Day 8 ~ Supplements, My "Other" Personal Assistant

Today's Thoughts:  Okay, seems like I am gaining weight these past two days.  I know that muscle weighs more than fat, but somehow I do not seem to think this is the reason why.  It's not that I feel off the wagon- I stuck to my diet with the exception of one beer.  Hmmmm.  I really do not think that's going to do it.  Well, it is giving me motivation to workout harder tomorrow.  
Now, the one other thing that is different in my routine in the last two days is that I have incorporated four new dietary supplements.  Could that be it?  Hmmmm. Honestly, I do not see how...Supplements are made to provide those nutrients that may be missing from your diet.  They are made to assist what you eat... like a personal assistant for your diet. However, let's wait and see what happens. Now, let me add that supplements are just that... they are NOT intended to replace food 100%.

Calley's drawing of Mommy working out

wii Fit Plus Tip of the Day:  Don't forget to incorporate you daily activities or training outside of wii Fit Plus routines into your wii Activity Log - calories and credits are added to what you earned working out.  In Graph under Fit Credits, select Activity Log.  You can log activities such as yard work, cooking and cleaning.  However, you can only do it the day of your activity- you can't go back and enter for the previous day's activities.

Day 7 Weight:            170.0 lbs.   

Day 8 Weight:            171.1 lbs.   

Weight Lost:           +1.1 lbs. :(  I will not let this discourage me!! I will work harder tomorrow!

Weight Lost To Date:      5.3 lbs.

Weight Left to Loose:   10.4 lbs.

Wii Fit Age:  52 years old (yikes!)

Today's Exercise:  This morning I worked out for one hour and a half of exercise.  

Added a 3" lift to  my Balance Board

My workout included: 2P Run - Island Lap (w/ 2.5lb. weights) - 253%; Advance Step (w/ 2.5lb. weights) 10x's; My wii Fit Plus Routines:  Health/Tummy- Jack Knife; Single Leg Twist; Snowball Fight; Overindulged- Basic Run 161%; Rhythm Boxing; Lunges; Leaner mii: Hula Hoop; Island Cycling- Island View Course .901 miles; Skating Arena; Form- Arms; Rhythm Kung Fu; Tricep Extensions; Balance Bridge; and finished it off with Penguin Slide (at Calley's request.) 

Burned 825 calories - Nearly the equivalent of 5.5 oz of cashew nuts (860 calories).  The calories burned include calories burned with activity outside of wii recorded in my Activity Log.

Water Intake:  6 - 16oz bottles of water 

Breakfast:  Triple Berry Banana Smoothie

Snack:  -

Lunch:  1 cup of spicy tuna salad, with 5 Gluten Free Multi Grain Crackers and water.

Snack:  -
Dinner:  4oz. Grilled Chicken, half of a cup of Basmati Rice and a cup of Garbanzo bean salad with water.

Today's Summary:  I gained 1.1 pounds, but that's ok.  Tomorrow is another day and I will work harder!!!

Supplements:  Let me start by saying this:  I am not making any money off of mentioning Nutrilite in my blog, I wish.  I have added this information to my blog as "full disclosure" as to what I am doing to loose weight.

As mentioned in Day 35 of my other blog, "Taking My Life Back - Making It My Own," my mother-in-law's business is gifting me all my supplements.  I take Nutrilite products for several reasons.  First, they have been around for over 75 years. Secondly, they are the only brand to grow, harvest and process plants on its own organic farms (for over 75 years).  Lastly, they have Stanford behind them, as well as their own scientists that are always testing what plant combinations are best for us.  

I am taking the following:  (this is my routine, some people take their vitamins at night.  I on the other hand, find it best to do so in the morning that way I do not forget.)

Rhodiola 110 Supplement- For energy.  I take two every morning (no matter what). I love this supplement!!!  It energizes you all day, and you never get the shakes from it.

Invisifiber- For fiber and the "full" feeling.  Every morning I sprinkle this on my breakfast or into my smoothie.  You can also just mix it with juice or water.  I forgot to take it one day and that day I had the "hungry" feeling throughout the day.  And never mind that it keeps you really regular.  ;) 

Double X- A multi-vitamin, multi-mineral and phytonutrient supplement.  Excellent source of energy as well.  This needs to be taken on a full stomach.

The previous supplements I take no matter what, now the following supplements are to assist me in weight loss plan.

Slimmetry-  Boost weight loss efforts.  I take two 20-30 minutes before meals.

Glucose Health- Boosts your metabolism.  I take one 30-40 minutes before my meal with a full glass of water.

Carb Blocker 2-  (The best for last) Block up to 500 calories per high-carb meal!  YES!! 500 calories!!  I take anywhere from one to three with a carbohydrate containing meal.  

Tomorrow Goal's:  I am going to continue on the path I am on, however my workout will be a little more intense.  

Cooking Tip of the Day:  When cooking a dish with both vegetables and meat (i.e. in stir frys    and stews), reduce the amount of meat by 1/3 and increase the amount of vegetables by 1/3. You will hardly notice!

Health Tip of the Day:  Green tea can boost your health in some pretty amazing ways. First of all, you need to know that it comes well recommended. The Chinese have been drinking this beverage for thousands of years -- giving it a long and proven history as a health remedy.

I am not a doctor or a dietitian, and am not promoting for you to follow "my 21-day challenge."  I do however advise you to consult your physician before exercise or dieting.  This is for my own personal gain (or loss) and not affiliated with wii in any way.  wii is not paying me for this.

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam. Please contact me for permission..Just ask.

Day 6 ~ One Word... "Moderation"

Today's Thoughts:  Life happened today.  Nothing bad, just life.  Had an appointment in the morning, therefore it kinda threw off my work out schedule.

I love working out in the morning!  It sets the pace and "pumps you up" for the rest of the day.  
This is the second day that I had to take care of family business in the morning.  Yesterday, I wasn't able to start my work out until noon.  Today, it wasn't until almost three in the afternoon.  By that time, I'm hot and want to be done with physical activities and have to be thinking about dinner and other things that need to get done..  Although, it's more mental, like "do I have to?" or "it's so hot, I don't want to...".  Whine, whine, whine.  

I couldn't do that to myself and my goal.  For once I want to commit to something and finish it from start to finish.

So I worked out! YES!! For an hour, but I worked out!!!  Not to make excuses, because it is true... but you also have to give your body a break.

When I was working out three hours a day, I would do so Monday through Friday and only do abs on Saturday morning.-  Not that I would not do abs the other days, I would.  I would just do 300 crunches one day and 150 the other, and so on.

Well, in addition to that, you do not want to work your legs everyday either.  You would alternate with your arms, and back.  Allowing your muscles to rest on the off days.  In other words, you do not want to wake up and not be able to move at all! because you are way too sore!!

I know I am getting long winded here, but there is a point to this.  I am committed to loosing 15 pounds in 21 days, and blogging all about it.  That's short term.  But long term, I want to continue working out, to be in great shape and continue a healthy lifestyle not only for myself, but for my family.   I want to lead by example. 

Day 5 Weight:            171.1 lbs.   

Day 6 Weight:            169.8 lbs.   

Weight Lost:                  -1.3 lbs.    

Weight Lost To Date:    6.6 lbs.

Weight Left to Loose:   9.1 lbs.

Wii Fit Age:  50 years old (don't like those balance tests)

Today's Exercise:  This morning I worked out for one hour of exercise.  Took it easy on my muscles today and did cardio.

My workout included: Advance Step - with weights, Rhythm Boxing, Island Cycling- Island View Course, Free Ride Course, and finished it off with Free Step. 

Burned 516 calories - Nearly the equivalent of a 6 oz corn muffin (520 calories).

Water Intake:  6 - 16oz bottles of water 

Breakfast:  Bowl of Honey Bunches of Oat with Almonds

Lunch:  half of Cucumber, one tomato and green onion salad with lime, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder.

Snack:  Red delicious apple.
Dinner:  4 oz. Tri Tip, a tablespoon of cilantro chimichurri, 2 slices of breaded eggplant, a Romaine Lettuce Salad with tomatoes and cucumbers with a lime vinaigrette. and a glass of red wine.

Today's Summary:  Another pound bites the dust, another pound bites the dust...  I have re-assessed my routine and will incorporate morning and afternoon snacks, as well as taking additional supplements.  

Tomorrow Goal's:  I am going to continue on the path I am on, and alternate my workouts to going easy on the 4th day.  I will be elaborating on the supplements I will be taking as well.

Cooking Tip of the Day:  When growing fresh basil (I grow my own fresh herbs), pinch off any flowers, if not it will stop producing leaves.

Health Tip of the Day:  Try not to think as certain foods as off-limits.  I love cream puffs, but only eat them once in a while.  And I may have two or three.  I do not eat cake or pie on a daily basis, yet I may have a small slice on a special occasion.  Same with rich and carb loaded delicious foods, like the breaded eggplant that I had for dinner tonight.  I had two slices and I enjoyed and ate them slowly.  All in moderation.  I love food and I won't give up the enjoyment of trying new recipes, and/or just to eat delicious food, however I won't eat them on a daily basis either.  I feel that if you say you will never eat another cheese burger or a triple fudge sundae you are only setting yourself up for failure and missing out on some good stuff.  And driving yourself crazy in the process.  One word... "moderation".    

I am not a doctor or a dietitian, and am not promoting for you to follow "my 21-day challenge."  I do however advise you to consult your physician before exercise or dieting.  This is for my own personal gain (or loss) and not affiliated with wii in any way.  wii is not paying me for this.

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam. Please contact me for permission..Just ask.

Day 5 ~ Carla 1 ... wii Fit Plus 0

Today's Thoughts:  OK.. Today I almost let wii beat me!  Then I remembered the advise I give to people when they say they do not like computers or feel intimidated by them... "It is only a machine.  A machine created by man.  You are smarter than the machine!"  

I was doing the expert level on Island Cycling and I kept falling off the cliff side, and it kept returning me to where I had started!!  I kept telling myself, "it's a machine... it's a machine! I will not let it beat me!'  After being on this course nearly an hour, it ended the exercise telling me I had been on it too long and that I needed a break."  After well over 8 miles, I may not have found the remaining four flags, but I did not let it beat me! 

My Experience: I wanted to mention that by no part am I affiliated with wii or any website.  I am doing this on my own, using the years of vast knowledge I picked up dieting and working out.  

I have always looked into diets, taken nutritional classes, and as mentioned before, worked out with personal trainers, fitness models and professional body builders.  I picked their brains and this is the result.  

If I am not sure about something, I will research it before I will post it here... That's a promise!

However, having the knowledge is nothing if you do not put it to good use!

My Cooking & Eating Habits:  My problem is that I love good food; gourmet food; I love to cook, I must use butter, not margarine, I do not do diet drinks (it's either all or nothing- besides I am not a big soda drinker); sugar- never artificial; we make things from scratch... lemonade included; I only used natural fresh foods, nothing processed or canned... fresh, Fresh, FRESH! foods only!!, I love to eat, and Calley loves to cook with me... 

Now we just have to tweek the way we cook and eat.  All I have to do is just substitute some items for other healthier ones.  Lot's of times I will use lemon or lime, instead of salt.  Portion sizes are important too!  Keeping in mind that even though your stomach is very elastic and conforms, it is about the size of your fist.

My Health:  I feel very blessed to be able to report that at the age of 48 , I am in great health!! Other than a few HOT FLASHES here and there... I'm doing pretty well.  

Goal:  To loose 15 pounds in 21 days

If Chris Powell's clients on Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition can be             expected to loose anywhere from 90 to 150 pounds in a 90-day period... I can do this!

Day 4 Weight :           172.4 lbs.   

Day 5 Weight:            171.1 lbs.   

Weight Lost:                  -1.3 lbs.    

Weight Lost To Date:    5.3 lbs.

Weight Left to Loose:  10.4 lbs.

Wii Fit Age:  48 years old

Today's Exercise:  This morning I worked out for two hours thirty-three minutes of exercise.  I made my daily goal!!  

My workout included: Two Person Island Run- with weights (Calley exercises with me), Advance Step - with weights, Rhythm Boxing, Island Cycling- Island View Course, Island Cycling- Expert Course (kicked my butt!!), Obstacle Course, Basic Run - with weights, Rhythm Boxing, and finished it off with Super Hula Hoop. 

Burned 753 calories - Nearly the equivalent of eating a triple patty cheeseburger (770 calories).

Water Intake:  5 - 16oz bottles of water 

Breakfast:  Triple Berry Banana Smoothie

Lunch:  1 cup of tuna salad, with 20 Gluten Free Multi Grain Crackers and water.

Dinner:  A Romaine Lettuce Salad with tomatoes, avocados, carrots and scallions, 3  chicken wings, with  and duh... 1/4 cup of basmati rice (sorry I do not do brown rice- although it is healthier and recommended for diets.  I just do not care for it.)

Today's Summary:  Wow another pound! Loving It!!  Just want to share, that one would think that I would be starving during the day.. Not at all!  It is true, breakfast helps you!!

Tomorrow's Goal:  I am going to continue on the path I am on, and keep my workout to two and a half hours. 

Cooking Tip of the Day:  Freezing bananas is a wonderful thing!!  However, please remember to remove the peel!  I had to throw away three bananas today!

Health Tip of the Day:  According to Scientific American drinking too much water can be deadly.  I remember back in 2007 a radio station held a water-drinking contest, and a 28 year old woman died.  How much water should we drink?  The Mayo Clinic doctors state  that a person living in a temperate climate should drink 8 or 9 cups according to their activities. 

I am not a doctor or a dietitian, and am not promoting for you to follow "my 21-day challenge."  I do however advise you to consult your physician before exercise or dieting.  This is for my own personal gain (or loss) and not affiliated with wii in any way.  wii is not paying me for this.

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam. Please contact me for permission..Just ask.

Day 4 ~ Walk the Talk!

I wanted to mention that by no part am I affiliated with wii or any website.  I am doing this on my own, using the years of vast knowledge I picked up dieting and working out.  

I have always looked into diets, taken nutritional classes, and as mentioned before, worked out with personal trainers, fitness models and professional body builders.  I picked their brains and this is the result.

However, having the knowledge is nothing if you do not put it to good use!  

My Cooking & Eating Habits:  My problem is that I love good food; gourmet  food; I love to cook, I must use butter, not margarine, I do not do diet drinks (it's either all or nothing- besides I am not a big soda drinker); sugar- never artificial; we make things from scratch... lemonade included; I only used natural fresh foods, nothing processed or canned... fresh, Fresh, FRESH! foods only!!, I love to eat, and Calley loves to cook... 

Now we just have to tweek the way we cook and eat.  All I have to do is just substitute some items for other healthier ones.  Lot's of times I will use lemon or lime, instead of salt.

Goal:  To loose 15 pounds in 21 days  

             If the contestants on Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition  

             can be expected to loose anywhere from 90 to 150 pounds in 

             a 90-day period... I can do this!

Day 3 Weight :           173.5 lbs.   

Day 4 Weight:            172.4 lbs.   

Weight Lost:                  -1.1 lbs.    

Weight Lost To Date:    4.0 lbs.

Weight Left to Loose: 11.7 lbs.

Wii Fit Age:  48 years old

Today's Exercise:  This morning I worked out for two hours and seven minutes of exercise.  Technically, I made my daily goal!!  

My workout included: Two Person Island Run- with weights (Calley exercises with me), Advance Step - with weights, Rhythm Boxing,Island Bike Ride, Jack-Knife,Single Leg Twist, Snowball Fight, Basic Run - with weights, Rhythm Boxing, Lunges (I hate lunges!!), Hula Hoop, Island Cycling and finished it off with Skating Arena (I suck at skate boarding!). 

Burned 814 calories - The equivalent of eating a slice 5.5oz. of Cashews

Water Intake:  4 - 16oz bottles of water (Very disappointing on my part, however- it is said to drink eight 8 ounce glasses of water.  Therefore, I have met the requirement.

Breakfast:  Triple Berry Banana Smoothie

Lunch:  1 cup of tuna salad, with 20 Gluten Free Multi Grain Crackers and water.

Dinner:  1 six ounce piece of steak, with a Romaine Lettuce Salad with tomatoes, avocados, carrots and scallions and duh... 1/2 cup of basmati rice (sorry I do not do brown rice- although it is healthier and recommended for diets.  I just do not care for it.)

Cooking Tip of the Day:  Herbs will keep refrigerated for three to five days, if they are stored in water and covered loosely with plastic wrap. Never cut fresh basil until you are ready to use it. I suggest that you tear the basil instead of cutting it; basil turns black very easily.  

One tablespoon of fresh herbs = One teaspoon of dried herbs.

Today's Summary:  I didn't think I could feel more sore than I did yesterday... but I did! And as I said yesterday... there was no thought!  Before I could give it a second thought I was working out, and did so for two hours!!  In the end it felt like such an accomplishment... I felt proud!

Tomorrow's Goal:  I am going to continue on the path I am on, and give it more of an effort to increase my workout to two and a half hours. 

Health Tip of the Day: 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise daily can help improve blood and fluid circulation in your body so you feel less bloated and frumpy. Good circulation brings more color to your skin and reduces paleness.

I am not a doctor or a dietitian, and am not promoting for you to follow "my 21-day challenge."  I do however advise you to consult your physician before exercise or dieting.  This is for my own personal gain (or loss) and not affiliated with wii in any way.  wii is not paying me for this.

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam. Please contact me for permission..Just ask.