Pictures IV - Week III

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Hm, I was wrong last week. Wow time flies. This is actually the third week - the first photo was week zero, then one, two, and so on. Funny how that works. Go figure. This is three weeks of exercise. Next week is four where we'll do a straight up comparison.

Pictures, Part III

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Only 3 weeks into it, and already some progress. Despite the bumpy start (Noelle got sick, my neck snapped, Lela sleeps too much...) we're back on track. It's amazing how little time it really takes - about one hour a day. One hour less TV - that's all. The real effort isn't the exercise; it's all the eggs, yogurt, and protein shakes. Thank goodness for the free day!

Day 14

weight: 166.9 (-5.9)

body fat %: 26.8 (-0.8)

bust: 36 (-0.5)

waist: 33.3 (-1.7)

hips: 42.4 (-0.6)

arm: 12.9 (-0.35)

thigh: 24.8 (-0.45)

I'm feeling pretty positive about things so far.  Diet is going well... but the exercise is not.  I keep coming up with every reason under the sun to not workout.  That will change this week.  I am going to gym everyday no matter what.  I also need to pump up the weights, pardon the pun.  My endurance is better, so I think it is time to starting building some fat-burning muscle.

Diet Cokeaholics Anoyomous

Hello, my name is Noelle... and I am addicted to Diet Coke... literally.  And I am not alone.

I love Diet Coke.  More than anything.  And I mean anything.  I crave it.  I need it.  It is the only thing that will quench my thirst.  And it I don't have it... watch out.  A major migraine and attitude are on the way.

You may wonder what the harm is in being addicted to Diet Coke is.  I mean, no calories, no sugar, no fat... so who cares.  Well, diet coke (and diet sodas in general) are actually not so great for you.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant and diuretic.  And it is VERY addictive. Withdrawal causes rebound vasodilation and hence those nasty headaches.  Caffeine causes a net loss of water, so you should stick to the 2 glasses of water for each serving of caffeine rule-of-thumb.  Increased caffeine intake is also a risk factor for osteoporosis.

Aspartame

This artificial sweetener breaks down into methanol and formaldehyde in your body.  Yes, formaldehyde, the stuff they preserve dead bodies with.  Some studies suggest that this may get into your fat cells and make it harder to break them down.  That's totally not cool.  Aspartame may also cause migraines.  It certainly does to my husband.  Artificial sweeteners in general trick your brain into craving sweets. Also not cool.

Acid

The acid is soda increased risk of osteoporosis and in all-around bad for your teeth.  Soda is a major culprit in the increased enamel breakdown of our generation. 

Diet Coke is not helping my weight issues.  All medical science still isn't sure about the effect of diet soda, it certainly isn't good for you.  So, I am giving it up.  I shall rid myself of this dragon on my back.

I went all last week without Diet Coke cold turkey (5 long, hard days).  The first thing I wanted on my free day was a glorious sip of one... and oh my was it glorious.  I felt like what druggies wanting there next hit must feel when they finally get it... it was euphoric.  In the end, I had 4 Diet Cokes that day.  Not too bad.

I've now been Diet Coke free for 5 days.  Free day is tomorrow.  I'll try to limit it to 3.

Free-Day Philosophy

There are many differing opinions on the "Free-Day" in a diet regimen.  The free-day is that glorious day of the week where you can eat whatever you want.  There's the ultimate in free day.  There are those that emphasize the free-day.  There are those that don't allow a single free-day.

As for me... well, in all my dieting experience, one thing has become clear to me.  You must have a free-day!  Free-days are the reward at the end of a long, hard week of dieting.  Free-days are incentive not to cheat.  Every time I have the urge to eat candy, fast food, soda, etc I just tell myself that if I don't, then I can on Saturday.  If you do not have a free-day, in my opinion, you are way more likely to cheat all throughout the week.

So, go ahead, have a free day.  I cannot wait for mine on Saturday.  The first thing I'm going to do is have a Diet Coke... more on that tomorrow.

Video Vixen II

Minna: Emergency Workout

Another of my old favorites, "Minna: Emergency Workout" is a great, simple workout routine. It is composed of two workouts: cardio and toning, each about 30 minutes long.  The cardio segment has a great warm-up and actually is fun.  The moves are a combination of traditional aerobics (grapevines, v-steps, etc) and latin dance (salsa, cha-cha, mambas).  Don't worry though... the choreography is simple and easy to follow.  Perhaps the best part of the cardio is Minna's ability to mix up intervals.  She slows down when needed.  As a result, your heart rate stays up, but you never feel like you're going to die.  The time goes really quickly.  The toning segment is a great all-around strength routine.  You need one set of 3 to 5 pound weights.  Minna combines lunges, squats, etc with upper body weights, leading to a very efficient workout.  There is also floor work and abdominal at the end.

I really enjoy Minna Lessig, the former Ms. Fitness America.  She is gorgeous and bubbly... yet she doesn't annoy me.  I find her inspiring and genuine.  I own several of her videos and enjoy them all.  Overall, this video lives up to its name.  "Minna: Emergency Workout" is the perfect video to do in a time crunch for an all-encompassing total body workout.  I highly recommend.

Picture Show II

Noelle, after 1 week:

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Eric, after 1 week:


Not a huge difference for Noelle or I chubby-wise, however, a huge difference for me muscle-wise. To be more specific, neck-muscle-wise. To be more specific, I sprained my neck. Note to all: when straining to hold 50 lbs of weight over your head - don't cock your head left (or anywhere).