Chuckling as I wrote that title, I realized that is sums up the way I’m feeling about my choice to embrace this challenge of the 30 Day Shred. Yes, it sounds cheesy. Yes, it’s even teetering on the brink of sounding like a “quick fix” motivational gurus, but honestly, it’s been a long time since I have worked so hard in the physical fitness arena and it feels good. Well literally, it feels really bad, but physically and emotionally, I am overcoming an obstacle that was affecting many areas of my life. Now that I am over the cusp of “death” (yes, that’s how I felt those first few days), I’m slowly seeing changes in my energy level, my flexibility and even my appetite.
Moving up to Level 2 during our 30 Day Shred was a sure shock to my system, but it also made me realize just how far I have come in the last eleven days. For those of you who have made it this far, I am SO proud of you. Can you even believe what you can do now that you couldn’t manage just one week ago?
For those of you who got to day three/ four and determined it was just too much, hop back on the horse and just walk it out. I know you can do it. Right now, I firmly believe this is 75% mental and 25% physical. Discipline stinks. I hate it. I am not a naturally disciplined person, but we just need to remember what we want. In the midst of quitting, remember. Why did you start this? You were tired of how you felt, looked and responded to food, energy, “xyz.” Yes, it’s treating our bodies to pain that we never knew existed, but don’t let past discouragement in this area bring you down again. Do what you can at a moderated level, but just stick with it. In one week, you will be ecstatic because level one will seem like a breeze. After two days now of level two, I went back and did level one and I was doing everything. Comparatively, it seemed “easy”. Those first days, I never thought those words would ever come out of my mouth, and now, as a treat, I may grant myself level one. lol
For those of you doing other programs, keep at it. We are in this together and I can’t wait to come back at the end of the thirty days and share our successes with each other.
Initially, I wanted to add exercise to my life so that I could still eat what I wanted, and yes, get my heart healthier. But now that I am past that first killer week, I realize I don’t want to deprive myself of my favorite foods, but I am naturally making better eating choices. After I finish working out, it acts as a bit of an appetizer suppressant (probably because I feel like I am going to throw up..haha), so I am trying to be more conscious in my choices. If I am going to “torture” my body every day, I want to see a little more results in the skinny jeans department. I have two pair of pants in which I don’t come close to zipping and those are my goal clothes. Again, I am not dieting, but just being more cognizant of my food choices.
Here are a few changes I am making in the eating department.
- Late night munching is my downfall. I’m trying to not eat anything past our late dinner hour (which is a problem), and drink more water. Ideally, one shouldn’t eat past six, but that just doesn’t fit into our sports schedule. When I get those late night munchies, I actually have resisted and just guzzled water to fill my tummy. Last night, I went to bed hungry. I think I have forgotten what that feels like and I need to reacquaint myself with that feeling just a bit. I’m also trying to drink two glasses of water BEFORE I eat..
- I am not a morning breakfast eater, and that has changed. I do the “good mom” spiel about breakfast being the most important meal of the day, but then I don’t practice what I preach. Now, I am trying to eat a few eggs (good protein) very thing, and then focusing on my largest meal at noon. I also know that in order to kick start my metabolism, smaller meals or snacks every three hours is important. It’s counter intuitive to most of what we’ve heard for years and years, but it makes sense. This doesn’t mean Doritos every three hours, but eating fruit or a healthy snack to keep that metabolism working is key.
- I’m reading labels again. Wow, it’s been a long time since I checked the fat gram content in items. When I lost my largest amount of weight in my 20’s, I was very conscious of fat grams in reference to my food choices. (This does not include healthy proteins, of course.) For instance, I LOVE Starbucks Java Chip/Mocha Frappuccino ice cream. LOVE, love, love it (almost as much as my french fries), and often I will snag a few spoonfuls throughout the day. What’s just a few little bites, right? Well, it equals a LOTTA fat grams. So, I moved over a shelf in the freezer and right next to my Starbucks (sniff, sniff) was the 1/3 less fat Breyers ice cream. The difference? 15 fat grams in one half cup vs only 3 fat grams in one half cup. I can have FIVE times the Breyers and trust me, the low fat vanilla bean is yummy. I still indulge, but moderated. I’ll come back to the Starbucks for a once in a while treat. Same thing with fast foods. As much as I try to cook our meals at home, during football season, we go to the drive through for a few Dollar burgers as the boys snack. I tend to get just a little something as well. I mean, it’s just a dollar! And so the last time I went, I opened those nutritional guides they have hidden in the corner and that cured me. I love McDonald’s new Mocha Frappes, but the fat content? UGH…so I snagged one of their new fruit smoothies instead – a great alternative calories/fat gram wise. (Please, no emails about how they are still bad for me…it’s all about taking little steps. :))
So let’s chime in…how are you doing? Are you hanging in there?
Can you get back up on the saddle? I know you can. We can do this together.
You are so right – Level 1 seems easy now after a few days of Level 2! I have been keeping up with my regular cardio too – Mon and Tue I did 45 min intervals on the elliptical and yesterday I ran 3 miles (I do shred in the evenings.) One would think I was thin, but I’m not 😉 My arms are feeling stronger, my shoulders especially. I am determined to make some better diet choices. I am on a 30 day “eat in” challenge (we did eat out once though – oops) and my main meals are pretty good, but I have been snacking on unhealthy items. No amount of exercise will reduce my tubby belly if I continue to eat unwise items! Thanks for all the encouragement!
@Samantha@yearofhomeandhealth.blogspot.com, I am there with you, my friend. 🙂
OK, so I finally convinced myself to start yesterday…yes, I know I’m waaaay behind. But I wanted to be sure that I really wanted to do it. But reading your posts, and some of the comments, gave me that final push. And yeah…after that first work out I could barely make my jello-legs carry me to the shower (literally and dead seriously!); but with sweat just pouring off of me, I was desperate to get that shower. I’ve been sore ever since, but figuring, if it hurts THIS much after one day, it kind of excites me how much it must be doing, and what the results could be! I keep telling myself, I can do it…it’s only 30 days, it’s only 30 days (though I know I will have to maintain after that…). I’m approaching it very similarly to you with the eating… I know I can’t do anything too drastic or I will feel completely overwhelmed and just quit. So I’m not really planning to ‘diet’ at all, but it definitely makes me more aware…do I really want to ‘waste’ that whole workout??
So, thanks being the catalyst I needed to get going!
@Jessi, Remember, my legs were the same way for days, and tomorrow will be worse. BUT, you can always go back in our posts and read the comments on the blog or my facebook page to see how bad everyone else was hurting then as well. Stick with it and in one week, I guarantee, your legs will carry you just fine up the stairs…lol
I’ve missed the last three days! Mr Perfect is traveling for work, all hell broke loose with my sons, and I turn into a big pouty slug in not working out or making wise choices with food. NOT GOOD! (I’m totally my own worst enemy.) Anyway, am back on the band-wagon, and may even pull off doubling up a few days. I mean – 20 minutes is not that much time to come up with, and additional 20 isn’t much more of a push. We’ll see what I can pull off.
@Q, Don’t even worry about trying to double up. Just start back up…good for you for doing it. 🙂
Yeah, yesterday, after getting home from work, putting away the week’s groceries, & taking off my heels, exercise fell by the wayside. So much for my day 4! BUT, today’s another day, & I’m committed to that bikini body. or those skinny jeans. or that size ** skirt. YOU know – the one you haven’t fit into for 10 years! That’s me, baby! Back on the bandwagon! Thank you for your encouragement.
@Elaine Pool, Yes, I think we were supposed to get rid of those pants after not wearing them for ten years, but I still have one…. 🙂
@Jens, Ok, it’s done. Are we happy? I know I am. Except that my energy was lacking – I didn’t eat enough today. AND, today, my calves didn’t hurt. Yay!
You are doing awesome! Great job for sticking with it!
I’m not doing the shred since I don’ t have it, but I am getting back on track today after some not so healthy eating days. The past 2 days I have eaten pretty much what I wanted and I have not felt good at all! Bordering on feeling sick in the evening and I know it’s due to the junk I’ve been putting in me. I’m actually looking forward to feeling better after getting a day of health into me. lol I also hopped onto the Wii Fit today (which is the exercise I have available) for the first time in a month determined to keep it up! I’m starting slow, but that’s better than not starting at all!
I tried on my old size 14 jeans the other day which I haven’t worn in a good 5 -6 years, and they fit! A tight fit, but a fit! So I need to keep that in my head when I want to slack on the exercise and eating. I want to pass them up and have to buy even smaller ones. 😛
@Sarah S., Sarah…that’s right. Just commit to doing what ever your choice is..the wii is great. It’s just about starting somewhere and sticking to it. Good for you!
I made it through 8 days of the shred and had to stop due to knee problems. However, I am still working out, just doing other things that don’t make my knees scream in pain. I probably need to lose a lot more weight before I tackle the shred again. It was fun pushing myself though. Hang in there ladies, our before and after pics are going to rock!
@Janel, You know your body best. I have heard others have knee problems. Mine were hurting as well until I started looking closely at how I was doing some of the exercises and realized I was leaning over the knees with presssure on them rather than the quads. It’s helped a ton, but it may not be the answer for everyone. Just do what you can, with whatever works for you.
I am just sticking with it…I have to ….I love food and haven’t changed many of my eating habits but I am noticing small improvements by doing this daily Shred.
And THANK GOODNESS for this blog…b/c in some weird way I am feeling accountable to exercise through it…I didn’t think a computer connection could have me feeling that but after reading your determination to still do it at 11:35 at night I figure I can kick my butt into action too.
🙂
I appreciate the community and encouragement. I’m not doing the shred but rather doing 20 min of Pilates (YouTube videos) because they are free 🙂 I pulled my back out a few weeks ago so am taking it slower than your group (3x per week for now) but I still feel a difference in 10 days. Thanks, Jen!
@Diane, Oh Pilates are great. I remember the first time I took a class and thought…oh, this is nothing. HA, was I wrong. I could barely move the next day. Such great strength building, but try and get your cardio up somehow in addition to the pilates if you also want the heart/calorie burning.
totally agree with you …it is 75% mental and 25% physical. That is how i feel when I am running. I started jogging in March and this summer have run 5 5k’s (3.1mile) races. But you know I feel it has made me stronger and know that I can do it. Weight loss and becoming physically fit does not happen over night, it has taken me more than a year and a half to lose my weight (80 plus and hope to lose more). Everyone keep up the good work…you can do it! Visit my blog is for more about me and my weight loss
@Shawn, That is amazing…..wow!! Love hearing it.
Jen I’m doing a lot of the same things you are doing!…….not dieting, but trying to make better food choices…..my biggest obstacle…… quitting that evening snack…..I’m doing good most evenings, and the evenings I have had one, it’s been small and earlier.
I have treated myself to a fee McD’s Frappes………darn those things are GOOD! lol
I am not dieting either, but would rather get my rear in gear and start moving more so that I can eat what I want too. Just works better for me. It has been a couple days since I did the DVD, I ran instead one day, which felt really good, I am a runner but due to injury last spring have not been back – I am hoping this is the upswing and my comeback! I did level 2 one day and it stunk! But I think today I had better do it rather than level one. Level one seems a little too easy, not pushing me enough. When I did level two I couldn’t keep up and was sweating like a pig, but I think that is better than not working really hard. Thanks again for the challenge and sharing in your journey too!
@Susan, I know, Level 2 is a killer but just modify if you need to. Love how I feel….after I am done. 🙂
Okay, okay,
I bought the shred and some weights last night. Okay, okay I’ll do it. :0)
Jen, I too, have gone to bed hungry a few nights over the past few weeks. Or I sometimes have about 6 or 8 almonds, but that’s it. I am trying to be steady on my treadmill…am doing the Couch to 5 K program. In between days, I walk for 40 minutes or so. Only a couple pounds down, but my pants are feeling looser too!!
Being pregnant, I can’t really participate in a whole lot of working-out programs. I guess I *could* but my baby looks for excuses to threaten pre-term labor on me and the little stinker squashed my walking routine flat as a pancake. But I’m eager to work out and get back in shape after my baby’s born because I want to be able to have energy levels that are required for motherhood, and I want to have the body back that my sweetheart married. All that to say, I’m really inspired by the way you document your “journey”, if you will. You’re inspiring. I want to go get the blood flowing! But alas… the only one allowed to do jumping jacks around here is my little buckaroo.
oh girl – milk that excuse for as long as you can because that precious blessing is SO worth it. 🙂 And as much as you want to meet him/her, we’ll pray him in that womb until he’s supposed to make his entrance. So, definitely no shredding for you. 🙂
you can do it! Just remember when the fat grams go down…..they add more sugar!!! :o(
Just finished day 7. Much easier now, although I’m afraid for moving up to level 2!! I’m doing more in the workout, and doing more difficult moves. No knee trouble so far, thank goodness. I’ve been really careful to do those squats right. If I hurt myself, I won’t be shredding for a few weeks – I’ve gotten tendonitis in my hamstring behind my knee multiple times. It is no fun! But I know as I gain strength, the chances of me hurting myself go down.
Oh, and I started using myfitnesspal.com. It helps me see how many calories I’m really eating, and think twice about that junk food!
Good timing with this post. It’s been an exhausting week and I didn’t 30DS yesterday or Wed. I’m going out this evening so I was thinking it might not happen, but I’m gonna get off my butt and do it now (with my 3 and 1 year olds underfoot). I feel like my muffintop has grown in the past two days of not working out 🙁 I’m feeling gross!
Good job everyone!!! We had the stomach bug go around our house last week so I missed a couple days..but tomorrow is day 10 for me. I feel really really great and can’t believe I felt like dying on day 3….haha! I’m feeling anxious about level 2 but we can do it!!
oh and this blog post I found from WFMW really makes you think 🙂
http://momsinneedofmercy.blogspot.com/2010/09/finding-daily-motivation.html
@Amanda, Wow, that was cool. I’ve never thought of it that way, but maybe I will from now on!
OK – I did it. AND, I did levels 1 and 2, back to back, to make up for the past few days. I think my legs will fall off. Watching my 4yo try to do jumping jacks and my 18mo jump and dance around helped keep me laughing and going.
@Lisa, Why did I just say she is 4? My brain must have turned to mush. I’m in the midst of planning her 4th bday party, but she’s still 3!
Hi Jen! I’m really liking this workout. I will admit though, that I had to take a day off. It was day 7, and I just needed a break. However, when I purchased the 30 Day Shred dvd, I also purchased the Shred it Weights dvd and kettle bell and I’ve done that workout twice. Actually, the day after I took that day off, I did the regular Shred workout AND the Shred with Weight dvd. It wasn’t that difficult at all! Today will be day 8 of the Shred, and I’m planning on moving up to Level 2 on Day 10. We’ll see how that goes!
My biggest downfall with my diet is the picking ~ like you, especially at night. I need to work on that one as well!
Thanks for keep us motivated!
Carla
We haven’t been following the 30 Day Shred (though we may start it again today, since it is pouring rain outside), but we did start walking/running again. Hubby and I actually walked from our house to the mall on Friday, a little over 4 miles in total. Doesn’t sound like much, I know, but the route there is super hilly and we were proud of ourselves. 🙂
I think the hardest part of any workout, for me at least, is to actually do it! Once I get started I want to finish, but the getting started is the part that I just keep putting off.
I will be honest and say that as your weight loss posts have hit my email I have deleted. NOT because I don’t NEED to loose weight, but because I just didn’t want to feel guilty by reading about your progress and not doing anything about my own. This weekend I went away with some girlfriends. I feel like all I did was eat, drink and complain about my weight…I have also felt HORRIBLE the last few weeks due to my diet and lack of exercise. I am now commiting to baby stepping my way back to health! Thanks for the motivation…I have now gone back and red all of the posts!lol
WONDERFUL ADVICE! It is so hard for me to get up and exercise now that it is so dark out in the morning! It was rainy here too today… extra incentive to sleep in under covers! LOL
It is so worth it to stay disciplined in the healthy exercise and eating department though!!!
Great job! Looking forward to seeing you at Relevant! Love, Traci