Half way?

I have to say I was shocked when I realized we are half way through this competition! Wow. It is amazing what can happen in a few weeks when you are being AWARE. Aware of what you are putting in your body. AWARE of your attitude. AWARE of your physical fitness level. AWARE and helping those around you, etc. It has been a good few weeks for me.

I am at a point in my weight loss and fitness that I probably won't see huge changes in just a few weeks. However, if I stop being AWARE and allow myself to just drift....then I will digress without truly realizing how far I have gone the wrong direction!

I like living with purpose. Being AWARE of where I am physically, spiritually and emotionally. I enjoy my life more when I feel alive during the day - not just going through the motions. As Jillian says "Don't phone it in." I try hard not to 'phone in' my workouts - but really be present and AWARE.
Not just with my workouts and diet but with my husband, children and all my relationships.

Even though it takes effort and time, I prefer living with purpose and being aware.

Good luck this week everyone!

Kids.....and their leftovers....

I don't know about you, but I hate throwing food away.  And it seems like no matter how little I give my kids, they never eat all their food.  So I'll take a bite here and there and before I know it, I've probably eaten about 3 servings of dinner!  Obviously I need to work on this!

I AM feeling pretty proud of my physical activities given my crazy life!  I don't necessarily feel smaller, but the feeling of being fit and active and keeping up with the kids is wonderful!  I'm with Liz and can't wait for spring and warmer weather, as it gets hard to get the motivation to run when it's 15 degrees outside!

Yoga in Bed

Here is your morning yoga routine ladies!  Namaste!

Zumba!!!

Some of you are already big zumba fans, but I went to class tonight and just had to share in case any of you are looking for something new and fun to do to burn some calories, get the heart pumping, send the endorphins flowing. There are zumba classes all over this city, so you can most likely find one that works for you, but if at all possible try to come to Grace Church on Tuesday nights. Grace Church is on 20th Street, west of 59th Ave on the south side of the street. It costs $3 for a class with the amazing Amy Ortiz as teacher and it's a group of diverse,  yet surprisingly funky ladies!

I have never gone to a class there and not had a great time. I have a huge smile on my face; I get to shimmy, shake, and get my groove on!

Amy often says, "Leave your inhibitions at the door!" It's so great to do that!

I've been a runner for several years now; and I love the challenge it presents. I'm always trying to learn something new or push myself to do it differently, faster, better. And for all the good it does me regarding stress relief and fitness, it rarely allows me to PARTY! Zumba does that though. It allows me to let my hair down in a way none of my other workouts do.

Admittedly when I first heard about Zumba I thought it sounded so cheesy-Latin dance infused fitness routines? Weird! Then my little sister and I took a class together when she came to visit me in New York and we both had such a great time. I wondered why I hadn't tried it sooner. I love to dance; I love to workout; what's not to like?

So, give it a try if you haven't. Come with me!

Drinking all the extra water (and it's painfully close to a gallon for me) hasn't been as hard for me as I expected it to be.  Until tonight.  I reached for my water bottle and was physically repulsed by the thought of drinking one more mouthful.  To the point that I joked with my husband that I am getting rabies.  Sigh.  Hopefully it will be easier tomorrow.

To go with those water recipes

Thought these looked nice. (It's just a pic. No directions, but should be pretty self-explanatory!)

I've been on target all week!

Hello Ladies!  I hope you are all having a good week!!

So I have lost about a pound a week since we started this challenge and I have been feeling really disappointed that I haven't lost more.  I was wishing that I was more disciplined and more motivated to work out, so I could see better results... Then I had this moment where I realized that if I keep it up, I will lose 20 pounds by this summer and that is something to celebrate!  It motivated me to be better and work harder!  It was nice to get on the scale last night (which I NEVER weigh myself at night) and realize that even after being full from dinner and bloated from finishing up my last requirements of water, that I still weighed less than I did when I started this challenge! I hope that I am able to remind myself of these little success stories as the weeks continue and my motivation is challenged.

I am so thankful that Spring is around the corner... I often reflect on how appropriate it is that we celebrate Easter in the spring, when the earth is renewed and we watch it become colorful and beautified.  I am looking forward to hitting the pavement over the next few months, this year to appreciate the beauty that is around me a little more than usual...