MinaAriel Member

Fantastic results! What was your fitness plan? What was your usual calorie range? What was the hardest obstacle for you?

Yep, I did it. I hurt like hell the first several days. After day 4, the pain does go away. In the beginning, I hate the jumping jacks and jump rope more than anything. I took several breaks and did mostly modified moves. I fought through it, taking several rest days. In the end I lost over 10 inches and maybe 7 pounds.…

Awesome tool man! Thank you so much. I look forward to using it!

I would most definitely recommend Zumba. I started with doing a couple of yoga classes to get over my initial worries. Then I took a couple of step classes. The trick is to ask a trainer or someone who works there about the kind of instructors teaching the class. The trainer was able to tell me which teachers were a bit…

As the mom of two little boys, that got me teary, in a good way. You know he had to really mean it if he said it out loud. Kudos to you, hot mama!

I like Jillian videos but they haven't helped me lose weight. For that, I'm doing a random mixture of DVDs, most of which I get from the library. There is a 3 week checkout so I get to try them and then get a new one when I'm getting bored. If I really like it, like Biggest Loser Cardio Max, I buy it. I've got some Leslie…

I got a stainless still collapsible basket type steamer for under $10. Fits my pots well, I just boil water and steam the veggies over that. I just bought a rice cooker that has a steamer basket included that I'm excited to try out.

Fantastic results! I'm so glad it worked for you! I can definitely tell the difference in the before and afters, especially in your upper rib area. There was definitely a reduction there! Congrats and I wish you continued success!

Thanks all. After the Shred, I will try to maintain at least 5 days a week of cardio, even if it isn't hard core. I'm thinking Couch to 5K since it's something I've never done and hopefully the MN weather will cooperate. I'm still interested in any suggestions for resistance band DVDs.

I am planning on getting the New Rules of Lifting for Women here in the near future in preparation of joining a gym in Spring. I would really like to learn to do the free weights and be stronger. However, I have a couple of months until that can happen and in the meantime I would like to get rid of some of the fat so it…

Thank you so very much for your thoughtful reply. I will try to be patient, dig a bit deeper, and maybe look into resistance bands as a way to vary my workout after the Shred. :flowerforyou:

Is there an HIIT video out there so I know what I'm supposed to be doing? I'm not sure what RPE is but I'll look it up. I like the idea of resistance bands. Any particular program you would suggest that I use so I may learn how to use them correctly?

I've been making cinnamon peanut butter protein bars from a recipe I found on pinterest. My hubby will take one with him to eat at work every morning. I often eat the homemade mcmuffins, an english muffin topped with PB and banana, greek yogurt parfait or a packet of BetterOats oatmeal/cereal.

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

Amazing!!!! Your starting picture is where I am now after losing 30 lbs and your after is where my goal is currently set. It definitely gives me hope!!!!!!!

I would start with cardio machines, maybe timed around a favorite show. When Grey's Anatomy was on, I was at the gym because if I was at home, my kids would bug me. This way, I could become completely engrossed in the show while using the elliptical or treadmill. Also, I found classes easier to handle then just trying to…

I've lost 30 lbs by doing videos. I get most of mine from the library, renting them for about 3 weeks at a time. If I really like them I buy them. Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred is a killer 27 minute workout. No More Trouble Zones is broken down into several different circuits so you can choose to do one or two a day. I…

If I'm not mistaken, Boar's head is a deli meat brand available at the counter that is relatively lower in sodium. Avoid canned at all costs. Frozen is better, fresh is best. Also, I find that my cheese's have a LOT of sodium as well, some more than others. I've been noticing my sodium levels skyrocketing because I upped…

I have the FT4. Easy to use, has the features I need, and was a little bit lower in price than the FT7. Chest strap is comfy and I actually had someone complement my "watch" while at dinner the other night. I got it on amazon for under $60. Admittedly, it took me a while to get up the courage to spend my money on something…

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I would think you would be much more prone to injury so I would strongly advise against it.

Yep. I like to track my nutrients. I take a prenatal, vitamin d, calcium and fish oil. I need to get Vit A and C from food so I like to see where I stand. Besides, calories are calories.

Fantastic! That gives me a bit of hope. What was your regimine?

I would just log the food as being over and not worry about offsetting it through the calorie goal or with a fake exercise. I say this so that your net calorie reports will reflect your true data. A little red number isn't gonna do you any harm and they aren't gonna kick you out for going over. Maybe just put Spike Day in…

I've got lots of tips. 1. Eat more whole foods, less processed. 2. Drink water, a lot of water. All the time 3. Eat regularly 4. Carry a healthy snack at all times. You will need it at some point. 5. Move more than you do now. 6. Sleep, seriously. Go to bed a bit earlier, don't rely on snooze, make yourself comfortable.…

You look great!!!!

Definitely gonna try these. Looks like I'm gonna need stock in wonton wrappers.

I took a peak at your diary and I think you should eat a bit more and make those extra calories healthy proteins and veggies. Your net calories seems way low to me. Your body will retain water if it isn't getting enough fuel.

Prenatal vitamins, even if your not planning on a baby. Great source of iron and other vitamins. They really are a lot of bang for the buck.

I like applebees, chilis, pretty much any national chain that posts their nutrition info in the menu or online. Think about what you are craving and then look it up before you go.