WEEK 11 WRAP-UP: JAMIE EASON LIVE FIT PROGRAM

It's almost over!

On the one hand, I'm kind of sad.

On the other hand, I'm excited.

I'm excited to complete this program and be able to say that I made it through. I don't know if I've ever completed a full program from start to finish before. I usually lose steam about halfway through the program. Even though I missed a week, I'm at the end of Week 11 and next week is the last week.

I actually really enjoyed Week 11. It was circuits with less weight but more reps, and cycling through a circuit and THEN resting. I had to remind myself that this workout was more about reps and less about weight. But it was...dare I say, FUN?

But I will be honest. I know that I have not made the progress I had hoped I would because my nutrition is not 100% on point. It's not horrible, but I know that it could be better. There were some slip ups and some cheating. Okay, more than a few times of cheating, but I know that it's the reason for not losing weight.

And I know that it's not all about the number on the scale, but as a woman, I want to see that number go down! I'm just saying. But I know my problem. And I know that it's about progress, not perfection, so I won't beat myself up too much. Plus my husband says that he can see changes (even if I don't see them so much).

I just want to shake my fist at PCOS. It's a horrible disorder that makes it difficult to lose weight and makes you crave carbs! Any woman who is trying to lose weight's worst nightmare.

Oh well. I just have to keep chugging along. I have to remind myself that I have lost 30lbs since 2011...and that I used to be 30lbs heavier. It's these last set that are hard to get rid of.

Plus, FOOD IS DELICIOUS.

I really wish I loved vegetables.

WEEK 10 WRAP-UP: JAMIE EASON LIVE FIT PROGRAM

I have a confession to make.

Week 9 was a wash. I tweaked my neck and shoulder after I tripped on my suitcase (I know, a likely story) and was out of commission for the week. I couldn't even sit up straight without being in pain. Luckily, I was able to make an appointment with my chiropractor who clicked me back into place. It took about three days after that to feel back to normal and not sore anymore. 

This is real life. And accidents and bumps in the road happen.

In a weird twist of events, I actually missed going to the gym.

I'm happy to report that I was back in the gym this week and completed Week 10. 

So I must say that this was probably my least favorite part of the entire program. That's because it incorporated "active rest" period of plyometric type stuff such as mountain climbers, jump squats, burpees (I hate burpees) and such.

I survived.

But man, the third day in the gym after doing mountain climbers on Monday, my IT bands were killing. I didn't feel all the soreness at first, but as soon as I tried to do another mountain climber, my legs about fell off.

I'm not doing the carb cycling as the program suggests in the nutrition department, but I'm following a food plan laid out by my sister in law who is an aspiring bodybuilder. The food plan is set up to help me lose 15 lbs or so. It's a lot of food to eat!

WEEK 8 WRAP-UP: JAMIE EASON LIVE FIT PROGRAM

I've made it through two months of this program! 8 weeks doesn't sound too long, but considering that it takes time and dedication and commitment to complete any fitness program, I'm so proud to have made it this far.

This week included supersets and cardio.

This is a short and sweet update, because it's just more of the same!

Week 7 Wrap-Up: Jamie Eason Live Fit Program

My, my, my where has the time gone. You know, when I first embarked on this 12-week adventure, I never imagined that it was going to go by quickly. I figured more that it would be slow, possibly tedious, and easy to quit.

The funny thing is, I haven't quit! There have been some bumps in the road. Some stumbling blocks. Some cheating. But overall, I have been getting myself to the gym. And it's been awesome.

I wish I could say that I've been 100% faithful to the nutrition plan, but this is real life people.

However, the thing that I have learned in the process of this program is that when you want something enough, you're willing to put the work in like never before.

I have this goal, this desire, this yearning to start our family. And I know that a lot of it is on me. I know, I know, it's a 50/50 partnership with your spouse, but let's be real....I will be the one with the bun in the oven. And in a true, valiant effort to make things happen, I know that I need to get in shape.

If anything, exercising is just a good idea. Period. If there are added benefits such as lowered insulin resistance, less PCOS symptoms, and regulated hormones, then that's just a bonus.

Week 7 of the Jamie Eason Live Fit Program was more of the same from weeks 5 and 6, a little different, but cardio on non-leg days and dedicated leg days.

You know, I see the same people at the gym nearly every day. And even when I go at different times. Which makes me wonder, DO THESE PEOPLE WORK? How can they spend 3 hours at the gym everyday? Who knows. I don't. Maybe they do. Maybe they don't, it's none of my business.

But I can see that it's that laser type focus that helps you get things done. Build those muscles. Cut that physique.

Here's to Week 8.

Week 6 Wrap-Up: Jamie Eason Live Fit Program

Halfway done with the program! And I'm feeling great! And I feel like I'm Internet yelling! (which I wouldn't do in real life....it's easy to be excited online.)

Week 6 was interesting. My schedule was jam packed with things to do besides the gym, but I still made time to workout Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday. I decided to make the effort to go into work early so that I could leave early and hit up the gym. Or, like on Tuesday, where I felt like Superwoman because I dealt with some fraudulent charges on my debit card (thanks random person in South Carolina), walked my dog twice, went to get gas instead of running on fumes, had a photoshoot at the State Fair, and finished the day off at the gym. Under "normal" circumstances, I would have skipped the gym, but something in me was like, "you have time, you should go". So I did. Must be some extra energy from the regularity of working out. Let's go with it.

Week 6 workouts are identical to Week 5, with the incorporation of cardio on four days a week. I'm super excited that Gilmore Girls is now on Netflix because I have the perfect way to pass the time on the elliptical. I'm hoping that by adding cardio back into the workout, it'll start to burn a little more fat. 

The crazy thing about working out is that you want to see changes. Okay, I want to see changes. But because you see yourself everyday, it's a lot harder to see your own changes. That's why I'm making an effort to take photos weekly so hopefully, when I look back, I'll see how far I've come. I've found that relying on the number on the scale is a lost cause. 

Can I just say that I want the scale to budge?! Just a few pounds. While I'm glad that it hasn't gone up and since my heaviest-ever weight, I've lost 30lbs or so....it would be nice to see it go down a few more pounds. Especially with all my effort! 

Food and nutrition is more of the same. I must say, however, that I'm a fan of my protein shakes that I drink as soon as I get home from the gym. Jamie talks about supplementation and I think that the protein shakes are a huge part of that! 

I've been using Nature's Best Isopure Low Carb Dutch Chocolate Protein Powder. I also use it for the protein bars I've made. I love it because it tastes good when mixed with water (which seems rare in the protein shake world) and it packs 50g of protein per serving. I haven't found any other protein powder with that much protein. Most have 20-25g per serving. This one has double that! I've purchased it from Puritan's Pride and Amazon.

I've also been using Advocare's Catalyst, which is their BCAA (branch chain amino acids) product before I go workout. I can't say I notice a difference between taking them and not because since I've started this program, I've taken them every workout. I'd try it without them, but why do that?!

I can't believe that Week 7 is already here. At the outset, 12 weeks seems like a long time. But with how fast the days go by, it's really not that long!

Week 5 Wrap-Up: Jamie Eason Live Fit Program

Made it through Week 5!

I think the best benefit that I have gained from starting this program has been the new habit of going to the gym. And not just going to the gym, but going to the gym with purpose. Knowing which machines to use and how many reps to do.

Week 5 starts Phase 2 of the Jamie Eason Live Fit Program. In Phase 2, cardio is put back into the workout. Also, workouts are increased to 6 days a week. Now, I will be honest, going to the gym 6 days a week is not the easiest endeavor. In fact, with my schedule, I still only find myself going 5 days a week, but that's still exponentially more times than I have gone in the last two years. 

I think that through this program I have used my gym membership more in the last five weeks than in the last three years. (I have a sweet deal at 24hour Fitness with a yearly membership fee of only $99. I hope they never revoke that! It was set up maybe 15 years ago [crazy!] through my dad's then-workplace with a sweet corporate discount. 

Anyway, as much as I love doing weight workouts, I'm not a huge fan of cardio. Luckily, it's only for 30 minutes and with the miracle of technology, I can pass the time watching Netflix. On current rotation: Gilmore Girls and Call the Midwife. 

Also in Phase 2 is lifting heavier weight since the rep count is lower. This means more like 85% total max reps. One of the really cool things is to see myself gain strength. I have yet to see a lot of muscle definition thanks to good ol' layers of chub, BUT I feel stronger. I did bicep curls with 20lb dumbbells! What?!

Food has and always will be a challenge. I've been really good about bringing my food to work and eating it there. However, my lunches are boring and kind of not exactly on the food plan. I'm eating bread. WHHHHATTT?! I'd like to point out that it's "Flax and Fiber" bread so I'll rationalize that at least it's not white bread, right? I've noticed that eating every few hours has definitely been beneficial to both my blood sugar level and mental state. 

Before I started this program, I would go hours without eating and then be ravenous and hangry until I got some food in me. I would get the shakes because my blood sugar was low. Not the smartest, I know, but finally, finally, finally, I'm seeing the light. 

I do have a cheat day(s) on the weekends, so I do account for slower progress due to that fact, but I'm okay with it. I feel myself getting stronger and will continue doing my best to eat healthy. It's been 5 weeks of no fast food, too! That's a miracle in and of itself!

Onto week 6!

WEEK 4 WRAP-UP: JAMIE EASON LIVE FIT PROGRAM

I've made it through another week!

I'm kind of sad that the workouts won't be just weight lifting anymore as cardio starts up next week. But I guess it's needed for further progress.

I can already see that things are about to get tough in terms of being able to keep my schedule of working out while balancing work, photo shoots, and other social events. I'm not a huge social butterfly, so I think in most cases I'll be able to bow out of events, but there are just some things that are going to bump my workouts.

I'm loving the weight lifting though. I can feel myself feel stronger in just these four weeks. I'm looking forward to where I get in another eight weeks.

Also, I really need to work on gym selfies. I'm not very good...at all. But look! A wee muscle seems to be popping out in my bicep!

I know that I could be doing even better if I was really strict with my food, but the fact that I'm even making it to the gym on the daily, I'm going to give myself a high five for that alone.

Let's do this Week 5.

Week 3 Wrap-Up: Jamie Eason Live Fit Program

Another week has gone by and I am entering week 4! It's gone by so quickly and I think that I have developed a new habit: working out!

I still need to be better about my nutrition, not that I have been eating exceedingly bad, but I have not been super strict about my diet either. Which I'm okay with because I feel more sane that way. Friday nights are usually my cheat day and I'm good with it.

I know that anything that is worth the effort doesn't come easy. But I have to say, I wish I liked vegetables. I really do hate them. And maybe it's the way I prepare them, but broccoli makes me want to gag. Green beans are totally unappetizing. And of course the only way I really will eat them is if they are slathered in a sauce or something. Totally defeating the point.

Luckily, I have one saving grace in this battle with vegetables: the green smoothie. I am onboard with green smoothies. I can eat a whole pile of spinach and never even have to taste it. (I must say, I do like spinach salads). And mixed with frozen berries, it's the perfect frozen treat.

My Green Smoothie Formula:

1 cup water
1-2 cups fresh spinach
1 banana
1 cup frozen fruit


Blend the water and spinach first. Then add the banana. Then the frozen fruit. Voila, perfect smoothie.

I'm wondering if I can toss broccoli in there and get the same effect. I know some people use kale, and I have yet to try that out. But I imagine that as long as there is fruit, the taste of the veggies should disappear.

My husband thinks I'm ridiculous for my distaste for vegetables. But what can I say, growing up, our vegetables included salad (with Ranch dressing) and corn. Carrots in pot roast or curry. And yeah. Seldom would you see broccoli on our dinner table. It's okay, I still make him broccoli and attempt to eat a few pieces before it makes me want to hurl.

So there's that. About the workouts...

In Week 3, Jamie encourages you to increase your weights from the 60% max weight from Weeks 1-2, to 85% of max weight. Sometimes it's a little hard to figure out the accurate weight to lift, but the reps have been decreased from 12 to 10.

I definitely feel like I am getting stronger. I've increased the weights I'm lifting by at least a plate on the machines and I'm doing bicep curls with 15lb dumbbells! One day it'll be 30lb dumbbells.

I'm still enjoying the no cardio. In Phase 2, cardio starts up and I think I'll be choosing the elliptical. I'm also hoping that by incorporating cardio with weight lifting, I'll start to see even more changes.

I'm learning that the scale is not a friend. It's like that annoying kid in class who wants to trick you and point and laugh. And I know that I shouldn't weigh myself everyday because of fluctuations based on the time of the month and whatnot, but man, I want that digital display to move!

Oh well.

Onto Week 4!

Week 2 Wrap-Up: Jamie Eason's Live Fit Program

It's really kind of weird to be saying that I've enjoyed working out. But, I've enjoyed working out on this program so far. It's probably because there's no cardio involved.

I know some people are crazy about cardio.

I am not one of those people.

That's why I'm super happy to get in and out of the gym and completely bypassing the cardio machines.

Most of the workouts require free weights and there have been times where I feel like I have to fight people for equipment, but for the most part, I'm able to grab the machines or weights without a problem.

Things I've learned/observed since starting back at the gym:

1. The receptionist at this 24-Hour Fitness rocks a crooked weave. It's one of those things where you wonder if they know just how bad/fake it looks. AND IF IT'S ON PURPOSE.
2. There are a lot of big dudes that workout here. Like with big muscles. And they're always here when I get here. Which makes me wonder do they work or what?
3. I get really annoyed when people monopolize the equipment. All I need is about 10-15 minutes (probably less) with the squat rack. This woman took her sweet time and must have done like 8 sets. Like I get it, but there are other people here! Stop being selfish.
4. People are sweaty. And it's really gross when said sweaty people don't wipe down equipment after using it. I don't want your sweat mixed with mine. That's gross. I'm sweaty too.
5. WHO ARE THESE WOMEN WHO ARE WEARING FULL ON MAKEUP AT THE GYM?
6. And same said women who are clearly wearing their outfits in an attempt to catch anyone's eye. I know this has to do with self confidence.
7. I'm a terrible gym selfie taker.

I can say that even though it's only been two weeks, I definitely feel a little bit stronger. I've been able to up the amount of weight I've been lifting, although I'm trying not to rush it.

As far as the food front goes, it's going okay. It could definitely be better.

I've been good about bringing my lunch to work, which helps me not to stray out to a fast food joint. I'm not going to lie, French Fries and Shakes sound delicious!

I have to say that Jamie Eason's Chocolate Protein Bars have been my saving grace. They satisfy my sweet tooth and I love that it's not cheating!

I do wish that I liked cooking more. It's not that I hate it, it's more that I feel like I hit a wall when it comes to figuring out what to make. If I could have my meal plan decided, purchased, and prepped for me, I'd have no problem with cooking every night. Sadly, that would mean hiring a personal chef. Not something in my budget.

Overall, I'm really happy that I'm doing this program, taking it day by day. I'm looking forward to see what kind of progress I can make happen.

Week 1 Wrap-Up | Jamie Eason's Live Fit Program

Last week I completed Week 1 of Jamie Eason's Live Fit Program.

This week I start Week 2 of the Live Fit Program via BodyBuilding.com.

And so far, it's been great!

Gym Selfie Week #1

Now, I'm not normally the type to get excited about working out, but returning to the gym and lifting weights has been really therapeutic in many ways. 

I like that there is no cardio this first month so that I focus on just lifting heavy things. 

I also like that I can take an hour out of my day, pop in my earbuds and just concentrate 100% on myself. We all need this, you know? 

I'm also excited at the results. In one week, I lost 3 lbs! I saw a number that I haven't seen in YEARS. I've been stuck at the same weight (which is the weight I was when I got married five years ago and before I gained 30+ lbs), for a couple of months, so I'm excited that this made it budge.

The eating more often thing has definitely been an adjustment. I've become so accustomed to do periods of eating and fasting (sometimes to the point of totally putting lunch off for hours) that getting to eat more often has had its own learning curve.

And to be totally honest, I haven't stuck 100% to the recommended eating plan, but I would say that it's been a good 80% and making good/best available choices for the other 20%. This has helped keep me sane.

Our dinners for the past few months have consisted of protein + vegetable, so there's no big changes there. It's just sometimes, things get monotonous and you need something to spice it up. I tried Jamie's recipe for a 3 Bean Turkey Chili and it was tasty. I think it's a great choice for having leftovers and a filling lunch option. 

I'm totally digging the Chocolate Protein Bars that Jamie has a recipe for. While they are not brownies in any sense, when you have that chocolate craving, they definitely do the trick. 

This next week includes 4 days at the gym with the weekend to recover. I'm ready for it!

Jamie Eason's Chocolate Protein Bars

So when I heard about these protein bars, I was kind of skeptical. After reading the list of ingredients I didn't think that their was any way that these could taste good. Like for real. I was even hesitant to make them. But since I made a commitment to stick to this program and it was one of the few things on the list that was sweet (and I LOVE SWEETS), I bit the bullet and decided to go for it.

Well, I was pleasantly surprised! As someone who will easily spit out food if it tastes gross to me, I was really happy about how these turned out. I ended up using Chocolate Whey Protein Powder (since that's what I have for my protein shakes) and I used Apple/Pear/Banana and Apple/Blueberry baby food (that was the first time I was ever in that aisle!). As for the Oat Flour, I googled it (since I couldn't find it in my local Kroger) and I simply put a cup of Old Fashioned Oatmeal in the food processor. So easy...and free!

While these protein bars resemble brownies, they do not taste like them. However, they do taste good! The taste is like a semi-sweet chocolate and they have the texture of a cake-like/spongy brownie, minus all the sugar! I had one while I was around some friends and they thought I was being greedy keeping the "brownie" to myself.

I would definitely make these again!

Chocolate Protein Bars

Calories: 96
Fat: 1.4 grams
Carbs: 12 grams
Protein: 10 grams

Ingredients:
1 cup Oat Flour (I put a cup of Oatmeal in the food processor and pulsed until fine)
4 Egg Whites
2 scoops Vanilla Whey Protein Powder (I used Nature's Best Isopure Dutch Chocolate Whey Protein Powder)
½ cup Splenda, Truvia, or Ideal
½ tsp Baking Soda
¼ tsp Salt
8oz Berry flavored Baby Food
3 tbsp Baking Cocoa
4oz Water

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix dry ingredients (oat flower, vanilla whey protein, baking soda, salt, baking cocoa)
together in a large bowl.
3. Mix wet ingredients (egg whites, Splenda, Truvia, or Ideal, Berry flavored Baby
Food,Water) together in a medium sized bowl.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix together.
5. Spray cooking dish with a non stick butter spray and add batter to dish.
6. Bake 20-30 minutes in oven.

Makes 16 squares, serving size=2 bars.

Original Recipe: Jamie Eason's Chocolate Protein Bars

Jamie Eason's Live Fit Program: Getting Started

For the past six months, I've been going to Pure Barre classes. I love Pure Barre because it's low impact, but you definitely feel the burn, right away. Also, as a former dancer, it gives me my fill of ballet-like moves, even though there is zero dancing involved. I think it's all the turnout exercises.

However, my membership term came to an end, and while I love Pure Barre, it's not cheap. It's totally worth it, but I wanted to try something different. I'll most like go back to Pure Barre in January. I already miss it. Even though sometimes, it feels like a struggle to simply get there. As soon as I'm in class and we've made it through the first warmup I know that's it's just downhill. In a good way.

Well, a few weeks ago I was perusing the web and came upon the Made with Love blog. I had heard and read about Jamie Eason's Live Fit Program a while ago and thanks to the good ol' World Wide Web, I was looking for some reviews. Enter Alesha's blog. She did a week-by-week update of her progress and food prep. It's awesome. It's what sold me on the idea of doing Jamie Eason's program. (It's a free program by the way!)

With our struggles to get pregnant (while everyone and their sister gets preggo!) I knew that some additional weight loss couldn't hurt. PCOS sucks and the whole "trouble losing weight" is a bugger. It's just the "symptom" every girl wants, right? And while I love me some Pure Barre, I just needed a change of pace. Plus, who doesn't want Michelle Obama arms? A girl can dream, right?

So on Saturday I hit up the gym to make sure my membership still worked and then on Monday, yes, Labor Day, I started the Jamie Eason Live Fit Program.

Gym selfies are the most awkward, but I needed a "before" photo. And the gym wasn't too crowded in that corner!

It's funny how much you don't realize you'd made progress until you see an old photo. As of this blog post, I've lost 26 lbs from my highest weight, and finally made it back to my pre-wedding weight. The married 20 is for real. The struggle is real. In fact, in the first year of marriage, I gained almost thirty pounds. Talk about no self control, portion control, or limits! Goodness.

My goals in doing this program are to lose 10-15lbs and gain muscle. I'd love to see more tone and definition throughout. Overall, I just want to feel better and healthier. And maybe, just maybe it'll help with my PCOS symptoms.

The Live Fit Program is 12 weeks long with the first month being weight lifting alone. As someone who prefers not to run (actually, I loathe it), this no-cardio thing is totally welcome! I'm pretty excited to spend this first month just lifting weights. In fact, weightlifting was my favorite unit in high school PE. (I hated tumbling! BTW, why is "tumbling" even a unit?!)

My husband's brother has been bulking and building his physique over the last year thanks to his wife who is an aspiring bodybuilder (and about to have their first baby). I consulted her back in January (before I started up Pure Barre) when I first embarked on returning to the gym. While I have no aspirations of becoming a bodybuilder or anything like that, I know that they are awesome resources.

I think that my biggest challenge is not going to be the workouts. It's going to be the food. I know that preparation will be the key to success in all of this. And some self control wouldn't hurt either.

I'm excited about this journey. I plan to blog my progress and use this blog to help keep me accountable. While 12 weeks sounds like a long time, I know that it will pass quickly. I want to give my all to this program and make the most of it.

I'll report back with my thoughts on Week 1 of Jamie Eason's Live Fit Program!