They fit!

I wore my old skinny jeans all day yesterday!!!! This is my motivation for the week- hey, it's the little things. ;)

"Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent." - Marilyn vos Savant, Columnist

Today is a 'rest' day from workouts- although chasing after four kids trick-or-treating totally counts as a workout in my book. Make it a great day!

Happy Halloween!
xo, Dutchess

Weekend prep and pic

Oh yes, rockin the 80's! lol This is from a costume party we went to last night. I was over 6ft tall in those heels and got a great leg workout dancing in them! haha

Workouts and eating were right on the money this week- I felt strong and proud of myself for sticking to it even though my week was emotionally draining. Last night was my planned cheat meal- mostly drinks at the party. The sugar in the drinks killed me- I'm really noticing how my body reacts when I'm not eating clean: heart racing, headache, throat hurts, sluggish...blah.

Today is my food prep day for the week- I need to go to the grocery store first though. I'm tired and want to just lay on the couch, but I know how good it feels to be prepared for healthy choices- get it done!!

We are heading to a bonfire with friends tonight, I'm bringing a dish that I can actually eat so I have a clean option.

Time to get ready for another great week!!

Make it happen!!!
Dutchess

Superfood

Sweet potatoes have to be my favorite starchy carb...oh and bananas, but these are SO good and good for you!

One medium sweet potato is full of beta-carotene and meets your daily need for vitamin A. It also provides nearly a third of the vitamin C you need each day. When eaten with the skin on, a sweet potato has as much fiber as half a cup of oatmeal, for about 100 calories.

The end of the week is hard- I'm usually sore and tired. I'm determined to finish this week strong!

Workouts today:
Insanity
Zumba
Abs
Demo class (sculpt) from a new instructor we just hired. I'll take this one easy so I can teach tonight!

I am starting to like feeling sore in a weird way, lets me know I'm doing the right thing and working my muscles. I'm staying positive today- determined, motivated, and STRONG!

Get it done!!
Dutchess

PB2

Have you seen this? PB2- roasted peanuts that are pressed to remove the fat and oil. It's basically a low fat peanut butter in powder form with the same amount of protein- just add water. This one has added cocoa powder..mmm.

2 TBS- fat 1g, carbs 6g, protein 4g, 45 calories

Did I mention that I'm allergic to peanuts? I wonder if this will have the same affect with the oils removed..? I'll try it...dun dun dun...

Dutchess

Bacon

This morning Anna woke up and asked for biscuits and gravy...with bacon...girl after my own heart!! She helped me make it from scratch and oh the smells almost enticed me to cave BUT I stuck to it and had egg whites with kale and a banana instead. I know, you're totally jealous.

I had an early morning workout with K already- too many squat jumps and burpees to count, but I made it and my legs and butt are already feeling it. Workout 1 down, Insanity (aka hell) and Zumba still to go.  I am full of energy today!! Make it happen baby!!!

Dutchess

Harder

Love this and need it this morning. My body is sore from all the workouts yesterday, but here it is, Tuesday, and time to start it all over again! I'm ready for it. Push harder today than yesterday!

Meal 1 and 2 are done for the day. I really need to drink more water!! Another full day, but I'm prepared!

Workouts today:
Insanity (first day..oh my)
Zumba
Abs

Get it done!!
Dutchess

Best

"To give any less than your best is to sacrifice a gift."    - Steve Prefontaine

Workouts this week:

Mon- 6am Bootcamp (slept through my alarm..three times this morning...crap), Kickbox Sculpt, Zumba

Tue- Insanity begins, Zumba, Abs

Wed- Bootcamp, Insanity, Zumba

Thur-Insanity, Zumba, Abs

Fri- Insanity, Zumba (masquerade party)

Sat- Insanity, Zumba

Sun- Insanity, run

*about 16 hours

My workouts are on the heavier side this week, but I have a lot going on that needs an outlet right now. With clean fuel for my body, enough water, good rest and these workouts- I'm hoping for a great week. 

I have a busy morning ahead, check in with meals later! 

GET IT DONE, GIVE IT YOUR BEST and PUSH!!

- Dutchess 

Date

The date for my competition was released! Saturday, May 12th 2012 will be my first figure competition!! I am so excited and crazy nervous at the same time, but totally inspired and motivated. When I saw the date, I found myself saying 'Can I really do this? Will I make it?' The answer is YES!!

Today I was reading an article from a trainer and professional competitor. This best descibes the goal of a competition:

"Competing is just a goal to use as a CARROT to get in shape. The goal is not to compete but to be great (as you can be). We use contests to help us FOCUS. IF you come in dead last as many beautiful people do..don't worry..you are still beautiful!"

Right now my focus is leaning down and focusing on fat loss. Most girls are at about 10% body fat on competition day. This is not healthy or realistic to maintain long term, but okay for short term competition. Other competitors my height (5'8-5'9) seem to be ranging from 128-131 lbs. It's helpful to have this number in mind to focus on a goal. This is actually pretty realistic- I have 7 months to get there, and with my trainers help, I know I can do it.

I still don't feel great after my pumpkin treat last night...totally learned my lesson. I'm eating clean today, sticking to it and prepping for this upcoming week. 

I'll post my workouts tomorrow, but it starts bright and early tomorrow morning with my trainer. Bring it Monday!

xo, Dutchess

Paying

The long awaited pumpkin pie was heavenly- I had a small scoop of the filling- no crust (because of the gluten) and it was amazing.

But now...

My stomach HATES me. It was a planned treat- no guilty give ins, but I'm regretting it. Big time.

I think my only 'cheat' days from now on will be a coffee once a week. Apparently I'm an experiential learner, wish that wasn't so.

Off to bed I go.
xo, Dutchess

Own It

Weekends are hard. They are unstructured, relaxing (good thing), and full of temptation and unplanned eating. NOT ANYMORE! I'm determined to make the weekends my strong point- when I prepare mentally and physically to challenge myself even more for the next week.

I pushed in my morning workout today and it felt SO good! Another hour of cardio will squeeze it's way in to my day and I'll be finished. Tomorrow (Sunday) I will do some cardio and I have a ton of practice for a new class I'm teaching in one week.

Meals today:

Meal 1: 4 ozGround Turkey, black beans, green pepper, pear
Meal 2: Protein Shake (post workout)
Meal 3: 5 oz chicken breast, brussel sprouts
Meal 4: Protein shake, banana, kale
Meal 5: Chili with venison, spinach salad, roasted butternut squash
Meal 6: apple with cinnamon

**planned cheat for the week: Pumpkin pie without the crust. Today is my husbands birthday and there will be lots of treats- I'm saying no to most of them, but yes to some pumpkin. Mmmm.

“You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.” George Lorimer

Weekend fail WIN- here I come!! Make it happen!!
xo, Dutchess

This not that

Sliced apples with lemon juice and cinnamon

Instead of Trader Joe's cookies. Sorry, I love you TJ's, but your cookies are no good for me.

Fun facts about cinnamon:
- full of vitamins, calcium, fiber, manganese
- natural anti-inflammatory
- helps with digestion and indigestion
- regulates blood sugar and normalizes insulin

Adding just a 1/2 tsp of cinnamon a day in your diet will help regulate your blood glucose control and improve your insulin resistance. Perfect for eating with fruit so you don't get the sugar spike. Try mixing 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and a squirt of lemon on your sliced apples. Works great for those sugar cravings!

xo, Dutchess

TGIF

It's Friday! Hooray! The weekend means a little bit of recovery and that's just what these sore muscles need!

Yesterday my walk/jog with the kids turned in to a sprint pushing the double jogger up hills. We dottled for too long and were going to be late picking up the older boys from school. I soon realized I was not in running shape.

I ran 1.5 miles in 11 minutes and about died in the school lawn after I got the boys. No really. I kept whispering 'breathe, breathe, you can do this (pause- smile and wave at other parents like I wasn't dying) okay breathe, you made it, you're alive..' I am feeling those hills in my legs..and butt..and abs..and....let's just say I'm sore.

Zumba today, then tomorrow morning Zumba and my first day of Insanity. Meal 1 is done for the day, 5 more clean meals and 4 liters of water- OWN IT! 

“High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation.” Jack Kinder

“If you doubt you can accomplish something, then you can’t accomplish it. You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.” Rosalyn Carter

Happy Friday! Finish this week strong- GET IT DONE!
xo, Dutchess

Freshness of Fall

Delicious clean eating: Kale, Pears, Apples, Protein shake w/banana and coconut milk, and Lamb. I have been craving red meat lately; I'm not supposed to eat it on this new detox plan with my dr, but this is going to be a 'cheat' meal tonight. It was just butchered from my parents farm and lamb is one of my favorites.

It is a beautiful, sunny fall day- I've been a home body this week, still in this funk- I need to get outside and breathe in the fresh air, let the sun shine on my face, and enjoy this day. I'm bringing the younger two running partners with me in the jogging stroller and heading out!

Workouts Today:

-Walk/Jog with kids  turned into a sprint...ouch
-Teach Zumba
-Abs/ Sculpt

Today WILL be a great day! No giving up, no giving in. JUST DO IT!

Happy Thursday!
xo- Dutchess

Not a Chance!

 

Said no thank you to these last night at a candle party: cupcakes and brownies. Also turned down wine!! It's actually getting easier to turn down foods that I can't have. I am allergic to gluten- both of these are full of it, and they were still a temptation, but NO- NOT A CHANCE!!

This morning I was up early for my workout with K- it was awesome!! I'm already feeling it, but also have a ton of energy from it. There were 7 of us this morning, including K- such awesome ladies that make me laugh like crazy- so nice in the midst of the sweat and pain.

Meal 1 and 2 are done- four more today and I'm pounding the water! Pump and Zumba tonight!

My goal for this week is to keep up with drinking enough water and getting enough sleep. I have not been sleeping at all and it's wearing me down. I need to turn my brain off!

4 more clean meals, 3 more liters of water, 2 more workouts: 1 awesome day! Make it happen!!

-Dutchess

Inspire

Miryah Scott is incredible- she is the 3 time WWBF champion- the first to ever win three times in a row and she just started competeing in 2009.

Today is a new day, push hard, get it done- this is possible. I've got 7 1/2 months to get this done. I know I can do it.

“We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible.” C. Malesherbes

Workouts today:
Teach Zumba
Abs
Kickbox Sculpt

Get it done!!
Dutchess

Skinny Jeans are Dumb

Yeah...that's been my morning. Totally discouraged today, feeling bummed about a lot of stuff (workouts and emotional yuck stuff), and of course..tried the old jeans on AGAIN.  What the heck?! Why must I torture myself like this...especially on a Monday?!!!

I'm in a funk today;  I really want to blow off my workouts and go sit by myself in quiet and cry. Instead- I'm choosing to make myself go, to work hard and give 100% to this day. No one ever said this would be easy. I will not listen to that voice that says I can't do this.

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” Jim Ryun

“Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly.” Stephen R. Covey

I can do this. Make it happen!

Dutchess

Just Drop!

Here it is- broken down and beaten by my 8 year old son...awesome. haha This is round 2 of planks.

Food is prepped for the week and I bought a new protein powder. I think this is my favorite so far and was highly recommended.

120 calories, 1 gram fat, 3g carbs, 1 gram sugar, 24 grams protein- awesome!

I will get a run in sometime today- grocery shopping comes first, so probably tonight. Gotta keep this endurance and finish the day strong. Bootcamp comes early tomorrow with Kasey, but I always feel awesome when I'm done. It's the getting out of bed part that's hard.

Pictures and workouts tomorrow. Here comes another great week- make it happen!!

-Dutchess

Plank

"I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."  - Michael Jordan

Yesterday I was defeated.

By who? My eight year old son. No joke. He is a machine when it comes to planks! We had two competitions and he won both times..really..we have it on video. My trainer is going to work me hard when she finds that out, planks are my weakest exercise right now. You'll see...I'll even post the video. ;)

Today is meal prep for the week! Get it done! Check in later!

xo, Dutchess

Refreshed

"The only one who can tell you 'you can't ' is you. And you don't have to listen."- Nike

"You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims."

- Harriet Woods

Zumba this morning was AWESOME! My partner at the studio is back and she taught class- what a beautiful dancer. I love that we have such different styles.

My husband is wiped out, so I'm taking the kids out for some fun today- football in the sunshine! :) I'll sneak in a run tonight to finish out cardio for the day. I am so glad I took a break yesterday when I felt like I needed it. I am re energized for some good workouts this weekend!

Tomorrow is food prep day for the week. What meals are you making this week? Get it done!

Enjoy this lovely weekend!

xo

Sweet Treats?

Said 'no thank you' to these yummy temptations yesterday. It felt good. I did get to say yes to a skinny latte and it was SO worth the wait.

 

After a much needed break with friends and family yesterday, I am ready to keep pushing on.

Todays workouts:

Zumba this morning

Run (shorter, maybe 3-4 miles)

Clean eating really feels the best, making good choices and staying prepared is getting easier and easier. Make it happen baby!

Happy Saturday!

xo, Dutchess

Planned Spontaneity

We are traveling out of town for the day- no school, no work, just meeting dear friends and stocking up at one of my favorite places. Trader Joes!

This trip is somewhat spontaneous and because of Sundays food preparations for the week, I can still do something spur of the moment, eat clean and stay on track.

I'm adjusting my workouts for the week; today will be my rest day and then tomorrow and Sunday will be normal workouts. Sometimes emotional health is more important.

My one planned 'cheat' for the day is getting a skinny latte- oh sweet coffee, I have missed you. Other than that, all of my food is prepared and ready to go. I know I can stick to this when I'm not at home: So Do It!!

Happy Friday friends!!

xoxo, Dutchess

You know who you are

Dear Anonymous,

Your words were hurtful.

The way you voiced your opinion was unnecessary.

You don't know me- how I spend my time, how I serve my family, how I invest in my marriage, how much time I spend training. You don't know me at all.

I am a real person. I am a mother, I am a wife, I have a heart that beats just like yours, I have real feelings that can be crushed, just like you, I have insecurities just like you. Please remember there is a real person behind this blog.

If you have opinions to share- contact me in private or keep them to yourself.

This is a space for friends, encouragement, goals, and motivation. Not toxic words like yours.

Thank you for respecting my wishes from here on out.

-Jolene

Dragging

Meal 3 today: 5 oz chicken breast, spinach, carrots. Love the colors!

I am dragging this afternoon- my energy is low right now. I had a full morning of interviews and demo classes- so fun, but I've already gotten some good workouts in and I still have my own to do this evening.

I tried the muscle milk: NO BUENO! It tastes bad and has garbage in it. Apparently I'm not good at reading the fine print. I'll just stick to my normal protein shake for now and clean, whole foods.

The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.

- Arthur C. Clarke

Fun new Zumba song: 'Sexy and I Know It'  by LMFAO. Class tonight woohoo- always feels like a party! Gotta keep movin- positive thoughts, a good attitude, determination and purpose- SO DO IT- finish the day strong!!

xo, Dutchess

Push

Oh mamacita- I am sore today!! Taking a few days off while sick really took away from training. Thankfully it's all upper body that's sore so I can teach class tonight.

A friend of mine sent these to me this morning for encouragement- love them!

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing -- that's why we recommend it daily.” -Zig Ziglar

"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."
-Babe Ruth

Workouts today:

Power Pump
Zumba
Abs (this is a 1/2 hour class)

*I am interviewing 3 new instructors today, so I will need to do smaller workouts with them- so fun meeting new people and seeing different teaching styles.

Off to go pack food for the day- clean eating all day- no excuses. My weakness right now is not getting enough water- I barely snuck in 3 liters yesterday, my goal is to take in about 4.

Almost Friday, push hard and finish the week strong. Make it happen!!

- Dutchess

Tasty

Meals 3-5 for the day:
chicken breast, brussel sprouts, sweet potato
cucumbers, tomato
turkey breast
apple
Muscle Milk (trying this for the first time)  0 grams of sugar, 160 calories, 20 grams of protein- non dairy

Mmm love brussel sprouts! 4.6 oz chicken breast, 4 oz sweet potato, brussel sprouts

Interviewing a new Zumba instructor today which means taking a 'trial class' from him, then kickboxing and Zumba. Feeling good and lots of energy today! Lots to do- food packed, water packed,  game face on-

 SO DO IT!

xo, Dutchess

Game On

This is a new challenge game that my trainer has started between a group of us ladies- we have all put money in the pot and are working to be accountable. (click to enlarge)

Current pictures- a little frustrated in the progress. I'm definitely stronger, but it looks like I'm bulking up and not losing fat which just makes me look bigger. I'm choosing to trust my dr- he says it will come off and to keep up the training. Patience....my thyroid is totally lame.

Killer workout this morning- I was already dying and then K so sweetly says, 'this is our second warm up.' Great. It felt good and we pushed hard- by 7:15 one workout was done and I had already had Meal 1 of the day. I must love my trainer because I normally wouldn't be thrilled to hear someone saying 'Squeeze your butt cheeks!!' at 6 in the morning.

Today is a longer workout day- 3 hours in total. Tonight is kickboxing and Zumba. Get it done!

"Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes."

-Benjamin Franklin

Meals for the day are ready to go- I've got a full day ahead, preparation is key! Today is all about the mental challenge of this journey, choosing not to be discouraged- focus focus focus and MAKE IT HAPPEN!

-Dutchess

Motivation

This totally made my day!! It makes me want to push harder in my workouts tonight...ahhh yeah baby!

Make it happen!!

Optimist

Meal 1 this morning: Egg whites, ground turkey, kale, and banana.

I helped out in my sons classroom this morning making 'spider bread'- temptation 1 of the day. Nothing beats the smell of freshly baking bread. Thankfully, I had already eaten my first meal and had gum to keep me distracted. No thank you!

Energy is still low...or maybe it's that I got four kids dressed, fed, and to school by 7:45 to bake...that could be it too. Oh- and the no coffee thing. I walked out the door with two different shoes on and no car keys...we also had to turn the van around and get a forgotten homework folder. What can I say...it's Monday.....right? ;)

Workouts today:

-Teach Zumba

-Abs/ Sculpt

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

- Sir Winston Churchill

Choosing to focus on the opportunities of this day and each day training. It's hard, but reachable. SO DO IT!!

xo, Dutchess
(yes, I have figured out that it's in fact, Tuesday!)

Q and A

One workout down and one to go today- I am feeling SO much better, but not 100% yet, so I do need to take it easy. I teach Zumba tonight, my last class at this location. I'm bummed, but know this opens up more time to put in to other things.

Some of you concerned friends have had questions about my training and eating- here are some answers:

How are you getting enough calories and what do you eat with so many restrictions?

Here is my eating today:

Meal 1: Banana and 4 egg whites

Meal 2: Protein Shake w/ coconut milk, cucumber

Meal 3: 4.5 oz chicken breast, 1/2 sweet potato, onion, kale

Meal 4: 5 oz ground turkey breast, carrots

Meal 5: Protein shake (after workout recovery)

Meal 6: 5 oz salmon, cauliflower, salad, apple

**water and tea with meals and in between (decaf..boo)

Lots of clean food and good fuel for workouts!

How do you fit all this training in and still have family time?

This is a balance that I am working on. I do need to be at the gym some evenings to teach Zumba class for an hour, we live less than a mile away so my commute time isn't much. I have switched a bunch of my workouts to the morning so that I have time in the evenings with the fam. This will be something I will have to constantly be mindful of. When I set a goal, I push 100% to get there- part of the perfectionist in me that wants things done a certain way. ;) I could easily workout too much and burn out, so learning to rest and take down time will be something I work on. It's just as important as time lifting in the gym.

This also means I have to wake up at 4:45am to get my workouts in before Aaron goes to work- and if you know me, you know that I am NOT a morning person!!!

Are you going to take a bunch of chemical based supplements to bulk up?

Umm, eww, not a chance! I'm doing this all natural baby! :) The supplements I'm taking are vitamin D, Iron, thyroid, licorice, fish oil (gag), and an awesome multi vitamin.

Speaking of fish oil: I found out that my dr. sells the liquid oil that I'm currently taking, in capsule form. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!  I've been having a pep talk with myself three times a day for the last week to keep this stuff down and there is a capsule I can be taking?? Ugh. I'll finish this bottle...then no more!

It IS possible to take care of your family, have kids, have a business and train for a fitness competition AT THE SAME TIME. It takes a little more planning and organization (making meals for the week on the weekend, planning workouts, etc) but it is possible. So- MAKE IT HAPPEN, no excuses, no turning back, just get it done.

Yay for a good start to the week!
-Dutchess

Cheers to 71

"If I had to select one quality, one personal characteristic that I regard as being most highly correlated with success, whatever the field, I would pick the trait of persistence. Determination. The will to endure to the end, to get knocked down seventy times and get up off the floor saying, ‘Here comes number seventy-one’!"

-Richard DeVos

It's a new day and a fresh start! I can finally breathe a little better this morning, the heaviness in my chest is mostly gone and I have more energy. So thankful to be getting better. I didn't meet with Kasey- the 5am wake up is a little too much for my first day of feeling human again. Two workouts today though, I'll pace myself.  Workouts and food later today.  Happy Monday!!

xo, Dutchess

Preparation

I spent all day in bed today...not kicking this as quickly as I'd hoped. The body aches, fever and sore throat turned into a migraine, bad cough, and absolutely no energy. Thankfully Aaron took all the kids to the park and ran errands so I could rest in peace and quiet.

This evening I started cooking my meals for the week- ground turkey, roasted chicken breast, salmon, tilapia and lots of veggies:  kale, brussel sprouts, cabbage, peppers, parsnips, sweet potatoes- all on the menu this week.

Hoping and praying for good health this week, but I know either way I will be eating clean and staying in my training mindset. Early bedtime tonight!

Work for it!
Dutchess

Recuperar

It is finally time to rest, recuperar! I made it through my last few hours of workouts for the week...just barely. I've gotten sicker, the fever returned and now my voice sounds like a dude. Awesome.

It's been a full week- not just physically, but mentally...emotionally. Tears have burned and stained my face constantly over the past days and I'm exhausted. This is my biggest obstacle- getting through some of the lowest, most emotionally taxing times of my adult life and still taking care of myself and family. Trudging through one step at a time.

Making it through this makes this physical goal of mine look easy. Attainable. I hope this post will be a reminder of that down the road when I feel I can't make it.

For the rest of the weekend I will be recovering- no more workouts until Monday morning...bright and early with Kasey! I have to get healthy!!

And yes...I will post pictures (Nad!! ;)

Date this morning with my youngest sweetie pie...

 Passed these up...1 temptation down thousands more to go...

Happy weekend friends, enjoy it!

Dutchess

Finish it

Woke up this morning still sick...bummer. I need some serious rest and won't get that until tomorrow afternoon. I didn't make it to all of my classes last night, it was enough to make it through teaching.  After that I came home and crashed with the fam on the couch to watch the Ducks game. Rest is just as important as all the workouts!

Workouts today:

-This morning I teach Zumbatomic for third grade PE- always fun!

- Zumba tonight- it's our first friday class- yay!

Tomorrow morning:

Teach a.m. Zumba

Three more hours of teaching and then I'm done for the week and on to recovery! If I'm doing better I'll get some cardio and weights in on Saturday, but I'm thinking I need to take it easy this week so I don't get worse and ruin next week too.

Eating yesterday was not easy- I'm going through some hard emotional stuff right now...it's toxic to the body. I had to force myself to get all of my meals in - felt much better for doing it, but that needs to be a focus so I have fuel for all of the workouts.

I'll post todays meals later- clean eating, lots of water, good workouts, and rest rest rest- that is the plan. It's the final push for the week, finish strong.

Make it happen baby!
Dutchess

New Day

Feeling better today, so glad I did my workouts last night. I think it helped me to sweat this bug out, I'm still not 100% yet, but feeling better. Another down day with the kids will help- sweats, tea, and snuggling on the couch watching cartoons always helps!

I'm not sure if it's the new supplements or if it's my thyroid leveling out, but I'm down three lbs today from Saturday- woohoo!! I hope it continues (yes Nad, I know, throw the scale out, but it was exciting ;)

Eating today: 

Meal 1: Protein Shake 1 banana

Meal 2: 4 oz ground turkey breast, 1 C spinach, cauliflower

Meal 3: 5.5 oz chicken breast, 1/2 sweet potato, Kale

Meal 4: Nectarine, Protein Bar (Luna) Not supposed to have these, I have two left and they have 9g protein so I'll finish them

Meal 5:Protein Shake (after workout recovery)

Meal 6: Turkey Black Bean Chili  (black beans, turkey breast, peppers, onions, cilantro)
Had a pear, broccoli soup, and 4 oz chicken breast instead  broccoli soup (broccoli, leeks, garlic, onion, kale, homemade chicken stock, sweet potato, coconut milk)

No eating 2 hours prior to bed and lots of water!!

Workouts today:
Teach Zumba- new high intensity songs!

Abs and Bikini Bootcamp (kickboxing sculpt)

Yoga (Not sure if I'll make it to this, I may go to bed early to recover)

Came home and crashed on the couch to watch the Ducks game with the fam- my body is wiped out!!

It's a new day and a fresh start- clean eating and great workouts- Make it happen!!

Dutchess

Sick

The cold and flu season has finally caught our house. Last week it was the stomach bug, and now it's a bad cold. It hit me in full force last night after I taught Zumba. I slept through this mornings conditioning class with Kasey and still don't feel much better, but hopefully a down day at home will help.

Kickboxing and Zumba tonight- drinking lots of tea and water today. Pushing through this.

Dutchess

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, ‘I’m possible’!"

-Audrey Hepburn

Move it

"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever."

Lance Armstrong

Drink what?

Some of the supplements I'm taking. Can I just say fish oil is one of the grossest things to ingest...yep, three times a day...are you serious?? Two more supplements coming my way tomorrow, hope they taste better than these.

Did legs today- they feel like jello. Two more hours of cardio tonight- finish strong!

Dutchess

Bump in the road

It has been a full week of working out- my training and workouts to burn fat are also burning my energy and by Saturday afternoon I am wiped out with a tired body.

This week I felt completely discouraged...it all stared with one stupid pair of skinny jeans. I was feeling more toned, some of my clothes are fitting differently, so of course, I had to put myself through the torture of trying on my favorite jeans that I wore just months ago.

It was ugly.

I looked like I was wrestling a grown man to get them on. Once I got them on and buttoned, I couldn't breathe and I had the infamous muffin top...back in the closet they went, hung back up along with my pride and motivation. I should have learned my lesson when I did that with each of my four babies, right? I think every woman does that, a couple weeks out of the hospital you try on an old pair of pre-pregnancy pants only to be disappointed and wind up crying , pitifully in a puddle of tears on the closet floor. Yeah..I speak from experience.

The week ended well though. I finally saw light at the end of this long tunnel on Friday when I saw a specialist. He is a naturepath that specializes in thyroid and endocrine imbalances. He took one look at my giant book of medical records, made some notes, listened to my frustration and desperation to feel normal again and then with all the confidence in the world said 'Give me six months and I'll get your body back to where it was before all of this.' Finally! Someone that gave me hope!

He sent me on my way with a ridiculously strict diet and six different supplements and said 'you can only be my patient if you follow exactly what I say'

SO...
-Chicken, Turkey, or Wild Caught Fish
-Vegetables at every meal
-Fruit only to be eaten at the beginning of the meal or alone as a snack
-Beans excluding Navy, Soy, and Kidney
-Healthy fats- avocado, coconut
-Protein shakes (no sugar) are ok

No coffee, tea, or stimulants
No grains or sugar (stevia is okay)
No dairy, eggs, nuts, or oils
No Soy in any form

I have to eat every three hours still and focus on protein. He encouraged my training for May and said without a doubt I can get there and he will help me.

He also recommended that I do Insanity- I've heard its one of the best and pretty intense.

Workouts:
Mon- 6am Bootcamp with K and Teach Zumba
Tue- Weights and Teach
Wed- Bootcamp, kickboxing, and Zumba
Thu- Weights and Teach and yoga
Fri- Weights and Zumba
Sat- Teach and yoga

**14 hours of workouts 

Through this all, Kasey has been such an encouragement. So thankful for the best trainer in the world and her network of fitness competitors willing to help me.

New diet starts tomorrow- I'm enjoying my last sips of coffee today...bring on the Advil this week.

I will get new pictures up soon!

Make it happen!!!
-Dutchess