michellefit.com blog

2009-09-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

A month long road trip with a car full of kids. A daughter that just started High School. An adopted two-year-old lab. Many successful weight loss clients and figure competitors. That’s just a few of the latest happenings . . .

The long blogging hiatus is over! So you weren’t on the edge of your seat, but nonetheless, it’s great to be back to the Blogging world!

The kids and I spent August road trippin’ the western United States (if that ain’t a cool mom, I don’t know what is, lol). Vacation! Not quite the National Lampoon variety, though. Thankfully. Although, we did have all the makings of one – first destination was Vegas . . . baby. We then headed to Lake Tahoe, followed by Eastern WA before heading home to the west side of the state.

The first pic is my two oldest, way past their bed time, in front of the famous Vegas sign. Check that off of their "to do someday" list.

And here we turned the camera on ourselves on top of Paris Vegas, watching the Bellagio water/light show after dinner and a long hard day at the MGM's lazy river pool.

We had to come up with a way to continue the excitement of August – and what better way than to adopt a two-year old yellow lab? Call me crazy. Daisy is her name. Found myself drivin’ Miss Daisy to our home, to become part of our family . . . here’s a couple of the latest pics of my youngest with her Daisy Girl :)

And now that you're kind of up-to-date, you're probably wondering where this blog is headed? To answer that, I'd like you to think of . . . chocolate (you knew i'd find SOME place for chocolate!)

Yes. Think of this Blog as a box of chocolates. (And since this is the third movie reference in this post, if you re-read that last sentence with a Forest Gump accent, you’re in good company!) I'll cover many topics, just like there are many bite-sized chocolatey choices in the box. Although you might be unsure of which potential sugary goodness is on the inside, you DO know each one is covered in rich, creamy chocolate. Likewise, you might not know what my post will cover on any given day, but you DO know it’ll be sometimes helpful, sometimes funny, sometimes uplifting, and always real.

Thanks for reading . . . and as always, hugs. chelle

2008-11-09T23:31:00.000-08:00

Usually I wake up with my eyes still shut, kinda stretch a little, and point my squinted, half-focused eyes toward the half-dim red glow of the digital numbers: 6:15 a.m. Usually. But this morning my eyes popped wide open and I would have been staring at my ceiling if there had been any light in the room. And the very first thing that crossed my mind, before I even flinched, was "Wow. My legs are so sore." I knew this day (and the next 48 hours!) was gonna be just a smidge different.

Different because my normally energetic and limber body labored to get out of bed, in and out of the rig, winced in pain putting on kickers, and walked so short-strided you'da thought I had gravel in my shoes. OK, that last analogy is a slight exaggeration, but I can't remember a time my butt, hams and thighs have been this sore. Ooooooh yah.

We die-hard health and fitness buffs often display the special kind of mindset needed to embrace such physical discomfort: The kind of mindset that defaults to "Man, I hit 'em GOOD!" and not "Man, ain't doin' that again!" A mindset aware of the knowledge that those torn and screaming muscle fibers initiate a cascade of repair which will transform a typical "mommy" figure to a "hot mama" figure. A mindset that comes from an unshakable belief that when the time comes to shed this body fat . . . a new and improved physique will emerge . . . and all of the laboring, wincing, and gimpyness will be -- unequivocally -- well worth it.

And if you're anything like me . . . the previous was a nice lil' pep-talk through the bitter-sweet sting of a really, really good workout.

With you in the tough times, lol

chelle

2008-11-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

I'm cleanin' house. Not in the metaphoric sense, but the actual sense. I had a professional carpet cleaning company come in and shampoo -- and the carpets are still wet. I've already sacrificed two pair of perfectly dry socks thinking that walking quickly to the kitchen wouldn't get them that wet. Wrong :) Why didn't I learn from the first pair, you ask? Good question . . .

As many of you know, I've been hemming and hawing with an official plan for whichever show I decide I'm doing next year -- and finally have a good skeleton one I'm on board with now. But, true to form, I actually made "The Shift" mentally about a week ago. That shift, into cleaning up my body, diet, and plan -- which strangely enough morphed into cleaning up my. . . carpets . . . ? Oh, and the garage. And some of those little odds and ends like a bum light switch, a leaking shower head, and a broken hinge on a kitchen cupboard. Funny, but for me there seems to be a correlation. My track record tells me this is true for me (third time's a charm!)

The Shift for me was turning down ice cream. Twice. And chocolate. Twice (yes, I do remember them vividly, lol). Not to mention a myriad of other goodies that as little as three weeks ago my brain would have gladly been in cahoots with my stomach, "Oh, just one bite."

In the gym, I've started radiating The Shift. Three unsolicited comments after one leg workout had the same undercurrent, "Man, you trainin' for the Ironman? You're hard core girl!". Yeah baby.

Don't get me wrong -- I wrestle my demons almost daily. My demons come in the form of sugary treats, a busy schedule, and three kids (NO! My kids aren't demons, lol, but the demands of raising them as a single mom can be!) As of now, I can balance those demons with a bit looser, off-season-lean-mass-gaining-plan that affords me three free-meals each week -- not a whole lot to complain about here.

But challenges are on the horizon . . . and to that I say, "Bring It On!"

hugs, chelle

2008-10-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

Happy high-fructose-corn-syrup day! LOL. Okay, wuz up with the Disney pic? I have a two-year-old. Enough said. Well, she turns two on the 8th of Nov, but close enough. I've always loved Tigger, and Pooh's a pretty good lil' bear, so I guess I influence my toddler a little in this department :)

Hope everyone has a great Halloween -- and if you're eatin' a bunch of candy . . . eat some for me! I'm not eating any. None. Nada. Did I hear myself? None. There . . . that ought to do it. LOL.

Hugs,
chelle

2008-10-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

. . . and here's another thing that knowledge can be: A great excuse for being lazy! Huh? Well, I was talking to a girlfriend the other day and we both came to the same conclusion.

"I'm gonna get 'serious' and get a bit leaner, I'm thinking November," I say, almost noncommittal.

"Yah, I'm gonna start putting my diet together -- you think a 40/30/30 split? How many calories?" my friend optimistically wrestled with the numbers.

Yup, we were both talking about when our plan gets serious. And how we both have been pretty lazy with a "plan" lately. Except, she has a really good excuse. She's recovering from surgery. Me? Well, I'm recovering from -- recovering? I guess?!?

And in the midst of our conversation, how I really feel came to light.

"For sure I'm walking around a bit plump right now, but in my head I know it won't take much at all to whip a program together and drop some fat. Soooo, I may be walking around with some extra fat, but in my head, I'm actually much thinner! I guess it's reverse body dis morphia!"

And we both laughed. And laughed. And when we caught our breath, we laughed some more. Guess things that are really funny are funny because they have a ring of truth to them.

So, in this case, knowledge on how to get a plan impelemented and get quick results gives me the power to be lazy -- and plump! Argh!

I'm working on my plan . . . LOL

hugs, chelle

2008-10-19T22:31:00.001-07:00

Just givin' a shout out to my client and friend Brittani Simpson, who this weekend won the Northwest Championships in Olympia, WA! She won the Open Short class, the Masters, and the Figure OVERALL!! That's TWO shows . . . two weekends in a row! Now it's time for a much deserved -- and needed -- break. We are soooooo happy for her and her tremendous success and hard work. She is inspiring others in ways she never imagined. Way to go Britt (www.brittfit.com) . We are brewin' up a ROCKIN' team for next season, eh? ;)

Here's a pic of her on stage the weekend before (yesterday's show pics haven't been posted yet).

Another added benefit of Britt's domination: It gave me the high spirits I needed to make it through a weekend where my beloved Red Sox lost and gave up the opportunity to fight their way back to the World Series. Boo hoo.

OK, enough wining! I'll post soon ;)

chelle

2008-10-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Wooo Hooo!! What a GREAT show this weekend at the NPC Seven Feathers Classic Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Championships in southern Oregon! My client and friend Brittani Simpson (pictured above) won the open 5'2" and under, the Masters, and the OVERALL!! A very tough line-up indeed, and she rocked the house! After taking the summer off, she leaned down for this show in about 8 weeks. She's made great improvements on her physique -- especially downsizing her quads to capitalize on her symmetry. This was her third show, and I'm proud to say that her physique looked its best so far . . . um, and not to mention, she's an outstanding example of beauty and dedication -- and a proud mother of two! Way to represent, Brit! (she's working on a website to share her transformation and journey, which I'll post a link to later).

In addition, another client (and friend!) of mine placed Top-5 in her division . . . Congrats to Cheryl Sargent. A personal best, and we're all fired up to make some big changes this off-season and come back strong!

Thanks to everyone for a great show! Until next time . . .

hugs, chelle

2008-09-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

Vegas pics are in! There are some good ones . . . the cool thing about posting the pics is re-living the moments when I look at 'em!

Oh, and I now have a Myspace! I know, so I'm a little behind the times . . . but at least I've had a website all this time :)

Besides the competition in Vegas the last week of July, I took my oldest daughter to Vegas the last week in August . . . for an end-of-the-summer-mommy-daughter trip. Very cool . . . but wasn't quite ready for all of the 20-something-over-boozed-party-minded boys checkin' out my little girl! YIKES! LOL :) And it's good that her first exposure to the Sin City was carefully guided by her momma! Whew!

So right now I'm fighting a major cold, which has migrated into my chest -- which has worked its way into NO GYM TIME. I swear I caught this cold because I said to myself and anyone in my immediate vicinity, "OK, when I get back from Vegas, I'm gonna rein in my diet and build some muscle in the gym! Can't wait! I'm ready!" And, in response, my body said, "Uhhh, say what? Oh no, not yet, I got other plans girlie!" And here is that good ol' tug-o-war between tight jeans and loose ones! Grrrrr.

Step one: beat this cold. Step two and three: get back in the gym and clean up my diet more. Step four: think about getting back on the scale . . . lol

Talk to y'all soon! hugs, chelle

2008-08-08T11:04:00.001-07:00

Here's somethin' that will put you right backstage at the USA's . . . click on the link below and scroll down the page to the Figure interviews -- you'll see "Michelle Anderson interview with Terry Goodlad". (Yes, that is THE one and only Terry Goodlad -- Elaine Goodlad's husband, and one of the very best photographers around!! How lucky am I?? lol) Plus, you can watch the other interviews with the class winners! Good times :)

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2008_npc_usa_interviews.htm

hugs, chelle

2008-08-07T23:04:00.000-07:00

Back from the NPC USA's in Vegas! And . . . drum roll please . . . took a very tight SECOND PLACE in class C figure. Just a near miss (only TWO POINTS!) for the coveted first place and Pro Card! :)

It was a great show . . . and hat's off to the winner :) I came in a lean 118.5 pounds, and probably somewhere around 7% bodyfat (although I don't know for sure, since I don't really keep track of that, lol). From the last show (South Carolina), I must say that I came in looking a lot less drawn (especially through the face), which was really due to an aggressive carb-up and a slightly less aggressive water deplete. It seemed to work well, and kept me looking a little fuller . . . and younger! LOL

And . . .the REAL fun was hangin' with my gals for another week after the show! My buddy (and client) Kerri took 4th! At her first national show, and second show ever! And Ally, although she nearly missed placing top 15, she looked really good and held her own at her first appearance on a National stage. So the three of us, and my best friend of 25 years did nothing but eat, drink, dance, party, and eat, and oh, did I mention EAT?? Yah, just so you know, 7 days in Vegas post show is definitely THE worst post-show recovery plan. And not only did we never step foot in a gym, but we didn't even mention the word "workout." Nope. Just ate every time we felt a little hungry, and then, just for good measure, we ate some more. It was quite possibly the very worst -- and best -- post-show recovery I've ever had! LOL! There are a ton of pics that I'll get from Kerri and post a few so you can share in our non-stop laughter . . . Vegas style. They say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas -- but that's only true if you don't have pictures as evidence! LOL

Here's a couple more pics . . . there are several websites with pics and commentary. I'll get some links up for y'all in case you have some spare time, or just want to check out a bunch of figure

gals :)

And hey! Just a little note on the side :) I decorated my own suits this time around. Can you believe it?!? Besides a glue fiasco in the beginning, I really started to get the hang and it kinda took on its own life -- and mine sort of. Dang! It takes longer than I thought! Especially when you are learnin' as you go :)

Anyhow, I'll be writing soon. Until then, train hard, and BIG hugs to y'all . . . there's that random Texan accent again. I'm delirious. Must be bed time.

chelle

2008-06-04T23:38:00.000-07:00

This is too cool . . . you gotta click this link . . . http://www.hardbody.com/news/2008/05/30/michelle-anderson-one-to-watch-in-npc-figure/

Thank you Isaac!! (can't wait to meet you) :)

Oh . . . and just like I said I would . . . here's a pic of the stage (can ya believe I got it up when I said I would?? I know, three posts in the last week or so. Shocker! LOL)

hugs, chelle

2008-06-02T23:33:00.000-07:00

Hello! OK, as I promised many of you . . . here are some additional pics that give you a different perspective than what you find online. Some are in the hall of the venue -- and, mind you, this is late at night, after the night show was over. As I made my way down the long corridor, dragging my back-stage suit case as the throbbing in my lower back almost seemed to keep time with the rhythmic clicking of my flip-flops, the conversation went a little something like this . . . . "I don't want to put my heels back on and take a pic! I wanna go shower! I'm bloated, and flat -- please don't make me take a picture!" Weh, weh, weh -- whining like a baby, LOL! And like the supportive boyfriend that he is, "C'mon honey, just do it. You'll be glad you have these later. It will only take a sec." Well, he was right. I'm glad I have them . . . Good thing he's not a faithful reader of my blog ;)

So here are a couple more . . .

There are some major changes I will make to the way my suits fit (having complete new ones made -- and thanks for your guys' opinions on that!) And on the next blog entry, I'll put in a couple from stage (blogger won't let me load anymore) . . . gotta love all the little glitches ;)

hugs, chelle

2008-05-21T08:22:00.001-07:00

The calm after the storm . . . the water weight after the flight! LOL! Man, a few days of carbs, a few gallons of water all mixed with two cross-country flights back to the west coast equals, well, you can imagine. I'm gettin' back to normal -- slowly but surely!

What a weekend! As most of you know, I took 4th in the C-class (on an even more positive note, on the judges cards, I placed 3rd in my two-piece -- which I cannot find pics for yet -- but it averaged out to 4th place overall). It was a great set-up in North Carolina -- the Embassy Suites was attached to the venue. All we did was take a short walk over the sky bridge and there we were! Nice. The convenience was almost worth the long day of flying from the opposite coast, with a stressful connecting flight, which, by the way, I was delayed in the air landing in Houston because of bad weather. So, it looked as though I was going to miss my connecting flight into S.C. (and, by coincidence, the last flight of the evening going to Charleston). They say that everything is bigger in Texas. Well, the airport is NO EXCEPTION! You'd think that the "B" gate for my connection was close the "C" gate, where I landed, but noooooooo -- I did end up doing cardio that day . . . in the form of running down two mile-long halls, computer bag flapping on my shoulder while the poor little wheels on my carry on started sqeeling -- pleading for me to slow down. All to get to the gate where the rather non-concerned monotone voice came over the loud speaker, "For those of you heading to Charleston, the flight has been delayed, have a seat, and we'll be boarding in about 30 min." Great. Sweat for no reason. But atleast I wasn't spending the night in Houston!

So, I cannot find two-piece pics yet, comparisons, or a good side pose. So pic to the left is a side pose from John's camera to give you an idea. And the ones below are from http://www.musculardevelopment.com/

That's what I've got for now -- hopefully there will be more online soon. I do have some changes that I'd like to make in my physique, and depending upon how long that will take, I will decide which show I will do next. I will for sure keep you posted!

Thank you all so very much for your support and

encouragement through all this. Your compliments, e-mails, and comments have really meant the world to me! I'll be talking to you soon, and right now I'm gonna get working on my list of e-mails and phone calls (man, how it can stack up when you "take a few days off!" LOL)

hugs, chelle

2008-05-14T04:48:00.000-07:00

I have not slept yet! And it's 4:48 a.m. And I'm sitting at the terminal, waiting for my flight . . . 6:00 a.m. to Houston, then on to South Carolina -- BABY! Can I get-a whoop whoop!?!?

OK, sorry for that momentary lapse in blogging etiquette -- it's just that no sleep and a double Americano can do that to a carb-depleted girl! LOL

This prep for the long flight cross-country actually went really smooth. Guess I learned from last year and the whole "dry ice" thing (for those of you who have been reading that long, you know what I'm talin' 'bout!). Plus, I got smart and shipped my competition stuff to the hotel in advance, so there is a LOT less to worry about. Plus, I don't know 'bout you . . . but I trust the Fed Ex a bit more than my airline to get my cargo there.

So, I'm lookin' pretty good -- I think this is the best I've looked, which is a GREAT feeling. I am really curious to see how a slight water deplete and carb load looks. Again, you know me . . . nothin' too drastic. I was 121.5 pounds yesterday morning. With that, I should hit stage around 119 or so (p.s., that's about 4 lb. lighter than last year!).

So, here we go . . . gonna board shortly . . . and hopefully I'll get a tad bit of shut-eye on the plane. Oh yah, did someone say "Americano???" Guess I'm not countin' on the shut-eye! It's OK, too pumped anyway :)

Talk to you soon!

chelle

2008-04-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

OMG!! It's a mere 18 days away . . . getting on a plane and flying to South Carolina to compete in the Jr. USA's! Woooo hoooo! OK, really, i'ts TWO planes -- there are NO direct flights to South Carolina from Portland (or Seattle, for that matter), which means I'll have the dreaded "connecting" flight. Can you say, "please, please, please don't lose my luggage!" LOL

It's nuts, but I've been coasting through my prep 'cause so much of my attention has been on other gals' prep. Definitely a new area of distractions for me this year, being that I've got a lot more clients competing. And wow, are they doin' GREAT or what?!?! :)

I get asked the question all the time . . . "What's your bodyfat?" And really, I have no idea! I know, I know -- that's like, unheard of in the sport of figure competition. I really go by looks and feel (do I look lean enough, and do I feel lean enough??). Sure, I'm kind of curious, but not really concerned about it . . . and really, if I'm not getting dunked in a tank to test my bodyfat, then the margin of error with whimpy plastic calipers is enough to give me a false sense of security (or not!) anyhow. And then, I figure this: Even if I were to get pinched and they said, "Yup, you're 7% bodyfat," but I look in the mirror and don't feel like I should be walking out on stage . . . then I don't care what the "number" is. And, if I look and feel like I am soooooo ready, and my confidence is up . . . but I "pinch" at 20% bodyfat (OK, unlikely, I know!), then baby -- bring on the 20% bodyfat!! It's all arbitrary, although it can be a great indicator of a trend in your lean mass gains early on in training . . .

So, I don't know what my bodyfat is, I know I'm looking good -- always wanting to look better though (as you can probably relate to!). And, I've got about two more weeks to make the last bit of changes, come in tighter, get my suits in-hand, get the list that's a mile and a half long, finished . . . etc., etc., etc. Oh, and one more "etc." thrown in for good measure . . . I'm sure I've forgotten something! LOL

Talk to you soon,

hugs, chelle

2008-04-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

Wow! Five competitors . . . Four Top Fives at THE 2008 Emerald Cup in Bellevue, WA!! GO FIT CREW! From the left . . . Trish Stevens (one of my best buddies and assistant -- couldn't have prepped these gals without her!!); Me; Kristina McEllrath (4th place, over 5'8"); Kerri Simpson (3rd place 5'2" to 5'3" and first show!); Allison Malone (3rd place 5'3" to 5'4"); Brittani Simpson (3rd place Masters and second show!).

These gals are absolutely worked their bootays off (literally!) for months, and I am so humbled by their trust in my diets and programs. You're not only looking at some GORGEOUS physiques and STUNNING faces, but each one of them is truly a beautiful person on the inside and I enjoyed every minute of working with them! Backstage laughs, the post-show Cheesecake Factory feast, and oh-so-many-stories in the hotel prep room (what happens in the hotel room, stays in the hotel room . . . or wait, is that Vegas? Ah, Vegas: wink, wink! Here they come baby!). So stay tuned for links to their sites and MySpaces, along with competition pics (just as soon as they are available).

Until then, hugs! I gotta get to the gym :) No rest for The Training! lol

chelle

2008-04-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

We are at the Emerald Cup! I've got five girls competing -- Team: The Fit Crew. . . Kerri (5'2" - 5'3"), Allison (5'3" to 5'4"), Brittani (Masters), Kris (5'8" and over), and Bridgit (5'3" to 5'4"). They look great!! I am so proud of them all -- we are lookin' potentially at some really good placings, so stay tuned! We will hopefully be able to get some pics and placings up tonight and I can't wait to share them all with you! Talk to you shortly . . .

2008-02-15T11:08:00.000-08:00

Update! OK, I chopped the video (after trimming it!) into two parts . . . ah, yes, BRILLIANT. OK, not. You think I'd know that you can't easily (if at all) post a video that's 12 minutes long.

Remember, I warned you that I'm new at this -- but just in case you didn't believe me, this is proof! LOL (not to mention, at the beginning of each video there's a flash of me talking that, for the life of me, I could NOT get rid of. Oh well, I gotta post it anyway!) Hang in there -- I'm learning more and more so it can only get better from here, eh? :) Since this was my first video taped clinic, I got to see how I can improve the watch-ability factor for the Internet . . . tonight's clinic will be a bit different and I'll have even better snippets . . . awww yeah :)

Below is the original post with the videos added tot he bottom -- Enjoy!

hugs, chelle

2008-02-12T10:17:00.000-08:00

Surprise! I know, you're thinkin', darn right! 'bout time you blog! LOL

This blog update is all in video (I am actually taking a few days off from the gym to get a full recovery before starting the more aggressive 12-week lean-down next week!) . . . and there are snippets of the last posing clinic. I apologize in advance for the sound quality of the posing portion -- I had a semi-professional camera there recording as well, but the video used for the blog post was my little hand-held one, which, is not the best for picking up sound half way across the room! :) Oh well, turn up your speakers . . . lol.

Big hugs,

chelle

2008-01-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wish I had eight arms -- but that would just mean I have six more biceps and triceps to train!

Yikes.

Busy, busy week -- but GREAT!

First off, I want to give a huge shout-out to my buddy Tanji Johnson (she was the first and only one who has ever taught me posing, and has been a fabulous mentor and friend ever since). She made her debut on the new American Gladiators show on NBC, as "Stealth." Gladiators premiered last Sunday (and Monday!) and is scheduled for Monday evenings on NBC. (If you click on the link, it will take you to a short video on You Tube to "meet the female Gladiators"). And, for those of you who are Figure savvy, Valerie Waugaman is "Siren."

So congrats to the incredibly talented Tanji, who is such an amazing person to boot (pic from 2005). Ahhh, but don't let that dynamic personality and beautiful smile fool you . . . she's tough as nails! Even though she's my buddy, I would never want to go up against her in the Gladiator ring! Whoo hoo! :0

It is in full swing . . . Figure season that is. I'm working with several girls who are just 12 weeks out. Funny how that is -- 3 months seems like a lot of time, but "12 weeks" seems like a blip on the map! Hmmmmmmm.

So I'm holding the first posing clinic of the season -- the Friday after next (evening of the 18th). And I'm going to post a few snippets from it for you guys to see. Nothin' gets you in the mindset of the season like getting a big group o' girls together and practicing posing (or, if you don't compete, get you in the mindset of gettin' in shape!) Not that we are all in shape, yet. But we're on our way! It will be a BLAST! Well, I'll just let you guys see . . .

So I've had a ton of energy lately and just lovin' it. Diet is going well -- just started rotating my carbs slightly (nothing drastic), and adjusting my nutrient timing. Revving up to change-it-up (diet) starting next week. Of course, I'll share, whether you like it or not :) LOL!

Which brings me to another topic, now that I think about it.

I don't know if it's just me, but I think a portion of the public is waking up to fact that eating healthier is where it's at -- and here's a great example. The publishers of Oxygen Magazine have come up with a new one called Clean Eating. It was just released, Volume 1, Issue 1 is still on the stands. Check it out if you get a chance -- true to magazine form, it has some good, quality information in small doses. Easily digestible info ;)

And, what's even better . . . my nutritional mentor Dr. John Berardi is on the Advisory Board! Done deal. Buy the mag. Lol.

So this entry feels a little like an episode of Entertainment Tonight, rather than the michellefit.com blog! But hey, we all gotta stay in "the loop," right?

Keep checkin' back . . . 'cause one of these days I'll surprise you with an early post! And no, when I'm a day or two late for the current week, that doesn't count as an early post for the next week! Or could it . . .

Just kidding!

Hugs, chelle

2007-12-31T07:17:00.000-08:00

"People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas!"
Author Unknown

So true! So what is it about the turn of the calendar to the first day of the first month of a new year that inspires so many to make a gigantic list of all the things that were neglected the previous 12 months, and vow, with new vigor and resolve, to really accomplish them this year?

Well, I don't know what it is about the human psyche that gravitates toward making lofty goals on a particular day . . . "tomorrow morning," "on Monday," "on the first of the month," . . . all arbitrary starting lines to a race (OK, marathon!) that you desire to run. And not because you necessarily want to run the proverbial marathon -- feel the burn in your thighs, the pain in your lower back, the air in your lungs, the tug-o-war that takes place between your mind and your body: your body wants to quit and your mind won't let you. Rather, you want to stand with hundreds of other people who gather at the starting line and have that same desire . . . and you really really want to feel what it's like to cross the finish line. "On your marks", "Get set" . . . But wait.

There is a lot of stuff between the starting line and the finish line.

As an article regarding New Year's Resolutions in Psychology Today Magazine puts it, "The difference between good intentions and failed intentions comes down to one thing: the recognition that self-change is one of the most difficult things we can do. Between us as we are now and us in the image of our ideal self stands the bulldog fact of our ingrained habits."

Bulldog is right! Habits are strong. And we need to have an equally strong plan if we are going to make a change, and get results.

Here's an idea: Rather than spending time making a grandiose list of all the things you want to accomplish (I've got absolutely nothing against this, mind you, but read on . . . ), spend time constructing your POA (Plan of Action). Concrete steps. The one, two, three, and A, B, C of the path to your goals. You know, the exact plan that you'll stick to when you wake up tomorrow. Then, your New Year's Resolution isn't that you're going to resolve to "do" those "things" on your list, but that you resolve to stick, as close as possible, to that plan you've laid out. That's your resolution. And, surprisingly, when your focus is on plugging through your planned-out action steps, day in and day out, when you come up for air and look around for a moment, you'll find that the dividend that action pays is the results you wanted in the first place!

OK, so how do you do this? You want an example. Ah, you're a lot like me . . . sounds GREAT in theory, and I'm on board, but what do I do now? How do I implement it?!?

Hands down, the most common question I get inevitably revolves around diet. So what do you eat? How do you construct your diet? How do you eat to get lean? There is no quick all-encompassing answer to this. I've tried :) The best and shortest in-the-gym answer I've given is "Well, I eat about 90% clean, and aggressively manipulate my daily caloric intake through variations on macronutrient ratios." Uh, say what? Yes. In person, I often get blank looks that stem from the very same thought you just had, the one that made you go back and read that sentence again.

So, the example -- I didn't forget about the example :) I'll use is my very own diet plan (currently) as an example. The plan: 1950 (total daily calories), at 40% carbohydrates, or 195 grams; 30% fat, or 65 grams; and 30% protein, or 147 grams. As part of the action plan, I will have the food log or food journal set up in advance for the next four weeks (not the whole year! Let's bite off a goal we can actually chew! No pun intended), and make a Master Food List that already has the macronutrient amounts listed for each food I'll use (so it's easy to access when I need it, and yes, it has many items on it!). The action: to eat 90% of the time from clean, whole food sources from that Master Food List to reach the totals listed in my plan (the total grams for each macronutrient category, each day). Then follow it faithfully, with resolve, for a minimum of four weeks. Yes, assess the progress on February 1, 2008 (OK, OK, another 'particular day' to assess goals . . . the ever-popular first day of the month. But who am I to fight against the human psyche? Lol).

There's more on this in this week's video . . . and as far as my measurements . . . very good! The scale hasn't changed much, BUT, I'm down 1/2 inch on my hips, 1 and 1/4 inches on my quads, and an inch on my waist! Sorry the video ended up being a tad long -- so get some popcorn and enjoy :) LOL

So, as 2008 kicks 2007 to the curb . . . I have just one request for us all: To not let our goals go in one year and out the other :) LOL

Hugs, chelle

2007-12-24T10:12:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year . . . can you believe it?? I don't know about you guys, but as of last Friday (yes, three days ago!) I had almost ALL of my shopping still to do. Ummm, can anybody say procrastination?

Thank god Christmas falls on a Tuesday this year, and I had the whole weekend to make up for putting it all off! You know, the "Wow, I got it all done! I rock!" that perpetuates the whole nasty procrastination cycle. And in some slightly warped way, I took comfort in knowing that I wasn't the only one. There were an awful lot of other people thankin' the stars that they had the weekend too. Yes, a little comfort, that is until 'they' were taking my parking spots at the mall, standing infront of me in line, and buying the last one of the somethin'-or-other that the kids wanted. LOL! Really though, I love the holidays, no bah humbug here . . .

I've been baking for two days -- and still on diet . . . ok, except for a bite or two. Or three. Only 'cause it's Christmas . . . and ya just gotta taste to make sure it's just right. Right? Quit your grinnin'! Even so, my numbers look pretty good this week. Speaking of which . . . I'll get right back to the normal bloggin' right after Christmas. The next post will likely be near the end of this week, rather than next week.

So, this blog entry is just to wish you all, from the bottom of my heart, the very happiest of holidays ever!

Stay happy and healthy and enjoy family, friends, and good food :)

hugs, chelle

2007-12-17T18:55:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh . . . let's see how this comes across . . . push the 'play' button below . . . (oh, and I hope you have a fast internet connection so it doesn't pause mid-facial expression! LOL!)

I'll have to add a typed blog here in the next day or two . . . can't have just a video! LOL

Hugs, chelle

2007-12-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my tenacity." Louis Pasteur

Well, it hasn't lead there yet, 'cause the latest goal is to get video uploaded to my blog! That's why this one is a day late. I thought I had a nice little video clip to add . . . and I actually do . . . but I'm currently "computer challenged!" Grrrrr. But I am tenacious . . . and I will figure out this whole thing. I'm not totally computer illiterate, but I'm having to test my knowledge in converting, editing, and uploading. And having to learn more than I thought I would (yah, got nothin' but time! NOT!) I'm sure I'll get it workin' just as slick as snot here soon, I can feel it :)

Speaking of snot . . . (uh, sorry!), looks like the flu has decided to move on. Hamstrings are still screamin' at me from Friday's workout, so that's a good sign. Even after taking a week off from the gym, I am at the same weight as my first 1.5 pound drop . . . which makes me think that now that I'm putting exercise back into the equation, the body fat should begin to drop. Here's hoping -- I take measurements next week :)

Go Seahawks! What a great game -- and we're in the playoffs. Here's a pic from Sunday from our seats at the 50 yard line :) We went up to Seattle and back in one day -- about six hours of driving altogether. Well worth it -- the kids took turns video taping in the car while driving on the freeway. Hmmm. Yah, as you can guess, a lot of shots of the ceiling, a lot of giggling, and an occasional unsteadiness that makes you reach for the brown paper bag. Ahhhh . . . great memories :)

If I get my first blog video in an uploadable format before next week - I'll post early. I'm looking forward to getting a little out of my comfort zone and putting video on; and you know, getting over, and getting comfortable with seeing myself on video. The "Oh my god! I sound like a dork!" or "Ewww, that tank makes me look like a tank!" comments. Yah, time to get over that. Plus, I think it will be a cool way to reach out and stay in contact with you guys during the whole transformation process and in the path back to the competition stage.

Cool -- then I'll get to sorting out this video dilemma and likely I'll be talkin' to you (more than the keyboard!) real soon :)

Stay healthy, hugs, chelle

2007-12-03T11:26:00.001-08:00

"It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and say the opposite." Sam Levenson

OK, so "wise" isn't the exact word I'd use here . . . because when I think of "wise," I think of "having wisdom," . . . and wisdom, I think, is not just having knowledge of what is true or right, but acting upon that knowledge.

OK, forgive me if I'm a bit picky . . . and for bringing out my proverbial magnifying glass for a minute, eh?

If I could insert a word to make this quote sit a little better with me (although I like Mr. Levenson's take on it) I'd have to use the opposite of stupid: smart. Yah, that's a bit better . . . smart, as in intelligent, bright, and witty (thanks Mr. Webster).

This was quite appropriate for me this last week. I had to fight some ol' demons . . . the ones that drive me to do exactly what I have set out to do, come hell or high water. Those little voices in my head that say, "You must persist without let-up if you want to reach your goals," and "taking it easy is a cop-out," at a time when getting too caught up in that can do more damage than good. Those little guys can tip the scales of balance if they go unchecked!

And check them, I did, starting last Thursday.

Now don't be worried . . . I don't have conversations with little voices in my head. At least that I'm aware of, LOL. But this now marks day five that I have not been to the gym! The whole family is sick! It started with my cute little petri dish, my 12 month old daughter. I'm just now getting my voice back, which I'm thankful for, even though I still sound like a haggard 60 year-old chain smoker. Yuck. And I'm a little tired of answering my phone and hearing, "Oh, sorry, did I wake you?" when it's 2:00 in the afternoon!

I am bummed after being so strong this last week . . . workouts were great, daily caloric intake was right on. Getting momentum, responding well, and then . . . a screeching halt. Well, diet didn't change, but it's a challenge to keep the mind in check. My mind wanted to go workout anyway, and said, "Oh, you can just do a light workout, it'll be fine." The stupid comment that had to be counterbalanced with a smart one: "No, you'll force yourself to take a break and get healthy first. A week off of the gym now is better than a month off because of pneumonia." Argh. I hate it when I'm right. Sometimes.

So, with that in mind, you can stop playing your air violin for me . . . I know. In the big picture I've got lots of time, and it's more important that I fully recover before I jump back into working out anyway. I've been here before -- but breaking the momentum isn't any easier this time around, accept for having some wiggle room in the leaning-down schedule! Whew!

Really, we have to remember that minor setbacks are just little gnats on the windshield of life. The important part is to keep driving the car! Oh, and to run it through the car wash once in a while, LOL.

So I'll exercise . . . my wisdom . . . and fully recover from this nasty little gnat of a virus before I kick-it in the gym again.

hugs, (cough, sniffle, cough), chelle