Cynthia & Amy's 12 Week Challenge: Weigh-In Wk #11

Week #11 Update:

Cynthia:

Slowly getting back on track and lost .8 of a pound last week.  Not much, but then again it's pretty close to a full pound so why bother complaining. As for my workouts, this is one area I've been slacking in the last few weeks.  I must say, once you take a break from working out, it's really difficult trying to get back into the swing of things.  Even though our challenge is coming to an end, I need to keep telling myself that it's not the end of my own personally journey in getting healthy.  Sure, I've experienced all sorts of hiccups along the way, but as with anything in life, nothing comes easy and you have to keep working at what you truly desire in life and for me that's ultimate HEALTH!

Amy: 

I was out so I couldn’t do it last night!
A change in behaviour – THAT is what the last 11 weeks have been about. I overindulged this past week (2 pieces of chocolate cake in one day) and so I hit the gym hard. Ok, maybe not hard, but I showed up 4 times and I pushed myself when I was there. As a result, I was down 1.4 pounds. Not every week is going to be like this, but for the most part I have learned what I need to do to live clean and be healthy. Now it is just a matter of practicing it. Over the weekend I fell into the same old pattern....going for beer and nachos. I was talked into the nachos (really I was) and truthfully, they didn’t taste that great and they didn’t sit well! Lesson learned.....
One more week. Honestly, I will not be sad to say good-bye to the‘reporting back on the number’ every week. The program works for me, the stress around weighing in – not so much!

Cynthia & Amy's 12 Week Challenge: Monday Weigh-In Wk #7

Week #7 Update:

Cynthia:

Still gleaming from weigh-in this past Saturday with my 2 lb weight loss!  Considering how weight loss has gone the past few weeks, totally didn't see that one coming at all.  

Last week was my first official week back in the gym after being sick with the flu the week prior and let me tell you it was hard!  Didn't think a whole week off would affect me as much as it did, but it did.  I honestly felt like a novice beginning for the first time, but I hung in there and completed my workouts for the week.  

Goals for this week-get more greens in my diet and start being more consistent with taking my supplements (didn't realize how much I hate popping pills).  

Amy: 

I'm a pound down-but that isn't the big news.  Yes, I made to the gym 3 times and I took in Zumba class-all good.  There are no earth shattering goals for this coming week.  Eye on the prize.

Half-way point celebration:

So Amy and I decided to celebrate our 6th week mark with a little celebration this past week.  We ended up going to one of my favorite Sushi spots in town (Kinjo Sushi in Calgary-best sushi in town) and had an amazing time...maybe not so amazing for Amy since she was serenaded with a few songs by restaurant staff being that it was her first time visiting the restaurant-something they do on a regular basis for first time visitors.  But hey I had a blast, even if it was at the expense of Amy (lol).  Either way, here are a couple of pictures from our half-way point celebration:

Cynthia & Amy's 12 Week Challenge: Monday Weigh-In Wk #6

Week #6 Update:

Cynthia:

Last week wasn't the greatest as I ended up getting sick with the flu :(

Despite being sick; however, weight loss certainly worked in my favor with a total loss of 0.6 lbs.  I usually would be bummed out by such a minimal loss in weight, but I figured that with being sick and missing a full week of the gym a minimal loss is better than no loss at all.  

Definitely looking forward to getting back in the gym, and bumping up the workouts in hope of a better loss come Saturday.  I also plan on trying my hand at a few new recipes to mix things up a bit.

Cheers to a better week!

Amy: 

"It was a good week. Why? I worked out 3 times PLUS I had an intense Zumba class on Friday! I am starting to feel pretty strong and that helps me keep focused. Tried two new recipes and loved them both. I am slowly getting over the fear of eating (you know what I mean) so I was actually able to enjoy a pot luck dinner consisting of ribs, samosa, cheesecake and beer! An eclectic but delicious evening. So after all of that, I lost 1.8 pounds. Loving it!!!!! 

Next week is all about staying motivated. I already have 2 new recipes picked out and I am going to add another workout class to my weekly movement....the treadmill and bike are getting somewhat boring. I need to shake it up!"

Week #6 Re-cap

So it's the mid-way point of our challenge and here's where Amy and I are sitting at in terms of total weight loss to date:

Cynthia: 5.9 lbs

Amy:  10 lbs

6 more weeks left of our challenge; will we both be able to hit our goal weight at the end of our journey?  Continue following us to find out.

Cynthia & Amy's 12 Week Challenge: Monday Weigh-In Wk #5

 Here's an update on week #5 of Cynthia and Amy's challenge:  

Cynthia:

Even though I was banking on a really a big loss this week, I'm down 1.4.  I'm not bummed one bit as weight loss had been progressing at a nice, steady, and consistent rate over the last few weeks.  Got all my workouts in and am still doing quite well with the Couch to 5k running program.  

I did end up switching things around as far as the start of a new week for the plan.  Rather than starting anew on a Monday, a new week for me starts on the day of my Weigh-ins, which is a Saturday.  That way I can count the weekend as a time to use to use up my weeklies and indulge in my favorite treats.  This seems to work quite well, since weekends are the most difficult for me to stick to the plan, especially with all the social outings and events  the family and I find ourselves going to each weekend.  So now, I can use up my weeklies during the weekend, and stick to the plan as closely as possible during the rest of the week.

Amy: 

Well, I'm down .6.  I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't disappointed.  I worked out 3 times but I was "picking" all week.  I've figured out why.  I am grazing through the day.  I need to boost my snacks with more protein and eat substantial lunches and dinners.  Then I will be more satisfied and I will stop grabbing 1 point treats that don't really satisfy.  As my leaders says, "If you kinda stick to the program it will kinda work".  Here's to a better week!

We're almost at the half-way mark, stay tuned for week 6.

Cynthia & Amy's 12 Week Challenge: Monday Weigh-In Wk #4

Can you believe that Amy and I are already in week #4 of our challenge?   Time certainly flies doesn't it?  Well here's how we did:  

Cynthia:

Last week was an awesome week and I ended up losing 1.1 pounds in total, which is not bad if you ask me. I stuck diligently to the program and managed to stay within my points. I must admit though that it still baffles me that I can actually enjoy food, I mean really enjoy food and lose weight while following WW.  Granted, as long as I stick within my daily and weekly alloted points, I'm free to pretty much eat whatever want (well in moderation of course)-now how good is that?


I can't believe how far Amy and I have come in our journey and I'm so glad we've been able to support each other in reaching our goals.  Love you Amy!

Amy: 

I feel back on track. Having friends who 'get' the whole weight loss journey make all the difference! I am down 1.4 and more focused then ever. The renewed energy got me to zumba and one of the participants in class grabbed my at the end and commented that I had been smiling like crazy the entire class! Latin hip-hop...bring it on! I also got 2 other workouts in so it is all good. I even tried 2 new ww recipes-brownies and chicken tacos. Eating well AND having fun-who knew?
 

Bring it on week 5!

Cynthia & Amy's 12 Week Challenge: Monday Weigh-In Wk #3

Week #3 of Cynthia and Amy's Weight Loss Challenge.  Here's how we did:  

Cynthia:

Total weight loss this week was 1 pound, which I'll take considering the challenges I had this week in controlling my eating.  Thanks to another visit by my TOM, I had a few unsuccessful days where I had given into intense cravings and ended up going over quite a bit in points for the week. 

Despite a few days of not sticking to the plan, I did manage to get my weekly workouts in and managed to bump them up an extra day or so, so in total I worked out 5x last week by doing 5 cardio sessions, and 2 full body circuit sessions.  

Oh well, this week is a new week and an opportunity for me to get back on track with the program.

Amy: 

I am down 1.2 pds which is great but I don't feel great. This weight loss and health journey is more than just portion control and working up a sweat. It is emotional! This week I started to feel bored with the program. And restless. I am still not well so my workouts are virtually nonexistent. So the challenge for me next week is to fight the boredom demons, stick to it and focus on the end of week 12. We can do this! Move when I can and resist the urge to sabotage! Wish me luck. 

Stay tuned for week #4!

Cynthia & Amy's 12 Week Challenge: Monday Weigh-In Wk #2

Week #2 of Cynthia and Amy's Weight Loss Challenge.  Here's how we did:  

Cynthia:

After a not so good week with weigh in last week, I managed to lose 1.8 pounds.  I did bump things up with workouts for the week by throwing in some extra cardio and adding a ten minute run with each session.  I never thought I'd ever catch myself running for my dear life, but I've actually taken to it quite well and love the burst of energy it gives me with each workout.  

My goals for the week include staying within my alloted points for the week, since I kind of indulged on Saturday evening and ended up going way over in points; and continuing on with an extra cardio session including a 10 minute run each time I do cardio.  

Weekly Motivation: "You Can Do This!"

Amy: 

Well, so much for planning! I was down all week with a winter cold which really put a damper in meeting my weekly fitness plan. So I was only up for one gentle workout this week-zumba will have to wait until I am feeling up to it! When I weighed in this week I wasn't optimistic given my lack of movement - but I was down 2.6 pds! Seriously?! All of those herbal mugs of tea must have made the difference.  So my goal for next week is simple: get back on the treadmill and do my Jillian Michaels shred workout three times this week. And this will be the real challenge: stop obsessing about the number on the scale. I got into a skirt this week that I haven't been able to zip up since last summer. That cannot be measured!

Stay tuned for week #3!

Cynthia & Amy's 12 Week Challenge: Monday Weigh-In Wk #1

It's that time of the week ya'll, the day in which Cynthia and Amy update you readers on our weigh-in at Weight Watchers this past weekend.  So how did we do?  

Cynthia:
I'll start by admitting that I was a little bummed by this week's weigh-in.  Despite tracking diligently and eating a pretty sound diet, I ended up gaining +1.2 pounds.  I figured it's no sweat considering the fact that it was probably water retained from my monthly gift and the fact that I didn't get as much exercise in as anticipated due to a back issue I was dealing with.  I'm not letting this stress me one bit as this week is a new week to get back on track and continue towards my goals.  


My goal for this week is to work-up to getting 4 cardio sessions and 2 continue with 2 days of circuit training for strength.


Weekly Motivation:  Stick with it...no matter how hard weight loss may be, as long as you stick to your goals you will prevail in the end. 

Amy: 
Total weight lost for the week -2.4 pounds (lucky son of a gun).  In reflecting on weight loss over the week, Amy feels that she's finally on track and loving the results.  She's quite proud of herself for having been pretty good with her eating this weekend.  For example, she ended up ordering pizza over the weekend and had 2 slices, a salad and a light beer.  Before, Amy would have had 4 slices and called it a day, but she's progressed toward being more mindful of her eating and watching those portions.  


Goals for Amy this week include pulling out a couple of WW recipes and trying out a few new dishes so she doesn't get bored with what she's eating; and adding a Zumba class to her 3 work-out days.  


Weekly Motivation:  This is real life [weight watchers].  This isn't a diet, it's a lifestyle change.  






Be sure to stay tuned next week for Wk #2 of Cynthia and Amy's 12 Week Challenge.

Cynthia & Amy's 12 Week Challenge!!!

It's a new month ya'll, which means what? A new start and a new beginning and with that said, I'm so excited to announce that my girlfriend Amy and I are embarking on a 12 week challenge to lose weight and get in shape!!!  That's right, from now until the end of April we will be dedicating ourselves on an ultimate adventure to shed those pounds once and for all!

To give you a little background on the 12 week duo, Amy and I have both worked at the same organization for the last few years, but didn't really become acquainted with each other until becoming pregnant around the same time; going on maternity leave together; and joining the same department Mom and Tot group.  From there, our friendship sparked and we've literally been inseparable ever since. 

During the time that we've gotten to know each other, Amy and I both realized that we both shared something in common-a life-long battle with fighting the bulge and a goal to finally get serious about losing weight and keeping it off once and for all!


So here we are; it's the start of our journey and we look forward to sharing it with our readers over the next 12 weeks.  

The Duo Weigh's In:

So both Amy and I have been following the Weight Watchers program for the the last couple of months, but didn't really get into the swing of things until this past January.  To date, we've both lost a significant amount of weight, but plan to really challenge ourselves by losing even more over the next 12 weeks.  

Meet me, Cynthia.  Since really going full swing with the Weight Watchers program at the beginning of January, I've lost a total of 12 pounds.  My plan over the next 12 weeks is to lose an additional 20 pounds by following the program religiously and aiming to get at least 3-4 days of exercise in-this includes 3 cardio sessions at 30 minutes each and 2 full body strength training sessions.

 

Meet Amy.  To date, she's lost a total of 8 pounds has a goal to lose 20 more pounds over the next 12 weeks.  Like Cynthia, she too will be following the Weight Watchers program and has a goal to, "Get up and move" through-out the course of her journey by moving at least 4x/week.  

What to expect from the fantastic duo over the next 12 weeks?

Starting a week from today, Amy and I will be weighing in each Monday and keeping our readers up to date on our progress during our 12 week journey.  You can expect to share in the delight of our successes and challenges as we climb our way to reaching our personal weight loss goals.  

Ultimate Goal???

Ultimate goal for Amy and I from now until the end of the next 12 weeks is health first, two hot new bods, and a special day where we will treat ourselves by getting professional photos's done, spending a day at the spa, and every girls favorite thing- going on a little shopping spree.  

So stay tuned on regular and ongoing updates as Cynthia and Amy embark on their 12 week challenge!