From Potty Training to Weight Training

Starting Tomorrow: Track, Loose

2012-01-02T18:15:00.000-08:00


Livestrong.com

10 lbs. Be Gone

2011-03-01T05:28:00.000-08:00

As a Lifetime member, I've decided to start the PointsPlus program today since these last 10 lbs. will just NOT melt off on their own. The goal...get rid of them for good by Easter 2011. Bring it!

New Year, New Fitness Goals

2011-01-11T06:48:00.000-08:00

Since starting from Potty training my fitness goals have changed but the importance of exercise, in some form, has remained the same. And while I've been able to maintain with Zumba for which I now have my license to teach, the pounds crept on over the holidays due to an excessive amount of Christmas cookies and a few too many chocolates.

The new goal is simple...shed 10-15 lbs. and re-introduce weight training into my routine. In addition, although sleeping in was quite nice, moving workout back to the a.m. before the kids are awake is a must. Nothing "comes up" at 5:45 a.m. to disrupt the routine. Already 3 lbs. down I've made the following changes since the new year:

Moved workouts to the a.m. and added weight training back into the routine.
Added elliptical in addition to mix up the cardio workouts.
Cleaning up the diet and cheating on weekends only. Oatmeal, chicken, turkey,tuna, broccoli, green beans, protein shakes are now the new norms for meals.

Do you have fitness goals for the new year as well? If you're on Twitter we'll be giving away Biggest Loser Expo board during a Double Duty Diva Expo Twitter party 1/18...join us to win!

Be sure to check out our other site Cool Baby Kid for cool picks, tips and giveaways for families.

The Montenegro Method: 21 Days to a Better Body!

2010-08-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

Recently I received the Montenegro Method DVD set at Bloggers on Bourbon and while not jumping into the program headfirst, I've incorporated the Strength and Endurance DVDs into my own workout. Wow! They incorporate much of what I've been reading about as beneficial in Oxygen magazine: circuit training, tri sets, plyometrics and more. While I haven't utilized the dietary recommendations just yet, it's clear this program would work. Since I've also been running and preparing to get Zumba certified by attending classes, I'm using Montenegro as a supplement but am thinking of jumping right in with the whole kit and caboodle. It's no walk in the park, but for 21 minutes I can do just about anything. (Except possibly one move in Endurance, Workout 1 that is just a wee too much for my hamstrings.) We'll keep you posted...

Disclaimer: I attended events sponsored by each company where a sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours.

New Goal: Hello Zumba!

2010-07-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a while with good reason. After deciding not to compete my fitness goals altered a bit, though I'm happy to say staying fit has remained important. Throughout the school year a 5:00 a.m. alarm signaled the start to my day in order to get a workout in before work. Now that summer is here, and with no gym to speak of since the school gym was my workout home, I've struggled with a new routine. And I'm happy to say I've found a new goal! Sept. 11th I will become certified to teach Zumba which I've enjoyed for nearly two years now. And so the goal is altered a bit. Not up 10 lbs. from my lowest weight but maintaining the smallest size since pre-baby, I'm proud of each accomplishment but need to re-focus and get serious once again. Hello Zumba!

Maintaining: Loving Real Food Again

2009-12-13T12:24:00.000-08:00

My goal for the holidays...maintain. I've lost 25 lbs. and am in the smallest size ever, so things are good as long as we keep it that way. With endless parties and cookies already starting to creep into the picture, keep the goal in mind is key. Weighing myself more than the usual once per week has helped focus, and having an entire group (ECC baby!) to work out with in the morning rocks. I have to keep reminding myself status quo is not enough.

Got the Green Light: Eating Clean

2009-11-07T05:14:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago (been a bit busy lately) I got the green light to starting eating clean rather than the strict, strict diet. This was great news until my trainer also mentioned "no sugar, bread or pasta" which is a bit stricter than simply eating clean. So I ran to the store only to discover most things were still off limits. On the other hand, being able to add a variety of veggies, rather than just broccoli and green beans) and fruit, though this is limited to one per day, was a real boost.

I've found a few recipes that are tasty...here is my favorite for lunch. Sometimes I sneak a piece of Eziekel bread and though I normally don't eat egg salad or cottage cheese, I will admit this is pretty good: Eat Clean Egg Salad from Tosca Reno's Eat Clean Diet Cookbook.

The diet change was just what I needed to stay on track and keep my eye on the goal.

Stalemate: Boring, Boring, Boring...

2009-10-03T12:23:00.001-07:00

Tired of the diet, bored with training. I've just had my fill of all of it. I'm thrilled to be in the smallest size since high school, love that my clothes are literally falling off, BUT getting up at 5:00 a.m. is beat...eating chicken, tuna and broccoli for every meal every day is endless...the elliptical...boring.

I'm just not in my mental *happy* place this week. Always hungry even though I should be grateful for weekend cheat meals which are really the only thing keeping me going at this point. I'm afraid if I get them taken away I may quit! (Though I know I won't; it makes me feel better to say it though.) Nearly every day someone says, "I don't know how you do it. How do you eat those same foods day after day?" The answer is I'm asking myself the very same question.

Help?

We Have a Show! INBF Northern States Here I Come!

2009-09-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

So I have a goal date and am so excited! My 1st Figure competition will be in the INBF Northern States Super Natural in Buffalo, NY next March. Having a goal was what started me on this journey in the first place, so I am pumped about knowing when the suffering...I mean, training...will end. This is just the mental boost I needed after a long week filled with hunger and workout which seemed endless and quite boring.

It's been nearly 10 weeks since training began, and while I'm not hitting the heavy weight yet, I'm looking forward to a change. Elliptical, tuna, chicken and green beans since July 8th. Blah.

So this coming week I will try to mix it up. Adding back turkey burger for some variety in the diet, and maybe the treadmill a bit, though I'd much prefer to run outdoors than in, but 5:00 a.m. workouts and running outside don't mix. Any other tips on how to "shake it up"?

8 Week Progress: It's All Mental

2009-09-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

It's officially 8 weeks today since I began this Figure quest. I'm down approximately 22 lbs. but more importantly have completely mentally switched from struggling with the diet to acceptance of the fact that this is what it takes. Same foods. Same diet. Same me. So what's the difference between mid-July and now? It's all mental. As always, a favorite quote comes to mind:

"Things do not change. We change."
- Henry David Thoreau

Launch Prize Pack Winner & How Survivor Helps

2009-09-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

I feel fantastic! My trainer is actually letting me EAT this weekend...so exciting. This week I started work and classes online, so it's been a bit crazy to say the least. In order to schedule the workouts it's a 5 a.m. wake up call for me. I'm used to getting up early to blog on www.coolbabykid.com but 5 o'clock is earlier than I'm comfortable with. But after the first week, once I figured out where the light switches in our school gym were and how unlock the women's faculty shower room, I'm getting into a new routine. I actually like working out in the morning, even if a slightly later wake up time would be preferable. But, hey, when you have a goal there's no such thing as an obstacle. Besides, getting up early is not remotely as difficult as not eating *real* food. Sometimes I pretend I'm on Survivor, which I actually applied to twice, in which case chicken, tuna and green beans is a lot of food. But overall...life is good.

Congratulations to the blog launch *Fitness Prize Pack* winner (comment #47) whose information is listed below. Please contact me at coolbabykid {at} gmail {dot} com with your mailing address and tee shirt size to claim the prize.

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:47Powered by RANDOM.ORG

athompson said...

good for you for staritng this. im hoping for some motivation!!!!!!
thompson_tanda@yahoo.com

Staying Motivated: The Power of Inspirational Words

2009-08-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I started my own cosmetics company. The premise was to put inspirational quotes on the packages to inspire and motivate every time you used them. I'm a huge believer in the power of inspirational words and have favorite quotes for every occasion. Quotes enable you to quickly learn and utilize from those whose life experiences are vast and different than our own, who have gained wisdom we haven't yet. I listed some of my favorite on the sidebar. But the one I love most is the same quote I wrote on my hand during the only full marathon I ran...the same one I had turned into a bracelet in July when I was ready to give up on the Figure training endeavor. It is attributed to Lance Armstrong, though I can't determine if he is the original author:

Pain is temporary. It may last a minute or an hour or a day or a year, but eventually it subsides and something else takes it's place. If I quite, however, it lasts forever.

I found a neat site, Wristband with a Message, which allows you to turn any phrase into a custom silicon wristband. Though I had to shorten the quote, I've been wearing the bracelet since July and will likely not take it off until the Spring competition if the number of weak moments, like going out to dinner with others, is any indication. I'm often asked lately about my diet, "How do you do that?" I usually respond with a simple "It's not easy for me," but the truth is that without motivation in many forms, including motivational quotes which are on my desk, in my closet and even on my wrist, I probably would have already given up. So when I tell students in my class on the first day of school tomorrow, "words have power," I truly mean it.

Launch Day: Welcome to the Site!

2009-08-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

If you're coming from Cool Baby Kid, welcome. My favorite blog designer in the world, Gisele Jaquenod, finished the new design last week and From Potty Training to Weight Training is officially off and running. If you're new to blogging or just looking to spice up your site, Gisele offers free blog templates too. Having been to a Fitness competition years ago with my husband (boyfriend at the time), I thought it would be a neat challenge someday but was too young to realize I had actually had the potential to accomplish such as task. Fifteen years and two babies later, I decided it was time to get in the best shape of my life. I'd been running for a few years with some half-marathons and even one full marathon under my belt, but still couldn't shed those "last 15 pounds" from a baby that was now over a year old! Being goal-oriented, I knew just getting in shape wasn't enough...I needed a goal. Remembering the Fitness competition from years ago I wondered, "Could I do that?" I talked to friends and family, did a little research and knew it would be the challenge of a lifetime. Why?

Because I love to eat. I really, really love to eat.

I thought of a favorite quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, "You must do the thing you think you can not do" and knew for me it was giving up things like Edy's ice cream as a nightly snack. When I found a trainer who was willing to take me on (even after seeing some pretty scary "before" pics) we decided Figure was more appropriate since Fitness incorporates gymnastics, and gymnast I am not. Figure is basically a natural bodybuilding competition which emphasizes muscle tone over size...think Oxygen magazine.

I nearly quit the first weekend, then struggled through vacations and finally started to see results in that first month. I can't help complaining a lot about the lack of food since the diet (or lack of variety of any foods that actually taste good) is enemy #1 on this journey. But with a few inspirational quotes and the support of my family, friends, and the best trainer ever, I hope to make it to the Spring all in one piece. Thanks for joining me.

What blog launch would be complete without a giveaway? Enter to win a Fitness Prize Pack by leaving a comment on this post. Earn extra entries for tweeting the launch and include @coolbabykid. Expires 9/2/09.

The Fitness Prize Pack includes a Mom Works tee, one of my favorite companies that empowers women with cheeky sayings and pictures geared especially for moms (pictured). Also awarded to the winner will be a Victoria P. Zurcher Designs personalized aluminum water bottle, perfect for hitting the gym in style. They also carry neat gifts and other personalized products that we first fell in love with on Cool Baby Kid. Finally, to keep you motivated, Gisele is offering a "Hang in There" mug from her famous Birdie Says collection which also includes stationery, nursery and kids plus home decor and more...so cute!!

Spicing It Up: Cheat Without Cheating

2009-08-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

Having been on this crazy journey for less than 6 weeks, I've already gathered some tricks or the trade and am anxious to find about more ways to make the diet easier to live with. Here are some of my favorite ways to "cheat" without cheating. And speaking of cheating, I got a cheat meal and it tasted GOOD!

Crunchy peanut butter. I eat up to two tablespoons a day and for some reason crunchy seems more substantial. Strange, I know. Protein shakes...the colder the better. Ice, blending with ice and super cold water (no milk for me) makes them taster way better! Ground turkey. Maybe this is no shocker to the rest of the world, but I've never eaten it before. Having a turkey burger is a different taste and after eating the same thing for nearly 6 weeks, different is good. (Seasoned with Mrs. Dash and onion) Egg whites. The Egg Beater egg whites taste better to me than actual egg whites. Hmmm.....

And while I haven't tried it yet, when Fall hits I'm looking forward to a Pumpkin Spice protein shake. Funny, I never would have thought that previous sentence would be written by me in a million years.

Cake Shows + Figure Training = Misery

2009-08-11T18:32:00.000-07:00

I love cake. It may be my all-time favorite food. And so two of my favorite shows are Ace of Cakes and Cake Boss. The problem? I'm on a super-restrictive diet, can only eat a handful of foods and am really hungry. Watching Buddy assemble a leaning tower of Pisa cake is not helping matters. Worse yet I have a Pillsbury Brownie Minis and Easy Frost sitting downstairs in my cupboard I can't stop thinking about. (It was a BlogHer gift and otherwise would no be in the house!) So rather than eat cake I'm reading:

the incredible progress of my friend Erin from The Mom Buzz who is coincidentally also training for a Figure competition in 2010.

lessons for the Figure Competior by Linda Reho.

fitness and figure forums on Bodybuilding.com.

One of these days I will write a post about training as opposed to food when I'm less consumed with how hungry and food-deprived I am. Just not there yet.

Top Five Things I Miss Since Training Began

2009-08-06T15:00:00.001-07:00

1. Eating "real" food in general. I understand the term "real" is subjective and to some who eat clean my diet is perfectly normal. I beg to differ, however, and dream about Doritos.

2. Ice cream for a snack every night and on Sundays with the kids.

3. Not having to explain to people why I can't "just have one hot dog."

4. Eating out, especially Sunday brunch which used to include scrambled eggs with cheese, hash browns and toast and dinner Saturday night. Yes, I can technically still go out to eat and order a plain chicken breast with broccoli (and take spray butter with me) but what's the point?

5. Diet Pepsi.

The only thing I don't miss? The 11 lbs. I've lost in the last month.

Before Picture, 4 Weeks Into the Program

2009-07-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

So far PTWT (that would be short for Potty Training - Weight Training if you're in the know) has 7 followers. One is my sister, and another better be my husband. Roughly one-third of my loyal following (that would be two people) asked, "Where are your before pics?" Frankly, I didn't want to show them. But I suppose it only makes sense since I'm attempting to get in the best shape of my life to have a "before" and "after" shot...so here you go.

What? The picture's not real clear? It's far away and a bit grainy? Bummer. No idea how that happened. I really did want it come come out crystal clear.

Training & Vacation: NOT a Good Mix

2009-07-28T06:34:00.001-07:00

I'm starting to notice a trend. Three quarters of the pictures I've posted are foods I can't eat. And it's possible I may sound a little whiny about eating the same seven foods each day and missing out on all of the others. But there's a good reason for that. I'M EATING SEVEN FOODS EVERY DAY FOR NEARLY A MONTH! And they do not consist of pizza and ice cream. This morning my special treat is cinnamon in plain Quaker Oats oatmeal, and this is actually my favorite meal of the day!

Nothing compares, though, to how hard it is to be on vacation and not eat *real* food. I just returned from the BlogHer conference in Chicago. Though I did eat a few things not on my 7-food menu (strange they didn't have grilled chicken and steamed broccoli at the Ragu luncheon) I did pass up free Hershey bars, Reese's peanut butter cups, truffles, and Sour Patch Kids, all of which were given to me as a part of the swag. No chocolate chip muffins at breakfast or nachos for lunch. No cheesburger and fries at a burger joint; instead, chicken breast, no topping for me. No ice cream sundae bar, canolli or chocolate covered chocolate chip cookies. *Sigh*

How did I do it?

"That which does not kill us makes us stronger."
- Friedrich Nietzsche

And I'm definately still alive and well.

Seven Pounds in Two Weeks: Results!

2009-07-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked two weeks since I began this crazy journey from potty training (which is not going so well) to weight training and my quest to become a legitimate Figure competitor. And after all these years I finally know the secret of the super moms who loose all their baby weight in a week...or so it seems.

They don't eat!

Sorry it's not such an exotic answer, but I wake up every morning realizing all of the foods I know and love are no longer on my palate. I think about the camping trip we just finished, the conference in Chicago coming up, and I'm slightly miserable knowing how difficult it is to pass up breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert and replace it with the same measly 7 foods I've been eating over the last two weeks. You know it's bad when you get lettuce OK'd by your trainer, and its like hitting the lottery! I don't even like salad but now it's become my new best friend.

But as I suspected, the results (almost) make it worth it. Seven pounds in two weeks! I've never lost that much weight so quickly in my entire life. Not to say this hasn't been the hardest thing I've ever done, but getting on the scale does make the effort that much more worth it.

I'll Have a Medium Hot Water, Please

2009-07-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

I'd love to say it's getting easier to eat so few foods (none of which are cake and ice cream) but that wouldn't be entirely true...yet. I crave for more variety and long to just have a bite of something not doused in balsamic vinegar or pepper for flavor. On the other hand, I'm a long way away from the meltdown of last weekend, more resigned to a new reality. After all, I did apply twice for Survivor in which case I'd be eating even less! They would probably die for a 4 oz. piece of chicken. Once results become more evident I think training for a Figure competition will get easier. I fit into a pair of pants for the first time in almost four years (had two babies in the last three) which was exciting, so I can imagine results are a powerful incentive.

Another challenge lies ahead this weekend as we take the kids camping for the first time with friends. As they eat hot dogs and potato salad and make Dunkin Donut runs, I'll be carrying along my oatmeal ordering hot water to mix with it rather than a medium chai tea and blueberry cake donut. I'll be doing so, however, in a pair of pants I was afraid would never again fit after having two babies back to back...some consolation at least.

Blog Name Identity Crisis: Help!

2009-07-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

The most talented artist and designer in the world Gisele Jaquenod (who is also not a bad geography teacher as well) is working on a new template for this blog. In the meantime, I'm having a naming crisis and need help. Which do you think? 1. From Potty Training to Weight Training 2. From Potty to Weight Training 3. Potty to Weight Training Remember the name will also be the url address; on one hand shorter is better but I like #1. Help!

On a progress note, now that I'm over the meltdown of the last few days, I've got my eye on the goal once again. The challenge will be two (not one but two) trips in the next two weeks. We're taking the kids camping for the first time this weekend, and next weekend is the big BlogHer conference in Chicago. I'm working on how exactly that will happen since my diet consists of exactly 7 foods, but aside from that all is well.

Oh yeah, lost 4 lbs. and counting since last Monday. Whoo-hoo!!

Struggles Develop Strength: Still On Board

2009-07-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

I just about lost it this weekend. It all started with a trip to the local summer festival and a potato pancakes craving and ended last night with my first trip to the grocery store on the diet. So much food and so many things I couldn't eat. Shaun, my ever so patient trainer, dealt with my frantic emails like a trooper. I began to think maybe just looking my absolute best and not necessarily competing would be an OK goal. I thought maybe we could postpone the misery...I mean diet...until fall when I'm back to work and not so tempted by summer stuff. In short, I took my eye off the goal.

I talked to my husband who says I should "go for it." (As he eats licorice thank you very much.) I talked to my little sister. The one I'm supposed to give advice to who suddenly starts throwing my own quotes back in my face. I remind myself of Eleanor Roosevelt and her always inspiration words. And then this on my Facebook (courtesy of little sis):

"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." -Arnold Scharznegger

I really have met my match this time. But I'm still on board.

Eleanor Roosevelt Told Me, "No Ice Cream"

2009-07-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

How can you go through life without eating ice cream? Or pizza? Or even a few months? Since starting my diet in a quest to transform from regular mom to Figure competitor, I've been on a diet of lean meats and veggies for one week, and the only things I can think about are:

Ice Cream
Pizza
Potato Pancake
Funnel Cakes (Went to a local festival Friday.)
Enchiladas

Is it healthy or good to be obsessing over the things I can not have? I doubt it. But being a teacher with the summer off, I have a lot of time to think (about food) and so I have. I'm usually pretty good about motivating myself. I even started a cosmetics company, Ispiri Cosmetics, which puts inspirational quotes on the packages since I believe that strongly in the power of inspirational words. However, when you're at a church picnic with friends, feeding potato pancakes to the kids and watching them eat meatball sandwiches while you drink a protein shake, it's a different story.

I'm trying to remember that Eleanor Roosevelt, my hero, told me to do this. She said "Do the thing you think you can not do." And that is one reason I'm depriving myself since I knew from the start this would be a biggie.

Temptation averted...this time.

Day Five & Still Alive...Kind Of...

2009-07-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

So after five days of my new diet I've learned a few things about transforming from a regular mom of two with extra baby weight to loose (after a year) to a legitimate Figure competitor:

1. It only takes a week to go from liking a food, turkey breast, to disliking so much it makes you want to gag. Thought for sure it would take longer than that.

2. Protein shakes taste better cold, preferably with ice, and chocolate is better than vanilla.

3. Eating is most definitely social, and my life revolves around it. County fair tonight, lunch with friends, weekly Sunday breakfast out, vacations, parties...there are so many things my family & I do which center on food. And with a new menu of less than 10 items, some of these are just not possible now and it makes me sad.

4. Exercise is infinitely easier than dieting. I thought marathon training was tough but since there were meals, yummy big ones after training runs, it wasn't that bad in hindsight.

5. I am more grateful for I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray and Mrs. Dash than I ever thought I would be in my life! My first weekend. Usually on Friday I look forward to where we're eating dinner Saturday night. Not sure what to look forward to now.

Diet Begins Today...Still Better Than Labor

2009-07-06T10:20:00.001-07:00

I like to eat. It's actually one of my favorite things to do which is one of the reasons I took on this challenge but also what is making me nervous on day 1 of my new diet. Unfortunately I can count on one hand the foods I'm allowed to eat. Fortunately, though, I like all of the foods on my new regime, though I would normally add a bit of flavor. Broccoli is much better with dip, for instance. The good news...I can still drink tea in the morning! The bad news...no soda. Feels like I'm pregnant again. Strike that. It's much easier than being pregnant. Which is why I feel ready for this now as opposed to 10+ years ago when we saw our first Fitness show. After 2 babies I know nothing in my training will be as difficult as labor. I often ask other moms why they don't run marathons or other such feats since it really is much easier than having a baby. Just don't tell my cousin who is about to give birth anytime.

Let the Games Begin!

2009-07-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

So I asked my trainer if we could start after vacation; I'm back and ready to go! Mentally, I'm prepared. I know with any challenging venture this is half the battle. Our first step, it seems, is taking supplements. I'm thinking I may re-focus my energy to from getting sponsors for Cool Baby Kid to PTWT since this in not going to be cheap. The last time I even tasted a supplement was when my husband took MetRX (if I remember the name correctly) years ago. It tasted kind of like cake mix so I was a fan, but I have a feeling they aren't all that yummy.

That's it for now as I wait for my new supplements to arrive in the mail. If I knewlooking like Alicia Marie (pictured) was this easy, I'd have done it years ago!

But I'm afraid this is just the beginning. Joining the gym tomorrow.

About My Brand New Blog

2009-06-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

I really don't have time for a new blog. But my favorite outlet is still writing and if there's one thing I'll need on this new journey it's an outlet. Unlike the original blog, Cool Baby Kid, there will be no pressure here to get posts up, list giveaways etc. I am beholden to only myself and love it!

Some background...years ago my husband was a power lifter. In making the "circuit" we happened to venture to a Ms. Fitness competition. I told him "someday I will do that" and 10+ years later I'm ready to give it a go. Since eating is one of my favorite activities I understand this will be one of the biggest challenges of my life. At least training for a marathon didn't restrict my diet since I have no qualms about tough workouts...it's the eating (or lack of it) I'm afraid of.

Almost as soon as I realized I would need some help, I remembered the husband of a colleague was a bodybuilder. Turns out he has trained ladies for Figure competitions before and was willing to take me on. Figure is something new to me since it wasn't popular "back in the day." Essentially it comprises of the Fitness competition without a routine which suits me just fine since I'm no gymnast.

So next week, after a last hurrah vacation this weekend, training will begin. I'm nervous and excited all in one and can barely wait to start, though I'm sure I'll be regretting that thought before long!!