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