries for a snack, and I'm in the process of doing some healthy menu planning for tonight (thinking steak and salad).

In other news, my mom decided to join the 90 day challenge with me, and she is down 4 pounds in under 2 weeks! Nice! I asked her how she liked it and she told me that she finds it is working well - especially because there aren't a lot of healthy eating options at work. She makes her shake at home and then has it for lunch. I'm guessing she's saving some money too. Every time you step foot in the cafeteria it's at least $8. I'm looking forward to getting out to Vancouver in a couple of weeks to see how good she's looking.

                                                                                                                                            

Exercise: P90X workout

beating back the winter blues (in advance).

The beginning of September means two things to me: back to school and the beginning of Fall. I'm actually a fan of both. Back to school means we can finally settle back into a somewhat regular groove and get the kids back into a better sleep schedule (at least that's the hope). Fall means that my allergies are going to calm down, and that the sticky summer heat will wrap up. But it also means less sunlight, which is a problem for someone who suffers from depression.

This year I'm taking a much more proactive approach in battling the winter blues. I know that I'm at risk of sliding into a major depression. Life is stressful, likely to get more stressful and if I don't tackle it before it gets out of hand, I'm pretty much signing myself up for 6 months of misery. So, what am I going to do about it? The obvious thing of course -- eat right and exercise. I'm setting up a healthy menu for my family, cutting out the booze, and the sugar, and as much processed food as I can. I'm also starting up another round of P90X. My motivation for that is that a new P90X program is coming out in December and I'll need to be in shape to handle that. Also, I want to look fit and happy in our Christmas pictures!

A lot of people will probably think it's a little over the top to be thinking this far ahead, but if you suffer from chronic depression like I do, it is the smart thing to do. I am also someone who does better with a program to follow. For me to simply say "oh, I'm going to workout more" won't work. I need a concrete plan, with clear goals and expectations built in or else I'll fall off the wagon. The bonus is that when I exercise, I automatically eat better and drink less as well. (If I'm going to sweat that much why would I sabotage it with eating a bunch of junk?) Vitamins and fish oil and eating salad at lunch and dinner are also staples this time of year.

I started my "beat the winter blues" program 3 weeks ago and so far so good. I am easing myself back into exercising (I am still super sore), and getting better at menu planning (which my husband really appreciates). I was tempted to put off getting started on all of this until after school started, but I am so glad that I didn't wait! It feels good to be starting off on the right foot, and already down about 5 pounds. If I stay on schedule with P90X, I'll wrap up in early December and be able to take a bit of a break before starting up the new program.  I'm thinking that by getting started early with a clear plan will help me have a much happier winter this year. Last year was rough so here's hoping!

                                                                                                                                            

Exercise: P90X workout (currently on week 2)

the secret to weight loss.

After all of the years I have spent trying to lose weight and get in shape, I finally figured out the secret to weight loss. I bet you’re dying to know what it is, right? Well, unfortunately for you (and for me), the secret is that there is no magic pill you can take to lose weight and get in shape. The only way to really change your body is to eat healthy food in moderate quantities and to get off your ass and get moving. That’s it.

Knowing this, a few weeks ago I started a really good supplement program to get me on the right track. It’s a 90 day challenge (see...there are no quick fixes). I’ve been on the program for 2 weeks now (in whole hog doing the Transformation Kit) and I’ve lost 5 pounds, which I’m really happy with. I also feel exceptionally clear headed and light (as if the world has been lifted up off my shoulders). To rev things up a bit, this week I also started my second round of P90X. I did my first round back in January and I had amazing results. Unfortunately for me, I totally slacked on exercising this summer, and I am now paying the price for it. Ouch!

So, that’s where I’m at. Slogging it out with Tony Horton and doing my best to eat an exceptionally nutritious diet. On top of that, I’ve cut down on my alcohol intake (no more lazy afternoons on my neighbor’s back deck drinking vino) and increased my water intake. My goal is to be fit and ready to conquer the sequel to P90X which is coming out in December. Also, I have a certain pair of jeans I’d love to squeeze into.

If you’ve been thinking about turning a new page and switching up your eating and getting your butt in gear, now is a great time! Don’t wait. I had been thinking about putting off getting back into P90X until Max was back in school when I’ll have more time for me, but I realized that there will always be a reason to not exercise. And really, there is always time to exercise if it is a priority. So get off up your butt and join me! I could use the support!!

                                                                                                                                            

Exercise: P90X workout (currently on week 1)

how i got my ass handed to me at bikram yoga.

Having completed a round of P90X just last month, I like to think I am "in shape". Sure I am still chasing a flat tummy and slimmer hips, but really, I am fairly confident that I can tackle most physical challenges thrown my way.  That was until I went to my first bikram yoga class at Bikram Yoga Oakville.

I got my ass handed to me.

I started the class feeling a little cocky. The instructor told me that since this was my first class to take it at about 40%. Right. Whatever. I started out okay, keeping up with the postures. But then it got hard. I did my best to keep going but eventually came to the realization that there was a reason for the 40% rule. I laid down on my mat and focused on breathing through my nose, and tried to calm my racing heart. And I sweat. My dog did I sweat.

I made it through the class (barely).  The feeling of relief when I got out of the studio was incredible.  Quite a rush! The instructor (Dann) and I spoke about the class for a bit.  He told me that one of his first instructors had said that the people who need to be in the class most are the ones who are struggling with something, not the ones who are executing every posture perfectly. Also, that bikram yoga is an individual practice. It doesn't matter what someone else is doing - it only matters what I am doing. Good thoughts to apply to life in general, really.

One of my favourite things about this studio is that it is a really large open space.  While other studios have cramped facilities, these change rooms are huge with lots of showers so you don't have to wait to freshen up after class. If you live in the area you should check it out. They have an intro 10 days for $10 offer that gives you a chance to take some classes and see if you want to sign up for a membership. Also - they are having an open house this Friday night so if you are free, swing by and say hi to Dann! I'm thinking of going to tomorrow's 9:30am class if anyone wants to join me.

insanity: day 2.

day 2 and I'm a hot mess!!

After wrapping P90X up, I knew I needed a different challenge. A lot of people jump right back into another round with Tony, but I wasn't quite ready for that (I'm waiting for the new P90X that is coming out later this year). Somehow, my coach and online friend Gina talked me into joining her on the Insanity program. 60 days, 45 minutes per day tops, and the before and after photos from other people are incredible. I figured I'd give it a shot. My brother-in-law is getting married in June, so I set a goal of getting a new dress when I complete the program.

Well. I thought I was in shape after completing P90X, but this program, it takes conditioning to a whole new level. On the first day you take a fit test to get a baseline of where you are at. I was huffing and puffing after only the warm up! Half way through the fit test I was cursing a blue streak. I am quite confident that Shaun T's name is taken in vain thousands of times a day around the world. And I bet you he loves that too.  Day 2 is the real start of the program.  Basically you go as hard as you can until you feel like you are going to fall on the floor, and then you do that again two more times before you get a 60 second water break.  Then you work through a new series of moves in the same manner.  It's 45 minutes of hell.  But, to its credit, it goes by fairly quickly.  Also, I started feeling sore an hour after the workout! How is that even possible? 

Today is day 3.  I have no idea what is in store for me, but I will be pressing play regardless.  Once I decide I'm going to do something, there is no backing out for me.  I'm hoping my "after" pictures in June will show a leaner, meaner me and I'm looking forward to going shopping for a dress that will show off my hard work!

p90x: before and after photos.

I started P90X on December 26, 2010 and completed it March 30, 2011. These are my before and after photos. The reason I started P90X was that I was feeling terrible emotionally and disconnected from my body and I knew something had to change. Also, a friend of mine who had completed the program alluded to it being pretty hard and wasn't sure I could do it (thems there fightin' words!).  While the before and after pictures definitely show a difference in my physique, the thing I am focused on is the smile on my face in the after photo.
I'm not going to list all my before and after measurements, but they are decent. I dropped from a size 12/14 to a size 8. I "only" lost 7 pounds during the program. I say "only" because I am told that muscle weighs twice that of fat but takes up only 2/3 the space, which explains the big changes I have seen to my body with relatively little change on the scale.  My energy level is much higher and I am generally dealing with stress better and feeling more positive about the world.  Next up is the "Insanity" program - I am starting tomorrow! It's a 60 day program and I'll probably post the results here when I wrap that up in early June. Stay tuned!

Read the rest of my P90X posts here.

week 13 of p90x.

my workout set up - Tony on the laptop with the sun lamp my mom gave me blasting!

Officially speaking, Tony Horton and P90X entered my life on December 26th (2010). When I first looked at the 13 week program, empty worksheets and stack of 12 cds I felt intimidated and nervous (and secretly wondered "who am I kidding with this?").  Friends of mine had tried it and failed. But one friend had managed to completed the program and felt and looked terrific after.

The first week of P90X was hard. But, there was something about this Tony guy that kept me coming back for more.  Plus, as sore as I was, I felt hyped about the program (big time).  The first 4 weeks were actually easy in the sense that staying motivated wasn't an issue in the least.  I remember raving to my friend who had done P90X about the changes I was seeing and being told "just wait - you are still early in the game".

I kept on trucking, day in, day out.  The only thing that temporarily derailed me was getting the flu.  I got back on track though (wow was that hard).  And now fast forward to March 23rd and I only have 5 more workouts to go until I complete the program.  It already feels like a huge achievement!  Now, I know showing off before and after pictures is a big part of this whole thing, but...well, I'm not sure if I'm going to do it.  I've had some feedback as of late that I have been showing off my physique too much, so unless there is a huge outcry (hah!) I'm going to lay off the photos of me in my workout wear.

Apparently I am supposed to take 2 weeks off after I finish P90X before I jump into my next program.  I'm not sure I'll be able to sit still that long, but I'll give it a try (and likely check out the local yoga studio "kula" to make sure I stay limber).  I'm jumping into a hard core cardio interval program next that REALLY makes me nervous.  But word has it that if I can do P90X, I can do anything.  Guess we'll see about that!

p90x: week 11 day 1

Three more weeks of P90X to go! I'd be a liar if I said at this point I'm still jumping up and down every day to workout because 13 weeks is a bit of a haul.  But I'm too damn stubborn to stop this far in and I'm having some good results.  I just ordered the Insanity workout which I plan to start in mid April.  I'll post before and after pics from day 1 to day 90 when I wrap this up at the end of the month.

fighting depression with p90x.

Depression and I go way back, but it wasn’t until college that I started taking medication to treat it. Thus began my ride on the prescription drug roller coaster. People who don’t understand depression would say things like “you should exercise, you’ll feel better”. I resented those people and thought “yeah right, a run around the block will cure everything”. I could barely get out of bed, let alone go to the gym.

...Read the rest of this article on Diets in Review.com

getting back on the p90x wagon after the flu.

I started P90X on December 26th and up until last week I hadn't missed a single workout. Even on the rest days, I opted to do the optional Stretch workout. Everything was going smoothly until the end of Week 7, when the flu that had taken Cam, Max and Scott down finally brought me to my knees.

Lucky for me, I was headed into my recovery week, so if I was going to get sick and miss workouts, this was the week to do it. I still felt awful about missing my daily date with Tony though. I had been so dedicated up until this point! I really was kicking myself for not following the P90X schedule perfectly (that's not a surprise for anyone who knows me).  I'm either all in or not at all.

But then it came to me.  Getting sick was actually the perfect challenge.  Acing P90X for 90 days is not what my ultimate goal should be (though it is a terrific challenge and definitely something worth doing and celebrating).  Incorporating exercise into my life on a daily basis is what I am shooting for.  Getting knocked off the horse gives me an opportunity to prove to myself that I can get back into my exercise routine after a much needed rest.

I decided that instead of taking up where I left off, I would start Week 9 on my original schedule.  The first two workouts back have kicked my ass, but I think I made the right call.  I plan on doing P90X again after I finish this round, so I'm sure I'll get the chance to do that recovery week next time.  I am starting to see some changes to my overall physique which is keeping me motivated to push through this last phase! I took this picture on my blackberry last week (it really doesn't show much progress but trust me, things are happening).  I think the before and after pictures are going to blow your mind!

dumb jocks.

Athletic is not a word I have ever used to describe myself.  Growing up, I always looked at kids who excelled in track and field and gym class as dumb jocks.  I figured since I was smart and not athletically gifted I somehow had one up on them.  Sure that kid could do standing long jump like no other, but she was failing math.  And that kid who always won the 100 metre and high jump? He could not write a book report to save his life.  Because I couldn't compete in their realm I took solace in the fact that I had them beat in the brains department.

I have spent my entire life trying to figure things out by thinking them through.  Makes sense right?  My mantra used to be "I'm smart enough to figure this out".  But maybe I've been over thinking this thinking business.  Reasoning, logic, knowing how things "should be" hasn't gotten me anywhere.  I have talked about my depression, read a stack of books about philosophy, relationships, how to build a better mousetrap and what the Dalai Lama would do.  None of those things have in fact helped me manage my depression.  Not one damn bit.  I dare say that knowing all of the theories and logical things I should be doing only makes it worse.  I end up beating myself up because "damn it I know better!"

The two things that have helped manage my depression are medication and daily exercise.  Medication gets me to a point where I can function.  Exercise gets me to the point of feeling fantastic.  When I am upset or feeling down, no amount of thinking is going to make me feel better.  I have found that intense exercise is the one activity that helps me work through whatever is bothering me and come out the other side feeling like I can deal with it and that everything will be alright.  When I am exercising the negative self-talk disappears.  When I am sweating my ass off I am not thinking about feeling sad or overwhelmed, I am thinking about pushing myself to get through the exercise without falling over.  I am not judging myself for not being as strong or fast as others, I am giving myself a mental pat on the back and saying "hell yeah, you did it!"  Funny that at the age of 35 I am just now figuring out what the dumb jocks knew back in grade six.  Maybe they weren't so dumb after all.

getting off the scale (is oh so hard to do).

this is not me.

One of my biggest roadblocks is getting over how much I weigh.  I have a very specific target number in my head that I can't seem to let go of.  It is ridiculous to be fixated on the number I see when I step on the scale.  I know the facts, that muscle weighs more than fat (Gabrielle Reece weighs 190 pounds), and that I should be assessing my progress based on my measurements and how my clothes fit and most importantly, how I feel.  

I feel really good - which is the whole point.  I am finishing up week 6 of P90X (almost half way!) and I am already noticing marked changes in my body.  My legs are looking leaner, there is definition in my shoulders I have never seen before, and for the first time in a long time, my back doesn't hurt.  Mind you, on most days I am sore from working out, but it is a good sore (one that tells me I'm pushing myself hard enough).

The "before" pictures I took (which I will share when I have "after" pictures to post alongside them) are a huge motivator for me.  That and how good I feel when I am done whatever program I have that day.  The great thing about P90X is that if you have a routine that you aren't particularly fond of, the most you have to do it is once a week.  I'm finding that routines I didn't like in the beginning are now among my favourites (I'm looking at you Kenpo X).   The chin ups will likely never be on my "fun" list, nor will the one arm push ups, but you never know, right?  I bet there are guys out there who despised the 90 minute Yoga X when they started who now swear by it. 

I have seven more weeks to go and I am already looking forward to doing the entire program again (which is crazy, I know).  There is something about this Tony Horton guy that makes you want to come back for more.  I think I have finally found something that works for me.  Now, if I can just keep myself off the damn scale...

date with tony horton.

not quite ready for the cover of downward dog magazine.

I started the P90X program on December 26th (I got it for Christmas and couldn't wait to get started).  The first week kicked my ass.  So did the second and third.  Here I am in week four (the recovery week before starting Phase 2) and I'm still finding the workouts very challenging, but also doable. 

Somehow, even with everyone (including me) getting sick last week, I still managed to hit my workouts every day.  Previously I would have used being under the weather as an excuse not to exercise, but there is something about this Tony guy that is infectious (in a good way).  I look forward to "pressing play" and being put through my paces.  Yesterday, when I had to wait to do the 90 minute Yoga X workout I felt myself getting impatient to get going, which made me laugh.  A friend of mine who has already done the program has told me to slow up and not get too excited just yet because it will become a grind.  I believe it too.  It's easy to be motivated the first month.  There are still 10 weeks to this program and I have to keep on chugging and building momentum.

The changes I've noticed so far from a physical standpoint have been small.  I'm down a few pounds and parts of me that used to jiggle a lot are jiggling less.  The biggest change by far is between my ears.  I feel calmer, and less overwhelmed when I get stressed out or sad.  I'm also able to avoid most of the negative self-talk that creeps in when I'm at my most vulnerable.  Friends have told me that they are proud of me and impressed by my dedication.  I'm proud of me too.  Every night when I go to bed, I reflect on the day and as long as I have made my best effort for my health and my family, I feel at peace.

The key to this program working for me is that it requires you to exercise using a specific workout every day (there are 7 different workouts per week).  Because I am terrible at moderation, this speaks to me.  I have to make time every day, no matter what.  If it was only four days a week I wouldn't be able to keep it up because it would be too easy to not find time or think "I'll just do that tomorrow".  That doesn't work on the P90X program because tomorrow I will have a different workout to do.  Plus, Tony is waiting for me, and I would hate to let him down.  If you have done the program you know what I mean by this.  He might be a cheese ball, but he knows how to keep you feeling motivated.

I've never been one for physical fitness goals (outside of losing weight).  With this program I am finding for the first time ever I am getting excited about getting better at the different workouts and skills.  Each time I do the Ab workout I get a little stronger and am able to do a few more reps or hold a posture better than the last time I did it.  Funny enough, this doesn't make the workouts easier, it makes them harder because I'm able to "bring it" even more.  That's the beauty of it.

come on 2011, BRING IT!

(taken with photo booth on my mac, not with my lovely nikon)

2011 got a running start this year.  I found out at 11:30 pm on New Year's Eve that I won 2nd place in the 2010 Canadian Weblog Awards for the Health & Wellness category.  What a terrific way to kick things off!  The universe is also cooking up some other cool stuff on my behalf - I'm trying to remember that if this specific thing doesn't come to fruition that there must be something even bigger and better waiting around the next bend.

It looks like I missed out on the opportunity to title a blog post "1.1.11". I was busy relaxing and hanging out with my crew.  Oh yeah - and finishing up week one of P90X.  It was a gift from Santa.  All it took was one friend telling me it was super hard and that he didn't think I could do it.  Yeah, I'm easy to bait like that.  I was all "um, excuse me? I can do anything I set my mind to! I'll show you!"

Today is the beginning of week 2.  There are sniffles traveling through my house (I am choosing not to acknowledge them lest they derail me).  I am a little bit sore (in a good way, I like to think).  The "before" photo is not a pretty sight (I may or may not share it with you at the end of the 90 days).  In lieu of a closeup of my love handles, I am sharing this picture, where I at least look happy, if nothing else.

Happy New Year! Off I go to find my joy for the day...