Accessories to the top

I think part of what will make these next 28 successful is the accessories that go along with it all! Besides the support of all you wonderful people, sometimes it takes that couple extra "oomfs" to get it all to the top!  Well, here are going to be my little minions on this journey:

 

NO, silly, not that kind of minion...although it would be awesome! :)

The first of my accessories is my "always fresh" containers. These will keep my freshly cut veggies easy at hand, so I can grab and go!!

The next wonderful handy tool is my Britta Water Filter, in the fancy green, I may add! My goal is to have to fill this up every single day, maybe two or three times if need be!

George Forman, in the world of convenience, this thing is a master.  Cooks all around in about 5 minutes! Chicken, fish, turkey...watch out!!

OOO, nothing makes me want to get up and exercise more than new stylin' kicks!! My fancy new, childrens size 5, Zig Techs are pretty much amazing! SO comfortable and is so much easier on the joints than regular shoes! Thank you Reebok!

The sign I see as I leave the door and head into the world! Wise words!  Attempt to do what you think you can't...you'll be surprised!

Even just leaving the bedroom takes that first step!

One thing I have to do now, is learn to really cook with spices.  I know my garlic, basil and a few others, but this will be an amazing opportunity to try it out!  Who wants dinner??

I am not an advocate of pills, however, these are amazing!!! One is is thyroid enhancer, one helps me sleep and the other is more of a caffeine energizer.  I used these in the past, and I LOVE them!! Add it on top of all these other factors, I'll be unstoppable!!

So, there are just a few of the many accessories that are gonna help along the way!  Only 2 more days then it officially begins!!

4 days, and counting- D DAY

If you're wondering, no I'm not going to be storming any beaches, D-Day stands for, in the diet world "DO-IT" day!  It's the day that will begin it all again!  D-day is when I am starting my transformation from casual diet, to do it or die, diet!

Let me back up a bit.  Starting Sunday, Colin and I are doing a 28 day cleanse together.  You may remember that from previous blogs.  However, not only that, we're both going to start hard core workouts.  Colin has the opportunity to go AGR, to do so, however, he needs a recent passed PT test on his record.  Well, his unit sucks and they haven't given one since his deployment!  He takes one in February, and as long as he passes that, we'll be an AGR family!

As for me, well, you guys know my goals.  I've decided to...reduce it a bit.  My goal is 30 pounds by April 15. That's about 17 weeks, so a little less than 2 pounds a week!! Like I said...D-day!! To prepare ourselves for this event, Colin and I took some drastic measures!! We are starting ALL over.  We're cleaning out all our old food, we gave a ton to food shelves, and setting up "goals" all over the apartment, to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing this for.  Here are just a couple examples of our doings:

These shelves used to be filled with cereal, pastas, and just about an processed food possible:

 We also got rid of a lot of baking goods, like bad oils, syrups, etc, and now we're going to stock with LOTS of spices and goodies!!

Oh baron fridge, you shall soon be stocked with chicken and turkey, white fishes and lots of colorful veggies!!

And finally, this is MY personal motivation! I carry this everywhere to remind myself WHY I'm doing what I'm doing!!  Looks good, doesn't it??

Well, this is just the begining.  I am gonna do my best to blog each day about this 28 day challenge, with the struggles and the successes.  Let's hope for more successes!! :)

New year, new me!

I took the first steps today in changing me, my habits, and finally reaching my goals!

My bootcamp class is doing a 28 day challenge starting 02 January. I am SO excited, and I'm not 100% sure what it's about, because it is a special designed challenge for those who are up for the hard journey!  I'm not gonna lie, I don't know ALL the details yet, but that's half the fun!


Well, to get in the right spirit, I cleaned out EVERYTHING I know I won't be able to eat on this thing. I realized with this venture, that my habits may have not been the best. I have never seen my fridge and cabinets SO empty! It's refreshing in a way. It's like, not only is the year going to be new, but I'm going to have new food, and another new outlook!

My theory is, why not, right? 2011 brings me an excuse to be able to start all over, and I'm quite pumped! Let's hope 2 weeks into this thing, when I am in MAJOR sugar withdrawal, I still have a positive attitude! :)

12 Days of Fitness...

While bored at work, I thought I would put a special spin on the 12 Days of Christmas...maybe we can give this a shot together!  Merry Christmas Everyone!!!



On the first day of Christmas my trainer gave to me a pair of blue 10 pound dumbbells.

On the second day of Christmas my trainer gave to me two jump ropes jumping and a pair of blue 10 pound dumbbells

On the third day of Christmas my trainer gave to me three sets of lunges, two jump ropes jumping and a pair of blue 10 pound dumbbells

On the fourth day of Christmas my trainer gave to me  four sore muscles hurting, three sets of lunges, two jump ropes jumping and a pair of blue 10 pound dumbbells

On the fifth day of Christmas my trainer gave to me 5 pounds of PROTEIN, four sore muscles hurting, three sets of lunges, two jump ropes jumping and a pair of blue 10 pound dumbbells

On the sixth day of Christmas my trainer gave to me six tight abs showing, 5 pounds of PROTEIN, four sore muscles hurting, three sets of lunges, two jump ropes jumping and a pair of blue 10 pound dumbbells

On the seventh day of Christmas my trainer gave to me seven killer circuits, six tight abs showing, 5 pounds of PROTEIN, four sore muscles hurting, three sets of lunges, two jump ropes jumping and a pair of blue 10 pound dumbbells.

On the eight day of Christmas my trainer gave to me eight minutes resting, seven killer circuits, six tight abs showing, 5 pounds of PROTEIN, four sore muscles hurting, three sets of lunges, two jump ropes jumping and a pair of blue 10 pound dumbbells.

On the ninth day of Christmas my trainer gave to me 9 sprints a sprinting, eight minutes resting, seven killer circuits, six tight abs showing, 5 pounds of PROTEIN, four sore muscles hurting, three sets of lunges, two jump ropes jumping and a pair of blue 10 pound dumbbells.

On the tenth day of Christmas my trainer gave to me ten loads for lifting, 9 sprints a sprinting, eight minutes resting, seven killer circuits, six tight abs showing, 5 pounds of PROTEIN, four sore muscles hurting, three sets of lunges, two jump ropes jumping and a pair of blue 10 pound dumbbells.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my trainer gave to me eleven sizes smaller, ten loads for lifting, 9 sprints a sprinting, eight minutes resting, seven killer circuits, six tight abs showing, 5 pounds of PROTEIN, four sore muscles hurting, three sets of lunges, two jump ropes jumping and a pair of blue 10 pound dumbbells.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my trainer gave to me twelve drinks of water, eleven sizes smaller, ten loads for lifting, 9 sprints a sprinting, eight minutes resting, seven killer circuits, six tight abs showing, 5 pounds of PROTEIN, four sore muscles hurting, three sets of lunges, two jump ropes jumping AND A PAIR OF BLUE 10 POUND DUUUUUMMMMMBBELLLLLLLLLLSSSS!!!!!

Support

I finally figured it out!! For the last month, I've been picking my brain trying to figure out, why am I struggling SO much now, versus when Colin was gone??

Well, I FINALLY figured it out!  When Colin was gone, I was at Golds Gym every single day!! It was wonderful!  I got to see the people that really knew what I was going through, and kept me on track starting every morning!

When Golds closed, I didn't really have anyone keeping me honest.  I did the workouts, but I didn't have someone saying once a week "let's step on the scale and really see how you're doing!"

When I did Weight Watchers the first time, that's also what kept me honest! Every week someone was like "umm, Cara, did we fall off the bandwagon this week?"   "Why yes scary Weight Watchers lady, I did indulge in that chocolate lava cake...BUT I SHARED IT!!"

Well, you remember that boot camp class I told you about? Well I am SOOOO excited, because I get to weigh in now, and I have that someone reminding me every week that I need to be watching every bite! It sucks to have to be SO dang picky, but it works my friends, and if I want to reach that goal, I know what I have to do!

Well, starting January 3rd, Colin and I are cracking down and going HARD CORE diet!! I don't have all the details yet, but with Colin in ROTC, and my goal of OCS, I tell ya, we're going to have Army plastered all over this dang apartment.  We have to remind ourselves EVERY day!!

This is a brand new year coming up, and it's going to be a whole new start! Ya just gotta love the New Year, eh?

"Do not dismantle the house, but look at each brick, and replace those which appear to be broken, which no longer support the structure."  Neale Donald Walsch

Turkey, cranberries, pie...and sweat pants!!

Holy buckets people, Thanksgiving is TOMORROW!  Tomorrow is a day where we sit with friends and family and realize how dang lucky we are!  How lucky we are to have a roof over our heads, a little cash in the bank, family to love, friends who care so much, and how THANKFUL we are...for sweat pants!!

Yes folks, while we all love the shopping and beautiful snow, the twinkling lights, our diets HATE this time of year.  Every week is another holiday party which means Christmas cookies and all the buttery glory of desserts and appetizers! 

So my personal goal this holiday season, is not only to lose weight but really practice restraint!! I've been challenged my doughnuts three times in one week (Yeah, that's just mean, I know!) so one month shouldn't be that hard, right??!!  So this holiday season, I am not going to give into my yuletide cravings, and I will say "No thank you!"

Try it this year! I'm not saying not to eat your holiday favorites, but practice some restraint. YOU CAN DO IT!  

Happy Holidays my friends!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and be thankful for everything you have, and the opportunities we have all laying in front of us!!

Everyday is an uphill battle

I know this is a common trend, but when it's something that is constantly on your mind, you can't help but blog about it! :)

In my year and 9 months of doing this diet thing, I think one of the biggest things I haven't learned is that all good things take time!! When I try something new I'm SO good for a week or two then if I don't see what I want I just want to quit!!  I think everything is going to be the next miracle thing! It's going to make it go away over night!

Mentally I know it takes time, but tell my body that!! There is just something so dang frustrating.  Every day I have to tell myself "this is just another day!" Easier said than done, yes, but at this point really, what choice do I have?

My goal is to get into the U.S. Army, and to do so, I have to lose inches and/or weight. There's no candy coating (Mm, candy coating!! NO CARA, NO!!) I have the most amazing people in my corner, and I have the tools I need to get to this! Okay, yes it's taking a little longer than I thought, but I'm not giving it up!!  Keep on truckin'!!

Thanks for letting me ramble! :)

Update central, back on track 9!

Well, I got yelled at today by a certain someong (eh hem..mother!) to update my blog, because well, obviously it has been a since!

Well where do I begin?  I got the job I was aiming for and I started this week! Working 3 jobs for one week I realized, hey, two jobs is plenty for now, so I'm taking a break from Huntington! I'll miss the kids, but Colin and I need SOME time together! I know, over rated, right? Pa-shaw!

As for the diet, you guys caught me on a great day! I am started a new diet plan! Now I'm sure you're saying "Cara...AGAIN!?" Well, to you I say, yes, again, another one!!

Before you go all diet hatin' crazy on me, let me give you the back story!   You remember the week from Hell, right? (If not, why not? You should be reading my blog...*sigh!*)  Anyway, so one of my bad week turn arounds, was the discovery of this boot camp class I've been going to for 2 weeks now.  I must say folks, I'm being pushed harder now than I have in a long, LONG time!! Probably since I started working with Norman the first time, is how it feels.  I mean heck, I wake up, and I hurt...it's AWESOME! Anywho, when you sign up for this amazing boot camp, you also get help with your diet.  I think, it's not said, but I think, doing the two together will get great results!!

This new diet is a lot of protein, A LOT of protein!  What makes it different though, is it incorporates everything you need to lose! It's gonna be hard at first, 'cus I freakin' love my Lucky Charms, but then again, when has anything great ever been easy??

On the Colin home front, he's officially joining ROTC next month, so because of that, he's non-deployable for at least 2 years!! How awesome is that?! I know, right?  I did the math, and 6 years ago yesterday, Colin and I went on our first date.  Then doing more math, I figured out, that out of the 6 years we've been together, physically we've only spent about 3 together.  But, we've made it this far, and I think there's no turning back! :)

So, as you can see folks, at this point, things are really starting to get back on track! Life is spiffy and I'm feeling good about it all!

P.S.  If you're wondering about the "back on track 9" thing in my title, well, Ihave no idea...it just sounded more catchy than "Update Central!"  :)

"Never Never Never Give Up"

I think you could classify THIS week, as a pure week from Hell.  Monday, my student canceled, so I was supposed to have a 3 hour shift, I got one.  I went to the dentist to fix my wisdom teeth instead of getting them pulled, and found out I had to get them pulled anyway! This of course was AFTER they drilled all four of them!  I got scammed out of $1800 (and the bank won't help out AT ALL!) My little lizard, Tiny, passed away. And best yet, I went to the recruiter to find out, I lost weight, I lost inches in my hips, neck AND waste, but according to their system I GAINED BODY FAT!! Why? Simply because I lost weight in my neck! UGH!!

So as you can see, just...bad! Well, of course on Facebook we all share everything! Life has no secrets.  As I posted my Army results I had one person leave a message simply saying "That sucks, I guess it's not meant to be."  Well, that got me thinking....a lot!  Why haven't I quit?  If people quit everytime things got hard, where would the world be?  And is it really that easy for people to quit on things?

I don't know about you, but my parents always taught me to not quit, and when things got hard to keep pressing on.  I think there's something to the saying, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.  The odds feel like they're constantly building up against me, but who cares!?  The sun came up today and odds are, it will tomorrow too.  If I let one thing keep me down, 10 years from now, what am I going to tell my children? "Well kids, mom had a dream, but because things got hard, she quit!" Umm, no.

Since I've been young, I've prided myself on getting back on the horse  and very quickly.  So, I had my 10 minutes of feeling sorry for myself, but now I've turned it all around again!

On a strict VERY LOW carb diet, doing a hard core bootcamp 3 days a week at 5:45 am on top of an hour of cardio 6 days a week. I now might have another job, making it 3, to help make up some lost funds that were stolen and taken away at Huntington. And as for my Tiny, well he's up chasing cricketts with Willy and Lilly!  So yeah, things got hard, but if you sit and mope around, nothing is gonna happen!

My advice to anyone out there who is going through a hard time, just get over it! What good is it to sit and feel sorry?  Well, it's no good!

So onto the next chapter my friends! It's too early to quit...it's always too early to quit!

Good times, bad times. Good friends, better friends.

When I was working out today, I realized this whole workout/diet/joining the military thing, has been the biggest ride of my life thus far! It's been a year and 8 months, and I'm STILL going!  A lot of the reason I'm still able to keep on, is because of the strong people I have in my life!!

The biggest and one of the most influential all my friends who have stood by me through anything and everything!! They've been there when I was fat, and they'll be there when I'm fit. Diets can make people moody, yeah, but they've been there when I was grumpy as hell and when I got over it, they didn't resent me!  (Believe me, I know I've been moody, and cranky! You go 6 months without a bite of real pizza, and we'll see how thrilled you are!) The best of the best have proven to me who will always stay by my side!  There were times when I just wanted to hide from the world, and they hid right next to me, then got my butt out the door!  The true friends are the ones there when it's the hardest to be a friend!

Then I have people in my life who, when it's convenient, they'll be a friend. When it's time for their life to say it's okay to be a friend, they will.  And that's fine, we all know people in our lives like that.  Not every person who comes into our lives will stay there! It happens, and we can't expect every person on our Facebook to be our kins for life!! 

Friendship is a two way road, and to those friends who have been and will stay in my life, I would do anything for you guys!!  You guys motivate me every single day, to get up, to live life to the fullest and keep reaching my goals! And I hope you all know that the day you reach yours, I'm gonna be there for you too! Whether it's graduating from college or bootcamp.  Whether it's celebrating marriages or births, you're never getting rid of me! :)

“Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you believe that you too can become great.”
         - Mark Twain

Is your kitchen making you fat?

I was looking through Yahoo today, and found this very interesting article.  Changing habbits around you makes all the difference in the world.  Here are a few helpful tips that might catch your fancy:

"Dim the lights. Bright lights can raise your stress levels, ramping up your appetite and causing you to eat more quickly, according to research by Brian Wansink, Ph.D., director of the Cornell University Food and Brand Lab in Ithaca, New York. The result: You end up finishing off a mega portion before you have the chance to feel satiated (it takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that it’s full). For the best lighting over your kitchen table, swap your light switch for a dimmer.

Add a bouquet. A whiff of flowers may keep you from overindulging at supper. Smelling something inconsistent with what’s on your plate dampens your appetite, research shows. In another study by Wansink, people who were served plain oatmeal scented with apple and cinnamon ate more than those given oatmeal that smelled like macaroni and cheese. OK, no need for unappetizing combinations, but some slight sensory confusion—a fresh bouquet or a scented candle—might help you limit portions.

Use smaller bowls and spoons. We match our portions to our dinnerware. “A half cup of ice cream looks good in an 8-ounce bowl but wimpy in a 16-ounce one,” Wansink says. Size even fools the pros: When Wansink gave food experts bigger bowls, they ate 31 percent more ice cream; given bigger serving spoons, they ate 15 percent more. You don’t have to invest in a whole new set of dishes and cutlery (unless you’re in the mood to update your pattern, of course!); try setting the table with salad plates and spoons instead of dinner-sized ones.

Conceal your leftovers. You skipped that last slice of pizza to save calories, but every time you open the fridge, it calls your name. (OK, this is me and it’s calling my name!) Don’t set yourself up for temptation: Stash the slice in a fridge drawer or wrap it in foil to help you resist it until it’s mealtime again.

Leave dinner behind. Serving food family-style at the table makes you more likely to take seconds (or thirds). Sidestep that tendency by serving yourself before you sit down and leaving what’s left on the counter. In preliminary research, Wansink found that women who plated their food at the counter ate 10 percent less than those who ate family-style. One exception: Keep salad on the table—multiple helpings of healthy greens is never a bad idea!"

It's the small things

Since Colin has been home from his deployment I've gone down hill.  I stopped REALLY counting. It was more of an estimate as to how many calories.  Turned out it was getting towards the 2000 plus side.  My clothes were starting to not fit quite right but I thought it was just 'cus of bloating...for 6 months.  I was making just about every excuse I could think of.

Then something just clicked! Maybe it was joining a new gym, maybe it was the looming end of money matters. I have no idea, but for the last month I have been going hard core! Well, honestly, since the surgery I have been pushing myself to new limits!! I've been going to bed early and getting up MUCH earlier.  In that time, I workout for an hour and half, take my pups for a walk, and get all my daily affairs in order.  All of this before I ever used to even wake up.

Life has done a complete 180! In this last month, my weight has started going back down! It's ALMOST to the point to where I was when I greeted Colin (yeah, I gained about 20 pounds since he's been home) I'm back down to my size 8 pants, and there's even wiggle room!! I've lost 2 inches in my waist and losing quickly in my hips (Oh those blasted hips!!)  And even better, I'm feeling so confident I'm almost ready to take a step back into the recruiters office!!

They aren't major accomplishments, it's simply getting back into the mindset as to where I was before, but that part is huge. With this renewed sense of dedication, it's merely a small amount of time until I get to that final step...FINALLY!!!

Giving Thanks

In the last two days, it seems like Thanksgiving has been a constant theme.  Canada got to celebrate their turkey day, and yeah, I actually went back to church on Sunday! (p.s. I think I'm going to go more again!)  Anyway, in his sermon our pastor said people who are greatful everyday have less stress, sleep better, and are just generally happier!!  So, taking his advice, I am going to start a "great, full journal" aka, a journal full of things that are great in my life!! 

So here my friends, is why I, Cara Ann, am greatful:
- I am married to a WONDERFUL man
- I have 2 parents who will help me with anything and listen to whatever problem I may have
- My friends are just amazing!!!  I have SEVERAL girlfriends who I would give my life for, and after college, I never thought I would find that again!!
- I have a roof over my head, food in my belly and just a couple bucks in my wallet, enough for an ice cream cone at DQ!
- I get to cuddle with two wonderful puppies every single night!
- There are people all over the world cheering me on to my road to get to OCS.
- I have a body where I can be active, and run and jump and do anything I want!


Ya know, I could keep going and going about how greatful I am for everything, but I think Mr. Bing Crosby can say it better than I ever could:



So remember, count your blessings tonight, and know that I am including all of you in my counting of my blessings! 

Bullies

As I was working out today I was watching Ellen. With the recent spikes of teen suicides lately, due to bullying, she has been on a kick of trying to inspire kids to be able to rise above what they've been going through! If you haven't seen the video, I highly suggest you watching it:

 Ellen on Bullying

With all of this that has been happening, I can't help but think about what life was like when I was younger.  Sure, we all were teased, but there are some of us who got more of the brunt than others.  I remember my experience starting in kindergarten.   I was at a daycare, a place where a kid is supposed to feel safe and feel welcome.  Well I felt neither at this place.  The owner had a daughter who harassed me to no extent.  She did things that are beyond illegal, and I'm happy to say the woman lost her license.  While yeah, she lost it, I STILL think about what Annie did to me (yup, I still remember her name, and her face, and if she walked into a room right now, I promise you, her face wouldn't look the same as when she got in!)  She gave me a wound that no matter what I do, it will never leave me!!

With that being the start of my school career, we'll say my school career was less than desirable. I had very few friends in elementary school, I was a social outcast.  People would make fun of anything I did, whether it was what I was wearing, or eating at lunch.  Maybe it was how I ran or answering wrong questions.  With how I felt, it led to a lot of emotional eating, WHICH, in turn led to a big weight gain.

Then I got into the dreaded middle school! LIFE...WAS....HELL!!!! I was a terrbile student, I was fat, ugly, gross, and I heard it every single day from SO many people! Yeah, I could name THEM too, but I won't!  I remember so many times, coming home and never ever wanting to go back to school!! My first day of 8th grade, I remember coming off the bus bauling my eyes out, swearing I would never ever return!!  Unfortunatly, I did!

Highschool, I found some friends, but again, there were so many times I had to walk down those long halls, by myself with people behind me, snickering and laughing and pointing!  HIGH SCHOOL. Yeah, kids were just damn mean!!

Then college, this was meant to be a brand new start! FINALLY for the first time in my ENTIRE school career, I felt safe! I felt like I belonged!! I made some of my best friends, and I learned who I was! I learned that I was smart and people liked me!  They were adults who knew how to treat others! It was amazing! 

So basically, with all this rambling, what I'm tryin to say is, if you know someone who is being bullied, tell them it will be all right!! Life goes on, and the losers who were bullies are doing nothing in their lives, and we, the bullied, rise above it!

So to you bullies I had to deal with: THANK YOU!! Because of you I gained the confidence I needed and became a success in college! I have such a wonderful husband who loves me for everything I am and have to offer! I have the best family, and have 2 great dogs! Because of you, I have lost 70 pounds and continue to live MY dreams! I am going to be an Officer in the U.S. Army, and I get to see the world! And what are you doing? I'm betting still picking on the little guys! Well guys, have fun with that, I'm gonna go live a good life!! :)

Now what?

Now that the surgery is done, what am I going to do next? It's amazing how long roads must go on before you actually reach a goal! I gotta say, it sucks! So, until I reach the point of signing, there are things that keep me motivated, such as finding people who I can model myself as a leader after.  So the next couple blogs are going to be about leaders, and how they're going to make ME a better officer!!


I think one of the best leaders, and one of my dad's personal heroes, is John Wooden.  He was the head coach at UCLA, and here's how he ended up there:

"UCLA had actually been his second choice for a coaching position in 1948. He had also been pursued for the head coaching position at the University of Minnesota, and it was his and his wife's desire to remain in the Midwest. But inclement weather in Minnesota prevented Wooden from receiving the scheduled phone offer from the Golden Gophers. Thinking that they had lost interest, Wooden accepted the head coaching job with the Bruins instead. Officials from the University of Minnesota contacted Wooden right after he accepted the position at UCLA, but he declined their offer because he had given his word to the Bruins"


Well, coach Wooden was one of a kind.  He took no slack from even his star players! He coached a lot of greats through his career, and one thing I think they all would say, was not only was he a coach, but he was a mentor.  Both on and off the court the players respected him, what he thought, and what he did! 


Here are some really great John Wooden quotes, and let the man speak for himself! Here's what I want to take with me from his Basketball court, to my Army:


- A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. 

- Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

- Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.

- Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

- Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.

- If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes.

- Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.

- Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts.

- Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.


and finally


- You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. 

Surgery completed

Well, so far so good!!  I went into the office Tuesday morning and left mid afternoon.  So...the procedure:

As I said, I went into the doc at 9:45 in the morning! I got in there, they took my weight and height. My blood pressure was high, so they gave me the happy drugs to try to get me to calm down!

So, eventually my blood pressure got down far enough, where they allowed to to proceed with the process!    Well, the first thing that happened was they shot numbingness stuff in my lower stomach!! When  I was numb, they cut a 4 little holes in the 4 corners of my abs.  They first took a machine that looked like a long stick.  All I could feel was the heat from it! Pretty much, the only other thing I felt on that part was it being moved around under my skin and above the muscle!! It was crazy! After that he took another long stick with a thick tube attached to the back of it!  If you've ever gotten a tattoo, you know what the vibrating pen feels like.  That's what this particular tube felt like.  It was vibrating so fast, and as I looked up I could see the fat literally being sucked out of me, it was so COOL!!  It was like this orangish color, mixed in with the red fluid numbing agent.  Then they repeated it on my outer legs too.  Between the two places they took out two really big tubes of fat!

Now it's time for the recovering period! I tell ya, this part is NOT fun! Imagine the worst bruising you have ever experienced, and times it by about 100!!  Well first, I wasn't able to take any pain killers because every time I did, I threw up ANYTHING that was in my stomach.  If there was nothing, dry heave-ho! Well, finally I was able to find something that I was able to take!! So, yesterday, I did absolutely nothing! I sat and watched more Ghost Whisperer as well as a lot of day time crap!

Today is another day better! I feel like I could actually go out and DO something...maybe! I must say though, while this is STILL a crazy emotional roller-coaster, I know this was the right decision! I know this is one of the final steps I NEEDED to take, before I make my final leap!

3 more sleeps 'till life begins again

For the last year and a half, I've been workin' my butt off, quite literally.  Well there are two parts of my body that don't ever want to budge, my lower abs and my outer thighs.  I worked for over 2.5 months harder than I've worked before! My diet was perfect, my exercise was beyond strong.  It included running 2-5 miles daily, working out with a trainer twice a week, and even attempting yoga!

When all was said and done, I was STUCK! My weight didn't go down a pound, I didn't lose a cm in circumference,  my body was saying "Oh hells to the no girlfriend!!" I went to a doctor to see if they would be able to help, and I got nothing but a cold shoulder!  Then I went to the skin rejuvenation clinic in Edina. After a very promising meeting, we set the date and it's quickly approaching!

I now officially only have 3 more sleeps until the surgery! This is going to be my life changing 7 hours!! It's a "simple" procedure, and I'll be on my feet the next day, back to exercising a week to a week and a half later!  Ladies and gents, this (should) be my last step until signing my name on that dotted line!!  I AM SO EXCITED!!! I'm not one to give up, so I like to think of this more as giving mother nature a boost! :)

Don't worry, I'll make sure to give you an update as soon as I can!! Thank you all SOO much for all your support this past year! It's gonna keep going, I know, but I could NEVER have done what I have without you!

I Still Love Lucy

*nothing about weight loss, just thought I'd share bits and parts of my life!*

Since I was a wee little one, there's one show that has always been there for me whenever I was sick, or needed a laugh, or really just wanted GOOD television episode.  I Love Lucy never fails to make me laugh! However, before I Love Lucy happened, life was not always easy for Lucille Ball herself!   She was rejected constantly saying she didn't have what it takes, she wasn't funny and that she would never make it in show business!

There was something about Lucy I admired.  I think it was her constant persistence to get into Ricky's show, or maybe it was the fact that no matter how mad they got at each other, Lucy and Ricky always loved each other in the end! Yeah, I know how the real marriage ended, but that doesn't matter, Lucy and Ricky always have been, and always will be in love!

In many ways I see Colin and myself in Lucy and Ricky! No, Colin isn't a latin band leader, conga drum player, although, sometimes I wonder about his English! (Oh, I'm just kidding!)  However, we bicker, a lot and we argue about finances! I'm always getting in his business and he thinks that he's really the man of the house! ;) However, at the end of the day, we're more in love than when it began!

I Love Lucy is now syndicated in over 80 countries around the world, and remains one of the most popular shows of all time! I've always loved Lucy, and I think I always will! Her ever stubbornness is a good way to live life if you ask me! The moral she teaches me show after show:
    "when life says no, figure out a way to get in the show anyway!"

So that, my dear friends, is why I Love Lucy!  Now here are a few clips to get you through until the next  time YOU get to love Lucy:




And really, who can forget Vitameatavegamin?





"Speed it up!!"





I think the BEST episodes are the ones out in California:





A teary tribute to Lucy, and why we all loved her!





and finally: The series finale farewell:

The beginning of the end...

As far back as I recall, I have had weight problems!  In kindergarten I remember having a conversation with some friends, announcing the fact that I was 60 pounds! The average girl weighs about 46 pounds at that age.  Anyway, so it's been a problem!

I've always been self conscious, but it's never been the biggest concern of mine.  That is until I decided I wanted to join the military.  For the last year and a half I've been working with an amazing trainer! My diet has been really good! (Minus the State Fair visit!) However, for the last couple month, my size, my weight, NOTHING has budged!! My spirits have been very low, and there have been several times  just wanted to quit!!

There are only 2 parts of my body that haven't budged. My hips, and my lower abs! About a month ago I had the unfortunate meeting with a doctor who REALLY wanted to make me quit! He was an ass, he didn't care, and he was wearing a gold chain with a lot of chest hair...yeah, ew! He looked a little bit like a doctor pimp!

Well, finally today I didn't go back to the doctor, but I went to a "skin rejuvenation clinic." I've known the doctors for sometime, they go to our church, but the minute I walked in I felt very comfortable! Everyone was welcoming, the atmosphere was calm, and the couch was comfy :)!

We went back to the room, and doctor number one was wonderful! She took a look at my "trouble areas" and learned about ME. About my past. About what I wanted and needed!  Doctor number two came in (her husband) and was the same way!  They cared about me as a person, not if a law suite was going to be brought upon them, which is what pimp doctor thought the WHOLE time!

This procedure is unique and wonderful! It's like liposuction, however they use lasers, not knifes!  They make a tiny incision where they stick a small tube.  On this tube is a laser and it goes in almost a windshield wiper motion.  It MELTS the fat! Once they go through the whole thing, they simply suck it out!  Because they use a heated laser, the laser also works are a skin tightener.  So when the fat comes out, the skin slowly tightens and returns to normal!

A lot fewer complications, no real anesthetics needed, and I'm up and walking the next day! I get to start exercising merely one week later and my diet can stay constant!!  PLUS, it's more cost effective!

Having the opportunity to do this, really makes things feel like they're falling into place! This is the last step of what I really need to accomplish my goals! THE ONLY thing standing in my way are these spots, and now, FINALLY, after a year and a half of working out and dieting, my goals will be here!

Of course I have to wait a couple months before full recovery, but the second I get the okay, I'm in that recruiters office, signing my name on that dotted line...


HOOAH!!!!!!!!!!

Find out most about the clinic and procedure!!

They're after me Lucky Charms

I'm not a little leprechaun I know, but I do believe in lucky charms!

So many times people (or Colin) call me crazy for tossing salt over my shoulder when I spill it, or never saying "Oh we've got this in the bag" for any sport even when ahead by 20 points! I always knock on wood to not jinx something or if my nose itches, I know someone is thinking about me! I believe all this, I don't just do it 'cus it's cute (which of course it is) but I do it because I REALLY do believe in that stuff.

Maybe call me weird, but these last couple days have proven that I should believe in that stuff! About last March I took off my jade Buddha. I wore him the whole year Colin was gone through my weight loss. Well, we saw what I did when Colin was gone! Well, I thought keeping my lucky Buddha in the car would suffice.  Come March, things just kinda started going down hill!

About a week and a half ago I was driving in the car where Buddha was hanging from my rear view mirror.  I made the decision that he needed to be with me again! Since March, I've gained weight back, Colin was never able to get his VA funding, having one car was becoming the biggest hassle ever, and work was giving me no hours!! 

Well, in the week and a half he's been with me, Colin got his VA money PLUS another month of rent and bill pay in grant money from the county, found a car that was originally $50,000 got it for under $8000, I've been getting twice the hours at work, and as for weight loss, we'll just say stay tuned after Friday for those results!! 

I don't know what makes this particular necklace so special.  I don't know why it brings me the luck that it does, all I know is that it does and if I could, this necklace would never leave my neck! I'm a firm believer in fate and I know that I found this guy for a reason, and I am SO glad I did! 

Support in the corner

It truly amazes me how many people are in my corner! I feel like everyday there is someone new cheering me on, wanting me to reach my goals!! My wonderful friends, my great parents, sister, aunts and uncles and cousins, of course all of you reading this!!

However there is one person who is always standing in my corner pouring water over my head when they keep trying to knock me down, my wonderful husband!  When he was deployed this past year, that's when the majority of my weight loss happened. From 7000 miles away, he still was cheering me on constantly.

Now that he's home and off his orders, financially things are tough. However, somehow, when it comes to my goals, it seems like enough can't be done to help me! He's willing to give up so many of his pleasures, things that he wants, just 'cus there's something else I could try to lose this weight even faster! Whether it's getting a personal trainer, or trying some fandangled home workout equipment, or even some new pill that promises results!  He thinks half the stuff I do is crazy (yes, he tells me he thinks it too!) but right after he says that he says "if it gives you the confidence you need to reach your goals, we'll find a way!"

I feel like I'm the modern day Lucy Ricardo. Everyday I come up with some new scheme to try to lose these inches (versus getting into Ricky's show!) However, at the end of the day, I know while Colin rolls his eyes at half the stuff I do, like Lucy and Ricky, it's gonna be happy ending!

5 Summer Workouts!

I don't know about you, but running can get very mundane! Not only that, but if you keep doing the same workout time after time, your body will soon get very used to it and honestly, it just won't work anymore! Some think a summer stroll can count as a workout. While yes, it's better than sitting around, there are a few things you can do to really spice it up!

Kayaking:
Calories Burned: 340/hour
Benefits: Helps sculpt your upper body! Think of the rotating motion! The resistance of the water helps build shoulders, triceps, biceps, etc!

Hiking:
Calories Burned: 400/hour
Benefits: Cardio, cardio, cardio people! Hiking not only is a WONDERFUL cardio exercise it helps strengthen the leg muscles! Go grab a backpack, load it up, then grab a friend, a loved one or just your ipod, and hike away! Not sure where to start your hike?  Check out this site and find a local trail!
http://www.trails.com/

Speedminton:
Calories Burned: 400/hour
Benefits:  Now you may be saying, "WTF mate?!" Well, let me tell you! I had no idea what the heck it was! It's like tennis, badminton and racquetball!  Rather than trying to explain it, here's some info for you to check out! It's a game for anyone anywhere!
http://www.speedmintonusa.com/

Cycling:
Calories Burned: 500-700/hour
Benefits: Tell me, what's better than jumping on a bike and touring around your own town?!  Plus remember, cardio, cardio, cardio!! This helps build stronger legs which in turn can also help your running (Should you want to run!)

Rollerblading:
Calories Burned: 816/hour
Benefits: What I love about running is the fact that it sculpts your butt and thighs! What I love about rollerblading, it does the same thing without hurting your knees! Just go find a parking lot somewhere and do circles! You don't need to be a pro, just be willing to fall and get back up!


Well, there ya go folks! What's great about most of these, is the ability to do it alone or with a friend! So go find a workout buddy, whether it's human or ipod, and get going, together!

Pride in others

Colin and I were chit-chatting today! I know, that's a great thing for a married couple to do, eh?  We talked a lot about the pressure of succeeding!  I have always put a ton of pressure on myself to succeed at everything I do.  I keep thinking that if I don't succeed at everything I AM a failure!!  What I always forget, is a lot of the succeeding in the end, is the journey to get there.

Part of the reason I've been doing this, including this blog, is to let others know, that no matter what their goal is they can accomplish it! I've heard from many people this past year how reading this has helped them! How it's helped make decisions that would have been difficult otherwise. 

I've heard from a bunch of my family that since this journey, they too have started to get up and go more!  Starting to make lifestyle changes and improve their situations for the better!

To these people who have been influenced, I am SOO proud of you all, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart!!  When  you guys email me or let me know how you're changing your lives, it honestly gives me a lump in my throat!! I love hearing about what you guys are doing and how you're changing things around! I'm a little bit like a proud mama!! :)

I know it sounds cheesy, but every time I go for a run, I'm thinking about all of you, and you're a major reason I keep going! You guys have inspired me to keep pushing on and to finally achieve what I started this to do!! Thank you all for standing beside me and helping me through all the ups and downs!!

As John Wooden stated in his last book "The journey is better than the end! Make each day of your journey a masterpiece!"

Discoveries of the heart

So many times this past year I've been put in situations where I've had to stand up for myself! Before this journey ever began, I would slink into a corner and let people walk all over me! But since I've lost this weight and started getting fit and actually following my dreams, I feel like the world can't stop me!  

Some people don't agree with the way I go about things, but my friends, it's sure been damn effective!  I've discovered the people who will stand beside me no matter what and who is there when it's convenient.  I've gotten to see people's true colors good and bad and I thank God everyday that I had the opportunity to do so! 

I can't help that life goes on, with or without me! I've learned, people have lives, and, well, they don't revolve around me! I've learned to never apologize for what you feel is right, no matter how unpopular! I understand all this, simply because I know how life works now! I understand that people come and go, and I'm good with that! I know that life has up and downs, but the true friends will be on that cart flyin' down the hill with you shouting "OH HELLS TO THE YES!!" 

So, to my dear friends and family members, thank you! Thank you for the support, and thank you ahead of time, because I know that no matter where the road leads me, your support is what gets me through! I may not get to talk to you all the time, or very often, but every time I do, you help me push on!  Know that while I might not be here physically all the time, I am here in spirit and I love you all! 

For the times when I'm not here, just remember these! Know that no matter what goes on, life is short, and you just have to enjoy it, no regrets!

"Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with right regrets." Arthur Millr

"Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be." Grandma Moses

"Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing, it was here first!" Mark Twain

And finally, one of my favorite, and I think the most relevant for today and this past journey:

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. IT GOES ON."  Robert Frost

Two good men

I'm not a religious person by any means. I think 80% of what the bible says is crap and honestly, pretty irrelevant for life today! I am however, a spiritual person! I believe that there is a god, and that Jesus died for us, and I do believe in heaven, and if you're a good person, when you die, you'll go there!

Now I'm sure you're saying "Cara, what the heck does this have to do with your weight loss?" Well, let me give you a little insight.  Both my grandpas were in the Army, and both loved to serve! My dad's dad was also a police officer in Minneapolis and was a very respected man! My poppop, my mom's dad, was a Sgt. in WWII. If you know anything about ranks, an E-5 in WWII was not an easy rank to achieve! It was the equivalant of about an e-7 or e-8 today! He had to really prove himself in the ranks!

Unfortunately, neither of these two men are around anymore to help me with my journey.  However, I am quite lucky because they are both burried at Ft. Snelling Cemetery  (This is where the spiritual part comes into play!)  When I'm struggling with weight, or motivation or just really need someone to listen (admit it, live people like to talk about themselves and very rarely like to listen!) I head to my thoughtful spots, one on a hill among many fallen heroes, and one in a field with the same company!

Sometimes when I go there I cry, sometimes I laugh, sometimes I talk, and sometimes I just sit.  But whenever I go, the last thing I say to both of them is "Thanks again, let's keep on truckin!" I know that even if they aren't here physically, they are here spiritually.  These two men help me get through the hardest of times!! They are my guardian angels! They are the reason I've done what I've done, they have guided me to the situations I've been in, THEY have helped make me stronger both physically and mentally and emotionally!

Sometimes though, like any human, I forget. I forget that they are with me wherever I go.  However, the last 3 runs in a row, I've seen 2 morning doves. They aren't like regualr birds.  Normally if a person got as close as I have each time, they'd fly away.  These two sit on the sidewalk as I run by, and just watch. Maybe 2 feet away from them it's like they're waiting for me everytime! 

This is my reminder that I am not in this struggle alone! There is a plan for me, and while I may not see it now, it is starting to unfold! It's not happening as quickly as I'd like, but like the doves sitting patiently and waiting for me each day, I know that I'll get there, just as long as my doves don't fly away!

How far will I go?

Sometimes I don't know when to stop! I told Colin, when I join, on my uniform I want three things, a patch on my right sleeve, an infantry badge (or combat action badge) on my left breast, and a parachute right with it!! Also on my record, I'd like at least sharp shooter (gotta make my Poppop proud!!)  I know a lot of people have all of those, but I don't, so I'd say I should get my rear in gear!

The thing is, I am a 25 year old white girl from Chanhassen Minnesota!! I'm not joining the military to sit behind a desk!! I know those jobs are important and keep everything running smoothly, but that's not me! If I wanted a desk job, I would have taken that business job right out of college, and would have a very cushy life right now! I would probably have a house with a white picket fence, 2.5 children and driving a little mini van.  Okay, maybe not quite, but I'm telling you life would be A LOT easier!!

If you guys remember, at the beginning of this journey, I wanted to join the U.S. Marines. I'm not going to lie, there is a part of me that really wished I had never given up on that! However, a wise Colonel once told me "a branch is what you make it! You can be a hard core Soldier, and you can be a pansy Marine!" So, I'm taking his wise words, and running with that!!  Why not try to be the best? As an Army officer, why not have the physical expectations of Marines, and the intelligence expectations of the Navy/Air Force?

I know most people who go into the Army don't have those points of view, but I like to lead by example! My point is, I have no idea where I'm going to end up! I know what I want to achieve, and so far so good.  Sure, it's taking me a lot longer than I ever thought this was going to, but I'm not going to give up on this, and I tell ya, this is going to make me one of the best Army Officers you've seen!

Napoleon Bonaparte has a quote "Soldiers usually win battles, and generals take the credit for them!" In my mind, that's wrong, but I must say folks, ya'll better be able to keep up, 'cus I am not going to stop until I get to where we all need to be!!


For my Popppop:

What's Playing In My Head?

Ya know those mornings when you just can't get your butt out of bed?! On mornings like today, cold and cloudy, I just didn't not want to move. I'm going to admit, I hit that snooze button once (or twice, but who is really counting?!)! Once I finally rolled out of my warm bed half awake, I have to listen to music to get going and get myself on the road.

Now some of you may be saying to yourself "gee Cara, just how DO you get yourself going? When you hit play on YOUR ipod, what comes on?!"  Well you are in great luck my friends, I am here to give you some songs that motivate me! I hope some of these help you to get going! (P.S. if some of these links don't work, let me know!)

Fire It Up- The Unit's Theme Song

Have A Nice Day- Bon Jovi

Run This Town- Jay Z

Don't Stop Believin'-Journey (Don't laugh or I'll hurt you!)

After All- Saving Abel

Down- Jay Sean

Cartoon Heroes- Aqua

Hillbilly Bone- Blake Shelton

Rather than continuing, I think you get the idea!! These are songs, in my mind & body, get my blood flowing! So, if you need some inspiration getting up and going in the morning, make a playlist and get in the mood!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!

A few of my favorite things

Okay, I've been yelled at the last couple days by a few people for not updating my blog, so I do apologize! We have a new puppy in our lives, so anyone with any new little ones will understand!  So here is a quick update:

I have 6% to lose to join the Army...yeah, no problem! The first step I'm taking is a new running program. It's called "5k 101." I'll be able to run a 5k in merely 7 weeks with this program! Continuing right after this, I am going to do the program called "Hwy to 10K." I WILL be able to run a 10K by the time I go to bootcamp!

To help with this subtracting of 6%, I am on a high protein diet! I know I'm not going to make weight, and I've come to grips with that! So, it's time to focus on my nagging 6%! To do this, I searched high and low for the highest protein, best tasting food! Besides your typical salmon and chicken (which get dull VERY quickly) these are a few of my new snacking list! While they aren't the lowest calorie food, I highly recommend checking these out! They not only have great protein, they have vitamins and nutrients we neglect a lot while we diet!

Without further adue...

This yummy snack has a total of 20 grams of protein!! It will fill you up, and is so yummy!

This bread is amazing!! With 6 grams of protein PER SLICE, I had a grilled cheese lunch the other day with 39 grams of protein!!

Simple, convenient, yummy and pretty darn cheap!

Cottage cheese is so good with everything! One of the best summer snacks? Cottage cheese and tomatoes! Give it a try!

I have to thank my sister for introducing me to this: edamame! Simply, add a little salt, and boom, you have a protein packed appetizer!

It's simple. Fat Free. Tons of protein. Fantastic! Got Milk? (P.S. did you know, women who drink an 8 oz glass of milk after a workout lose MORE weight than those who drink a Poweraide or drink like that!?)

Don't have time for an egg white omelet in the morning? Grab a quick bowl of this! Nummy nummy!!

Finally, sometimes I just don't feel like cooking anything, so I whip this in a blender, toss in a few strawberries or bananas, and you have a great meal to go!! Low cal and high protein!!

So folks, this is my list! If you wonder how much protein to eat to gain lean muscle? Well, it should be about 1 gram of protein per pound! For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should eat 150 grams of protein! It sounds hard, but I promise, just take a few minutes look at a few labels and you can do it too!!

I promise I'll keep  up on this more! Thanks all!  Pictures of the puppies to come too! :)

My problem...

Are you done with the jokes yet? Good, because I know you all could go on forever about what my problems are!  Okay, do you know what my problem is when it comes to weight loss?

Here it is, I want it NOW! No, not now, I want it yesterday!! Let's back up a couple days, about a week actually.  I went to the recruiters (I know ya'll read that blog!) and she told me what I had to lose/gain! Tonight I measured myself, and WTF mate, my inner curvy part of my midsection went up! WHAT?! Well, Colin measured me (I love him, but he can't tape females!) and I got frustrated once more!

I know it's not going to come off over night, but gosh do I want it to!!!  I want to be able to walk into that recruiters tomorrow and say "sign me up!"

Psychologically, I know that can't happen, but emotionally I want nothing more at this point! I try to remember what I've done this past year but at times it's just not good enough! Ya know that feeling?? You want something so bad, but there's just one hurdle after another, and boom, you're at the last couple! You think, it's the light at the end, but just a little firefly! You look beyond, and there's a TINY speck that is the light!

Folks, I want to be at that light finally!! Sometimes is just doesn't seem fair! Physically I can do it all, but because I'm an inch too big (literally, an inch!) I can't do it!

So that, my friends, is my problem! I'll get there soon, I know I will, but man this ride is getting bumpy and quite narrow as we reach the top of this mountain!

(P.S. please excuse all the metaphors this go-round!)

Exercise...a few added bonuses!!

Sure, working out is good for your health, but you might be surprised to learn a few other things!


Be Happier at Work.  Exercise helps clear your mind, therefore allowing you to check a few more things off your to do list!


Improve Your Vocabulary. Exercisers who ran just two 3-minute sprints, with a 2-minute break in between, learned new words 20% faster than those who rested, in a University of Muenster in Germany study.


Get Natural Pain Relief. "It may seem counterintuitive, but rest isn't necessarily best for reducing pain and stiffness in the knees, shoulders, back, or neck. Healthy adults who did aerobic activity consistently had 25% less musculoskeletal pain than their couch-bound peers, says Stanford senior research scientist Bonnie Bruce, DrPH, MPH, RD."


Feel Sexy at Any Size. The simple act of exercising-regardless of your weight or fitness level-can make you feel positive about how you look, possibly due to the release of feel-good hormones!


Lower Dental Bills. Adults who did 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 or more times a week were 42% less likely to suffer from periodontitis, a gum disease that's more common as you get older. Working out may thwart periodontitis the same way it does heart disease--by lowering levels of inflammation-causing C-reactive protein in the blood.


Shrink Stress Fat. The waistline of those who worked out less expanded an average of 3 inches. Exercise may lower levels of hormones such as cortisol that promotes belly fat. 


Slash Cold Risk 33%. Moderate exercise doesn't just rev your metabolism--it boosts your immune system, too, helping your body fight off cold bugs and other germs. Women ages 50 to 75 who did 45 minutes of cardio, 5 days a week, had a third as many colds as those who did once-weekly stretching sessions.


Improve Vision. What's good for your heart is good for your eyes. An active lifestyle can cut your risk of age-related macular degeneration by up to 70%.


Reach the Deep-Sleep Zone. Say good night to poor sleep. Women age 60 and older who walked or danced for at least an hour, four times a week, woke up half as often and slept an average 48 minutes more a night than sedentary women.


Never Get Diabetes. Walking 2 miles 5 times a week may be more effective at preventing diabetes than running nearly twice as much. Because fat is the primary fuel for moderate exercise, walking may better improve the body's ability to release insulin and control blood sugar.


Add Years to Your Life. Being physically fit can actually change how your body works. Vigorous exercisers have longer telomeres-cellular biomarkers that shorten as we age-compared with healthy adults who rarely work out.




So if you wern't inspired before, here are a few extra motivators for you to get up and go!! So head out and start enjoying this great summer weather!!