Archive for the ‘Shanna's Skinny It Up Challenge’ Category

Week 3.

It’s official. I have broken a new record. I worked out 3 days in a row this week – M/T/W. I have never in my life worked out 3 days in a row – and guess what? I can move! I have been so sore the last few weeks from my workouts with Delaney, but I think my body is finally starting to adjust and I can 100% say that although the work outs are tough, they are getting a little bit easier everyday.

Monday’s workout was probably the hardest yet for me – Delaney made me do sprints on the treadmill. For any of you that know me, I am not a runner. I never have been, probably never will be – I hated it. Curse words were flying around in-between the 20 second 8mph sprinting intervals. The guy on the treadmill next to me must have thought I was super classy & lady-like.

My back was hurting so bad the next day that I felt like a grandma walking around – a cane really would have come in handy… BUT I had promised our Regional Group Fitness Manager and amazing supporter of my challenge, Chelsea Dale, that I would take her Inner Strength class at Seaboard on Tuesday night. Two other coworkers, Rainey and Courtney took it with me. This was my 2nd group fitness class ever.

Inner Strength is a stretching/yoga/core/cardio/balance/pilates class – truly a total body workout. Shoes are optional, so we all took off our shoes & socks, got a mat and a bar (without weights) and did solid work for 45 minutes. Chelsea was fantastic because she really caters to all levels. For each move she provides a level 1, level 2 and level 3. I stuck to the level 1’s and level 2’s (honestly, mostly level 1’s) during the class, but I sure did feel the workout. I would really recommend it for someone who is starting to work out or wants to try out a group fitness class – Chelsea will be there to help you – its not too fast paced and with the different “expertise” levels, you are sure to find your comfort zone.

Delany said that last night was by far my best workout yet. It was gorgeous outside so we hit the pavement and worked out together outdoors – although she is clearly in better shape than I am, I really enjoyed working out with her by my side – it kept me going at a faster pace than I would have done on my own. We ran probably about a 1/2 mile, maybe a bit more, which is no easy task for someone that doesn’t run – ever. She found some steps and we ran up and down them, lifted bricks, did sprints, suicides and jumping jacks – it was a hard and intense workout – my face looked like a tomato after. But I survived.

I got home and surprisingly had a ton of energy – I cooked dinner (awesome healthy recipe for homemade chicken tacos below), cleaned, hung out with the hubby and didn’t even have the urge to snack on anything after dinner like I normally do. Now that I’ve been consistent with the Visalus shakes for breakfast (my oh my, the Chocolate flavor pack is delish) and the Custom Fit Meals for lunch, I have been able to control my portions and am starting to get fuller faster now that my body is adjusting.

Speaking of Custom Fit – I wanted to talk about my experience with them so far – these meals are good. They really are. I wouldn’t eat them if they weren’t. You just place the order, pick them up at your gym 2 times a week, and heat & eat! They are giving out a free go-to meal to members throughout the rest of the month and the beginning of March, so keep an eye out for your club’s day if it hasn’t already happened yet and take advantage of it – it’s FREE!!!! Let me know how you like them. Oh and DON’T miss out on the protein bars – they are fantastic, I eat one about an hour before every workout.

So as I said at the beginning of my challenge, I have been cooking dinner for myself and the hubby. We cleaned out our pantry and fridge of all the junk and have been focusing on doing a lean protein and veggies for dinner. There are so many creative options out there that are healthy that will keep you happy and excited while on a diet… here is one that I came up with last night (keep in mind that I cook without measuring so these are estimates!):

Spiced Chicken Tacos:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• pinch of salt/pepper
• teaspoon garlic powder
• teaspoon cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning (or paprika)
• shredded lettuce – I used romaine because I grow it in my backyard
• diced tomatoes – I LOVE Trader Joe’s baby heirloom tomatoes – they pack a TON of   flavor when most tomatoes don’t during the winter
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• thinly sliced red onions
• 1 diced jalapeno (optional)
• fresh cilantro
• low fat shredded cheese – I use the Mexican blend
• low fat sour cream (optional)
• small whole wheat tortillas – I use Trader Joe’s Low Carb Whole Wheat Tortillas (only 45 calories each!)

Cook the diced chicken in a sautee pan with the olive oil until browned. Add the spice mixture and allow the chicken to continue to cook until cooked all the way through. Prepare the remaining fresh ingredients. Once the chicken is done, remove from heat and (optional) put the tortillas in the oven for a minute or two to warm up.

Take a tortilla and put a few spoonfuls of chicken, sprinkle a itty bitty amount of the cheese (just for a little flavor), layer the diced jalapeno, fresh avocado, red onions, tomatoes, cilantro and lettuce and finish off with a small dollop of low fat sour cream (also optional). I am pretty much obsessed with sour cream so using a small dollop is A HUGE sacrifice for me. ((PS: this picture is of Ben’s tacos, not mine. He used more sour cream & cheese than I did and he added hot sauce! He’s still trying to commit to this diet))

I ate two and hubby ate three. So this recipe makes 5 total, probably 6 if you spaced out the chicken more. It was plenty for both of us and filled us up for the rest of the night! I think the key to enjoying healthy food is taking advantage of spices and herbs wherever you can! This meal did not lack any flavor!

And to end. I’ve lost 2 pounds total – not a lot, I know. Pretty discouraging in fact, BUT my clothes are fitting so much better, so I know I have been losing inches but gaining muscle weight. Some of my friends have been doing the Visalus shakes and have lost 4-5 pounds already, but they aren’t working out. I hope that by working out and doing all this other stuff that I will be able to keep off the weight easier down the line rather than if I was just dieting.

I’m taking the day off from working out, but will be back to the grind tomorrow with Delaney! Thank you all for your WONDERFUL support and words of advice and encouragement – they are really helping, so KEEP THEM COMING!  skane@o2fitnessclubs.com

-Shanna-