Happy Halloween everyone!!! Although for me it feels more like April Fools... I have been increasing my activity and work outs and decreasing my portion sizes and amounts of Junk Food. And sadly I have not lost any of the weight I gained back. Good news is that I haven't gained any more.
After doing some research is appears that there have been studies associated with Antibiotics and weight gain. Basically there are these healthy proteins and bacteria in your digestive system which help our metabolism that are affected by the antibiotics. Since my sinus surgery I have been on 4 different kinds of antibiotics. So my plan...
Probiotics! I'll start introducing some probiotics live cultures in my diet to see if that will help supplement the effects of the medications. Wish me luck. I'll keep you all posted. Just remember: We ALL hit road blocks and slippery slopes on our path to healthy living. The key isn't to dwell on what went wrong - Change what you need to and can, then move forward. Every minute is a new start!
Here are some links to articles on the effects of antibiotics:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=antibiotics-linked-weight-gain-mice
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-problems-with-antibiotics-they-kill-the-good-guys-and-make-you-fat/#axzz2jMl1qmTH
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dana-ullman/do-antibiotics-make-peopl_b_491808.html
I would be very interested in any other information any of you find on this matter.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
.... and I am back!
I know it been almost half a year since hearing from me. I "took the summer off" since I had my oldest kids home for the summer. The problem with that was this: I stopped exercising, and ate junk food and large portions. Should I have done it? No! Will I do it again? Honestly - Yes, hopefully for not as long or eating as much. :) I enjoyed the time with my kids however I need to be better at portion control and restraint.
Taking the time "off" has had definite effects. I am sad to announce that after recommitting to myself and my health I weighed in. I am now only 1 pound away from my heaviest weight since moving to back to Minnesota. Ohh well. Just gives me an additional kick to get moving.
Will be starting slow with the exercise as I am still recovering from surgery, but will be doing all I can. I will be weighing in every week so we'll see how it goes!
My back to it weigh in results:
NOW OFF TO WORK OUT!
Taking the time "off" has had definite effects. I am sad to announce that after recommitting to myself and my health I weighed in. I am now only 1 pound away from my heaviest weight since moving to back to Minnesota. Ohh well. Just gives me an additional kick to get moving.
Will be starting slow with the exercise as I am still recovering from surgery, but will be doing all I can. I will be weighing in every week so we'll see how it goes!
My back to it weigh in results:
NOW OFF TO WORK OUT!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Migraine, Dehydration & Weight Gain - Oh My!
So these are the kinds of posts I hate to make and admit to. I gained this week. 4lbs up!! However I am not going to let it get me down. Was I still following my diet? SOMEWHAT. Was I still excersizing and staying active? YES. Am I back on track now? YES!!
The majority of my weight gain came from yet another sinus infection & 2 migraines in the last 2 weeks. During this time I did things wrong:
1. Stopped eating my 6 "meals" a day (still ate proper foods - hence Somewhat :) )
2. Stopped drinking my water
3. Over exercising without proper nourishment & fluids.
I threw off my metabolism, put my body into starvation mode & got dehydrated.
In the last week I have been working to regain my metabolism and work off the added water weight. To do that I am back to eating my 3 meals & 3 snacks a day, watching my portion sizes closely and again increases my water intake. Since I weighed myself on Saturday discovering my 4 lb increase I have lost 2 of it as of today.
I'm happy that I was able to exercise even while being sick and it actually helped me to feel better for awhile, however the lack of nutrients & fluid wore me out faster & fatigued my muscles.
For those of you that also suffer from migraines I know exercise is one of the furthest things from your mind, however it can help lessen the pain and deter more.
The following is quoted directly from: http://www.migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine.html
Exercise and Migraine
Exercise programs are frequently recommended to promote health, control weight, and prevent disease. But migraine sufferers typically are less physically active than those who don’t suffer. They often avoid exercise, worrying that the exercise itself will aggravate or trigger a migraine.
Sufferers who follow certain common-sense guidelines can improve their quality of life and increase their aerobic endurance and flexibility without aggravating or triggering their migraines. Here are some tips:
The majority of my weight gain came from yet another sinus infection & 2 migraines in the last 2 weeks. During this time I did things wrong:
1. Stopped eating my 6 "meals" a day (still ate proper foods - hence Somewhat :) )
2. Stopped drinking my water
3. Over exercising without proper nourishment & fluids.
I threw off my metabolism, put my body into starvation mode & got dehydrated.
In the last week I have been working to regain my metabolism and work off the added water weight. To do that I am back to eating my 3 meals & 3 snacks a day, watching my portion sizes closely and again increases my water intake. Since I weighed myself on Saturday discovering my 4 lb increase I have lost 2 of it as of today.
I'm happy that I was able to exercise even while being sick and it actually helped me to feel better for awhile, however the lack of nutrients & fluid wore me out faster & fatigued my muscles.
For those of you that also suffer from migraines I know exercise is one of the furthest things from your mind, however it can help lessen the pain and deter more.
The following is quoted directly from: http://www.migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine.html
Exercise and Migraine
Exercise programs are frequently recommended to promote health, control weight, and prevent disease. But migraine sufferers typically are less physically active than those who don’t suffer. They often avoid exercise, worrying that the exercise itself will aggravate or trigger a migraine.
Sufferers who follow certain common-sense guidelines can improve their quality of life and increase their aerobic endurance and flexibility without aggravating or triggering their migraines. Here are some tips:
- Keep your exercise low-impact. Use equipment like stationary bikes or ellipticals that minimize pounding movements. Try yoga, isometric or band exercises.
- When using a treadmill, increase the incline rather than the speed to minimize pounding movements.
- Stretching and weight-bearing exercises are fine, but be careful of the neck area. This is a very tender and vulnerable spot that directly affects migraines.
- Drink water and stay hydrated. Dehydration is a very common migraine trigger.
- Take it slowly. Work up to longer and more intense exercise as your body gets stronger.
- Listen to your body – if an exercise aggravates your migraines, don’t do it! But don’t abandon exercise. Consult a trainer or physical therapist for alternatives.
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| http://shrinkthatbellyfat.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DrinkingWater.jpg |
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Another Weigh IN!!!
Ok everyone I really thought I was going to cringe during this weigh and measure day. I had been sick all last week so I didn't eat or drink much of anything. Of course during that time I would have loved to weigh myself and see that I lost weight, but I know what would happen after I started eating again. So I resisted the urge. That makes the weigh in this week all the more exciting!
Friday, May 24, 2013
Is it Cheating?
I almost feel like a cheater. This week I have been covering some hours at Curves while my mom is on vacation. It has made it a lot easier to already be here. I got 2 circuit workouts plus Zumba in on Tuesday, Zumba yesturday & 2 workouts in today!! I am feeling great!.
I don't know how I'm going to keep this momentum going next week when My schedule changes. I may just have to go out with the hubby and chase after the lawn mower one or two days.
As for my squat Challenge today is day 25 - 220 squats and my legs are burning. I have found that lots of water after the squats makes it feel better faster. Good news is that I have increased my intensity and reps on the following Curves machines: Leg Press, Leg lift & my nemesis the squat machine. At least my legs will be swimsuit ready. :)
Have a great Memorial Weekend!!!
And remember THE ONLY WORKOUT YOU'LL REGRET IS THE ONE YOU DON'T DO!!!
I don't know how I'm going to keep this momentum going next week when My schedule changes. I may just have to go out with the hubby and chase after the lawn mower one or two days.
As for my squat Challenge today is day 25 - 220 squats and my legs are burning. I have found that lots of water after the squats makes it feel better faster. Good news is that I have increased my intensity and reps on the following Curves machines: Leg Press, Leg lift & my nemesis the squat machine. At least my legs will be swimsuit ready. :)
Have a great Memorial Weekend!!!
And remember THE ONLY WORKOUT YOU'LL REGRET IS THE ONE YOU DON'T DO!!!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
I haven't stopped!
So I am sure some of you are wondering if I have stopped working. The answer is a big NO. I am happy to report that I have kept up with my routine and have still been watching my portion sizes. The start of my diet plan was put on hold. I'm sure most of you out there know what it is like to try to feed yourself & family on a small budget so it is taking a little longer to make sure that I have everything in place so I don't go over our budget. I want to be able to get all the healthy fresh food without breaking the bank. To do that I think there is going to be some extra cooking taking place. I'll let you know the tricks I figure out.
The times I have failed in the past have been due to lack of planning so when I run out of one little thing I give up all together. Not this time!
As you can see from my earlier post I've still seen results. These results came from following my exercise routine & increasing my water content. I am up to about 3 qts a day wanting to get to 1 & 1/2 gallons.
So that's where I am. Still working at it and will let you know my plan for starting the diet next week.
Enjoy the rest of your week and stay active
The times I have failed in the past have been due to lack of planning so when I run out of one little thing I give up all together. Not this time!
As you can see from my earlier post I've still seen results. These results came from following my exercise routine & increasing my water content. I am up to about 3 qts a day wanting to get to 1 & 1/2 gallons.
So that's where I am. Still working at it and will let you know my plan for starting the diet next week.
Enjoy the rest of your week and stay active
Measurement Update!!!!
Yes I am happy about this!!! I had my weigh in on May 9th. I know the printout says the 2nd the computer didn't update the day. I wish I had these results in just 2 weeks, but I'll take the for! Check these out. So excited!!! (Just so you know Curves doubles the arm & thigh measurement to account for the fact that you typically have 2 arms & thighs)
Thursday, May 9, 2013
My Diet
I bet your are thinking to yourself -
"It's great she is increasing her exercise but what is she doing for her diet?"
I haven't forgotten about my diet. I will be beginning my Curves Complete - the new diet program offered by Curves, hopefully next week. I just need to get with my Coach to go over my plan & menu. It's great to have the second look and one on one motivation & coaching.
In the mean time, I have just really been watching my portion sizes & how many times I eat.
My favorite snack right now?
Veggies (mainly cucumbers & bell peppers of all colors) & Hummus (love the roasted red pepper) YUM! YUM! I'm going to get brave when my other kids get here and try avacado. They love it.
"It's great she is increasing her exercise but what is she doing for her diet?"
I haven't forgotten about my diet. I will be beginning my Curves Complete - the new diet program offered by Curves, hopefully next week. I just need to get with my Coach to go over my plan & menu. It's great to have the second look and one on one motivation & coaching.
In the mean time, I have just really been watching my portion sizes & how many times I eat.
My favorite snack right now?
Veggies (mainly cucumbers & bell peppers of all colors) & Hummus (love the roasted red pepper) YUM! YUM! I'm going to get brave when my other kids get here and try avacado. They love it.
Thursday May 9th
So you might be wondering how I am doing this week?
Sunday started my week out great as I said with my squats done & having my Yoga time! :)
Monday however did not return the favor, Ended taking my baby girl to the doctor first thing in the morning taking up my Curves time, but hey our children's health comes first. I did get to do my 80 squats later that night when I got the kiddos to sleep. Wish I would've stretched after though.
I woke up Tuesday completely sore and at first thought -- "Wow, I must have over done it with the squats right before bed, glad today is my rest day" and reminded me to stretch after Wed's. Unfortunately it wasn't just the squats and shortly discovered I had come down with the nasty head cold/flu (the docs not quite sure) with full body aches & miagraines included. So I ended up getting a sub to teach my Zumba class and got busy sleeping and slamming water to keep hydrated.
Wed came and I didn't feel much better until about 4pm. But still not quite ready to do the squats --- :(
Today --- Woke up and did my 100 squats, had a break while I worked & did a Mary Kay class. After that I ran (as my husband says - he can't keep up) after a lawn mower, mowing 4 different lawns in 3 hours. If that wasn't enough I am just about to do another 105 squats so I can be all caught up. Yes, I'll remember to stretch!!
I let you all know if my legs feel like jello in the morning - LOL
Sunday started my week out great as I said with my squats done & having my Yoga time! :)
Monday however did not return the favor, Ended taking my baby girl to the doctor first thing in the morning taking up my Curves time, but hey our children's health comes first. I did get to do my 80 squats later that night when I got the kiddos to sleep. Wish I would've stretched after though.
I woke up Tuesday completely sore and at first thought -- "Wow, I must have over done it with the squats right before bed, glad today is my rest day" and reminded me to stretch after Wed's. Unfortunately it wasn't just the squats and shortly discovered I had come down with the nasty head cold/flu (the docs not quite sure) with full body aches & miagraines included. So I ended up getting a sub to teach my Zumba class and got busy sleeping and slamming water to keep hydrated.
Wed came and I didn't feel much better until about 4pm. But still not quite ready to do the squats --- :(
Today --- Woke up and did my 100 squats, had a break while I worked & did a Mary Kay class. After that I ran (as my husband says - he can't keep up) after a lawn mower, mowing 4 different lawns in 3 hours. If that wasn't enough I am just about to do another 105 squats so I can be all caught up. Yes, I'll remember to stretch!!
I let you all know if my legs feel like jello in the morning - LOL
Sunday, May 5, 2013
A New Start
Well today marked a new start for my exercise routine. I have been keeping up with my squat challenge and am happy to report that I am still cruising through them with minimal soreness. Today's number? 75!!!
I was also able to enjoy 45 mins of Yoga while the kiddos were taking a nap! How's that for a great Sunday?
Tomorrow is my busy day... Planning on hitting Curves before work in the morning then off running until 10pm!
I was also able to enjoy 45 mins of Yoga while the kiddos were taking a nap! How's that for a great Sunday?
Tomorrow is my busy day... Planning on hitting Curves before work in the morning then off running until 10pm!
Friday, May 3, 2013
Starting Measurements & Goals ~
Starting Numbers: (I hate this) :)
Bust.............. 44
Waist............ 39.5
Abdomen..... 45.5
Hip............... 45.5
Arm.............. 12.5
Thigh............ 27
Weight.......... 192
Body Fat %.. 38.5%
Body Fat #....74.5
BMI.............. 35.1
GOALS:
Bust.............. 36
Waist............ 26
Abdomen..... 32
Hip............... 36
Arm.............. TONED
Thigh............ 23
Weight.......... 135
Body Fat %.. >24%
Bust.............. 44
Waist............ 39.5
Abdomen..... 45.5
Hip............... 45.5
Arm.............. 12.5
Thigh............ 27
Weight.......... 192
Body Fat %.. 38.5%
Body Fat #....74.5
BMI.............. 35.1
GOALS:
Bust.............. 36
Waist............ 26
Abdomen..... 32
Hip............... 36
Arm.............. TONED
Thigh............ 23
Weight.......... 135
Body Fat %.. >24%
Squats --- Oh My!
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| Posted & Retrieved from Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/Samantha.Gibson.Fitness |
Today marks DAY 4. So far I am happy to report that I have been able to do them no problem. I'm sure I will get sore.
Next 30 day challenge from Coach Sam? THE PLANK!
Exercise Routine
My current Routine:
SUNDAY: Nothing
MONDAY: Nothing
TUESDAY: 1hr Zumba (30 mins teaching, 30 mins practice)
WEDNESDAY: Nothing
THURSDAY: 1hr Zumba (30 mins teaching, 30 mins practice)
FRIDAY: 1 hr Zumba practice & choreography
SATURDAY: 30 min circuit workout @ Curves
15 - 30 mins Zumba practice
New Routine:
SUNDAY: Yoga
MONDAY: 30 min @ Curves
TUESDAY: 1hr Zumba & 30 min @ Curves
WEDNESDAY: Yoga
THURSDAY: 1hr Zumba & 30 min @ Curves
FRIDAY: 1 hr Zumba practice & choreography
SATURDAY: 30 min circuit workout @ Curves
30 mins - 1 hr Zumba practice
Stretching every night & ride bike as often as possible
SUNDAY: Nothing
MONDAY: Nothing
TUESDAY: 1hr Zumba (30 mins teaching, 30 mins practice)
WEDNESDAY: Nothing
THURSDAY: 1hr Zumba (30 mins teaching, 30 mins practice)
FRIDAY: 1 hr Zumba practice & choreography
SATURDAY: 30 min circuit workout @ Curves
15 - 30 mins Zumba practice
New Routine:
SUNDAY: Yoga
MONDAY: 30 min @ Curves
TUESDAY: 1hr Zumba & 30 min @ Curves
WEDNESDAY: Yoga
THURSDAY: 1hr Zumba & 30 min @ Curves
FRIDAY: 1 hr Zumba practice & choreography
SATURDAY: 30 min circuit workout @ Curves
30 mins - 1 hr Zumba practice
Stretching every night & ride bike as often as possible
About me
So anyone that has known me knows that I have always been a pretty busy person. Always running to something, a rehearsal, work, sports or with kids. Even with all that activity I have battled with being overweight. My "freshman 15" was more like a freshmen 25. However I didn't let it get me down. I stayed active. :) I was married in '98 and in 2003 I had my 1st baby. My 2nd child followed just 18 months later. As most mothers know I then put myself on the back burner and focused all my attention on my husband and children.
In 2006 I decided it was time to start looking after myself again. Then a size 16 I tried multiple diets & exercise programs until I found on right for me. Lucky for me I found a exercise & diet partner in my co-worker and made it down to a size 8 by the beginning of 2007! Sadly during that year my life took many turns that started a downward (or should I say upward?) spiral with my weight. I had started school again after a 7 year brake working on my degree in theater, my father passed away and I went through a divorce.
I am happy to announce that by the end of that year I had found the amazing man I am married to today but the damage was already done. My size 8 was already back up to a 12. Needless to say after 5 years of life and 2 more children (2010 & 2012) I am back at my size 16.
I am now a nutrition/diet coach at Curves in Wyoming, MN, Zumba instructor & Mary Kay Consultant. I have learned that it is just as important for us women to take care of and feel good about ourselves as our families. I love watching the women I work with reach their goals & their self esteem improve.
That is why I am writing this blog. Not just to make myself accountable to exercise & follow a healthy diet, but to hopefully give some good incites to why our bodies keep on the weight, exercises that can help and watching a normal woman without a personal chef & trainer keep them on track. I am sure I will fall off the wagon some days to weeks or hit plateaus, however I am hoping you will stick with me and help celebrate with me when I hit my goal of being a size 8 again.
THANK YOU FOR YOU SUPPORT!!!
***I have on request: PLEASE keep comments POSITIVE. I don't mind constructive criticism and suggestions, however I will be sharing things that I am already self conscious and unhappy about. Just think about how you would react your comments if someone said them to and about you.***
In 2006 I decided it was time to start looking after myself again. Then a size 16 I tried multiple diets & exercise programs until I found on right for me. Lucky for me I found a exercise & diet partner in my co-worker and made it down to a size 8 by the beginning of 2007! Sadly during that year my life took many turns that started a downward (or should I say upward?) spiral with my weight. I had started school again after a 7 year brake working on my degree in theater, my father passed away and I went through a divorce.
I am happy to announce that by the end of that year I had found the amazing man I am married to today but the damage was already done. My size 8 was already back up to a 12. Needless to say after 5 years of life and 2 more children (2010 & 2012) I am back at my size 16.
I am now a nutrition/diet coach at Curves in Wyoming, MN, Zumba instructor & Mary Kay Consultant. I have learned that it is just as important for us women to take care of and feel good about ourselves as our families. I love watching the women I work with reach their goals & their self esteem improve.
That is why I am writing this blog. Not just to make myself accountable to exercise & follow a healthy diet, but to hopefully give some good incites to why our bodies keep on the weight, exercises that can help and watching a normal woman without a personal chef & trainer keep them on track. I am sure I will fall off the wagon some days to weeks or hit plateaus, however I am hoping you will stick with me and help celebrate with me when I hit my goal of being a size 8 again.
THANK YOU FOR YOU SUPPORT!!!
***I have on request: PLEASE keep comments POSITIVE. I don't mind constructive criticism and suggestions, however I will be sharing things that I am already self conscious and unhappy about. Just think about how you would react your comments if someone said them to and about you.***
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