Day 4: Support

Calories Burned: 3,657 (+ I took my monitor off at 5pm)
Calories Intake: 1,200
Calorie Deficit: 2,457

I have learned that the most important tool in the weight loss journey is a support system. I am so fortunate to have an amazing support system of friends & family. When I receive a text saying how proud someone is of me or to keep pushing on, it really encourages me and motivates me to do my best.

The really great part is that I have a great support system here. Everyone in the program is constantly encouraging each other. Giving high fives when we pass each other on the stairs during beach boot camp. We share our doubts, fears, ups and downs. And when you don't think you can go anymore, someone in the group says "come on let's push this last rep out." It is so motivating when you have a group of people who are cheering you through the pain.

There were multiple points today when I wanted to go back to my room to take a nap and skip our next workout. My body ached in every possible place. I was exhausted and had no idea how I could spend 2 more hours in the gym. But thankful, everyone here is so supportive and encouraging that you get motivated to show up and try your hardest. Somehow after spinning and 2 hours of beach boot camp, my roommate motivated me to go to the boxing & muscle max for the next 2 hours. Half the battle is just showing up. Once you are there, the music starts pumping and your blood is flowing you somehow get the energy to push it.

I can't thank God enough for my amazing friends and family back home and my new friends and family here in San Diego. Every single one of you is keeping me going. When I think I can't go one more step, I receive a text from a loved one that makes me know I can finish the day strong.

RECIPE: Salad Dressings

The wonderful thing about dressings are they are very simple to make and you can't really mess them up. Both recipes below last about 5-7 days in the fridge. Store bought dressings have so much sugar, chemicals, and calories. But with just 5 ingredients you can make a wonderful delicious healthy dressing.

Vinaigrette Dressings:
1. Extra virgin olive oil (get the GOOD stuff)
2. Honey or Agave
3. Oranges (any citrus works - grapefruit, lemon, key lime)
4. Dijon mustard (this is what makes the dressing come together and be a bit creamy)
5. Aged balsamic vinegar (can use champagne or red wine vinegar as great alternatives)
6. Salt & white pepper (white pepper is good for delicate flavors like fish and dressings)

Mix (with a mini whisk, blender, or shake in mason jar) together 2 tablespoons of vinegar with the zest and juice of an orange. Add a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. (TIP: always season before adding the oil as the oil will eat it up and the salt won't be absorbed correctly). Add a tablespoon of oil.

This dressing is great for cooked vegetables too. Toss baked asparagus in the dressing. Add salt & pepper. Top with cured tomatoes and a couple toasted pine nuts.

Creamy Dressings: 
1. Greek Yogurt
2. Finely chopped cucumber--skin & seeds included (can use bell peppers as an alternative)
3. Dill (or green onions)
4. Parsley
5. Shallots (or red onion) diced finely
6. Lemons
7. Salt & Pepper

Mix together cup of Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup of the finely chopped cucumber. Add 1/4 cup of the chopped dill and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. A teaspoon of finely chopped shallots. The zest and juice of two lemons. Season with salt & pepper. Whisk together. (don't use a blender with yogurt because it ruins the consistency).

Try dressing over sliced tomatoes seasoned, with salt and white pepper (pepper brings out the flavor in tomatoes), romaine lettuce, endive (or arugula or frisee - a bitter green), whole leaves of opal basil (adds color but can mix in parsley or cilantro instead). Salt & pepper before the dressing goes on. Toss in the dressing and serve with a lemon wedge.

Good to spread over fish or chicken before baking. 


More healthy dressing versions:
Caesar - Greek yogurt, roasted garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcester sauce & black pepper
Thousand Island - Greek yogurt, ketchup (sugar-free), chopped hard boiled egg whites, diced red peppers 

In Times of Trouble

I had a wonderful thing happen today. I checked my email first thing and read my daily devotional. WOW! It was EXACTLY what I needed to hear. It is so amazing how great our God is. He is always there listening and helping you through the pain, you just need to listen.

On our morning 5 mile hike up and down mountains, with my knee feeling like someone was stabbing a knife into it, I remembered what I had read a couple hours before and started talking to God. We talked for about an hour and it was the best hour of my life. I shared my hopes and fears.  I gave thanks and asked for help. And when I saw the next hill I was suppose to climb, I turned it over to Him and knew he would get me to the top.

One of my favorite quotes of all time is: "Don't tell God how big your mountain is. Tell your mountain how big your God is."

The thing is, I have always taken that to mean your emotional problems but today I had to take it literally as the hill I was physically climbing. I have turned over my mental problems to God and turn to him for help many times before. But today I realized I needed to turn over my physical problems to Him as well. I was struggling on that hike but imagining Him by my side as we walk down the hill and Him pushing me up the hill -- I was able to accomplish so much more. My knee stopped hurting, I was able to walk faster and start enjoying the hike.

Day 3: Give 110%

Calories Burned: 3700
Calorie Intake: 1200
Calorie Deficit: 2500

My biggest goal while being here is to give 110% at all times. I want to push myself to new limits. Never hold back. But today, with my hurt knee, I realized 110% can be very different each day and that is OK. As long as I start, try my best, and finish strong then I have nothing to be ashamed of.

I didn't burn as many calories today as I would have liked. I didn't make it to the halfway turn around of our 5 mile hike. But that is OK. I did my best and I am going to go to bed tonight proud of my effort. I struggled at times and went a little slow but I did it. I finished every squat, push up, and stair master. Yes, a 60 year old woman beat me on the rowing machine but I still finished strong, giving all that I had.

 It is so important to remember, at all times, that you can't compare your effort, time, weights, speed with anyone else but your self.

Day 2: Blood, Sweat & Tears

Calories Burned: 3,183
Calories Intake: 1,200
Calorie Deficit: 1,983

So technically there was no blood today. But I did throw-up during our morning run and twisted up my knee. The worst part is supposedly today is an easy day. HA!!!

It is my fault that I broke down crying and am currently icing my knee. I pushed myself too hard. I wasn't listening to my body but instead was comparing myself to everyone else. I think that is going to be my biggest challenge here. I need to put my blindfold on and focus on my body's limits instead of constantly watching and comparing myself to others.

I really need to learn how to tell the difference between pushing my boundaries to the limit and pushing too far. I guess it is my competitive nature - I always think I can do heavier weights or one more set.

Premier Fitness is really amazing. I know it is going to not only push me physically but also push me mentally. Throughout the day my thoughts went from "this is the best place in the world" to "holy shit I am going to die". But that is what makes it so amazing.

If anyone wants to send a care package I desperately need some icy hot and epson salt. :)

Day 1: Arrival

San Diego, here I am! Watch out because I promise when I am done here, everyone is going to say WOW! 

I am 60% unpacked and 100% ready to start. San Diego is gorgeous and I can't wait. 

Of course, I am incredibly nervous. I didn't sleep last night and I currently have gigantic butterflies in my stomach. But my roommate for the next month, seems very nice and I have a feeling we are going to become great friends and really help each other find success.

I'm Back!!

Hey Everyone - 

I am back on the blogging sphere and have very exciting news! I am about to start a 3 month fitness camp. I am heading to San Diego on Sunday to get my bum kicked by an ex-navy seal. 

Here is the link to my new home... http://www.premierfitnesscamp.com/san-diego-resort/

Here is a sample of my weekly agenda. Please start praying for me!