"When you're with a friend, your heart has come home"

Today will be short because I need to spend some time with Ben.  The day started off pretty good, my neck  is getting better.  I went to class in the afternoon and learned how I can use the medicine ball my son got me.  My son Herbie, also a physical trainer, tried to show me how to use it, but I was just not ready.  Having all of this workout equipment laying around the house was a constant reminder of what he said I needed to do. Look at me now! I am proud to see that your business and clientele are exploding this year!  You will always be my favorite trainer!

A good friend of mine gave me a card today saying how proud she was of my weight loss and all of the hard work I am putting forth, and, even though we had not talked much lately, said she loved me.  Her support and understanding meant a lot. I love the quote on the inside of the card, which read, "When you're with a friend, your heart has come home" (the quote was also on a bookmark attached to the card's inside page).  The little Yorkie on the card looks just like my male Yorkie, London. Thanks Pam for these encouraging words! It made my day. I am so thankful for all of my family and friends who are continuing to push me and support me on my journey.  

Rainy Saturday

Well, as you know, I have a little neck injury.  I woke up this morning, early as always, but decided to lay in bed and listen to the rain and relax.  I did not feel guilty at all, mainly because I was in pain.   Finally I got up, ate breakfast, and popped a couple of Advil, hoping for relief.  By noon, I was ready for class.  I talked to the trainers and physical therapist (PT) in my class and they all agreed that I should put ice on it today, and follow with heat compresses tomorrow.   They were very helpful.  My team member, Julia, the physical therapist gave me a massage and showed me some gentle neck exercises.  I really appreciate her help!   After class, Julia, Charles and Kim stayed a little longer to discuss food and challenges.  We were all very encouraging to each other.  We are really becoming more cohesive  as team, looking out for one another.

Now today, I will share my pizza recipe.  Sorry I am a little late posting it.  I had to take a nap after an hour class and additional 1 hour on the elliptical.  My nap was a power hour.  Love it in the rain.

I showed this recipe to the nutritionist and got the ok.......My last one, the turkey chili, I might mention that you need to watch the sodium content in that recipe.  I use everything low sodium, even the chili mix.  We really watch our sodium intake because, as you know, it causes water retention.

You can vary this to your taste..... I use the following for making my favorite - pizza:

• You start off with Multi-Grain Sandwich Thins.  I use the ones made by Arnold Select (no high fructose corn syrup) and found them in the bakery section at Harris Teeter.  They are like a thin, flat mini-bun.  The whole bun is only a 100 calories.
• Then I add Bruschetta to the Sandwich Thins as a sauce.  I just use the store-brand, HT Traders Bruschetta.  Low in sodium and it has chunks of tomatoes (good antioxidants).  Less than 1g of sugar and only 25 calories
• Saute your veggies.  Green and red bell peppers, onions, garlic, and spinach in a tablespoon of olive oil.
• Brown some ground turkey.  Season to taste.  Be careful because the the veggies and olive oil give a lot of flavor
• Top it off with shredded mozzarella, made with skim milk 2%.  You may want to wait till the end to add your cheese.  I put more cheese for hubby (put less than the photo for less calories).  I used a very small amount of cheese on mine.
• Layer sauce, then meat, all of the veggies and bake in a 400 degree oven until the bread is crunchy (use a thin layer of sauce or it will make bread mushy).

Yummy!! Add a spinach salad and you got a meal.

Total calories: 300 according to sparkpeople.com calorie tracker.


Have a good weekend!!  I've got to go relax my neck, study, and get ready for tomorrow.  Aleve, anyone?

Keep Moving!

Today I woke up with a sore neck.  Not too good of a feeling.  I am going to have to have to get a free massage from Ben, but don't tell he is really bad at massages.  (I am laughing because he knew I would say that, I am sure he is reading this.)  I will have to check the gym and make an appointment for a real massage, which is avalible for all HCC members at a small fee.  I think I strained my neck doing sit-ups.  I may not have been breathing properly.  Hopefully this goes away soon.  As the night goes on, it seem to be getting better. 

Well my story tonight is about my friend Cynthia.  We grew up together on the same street since grade school, so we have been friends for 45 years.  She brought back some fine memories sending me a message on my blog.        ...A group of us in the neighborhood walked to a local swimming pool -- maybe a little over a mile away, one way.  We walked everyday, unless it was pouring down rain.  We would swim and play at least 4 hours, and then come home for dinner.  We were always greeted with good old homemade meals.  My mom had a vegetable garden in the back yard.  We also have grape vines, fruit trees and even rootbar.  We ate healthy and played outside from morning to dawn.  Those were the days when electronics and technology would not keep you in the house.  (Try telling these kids today to go outside and play.)  We were the total opposites of kids today.  We stomped and pouted when we had to come inside.  My friends it was the days of the Beatles, rock and roll, peace and love.  (We were young hippies without the drugs.)  I had a yellow bikini  that I loved.  In fact, I prided myself by keeping it and wearing it after having my children. 

It's good to look back and reflect on the good old days and try to bring some of those days back.  I am learning from our class on Thursday at HCC that we are made to keep moving.  Inactivity has been a major cause of many of our weight gains.  We stopped playing outside.  My goal is to think of a reason to do an outside, fun activity each week.  Walking to the gym at the Wellness Center or walking at a one of Charleston's beautiful parks or on the bridge.  It will be a my Zumba class this week.  I would love to take ballroom dancing once I can fit in my dresses.   I also would love to plant a little garden of veggies this spring.  Thank you Cynthia for reminding me about the good times (maybe not in a string bikini, though!) 

Tomorrow I'll be going to the Wellness Center in the afternoon for a class. (It's suppose to rain, so we are not walking the bridge this week.)  Hey want to have a healthy pizza tomorrow with me?  I have to share this recipe with you that I made up using the skills that I am learning...    ...so stay tuned.  I even took photo's of it.  I think I just realized that I'm a Rachel Ray wannabe.

Thursday Weight In Week 3

I know.  Today you want the results....  ....but before we go any further, I want you to know that I got on the scales today with a smile after that killer Joe D. Bands class, who decided to add the elliptical and bike routine.  There was a lot of high jumping, and Tracie and I did not want to risk hurting our knees.

Well, anyway.  Here you go......

Results:  Regina Powers  is #1, top female with 7.9% loss of weight.  Hazel Miranda is in second place with 6.8%.   First place: Kelly Frazier lost a total of 15.8 pounds so far.  Regina Powers 4th place with 14.4 total pounds loss. Yahoo!!  (and I am not talking about the website!)

Once again, I was very encouraged by our nutritional class.  We had a psychologist talk about emotional eating and, of course, I could not help but think of myself.  (The instructor had many other good points, but I really tuned into this.)  I already know I am emotional eater.  It's tough because life will always throw problems our way.  I am proud that this week during my "blue days", I ate Laughing Cow Cheese with 100% wheat bread as a snack (half-slice one little piece of cheese).  I wondered why they call it Laughing Cow Cheese?  I think it make me feel good eating something that is healthy for me.  Really.  It makes me feel good about making healthy choices.  In the past I would have eaten ice cream, or something else that was not any good for me.

Well.  Tomorrow, I have to tell you a story that involves my long life girl friend. What does it has to do with this journey?  Lots!  Wait till tomorrow.

In the meantime, check out our "momma of the program". (Janis Newton director of HCC in above photo)  She is a hero in my book.  I have to tell you Janis does not let us just sit the whole time in that meeting.  At different times of the class we have to stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down.  (More times than I am going to write.)  Just a little tip that helps me when I realize that I need to do the same thing at home when I have been sitting too long.  Keep moving!  Janis favorite quote is "walk by faith not by sight".  This quote can be used in many ways of life.   Good night to all- A good tired!


                                                                                                                    

Third Week Weigh- in!

Well, I've figured out that this program is also about self-discovery...   ...I find myself to still be a little competitive. (not good) I knew this was true when I was in high school when I was active in sports.  I can't remember when I was on a team other than work.  This is not always a good quality in my case, because I am really hard on myself.  I know that my diet is the best I have ever maintained for over 10 years, which is progress.  I am constantly thinking about everything I eat.  (Well, get to the point Gina!)   I am afraid of the weigh-in this week.  My WiiFit scale is not showing what I had hoped to see.  I have worked my butt off (no pun intended) and I don't see a big loss this week.  In fact I am thinking that it's just going to be about a pound.  Ok.  I tell myself that I have lost a total of about 30 pounds prior to this challenge and then, since starting HCC, almost 12 more pounds in the two weeks I've been enrolled in this program.  So I should be proud, right?  No, not good enough.  I beat myself up.  I've watched The Biggest Loser, as you know, for a while now, and those folks always have a small loss on week 3 every season so far in the show's history.  So I think in the back of my mind, that will be true for me too.  I know that sounds nutty, but TV can be a bad influence.


I also got a little blue this week because someone dear to my heart has cancer.  This also makes me feel guilty to even complain about my woes.

Soooo......

I go to my HCC tool box and read last week's skills I learned from the life coach (I take extensive notes every week).  Give myself a hug and love praise myself for working out 2 hours/day all week.  I've not only just taken off pounds but  also inches have fallen all off of this small framed body.  I'm also feeding my body the right foods.  I must realize that stress will only sabotage my weight loss.  So, like my hubby said, I'll just keep up the good work, stop worrying about the scales and have fun.  What good advice!  I am going to get better everyday.  Maybe not always 9 pounds at a time.  I think that will be my saying of the year -- 2010, Fit Just for Fun.

So off I go to "wash this grey right out of my hair" and get pampered by my hairdresser.  (She is such a positive person.)   I won't give up, and I will stay positive no matter what that scale says tomorrow.  I won't beat myself up today.  I will continue to learn......

Stay tuned for tomorrow's results.  I need your support.    

Ah Ha! moment

Week one:  HCC is an informational overload, but a honeymoon.
Week two: excited to see weight loss results

Week three:  weigh-in anxiety sets in and I'm scared of the scale.  The honeymoon is over.  The real work begins!

Hips Don't Lie! Shakira! Shakira!

I went to the group class at the wellness center today.  Something different.  The name of the class sounded interesting, so I thought I'd give it a try.  Zumba (A Sexy, Fierce Aerobics Class).  Ladies, if you want to get a good workout and have F-U-N at the same time, then this is the one!  We shake more hips and tummy than you want to know about!   They even passed out the (belly dance) skirts to a few members of the class. They don't know that I have one at home and it will be with me next week. (I forgot to tell you that I am a closet belly dancer.)  We danced to Shakira,  the Slum Dog Millionaire soundtrack,  Latin music and hip-hop, to name a few.   I love to dance!  I felt young again!  I felt happy!  Really happy!  Next week,  I will have the grey out of my hair and my skirt on.  Everyone says that I am looking younger.  My face has slimmed down a lot.  I  may even take a photo for you with me in my shirt. (photo of my skirt above).  I will be back to this class every Tuesday at 12 noon, so don't call or text me.  I will be DANCING!

Aquatics - I have gone two nights in a row and, I've got to tell you, we never stopped!  We don't have a single minute to spare or take a rest stop.  We just keep moving.  We run.  We jump.  We do lunges.  Our instructor, Marty, never stops.  He barks (literally).  He watches your posture and execution like a hawk.  He helps you if you are doing it wrong, and stands in front of you and shows you the correct form (in a friendly energized way).  Wow!  Other men and women seem to enjoy his class also.  It was bittersweet because I found myself thinking about the aquatic aerobics team I left in West Ashley when I enrolled in HCC.   I really miss them!  (At this moment, I am trying not to cry.)

Thank you to my mentor, Beth, who continues to support me on our non-team group workouts.  I know she enjoyed the class too.

Ah-Ha! Moment -- Exercise can be fun and work at the same time!  Stay tuned....

Monday Planks!!!!

Some days you have to push harder than others.  Today I had to push hard.  I guess I am just flat out tired from the weekend!  In spite of it, I did ran all of my laps today.  I even walked to the center today!  Laurie and Kim both noticed my running has improved (YEA!)  We did a plank holding contest - I was the last girl holding on and the only person that beat me was John.  I know you are saying yea yea yes....  but, they are tough to do.  These are a great exercises because they will strengthen your core, which will improve my running and everything else I have to do.  I am going to do them daily.


Now, I did not give you much to read so that you can go do this exercise and tell me what you think! Time yourself and do them as long as you can stand it.  Keep that bottom down (especially those of you who have more junk in the trunk, like me) and engage your core muscles. Tell me what you think about these and how long you did them.  Come on you can do them! Watch the video.  This will help. 
Working Your Core: How to Do the Plank

2 min 10 sec - Oct 19, 2009
www.youtube.com
 
Instead watching TV tonite this is what I opting for:
I am going to an aquatic class, with a focus on abs, at the wellness center tonight. (While in the HCC program we have free access to all fitness classes.)  I can't wait.  I love the water! When I gain weight it mainly went to my mid-section and hips.   Now, everything is starting to jiggle (you ladies know what I mean).

 I have to firm up because I have no plans for cosmetic surgeries.  By the way I sure miss my water aerobics group in West Ashley.   I will let you know how I like this aquatic class.

Sunday- Off To A Good Week!

Well, by now you probably know my routine as well as I do. Pretty simple, really.  I've got to work out everyday.  I have not eaten any white, processed, food (other that skim milk) since I signed my contract with HCC.  

I must say that I started off today in a much better mood than yesterday.   I woke up at  6 am and made my hubby a nice breakfast. ( I'm feeding him "healthy only" too.)  Ben has lost 10 pounds and really did not need that much of a weight loss.  I also prepared dinner last night so it would be ready when I got back from the Sunday group class.   I think my trainer-at-home's (Ben) pep talk helped me yesterday.

The class was fun today!  I am always excited to see what is next on our program.  We used the weight bar, stepper, and learned exercises we can do right at home.  I am getting stronger by the day.

If you are also on this journey, make sure you have supporters and positive people in your life.  I have cut off any negative talk and try my best to re-direct it to something positive.  I am happy to know that I am feeding my mind and body better foods, and making exercise a habit.  The support from every one of the staff involved with this program is outstanding.  I had gotten rid of a lot of garbage way before HCC, which triggered emotional eating.  I don't need anything to sabotage my progress.  I cleaned out the cupboard and "fridge" of any junk foods.  I also decided not to buy any more clothing in my current size.  I will treat myself when I get to my goal, and even then, I am dedicated to make these long life habits, as we are learning with the program

                        

Here is my constant supporter and best friend.  We have been married for 9 years, and our anniversary is Feb. 24th. (No red wine till then and we will celebrate with healthy food)

Ben has certainly fulfilled the vows we said in Vegas, especially the "In sickness and health" part. Now you are about to get the healthy Gina.  (MORE than half our marriage, I have been sick.) Thank you for all you do!  I love you!

Good News Before You Read Saturday's Blog

I just found out my blog is posted in the hospital's website!!!  What a honor!  Janis, thank you so much!  This has lifted my spirits, since I have been without work for a year now.  I am a Human Resource professional and felt lost without my job.  The HCC program has helped me rebuild more than just healthy habits, but also my people skills, by being on a team again!  Here is the link for those of you out of town:

http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/hsc/programs/healthycharlestonchallenge.html

 
See our rankings below:

Team Rankings
1. Charleston Moves
2. Boot Camp
3. MUSC Weight Mgmt.
4. Center for Thera. Mass.
5. Jason's Deli
6. Try Sports
7. St. Andrews Church
7. Joe D. Bands
8. Louie's Kids
8. Total Approach
9. Ovie Mughelli

Top 5 - Individual Weight Loss (lbs)
Female
1. Kelly Frazier 12.4lbs
2. Leslie Brady 12.2lbs
3. Regina Powers 11.8 lbs   (which is a little more than what I said in my blog)
4. L. Hays/Amy L. 10.6 lbs
5. Alison Bland 10 lbs

Male
1. Bobby Harrleson 23.4lbs
2. Stan Allison 17.4lbs
3. Robert Fraser 16.2lbs
4. Louis Kaufman 15.8lbs
5. Frank Kuchler 15.6lbs

Top 5 - Individual Weight Loss (%)
Female
1. Regina Powers 5.98%
2. Sydney Fowler 4.81%
3. Leslie Brady 4.7%
4. Amy L./Marion B. 4.27%
5. Alison Bland 4.26%

Bridge Practice

 Today I woke up a little cranky.  Mostly due to trying to keep up with everything.  I am working out 7 days a week, planning meals and thinking about this all day long -- the skills I am learning from HCC and how to put them to use.   Unlike the people on The Biggest Loser I still have to take care of my household and make time for my spiritual life.  I felt overwelmed this morning and just started fussing at the dogs, and fussing at my Ben, complaining about the stress from this program and my fatigue and constant soreness.  When my husband saw my mood, he said that "you have nothing to complain about missy!  Look at the people in Hatti that can't find family members...."  Boy, did that kick me back to reality and make me think outside of my "world".   At that moment, I realized how important balance is in my weight loss journey.  It made me think of ways I can help those poor people.  They need our help and they need our prayers.   I am so thankful for my husband's support.  He reads all my notes from HCC, and he knew it was time to help me stop any negative impulses and stay grounded.

So off to the bridge to meet Traci at 9:15 with a smile on my face from my morning pep talk. 
Today it was a little chilly on the bridge, but perfect for a run.  We did about 3 miles (you know the drill...   ...run/walk/run).   I enjoyed talking with Traci going back down the bridge, but as soon as we decided to take a break by walking and talking, here comes Laurie (our trainer)  cheering us on, "Come on!  Let's run this last few minutes!" as we were nearing the end.  So we did.  (When I grow up I want to be like her -- physically fit!!!).  Laurie's smile and motivation will light up a room.  I will have to post a happy, "non-drill-sergeant" photo of her. 

I especially enjoyed Laurie's boot camp group.  They came to help cheer us on.  Two of the ladies  from her boot camp stuck with me while trying to run up the incline of the bridge.  What a nice group of people.  I hope they come back next Saturday.  They really helped the morale of the group.
(They all have dogs on their t- shirt, and you know I love dogs.) I have to admit I miss seeing Janis out there with us.  I am sure she lives enough at the center that she needs to have a life too.   She has become like our ma-ma helping and guiding us along the way. 

Well, I could not post my video today of Laurie doing a burpee for you.  Looks like I am going to have to practice my videography skills.  I am sure we will be doing plenty of these.  To make it up to you I went back to the bridge to get this photo.   I must tell you that 4 years after leaving California,  I am really starting to like Charleston.