HOMESCHOOLING CHALLENGES:
Getting used to change is difficult. I've had 5 weeks now of homeschooling the girls and the past two days I'm feeling much calmer. The past two days have been quite enjoyable. However, I did have a slight melt down three days ago when I was trying to teach one of the girls something new and she just didn't get it. I felt like I was spending all our hours homeschooling trying to get her to understand. Time was slipping by and I felt frustrated that there was other work to complete. I went to the public school and spoke with her teacher from last year. I wanted to find out where they were in their curriculum to see if I was behind. "Rest assured" she said, "you are ahead of us". That news came as a relief. I realized that I'm doing okay. So the past few days have been much more relaxing.
MOVING THROUGH OBSTACLES:
Okay, so how does this stuff translate into my bikini competition training? While my committment to train and not lose sight of my goal is vital to my success, it seems that other parts of my life also need attention, but cannot overwhelm me to such a degree that I sabotage all my efforts. It would be so easy to just say "forget this", "I need a break", "I don't need all this stress", or "maybe another time I'll try again". Honestly, how many times has a person taken the easy way out and then returned and accomplished the goal that was set?
ANOTHER WAY TO LOOK AT CHANGE:
Isn't part of the attainment of a goal always interrupted by some crisis or situation that tries to take one off course? It's just life. Life is full of the unexpected. After a while one sees the pattern that the unexpected always shows up when one doesn't want it. It's a great opportunity to get a little chuckle and then say "ah ha, her it comes again"! Then just move throught the challenge with whatever coping skills or tricks one has to make the process easier.
TRAIN THE MIND:
Simply, training one's body is really about training the mind. Practice training the mind by changing in small ways. Get rid of one thing. Get rid of eating cheese one week. If that's too hard, get rid of eating white bread. If not, try getting rid of butter for one week. If you can survive one week from eating one food, then go for two weeks. Then start exercising 1/2 hour 3 times per week. 1/2 hour 3 times per week can be anything. Remember it's just a pattern you are establishing. If you cannot establish the pattern or the ritual, then you might get overwhelmed within a month of your program and quit. Build slowly.
The mind will adapt and change when you give it time.
RsmKettleGirl@gmail.com
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Posing Practice Sessions
Last night I started practicing my model poses with the heels and suit. I was strutting back and forth in the mirror in the master bathroom. Early on I just had this overwhelming thought, "what the heck am I doing at 42 walking around like I'm 22"?
I know that it doesn't really matter what age I am. I know that there are other women who are my age who will be doing the same thing, but it just seems so flashy and out of my comfort zone. Literally I thought, "are you serious? You are going to get up on stage in a bikini, heels, and do that"? . It's an odd feeling. I better practice really well, because I don't want to look like a fool.
Tomorrow, I'll do another practice session. Thursdays, I'll practice in front of my husband. He's a good critic. He'll tell me like it is and redirect me if he thinks I look silly or unbelievable.
RsmKettleGirl@gmail.com
I know that it doesn't really matter what age I am. I know that there are other women who are my age who will be doing the same thing, but it just seems so flashy and out of my comfort zone. Literally I thought, "are you serious? You are going to get up on stage in a bikini, heels, and do that"? . It's an odd feeling. I better practice really well, because I don't want to look like a fool.
Tomorrow, I'll do another practice session. Thursdays, I'll practice in front of my husband. He's a good critic. He'll tell me like it is and redirect me if he thinks I look silly or unbelievable.
RsmKettleGirl@gmail.com
Emotional Update
The last few days have been fantastic. The emotional crazies have passed. I think that allowing oneself to go through the emotions, not denying oneself the need to express those emotions, not doing anything to sabotage the hard work, and always keeping in mind that "this too will pass", are all key in the process of succeeding.
That's not to say that if one doesn't take all these steps that one is not being successful. We all define success in various ways. However, if we do what we know we should, and we have strategies to help, then we are going to be more successful the next time some crisis or crazy moment surfaces.
I have 28 days until the competition. I thought I could easily go through this month easily, because I have been consistent and dedicated. However, that appears not to be entirely true. Part of the difficulty stems from the fact that I'm at a pretty good weight to compete right now. The other part of me just wants to relax a little and eat something different that has more fat!
I feel more rigid and structured right now, almost like I was in the beginning of this process four months ago. The anticipation of the "end" is nearing and because I want to relax I am doing just the opposite.
If you are in the beginning, middle, or end of your transformation, DON"T GIVE UP! Have another cup of tea and just be with your thoughts and feelings and breath. Know that I'm doing just about the same thing daily.
RsmKettleGirl@gmail.com
http://bikinicompetitor.blogspot.com
That's not to say that if one doesn't take all these steps that one is not being successful. We all define success in various ways. However, if we do what we know we should, and we have strategies to help, then we are going to be more successful the next time some crisis or crazy moment surfaces.
I have 28 days until the competition. I thought I could easily go through this month easily, because I have been consistent and dedicated. However, that appears not to be entirely true. Part of the difficulty stems from the fact that I'm at a pretty good weight to compete right now. The other part of me just wants to relax a little and eat something different that has more fat!
I feel more rigid and structured right now, almost like I was in the beginning of this process four months ago. The anticipation of the "end" is nearing and because I want to relax I am doing just the opposite.
If you are in the beginning, middle, or end of your transformation, DON"T GIVE UP! Have another cup of tea and just be with your thoughts and feelings and breath. Know that I'm doing just about the same thing daily.
RsmKettleGirl@gmail.com
http://bikinicompetitor.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Emotions
I'm pretty much a big ball of emotion right now. Again, it's probably getting close to that time of month. In addition, I feel miserable. I lost another 1/2 lb, but that doesn't seem to matter. I feel like Eeore. Yesterday, Monday, I was in the pits. For a period of time I felt good after my workout. Then, I think I was just okay for most of the day.
Today, nothing seems to make me happy. I wasn't going to workout, because I have lots of excuses, but I will probably workout in the next hour, eventhough I workout tomorrow at 11am.
I think the last time I felt this way was last month around "that time". So, I shouldn't complain too much.
The positive side:
Taco Salad Recipe
I had a wonderful meal tonight. I made some low fat ground turkey in a pan with taco bell seasoning packet. I only use about 1/2 the packet. I made a taco salad with the ground turkey. I combined garbanzo beans, kidney beans, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, corn (previously frozen kernels), and mixed it all up. That's what I ate. For the family, I gave them the same meal, but added crushed Dorritos. I make a Tofutti & taco sauce dressing for the side, just in case the family wants to stir it into their salad. I omit the cheese for everybody, since it's really not needed. This is a wonderful recipe.
I feel a little better now. I'm having my Good Earth Decafinated Original Tea, getting all my frustration out, and not having to attend to anybody else.
As is with everything else, everything in time passes, and everything in time changes.
...my emotions will too.
RsmKettleGirl@gmail.com
http://bikinicompetitor.blogspot.com/
Today, nothing seems to make me happy. I wasn't going to workout, because I have lots of excuses, but I will probably workout in the next hour, eventhough I workout tomorrow at 11am.
I think the last time I felt this way was last month around "that time". So, I shouldn't complain too much.
The positive side:
Taco Salad Recipe
I had a wonderful meal tonight. I made some low fat ground turkey in a pan with taco bell seasoning packet. I only use about 1/2 the packet. I made a taco salad with the ground turkey. I combined garbanzo beans, kidney beans, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, corn (previously frozen kernels), and mixed it all up. That's what I ate. For the family, I gave them the same meal, but added crushed Dorritos. I make a Tofutti & taco sauce dressing for the side, just in case the family wants to stir it into their salad. I omit the cheese for everybody, since it's really not needed. This is a wonderful recipe.
I feel a little better now. I'm having my Good Earth Decafinated Original Tea, getting all my frustration out, and not having to attend to anybody else.
As is with everything else, everything in time passes, and everything in time changes.
...my emotions will too.
RsmKettleGirl@gmail.com
http://bikinicompetitor.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Days after a Cheat Meal
Always without fail I feel guilty or badly the next several days after a cheat meal. The thought just sits there on my mind and it doesn't go away quickly. The repercussions are always more devastating in the mind than what it does to the body. I think my body feels fine, and like I said on the last blog, I think my body needed some more calories.
Bouncing back was physically easy. I just got right back on track. But I go through the "what ifs", "the should-ofs", and the "wish-I-hads". Then I'm reminded by my gentler side that living in the past does not serve a good purpose.
Yesterday and today were good days nutritionally. I ate well and kept the carb/fat/protein ratios balanced.
Yesterday I ran on the treadmill and did 4 sets of pull ups and 3 sets of sit-ups. Monday and today I did Kettlebell with Paul Daniels. I had two great workouts. Today, my workout consisted of one legged dead lifts, squats, clean and presses, one arm rows, and swings. We are upping the amount of time spent on the legs, since that is where I need the work.
At this point, I think if I was to drop 3 pounds in 5 weeks I will be in excellent shape for the competition.
The most important part right now is to keep the diet consistent, keep the carbohydrates "green" and low glycemic, and not focus too heavily on counting the days. Counting the days makes me feel rushed and and pressured to do more than what I am currently doing. I don't think that is a good idea, because when I'm under pressure it makes me feel like I have to make more changes to my program. The fact is that I just need to be consistent. Consistency always pays off.
Today: 17% body fat & 111 lbs.
Feel free to ask me any questions or comment on any of my blogs.
FYI: today was a good homeschooling day. It's feeling a little more comfortable, even though I have my uncertain moments.
RsmKettleGirl@gmail.com
http://bikinicompetitor.blogspot.com
Bouncing back was physically easy. I just got right back on track. But I go through the "what ifs", "the should-ofs", and the "wish-I-hads". Then I'm reminded by my gentler side that living in the past does not serve a good purpose.
Yesterday and today were good days nutritionally. I ate well and kept the carb/fat/protein ratios balanced.
Yesterday I ran on the treadmill and did 4 sets of pull ups and 3 sets of sit-ups. Monday and today I did Kettlebell with Paul Daniels. I had two great workouts. Today, my workout consisted of one legged dead lifts, squats, clean and presses, one arm rows, and swings. We are upping the amount of time spent on the legs, since that is where I need the work.
At this point, I think if I was to drop 3 pounds in 5 weeks I will be in excellent shape for the competition.
The most important part right now is to keep the diet consistent, keep the carbohydrates "green" and low glycemic, and not focus too heavily on counting the days. Counting the days makes me feel rushed and and pressured to do more than what I am currently doing. I don't think that is a good idea, because when I'm under pressure it makes me feel like I have to make more changes to my program. The fact is that I just need to be consistent. Consistency always pays off.
Today: 17% body fat & 111 lbs.
Feel free to ask me any questions or comment on any of my blogs.
FYI: today was a good homeschooling day. It's feeling a little more comfortable, even though I have my uncertain moments.
RsmKettleGirl@gmail.com
http://bikinicompetitor.blogspot.com
Monday, September 20, 2010
Stress and Cheating
So last night I ended up having a few munchies, something I hadn't done at all. I think there were several reasons why. For one, I don't think I had been eating as much as I should have been the last few days. Secondly, I have been so busy I was relying on protein bars for my 1pm meal instead of chicken and broccoli (or something similar). The bars don't have as much staying power in the body as real food. Last of all, (although less a contributing factor) is the stress from being so incredibly busy. Homeschooling my kids is taking its toll on me. It's a difficult transition for me. I'm never too sure from one day to the next if I'm going to cave in and send them back to public school. I know the kids like being home with "mom" and that they seem very happy, but I'm also very aware that I may not be able to do it with less stress. We'll see.
Anyway, last night I had some homemade chili I made for the family and one 1/2" thick piece of banana bread. It really tasted good! The homemade chili was fine to have in all honesty. It was the banana bread I know I should not have had, because of the sugar and white flour. Later that evening I was still hungry. So I thought and thought and thought. I decided to keep to the foods I normally eat, but just have what my body seemed like it needed. I ate 3 pieces of turkey (cold cuts). Cold cuts are not on my program, but at least it was a protein! Then, I had 1/2 fresh mango. Yum. Then I had 1 whole grain, no salt, rice cake with peanut butter. I probably had 2 rounded tablespoons of organic peanut butter. I just love peanut butter. That was it.
In addition, I didn't work out yesterday (Sunday). I normally workout 6 days a week, but decided I wanted and needed a day off. Paul (from www.bodywarehouse.com). said that I should be taking another day off anyway and my body probably needed the extra food. He's probably right or else I wouldn't have had that cheat meal nor taken the day off.
This morning at Kettlebell with Paul I felt energized and much happier, other than the fact that I don't like the feeling of knowing I "cheated". Oh well. Last night before bed I spent some time thinking and regrouping, so that in the morning I would be right back on track.
Today has been a perfect nutrition and exercise day. I ate exactly how I need to and had a wonderful kettlebell class.
I smiled to myself during kettlebell, because I remembered that Paul has that advertisement in his newsletter that says "burn 12oo calories in 35 minutes...doing Kettlebell". Today at Kettlebell, I am sure I burned 1200 calories...so that should cover the extra calories I ate last night!
FYI: I'm at 111.5 lbs. (well....before I ate my extra meal last night!)
110lbs is my 2nd big goal.
I have 5 weeks until my competition. I can't believe it's coming up so soon.
I am hoping to lose just a few more pounds. I'd like to be just under 110 lbs.
RsmKettleGirl@gmail.com
http://bikinicompetitor.blogspot.com
Anyway, last night I had some homemade chili I made for the family and one 1/2" thick piece of banana bread. It really tasted good! The homemade chili was fine to have in all honesty. It was the banana bread I know I should not have had, because of the sugar and white flour. Later that evening I was still hungry. So I thought and thought and thought. I decided to keep to the foods I normally eat, but just have what my body seemed like it needed. I ate 3 pieces of turkey (cold cuts). Cold cuts are not on my program, but at least it was a protein! Then, I had 1/2 fresh mango. Yum. Then I had 1 whole grain, no salt, rice cake with peanut butter. I probably had 2 rounded tablespoons of organic peanut butter. I just love peanut butter. That was it.
In addition, I didn't work out yesterday (Sunday). I normally workout 6 days a week, but decided I wanted and needed a day off. Paul (from www.bodywarehouse.com). said that I should be taking another day off anyway and my body probably needed the extra food. He's probably right or else I wouldn't have had that cheat meal nor taken the day off.
This morning at Kettlebell with Paul I felt energized and much happier, other than the fact that I don't like the feeling of knowing I "cheated". Oh well. Last night before bed I spent some time thinking and regrouping, so that in the morning I would be right back on track.
Today has been a perfect nutrition and exercise day. I ate exactly how I need to and had a wonderful kettlebell class.
I smiled to myself during kettlebell, because I remembered that Paul has that advertisement in his newsletter that says "burn 12oo calories in 35 minutes...doing Kettlebell". Today at Kettlebell, I am sure I burned 1200 calories...so that should cover the extra calories I ate last night!
FYI: I'm at 111.5 lbs. (well....before I ate my extra meal last night!)
110lbs is my 2nd big goal.
I have 5 weeks until my competition. I can't believe it's coming up so soon.
I am hoping to lose just a few more pounds. I'd like to be just under 110 lbs.
RsmKettleGirl@gmail.com
http://bikinicompetitor.blogspot.com
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Paul Daniels www.Bodywarehouse.com Workout
Today, I did rows for my back, presses for my lats and arms, squats for my legs, swings for my entire body, and of course the reality is that every move pretty much works the entire body, because you keep your core strong and tight while using the kettlebell. I love the fact that squats and lunges take the pressure off of the knees and back, I don't have any joint problem, and I really don't need to do any more weight training with dumbbells or other gym equipment. Now, the reality is that I love working out with gym equipment and I most likely will not stop, but I love the fact that I could stop and just do Kettlebells and still get all the great muscle definition in a shorter amount of time.
Still at 112 pounds.
RsmKettleGirl@gmail.com
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