Day #17: Cardio Circuit - Bargain Hunting

Day #  17 of my 30 day Smoothie & Raw Food Challenge

Word of the Day: "Live each day with perseverance and courage"

It's day #17 and I did cardio circuit this morning. I am developing more upper body strength. I am able to do more push ups. 

I am in the second half of my smoothie & raw food challenge and I am very excited about what this 13+ days have in store.

I wanted to list some of my favorite links that I use for shopping where I can discount for buying my products. 

1- For example, I shop at vitacost.com, but I go via Ebates.com and I get an additional discount. If you shop today on vitacost.com, but using ebates.com and typing in vitacost and press the link you will get an additional 12% off from Ebates. 

If you don't have ebates and you sign up via the link below you will get an additional $5 from Ebates. Click the link below to sign up: 

Ebates.com

2- GroupOn offers several discounts daily. Today they are offering "Sweet Sweat", the same product I mentioned in my blog on day #13. You can also go via Ebates.com to access Groupon.com and you get an additional discount. Today if you shop on Groupon you get an additional 3% off. If you don't have an Ebates or Groupon account. Please click the links blows.

 Groupon.com
 Ebates.com

Thank you taking the time out to read my blog! Come again !!

Exercise: 

Week 3

Insanity: Day #17 - "Cardio Circuit". 

Food: 
Breakfast: Raspberry, Banana Smoothie

1 cup raspberries
1 banana
1 tbsp almond butter
1/4 green apple
1 tbsp flax seed
1 cup water

Lunch: Avocado, Kale, Coconut Smoothie

1 cup kale
1/2 cup avocado
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup mango
1.5 cups coconut water
1/2 cup water
1 dash cayenne pepper

Snack #1: 
1 pack chestnut

Snack #2:
2 plums

Dinner: Fruits, etc

1 mango
2 plums
2 servings Edamame
1 cup detox tea

Note: I am not a fitness expert; I am just a person trying to live a healthier life by eating more fruits and vegetables and recording my experience.

I encourage everyone to check your allergies to specific food and consult with your physician before starting any exercise journey. 

Copyright H.E.R (Healthy Educated Rejuvenated) Coaching Services

Day #16: Fit Test & Running

Day #  16 of my 30 day Smoothie & Raw Food Challenge

It's day #16 and I missed my daily run, so I started my morning with a 6:00 AM 2.54 mile run.

Today was a very relaxing day. 

Thank you taking the time out to read my blog! Come again!!!

Exercise: 

Week 3 

Insanity: Day #16 - "Fit Test".

Week 3 

Day 2 of Week 3:  "NHS Couch to 5K"

URL: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx.  

Food: 
Breakfast: Raspberry, Banana Smoothie

1 cup raspberries

1 banana: C: 120 S: 14G

1 tbsp almond butter

1 cup water

Lunch: Avocado, Strawberry, Mango Smoothie 

1 cup kale

1/2 cup mango
1/2 cup avocado
1 cup strawberry
1 dash cayanne pepper
1.5 cups coconut water

Snack #1: 

2.5 oz peanut

Dinner: Arugula, Banana, Apple Salad
1 cup Arugula: C: 4
1/4 banana: C: 30 S: 3.5G
1/4 apple: C: 17 S:4G
1 tsp lime
1 tsp avocado oil

Snack #2: 
1/2 Green apple

Note: I am not a fitness expert; I am just a person trying to live a healthier life by eating more fruits and vegetables and recording my experience.

I encourage everyone to check your allergies to specific food and consult with your physician before starting any exercise journey. 

Copyright H.E.R (Healthy Educated Rejuvenated) Coaching Services

Day #15: SUCCESS

Day #  15 of my 30 day Smoothie & Raw Food Challenge

Word of the day: "Consistency is a proven success factor" By ERH

It's day #15 and its my day for weight in and measurements; and it's  my rest day from Insanity and couch to 5K run. 

Good news: Am down another 2.5 lbs. 

Total from June 1 - June 15: 7.5 lbs
Total Inches Lost: 8 inches

I was so excited about this day and it did not disappoint. See the page below with the measurements for the 06/01/2013 and today 06/15/2013

The past two weeks have been challenging, I am happy I am on this journey. 

Thank you taking the time out to read my blog! Come again!!!

Exercise: 

Rest Day

Food: 
Breakfast: Raspberry, Banana, Maca Powder Smoothie

1 cup raspberries

1 banana

1 tbsp almond butter
1 tbsp maca powder

1 cup water

Snack #1: 

3 plums

Lunch: Papaya, Pear, Strawberry and Ginger Blast

1/2 pear

1 cup papaya
1 cup strawberry
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp flax seed
1.5 cups water

Snack #3: 

2 plums

Dinner: Will Post later

Note: I am not a fitness expert; I am just a person trying to live a healthier life by eating more fruits and vegetables and recording my experience.

I encourage everyone to check your allergies to specific food and consult with your physician before starting any exercise journey. 

Copyright H.E.R (Healthy Educated Rejuvenated) Coaching Services

Day #14: PURE CARDIO & CARDIO ABS - Insane

Day #  14 of my 30 day Smoothie & Raw Food Challenge

It's day #14 and I have picked up some tips from listening to one of Shawn-T recorded chats online yesterday (Thursday June 13th).

He said if someone works out in the morning, try to eat a piece of fruit with peanut butter or something light a few minutes before starting. I did exactly that, I had 1/2 banana and did a little stretch to wake up my muscle a little bit, something he also recommended. I felt much better in the warm up phase of the workout and I wasn't as tired.

However, the fact that I was doing both "Pure Cardio" and "Cardio Abs" for the first time, I was a little bit psyched out and did not push myself as much in pure cardio; the anticipation about the intensity for cardio abs was what I was focus on, thus losing focus on digging deeper for the "Pure Cardio" workout.

Overall, I was not pleased with today's workout because I think I might have hurt my knee and did not even push myself half as much as in past workouts. I completed entire series and never press pause (Shaun-T said in his taped chat - "it's a bad idea to press pause," usually I just let the exercise play until I can join back in again).

I am excited about tomorrow, I will be doing my second fit test, because it's my two week mark on my Insanity workout. I am confident that it is only "Will Power" and "Mind Set" that has taken me this far. I am persuaded that I will complete the 60 days and keep my blog up date for my faithful audience. 

Thank you taking the time out to read my blog! Come again!!!

Exercise: 

Week 2 

Insanity: Day #14 - "Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs". 

Food: 
Breakfast: Raspberry, Banana Smoothie

1 cup raspberries

1 banana

1 tbsp almond butter

1 cup water

Lunch: Concoction 

1/2 cup kale (Optional)

1 pear
1 cup papaya
1 banana
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp flax seed
1.5 cups water

Snack #1: 

1 banana

Dinner: Banana Strawberry Smoothie
1 cup strawberry
1 banana
1 tbsp almond butter
1 cup water

Snack #2: 
1 Green apple

Note: I am not a fitness expert; I am just a person trying to live a healthier life by eating more fruits and vegetables and recording my experience.

I encourage everyone to check your allergies to specific food and consult with your physician before starting any exercise journey. 

Copyright H.E.R (Healthy Educated Rejuvenated) Coaching Services

Day #13: Power & Resistance

Day #  13 of my 30 day Smoothie & Raw Food Challenge

It's day #13 and I am going strong. I am developing more upper body strength and I am so happy that the number of push ups that I can perform has increased.

I am seeing great results as well in losing inches. I will be highlighting some of the things I am using to help me with sweating in the areas I am interested in losing the weight from.

During my exercise:

- Drink about 48 oz Water with 1 cap full Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

- Rub Albolene on my belly and then cover with Waist Trimmer Belt. I also rub on thighs as well

(Albolene can be purchased at CVS $12.99 & Waist Trimmer Belt can be purchased in Marshalls, Walmart, TJ Max, Models or any other location that sells exercise stuff)

Side Note: I heard about Sweet Sweat, but I have not tried it as yet 

My advise is to do your research before embarking on which product you may want to use to aid in sweating. 

Thank you taking the time out to read my blog! Come again !!

Exercise: 

Week 2 

Insanity: Day #13 - "Cardio Power & Resistance". 

Food: 
Breakfast: Raspberry, Banana Smoothie

1 cup raspberries
1 banana
1 tbsp almond butter
1 cup water

Lunch: Green Goodness

1 cup kale

2 celery stalk
1 cucumber
1 cup mango (substitute: pineapple)
1 tbsp coconut oil
1.5 cups water

Snack #1: 

6 oz raspberries
3 plums 

Dinner: Fruits

2 oz raspberries
1 green apple
1 plum

Note: I am not a fitness expert; I am just a person trying to live a healthier life by eating more fruits and vegetables and recording my experience.

I encourage everyone to check your allergies to specific food and consult with your physician before starting any exercise journey. 

Copyright H.E.R (Healthy Educated Rejuvenated) Coaching Services

Day #12: It's NOT Cardio - It's CONTROL

Day #  12 of my 30 day Smoothie & Raw Food Challenge

It's day #12 and I am still pretty tired. My body hasn't acclimated to the intense workout from Insanity and my sleep has not been good (some said it is the side effects of detox).

I did the "Recovery Cardio" workout and still got a sweat and I am very happy.

Good news: I stepped on the scale this morning and I am down another 2.5 lbs.

Thank you taking the time out to read my blog! Come again !!

Exercise: 

Week 2 

Insanity: Day #12 - "Recovery Cardio". 

Food: 
Post workout shake: 

1/2 cup strawberries
1 tbsp maca powder
0.5 oz Goji berries
1 cup water

Breakfast: Raspberry, Banana Smoothie
1 cup raspberries
1 banana
1 tbsp almond butter
1 cup salad mix
1 cup water

Lunch: Carrot, Papaya Ginger Blast

1 cup papaya
1 cup baby carrots
1 pear
0.5 oz Goji berries
2 tbsp flax seed
2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 cups water

Snack #1: 
1 banana
1 apple

Snack #2:
3 medium red plums

Dinner: 

1 Chobani yogurt
1 banana
2 cups water with a cap full apple cider vinegar


Evening Exercise:

Week 3 

Day 1 of Week 3:  "NHS Couch to 5K"

URL: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx. 

Runkeeper:

Note: I am not a fitness expert; I am just a person trying to live a healthier life by eating more fruits and vegetables and recording my experience.

I encourage everyone to check your allergies to specific food and consult with your physician before starting any exercise journey. 

Copyright H.E.R (Healthy Educated Rejuvenated) Coaching Services

Day #11: Circuit Cardio: Not Easy

Day #  11 of my 30 day Smoothie & Raw Food Challenge

It's day #11 and I have expressed how great I feel on day #10, but I also had the biggest challenge with food. I was feeling very hungry yesterday (day #10), even if I had my breakfast and lunch on time, etc. However, I realized that I ate way too much peanuts yesterday, so the next five (5) days, my goal is to decrease the consumption of fat to a minimum.

I had a really hard time waking this morning to do my insanity, after not running yesterday evening because of excessive rain showers (to which I am thankful for the rain). I feel accountable to myself after the commitment I have made to do insanity and complete the 60 days of exercise; also am commitment to you my audience who take the time out to read my blog. I will continue to update you as I work through this challenge and discover my true inner strength. 

Exercise: 

Week 2 

Insanity: Day #11 - "Plyometric Cardio Circuit". 

Food: 
Post workout shake: 

1 tbsp Spirulina 

1/2 pear

1 cup papaya
1/2 banana

1 cup water

Breakfast: Papaya, Banana Ginger Smoothie
1 cup papaya
1 banana
1/2 cup mango
1 big thump size piece ginger
1 cup water

Lunch: Green Goodness

1 cup kale
2 celery stalk
1 cucumber
1 cup mango (substitute: pineapple)
1 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 lime
1 cup water

Snack #1: 
Cherries
Edamame 

Lunch: 

Snack #2:
1 banana


Snack #3:
1 Green Apple

Dinner: Avocado, Green Smoothie
1/2 cup avocado
1/2 pear
1 celery stalk
1/2 cup kale
1/2 cup mango
1.5 cups water

Snack #4: 1 oz Edamame

Accomplishment: I was able to stay off peanuts for today! 

Note: I am not a fitness expert; I am just a person trying to live a healthier life by eating more fruits and vegetables and recording my experience.

I encourage everyone to check your allergies to specific food and consult with your physician before starting any exercise journey. 

Copyright H.E.R (Healthy Educated Rejuvenated) Coaching Services

Day #10: Pure Cardio - Moving On

Day #  10 of my 30 day Smoothie & Raw Food Challenge

It's another Monday and I am 10 days into my journey. It has been fantastic so far (am NOT saying it has been easy).  I have not been having chronic migraines over the last 10 days. I have been suffering with migraines over the last 17 years or so on and off. The reason I said on or off, because I could recall when I was a vegetarian (some will say pescatarian - because I ate fish) for about 8 years I had no migraines and I never have to go to Dr, etc. I started eating meat again after graduating from college and I didn't had a job and could not survive on cooking two different sets of food for myself and my mom. I suffered some regrets for reverting from being a vegetarian, but then I came to accept it for what it was (bad idea). 

Fast forward to one year later, I joined Corporate America and I started working late and the "black car" service dropping me home and not eating on time or eating very late at night. I tried my best to go the gym whenever possible, but that was not enough to compensate for the weight that was being packed on from late night eating and not controlling my portion size.

I got compliments like "You look good with the weight" and  I become comfortable (miserable for telling myself that I was able to live with myself and not feel like I was not living my best life). The voice of others could be very powerful, especially whenever you think it's a compliment or worth listening to. 

My guidance to you is "HEALTH FIRST", if you are NOT healthy, GET HEALTHY!!! Please don't have others telling you what you should or should not do if you are putting your health first and seeking professional help. (The key point, please see help from people who truly care and willing to help you on your journey.)

Well for me, I am here and over the past five (5) years, I have gained about 50 lbs. 

Therefore, this journey that I am on is twofold, first, take back my health, and discover who I am as a person. The weight lost is a bonus, because once am eating right and keep moving, the weight will come off and stay off. 

Stay tune and you will continue to learn more about me and my journey and thank you once again for taking the time out to read and don't hesitate to comment below and ask questions. 

Food: 

Breakfast: Mango, Orange Smoothie

1 cup mango
1 orange
Ginger to taste
1 cup water

Snack #1: 4 oz peanuts

Lunch: Kale, Mango, Apple Smoothie

1/2 Green apple

1/2 cup mango

1 cup kale

1 tbsp almond butter

1.5 cups water

Snack #2: Fruits
1 Green Apple with 2 tbsp organic crunchy peanut butter
1 Banana

Dinner: Random food (Challenging dinner)
1 chobani yogurt
4 oz peanuts
1 banana
1 cup water

Note: I am not a fitness expert; I am just a person trying to live a healthier life by eating more fruits and vegetables and recording my experience.

I encourage everyone to check your allergies to specific food and consult with your physician before starting any exercise journey. 

Copyright H.E.R (Healthy Educated Rejuvenated) Coaching Services

Day #9: Insanity: Power & Speed

Day #  9 of my 30 day Smoothie & Raw Food Challenge

It's day #9 and I have started week #2 of my insanity workout. It is not easy, but I cannot know what lies ahead unless I continue pressing forward. 

No morning run because its my rest day before starting week #3 of my Couch to 5K training. 

Exercise: 

Week 2 

Insanity: Day #9 - CARDIO POWER & RESISTANCE

Food: 
Post workout shake: 

1 tbsp Spirulina 

1 banana

1 tbsp almond butter
1/2 pear

1 cup water

Breakfast: Fruits
Banana
Grapes

Snack #1: Fruits
1/2 apple
1/2 mango

Lunch: Pear, Avocado Smoothie
1 pear
1/4 hass avocado
1 cup water

Snack #2: 
1 banana

Dinner: Kale, Mango, Apple Smoothie

1/2 Green apple

1/2 cup mango

1 cup kale

1 tbsp almond butter

1.5 cups water

Sunday Night Walk: Brooklyn Bridge

Runkeeper

Note: I am not a fitness expert; I am just a person trying to live a healthier life by eating more fruits and vegetables and recording my experience.

I encourage everyone to check your allergies to specific food and consult with your physician before starting any exercise journey. 

Copyright H.E.R (Healthy Educated Rejuvenated) Coaching Services

Day #8: Day off Insanity - Running Time

Day #  8 of my 30 day Smoothie & Raw Food Challenge

It's day #8 and its my rest day for Insanity because I started my first workout on Monday and did my fit test the Saturday before (June 1). 

I did my morning run and I felt really good about me my determination. It is 8 days now and I have been making smoothie and eating raw food. I am feeling the detox effect, but I know it will get better with time. 

Good news: I stepped on the scale this morning and I have dropped 1 more lb. This puts me at 0.5 lb per day.

Thank you once again for taking the time out to read my blog.

Exercise: 

Week 2 

Day 3 of Week 2:  "NHS Couch to 5K"

URL: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx. 

Runkeeper:

Food: 
Post workout shake: 

1 tbsp Spirulina 

1 banana

1 cup strawberry

1 cup water

Breakfast: Green, Blueberry Smoothie
2 cups green salad

1 cup blueberries 

1/2 mango
12 grapes
1/2 lime

1 cup water

Snack #1:4 oz peanuts

Lunch: Raspberry, Banana Smoothie

1 cup raspberry
1 banana
1 tbsp almond butter

1/2 lime 

1 tbsp flax seed
1 cup water

(missing ingredient from Dr Oz morning drink is the spinach)
This lunch drink is based on Dr OZ three (3) days detox dinner drink 

Snack #2: 1 chobani yogurt

Dinner: Fruits
32 grapes
1 mango

Note: I am not a fitness expert; I am just a person trying to live a healthier life by eating more fruits and vegetables and recording my experience.

I encourage everyone to check your allergies to specific food and consult with your physician before starting any exercise journey. 

Copyright H.E.R (Healthy Educated Rejuvenated) Coaching Services

Day #7: PLYOMETRIC: "No Joke"

Day # 7 of my 30 day Smoothie & Raw Food Challenge

It's day #7 and the insanity plyometric workout is no joke. My objective is not just to share what I eat on this challenge, but try to articulate my emotional experience on this journey. Today am extremely tired, I think I have not been getting enough sleep, so I will be working on the number of hours that I sleep. My legs are hurting a lot. I am using BCAA for recovery, but my muscle is still in pain.

Thank you once again for taking the time out to read my blog.

Exercise: 

Insanity: Day #7 of insanity workout. "Plyometric Cardio Circuit". 

Food: 
Breakfast: Orange, Strawberry, banana blast
1/2 orange
1/2 banana
1 cup strawberry 
1/2 lime

1 tbsp flax seed

1 cup water

Additional Liquid: 1 cups detox tea (morning)

Snack #1: 2 cups cherries

Lunch: Blueberry, Avocado, Kale Smoothie

1 cup kale
1 cup blueberry 

1/2 cup mango 

2 tbsp lime
1 cup coconut water
1/2 cup water
This lunch drink is based on Dr OZ three (3) days detox dinner drink 

Snack #2: 3 oz peanuts

Dinner: Orange, Mango Blast
1/2 Orange
1/2 Mango
1 pear
1.5 cups water

Note: I am not a fitness expert; I am just a person trying to live a healthier life by eating more fruits and vegetables and recording my experience.

I encourage everyone to check your allergies to specific food and consult with your physician before starting any exercise journey. 

Copyright H.E.R (Healthy Educated Rejuvenated) Coaching Services

Day #6: Pure Cardio - "It's Bananas"

Day # 6 of my 30 day Smoothie & Raw Food Challenge

It's day #6 and the insanity workout is getting easier. I was able to do the warm-up today without much problem. I am so delighted that its getting easier.

Good news: I stepped on the scale this morning and I have dropped 1.5 lbs to date. I started this on Saturday June 1, 2013 and I am happy with my progress. In another blog I will provide more details on the my goals and the reason why am embarking on this journey.

Thank you once again for taking the time out to read my blog.

Exercise: 

Insanity: Day #6 of insanity workout. "Pure Cardio". 

Food: 
Breakfast: Orange, Strawberry, banana blast
1/2 orange
1/2 banana
1 cup strawberry 
1/2 lime

1 tbsp flax seed

1 cup water

Additional Liquid: 1 cups detox tea (morning)

Snack #1: 2 oz almonds

Lunch: Green goodness 

1 cup kale

4 celery stalk
1/2 cucumber 
1/2 green apple
1 cup mango (or 1 cup pineapple)

1 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp lime
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup water
(Note: This makes over 16 ounces of smoothie)

Snack #2: 2 servings edamame 

Dinner: 2 medium mango and 1 cup cherries

Note: I am not a fitness expert; I am just a person trying to live a healthier life by eating more fruits and vegetables and recording my experience.

I encourage everyone to check your allergies to specific food and consult with your physician before starting any exercise journey. 

Copyright H.E.R (Healthy Educated Rejuvenated) Coaching Services

Day #5: Recovery - Not Cardio

Day # 5 of my 30 day Smoothie & Raw Food Challenge

Today is day 5 of my challenge and am going strong am discovering along the way some of the mistakes affect my journey on this challenge.

For example: temptation at the office; consuming too much high sugar fruits (even if its fruits)

I just wanted to pause and say a big thank you to everyone who takes the time out to read this blog. I share some level of accountability to you my audience who shares in my journey.

Exercise: 

Insanity: Day #4 of insanity workout. Recovery workout. 

Food: 

After workout recovery drink: Protein Shake
1 scoop Elite Gourmet whey & casine blend
1/4 cup raspberries  


Breakfast: Raspberry, Banana Smoothie
1 banana
1 cup raspberry 
1 tbsp almond butter
1/2 cup spinach

1/2 lime
1 tbsp flax seed
1 cup water

Additional Liquid: 1 cups detox tea (morning)

Snack #1: 2 oz almonds

Lunch: Kale, Avocado, Banana Smoothie

1 cup kale

1/2 banana

1/4 hass avocado or 1/2 cup avocado

1.5 cups coconut water
1/2 cup mango
1 tbsp flax seed

Snack #2: 1 cups cherries

Additional Liquid: 1 cups detox tea (after lunch)

Dinner: 2 medium mango 

Additional Liquid: 1 cups detox tea (dinner time)

Evening Exercise: 

Week 2 

Day 2 of Week 2:  "NHS Couch to 5K"

URL: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx. 

All these stats are from runkeeper

Note: I am not a fitness expert; I am just a person trying to live a healthier life by eating more fruits and vegetables and recording my experience.

I encourage everyone to check your allergies to specific food and consult with your physician before starting any exercise journey. 

Copyright H.E.R (Healthy Educated Rejuvenated) Coaching Services