Back in the Gloves // My Martial Arts Workout

While everything else isn't exactly going the way I want it to, (well, besides my job) my workouts are going GREAT lately. If you follow me on Instagram, you are pretty much up to date. If you don"t follow me: Follow. Thanks.

My 2 mile run time is back on track, I do some more lifting, and I am trying to include more and more boxing / kickboxing workouts as well. Boxing is such an awesome cardio (check out this article on shape.com), and it helps me getting rid of stress.

I wish I had someone to do sparring with, but so far I haven't really found anyone. Especially since I've got attacked (read all about it HERE and HERE), I am doing more research on martial arts. It never hurts to be able to defend yourself. This time I was able to fight my attacker off... who knows what would happen next time? If the attacker is stronger?

So I really want to and should go back into martial arts. I loved doing kickboxing back in Germany, but I am ready for something new - another challenge. I was thinking about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which looks like it’s going to be a big fitness trend this year. Have you heard of it? Have you tried it?

Here's what my "martial arts" workout usually looks like

Warmup

5 Minutes Jumping Rope
1 Minute Rest
100 Jumping Jacks
1 Minute Rest
20 Walking Lunges
Static Stretching

Shadow Boxing

2 minutes on, 30 second break, 2 minutes on

Heavy Bag

Our gym doesn't have a heavy bag, but of there's one around, I do 10 minutes (jabs and kicks). I really hope this will be one of our next purchases though...

Strength

30 Bodyweight Squats
20 Push-Ups
20 Bicycles
20 Burpees
20 Russian Twists

After that I'm usually dead. If I still have energy, I do some more weight work after that, or go for a jog.

What's your workout routine? Are you into martial arts as well? Let me know!!

 

Well HELLO Size 8! I've missed you!

Sorry - I just realized I didn't really update you guys about all my weight-loss journey in a long long time! So here we go:

It's still work in progress, but my workouts are going great, my running improves continuously, and I started lifting a few months ago as well.

I picked up boxing again, thinking about going back to kickboxing at one point. But this depends on how well my lower back will works with me - or against me. I work out boxing-wise with one of our trainers who is a MMA fighter (his first pro fight will be Sept 19th!), or do shadow boxing and some nigtmare-ish cardio routine alone. I never thought I was capable of punishing myself the way I do lately when it comes to rope skipping, sit-ups, and push-ups!

Running: My average time on the 2 mile run is currently 18 minutes. The heat was killing me all throughout summer. Today we are still in the mid 90F. Right now I'm hoping for some cooler weather to come to South Arkansas soon, so I can start working on my long distance runs.

I've kicked out 70% of my wardrobe during the past months, since most of it wouldn't really fit well anymore. So yesterday I went to H&M in Shreveport, looking for some daisy dukes... I found some I really liked, and gave a size 8 a try...

I'd say they fit! Guess who did the happy dance right there and then, in the H&M changing rooms? So yes, overall my journey is going very well!

 

Review: Jillian Michaels Detox & Cleanse

I really believe there are so many benefits in doing a good detox program about twice a year. The crap that's building up inside your system, has to get kicked out of your body. Since my major issue is my lower belly (bloating etc.), I thought I might give my friend Jillian Michael and her "Thin Care Jillian Michaels Detox & Cleanse MetaCaps" a try. I purchased it for the sole purpose of detoxing.

FYI: This is not a sponsored post and I am by no means affiliated with Jillian Michaels and/or this product!
I just want to share my experience with you.

The product description is as follows: 

Thin Care Jillian Michaels Detox and Cleanse MetaCaps will help reduce belly bloat, reduce body waste buildup, support your colon and digestive system, help support the liver’s natural detoxification process, and help you feel lighter and more energized.


It really sound like a perfect fit to my needs. The set contains 28 MetaCaps for Detox & Cleanse, and 7 Probiotic MetaCaps. You start your detox taking 2 of the "Detox & Cleanse" in the morning, and 2 in the early evening. After the 7 days of detoxing, you start taking 1 Probiotic MetaCap a day. These supplements work to reduce body waste buildup, support the liver’s detoxification processes, and aid digestive health with probiotics.

I didn't really feel the detoxing effect right away. Around the 4th day though I felt way better! Definitely less bloated and more energized. During the first 2-3 days of the detox, I did experience a few cramps in my lower belly. I was about to quit to be honest. But now after finishing the 14 days, I am very glad I made it! It was definitely worth it!

_-_-_-_-_-_-__-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

I got my "Thin Care Jillian Michaels Detox & Cleanse MetaCaps" on Groupon, but I saw some good deals on Amazon.com as well.

Jillian Michaels Detox and Cleanse Kit with Probiotic Replenishment

• Total body cleanse kit designed to help dieters feel light and energized
• Works without chemical laxatives or fasting
• May reduce belly bloat
• Designed to reduce body waste buildup
• Probiotics made to support colon and digestive system
• Formulated to aid liver’s natural detoxification process
• 14 servings of Detox & Cleanse supplements
• 7 servings of Probiotic Replenishment supplements

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Ba-nana-na-na-nana // Weekend Recap LinkUp

Happy Monday!

How was your weekend? What did you do? Something exciting? Did you try any new recipes? No matter what you did, don't forget to link it up below, because we are all nosy and want to see it! And you might even be lucky enough to get picked for the Friday feature of the "Weekend Recap".

My weekend was pretty good. I've had my first weigh-in, and dropped 3 lbs in one week!! I am super happy all this work pays off. If you follow me on myfitnesspal.com or on here, you can see there is still a long way ahead of me. 3 lbs was just a beginning. But this first step makes me proud!

Besides a whole lot of exercise, I did read a lot as well. I just started Dan Brown's "Inferno", and it's page-turner! I am a huge fan of Dan Brown books, and especially the ones featuring Robert Langdon are awesome. I'm on page 450 right now, and hopefully will finish it today or tomorrow! Did you read "Inferno" yet? No spoilers, please!

I've tried a new recipe as well. No-fat banana muffins! There is no oil, or butter. 

It doesn't need it! Enjoy :)

For an even healthier version, use 3 egg whites instead of whole eggs, splenda or unsweetened apple sauce instead of sugar, and for the flour use 1 cup white & 1 c whole wheat. Using applesauce in place of sugar adds sweetness without the extra calories and, well, sugar. One cup of unsweetened applesauce contains only about 100 calories, while one cup of sugar can pack in more than 770 calories! You can sub sugar for apple sauce in a 1:1 ratio, but for every cup of applesauce you use, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup.

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Welcome to the 3rd edition of the "Weekend Recap" LinkUp!

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Weight-loss Journey: My First Scale Ever // 2 Ozeri WeightMaster Review

If you follow my workout updates on here, or my profile on myfitnesspal.com, you can tell I'm working hard to get to my goal weight lately. Running and my other workouts make it easy for me to stay under my calorie goal of 1270. Tonight I even had some french fries and wings! And ice cream! And muffins! I would consider today kind of a cheat day though, since I usually wouldn't eat all this, especially not for dinner. But today is the San Diego Chargers first pre-season game, so there HAD TO BE WINGS AND FRIES. Period.

A weight-loss journey doesn't lead anywhere without a scale. So I guess you can tell how happy I was when I got the opportunity to review one! I got sent the Ozeri WeightMaster (400lbs Digital Bathroom BMI Scale).

This is actually the first scale I ever owned! And: I like it! It is not your plain old scale. Look at all the features:

• BMI: Calculates your BMI (Body Mass Index)
• Weight Differential Detection: Displays both your current weight AND your net weight change (records up to 7 weights per user)
• Color Alert Technology: Highlights your net weight change in GREEN for weight loss and RED for weight gain
• Power: 3x AAA batteries (included)
• Capacity: 400 lbs / 180 kg
• Graduation: 0.2 lbs / 0.1 kg
• Auto Power On (Automatically turns on upon stepping on the scale. Also turns on via the UNIT button.)
• 3 Touch Screen Function Keys
• Automatic Recognition (for up to 5 unique users)
• Auto Power Off
• Overload Indicator "-----"
• Low Battery Indicator: "Lo"
• Height Range: 100 cm - 210 cm (3 ft 3.4 in - 6 ft 10.6 in)

"The Ozeri WeightMaster 400 lbs Digital Bath Scale with BMI and Weight Differential Detection was designed and engineered in the USA to provide a comprehensive yet simple weight management solution to measure and track your weight. 

Featuring BMI Measurement and Auto Recognition Technology, the Ozeri WeightMaster weighs up to 400 lbs and displays your BMI (Body Mass Index), a measure of your body fat based on your height and weight. Immediately after displaying your weight and BMI, the scale's Weight Differential Detection displays your "net weight change" from your last weigh-in (L1), the average of your last 3 weigh-ins (L3), and last 7 weigh-ins (L7). 

By measuring your weight once a day, the Ozeri WeightMaster empowers you to see how your current weight changes day to day, from the last 3 days, and over the previous week. For users who would rather just focus on their weight trend without worrying so much about the actual numbers, the WeightMaster features Color Alert Technology, which displays your weight change in a GREEN illumination for weight loss and RED for weight gain, providing a visual form of intuitive feedback. 

With built-in intelligence, the WeightMaster requires no complicated synching and spares you the data connection failures common to more expensive wireless and Bluetooth alternatives. 

Precision engineered and durably made, WeightMaster auto-calibrates with StepOn technology and auto-powers off to preserve battery life. The Ozeri WeightMaster is made out of impact-resistant tempered glass, and equipped with non-slip scratch-resistant feet that won't damage flooring. Ships with batteries included, and backed by Ozeri's 100% Hassle-Free Satisfaction Guarantee." via amazon.com

Good thing for Europeans like me: You can easily change the unit of measurement from Pounds (lbs) to Kilograms (kg). With the scale turned on, simply push the "Unit " button underneath the scale. Easy! Fow now I will leave it on "lbs" though. I have to get used to all the american units.... It's super tough :oD! 

When I was using the scale for the first time, I've had to set my profile. It definitely is a smart machine! It can save profiles for up to 5 users! Right now I am the only one using it, but if M decides to use it as well, we can set up his profile as well. It's super easy:

1. Place the scale on a hard surface. Avoid carpets and uneven floors.
2. Press "SET" to enter Setup mode. On the bottom right of the LCD you will see "User 1" flashing on the screen. This indicates you are in Setup mode, and you are now ready to enter the personal information for one of the 5 profiles that can be stored within the devices memory.
3. Select the profile number by pressing the up or down arrow buttons, and press "SET" to confirm. 
4. After entering your height, the scale will display "0.0" on the LCD screen. Immediately step on the scale and remain standing. The scale will next display your weight and BMI, and then power off after approx. 12 seconds. 
5. The next time you use your scale, it will recognize you and after displaying your current BMI and height, it will compare your current weight with the last recorded weight ti display your net weight change (L1) in color. Once the scale has recorded 7 weights associated with your profile, it will then be able to follow the L1 displays with your L3 and L7 net weight changes.
   L1 = The net weight change from your previous recorded weight
   L3 = The net weight change from your previous 3 recorded weights
   L7 = The net weight change from your previous 7 recorded weights

I have set my profile Saturday, and will step on the scale again every Saturday from now on. I know I could use the scale every day, but I know even better this would end up in an unhealthy obsession. Or me not eating at all. I hate scales. But since I am working out a lot, plus sticking to my healthy meals and calorie, I hope I will see progress on my weekly weigh-ins.

Sometimes I think I should have never stopped smoking. Gaining 50 lbs and my skin looking like a 14 year old teenager's. It sucks... 

I will continue my weight-loss journey though! And I will reach my goal - which is at least 37.5 lbs to drop.  I can do it. 

Thank you, Ozeri, for sending me the awesome scale! 

It will be a great companion on this tough journey!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


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Rain. Run. Plexus. // Weekend Recap LinkUp #2

Happy Monday!
How was your weekend? I was mostly sleeping, watching "Sister Wives", and working out. Since it was a really rainy weekend in southern Arkansas, I've mostly had to work out at home. But: Friday I went to the Union County Fair to do another 2 mile run, seeing if I can beat my previous PR (which was 21:06). 

And: I did it!!

I've started trying something else to move beyond this weight-loss plateau, besides workouts and eating wisely! Since one of my friends started working as a Plexus Ambassador, I've got the opportunity to test the "Plexus Slim & Boost" for 2 weeks. I started Saturday. After taking the first "Boost", I was a little worried, cause I could feel my heart-rate going up and me being a little shaky. It went back to normal after about 10 minutes though.

The "Plexus Slim" tastes way too sweet, for my taste! I added almost twice the suggested amount of water, and it was still almost unbearably sweet. This morning I was drinking it as a "shot", with just a sip of water. Of course it was super sweet, but since it was just one gulp, I was ok. 

Since I'm only on my second day, there is not much I can say so far. But today I have realized that I wasn't hungry. ALL DAY! I just realized I didn't eat anything besides a little bit of watermelon this morning, until Michael came home from work and I started making dinner. Crazy... I don't know if this is a good thing though? I will definitely start setting reminders on my phone now, so I won't forget to eat. 

I just hope Plexus will help me loosing some weight. As you can probably see, I've added a "Weightloss & Workouts" page to my blog. You can look up my latest tracked workouts, and my follow me reaching my goal from "My Fitness Pal". If you want to, you can follow my weight-loss journey on there! Just click here and send me a friend request! Weigh-ins will be on Saturdays, so you won't see anything on there until this coming Saturday. I hope the hard work pays off and the little runner pointer will move towards my goal... 

Did you try Plexus? Successful? Not?
Feedback truly appreciated!

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Welcome to the 2nd edition of the "Weekend Recap" LinkUp!

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Bye Bye July! // Still running!

Happy August 1st! Is it just me, or did July fly by? This will be our last month of summer in 2014 - well, maybe not for us, since we are in southern Arkansas. But I'm hoping for a wonderful Indian summer during September & October for all of us though!
What happened in July? Exercise wise I have started a new challenge. Means: I have started a new running training plan, and this time together with M. Since he applied for the Police academy, he has a fitness goal as well. Let me tell you: Working out with him is pretty awesome! He keeps pushing me, which is really motivating! He quit smoking end of June as well; still uses his Vapor every once in a while though. Nonetheless, I'm super proud of him!

I WANT THEM ALL!!
Left & Middle: via ConstantlyVariedGear on ETSY // Right: via teespring.com

So this new app we started using is called "Learn To Run". As I told you earlier, I have hit a plateau when it comes to running. I was doing alright on my 5k runs, but I wanted to run longer and especially faster. So this app is all about intervals. Walk. Run. Walk. Run.... 

The App comes with 2 training programs:

• Basic: 0 to 60 mins run

• Advanced: 60 to 120 mins run

Since I do 2 mile runs at the fairgrounds and take rest days as well, I finished "Day 15" of the Basic program today:

It's tough, especially when it is super hot and humid outside, but it's pretty effective as well! When I started, I was running the 2 miles in 24:54 minutes. 2 days ago, I achieved one of my goals:

2 miles in 21:06 minutes!!! And I've still had power and energy left, so next time I can try to push harder and go a little faster. Man, I was so happy when I checked my Polar FT7! Next goal will definitely be a 5k in under 31 minutes. My PR so far is 32:50. 

I still have tons of weight to lose. I still have to work on my push-ups and sit-ups. But I will get there! It's tough, but I will make it!

Another app I'm using to track all my workouts is called "Sports Tracker". Are you using it? If so, add me as a friend! My Username is: annischenk. So, while checking the app online today to see how I'm doing so far, I have realized this: 

I'm speechless. And this is just the beginning! :)

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Review + Giveaway: Garcinia Cambogia Extract by Natural Nutrition Labs

I am struggling with my weight again since I quit smoking. I was always active, but after about 6 months of being smoke-free, I started gaining weight - about 50 lbs in total.  Of course the 3 herniated discs making me stop working out for quite a while added up to this.Yep, bummer. But I am super proud I made it through one year already! Having a few extra pounds is still much healthier than smoking almost 1 pack of cigarettes a day. 
As you could probably see in my posts lately, I am on a good workout routine again! Since M wants to join the Police force, he joined me working out, and it is so much more fun going to the track together. We just started using an app on our Android phones called "Learn To Run". No, I am not getting paid to advertise this app on here - I recommend it because we really like it! If you want to start running, check it out! Best thing: It's for free! So go ahead. I don't know if it is available for Apple products as well. But I'm pretty sure there is something similar.I am running 5Ks for a while now, but I feel as if I hit a plateau. So I am starting from "zero" now, using this app as my training program.
At a certain point during weight loss, you will reach a plateau as well. I never really believed in taking any supplements, but since seeing them on "Dr Oz", I always wanted to try the "Garcinia Cambogia Extract". I am very happy I got the opportunity to review them on my blog. And if you want to test them, too, go ahead and enter my giveaway below!

    

I got my "Garcinia Cambogia" form Natural Nutrition Labs, who is a leading provider of dietary supplements on Amazon.com. Their Garcinia Cambogia has been scientifically formulated to reduce the appetite and increase metabolism helping people lose weight. The product is completely natural and does not have any fillers or binders.

What Is Garcina Cambogia Extract?

Garcinia cambogia is a small, pumpkin-shaped fruit, sometimes called tamarind. Though native to Indonesia, it is also grown in India, Southeast Asia, and West and Central Africa. It has long been used in traditional South Asian dishes, including curries and chutneys. Many also use the fruit for curing fish and preservation. Adding this ingredient to meals is considered to be effective in making meals more “filling.” In some villages in Malaysia, garcinia is used to make a soup that is eaten before meals for weight loss because of garcinia’s appetite-blocking abilities.

This plant offers one of the least expensive herbal supplements on the market. The ingredient from the rind of the fruit could hasten your weight-loss efforts. The natural extract is called hydroxycitric acid (HCA), and researchers claim that HCA can double or triple one’s weight loss.
With proper weight-loss efforts (dieting and exercising), the average person taking HCA lost anaverage of four pounds a month.
Garcinia may also be great for emotional eaters. Those who participated in the study showed an increase in their serotonin levels; hence, it may also improve mood and sleeping patterns.

          via Dr Oz

Garcinia Cambogia has featured on numerous TV shows including Dr Oz. He recommended Garcinia Cambogia calling it "The most exciting breakthrough in natural weight loss to date".

Garcinia Cambogia Extract Pure is a great support if you want to lose weight! BUT: Don't expect swallowing pills to get a result. You still have to be active and eat healthy. This is why I would give this product 4 out of 5 stars - the 5th has to be earned by YOU!

The pills work great for me as an support. I'm working really hard to get my old body back, and I am doing this by working out, eating healthy, and taking the Garcinia Cambogio Extract pills.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


 

Staying Active While Traveling

Today marks my last day in Germany. I've had a wonderful time! And you might have realized, I was trying to stay as active as possible while being over here. Here goes a list of activities you can easily include in your vacation time:

Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred Squeezing a 30 minute workout into your daily routine is or should be easy. So is packing 2 sets of workout clothes into your suitcase. Grab 2 water bottles if you don't have access to dumb bells, and get going! Put the workout DVD on your iPad or laptop, and bring it with you on your vacation. I was lucky my sister has the DVD. I was doing a good job keeping up the shredding over here, besides all the other activities. Currently I'm on day 14. 

Running

Pack your running shoes and explore the city and surroundings! That's what I usually do, no matter where I go! If there is a 5K run in the area during the vacation time -> do it and grab the medal as a nice souvenir!

Hiking Nothing is easier than putting on some sturdy shoes and leaving for a hike. Since hiking is becoming more and more a trend, there are wonderful hiking trails almost everywhere. Check out the AllTrails app - it's awesome to get started!

Last but not least: Sightseeing! My pedometer on the phone is exploding since I'm on vacation! I'm walking around so much during my sightseeing. Burning calories without even noticing is awesome!

 

Are you enjoying your weekend?

Happy Saturday!

I hope you guys are enjoying your weekends?

I am sitting at our new dining room table typing this. You can't even imagine how happy I am to finally have a place to sit down and do stuff. I found it at a yard sale group on Facebook for a greal deal! And they were so nice and even delivered it to our house this morning, since we don't have a truck.

One of the chairs

This is a picture of the dining room set (bad one - off Facebook)

The couch is fine, but after a while it is just messing up my back. Our household goods are scheduled to arrive in New York on 9th of April. Hopefully the whole customs process will go smooth. FYI: The car still didn't make it to us yet.... I am really mad.

Since I don't work, I have pretty "adventurous" days so far. I walk around El Dorado a lot - which is a real adventure already, because sidewalks either don't exist, or are death traps...
The city is lovely though! I already have a favorite coffee spot: PJ's!

Oh and I sure love the fact, that the Stadium is so close to our house! I go there a lot to run,/work out to loose some of my 40 extra pounds I feel I gained since quitting smoking 10 months ago. Also I have to train for my 5k run in Little Rock on Memorial Day weekend!!



It feels as if I'm in the worst shape ever... But I am fighting! And as soon as our stuff gets here, I will have all my Jillian Michaels DVDs, dum bells, and all the other workout stuff. Jillian makes it so much easier for me to get in shape...

I hope you are doing great!

Have a lovely weekend!

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Aaaaaaactive!

Geez, I look funny on this picture!!! 

I am really enjoying my time in Trier! I secretly packed my running gear and went for my first run since the herniated discs happened.  It was FANTASTIC! I am soooo happy to have the "Go!" from my doc. I went down to the Mosel river and started very slow. In the end I ran a little over 5k in 40 minutes. Not a fast pace, but a nice jog. Now I have to keep the good work up. 

But overall I am a pretty active person on my vacation so far!

Now it's Thursday already and I will go back to Bavaria Sunday evening... I'm definitely not ready to get back into the empty apartment yet.

I hope you all had a lovely day?
xoxo

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5 Ways to Keep the Holiday Season Healthy // A Post from Emily Stone

Hello ladies and gents!

Today I have the lovely Emily Stone guest-posting on my blog! Relax, and enjoy:
   

5 Ways to Keep the Holiday Season Healthy

  At this year’s holiday parties, you probably won’t see me camped out at the dessert table. No, I’ve got a better plan. The bowl of mixed nuts is mine, you hear? That might seem a little aggressive, but the holidays can be a horrible time for weight gain. If I want a healthier holiday season, I have to be reasonable. That doesn’t mean I can’t indulge, but I have to prepare for it so January won’t hit me like a truck.   1. Plan Ahead. Everywhere I go at this time of year there is a deluge of sweet treats to tempt me. If I plan to expect these treats, I can find ways to subvert them. I keep healthy but sweet and filling snacks in my car, and I make sure to eat regular meals. That way, if someone offers me a dessert, I can have a bite or two, and not eat half the pan. I have workouts ready to go, as well. I maintain a program of easy exercises on my smartphone that I can perform almost anywhere (think squats, calf raises, wall sits) and I keep a bag of exercise clothes in my car.   2. Rest Well. Ugh, who can sleep when there’s so much to do? Not most moms. When I had my first child, I swore that I would never lose sleep for presents and holiday parties. This has paid off. Not only do I avoid that haggard, exhausted look that most people get around the holidays, but I also cannot procrastinate. As a result, my holiday shopping is usually done by mid-November, with presents ready to hand out just after Thanksgiving. Sleep gives me energy that no amount of caffeine can adequately replace. I take it seriously.   3. Make It Healthy. As an amateur cook and baker, I have learned to make a few healthy ingredient exchanges. For example, butter. It’s good in small quantities, but that does not mean I can slather it on. In many recipes, mashed ripe bananas or applesauce will replace butter. Extra-virgin coconut oil is another fantastic alternative. It’s a saturated fat, but considered healthier than butter since it is a medium-chain fatty acid. When I first started using it, I was amazed by the flavor and texture that coconut oil contributes to my cookies and cakes. It’s light and delicious, without drying out the crumb the way butter can.   5. Go For Fullness. Rolls, cookies and cake breads, oh my! All it is, my friends, is carbohydrate overload. When I see a luscious spread in front of me, the temptation is go right to the brownies and the fudge. But step away from the sugar! When I hear temptation calling, I load up on protein. I add a scoop of protein powder into my morning fruit smoothie and it keeps me feeling full for hours, plus it helps to keep the sweet cravings at bay.   6. Detox. After my blood sugar has got back to normal after Thanksgiving, it’s time to go into detox mode. Despite the inclination to just eat my way through to New Year’s Day, I want to avoid the holiday weight slump. However, I also don’t like the “liquid only” type of cleanses. I recently ordered, and started, the reset cleanse from Beachbody to fill in the gap between Thanksgiving & Christmas. It’s a 3-week detox so it fit into my schedule perfectly and I’ll be finished (and hopefully feeling great) just in time for Santa’s arrival.   The holidays are wonderful, but they take a toll on my health. If you want to lose or maintain weight this season, like I do: plan ahead and minimize the diet damage.  

Emily Stone is a proud stay at home mom, a dedicated wife, and a wanna-be fitness freak. Emily left her full-time writing career to pursue her career as a full-time mom and she’s been loving every minute of it! Emily is in the process of starting up her own blog, but for now you can find her at @FitMommaEm

Thank you, Emily!

 

If you want to be a guest blogger on here, just shoot me an e-mail!

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TGIF. Seriously.

The weekend is here. Well, almost... Anyone else in desperate need of sleep? I am tired 24/7 lately, I get up, feel ok for about 2 hours, and then start yawning again. My doc is even concerned, so I have to go to a check up Wednesday morning to get a few things checked (Iron, Vitamin B12, and my thyroid).
Besides that "little" issue, I am doing GREAT sports-rehab-wise. My physical therapist is very happy with my progress, so since yesterday I am officially allowed to do more exercises again, INCLUDING ABS! Oh I'm happy! 
I still miss running like crazy though :o( but I have to give my body some time to get back on track. And hurrying will make everything worse. So lately you can see me on a machine that hardly saw me before: 

The step machine. 

For me it really is one of those chick-workout-machines... Where all these sheilas do their little-bitty moves but still being careful NOT to sweat. Cause of the make-up, you know.
But now, here I am. KILLING it on the chick machine! 30 mins at least. Sweating like a mo.... sorry, no swearing. Hehehehe, but I guess you can imagine me, red headed, sweaty, working out on the step machine. I started pumping iron again as well, but with a lot less weight than before. It feels good to slowly be back on a workout routine though. Oh and last night I got myself another motivation on eBay as well!!!!! I'm soooo excited and can't wait to start! Look:

Yes. It is "Insanity" and "The Asylum"!!! Shaun T! Our friend! Beachbody stuff! Anni is excited!! I will start doing it slowly, first checking out every small little workout on each DVD and modify stuff for myself if needed. Just the way I already do it with "Jillian Michaels - Yoga Meltdown". And if I'm still unsure if I can do an exercise, I can ask my little sister, who is a physical therapist as well :o) and a KICK ASS one! I'm proud of her and I looooove the fact she still likes me even though I keep asking weird health questions lately ;o)
So, I hope you all will have a smooth start into a wonderful weekend! And if you have any tips concering Shaun T and the workouts, let me know! I'd be happy to hear from you!
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That's what's up! // Major setback

Good morning from Germany!

Yep, it's been a few quiet days on my little spot of the interwebs. A lot is going on, again. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you already know what's up. If not, here is the whole story:

10 days ago, I couldn't walk anymore. It happened within seconds. I was at the office, having back pain all day. And when I was ready to leave and go home, me legs wouldn't work anymore. It took me about 30 mins to "walk" the 1/2 mile home. 

The word "pain" doesn't even describe what I've been through that night. It was horrible! The next morning my sis took me to the doc, who sent me to get an MRI, and you can see the results on the photo above. 3 herniated discs, plus one moving out already. 

Shocker! Major setback! After living a healthy life and having 2 more runs on my schedule, I had to stop. I guess you can tell how mad, sad, and disappointed I was. I AM.

After the MRI Friday I had to wait til Tuesday to see a neurosurgeon. Those days waiting we're like hell. Well, hell with pain killers. I couldn't stay in bed, and no sitting allowed, so I did a whole lot of walking. Walking around the house, walking around the park, walking around downtown.... Walking. It hurt really bad when I started, but after I kept moving for a while, the pain started to get less.

I went to the hot springs here in Fuerth as well and found out it was really good for my back and legs, I was the youngest person in there though. It's great feeling young being 31 though ;)

So Tuesday I FINALLY had the appointment with my orthopedist and the neurosurgeon. He looked at me, looked at my MRI pics, back at me, and asked: "are you sure this is your spine on these pictures? Cause if it's yours, I am really impressed how much progress you made in this short amount of time!"

Yessssss ;) now that's what aim talking about! 

I have to take it slow though. I'm still having pain, still taking meds, and probably will have to for a little longer. But I can move around easier now. I start physical therapy and I am officially allowed to use the bike at the gym so that's what I will try doing today. I have way too much energy since I was forced to stop my daily workout routine! But today will be the first day of me way back to Jillian ;oD!!

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend! I will try to get back on my posting schedule as well from now on!

3rd day in the 100s // Recipe to cool you down!

It's hot in Germany... Today is the 3rd day in a row we will have temperatures in the 100s. Which wouldn't be all bad, cause I LOVE the heat! BUT: AC is pretty uncommon in Germany. Sitting at my office now and it's already about 90F in here. Last night the outside temperature didn't go below 73F. I had the fan next to my pillow. Living on the top level of a 150+ year old house sucks. And what's wrong with this cat?? She still wants to cuddle up. Ugh.

So I want to repost one of my favourite summer recipes! Enjoy!

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Celebrated my 31st birthday as a finisher

Yesterday was my birthday. I turned 31. I had a wonderful day!

I went to work til around 2:30PM, then off to the pool with my sis and nephew, dinner on a restaurant's patio right by the riverside in the evening, and some good night's sleep in the night :o)

 



Surprise gift on my desk this morning :)



 



Yummy!



 

I'm pretty sure this year will be a wonderful and healthy year for me. Full of huge changes as well.

 

I am still smoke free. 15 days today! I'm really proud and I'm sure now I made it!

 

 

My First 5k run! 

 

But Saturday, June 15th, I did something, that makes me even prouder: I ran my first 5k run while it was around 85F and I finished it in 32 mins! It was one of the most amazing feelings EVER! I just did it, after working out hard for a while now. NO Couch to 5k App. Nothing. I was just constantly working on my fitness, by doing the Jillian Michaels workouts, going to the gym, riding my bike and changing my eating habits.

Losing some lbs is great. But the feeling I had runing the last few seconds towards the finish line, which was crowded by people and Samba bands and stuff: THIS was the best feeling and biggest reward! Oh and the little medal and certificate I got are neat as well ;o)

 

Sweaty, but HAPPY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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