My New Year's Revolution!

Gosh, it is 2013 and been two months since I blogged!  Things have been SUPER BUSY for me! I am still on the journey and doing well.  I am maintaining what I achieved with my physique during the second half of 2012 with the help of Lisa at Boutique Body Fitness--boutiquebodyfitness.com.

While 2013 seemed to get here way too fast, it is here!  Bring it on!

I pursuing several things that I can't share at the moment, but let's just say that prayerfully this will be truly a year of change and challenge for me--My New Year's Revolution!

I am ready to challenge myself in various aspects of my life in a way that I have never done before. My fitness journey, of course, will be a substantial part of this.

Stay tuned. I look forward to sharing and Happy New Year!

                                                                 New Year's Eve 2012
                                             ( Sure wish this computer would let me fix the red-eyes and crop!
                                                        Oh well--focus on the RED DRESS and not the red eyes. LOL. )

Electing to Live the Clean and Fit Lifestyle and Enjoying the Ride

Happy Election Day!

I started this journey in June 2007.  That seems so long ago!  Our current Commander in Chief President Obama was one the Presidential campaign trail for the time.  And now here we are.  November 2012 and another Presidential Election.  Exciting!

I voted early--SO GLAD I DID, so I decided to take some time an post before I get out for the day.

I set goals for this journey to Lose Fat and Win, and I have exceeded those goals with 70lbs lost (hovering between 133-135), a body fat percentage under 21%, and sizes 2 and 4 in my closet (and I even think my feet have gotten smaller, but I am not sure how I really feel about that given my shoe collection. LOL!).

I have run 3 half-marathons, I can do "boy" (I prefer GIRL POWER) push-ups without struggling, I am a consistent cooler carrying clean eater and a member of the Women of Iron club.

I am pleased with my progress, but I am not done yet!  

I have goals for 2013, but in the meantime I am going to enjoy maintaining my weight (instead of trying to lose-yes!) and focus on improving my body composition.  

Just because I am in maintenance mode regarding my "diet", I do not have a license to slack. Building muscle and improving my body composition will take some real discipline and consistent clean eating. I will have to be super focused in the gym and "feel the muscles" as Lisa says.  I need to have a plan and be focused. I Since I have already voted, I am going to ELECT TO LIVE the CLEAN and FIT LIFESTYLE in Maintenance Mode.

Here is my Lifestyle Ballot; I am Electing Every One!:

• Diligent clean eating all week with one free day in moderation (travel is no excuse)
• Cardio 4x a week, plus tennis
• Training with Lisa at Boutique Body Fitness 2-3 days a week
• Prepare for 7 hours of sleep per night (sometimes I just wake up at hour 6, but if I prepare for quality sleep, I feel good when I rise)
• Prioritize my commitments; don't over commit; take time to adequately rest
• Don't over think food!

This is a lifestyle I can manage.  It has taken practice over time, but I have it down now.  Any setbacks will be because I am not in a good mental place, not because I don't have the tools and resources.

Live the Lifestyle Shay Shay! Live it to the Fullest and Enjoy the Ride! 

The Sweetest Day for Sweet Spot Fitness

Recently I learned that October 20th is a holiday of sorts--The Sweetest Day--to give folks a chance to be sweet and show their care and appreciation for others.

How appropriate that tonight The Sweet Spot Fitness Challenge ladies decided to celebrate their first year of  setting health and fitness goals, changing lifestyles, and supporting each other on the journey to find our Sweet Spots of Health and Fitness!

About 10 of us gathered tonight for a wonderful evening for fellowship.  The ladies brought a variety of dishes so that we could eat as healthy as we wanted or engage in some well deserved indulgence.  We had a fantastic "white elephant" type health and fitness gift exchange, but we outdid ourselves by finding some great gifts that no one wanted to give up during the "steal" option.  Man, it could have gotten intense. LOL!

Oh and let's not forget how much we LAUGHED!  Laughter is truly great for the soul.

A BIG THANK YOU to Sweet Spotter The Beast for providing us with a wonderful setting for our celebration. You truly made us feel at home as always.

It was truly a SWEET night. I am looking forward to a fantastic year ahead of even more success on this journey to find our Sweet Spots and supporting each other along the way!

Pumpkin Pie Spice of Life

I am sure I have said it before--I LOVE FALL and YES, I love FALL FOOD!  Pumpkin is one of those foods that I have grown to love over the last couple years. Unfortunately, my love affair with Pumpkin really started a couple years ago with Pumpkin Muffins from Dunkin Donuts. Well, that affair didn't end well as those muffins can pack on lots of calories and sugar that Shay Shay's body just doesn't need!

Last year, I decided to conquer the Dunkin Pumpkin Muffin temptation with making my own version as posted here:

 http://losingfatandwinning.blogspot.com/2011/09/spibelt-pumpkin-muffins-and-running.html

This year, I am even more focused on my training, clean eating, and body sculpting, so even my own clean version of pumpkin muffins are not "on plan" right now.

What is Shay Shay to do?

Well, I have been seeing lots of clean recipes using pumpkin pie spice. I had never used it before--probably would have been great in my muffins actually. Anyhoo, I decided to buy some and see how I can get my Fall Pumpkin Fix and stay "on plan".

SO GLAD I DID!

Pumpkin Pie Spice really spruced up my morning oatmeal and protein shake.

For my oatmeal and my chocolate protein shake I added the following to my cooked oats:

• Dash tsp nutmeg
• Dash cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Now you can play with the amount based on your desired spice tolerance--I am all about season to one's OWN TASTE!  I like the kick, but most folks probably only need the Dash of nutmeg and cinnamon and the 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. I don't add stevia, but that may sweeten up the spicy if you need.

Oh, and I add 2 tablespoons Bee Pollen Granules to my oatmeal.  This Super-Duper Food has all sorts of health benefits but also adds a nice little flavor to my oats.  Two tablespoons of flaxseed and egg whites are also a great addition to have a fully balanced bowl of oatmeal.  Oh, and of course, if you are eating fruit with your morning oatmeal, try adding a few tablespoons of pumpkin. 

For a little information on Bee Pollen, see  http://www.livestrong.com/article/270887-what-are-the-benefits-of-eating-bee-pollen/ 

Keep it Spicy and Have a Great Weekend! I sure plan on it! 

What's Cooking Shay Shay? Fish and Fresh Roasted Green Beans

Every since I was a little girl, I loved fresh fish! Growing up near the waters of the beautiful Commonwealth of Virginia, there was no shortage of fish on our dinner table (and yes, my family COOKED and we ATE TOGETHER MOST NIGHTS!)

While I am a little land locked in Atlanta, I still love to sit down and enjoy a nice fish lunch or dinner.  With my endeavor toward a lean, tight, muscular physique, I am cooking lots more fish: tilapia, orange roughy, and salmon are my favorites!

Here is a recipe for white fish like tilapia or orange roughy that I have recently thoroughly enjoy. I played with these spices I tend to enjoy in various dishes.  This turned out much better than I expected.

SEASONED WHITE FISH
Preheat oven at 425 degrees

• 8-10 fillets of white fish
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning 
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Dash of sea salt and pepper to taste
• Spray a gallon storage bag with cooking spray
• Add fish and seasonings to the bag and toss until fish is  thoroughly coated

Tossed and Fully Coated

Ready for the oven

• Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and spread fish evenly on a the sheet.

• Cook for 15 minutes/until fish is at desired flakiness

FRESH ROASTED GREEN BEANS

Done:  Seasoned Tilapia and Fresh Roasted Green Beans

Preheat oven at 425 degrees 

• Spray baking sheet with cooking spray
• Garden fresh green beans (about 2 pints or 4 handfuls)
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning
• 2 tablespoons rosemary
• Dash of sea salt and pepper to taste
• Put all the ingredients on the baking sheet, spray beans with cooking spray and toss/stir until green beans are coated
• Roast beans until slightly tender/until desired tenderness reached 

12 Weeks: Committed

The other day I saw a Facebook post on one of the many fitness fan pages I "like".  It mentioned that we have 12 weeks left in 2012 and asked what we are going to do (fitness wise) before the New Year (i.e. before resolution making time).

Me?  I am going to be Committed in a way that I have NEVER BEEN to reaching the next phase of my fitness goals.  I am armed with a great training and meal plans by Lisa at Boutique Body Fitness (www.boutiquebodyfitness.com), so the rest is up to me!

I am committed to stay on my meal plan, without compromise.

I am committed to toughen up and extend myself during my training sessions and follow the cardio plan designed for me.

I am committed to REST--to get adequate sleep at night and rest my body as instructed.

I am committed to not OVER commit my time such that I am overwhelmed.

I am committed to ME.

I am committed to entering 2013 with a BANG, a BOOM BOOM POW--feeling, looking, and being THE BEST Shay Shay I can be!

What's Cooking Shay Shay: Breakfast

On this journey to Lose Fat and Win, I have studied and have learned quite a bit about eating clean and how to stay on track whether at home or traveling.  The key to my success has been food preparation--that is 1. buying whole foods, 2. cooking and preparing my meals with these whole foods, 3. packing and taking with me the meals I cook and prepare, and 4. most importantly--EATING and ENJOYING what I cook and prepare.

Over the years, I have shared my food preparation tips with my friends.  They have been encouraging me to share with a broader audience.  So, here I am--sharing what Shay Shay is cooking.  I will endeavor to share on a regular basis and will include pictures.

Just as I adapt recipes to suit my taste, you can do the same. Some things I cook come various cookbooks, blogs, and websites. Others come from my playing around in the kitchen based on dishes I have enjoyed in restaurants or just experimenting with various foods and flavors.  I will always try to give proper credit.

Back to what's cooking.

I wondered where to start. Ah, DUH!--start with the first meal of the day. The meal that gets me energized to be the most productive Shay Shay I can be. BREAKFAST--probably my favorite meal of the day!

Here is a dish I created because I wanted to add more leafy greens in my diet. I figured kale would be a nice compliment to the sweet potato and egg whites I have as part of my Boutique Body Fitness meal plan. It was inspired by "hash" I have had at various restaurants over the years. Frankly, without seeing "hash" on menus I would not have knows what to call this!

Kale, Asparagus and Sweet Potato Hash (one of my favorite breakfast dishes)

1 1/2-2 cups chopped kale (spinach works too)
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup asparagus
3-5 small portabella mushrooms, sliced
4-5 oz sweet potato--baked whole and sliced or cubed and roasted beforehand
3-5 egg whites
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning or other herbs
2 dashes black pepper (optional to taste)
1/8 teaspoon sea salt (optional to taste)

Coat a skillet with cooking spray.  Saute garlic, red onion, asparagus, mushrooms, seasoning/herbs, optional salt and pepper until browned.  Add Kale (or spinach) and saute until tender.

Add egg whites and scramble with other ingredients until whites are cooked well.

Put on plate and top with sweet potato, which can be reheated if prepared in advance.

Enjoy!

Pure Delight!

For some time now, I have really been watching my sodium intake among other non-herbal additives.  My mantra when I go out to eat (when I am sticking to plan as I should) has been: no butter, no oil, no salt, please. 

While many may think that this would make for really bland meals, I am finding what I am now going to call PURE DELIGHT in the rich, but simple, pretty much, unadulterated flavor of clean food. 

I really have trained my taste buds to uncover this Pure Delight.  If there is even a smidgen of salt, my taste buds (and many times my head--headaches) get overwhelmed.

Finding this Pure Delight makes it super simple to stick to my eat-clean lifestyle AND enjoy my meals! Shay Shay is and has always been (since the days in my grandmother Omia's kitchen) a FOODIE! 

To give you a sense of this Pure Delight let's look at my lunch out with my colleagues yesterday to Miller Union--www.millerunion.com.  I was tempted to pass because I wanted to get back to my tighter clean eating after about 7 days of vacation, but I enjoy getting out of the office with my group.  Passing--especially on a beautiful Friday afternoon was not really going to happen. I had to make it work.

I contemplated eating at my desk prior to leaving and just getting tea--maybe a salad--at Miller Union.

Instead of "being weird" I decided preview the restaurant menu and determine what I could work and then called the restaurant to ask if they would be able to accommodate me.  

Of course they could!  

I chose the trout from on entree, the green beans from another, and the farro (after being told the butternut squash already had been prepped in butter)-- ALL with NO BUTTER, NO OIL, NO SALT!

PURE DELIGHT!

I absolutely enjoyed it AND stayed on plan!  

PURE DELIGHT! 

Back and Back on Track

Oh what a wonderful time I had in the beautiful Coachella Valley this past week!

Beautiful Historic LaQuinta Resort and Club

I am back in ATL and back to my routine of strict clean eating and workouts (although I don't pick up with Lisa at Boutique Body Fitness until next week).

To help me get back on my strict clean eating track, I hit up the Dekalb International Farmer's Market and tried some new things including Monk Fish--baked it and it was yummy, and I spruced up my tuna a bit with some fresh basil, tomatoes, artichokes, dill, celery seed, and champagne vinegar (which is yummy with no calories, no salt--just taste!)

When I get settled in a little more I will be doing a couple posts on my Coachella Valley Adventure, including the food, fitness, and fun!

Stay Tuned!

Until then, Shay Shay will be running the Black Girls Run Drive to End Hunger 5K (looking to get a personal best) and playing my first match of the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Season and continuing to work on Getting and Keeping it Tight!

Adventures in Shay Shay Travel: The US Open!

Happy Labor Day!

I just finished watching Serena Williams beat her opponent hands down 6-0, 6-0 and now watching some incredible doubles play by the Bryan Brothers. Oh how I LOVE this GAME!

I had the wonderful fortune to spend time in NYC for the 2012 US Open! I saw so many awesome players do their thing on the court. For me, the US Open was like the Super Bowl, March Madness, the Olympic Games, the World Cup and World Series(and any other major sporting event/series) ALL IN ONE!

If only I had figured out the darn zoom function on my iPhone camera! I could have gotten some awesome shots--like a closer up of the Williams Sisters:

While I've been told that if I don't have pictures on this blog, then it didn't happen, I KNOW I saw:  the Williams Sisters, the  Bryan Brothers, Federer, Murray, Tsonga, Bartoli, Stouser, Sloan Stephens, and Sharapova to just name a few. 

What DID happen is that I was totally prepared to stay on my plan while at the Open. We pretty much stayed ALL DAY and NIGHT and the healthy food choices are limited and EXPENSIVE and not on plan.  

 Here is my cooler. Packed up with enough lean protein, veggies, complex carbs, and sugar-free gum for the ENTIRE trip! Tip: frozen ice packs are totally TSA Security friendly. I only bought one full meal the entire trip! It SAVED me in so many ways!

With storage bags and foil, getting in all my clean meals was virtually hassle free!

    And, of course I got in my workouts!  I even pushed myself harder than I have ever done during my treadmill circuit workout. I am no longer afraid of 7.0 sprints?!?! Not Shay Shay Baaabbbbyyyy! 

Shay Shay is proving that I can vacation, enjoy myself and NOT COMPROMISE my overall healthy, fit lifestyle. This makes me extremely proud and happy.

I look forward to my next adventure.  Until then, here is a picture that I just think is way cool that happened totally by accident. Shay Shay's silhouette against the US Open lighted logo. My last moment on the grounds of Billy Jean King Stadium.

And this is me at the Historic Lenox Lounge in Harlem having a little post-US Open fun!  I got my dance (and extra cardio in for sure!)

My Kitchen Workout

I am used to sweating it up in the gym, but today I put a workout in the kitchen!  

My usual fish, chicken, veggies, and sweet or white potato cooking is not a big deal for me. I can whip up these things while I am getting ready for work.

For Shay Shay, this is routine and easy.

But oh today! Today, I tried something new.  While in Augusta, my Teammate B brought salmon cakes he made. He was very generous to share (and later you'll learn just how generous), and while they looked delicious, I did not partake. 

He shared with me his recipe, but the main thing that intrigued me was that he used the sockeye salmon trimmings (what's left after they filet) from the Dekalb Farmers Market. He said that the trimmings are so cheap and perfect for making cakes.

Being Shay Shay, of course I picked up some trimmings while at the market this week.  They looked a little intimidating, but I do okay in the kitchen. I knew I could handle it! And at  $0.49/pound, how could I not at least try!

WELL LET ME TELL YOU!  I see exactly why the trimmings are so darn cheap! Who would charge you for something that takes so much work (oh, wait-personal trainers. LOL!).

I got the trimmings, my gloves, some newspapers, plastic bags, a bowl, and fork and started to picking.  Thankfully, the bones are HUGE so that does help maneuver around them to get the meat. 

Helps, but still a monumental task (I was SWEATING) until I remembered this (ah, Shay Shay next time ask B what HE used to get the meat off the bones/skin):

This little FREE from the grocery store knife SAVED my salmon cake experience!  This little baby made it very simple to just scrape the salmon off the bones and skin.  It also made it easier to make the cakes because the scraping pretty much minced the meat for me!  

This wonderful little knife (the rep at the grocery store was RIGHT ON when she called it the same thing) took my salmon trimmings from this:

to this:

Look at how pretty they are! 

Oh, and they taste great too! 

And YES, all that work for 3 cakes! Thankfully, my plan only allows me to eat one cake. So, I can freeze and enjoy two more times later!

I am glad to have learned about the salmon trimmings from my teammate. And after all that work, he was indeed SUPER GENEROUS to share his cakes. 

At first I was like: I will NEVER do this again. But I just may. You can't beat $0.49/pound. They were delicious, and once I got my handy knife it wasn't that bad.  I will just have to reserve such a task for a day like today when I don't have running around to do and can just chill at the house, cook, watch tennis, eat, cook, watch tennis . . . 

More Pictures Shay Shay!

My Sweetie informed me that his brother says, "if there are no pictures, then it didn't happen."

I do okay with the writing, but I am horrible with posting pictures of my journey.

I am going to do better.

Starting now!

I am working hard, staying on plan, getting lean, and popping out muscle!

This is MY bicep!

Muscle definition may not tickle your fancy, but I think muscles are beautiful when sculpted properly.

As I type I hear the voices:  "I don't like that! That arm looks like a dude!"

Good thing it is my arm and not the arm of those voices!

I am looking forward to seeing where I can take this physique of mine!

I am a LADY who loves HIGH HEELS and short skirts (I'll show my legs later) but also doesn't mind SWEATING, GETTING DIRTY, and GETTING RIPPED!

Following Trainer's Orders

Shay Shay has been one busy lady the last couple weeks!

On top of my usual busy, my Mixed Doubles team and I competed this past weekend at the USTA Georgia State Championships in Augusta.

We were a wildcard team (i.e. we didn't advance to the City Finals; fell short at the semi-finals).  We had a relatively small roster.  We are not spring chickens (LOL! no offense team--just saying).  YET, we are some pretty darn good players, with LOTS OF FIGHT and SPIRIT!

We had 5 round robin matches and went UNDEFEATED in our group!  We sealed our way to the play-offs and had to play 3 matches in ONE DAY (including one against our fellow tennis center and division mates) to get us to the Semi-finals.  We gave it our ALL and LEFT IT ALL ON THE COURTS, but fell short to the team that took it all and won the Championship.

All of that meant that Shay Shay played 6 matches in 4 days!  Did I handle it, endure and perform well? Of course. I am in the best shape of my life for goodness sake!

Well, not matter how in shape I am in, the body still gets tired and worn without adequate rest.  I am there!

Lisa has ordered that I REST for two whole days--no cardio, no weights, no tennis! REST REST REST!

With my Women's team playing in the Semi-finals Sunday (yes, my teams are on a roll!) and physique goals still to accomplish, I am going to follow Lisa's orders.

Without adequate rest, Shay Shay can't maximize performance.

I'm listening Lisa! I'm listening--not just this week but I will practice RESTING every week!

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

Journey: 5 years, 2 months

Pounds Lost: 70

Former Body Fat %: 35%+

Current Body Fat %: 21%

Former Dress/Jeans Size: 14/16

Current Dress/Jeans Size: 4


and the journey continues . . .

Body Boldly Going Where it has NEVER Gone Before!

Oh what a wonderful weekend I just had! It almost felt like a holiday weekend.  I started the weekend off with a great concert featuring Tank, Babyface, the O'Jays, Patti LaBelle and Frankie Beverly and Maze.  Then it was off to the BB&T Atlanta Open to watch Isner and Roddick battle it out in the semi-finals along with ATL's Donald Young and his partner in the doubles semis.  Then I ended the weekend with a movie and patio dinner at Atlantic Station AND the rain did not ruin any experience! 

With all of this wonderful activity, the biggest challenge for me was WHAT TO WEAR!  In the past, this has been a problem of clothes being too small. But these days, many of my clothes--especially pants--are just too darn big!  

YAY!  

While I wasn't looking for a reason to shop, all of my effort on program with Trainer Lisa Tanker-Potts at Boutique Body Fitness is forcing me! 

Boutique Body Fitness Studio
650 Hamilton Avenue SE
STE D
Atlanta, GA 30312

boutiquebodyfitness@gmail.com

770-617-6522

I hit the stores Saturday and pick out SIZE 4 jeans, shorts, and capri pants and they ALL FIT GREAT!

Now, I know many women have worn size 4 in their lives even if they currently do not BUT NOT Shay Shay!

I went from pre-teen husky straight to 10/12s!  Size 4 for me is a BIG FRIGGIN' Deal!  

I am very excited and motivated to Keep the Momentum Going and continue to Boldly Go Where this Body has Never Gone Before! 

Feeling Like Me Again (Just Leaner!)

I am FINALLY feeling like Shay Shay after battling this nasty sinus infection for way too long!  I am almost done with the antibiotics, and I am very thankful for them (smile)!

Yesterday I hopped on the scale and learned that I am down 16 lbs since starting to work with L exactly 2 months ago! I am very pleased with L, my progress, and my commitment!

We took some pictures (I know my Sweetie thinks I should post more pictures, but I am not ready to post these yet!), and I am truly amazed at the changes I am seeing in my physique.  I had the slight obsessive, compulsive, competitive urge to be disappointed with certain areas.  I decided that it would not be productive and instead will use my progress and pictures to motivate me to KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING!

I know that with L's plans, my commitment, and consistency I can expect some great things in the next couple months!

I am looking forward to it!

Go Get it Shay Shay!

Absentee Wrap-Up

It's been quite a while since I have posted, but I am not off plan--just CRAZY BUSY!  Here are the highlights:

1.  Finished up Phase 1 with my (not so new now) trainer L. I am pleased with the results. I even felt good enough to wear a bikini--YES--for the first time EVER while in South Beach last month!  Now, LET'S BE CLEAR:  I have NOT hit my goal.  This is a work in progress bikini wearing, but progress nonetheless.  I have been talking about wearing a bikini for way too long. I am motivated now more than ever to KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING!  Here it is:

2.  Just started Phase 2 with a new meal plan and new goal.  I am excited to see the next phase of results!

3.  Yucky Sinus Infection!  With all my travels and everything I have going, my body did it AGAIN!  It shut down.  I have been battling what started as a sore throat and is now a sinus infection for over a week now.  I have tried to rest more, but I must admit resting is not easy for me. I am on antibiotics now, really resting, and have added some buffered vitamin C to my supplement routine.  MUST OVERCOME THIS SOON! There is too much I must accomplish!

4.  Going to State Again! My USTA Fall Mixed Doubles team got an invitation to compete in the State Championships in Augusta next month.  I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE TEAM!  More motivation to GET IN EVEN BETTER SHAPE!

Well that's enough for now. Back to resting!

Working, working, working

While I have not posted in a bit, my absence from my blog does not mean I am off track as in the past. I have been consistent with my meal plan--cooking and packing my meals, even packing certain portable, clean eats while traveling and finding what I need when I arrive. I am singing the tune No Butter, No Oil, No Salt when I have to dine in restaurants, and I am consistently training and getting in my cardio. In short, I am working! And yes, it is WORKING! I am leaning out and muscles are showing! I of course feel great, and I am seeing improved skin, hair and nails. I have much work to do, but I am up for the task! With results, how can I not be! Keep working Shay Shay! Keep working!

Remember that Slow and Steady Speech . . .

We all know the speech:  Tortoise and the Hare; Slow and Steady Wins the Race. I know. I KNOW!

I have been training for almost a month now.  I am seeing the fruits of my labor.  L says I am ahead of my goal, but yet I still yearn for faster results!  This is not a healthy attitude, but I know from where it stems.

I have been on this journey for almost 5 years now (next week).  While I have achieved more than I initially set out to do, I know I can achieve MORE!

This desire to achieve more is what drives me.  Yet, there are periods of time when I have detoured, and thus, still pushing toward the mark.  Once I get back on track, I can't help but think--had I not detoured, could I be where I want to be with my physique?  FRUSTRATING, YES, but MY OWN DOING!

So now, I am determined to stay on track. No detours Shay Shay! I CAN, I WILL, I MUST DO THIS FOR ME!

Oh yeah, and BE PATIENT Shay Shay!

Rest--A Must!

Things are going really well with the current plan. I am eating on plan without deviation and getting in great training sessions, cardio and tennis court time. I am seeing results (South Beach here I come!)

With all the work I am putting in to train, I am guess I was exhausted. I had not rested properly. Even my "rest" days were spent on the court.  Thursday I walked into the gym, and L (my trainer) immediately knew I was beat!   L knew exactly how to challenge me while making sure I would be effective--given my exhaustion. She slowed down the pace and didn't require me to do a lot of jumping.  It was just what I needed. I had a great workout and actually walked out of the gym feeling refreshed.  L instructed me to take at least two rest days--real rest days!  So, Saturday I obeyed! I went to the tennis courts to watch a tournament (which is typically an excuse to get on the courts myself), but I didn't even take my gear (and I always have my gear!).

I needed this break and know that rest has to be a part of my training.  With everything in life, my training needs balance. A set back due to exhaustion or injury is not an option!