For as long as she could remember Katie struggled with her weight but in 2009 she made the choice to “get healthy once and for all”.  Almost a year and a half later ,Katie had lost 125 pounds! What I appreciate most about Katie’s story is her honesty and down to earth attitude. She openly shares about everything from her “ever constant battle with binging eating” to worrying about her kids being overweight to buying clothes at thrift stores on her blog Runs for Cookies.

Not only is Katie an inspiration to her blog readers but she is a wife and stay at home mom to two boys and four cats.

Girl Hero Katie

In 2009 you “decided to lose the weight and to get healthy once and for all”. Was there a catalyst for this decision? How long did it take to lose 125 pounds?

My elder son, Noah, wanted to take the training wheels off of his bicycle, and he wanted me to run alongside his bike while he learned to ride the two-wheeler. I barely made it down the street before I was gasping for breath; I physically couldn’t do it! I felt like a terrible mom, and I vowed that when it was my younger son’s turn to learn, I would be ready. I started calorie counting, and eventually, exercising. It took 16 months to lose 125 pounds.

You counted calories right? Do you still count? I hear a lot of people talking about counting calories as if it’s this horrible thing. (I don’t think that.) Do you feel that way?

I switched back and forth from counting calories to counting Weight Watchers’ Points (which is essentially the same thing). I think calorie counting is a great way to lose weight! I didn’t have to eliminate ANY foods from my diet; I could eat anything I wanted, as long as I planned for it and counted it. In the past, I’d tried all the fad diets, but they were impossible to keep up with for the long term. Counting calories/Points is something I can do forever without feeling deprived.

How did you family and friends respond to your decision to change your lifestyle?

At first, I think my family and friends thought it was “just another attempt” that I was making, so nobody took it too seriously. It wasn’t the first time I’d tried to lose weight! Once my results became visible, and they saw that I was sticking to it for the long haul, they were very happy and encouraging for me. My sister called me every week to ask how it was going, and when I reached 100 pounds lost, she treated me to a makeover. When I reached my goal weight, my parents gave me $5 for every pound I’d lost, and I used the money to fly to Minnesota to run a race with my brother. I have a pretty awesome family!

Do you find losing or maintaining weight more challenging?

Honestly, it’s pretty much the same. Losing weight was slightly more challenging because I was eating a little less than I am now, but the only thing that changed from weight loss to maintenance was the amount of calories/Points I was eating. Right after I lost the weight, my weight bounced up and down with about 15 pounds, because I had a very hard time adjusting to maintenance–I kept trying to eat “intuitively”, where I didn’t measure my food or count calories. But that just didn’t work for me. I need more structure than that. Now, I finally feel like I have the hang of it!

Can you tell us a little bit about how you took up running and why you love it?

I never imagined that I would one day call myself a runner. I was making a bucket list near the beginning of my weight loss, and I put a very ambitious goal (at the time) to enter a 5K race and RUN it. I’d never even run a mile before, so a 5K seemed nearly impossible. My friend Renee helped me get started, and she signed up for a race with me. She kept me encouraged to keep going, and somewhere amidst the training, I became hooked on running. I loved the way it made my body feel! I ran a 10K after that, then a half-marathon, and now, I’ve run two full marathons. Every time I get done running, I feel like I did something amazing for my body. And it allows me to eat more!

Getting fit clearly changed you on the outside. Has there been internal changes as well?

I always thought that if I ever got thin, I’d be very fun, loud, and outgoing; in reality, I’m still the same shy, introverted woman that I was before–but setting and reaching goals has made me see a whole new side of myself. I have much more confidence in what I can accomplish now, and I step out of my comfort zone all the time to do things I never would have before. I’ve even been on national television twice (The Dr. Oz Show in 2011 and the Today Show in 2013), which is something I never would have had the courage to do before I lost the weight! I also used to be terrified of flying, and after I’d lost 100 pounds, I faced my fear on a tiny little, two-seater, open-toppped, airplane. I almost threw up before getting on, because I was terrified, but I was SO excited afterward when I did it!

You have struggled with binge eating. I particularly enjoyed this post. Is binging still a struggle for you? Can you share a little bit of your experience in overcoming binge eating?

Binge eating is something I’m probably going to have to deal with forever, unfortunately. I’ve had long stretches of time without a single binge, but I’m always fighting the urge. Binge eating is something that relaxes me when I feel anxious or stressed, so I’ve had to find other ways to deal with that. I’m a much happier person when I’m staying binge-free, so I’m always trying to find ways to replace the binge eating. Right now, I’m six months binge-free, which I’ve written about here!

What motivates to continue of this health journey?

My blog readers! My blog readers continue to inspire me every single day. I recently started a series on my blog called “Motivational Monday“, where my readers share what they’ve done in the previous week that made them feel proud. People have shared everything from walking their first mile to running marathons, to reaching weight loss milestones… and reading all the things they are doing makes me want to set and reach more goals for myself.

Any advice for others who are starting their own journey to improve their health?

My best advice is to only make changes that you’re willing to live with forever. Don’t give up your favorite foods to lose weight, because you know that you can’t do that forever; likewise, don’t vow to work out six days a week for two hours a day–that’s unrealistic to maintain forever. I made changes that were do-able, and I just kept at it every single day! The persistence is the most important thing.

Thank you Katie for your honesty and sharing your story!!!!

You can connect with Katie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and her blog, Runs for Cookies.

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

Keep up with my kettlebell workouts, real food recipes, and more in one of three ways! 1. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. 2. Subscribe to the RSS Feed or 3. “like” Girl Heroes on Facebook. Simple dimple!

Journey with our family on the road at Newschool Nomads as we travel fulltime in RV through the United States!

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We shot this kettlebell circuit in New Castle Battery Park in Delaware on a really hot and humid day. Not my idea of an ideal workout enviroment but since we weren’t staying the night in Delaware I didn’t have much of a choice if I wanted to complete my goal of doing a kettlebell workout in every state.

Delaware was one of the original 13 colonies so keeping with my dorky-ness theme this kettlebell workout is geared towards beginners.

Kettlebell Circuit – Delaware

1. Kettlebell Swings
2. Clean and and Press (Alternating)
3. Goblet Squats
4. Rows (Alternating)
5. Reverse Lunges
6. Curl/Reach/Extension
7. Russian Twists
8. Plank

Set a timer (I use a Gymboss) for 8 minutes of 30 second work/rest intervals or whatever interval suits you best.

Repeat circuit 2-3x.

Oh and put more power in your swings than I did in this kettlebell circuit. Geez! I look like I’m half asleep!

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

Keep up with my kettlebell workouts, real food recipes, and more in one of three ways! 1. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. 2. Subscribe to the RSS Feed or 3. “like” Girl Heroes on Facebook. Simple dimple!

Journey with our family on the road at Newschool Nomads as we travel fulltime in RV through the United States!

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Mo Talbot is a student, stay at home mom and a weight loss ambassador. Take one look at her before and after pictures on her Facebook page and you’ll see why. I “met” Mo when a friend of mine shared one of her motivational wall posts. I liked what I read and clicked through. I’m so happy I did. Mo is kind, bubbly, encouraging and committed to her goals.

Not only does Mo spend time encouraging others with her if-I-can-do-it-you-can-too-atttitude on her very well liked Facebook page, I Got Tired of Being Fat and Got in Shape, she is also a busy mom with two kids ages 12 and 9. Mo also enjoys playing the guitar and dancing. She loves indoor rock climbing, bodybuilding, and weightlifting.

1. What was your lifestyle like before?

My life before I lost the weight was pretty sedentary, I went to school and I was busy but I was not physically active, I ate whatever I wanted and I was pretty unhappy with the way I felt inside and how I looked outside.

2. How did you lose weight? The basics of your plan.

I ate myself lean! I did a total change of my eating habits and exercises habits. I did it with real food, no shakes, pills, shots, or surgeries. I stopped eating refined sugar ( or any sugar for that matter honey, raw sugar, brown sugar etc) and refined flours, I limited my starches (potatoes and corn) and I ate a lean protein and a fruit or vegetable every 2 to 3 hours. I stopped eating fried foods, sweets, and mayonnaise! It is my weakness!!! 

3. How has your attitude toward food changed?

I used to eat to help me feel better, it was my comfort. I ate when I was happy, sad, depressed, bored, I ate to celebrate whatever came my way, I ate out of anger. My emotions were always represented in my foods. I don’t do that anymore. I eat for my body to look the way I want it to look, i do allow myself a treat once a week. But My attitude towards food is completely different . I am stronger than food!

4. Any current fitness goals?

I am currently training to do a bodybuilding competition in the bikini category. I want to prove to myself that I have the determination to get up on stage, even though I am completely scared of it.

5. What gave you the idea to start your inspirational Facebook page?

 I started a page because so many of my friends were asking me how I did it, so instead of writing everyone a personal email ( which I did for the longest time) I decided to write a note on my page where I could point people to it. I also would post quotes and stuff to keep ME motivated, and people started liking it and that is how I am here today.

6. What inspires/motivates you to eat healthy and workout?

Me! I keep myself motivated from within. Nobody else can do this for me. I have truly found that motivation comes from our deepest desires and when we really want something we will go after it no matter what or who gets in the way. I am my own motivator. That may sound selfish but honestly it all comes from within. I keep doing this day in an day out because I never want to feel the way I used to feel. It is so much more than just being thin, it is truly a mental thing my change has truly been more mental than physical. 

7. Any advice for people who are struggling to lose weight?

Look deep within at the reasons why you want to lose weight and make sure that it is because YOU want to, not because people around you want you to. Once you find the reasons why YOU want to lose weight then remember them DAILY and you will be your own motivator. Give yourself NO room for failure. NO EXCUSES.

8. And for fun, if you could have any superpower what would it be and why?

Oh my gosh.. hahhaha a superpower?? lets see… the power of persuasion. So people would do what I want them to do !!! HAHAHHAHA

Thank you Mo for sharing your journey with us. Your commitment to health is encouraging! Be sure to like Mo’s Facebook page for more inspiration!

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

If you enjoyed this post you can follow one of three ways! 1. Subscribe to the RSS Feed 2. “like” Girl Heroes on Facebook, or 3. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. Simple dimple!

Check out our family’s adventures being inspired to follow you dreams at New School Nomads as we take a year long RV road trip through the United States!

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May is the last full month of spring before summer “officially” kicks off with Memorial Day.

Longer days make summer the perfect time for evening strolls.

If you are like me (and most Americans) you could use a little more movement. This month in anticipation of my summer strolls (and if I’m honest, swimsuit season), I’m focusing on the most basic form of movement— walking. I’m taking on a personal 10,000 steps, the number most experts recommend, a day challenge.

Movement Matters May – A 10,000 steps a day challenge

A few years ago, I discovered just how love walking and its importance to my overall calorie burn. According to my Bodybugg, I burned way more calories on days I walked a lot than on the days I worked out but was otherwise sedentary. What I got what movement of all kinds, even the humble walk, matters. Walking has many benefits other than burning calories.

Health Benefits of Walking

• Our bodies are designed to walk
• Low impact – walking puts very little stress on the body
• Improves or maintains cardiovascular health
• Helps or maintains weight loss which results in a long list of health benefits.
• Reduces likelihood of some diseases such as diabetes
• Increases longevity
• Great stress reliever
• Improves mood
• Encourages mental clarity
• Can be meditative

And while this isn’t necessarily a “health” benefit, walking doesn’t require any fancy equipment. This month for my 10,000 steps challenge I’m going to be using a simple pedometer. I use the Omron HJ-203 Pedometer with Activity Tracker. It’s fairly inexpensive and seems to be accurate.

While walking boasts many benefits and is easy, I still often find myself putting it on the back burner in place of “more important” tasks at hand. You know things like Facebook.

Not this month.

10,000 steps a day.

Why walk? Why not do the 10,000 kettlebell swing challenge again?

While I enjoy more extreme challenges, I’m also trying to slow down, simplify, get honest with myself, and get back to the basics. Nothing is more basic than walking. Plus there are all those benefits I mentioned.

But…. but… but….

What if 10,000 steps is too much? Don’t fret! One study showed that “individuals achieving > or = 5000 steps had a substantially lower prevalence of adverse cardiometabolic health indicators than those obtaining fewer steps.” So if 10,000 steps seems like too many…start where you are. Try working up to 5000 first and then go from there. Eventually you will reach 10,00 steps.

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

If you enjoyed this post you can follow one of three ways! 1. Subscribe to the RSS Feed 2. “like” Girl Heroes on Facebook, or 3. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. Simple dimple!

Check out our family’s adventures being inspired to follow you dreams at New School Nomads as we take a year long RV road trip through the United States!

The post Movement Matters May – 10,000 Steps a Day Movement Challenge and the Health Benefits of Walking appeared first on Girl Heroes.

I’m writing my next thirteen kettlebell workouts with beginners in mind. You’ll see lots of presses, squats, cleans, rows, and, of course, swings.

Why the next thirteen? Because I’m a nerd. Because I’m easily entertained. Because we are going to be traveling through the original 13 colonies and just like the colonist had to start somewhere so does the beginner girevik. Combining history, travel, and kettlebells. I bet you won’t find another fitness blog that does that.

Of course, if you are more advanced you can always swap out more difficult progressions, pick up a heavier kettlebell, or do more rounds. Or if you are brand new to exercise you can skip kettlebells all together and find a trainer who can teach you the basic some basic movement patterns. If that isn’t an option you could stick with bodyweight/mobility exercises to build up some core strength. Then come back later. Or if you insist, use a light kettlebell and do less rounds.

We filmed this workout in a little tiny town in Georgia called Glenwood. By chance, we came across this quiet campground and it was so peaceful we decided to stay awhile.

The sunset the night before we filmed the workout was beautiful. A nasty storm followed. Fun times in the RV.

Anyway onto the workout.

Kettlebell Workout for Beginners – Georgia

1. Squats – 5-8
2. Single Kettlebell Bear Crawl* – Find a length you feel comfortable walking. I crawled about 100 feet
3. Presses – 5-8 Each Arm
4. Overhead Walk Right** – Find a length you feel comfortable walking. I walked about 150 feet.
5. Swings – 20
6. Overhead Walk Left – Again find a length you feel comfortable.
7. Rows – 5-10 Each Arm

Repeat 3-7 times.

This kettlebell workout travels back and forth. Start at point A with squats. Bear crawl to point B. Then do presses followed by an overhead walk back to point A for swings and so on. 

If you don’t have a long length to walk you could always set a timer for about 30 seconds and walk around your house or back in forth in your backyard.

*If you are unable to hold a plank for 30 seconds skip the bear crawl and work on a basic plank.

**Keep our core tight (abs braced) and shoulder blade down as if you are tucking it into your back pocket.

All right that’s it! Have a great weekend!!!

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

If you enjoyed this post you can follow one of three ways! 1. Subscribe to the RSS Feed 2. “like” Girl Heroes on Facebook, or 3. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. Simple dimple!

Check out our family’s adventures being inspired to follow you dreams at New School Nomads as we take a year long RV road trip through the United States!

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Good thing my locations are change each week because my outfits don’t. I could only bring so many clothes with me in the RV.

I want to say right off hand that I call these Tabata intervals but since there are 4 of them I didn’t go all out each set so they aren’t true Tabata. Nevertheless this workout kicked my butt and I felt it for days. Days.

Despite the chilly weather, this was a great place to workout. The campground was nearly empty, the sound of the stream was relaxing, and my kids played on the hillside. After we filmed my workout Brent did the workout himself.

Arkansas

Interval #1
1. Push Press
2. Jump Squats

Interval #2
1. KB Toss
2.  Swings

Interval #3
1. Hot Potatoes
2. Split Lunges

Interval #4
1. Mountain Climbers
2. Russian Twist

– Each interval is 4 minutes long divided into 20 seconds of work and 10 seconds of rest which means each exercise is repeated 4 times (8 total work periods). All four intervals add up to a 16 minutes workout. I’m a math genius.  

– For the interval #1 I started with my left arm push presses and the second interval (after squats) I switched to my right arm so each side did 2 intervals each. This was plenty of work. I had considered making it double push presses but halfway through I was glad I stuck with singles.\

We were in Arkansas in December and have finally made it to warmer weather. I’m hoping this will help me get back into a workout routine as they have been…errrr…a bit spotty. That New Year’s 5X5 Challenge? Out the door. I should have made it a 3×3 challenge or skipped it altogether. At this point, I don’t need any more “challenges” in my life. Figuring out life in an RV with two kids, two dogs, and a cat is challenge enough right now.

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

If you enjoyed this post you can follow one of three ways! 1. Subscribe to the RSS Feed 2. “like” Girl Heroes on Facebook, or 3. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. Simple dimple!

Check out our family’s adventures at New School Nomads as we take a year long RV road trip through the United States!

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I ran across Roni’s blog, Roni’s Weigh, a few years ago when I started my own weight loss journey. Last year, I met her for the first time during Fitbloggin’ and got to spend time with her again at BlogHer. She is every bit as warm, friendly, and helpful in real life as she is on her blogs. She’s the real deal. Roni is a wife, mother of two,  full time blogger, and all around awesome girl who chose to change her lifestyle for the better.

How does your lifestyle “now” compare to your lifestyle “before”? (You can see all of Roni’s progress pictures here.)

Oh boy is it ever different! I used to do nothing, and I’m not exaggerating. I’d work, watch tv or go to movies, and eat. That was about it. Now I try my best to be active and DO things. I take walks, go on hikes, read more, run in events, play board games and do puzzles with the family. Even though I’m still pretty food obsessed I’ve channeled that “hobby” by cooking light and finding new fun healthy foods. I more active now then I have ever been in my life and in better shape because of it.

Okay so I have to ask you something. You write 4 blogs GreenLiteBites, Roni’s Weigh, Roni Noone, and Poop Butterflies. You also organize Fitbloggin’ and manage a weightloss communities called Blog to Lose with over 5000 members! How do you do it and stay sane? Any time management tips? I know I need them!!

Sane? Who said I was sane?

In all seriousness, I do what I can when I can. I know it sounds kind of simple but it’s the truth. I have conference calls while baby is napping. I write blog posts while watching TV at night. I wake up early and work out when I can. It’s a lot of juggling but I’ve always been the type of person who’d rather be busy than bored.

What does your exercise routine look like now? Is it hard to find the motivation or time with so much going on in your life?

It has been hard but I’ve learned that I am much happier and have more energy when I’m working out. I even tend to handle stress better. Right now I wake up at 5:30 AM twice a week for a BodyPump class and I take a BodyCombat class in the evening one day a week. I also joined a gym that’s just over a mile away from the house so I run there and back. It’s been hard finding a schedule that works but I try to be flexible and not let more than 1 day go by without doing something active, even if it’s just a short run.

You love Weight Watchers and it helped you to lose a significant amount of weight. In a nutshell, what did WW teach you and do you still use it to maintain?

Weight Watchers gave me a quick and easy way to judge a portion and balance my diet. It also taught me to food journal, something I still go back to when feeling a little out of control. Right now I’m counting points to lose the last 10 lbs I gained from pregnancy.

I read your 3 Steps to a Healthier You series. My favorite part of that series is when you talk about turning off the tv and dancing with your son and husband. Do you still do that? Was it hard at first to start dancing? In other words, did you feel self conscious at first?

We still do it! All the time and now I have a new little once to dance with!

I’ve always been a music lover. My mom used to crank up the volume  when cleaning, my Dad was a musician, it’s just in my blood!

I noticed that the TV was ALWAYS on in my house and I hated it. So one day I simply shut it off and blasted the radio. It’s hard to be self-conscious when you are alone and dancing with a 1 year old. You’re just in the moment BUT that being said, I am self conscious dancing at weddings or parties because what I do at home is not really “dancing” it’s moving around like an idiot singing off key at the top of my lungs.

What about internet? How do you keep moving when your job requires computer hours? I know I could use some motivation in this area!

I think this is why getting those workouts in is so important for me. Most of the time I’m at my desk or on the couch with a computer on my lap. It is what it is. I’ve learned, however, to walk away. When I’m not at the computer I’m not at the computer, if that makes sense. I don’t tweet from my phone or check Facebook. I don’t walk around the mall checking email. I disconnect completely especially when I go to the gym. I never, ever, bring my phone when I go the gym. That’s my time and I don’t want to be interrupted.

How has blogging played a part in your weight loss and enriched your life? Any advice to new bloggers?

Blogging played a huge part in my weight loss. For me it was having an outlet to face feeling I never faced before. So many people (myself included) feel alone when it comes to how they feel about their bodies or how they relate to food. Once I put myself out there I realized I wasn’t alone. I also find motivation in motivating others. I love sharing tips and ideas and doing so helps me stay inspired.

What is something quirky that you do that makes you you? (Besides being the Queen of Zucchini?)

Hmmmm I’m not sure. I am little quirky, I guess, but isn’t everybody? Things people may be surprised to learn about me: (if they don’t already know because I’m pretty transparent on the blog) I’m a big fan of horror movies, I like all music except country (did I just lose a few fans?) and I have an unhealthy obsession with McDonald’s ice cream cones.

Thank you Roni for sharing your story. You are amazing and a Girl Hero in so many ways!

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

Check out our family’s adventures at New School Nomads as we take a year long RV road trip through the United States!

If you enjoyed this post you can follow one of three ways! 1. Subscribe to the RSS Feed 2. “like” on Facebook, or 3. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. Simple dimple!

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I’ve worked out at some of uncommon places. That’s the beauty of kettlebells. I’ve worked out in parking lots, in the kitchen, and with dinosaurs.

But this was the first time I’ve ever worked out with Texas Longhorns. I have a feeling that it might be my last too.

We spent three weeks traveling through Texas. I considered filming my workout in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park or in Marfa but I was too sore. Or too lazy. I also wanted something really “Texan” and what is more Texan than a Texas Longhorn. Not only is the Longhorn the University of Texas mascot but it’s the official state mammal. Did you know there are official state mammals? I didn’t. I’m not sure if all states have an official mammal but Texas does and it’s the Longhorn.

We did have a bit of trouble finding some Longhorns to workout with. Imagine that. Apparently, Ranchers don’t have time for Californians to “visit with” their cattle. At one point, we drove by some cows grazing in the backyard of a modest house. Brent pulled over to the side of the road and suggested I knock on the front door for permission to enter their property. What was I supposed to say, “Do you mind if I workout with your Longhorns?”. No I’m not crazy. Not at all.

As it turned out there was a lovely little Longhorn ranch near one of our campgrounds. Front 30 Ranch Guest House  is run by a darling couple and who graciously allowed me to workout in their Longhorn pasture while our boys played on their beautiful property.

Anyway here’s the workout. Enjoy it. And the Longhorns.

Texas

Cleans 25, 20, 15, 10, 5
Presses 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Squats 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Renegade Rows 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Swings 25, 20, 15, 10, 5

The first round goes like this 25 cleans, 5 presses, 5 squats, 5 (each side) rows, and 25 swings. Rest. The second round is 20, 5, 5, 5, and 20. And so on.

This workout can also be done “For Time” if you like to compare scores with previous workouts.

P.S. No one was even close to being trampled during the stampede.

P.S.S. Those brown lumps on the ground are what you think they are.

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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I’m skipping ahead a bit.

Texas was the next workout I filmed after New Mexico. But I’m still in the holiday spirit and the last workout I filmed has a holiday feel to it.

I mean there are bells. They don’t jingle but they are red. And best of all there is snow. Beautiful white snow flakes to catch on your tongue and make your mascara run eyelashes.

So I’ll go back and post Texas. And Oklahoma. And Arkansas.

But this week it is Indiana, the state I grew up in. In fact, we filmed the workout in front on my childhood home. Awww…

I decided to go lighter than normal for this workout. One, I didn’t want to slip in the snow and, two, it’s better not to go all out every workout. Of course, if you do the workout choose the weight you need.

Indiana

1. Double Swings
2. Seesaw Presses
3. Double Swings
4. Alternating Rows
5. Double Swings
6. Alternating Lateral Lunges
7. Double Swings

Repeat 1-7 three times for a total of 21 minutes. 

It might also be a good idea to count and write down your reps for every exercise that way you can track your progress. Just a suggestion though. Lately, I’ve not been too concerned with progress and more concerned with being in the moment and enjoying the experience.

If you only have one bell just do 1 arm presses (or rows) for 20 seconds and then switch to the other arm.

FYI working out it snow was so much fun. It made me feel like doing elf kicks the rest of the day. Just one of the many reasons kettlebells rock.

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

Check out our family’s adventures at New School Nomads as we take a year long road trip through the United States!

If you enjoyed this post you can follow one of three ways! 1. Subscribe to the RSS Feed 2. “like” on Facebook, or 3. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. Simple dimple!

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Happy 2012!

I love the New Year. It’s a chance to begin a new adventure and to evaluate our choices of the past year.  What worked? What didn’t? Are we headed where we want to go? There is something fun about hanging a new calendar and seeing all the empty pages just waiting to be filled in.

More than anything this year, I really want to just focus on trying to live a simple life, be in the moment with my family and continue to love harder.

I do have one”smartie” fitness goal I’d like to accomplish by the end of this year. I would like to be able to press two 35lb kettlebells for 5 reps this year. As of now, I can press 2 26lb kettlebells. I pretty sure I could still press two 30 lb bells but due to lack of space the next weight up we brought was 35 lbs. So that’s my fitness goal for the year. I also should start thinking about my RKC recertification due this year. I’ll have to repass all the requirements.

And…

Like many Americans, I put on a little weight over the holidays. How much I don’t know exactly because I don’t have a scale. I did step on my parent’s scale and it looks like about 5 or 6 pounds but since I don’t have a starting weight on that scale it’s just a guestimate.

Five or 6 pounds are really not a big deal. I’m still at a healthy weight, love my body, and all that feel-good-love-yourself-mushy-mush still rings true.

But….

I’m not going to let that 5 pounds sit there because I love myself and my family. If I let this 5 pounds sit here what is going to keep me from doing that next year and the year after? I’d rather lose 5 pounds this year than 50 pounds 10 years from now and possibly try to correct a host of preventable issues that could arise from being overweight.

To start off of the New Year I’m doing a 5 for 5 challenge.

Girl Heroes 5 for 5 Challenge

1. Do 5 short but intense workouts a week. – I’m thinking 3 kettlebell workouts, a light suspension training workout, and a very short sprint workout. All workouts will be 20 minutes or less.

2. Reduce calories by 500 a day. – This puts me on average in the 1600-2000 range depending on my activity level. I’m going to start tracking calories again for a few weeks. It’s been so long since I’ve tracked that I don’t think I’m being honest with myself about portion sizes. It also helps curb the snacking because “I’m bored” or “want to procrastinate” habits I tend to have.

3. For 5 weeks total.

(I really wanted to come up with 2 more things to do so 5 things would be on my list but that would go against my commitment to keeping things simple and I couldn’t make 5 work with sleeping. Five hours of sleep would not be enough for me!)

This should more or less add up to about a 5 pound weight loss over 5 weeks. (Interesting how it’s going to take 5 weeks to take off what I put on over the course of 5 days. Oh well. No biggie.) I won’t know exactly how much I lose because I no longer have a scale but the point is to resume to old habits that don’t necessarily come easy for me. If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time you know that I naturally gravitate towards more sedentary activities like reading, daydreaming, and sitting at the computer. I need a jumpstart for the new year.

After 5 weeks I’ll continue with 3-5 workouts a week and I will more than likely stop counting the calories but the next 5 weeks should be enough to get me motivated and and make old habits new again.

Oh and there is one more thing.

Sugar.

I’ve thought long and hard about my relationship with the white powder the last few months.  I’m decided that today I would go back to what I know works for me: allowing myself homemade sweets made with unrefined sugars. This is the most livable solution for me. In my ideal world, I’d give up all sugar completely for good but that’s just not going to happen. The choice to eat unrefined homemade treats I can happily live with. I have a lot more to say about sugar but right now I’m going to bed because getting more sleep is a priority this year.

Hope you had a Happy New Year and a wonderful Christmas!

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

Check out our family’s adventures at New School Nomads as we take a year long road trip through the United States!

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