Easy Peasy!

Ok today was day Day 5 on Phase 1 (Pink Primary).  This program just gets easier the longer you're on it.  This week flew by and I had no cravings at all.  I even took my daughter to a local pizzeria where she had Cheesesteak and French Fries and it didn't bother me in the least.  Looking at all the food on the counter used to have my mouth watering and undecided on what to buy, but this time I just kept saying, yuck all that fat is going straight into the arteries of the customers!  And, all those calories are going to sit right on their butts and thighs.  I wanted to shout "get on the P.I.N.K Method!" :-)

So after leaving the pizzeria, I came home and made my delicious healthy dinner!  Yum, Yum, Yum eating healthy is Fabulous!!!!  See today's meals below.

Until my next post...

Think P.I.N.K

                                                  Lunch: P.I.N.K Black Bean Chili with some
                                                                 additional spices of my own.
                                                                 Tangerine



                                      My delicious dinner after the pizzeria

                                                  Dinner: Grilled Catfish
                                                                  Roasted Yams
                                                                  Roasted Asparugus

Feel the burn??? That's just your body changing!!!

Today's title is one of the favorite sayings of the PINK workout leader for PINK Primary. I have been feeling the burn and I figured I would check in and share my progress since my last post. In tribute to one of my Sheros Whitney Houston, my workout theme song is now Step by Step (so fitting...)



Well there's a bridge and there's a river that I still must cross
As I'm going on my journey
Oh, I might be lost

And there's a road I have to follow, a place I have to go
Well no-one told me just how to get there
But when I get there I'll know
Cuz I'm taking it

[Chorus:]
Step By Step, Bit by Bit,
Stone By Stone (Yeah), Brick by Brick (Oh, yeah)
Step By Step, Day By Day, Mile by mile (ooh, ooh, ooh)

I became emotional today while I took strides to this song on my elliptical. First because a legend of our time has passed. Second because I have come a long way since 20 days ago (mind, body and spirit). I had just finished the PINK workouts (day 3 PINK Primary) and was adding a little extra oomph with the elliptical workout. This journey for me has been a step by step kind of situation. From 3 weeks ago when we decided to prepare to start this program until now. Here's my stats...

I began PINK reset at 237 lbs (I'm 5'3".) after RESET I was 225 lbs (and I've lost a couple lbs since) for a total of 12 lbs lost! I cannot believe it. I always lose weight in my face first so I'll share my before and my now pic so you can see what I am talking about. This program must be the bomb because I thought I couldn't live without bread, cheese, processed foods, snacks, oil, etc. And now I am living proof.

first day of RESET

after RESET

Starting PINK Primary brought on new challenges. I have A LOT left to learn. I began eating too much but was still losing a pound a day. That has since slowed down, but I am learning that with the addition of new food I have lessen the amount of food instead of just adding the new stuff. And I am learning to adjust things according to my lifestyle and habits. For example, PINK suggests I have a medium fruit with lunch. I may have that fruit as a snack an hour before or after lunch instead. I was getting slack with my water (even though I am very hydrated) so I am getting back on track with that. I now understand that I need to eat certain things (good carbs) to maintain enough energy to do the workouts. So step by step I am getting adjusted. 3 weeks will be gone before I know it and I'll be in the gray area once again as I switch to phase 2.

Ok, the workouts are basic lunges, squats, core work etc with light weights and some difficult gravity defying yoga moves. I did not watch the videos ahead of time (out of fear) and attempted to go at it full force last monday. Well, that was disasterous. I cried like a baby when I couldn't do the yoga and it was too late at night to drink the shake and (I think I was PMSing guys) everything was going wrong. After a much needed pep talk and instructional from Michelle (the other PINK in this pod) and support from my closest girlfriends I got it together and have been strong every since.

The workouts are challenging but only a few moves are advanced. Within the 3 weeks alloted for this phase I believe I will have all of them down pat (except that damn crazy yoga move). The workout lead keeps reminding me to stay present, focus on me. I am working on that. She says it's your time... and I really feel like I am on the brink of something. It is my time, to get healthy and fit.

One thing I will say is there is room for error in PINK primary so thank God the creator has several lengthy web chats online that answer everyone's burning questions. I even found out I can have air popped popcorn (which is not in the book). So off I go to the store for some organic popcorn and the popper!!! This is the BEST news I have gotten in weeks (besides my weight loss that is...)

Before I go, I must admit that everyone around me in on board. They are inspired by me and I am inspired by them. One of my friends bought in and started RESET this week! Go gurl!!! And I am working on another. My nearest and dearest are making changes in their own ways to foster better health and fitness. It's become a little revolution.... and I'm proud to be a catalyst for change.

La-Vie

I believe in me, my will to succeed and my power to positively influence others.

P.I.N.K Primary Phase 1 - Day 1

Hello Two Pinks In a Pod Readers,

Today was my first day on Phase 1 (P.I.N.K Primary).  I was so excited to do the P.I.N.K workouts and they weren't too bad.  Since I had viewed the videos ahead of time, I figured I would have trouble with the yoga.  Suprisingly, I did better than expected, but still could not do it completely.  However, I think before I get to Phase 2 I will be able to do the yoga workout to completion.

Now for my weightloss on Reset.  I lost a total of 8 pounds on 14 days of Reset, which brings my weight to 264 (see scale below).  Some people lose more, 10 - 14 pounds, but I'm not dissapointed at all because I was prepared for the scale ups and downs through the information provided in the P.I.N.K Method book.  In addition, the scale doesn't tell the whole story.  I lost 8.5 inches overall!  The inches I lost are; Bust: 1.5", Waist: 3.5",  Hips: 2" and Thighs: 1.5".

Another thing I'd like to point out is that the 35 minute workout (2 dvd's) is not enough for me.  I am used to doing atleast 45 minutes to an hour workout.  So, after doing the P.I.N.K workouts, I either do the treadmill or another cardio workout video for 45 minutes to an hour.  This additional workout is P.I.N.K Method approved as it is encouraged in the book and entitled Advanced Program for Accelerated Results. :-) 

As I mentioned yesterday, I will no longer be posting everyday.  I will now post twice a week at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week.  I will also only weigh myself once a week going forward.  The P.I.N.K Method book requires you to write down your weight everyday, but from what I know about fluctuations in weight throughout the day and the month, I think it's more encouraging to weigh in once a week.  This way you aren't disappointed from one day to the next and end up fallling off track.

As usual, today's meals are below.

Until my next post...

Think P.I.N.K

                                               Lunch: Broiled Lamb Loin Chop
                                                             Salad w/Roasted Red Pepper Dressing
                                                              Tangerine

                                                  Dinner: Baked Salmon
                                                                 Steamed Brussel Sprouts
                                                                  Wild & Brown Rice Blend

Reset Day 14 - Last Day!

Well, today is the last day of Reset.  Woohoo!  Reset is the most restrictive part of the P.I.N.K Method program and it was fairly easy.  Everyone doesn't have to stay on Reset for 14 days.  The amount of time you stay on Reset is based on your current weight.  However, 14 days is the most time you'll ever spend on Reset throughout the entire program unless you just want to do 14 day Reset again.

I will post my weight and inches I've lost during the Reset phase tomorrow, as I won't know if I've lost any weight or inches today until then.  I'm so excited to start the P.I.N.K workouts tomorrow.  I will be working out in the mornings and probably again later in the day, everyday.

After my posting tomorrow, I will not be posting everyday.  I will most likely be posting twice a week.  However, if you have any questions please feel free to comment and I and the other pink in the pod will respond in a timely manner.

Today's meals are below.

Until my next post...

Think P.I.N.K

                                                 Lunch: Egg Salad & Cucumbers
                                                                Raw Carrots

                                                  Dinner: Grilled Mexican Pork Chop
                                                                  Sauteed Vegetables (Orange &
                                                                  Yellow  Peppers, Zucchini,
                                                                  Yellow Squash & Onions)

Reset Day 13

Reset Day 13 was a normal day.  Nothing interesting to report.  Today's meals are below.

Until my next post...

Think P.I.N.K

                                                 Lunch:  Curry Ginger Shrimp
                                                                 Leftover Steamed and Roasted
                                                                 Zucchini & Cauliflower

                                                  Dinner: Mexican Chicken Thighs
                                                                Sliced Tomatoes


P.S The Mexican Chicken Thighs were absolutely delicious!  If you want the recipe leave a comment letting me know.  The key was letting the chicken thighs marinate in the mixture for 2 hours.

                                                  Mexican Chicken Thighs marinating

Reset Day 12

Hellooo Everyone,

Today was another great day on P.I.N.K Method.  Did I tell you I loooove this program :-)  As I said, the other day I started working out a little.   Even though, the program is not designed for working out during the Reset phase, I have so much energy and feel so awesome that I feel strong enough to workout a little.  This morning I got on the treadmill for a half hour and did 4 sets of 12 crunches.  I feel great and cannot wait until Monday when I get to do the full P.I.N.K workouts.

Well, that's all I have to report today.  My meals for today are below.

Until my next post...

Think P.I.N.K 

                                                  Lunch: Egg Salad over Cucumbers
                                                                 Sliced Tomatoes
                                                                 Raw Carrots

                                                  Dinner:  Broiled Lamb Loin Chop
                                                                   Grilled Asparagus
                                                                   Steamed Cauliflower

Life is a Moving Target....



Ok, I am on day 12 (out of 14) of reset with The PINK Method. I've lost 10 lbs since last monday.

I am super pyched!!! I would NEVER have guessed I could make it through this phase. I have not had any processed food, white sugar, snacks, cheese (which is my life...) etc. in 12 days and I don't want any either. I am soooo confused!! I have thought about eating Rita's water ice on several occasions but never broke my contract with myself. I previously did not believe I had enough will power to conform to this regimen. I even had an encounter in the grocery with those same chips the other PINK in the pod ran into yesterday. But I kept it pushing (I was on my way to get frozen strawberries for my shake) and I was like "I don't want you!!"



 I never drank water and now that's all I drink. I ate emotionally before but in this last 12 days I have talked it out with friends, snapped out on folks a couple times, made amazing paper crafts, caught up on shows, blogged, etc. Anything to keep food as nourishment only. There have been many mine fields along the way... Life is a moving target when you have young kids, a dog, a house and a husband to take care of.  But you can do it. I was least likely to success and I am off to a great start.

Listen, these are my tips for making it through...

1. stay positive - your attitude is 95% of it. What you think you are or can do it what you bring into reality. It's the same for the negative thoughts.
2. drink the water - if you cannot do the full amount, drink as much as you can. It speeds the weight loss
3. make the meals that excite you - I never was big on eating this way but I like knowing I am doing the right thing and that I have many choices. Arrange a pretty plate, use lots of color etc.
4. everyone eats the same - move everyone in the household to this meal plan so you won't operate like a restaurant or be tempted to cheat. if that doesn't work... have them cook for themselves or if it's young kids - feed them things that they love but you don't want anyway. My kids have been trying all the new veggies in the house. they love some and hate others. Well, at least now I know...



Orange bell pepper filled with tuna salad and garden salad

This was my lunch today. I have shown this type of salad before, but I wanted to share why I think this is a great option for a light meal at lunch or dinner. I find this meal to be very satisfying and very filling. I use one can of starkist select low sodium and hellman's low fat mayo. I do not use enough for it to be swimming in mayo. Add just enough to mix with garlic powder, fresh ground pepper and cayenne (to get that metabo going...) I put the tuna in half a bell pepper. I use different colors because it's pretty. When I eat it, I pick it up and bite into it. That gives me the feeling like I am eating a sandwich. It's crunchy and satisfying and filling. Give it a try...

Now for the PINK Drink Confidenital....



Raw Hemp Protein - Wegmans

This week I was feeling like if I drank PINK drink #1 ONE MORE TIME I was going to lose it! So I felt adventurous enough to try PINK drink #2 and #3. I don't hear much chatter about these drinks so I am here to give you the inside scoop! Both drinks call for Hemp protein powder which I got from Wegmans. And both call for vegetables - which I am not used to (at all...).



PINK Drink #2

 PINK Drink #2 was an acquired taste...I tolerated it for 2 days but have decided to retire this option from my repetoire. It calls for Spinach, Carrot, Beet, Strawberries and Coconut Water among other ingredients. It was a really dark red drink with an earthy taste. I felt like I was really part of the crunchy granola crew with this option. It was gritty and earthy (insert - tastes like dirt) and well... let's move on.

PINK Drink #3



Hands Down, PINK Drink #3 is DA BOMB!!

It is now my breakfast until I get sick of it and move back to #1. I love this drink because it calls for coconut milk, banana, strawberries, spinach, beet, fresh lime juice, stevia (if needed), etc. The big tip with this drink is that you HAVE to blend it twice as much. (maybe #2 would've been better and less gritty if I had done that...but we'll NEVER know....). This drink is tasty and had me doing a happy dance after the last two days doing #2. I highly recommend it. Try it and let me know wzup....

La-Vie

Never say never...