Week 2 of the Challenge for I’m Worth It

Week 2 of the Challenge for I’m Worth It

This past week was a little bit of a struggle. I’ve been keeping a food diary and exercising although not exercising as much as the 1st week. I need to step it up in the 3rd week.

My team members have been fabulous. I was in a real funk last week and they pulled me through it. Thank you Lori, Jennifer, Katherine-Marie and Sarah. I could not have asked for better teammates.

A big step for me has been eating every 2-3 hours. I realized it really does help you from getting way too hungry and then you make poor choices. I carry nuts in my purse so that I never get hungry.

Also I am eating breakfast every morning and not just having a skinny vanilla latte and saying that was breakfast. I read an article the other day that said if you skip breakfast you are 450% more likely to be overweight or obese. I will never skip breakfast again!!!!

I went to weigh in today and I’ve lost another pound and another .75 inches. For a total of 7 pounds and 3.75 inches in 2 weeks. At first I was not happy as I’ve been really good with the food and exercise. But then I realized I didn’t gain all this weight overnight so I won’t lose it overnight either. It is better to be down than up.

I am on my way to my goal. Yeah!!!

I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

Positive Results

‎"Just remember that every moment, every situation, provides a new choice. And in doing so, it gives you a perfect opportunity to do things differently to produce more positive results." -Stephen Covey

This mantra is something I need to remember, even after the competition ends, to allow myself to do the right choice for my body, mind and sanity.

Working out has been hard, much harder than changing my diet. And not seeing swift results has been even harder. But it's like my dad says, I didn't get this way in a day, I can't lose it in a day.

I'm going to keep working at this and taking every opportunity, every meal, every workout in stride and remember that I want this and deserve it- allowing my frustration to get the best of me will only result in negativity. And I want the POSITIVE results!

A bit of inspiration from Nik: 212 Degrees - The Extra Degree

At 211 degrees, water is hot.

At 212 degrees, it boils.

And with boiling water comes steam.

And steam can power a locomotive.

The one extra degree...makes all the difference.

This quote was given to me by one of my old coaches. He told me that there is a clear line between those who are mildly successful and those who are the clear winners. The clear winners push through adversity. They don't stop when it hurts. They don't stop in the face of a challenge. They go that extra degree every time--and that's why they are the clear winners.

The one extra degree is that last rep. It's adding another 5 lbs to your squat when you don't want to. It's doing an extra circuit when you feel like going home. It's pushing yourself, even though you don't believe you can do it.

Are you willing to go that extra degree?

I have been at 211 degrees, not necessarily because I didn't do the last rep or add the weight, but because I bitched and moaned while doing it. Attitude, I think, is just as important as doing that last rep, because if you have a positive attitude to your entire approach, you have a much better chance of making this a life-long change and not something you struggle through for six weeks and then go back to your old, bad habits. So my goal moving into the next week is to be more positive. This doesn't mean I won't be cranky at times, because let's face it, I'm hungry, but it does mean that I will embrace it, not suffer it. Keep the faith!

A Good Strategy Reminder...

I just wanted to share a good strategy reminder for workouts that came in one of Nik's previous emails. Now let's go kick some workout butt!! GO MURACULOUS5!!

The Hierarchy of Fat Lossby Nik Herold

Tool #1: Strength Training

This is, and always will be, the most important tool for fat loss.  Muscle is the single most important factor when trying to get lean.  Why?  It's the only tissue in your body that burns fat for fuel.  This should be the cornerstone of your program.  If you have only 2-3 hours per week to train, strength training should be your priority!

Tool #2: Metabolic Circuits 

In the past, interval training would have been number 2 on the list, but it isn't any more. At Ambition Fitness, we've found that metabolic circuits are even better at burning body fat than standard interval training.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  

First, metabolic circuits allow for more density (work per unit of time).  By pairing upper and lower body exercises, you can take less rest between sets and complete more total work.  Second, because you're able to spread the load out over your joints, you can do metabolic circuits more frequently because fatigue is better managed.  Third, you don't incur as many stress-related injuries to your joints because work is spread out over the entire body.

An example of a metabolic circuit would be something we do at our classes.  If you have 3-5 hours per week to train, then metabolic circuits should be used in addition to strength training.  If you can't do strength training, metabolic circuits are your next best thing.

Tool #3: High Intensity Anaerobic Interval Training 

This is what I laid out in my email yesterday.  It's pairing up a period of high-intensity followed by a period of low to moderate intensity.  A good example would be a sprint for 30 seconds, followed by a fast walk or jog for 90 seconds.  Much like metabolic circuits, anaerobic intervals should be used if you have 3-5 hours per week train, complementing strength training.

Tool #4: High-Intensity Aerobic Intervals 

If you have beyond five hours per week to train, then you can add in high-intensity aerobic intervals. Aerobic intervals are intervals done for longer periods of time than normal intervals.  Usually anything beyond the 60 second mark is considered aerobic.  A good example of a high intensity aerobic interval would be going as hard as you can for 90 seconds followed by a period of low intensity for 90 seconds.

Tool #5: High Intensity Aerobics 

Now we're getting into Never-Never Land in terms of time.  If you have beyond six hours to train per week , then you can add aerobics.  High intensity aerobics means going at one pace as hard as you can for a long period of time.  A good example would be jogging at a fast pace for 20 minutes.  

Tool #6: Non-Exercise Related Activity (NERA) 

This is simply taking the stairs instead of the elevator.  It's not going to elevate the metabolism, but it burns up some extra calories.  

I hope this has given you a better insight into how to train for fat loss!  If you're in it to win it over the next six weeks, it's time to reboot your workout program.

I'd Like to File A Complaint

Okay - so I think I might be delusional. This s%$t is really hard! I have been thrown back into reality in a big way and I'd like to file a complaint - who do I see about this? Let me start with this; I am frickin' overwhelmed between the "eat this" and "don't eat that" and "eat every couple of hours" - hell, I don't take time to go to the bathroom every couple of hours and now you want me to eat and plan it ahead of time? And working out 6 days a week? Sure, I've managed to do it, but it's been mostly cardio - only one day of strength training as I had to first find and join a gym and then had to figure out what the heck I was supposed to be doing (which I'm still trying to figure out). I feel like this should be easier - but alas...nothing worth having ever is, right?

I gave up my occasional coke, chocolate, CARBS (not easy when you're a vegetarian) oh, and did I mention that I even gave up being a vegetarian so I could ensure enough protein for adequate muscle recovery as I go through this torture? I'd say after over 20 years of vegetarianism, that's some serious commitment! And I gave up an hour of sleep on my weekend to get my interval training in too!

I'm tired, I'm stressed and I'm pissed off at myself for letting it get to this point - but most importantly, I'm optimistic that a big shift is occurring and with that comes big change. I just hope it's me looking and feeling better through achieving my goals rather than plopping myself down in the grocery store aisle wolfing down an entire chocolate cake in a moment of weakness (mental and physical) - which would also be a big change, 'cause that's something I'd never do.

So, did you get all that? 'Cause I can repeat it if you need me to.

Sometimes Vanity is a Good Thing

Okay, so I’m not afraid to say it – I’m vain. And that simple fact is the inspiration for my taking on the challenge. Sure, winning a $1,000 and the title won’t hurt my ego any, but at the end of the day, I’m tired of always feeling like less in the looks department.

It’s funny – I’ve never really been one to worry about aging or getting older, and I guess in the naivety of my youth, I always just thought staying young and trim would be easy cause most things are for me. But what I’ve realized is, I’m just like everyone else. I’m not special in that I can eat whatever I want as often as I want, not exercise, and still look like Giselle Bundchen (which is kind of funny cause I never looked that good to begin with). However, over the past 5 years or so, I’ve really lost myself physically. I’ve been so focused on so many other things – work, kids, school, house, spouse – I don’t even recognize myself anymore. So, this is the year I stop blaming it on baby weight (my youngest is 8 years old so it really doesn’t work anymore!) and start living more of an Inclusive Health lifestyle as advocated by Dr. Murad.

I know myself well enough to know my downfalls. I have an incredibly busy, stressful and demanding schedule so at the end of the day, I just want to get home, get the night closed down (homework, baths, dinner, catch up on e-mails, bed) and veg for an hour to clear my head and prepare for the next day. Because I’m so busy and always running, I skip meals, eat at weird times, or don't eat at all (sometimes an entire 2 days will go by and I'll realize I haven't eaten anything!) which has killed my metabolism, and when I do remember to eat - it's whatever is quickest, and working out? Forget it! That would mean more time away from that hour of vegging out, or sacrificing my sleep on the weekends – and I CHERISH my sleep for fear that one day I might not be able to - it's like I'm banking it! I could literally sleep 11 hours a night (hey, maybe there's a connection?)

So, it’s clear - habits need to change so I can get back to a place that’s more balanced. I know it will be hard (change always is) but I’m a pretty willful individual and when I set my mind to something, there’s pretty much no stopping me – and when you add to that the support of the four strong, independent, driven women I am teamed with, I feel more prepared then ever to make a permanent change for the better.

So yes, sometimes vanity is a good thing and I intend to make it so in this case.

Passion for Fashion

My excess weight has never stopped me from pursuing my goals or trying new things. And although I have my insecurities, my parents instilled in me a confidence that has carried me through life, with both challenges and celebrations, with my head held high.

But my excess weight has been a huge road block for one thing I am passionate about…

Fashion.

I HATE that I can’t walk into every single store in a mall or shopping center and find things that I love AND I will look good in. And I’m not talking Parisian couture. In fact, I am a very casual person, preferring jeans and tops over fancy dresses. But unfortunately, the fashion world sees women in very segmented pieces and create garments that women with bellies, larger thighs or hips have to hide behind. And I don’t want to hide who I am!

So, when presented with the opportunity to join the Muraculous 5 to lose inches and get in better shape, I jumped at the chance. My weight has been a yo-yo since college and being that I’m turning 28 in May and getting married in 2012, it’s time to nip the back and forth with the scale in the bud for good. I’m too young and too able to make excuses anymore and appreciated that I will have a team behind me to push me to meet my goals.

Finishing week one with a four pound weight loss is inspiring and makes me motivated to see what I will look like (and feel like!) in week six. Although I have been transofrming my diet for months, the new nutrition plan has had give up a few things I love (Skinny Cow ice cream, Trader Joe's bananna chips) but I've discovered a new love for butternut squash and brussel sprouts. Who knew you could change so quickly!

PS- This isn’t just for vanity for me either. My fiancé and I both want to make lifestyle changes so that when we have kids, our son or daughter will get the healthiest, most energetic parents possible. But in cute clothes of course.

2011 is the year I will take care of me at least as much as my children and husband (making realistic goals - I will never be able to consistently put myself ahead of them).

The past year has been a major roller coaster and the one thing that was completely derailed was my determination to take care of me. I had lost a lot of weight and got in great shape before the wedding and for the first time in a long time, felt really good about myself. Then with getting pregnant and all of the complications and scares we went through, I completely stopped everything exercise related. When Nicolas was born so early I justified my poor eating habits because a drive-thru and eating in the car on the way to and from the NICU meant that much more time spent with the baby. After he came home, it was just easier and well, I gave up.

But I won't this time. I KNOW I can do it. I have done it before and having a team to support me is going to make all the difference in the world. My weakness is the excercise, I'll admit it, I don't like to do it. What does make it easier is going with someone and I am so greateful to have others in the same boat who will kick my a** to make sure I work out.

I did well last week, but am goign to seriously step it up this week on the exercise, starting today with lunch hour in the gym!

My motivator is our honeymoon, which we are finally getting to take in June. I just want to be able to fit in the clothes I boought for it in 2009, especially the adorable 50's style dress that I wore to our rehearsal dinner.

Week 1 for Mrs. Newton: I'm f*#&%ing hungry!

Well, I think my Week 1 could pretty much be described in three words - I'm f*#%ing hungry! - as this was said to pretty much anyone I came in contact with. :) I guess going from an unlimited amount of calories and eating whatever I want whenever I want, to a lot of restriction can make me a bit cranky! But, it will all be worth it!


I got a bit of a late start this week as I weighed in on Monday and officially started on Tuesday. At weigh in, I was already regretting the last hoorah I had with food over the weekend. (Damn you Rocky Road ice creamed sundae with marshmallow topping!) As in true Global Marketing Team fashion, we entered this contest with the mind set of winning it. So, this week I started a food journal (LOVE myfitnesspal.com), worked out every day but one, started this blog, started eating every 2-3 hours, incorporated protein in to all my meals and did a grocery store tour with the group that really opened my eyes to healthy eating.


I weighed in today and had lost 1.5 pounds and 2 inches on my waist. This is great, but if you read I'mWothIt's post, you will see this is just not up to par. I've got to step up my game - for my teammates and for ME! Nik told us that "Strategy always trumps willpower." I love this quote and it really resonated with me. So, this week, I'm getting my strategy in place. Because if there is one thing I know about myself, I can not function without organization and a plan.


Also, since I'm trying to make this a total makeover - mind, body and soul - I'm also merging it with Dr. Murad's Inclusive Health plan which focuses on topical, internal and emotional strategies. With that in mind, here are my Week 2 Goals:

• Create a food and exercise strategy - calendar it out
• Create my "Motivation/Inspiration List" and put it EVERYWHERE!
• Try out getting a spray tan - it will make me feel thinner
• Get on a consistent sleep schedule - In bed by 10 PM, sleeping before 11 PM, wake at 6:30 AM
• Give up sweets 6 days a week (even God rested on Sunday!)
• Book my 10-year wedding anniversary trip to St. Lucia - the uniform of bathing suits will help me get more motivated!

My goal this week is to beat my weight loss last week. Wish me luck!

Week 1 of the Challenge for I'm Worth It

Week 1 of the Challenge for I'm Worth It:

This is my first week of the Ambition Fitness Challenge. So far it is going well. It is really helping to have friends who are my co-workers on the team. We are pushing and motivating each other every day. I joined this challenge with Lori, Jennifer, Katherine-Marie and Sarah and they have been wonderful. We are all In It To Win It!!!!

I have kept a food and exercise journal all week. And that is helping me stay focused and honest. The workouts have been hard but I’m doing them. I have been doing different things each day. I realized that I need variety or I get bored. I just want to get to the point where I like to exercise. I hope I get there.

I went to weigh in today and I’ve lost 6 pounds and 3 inches. All in week one!!! I am excited about what week 2 will bring.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

I want to be fit and fabulous in my 40’s well starting with 43!!!

Introduction to I’m Worth It:

My screen name says it all. I’m Worth It!!!!! This year I want it to be about me. I am married to a wonderful husband and we have a terrific 8 year old son. I usually put my needs last. I need to remember that the most important person is me. If I’m not happy than those around me are not happy.

This time my mind is made up. I am going to do this for the long haul and change my habits. While I want to win the money more importantly I want to win my life back. I have been overweight most of my adult life. Well that least that is what I would say to myself. I’ve had a self esteem issue. Even when I wasn’t overweight I felt like I was. I know I will never be a size 2 but I want to look and feel good. Its hard living in a society of size 2’s and feeling like my 6 or 8 was fat. How crazy is that. I would love to be a size 6 or 8!

I have basically tried all the diets out there. I realized I have to think of it as a way of living not a diet. Diets are short term and I need to change my habits for the long term. The breaking point for me was when I stepped on the scale and I weighted more now than when I was 9 months pregnant. That’s when I said enough is enough.

My family has been wanting to go to Hawaii and I’ve not wanted to go because I don’t look good in a bathing suit. I want to go to the pool in a bathing suit and feel good. Not show up in a tee shirt and shorts. My goal is to get into a bikini and feel good about the way I look. Look out Hawaii here I come in 2012.

In the past I’ve focused on the big picture of how any pounds I want to lose but this time I’m doing baby steps. Ten pounds at a time.

I want to be fit and fabulous in my 40’s well starting with 43!!!

This is My Movin' & Grovin' Year!

I was told that this year I will "start to become what I have always been destined to be." And I have always felt like I was supposed to be a skinny girl. However, my body/metabolism/sweet tooth did not get the message. So, I thought, if this is my year, I better start with my weight! That's why I'm doing this challenge.


I guess there are a few other reasons as well...I now have a daughter that will look to me for how she should feel about her body. It is an uphill battle in this society. But, I want to be able to be comfortable in my body - even love it - so that she will see that she should love hers too! Also, I have my 10-Year Wedding Anniversary this year. I'd really like to have a second honeymoon to somewhere where the uniform is a bathing suit! Oh, and a thousand bucks isn't too bad of a motivator!


So, in a nutshell, this is the year I want to start being the best that I can be, I want to put my plan in to action, I want to take risks that will get me further. And for all these things, I need confidence, to feel good about myself. So, it starts here! WE'RE IN IT TO WIN IT!