The SPARK

So to help us get over the hump Dan (our amazing SweatLife Trainer) asked us to go on the SPARK diet. In Dan's words it is supposed to "ignite your metabolism, break through plateaus". The long and short of this diet is for the first week nothing but lean protein and veggies...lots of them. No fruit. No dairy. No grains or beans. Especially nothing processed! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Are you kidding me! That was my first response. Then was the thought that I absolutely can't do this. but I am 6 and 3/4 days through this and guess what? I did it. I wasn't 100% faithful but at least 90%. I am really hoping to see the payoff on the scale tomorrow. Now for the second week we get to add in high octane carbohydrates...fruit and some grains. Wow, never did I ever think that adding fruit or oatmeal to my diet would be so exciting.

Here is a recipe for chili that helped get me through this week.
Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey, 16 oz
*1tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
*1/2cup Onions, chopped
*1/2cup Carrots, chopped
*1/2cup Green Peppers, chopped
*1/2cup Celery, chopped
*1/2cup Parsley, fresh* (I omitted the parsley and added zucchini)
1can (15oz) Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes
*1can (15oz) Tomato Sauce*1can (8oz) Tomato Sauce
*1pkg McCormick Mild Chili Mix*

Drizzle in Extra Virgin Olive oil in large skillet (with glass lid). Brown Ground Turkey (but don't let it burn!!)-Add in onions, carrots, green peppers, celery, and parsley and somewhat "stirfry". Once those are nice and married, add in can of Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add in 1/2 package of Chili Mix.Let this simmer for about an hour.

Dan- you will get a kick out of this. I just realized that this recipe came from a spark recipe website!

Alright, so about 8 weeks down and 6 weeks to go. Let's do this!

I must get over the hump!

Okay. I apologize. I am a complete slacker. I could go on and on with excuses but I haven't blogged in two weeks so I am sorry. Here goes the recap of what you have missed...

In my last post, I talked about dissappointment with a lack of results. The next day I got some great news. Even though the scale only shows 5lbs of weight loss, my physiograph showed that I gained 2lbs of muscle and 2lbs of fluid (my trainer said that is normal with muscle gains). So that means that my total fat loss is .... wait for it... 9lbs in 4 weeks! As I am sure that you can imagine, I was totally stoked!!!!

Now the big butt...no not that butt--the But I am only 6 weeks in. I feel like this is the hardest stretch. I am totally starting to crave sweets. (Oh how wonderful just one little cookie would be!) Meals are starting to get repetitive. Food planning is getting more difficult. We have about 8 weeks left and I really need to stay focused. Eyes on the prize!!!! I love my fellow BWLC girls but the competitive side of me has to try and win this thing or I don't I can keep the same intensitity. So any great snack or meal ideas...shoot them my way. Keep my fatty cravings at bay!

As for the training aspect of this challenge, I think that is my strength. I really enjoy the workouts. On the days off from the SweatLife gym, I am looking forward the my exercise for the day. And Rob is awesome at making sure that I get my workout in no matter what. Right now I am training for a 10k race, Trail of Payne on March 17th. I am pretty comfortable at 3 miles right now but I have not attempted anything over 3 miles since my freshman year of high school. Wish me luck! I am trying to add a half mile a week up to the race...we'll see.

Thanks for hanging in there with me. Talk to you soon.
Amanda

http://sweatlifefitness.com/
www.gigglemag.com

4 weeks down...10 weeks to go

So I have been a little delinquent on my blog lately sorry! Every time I went to sit down and write I just couldn't quite figure out what I want to say. I think that is probably because I am not to proud of my numbers so far... but full disclosure here right!?! We had our 3 week 2 day weigh in and I am only down three pounds. We did not do our full stats because the machine was broken but we should get our fat % etc on Thursday. I know that I should be happy with three pounds...everyone keeps telling me it is a healthy weight loss in three weeks, but let's be honest-- I have been working my butt off! I haven't cheated and I have only taken like two days off from exercising this whole time. That coupled with the 8 to 11 pound losses of all of my other BWLC girls (so awesome for them!)-I am just frustrated. The good news is I am staying motivated. I just want to drop some weight already!!!

Thanks again for all of your support! On days that I don't want to eat what I should or I am trying to keep the motivation to get the girls in the stroller so I can workout, your support is what makes it happen!


http://sweatlifefitness.com/
http://www.gigglemag.com/