Thursday Unplugged

OK guys, I have been seriously out of balance with my internet lately. Too much You Tube, too much searching, too much Twitter (I know, is there really such a thing as too much Twitter?), just too much computer time.


I need to find my balance again.


So, today will be Thursday Unplugged.


No You Tube.


No Facebook.


No Amazon.


No blog perusing.


No email.


No Twitter. *gasp*


Nada, zip, zilch, NONE. In fact I'm writing this Wednesday night and setting it to post in the AM...I won't even be on my own blog!


Can I do it? We'll see!


Do you struggle with internet balance?


See you Friday (I've got some fun things coming for October!)

Primal Struggles

I have been sticking with Primal eating since the beginning of September. I did have two or three weekends that included one day of 'bad' eating. Family events, pizza, etc. Overall I am liking eating Primal and I feel it keeps me more even.


However, I'm not losing weight. I started tracking my food on Sparkpeople again so that I can take a good hard look at what I'm eating and why I'm not losing.


While eating Primal, Paleo, lower carb, etc it is very easy for me to maintain my weight (which I find encouraging for down the road). But in order to lose weight I must keep my carbs under 50, or even 40 grams per day. This may sound extreme to some, but I feel BETTER this way. Plus, it is worth it to me. While eating lower carb like this I don't have to feel famished and starved like when I'm simply eating low calorie.


Well, today's breakfast according to sparkpeople was 45 grams of carbs, well hello there problem. I also see I'm eating too many nuts. Nuts are good for us, but calorie-dense, therefore too many=no weight loss.


Tracking works. Period.


For now I will continue eating Primal and tracking it on Sparkpeople. I'm interested to see where my calories and carbs are ending up on a longer term basis. I feel great, but I do miss my oatmeal. 


What do you think about Paleo/Primal eating? Have you tried it?

The Year Isn't Over Yet!

After climbing my way out of the pit of funkification I've been in for the better part of the summer I am taking a hard look at where I am.


Well, I'm not very far from where I was this time last year. In fact, I think I'm only 10 pounds or so less than where I was last year this time. I haven't reached my weight loss or fitness goals for 2010.


Huge reality check.


But, I am not getting discouraged or giving up. 


Instead I am setting new goals for the rest of the year...I mean really, there's still 3 months left. Plenty of time to kick some butt. I am writing down my goals and creating a vision board (all my goals, not just fitness and weight loss). I can still accomplish great things in 2010...this chick isn't waiting for the New Year!


I'll share a few of these goals with you:

1. Ring in the New Year in the 160's 
2. Amp up the cardio through the end of the year.
3. Keep up the weights.
4. Run, run, run, and if it snows, run some more.
5. Secure a fitbloggin sponsor.

How about you? How will you finish out 2010?

Crazy Weekend

How was your weekend?


Mine was jam packed...of just good old getting things done.


Hubby had to work Saturday, so I dug in and did a ton of cleaning while watching You Tube Vlogs...it distracts me from the whole I'm cleaning thing. I cleaned the kitchen, dining room, living room, and caught up on laundry. Yay! It was seriously needing the scoop shovel treatment after my depression issues. It feels good to have things semi normal again.


Then, Sunday I went grocery shopping early. Stocked up with lots of healthy yumminess. I even bought some honey crisp apples because I keep hearing about them lately...gotta say they're 'spensive.


When I got back we headed out to my parents with hubby's skidster to help my dad pour some concrete.


We came home hot and exhausted. 


So, there's my weekend...what do you not see? Well, there was no working out or writing. I guess today I have my work cut out for me. I have a lot of writing ideas to tackle and some serious working out to hit...sheesh, I better get moving!

New Toy

I bought a flip, I bought a flip, I bought a flip! OK, ordered one off of Amazon...yay! I can't wait for it to get here. My You Tube Channel is about to blow up ;)

Do you have a you tube channel?

Oh Running, Did You Miss Me?

I think I've found my running mojo...wooo! It was in the crack in the couch, you know, where the change and toys and cheerios always wind up? OK, not really, but it's been misplaced for a few weeks. I took a step back and worked on some other things...and now...I'm ready to RUN! 

I'll be training for a local 5k on October 15th and then I'll pick another goal. I'm so excited to be training again. 

As it changes from summer into fall I'll have to change a few things though. 

First, I'm going to buy a pair of trail shoes. One easy way for me to fit a run in is to go to my dad's (he's retired and will watch kiddos)...and run his field/pasture 'roads'...Cowpaths is more like it. Hence the need for some good trail shoes. I've practically ruined regular white shoes out there before.

I've also come to terms with the fact that some of my training will have to be on my treadmill. I've had sort of a hate/hate relationship with my treadmill for a while. It's almost uncomfortable to run on it sometimes. But with our homeschooling schedule and fall weather I will make nice with my treadmill.

My training schedule for the 5k will be: one day of speedwork and one or two more days of 3-5 mile runs. Then, I'll go from there. 

Let the training commence! 

How about you, what are you training for? What do you have to change for your fall/winter running?

Wordless Wednesday

Weight Loss 101: Building an at Home Workout Library

image via monsterguide.net

I live in a rural area. Which I love. However this can present some challenges in my getting fit quest. One of those challenges being: no gym as far as the eye can see (and farther). Luckily I am rather fond of running and at home workout DVDs.


I think everyone should have a small library of workout DVDs (especially mommies); this can combat many an excuse. And those who, like me, have no gym may choose to have a little larger selection on hand. They're just a good thing to have around. 


Now, some people choose to buy an all in one system. One purchase, and you have a library complete with everything you need. Examples of this are P90X, ChaLEAN Extreme, and TurboFire. This is a great option if you can afford it. But even here you may want to buy a few single DVDs to avoid boredom.


When building your workout DVD library the first DVD you should look for is a good cardio DVD. Something that's going to give you a good sweaty workout when you can't find a sitter so you can go run or it's blowing and snowing outside. I think having at least one pure cardio DVD is a good thing. You can add it on top of a strength workout, or do it on alternate days of strength workouts.


Some great examples from my DVD library are: Banish Fat Boost Metabolism by Jillian Michaels, Turbo Jam Fat Blaster by Chalene Johnson (from my ChaLEAN Extreme set) and TurboFire HIIT30 (from my TurboFire Advanced set). These are my favorite-go-to cardio workouts. 


The second DVD you should look for is a good strength-training workout. Now, this can come as a circuit DVD where you mix cardio and strength in one workout, or a straight strength workout. I strongly believe everyone can benefit from lifting weights.


Some examples of circuit training DVDs from my library are: One-On-One Training with Jackie  by Jackie Warner (my fav), 30 Day Shred and 

No More Trouble Zones by Jillian Michaels, and Biggest Loser Last Chance Workout.

Examples of great Strength-training only DVDs are: the lifting DVDs from ChaLEAN Extreme by Chalene Johnson (the set also includes cardio, but the lifting DVDs are strength-training only). Personal Training with Jackie: Power Circuit Training, Personal Training with Jackie: Xtreme Timesaver Training, and Personal Training with Jackie: 30 Day Fast Start by Jackie Warner. I love all things Jackie Warner.


The third DVD I would suggest is a just for fun DVD. Something that you will really enjoy (although I do enjoy all the DVDs I've listed above). Something fun, maybe even on the silly side. A DVD you can talk yourself into doing on those days you just don't want to workout...something like a belly dancing DVD, or a stripper-workout DVD (yes, I said it)...Or, from my library, my just for fun DVD is Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Power Squad Bod! Calorie Blasting Dance (don't judge).


The fourth DVD I think should be in everyone's workout library is a good yoga DVD. I would highly recommend this. If you've never tried yoga, you absolutely should! My go-to yoga workout is: Yoga For Weight Loss with Suzanne Deason. In fact, it's the only yoga workout I use right now.


The last DVD you should consider is an abs or core focused DVD. Now many of the above listed DVDs include abs, but I personally like having a little something more. To me a strong core is important for everything else. Some of my favorites are: Lose the Belly Flab by Tracey Mallett, Abs 10 from TurboFire Advanced, Extreme Abs and Ab Burner from ChaLEAN Extreme, and Personal Training with Jackie: Crunchless Xtreme Abs by Jackie Warner.


Mix it up. Try new things. Enjoy. Make your workout library fun, reflecting you. It's important that you choose workouts that you enjoy and most importantly that you will do. This journey can be difficult enough without inflicting workout DVD torture on yourself. If one trainer annoys you, skip their DVDs and look around until you find trainers you love. If one DVD is too hard, save it for when you're more fit and search for better beginner workouts. Whatever your fancy, there's some really great options out there. No need to spend a ton of money either, most of the individual workouts I listed are under $10 on Amazon.


How about you...what's your all time favorite workout DVD?

Yoga Ball Winner

Winner of the yoga ball giveaway is Stephanie from Girls Just Wanna Go Run. Stephanie, email me (katdoesdiets @ gmail.com) your mailing info and congrats!


Thanks again to America's Nutrition.

Fitbloggin Ticket Giveaway at Fitbloggersguide

I am working hard to get to fitbloggin '11. 

As I've discussed before, as a stay at home mom who homeschools we make a lot of sacrifices to enable us to live on one income...hence, blogger conferences are nowhere near the top of our budget possibilities. I'm not letting this stop me though. 

I've got a roommate planned to share hotel costs...I'm approaching some great companies asking for sponsorship...I'm cutting every corner I can...I'm doing everything I can think of to get there even though it's not in our budget. 

And along comes this giveaway: http://fitbloggersguide.com/2010/09/grab-this-giveaway-send-me-to-fitbloggin-baby/ They're giving away a fitbloggin ticket! Go, check it out.

Fitbloggin or bust!

What I Did on Sunday

OK, so I didn't run my half on Sunday, I had talked a bit on Twitter this week that I might still run it. However, there was more going on here, an important event for hubby wound up on the same day, so...this is what I did Sunday: http://dandelionsinthesidewalk.blogspot.com/2010/09/oat-thrashing.html Check it out.


Don't forget to enter my giveaway, it ends today at 4 my time: http://katdoesdiets.blogspot.com/2010/09/zenzu-ball-kit-from-americas-nutrition.html

Hi, It's Me Again

No, really. It's. Me. Again!


I woke up this morning feeling like me again!


If you've never battled with depression this may sound strange to you, but when you're in that darkness everything is just so off, you're just not..you.


I have bit by bit been feeling better the last couple of weeks after attempting to tackle my depression head on instead of simply battling the symptoms. Yesterday I felt pretty great, but today, today I feel like ME. I don't think I had realized how truly far I'd slid until I woke up this morning and realized how great feeling like me feels.


I want to shout it from the rooftops: I'm alive, I'm meeeee, wooooot!


I want to workout. I want to write. I want to put makeup on. I want to...wait for it...clean my house! I know right?!


So, cue the hallelujah choir chorus, do the snoopy happy dance...I'm back!


Thanks everyone for your kind words and all your support during my funk. I'm ready to kick some major butt again, join me?

ZENZU BALL KIT From America's Nutrition

Disclaimer: The awesome folks over at America's Nutrition sent me two Premium Zenzu Ball Kits by Zenzation in pink...one to review...and one I'll be sending to one lucky reader!


Stability Ball, Exercise Ball, Yoga Ball, I've heard them called many different things, but most of us have heard of them. They're everywhere. I see them in the background of workout DVDs. I keep reading about people replacing their office chairs with them to strengthen their core. They're needed for parts of my workout DVDs. Heck my mom has 2! Yet, I've never owned one.


Until now. And now, I love. 


This kit came with a pump to air up the ball, a DVD, and a pink ball. 


The pump: Worked great. My kids found the pump hilarious because it makes a squeaky noise and they wound up blowing up the ball for me giggling like crazy.


The DVD: I was skeptical on this. I've bought so many of these types of kits only to discover the "DVD inside!" was absolutely worthless. This DVD I like however. It includes 2 short routines utilizing the ball. One beginner and one intermediate level routine. Both with modifications for different fitness levels. I can really see myself using this DVD. Some of the moves even in the beginner level workout were challenging for me. Good intro to using the ball!


The ball: Love. I will absolutely be including it in my workout routine and it sits proudly at my desk in lieu of a chair now. 


Would you like a fancy schmancy stability ball kit of your own?! 


To be entered to win:

1. Go to American's Nutrition, shop around in their fitness gear and leave me a comment with a link to your favorite thing.
2. Extra entries for tweeting about this giveaway including my twitter handle @katdoesdiets and a link to this post. Must leave me a comment that you did so.

That's it, easy right? Entries open to US Residents only. Contest closes Monday September 20th at 4 pm Mountain Time. Winner will be announced on this blog.

I Worked Out Today!

OK, OK, big deal right? 


But I am celebrating!  


I got up late, I didn't feel like working out, it threw my schedule off big time...but I did it anyway. I did weights for about 30 minutes and now I feel fabulous!


So, wooooot! I worked out today. One day at a time, right?


Come back tomorrow for a review/giveaway post!

Reality Bites

image via zazzle.co.uk

I don't know if anyone's paid attention, but the little runner girl ticker at the top of my blog..you know, the one that shows my weight loss progress...Well, she hasn't moved in a while. Not only has she not moved in the direction she should be moving, but she hasn't moved back. You know, back, like my progress has. 


I have been reluctant to move my ticker back to show the pounds I've regained. I just couldn't do it. But in avoiding doing it I'm not being real. Ticker girl has sat at 172 for months. While my weight has bounced between 172 and 182 during that time. 


Time to get real...sorry ticker girl, just like me you're going to have to conquer those same pounds over again. 179. Reality. Yes, it bites, but it's truth. It's where I am. It's where I begin again, today.

Primal Challenge

A couple blog/twitter friends have asked me if I'm joining the Primal Blueprint 30 day challenge. I've spoken some on the blog about Primal and Paleo eating. I have been struggling with either, or frankly any type of healthy eating, lately. This weekend included many a junky-brownie-sundae-type-foods. The crazy thing is this: when I eat very many carbs, especially sugar and breads, I feel like crap! So why do I eat them?


The 30 day challenge is basically a kick in the pants to get motivated. I finished reading The Primal Blueprint and actually think I will get along well with the eating plan to lose weight. I'll post more on the book and what it's all about later, but..


I contemplated all day and finally decided...I'm in.


Join me?

I am just a blogger, not a doctor or any sort of professional. What you read here are my personal experiences and opinions. Of course, always consult your doctor before trying a diet, diet pill, or new workout program.

I Am Not Going To Write A Blog Post Today

Nope.

I'm not going to write a blog post today...because I'm too busy...after a long weekend of letting regular things go I've so so much to do around here.

I'm not going to write a blog post today...because my house is a mess and I should be cleaning it.

I'm not going to write a blog post today...because I ate like crap this weekend and have nothing to say about it, but: meh, we had a good time at the zoo.

I'm not going to write a blog post today...because I haven't run in days.

I'm not going to write a blog post today...because I'm tired.

I'm not going to write a blog post today...because I have no huge life changing epiphanies to write about.

I'm not going to write a blog post today...because I just don't wannnnnnaaaaa.

I'm not going to write a blog post today...because I want to pull the covers over my head and pretend I'm doing great.

OH, but wait, it's that attitude that gets me in trouble every single time, hmmmmm.

Discouragement Kills Hope

I believe that hope is one of the most important things necessary for weight loss. Strong statement? Maybe, but I stand by it. We must have hope that we will succeed, hope that we can live a healthy fit life, hope to get us through the tough stuff. Hopelessness is our enemy here. If we allow ourselves to become hopeless it's virtually impossible to continue our weight loss attempts.

I also believe that discouragement left to run rampant in our minds and in our hearts has the power to kill that hope. Little by little when we allow ourselves to think discouraging thoughts the hope is choked out. "I can't do this, I'm a failure, ugh did you seriously just eat that?, why is this so hard?, this is impossible, I'll never reach my goal weight..." When we allow discouraging words to escape our mouths that hope is stomped on a bit more. "I screwed up again, I can't get this, what a loser I am..." When we allow discouragement to take hold of our attitudes and emotions hope goes down for a third time. Lastly when this discouragement seems to take over our choices our hope is but a glimmer. "Oh well, I'm not losing weight anyway, may as well eat that whole pan of brownies."


But we don't have to let this be. 


I realized this morning that discouragement is the root of this funk I've been in. I've allowed myself to become discouraged. I've thought discouraging thoughts; I've said discouraging things to and about myself. Discouragement has taken hold of my attitude and my emotions, and has begun to take over my choices.


I, however, refuse to lose hope. 

Time to clear out the discouragement and replace it with positivity, with belief, and with hope.


I wouldn't think and say these things about or to others, so why allow myself to think and say this nonsense to myself? If a friend struggles with weight loss, do I say, "well, why did you eat that, you can't do this, loser!" Um, no. I say things like, "you got this, you can do it, I'm here for you."


I have control over what I think and say. Sometimes it may not feel like it, but I do. I have allowed this discouragement to creep in and take hold and I can also show it the door. 

Right now everything else is secondary while I work on this. For now, my goals are:

• Every single time I think a discouraging thought I will come back with a positive one. 
• I will on purpose think positive, encouraging things. 
• I will deliberately say positive things to and about myself. I can do that. 
• No more discouraging words will be allowed to escape my lips. 
• I will not let my attitude be overcome by discouragement, I will choose a positive attitude every day.
• I will not make choices out of discouragement.
• I will be diligent here. Discouragement is not taking my hope!

Half Marathon Decision Time

My half marathon is less than three weeks away. 


I am not happy with my training thus far.


I set out to run 10 miles this past weekend, and couldn't, or didn't, do it. It was just a rotten run. Not a big deal in and of itself, but I've had many skipped training runs and many rotten runs the past month and a half. Running has become NOT FUN to me in this training! Not a good way to approach running 13.1 miles.


So, here's the thing: I'm considering not running my half the 19th. I'm thinking of focusing on my 5k time for a while, finding my running love again, and trying a half again in a little while.


Not because I don't think I CAN do it. I know that I could finish, but I was running it with a goal of coming in under 2 1/2 hours...that isn't looking likely at the moment. Slacking on my mid-week speed work has been an issue. I've also gained some weight back which makes the whole process feel harder. I have just been hugely off track and have not accomplished what I hoped for this race. I don't like that it has become such a chore, when I've always looked forward to my runs I now find myself looking for excuses and dreading them.


If my goal had simply been to run it, to finish it, there would be no question. But I was running it for a time goal, and training for such isn't fitting into my schedule right now or I'm not fitting it in, either way...what sense does it make to run it? 


I want my passion for running back; I don't want another race to be disappointed about, that I feel like I should have, could have, would have done better. 


Am I being a quitter if I don't run it? Am I rationalizing, making excuses here? Would you not run a race because you weren't going to meet your goal, your reason for running it? These are the thoughts swirling around my head. Curious to hear your perspectives. Go ahead, give it to me straight ;)