My Stats: Week 4

Completed my Time Trial yesterday and the rest of the fitness test today. Very happy with my progress so far. I achieved one of my first goals, which was to run the 1km time trial without stopping. I jogged at a steady pace and sprinted the last 150 meters. I felt on top of the world when I finished the run! I smashed 32 seconds off my time! My next goal is to run 10 minutes without stopping!

Here is an overview of my results...

Image via HERE.

I'm very proud of my progress over the last four weeks. I'm amazed that my body is now 22cm smaller and the improvements I've made in my fitness. I remained a woman of my word and have trusted in the program. I'm committed and I will achieve my goals.

Have you completed your measurements and fitness test?

12WBT Blogger Challenge: Week 4

This weeks blogger challenge is all about reflecting on the past four weeks...

What were the highlights for you? 

What have you found the hardest or the most challenging? 

Do you have any new goals that you would like to achieve in the next four weeks big or small?

Image via HERE.

On reflecting over the first four weeks of the challenge, I'm extremely proud of the fact that I have stayed true to my word. I have believed and trusted in the program and have had great results. I'm enjoying the meals and loving the exercise...yes loving the exercise! I'm beginning to think of myself as an athlete, not just a woman who wants to lose weight. This is my new way of life, it doesn't end at the end of the 12 weeks.

The most challenging thing over the last few weeks would have to be my health. I've had the flu and am battling severe stomach pains and bloating. I've got gastritis and have been put on medication, to try and ease the burn in my tummy. I will need to have a test in a few weeks to check for helicobacter pylori...hopefully I don't have it, otherwise I'll be on more antibiotics. 

Looking ahead at the next four weeks, I want to be able to run for 2km without stopping and also last 20 minutes on the elliptical. I want to have shed 8% of my starting weight, which means weighing 74.3kg. I plan to take part in a SWSyd event - Blue Mountains 1000+ Steps Walk and start training for my first triathlon! 

Image via HERE.

What are you looking forward to over the next four weeks?

Weigh-in-Wednesday: Week 4

Another great weigh-in this week! This is what appeared on the scales this morning...

A loss of 1kg! One of my first 4 week goal was to shed 4kg in 4 weeks...and I'm only 500g away! Will weigh myself again on Sunday to see if I've achieved my goal!

My Stats - Week 4
Image via HERE.

Mini Milestone week this week...will post again on the weekend to report my results!

What have you got planned for you Mini Milestone week?

Cheesy Mushroom Chicken with Broccoli

I was feeling a little adventurous tonight, so I channelled my inner MasterChef and cooked up a storm! This dish was inspired by one I had seen on Eat Yourself Slim, where Kelly filled chicken breast with cheese and broccoli. I love mushrooms, so I tweaked the recipe by filling the chicken with mushrooms and serving with steamed broccoli.

Cheesy Mushroom Chicken with Broccoli

________________________________________________________

Calories: 240

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 2

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                        Ingredients:

                        - 160g chicken breast

                        - 2 slices lite swiss cheese

                        - 1 large mushroom (thinly cut)

                        - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

                        - 1 egg

                        - pinch of pepper

                        -  olive oil spray

                        - 200g broccoli

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Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.

Place egg and pepper into a bowl and whisk to create an egg wash. Place breadcrumbs into a second bowl.

Cut chicken breast into two pieces and flatten with a meat mallet. Place a slice of swiss cheese on each chicken breast and top with the mushroom.

Wrap the chicken around the filling and hold in place using toothpicks. Dip the chicken into the egg wash and coat with breadcrumbs.

Coat the chicken with olive oil spray and place on a baking tray (covered in baking paper). Place tray in the oven and cook chicken for approximately 25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Whilst the chicken is cooking, steam the broccoli.

Serve and enjoy!

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Self Sabotage

I watched Michelle's Week 4 video this morning and thought I'd create a little vlog in response to the topic...self sabotage.

Do you consider yourself to be a self saboteur?

12WBT Blogger Challenge: Week 3

This week's blogger challenge is all about motivation...

What motivates you? 

What drives you to be a better version of yourself? 

What is making you just get up early with no excuses and just getting 

out there getting your workout done and eating healthy meals?

What makes you push that little bit harder?

Image via HERE.

The quote above describes my mindset this round. I'm just so tired of starting over, that this time I am DETERMINED to reach my goals. 

I'm amazed at how different I've been feeling over the last three weeks...and I don't just mean physically, I mean mentally. My motivation to start was quite different, but my motivation to continue is that I'm...

Image via HERE.

 I can smell it and I can taste it...and I want it! I want to succeed and I want to achieve! I'm focused and determined...and that's why I get up to train at 5:30am each morning and my nutrition is top notch. I used to give in to my emotions and I would binge...but that is not happening now. I'm working hard and I'm proud of my achievements...I want to continue and nothing is going to stand in my way!

Image via HERE.

What is your motivation? What are you hungry for?

Weigh-in-Wednesday: Week 3

Had a great weigh-in today. This is what appeared on the scales...

A loss of 1.1kg this week! Very happy after only a 400g loss last week. I didn't let last week's results get me down...I'm a woman of my word and I soldiered on...and was definitely rewarded this week!

My Stats - Week 3
Image via HERE.

I'm 1.5kg away from my initial goal of shedding 4kg in 4 weeks. I'll need to work hard my butt of this week to get there!

How were your results this week and is your first goal within reach?

Fuelling it with the right stuff

It's week 3 and my body is definitely getting used to this new lifestyle. Have been sticking to 1200 calories a day and burning at least 500 calories per exercise session.

Last weekend I had two 'red flags'. The first of which occurred on Saturday night. I attended a wedding and I knew that there would be a lot of food.  I didn't overeat by any means, but obviously ate over my 1200 calorie quota.

In the morning I woke up and my tummy was screaming...

Image via HERE.

I felt so bloated and had a major tummy ache. I forced down my breakfast and lunch before going to visit the in-laws. They asked us to stay for dinner, and hubby accepted the invitation. Dinner was quite healthy - an italian soup full of plenty of veggies, legumes and steak. Hadn't eaten much all day, so I knew I was within my calories. Thought all was good until we got home...tummy was on fire and the bloating had returned.

I'm shocked that my body has adjusted to this new nutrition plan so quickly. I'm really enjoying the 12WBT meals and don't feel deprived at all. I definitely gave my body a shock on the weekend, and I'm still paying for it days later. This experience has definitely taught me that my body enjoys the healthy and nutritious foods I'm fuelling it with.

Image via HERE.

There are plenty more 'red flags' over the next few weeks, and I'm going to have to really watch what passes my lips. I don't enjoy felling uncomfortable and it's clear my body does not enjoy the shock! Will be interested to see how my body reacts on the scales this week...

How is your body adapting to its new fuel?

12WBT Blogger Challenge: Week 2

This week's challenge was to share where we workout, what we are completing and would like to complete this round. I thought the easiest way to do this was to "show you"...so sit back, relax and enjoy watching my first vlog!!

Hope you enjoyed my first vlog! Hope you all have an amazing Week 3...I'll be releasing another print this week so stay tuned!

If you live in Sydney and are looking at purchasing some exercise equipment, go and see Mario (my beautiful brother) at Workout World Penrith. He's the manager there and is a qualified exercise physiologist...so he knows his stuff! Tell him I sent you!  

Where do you enjoy completing your workouts?

Weigh-in-Wednesday: Week 2

I had a great week...ate clean and trained mean!

I was a little nervous stepping onto the scales this morning, as I didn't want to see a number I wasn't happy with...you see...I'm known to spiral out of control if a number faces me that I don't like. I will give up and go back to old habits.

So, what appeared before me was...

A loss of 400g...a little disappointed...but in the scheme of things I've shed 1.4kg in 9 days...not bad! Would have liked to see a 78.something...but I guess that will happen next week! My commitment is strong and I TRUST in this program...so I'm not going to get myself down...a loss is a loss.

My Stats - Week 2
Image via HERE.

A little voice inside my head keeps saying...

Original image via HERE.

How were your results this week...were you the tortoise or the hare?

To train or not to train?

After a week of my gorgeous girls sneezing, coughing and spluttering all over me, I'm sick :( I was hoping that I wouldn't be the next victim, but alas I've spent all day rugged up on the lounge.

I have had a great first week, and do not want anything to bring me down...and even though I'm now on antibiotics and haven't trained today, I'm not going to let this be my unraveling. I'm in a good head space at the moment and I want to keep it that way!

Image via HERE.

So, the question now is to train, or not to train?

Let me just say that I'm hating the fact I didn't train today. I've gotten into a routine and am a little scared that now that I've broken it, it will be that much harder for me to re-establish...but is it safe to train when sick? I've done a little reading today and it has been the consensus that...

If your symptoms are above the neck, including a sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing, and tearing eyes, then it's OK to exercise. If your symptoms are below the neck, such as coughing, body aches, fever, and fatigue, then it's time to hang up the running shoes until these symptoms subside.

Information via HERE.

Image via HERE.

So, I'll be taking it easy for a day or two...give the antibiotics a chance to kick in, so that I clear up as quickly as possible. Diet is 80% of the weight-loss equation, so a squeaky clean diet is a must if you're like me and feeling a little under the weather.

What are your thoughts...do you exercise when sick? 

One Lovely Blog Award!

It’s always nice to know that others enjoy reading your blog. Thank you Esta @ estaki12wbt for the nomination!

There are a few rules to receiving this One Lovely Blog Award and they are as follows:

- Add the award image to your site.
- Create a link to the blog of the person who gave you the award.
- Write 7 random facts about yourself.
- Nominate 7 blogs that you would like to share with others.

Ok, here goes...7 facts about me.

1. I loved school as a kid! Used to get home from school and play 'schools' with my brother! ... I eventually became a teacher...he eventually hated school - go figure!!! hehehe

2. I am a big Disney buff! Love Disney movies...Beauty and the Beast is my favourite, with Toy Story (all three movies) a close second!

3. I love travelling...but HATE flying! Would love to take my girls to Disneyland one day.

4. I love swimming...and wish I swam more now that I'm older. My brother was a national swimmer and I loved watching him at his meets. 

5. My favourite sport is baseball. My hubby plays and my girls play T-Ball...my goal is to also play some day. Loved watching the Sydney Blue Sox last season. Looking forward to the ABL season returning in November.

6. I love art and am currently studying a graphic design course.

7. My family means the world to me. I am very protective over them and would do anything for them. 

Blogs I enjoy reading that I would like to nominate for the One Lovely Blog Award are: 

(I hope you have time to visit them all!)

1. Suddenly Thirty-Three 

2. On a Mission to Prove Anything is Possible

3. She has Cute Runners

4. Flab to Fab

5. JFDI 12WBT Journey

6. Curve your Enthusiasm

7. I'm Bringing Sexy Back - Yeah!

  

Happy Blogging!

A smashing SSS!

Call me enthusiastic, call me excited or maybe just call me fricken scared...my body decided to wake itself up this morning at a very early 5am...on a SATURDAY! I work Saturday mornings so knew I had to get up early (but not that early). I woke up with a mixture of emotions...knowing that I would have to get up and work my little heart out to smash 1000 calories.

I was nervous, as not once last year did I burn 1000 calories in a single SSS (Super Saturday Session)...yes that's right...not one time in 12 weeks. I lay in bed wondering if I'd achieve it this round and then thought "JFDI"! I told hubby to come and check on me throughout the session to make sure I hadn't passed out...he laughed...I didn't...I meant every word!!!

I started the session with the Intermediate Learn-to-Run program. I did this for 45 mins and then jumped off ready for Becky's Ignite & Burn 400. I was a little scared...but I gave it all I had...completing the circuit in 18min 30 sec. I then jumped back on the treadmill and power walked for a further 30mins (with four bursts of 40sec jogs). By the time I did my final blast of ski jumps, my legs felt like jelly!

It was a great workout...and the best is that...

I did it! I'm so pumped and proud of my effort this morning! A smashing SSS!

How was your first SSS for Round 2?

12WBT Blogger Challenge: Week 1

Jayne @ On a Mission to Prove Anything is Possible! has started a 12 week blogger challenge for those who are documenting their 12WBT journey. I think it's a fantastic idea and look forward to the various topics she'll post each week! Head on over to her blog and join in the fun!

This week's challenge:

Introduction

Introduce yourself?

Tell us why you are here? 

Why did you decide to join Round 2 of Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation? 

How have you prepared for the challenge?

For those new to my blog...Hi! My name is Marianne and welcome to Life is a Journey. This is a blog dedicated to my journey in discovering the fit and healthy {ME}!

I'm 30, married to a wonderful man and we have two adorable daughters, aged 6 and 3.

I've struggled with my weight pretty much my entire life. I've gained weight, lost weight, maintained weight...you name it, I've done it!

I'm determined to reach my goals and become happy with who I am. This will be a hell of a journey, but I'm ready for the challenge ahead!

I completed 12WBT R2, 2011 and shed 10kg. I was extremely proud of my achievements, but knew deep down that I could have pushed harder. I went back to Weight Watchers after the round, but after a stressful time at work, I turned to my old habits and turned to food for comfort.  

Image via HERE.

During the months that followed I managed to gain back all the weight I had lost. I had a miscarriage in January and I again turned to food for comfort. I gained more weight and I knew I couldn't go on like this, especially if I wanted to have another child. 

- Was I disappointed in myself for gaining back all the weight plus more? YES 

- Was I frustrated with myself for always turning to food for comfort? YES 

- Am I sick of going on this roller coaster? HELL YES!

....So here I am, ready for another challenge and this time I plan to give it my all. I need to change my mindset and learn that when the going gets tough...DON'T TURN TO FOOD!

I know it's only day 5, but I can already feel that this round is going to be different...and I think it is due to the commitment I made during Pre-Season...

My commitment is to TRUST in the 12WBT Program and follow the nutrition and exercise plans wholeheartedly. I commit to JFDI!

Image via HERE.

I'm planning more this time round, and TRUSTING in the program. I know I didn't trust 100% last round, so I'm following the nutrition plan, working out hard and staying accountable.

Here's to a great round and...

Original Image via HERE.

What will you trust in this round?

Weigh-In Wednesday: Week 1

Our first Weigh-In Wednesday is here and what a great weigh-in it was!

I only completed my fitness test and measurements on Sunday, so was not expecting to see much of a result.

Task 8: Measure Up

Got up this morning at 5:20am and was dreading stripping off in the bitter cold...but my mood suddenly lifted when I saw the following appear on the scales...

A loss of 1kg!

So excited with the result, after only 2 days on the program! I'm really enjoying the workouts and the meals have been delicious.

Hope you all had a great result...and if you didn't, shake it off and don't let it get you down...you can do this!

How was your first Weigh-In Wednesday?

Inspirational Prints

So Round 2 has officially started and I've had a great first two days.

I am loving all the support from the 12WBT Members in the forums and SWSYD Crew and I thought I'd pay it forward!

Not many people know, but I've just started a graphic design course. I'm only teaching one day a week this year (on a beautiful year 2 class) but I miss teaching my art and music. So the creative chick in me needed an outlet. I've always LOVED creating and have designed digitally (logos, website graphics, advertisements, business cards, invitations, candles etc...) for over six years! I love designing as much as I love teaching, so I thought it was time to get a formal qualification! I'm currently studying a Diploma in Graphic Design through CATC Design School.

So, I know what you're thinking...What the heck does that have to do with 12WBT?

Well, in an aim to keep myself motivated this round, I have created a series of inspirational prints...and I want to share them with you!

I've created them in A4 size, so you can download, print and insert these into a frame...too easy!

The first print I am releasing is...

Click on image to download the PDF file.

I hope you have had a great start to this round.  

Look out for more prints soon!

What inspires you and keeps you motivated?

Fitness Test #1

I completed my first fitness test for 12WBT Round 2 on Sunday morning. The weather was horrible and I was reluctant to get outdoors...but I thought JFDI!

I walked out the door (decked out in my one active gear!!) and walked to Greenway Park. I did a quick warmup, and then set off for my 1km time trial. I was feeling quite nervous, but was determined to do my best! I alternated between jogging and power walking...and completed the 1km in...

I was so excited as I slashed 40 seconds off my R2 2011 Time Trial (...and I know that I haven't been consistent with my training since the end of that round). I am very happy with that result and it's a great starting point!

I walked back home and completed the rest of the fitness test. Here are my results...

I am now an official Intermediate 12WBTer!!

I'm really looking forward to the next 12 weeks and comparing my fitness tests during this round!

How did you go in your fitness test?